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Riverda Rising #2
The Bastard Heirs
The sundered islands of Riverda are dying. The earth magics that protected and sustained them before the Rivening are unbalanced; dwindling in some areas while stifling others. Refugees flee to find a better future, most heading for the nearly unscathed island of Felisted… but not all is as perfect as it seems.
On the eve of her wedding to the future emperor, Kalla is kidnapped along with many innocent Felitians by hideous flaming demons. She must find a way to survive in her harsh new surroundings and she will do whatever it takes, but is she willing to pay the price?
Meanwhile, her beloved vows to retrieve his bride against the odds and the wishes of his father. As the old ruler weakens and Nerosus begins his plan of ridding the empire of magic, he enters into a power struggle with his sister for control of the Felitian people. He has brute force and fear on his side, while she has a voice from the shadows, a secret from the past and the very thing he despises; magic. Will his love of power outstrip the power of love or will he set the world alight with his passion for both?
The Bastard Heirs is a companion novel to Waking Ursa Minor. Whilst you do not need to have read Waking Ursa Minor first, it is advisable.
On the eve of her wedding to the future emperor, Kalla is kidnapped along with many innocent Felitians by hideous flaming demons. She must find a way to survive in her harsh new surroundings and she will do whatever it takes, but is she willing to pay the price?
Meanwhile, her beloved vows to retrieve his bride against the odds and the wishes of his father. As the old ruler weakens and Nerosus begins his plan of ridding the empire of magic, he enters into a power struggle with his sister for control of the Felitian people. He has brute force and fear on his side, while she has a voice from the shadows, a secret from the past and the very thing he despises; magic. Will his love of power outstrip the power of love or will he set the world alight with his passion for both?
The Bastard Heirs is a companion novel to Waking Ursa Minor. Whilst you do not need to have read Waking Ursa Minor first, it is advisable.
618 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2024
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 17, 2024
So this one is more a companion to the main story but it gets so much more in depth with some things that are happening in the main line that comes to make more sense now with these part.
It gave me more stories to look forward to and definitely waiting more on this series, it doesn't disappoint, it's slow at times but it's definitely worth it.
The bastard heirs give us so many secrets and plot twists that I was just trying to devour it as soon as possible.
The characters were so interesting and it laid down a little what will be coming next possibly for the next installment.
Definitely a delightful full ride through Riverda.
It gave me more stories to look forward to and definitely waiting more on this series, it doesn't disappoint, it's slow at times but it's definitely worth it.
The bastard heirs give us so many secrets and plot twists that I was just trying to devour it as soon as possible.
The characters were so interesting and it laid down a little what will be coming next possibly for the next installment.
Definitely a delightful full ride through Riverda.
March 25, 2024
It felt so good to be back in Riverda! This wonderful companion novel to Waking Ursa Minor was just what I needed. We saw a couple of familiar characters along the way. More that were lovable and others not so much. While it wasn't directly following those of WUM it can be read in tandem, which is always an interesting take. I'm only bummed it took me so long (too long!) To finally sit down and read this one. Keep 'em coming Helen!
February 23, 2024
This book is following a different empire in tandem to the first book.
It has a different culture, beliefs and political situation.
This book for me flowed well and kept me wanting to read.
The events and characters from the first book were mentioned more than once and I am interested in seeing how the book collides.
It has a different culture, beliefs and political situation.
This book for me flowed well and kept me wanting to read.
The events and characters from the first book were mentioned more than once and I am interested in seeing how the book collides.
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December 19, 2024I am doing a soft DNF for this one. I made it to about 60% and it's just not catching me like Waking Ursa Minor did. This is more of a companion book, less a sequel. It takes place in the same world, but with different characters - none of which I really liked. It doesn't have the same sense of urgency or magical feel to me that I loved about book 1. So I'm going to set this one aside until book 3 comes out and maybe try again then.
July 13, 2025
RATING: 5/5 (although that ending gave me heart palpations and I may dock off half a point)
I was fortunate to recieve this as an ARC. If you are on the hunt for a Game of Thrones/Pirates of the Caribbean/hint of element bending like Avatar (the air bender, not the blue people) then I may have found the book for you.
Please note this does contain violence and gruesome themes.
The sundered islands of Riverda are dying. The earth magics that protected and sustained them before the Rivening are unbalanced.
On the eve of her wedding to the future emperor, Kalla is kidnapped along with many innocent Felitians by hideous flaming demons. She must find a way to survive in her harsh new surroundings and she will do whatever it takes.
Meanwhile, her beloved but power hungry betrothed vows to retrieve his bride against the odds and the wishes of his father. As Nerosus begins his plan of ridding the empire of magic, he enters into a power struggle with his Oracle sister for control of the Felitian people.
The book focuses on 6 main characters, and although that sounds like a lot, they are blended seamlessly and come together for an intense final stand off. But I warn you- don't have hero favourites in this book, as you may find they are the real enemy.
Do you need to read the other books in this universe to understand this one? No it is fully contained, although you may recognise some familiar faces and references if you do.
I was fortunate to recieve this as an ARC. If you are on the hunt for a Game of Thrones/Pirates of the Caribbean/hint of element bending like Avatar (the air bender, not the blue people) then I may have found the book for you.
Please note this does contain violence and gruesome themes.
The sundered islands of Riverda are dying. The earth magics that protected and sustained them before the Rivening are unbalanced.
On the eve of her wedding to the future emperor, Kalla is kidnapped along with many innocent Felitians by hideous flaming demons. She must find a way to survive in her harsh new surroundings and she will do whatever it takes.
Meanwhile, her beloved but power hungry betrothed vows to retrieve his bride against the odds and the wishes of his father. As Nerosus begins his plan of ridding the empire of magic, he enters into a power struggle with his Oracle sister for control of the Felitian people.
The book focuses on 6 main characters, and although that sounds like a lot, they are blended seamlessly and come together for an intense final stand off. But I warn you- don't have hero favourites in this book, as you may find they are the real enemy.
Do you need to read the other books in this universe to understand this one? No it is fully contained, although you may recognise some familiar faces and references if you do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews