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The Fallen Usurper
A usurper without a throne. A soldier turned emperor. A mage struggling with purpose.
Mere weeks have passed since the Usurper’s defeat at the hands of the Final Heir. With Mahzun’s whereabouts unknown, his empire—forged in blood by the Eternal Blade—fractures at a furious pace.
Severely weakened, Mahzun flees back to the Northern Wilds. In the land that cradled him during his youth, he seeks rest and revenge. Unfortunately, all he has are vague and mysterious instructions from the ghostly apparition of his oldest enemy.
Ekarath transitions from resistance fighter to emperor, discovering that defeating the Usurper was only the beginning. New perils are coming to challenge his rule. With them will come unexpected allies.
Zahara struggles with her purpose as nobles plot and the other Heirdoms descend into rebellion. Friends plan her future as Ekarath’s wife, while the world feels far too chaotic for romance. Fortunately, an ancient power beyond her comprehension has its own plans for her.
The Fallen Usurper is the second book of The Final Heir trilogy. If you like Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, or Brian McClellan, then you’ll love this fast-paced fantasy adventure. Buy The Fallen Usurper now to continue the epic journey you began with The Final Heir.
Mere weeks have passed since the Usurper’s defeat at the hands of the Final Heir. With Mahzun’s whereabouts unknown, his empire—forged in blood by the Eternal Blade—fractures at a furious pace.
Severely weakened, Mahzun flees back to the Northern Wilds. In the land that cradled him during his youth, he seeks rest and revenge. Unfortunately, all he has are vague and mysterious instructions from the ghostly apparition of his oldest enemy.
Ekarath transitions from resistance fighter to emperor, discovering that defeating the Usurper was only the beginning. New perils are coming to challenge his rule. With them will come unexpected allies.
Zahara struggles with her purpose as nobles plot and the other Heirdoms descend into rebellion. Friends plan her future as Ekarath’s wife, while the world feels far too chaotic for romance. Fortunately, an ancient power beyond her comprehension has its own plans for her.
The Fallen Usurper is the second book of The Final Heir trilogy. If you like Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, or Brian McClellan, then you’ll love this fast-paced fantasy adventure. Buy The Fallen Usurper now to continue the epic journey you began with The Final Heir.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2023
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Jon Monson
10 books25 followersJon Monson started writing after finishing grad school – the first time in his adult life that he found himself with any amount of free time. When he’s not crafting stories, he enjoys exploring his adopted home in Idaho, where he lives with his wife and daughters. Until he fulfills his dream of writing full-time somewhere in Portugal, he spends his days working as an accountant. To see more from Jon, check out JonMonson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 27, 2023
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Jon Monson's The Fallen Usurper is the second installment in the authors The Final Heir trilogy. This book picks up a few weeks after the ending of The Final Heir. This book revolves around three key characters: Ekarath, Zahara, and Mahzun, aka the Usurper.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Jon Monson's The Fallen Usurper is the second installment in the authors The Final Heir trilogy. This book picks up a few weeks after the ending of The Final Heir. This book revolves around three key characters: Ekarath, Zahara, and Mahzun, aka the Usurper.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 13, 2023
I'm a bit of a fan of the first book, so when I was offered the chance to get an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. And after reading it, I'm excited to say it's even better than the first.
Like many fantasy novels, there is quite a bit of worldbuilding that went into the final heir trilogy, and much of the first book was dedicated to setting up the world. I enjoyed the first book, and the set up was interesting, but the second book truly feels like the bulk of the story.
There is a lot more excitement and action, and we get a much deeper dive into the lore of the world and the characters' backstories and personalities. There's a great balance between the tension and questions the reader has and the amount that is revealed to us. The book also has a very intriguing concept that delves into the existence of Gods and their role in the Final Heir Universe.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the internal conflict Zahara faces. There is a fascinating juxtaposition between Ekarath and Mahzun that Zahara seems to be constantly put in the middle of, and her influence creates new paths for both men. It also plays with the idea of two "chosen one"s, both chosen by different gods. The idea that neither side is evil, and both sides may be right, truly speaks to a deeper element of human nature that we get to see from all perspectives, including Zahara, who is almost a third party.
The only reasons this book wasn't a five star in my opinion, is that we lack a bit of consistency and detail. Though it probably isn't noticeable to a general audience, there were a few things that could have added another layer of complexity to the story. Number one, the way the draod is described is a bit generalized. Instead of saying that spells look like "intricate weaves" it would be interesting to know what the weaves look like. What shapes make what effects? Why do they create that effect? Is it possible to create new spells and predict their effects because of the shapes within them? It's not necessary to the book, but I think fans would love to know more.
The second issue, that really stood out to me in the second half of the book, is a bit of inconsistency with Mahzun's character. In the first book and the first half of the second book, Mahzun is a stoic, brave, unfearing man who took over the entire world, but as the second book goes on, he becomes weak willed and gives in easily at the slightest threat of pain. I understand where the arc is coming from, and I believe it could be an interesting idea to play with, it comes across as a bit sudden and out of character. With a bit of tweaking, I'm sure it could be good, but that's my opinion.
Despite those small problems, this book is interesting, exciting, and thought provoking, and includes some of the best elements of fantasy and mythology. I truly believe that Jon Monson is on his way to becoming one of the fantasy greats and I can't wait to see where he goes from here.
Like many fantasy novels, there is quite a bit of worldbuilding that went into the final heir trilogy, and much of the first book was dedicated to setting up the world. I enjoyed the first book, and the set up was interesting, but the second book truly feels like the bulk of the story.
There is a lot more excitement and action, and we get a much deeper dive into the lore of the world and the characters' backstories and personalities. There's a great balance between the tension and questions the reader has and the amount that is revealed to us. The book also has a very intriguing concept that delves into the existence of Gods and their role in the Final Heir Universe.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the internal conflict Zahara faces. There is a fascinating juxtaposition between Ekarath and Mahzun that Zahara seems to be constantly put in the middle of, and her influence creates new paths for both men. It also plays with the idea of two "chosen one"s, both chosen by different gods. The idea that neither side is evil, and both sides may be right, truly speaks to a deeper element of human nature that we get to see from all perspectives, including Zahara, who is almost a third party.
The only reasons this book wasn't a five star in my opinion, is that we lack a bit of consistency and detail. Though it probably isn't noticeable to a general audience, there were a few things that could have added another layer of complexity to the story. Number one, the way the draod is described is a bit generalized. Instead of saying that spells look like "intricate weaves" it would be interesting to know what the weaves look like. What shapes make what effects? Why do they create that effect? Is it possible to create new spells and predict their effects because of the shapes within them? It's not necessary to the book, but I think fans would love to know more.
The second issue, that really stood out to me in the second half of the book, is a bit of inconsistency with Mahzun's character. In the first book and the first half of the second book, Mahzun is a stoic, brave, unfearing man who took over the entire world, but as the second book goes on, he becomes weak willed and gives in easily at the slightest threat of pain. I understand where the arc is coming from, and I believe it could be an interesting idea to play with, it comes across as a bit sudden and out of character. With a bit of tweaking, I'm sure it could be good, but that's my opinion.
Despite those small problems, this book is interesting, exciting, and thought provoking, and includes some of the best elements of fantasy and mythology. I truly believe that Jon Monson is on his way to becoming one of the fantasy greats and I can't wait to see where he goes from here.
November 13, 2023
I have been waiting a long time for this sequel to The Final Heir, and it is well worth the wait. This book doesn’t slow you down with a lot of backstory; it starts right where the previous book left off at the end of an epic fight. Morsels of the backstory are given here and there as this story progresses. This installment finds our 3 main characters on separate pursuits.
Mahzun sees his victims and begins following the instructions of a voice. Although not knowing the source of the voice, he feels that the voice is a holy calling that he must follow.
Ekarath has accepted that he is the true and final heir of all people. He strives to be worthy of this position, but he also hears a voice that he cannot ignore. He sees the impending death of the Shajarat, the timeless tree that represents the magic in the land. He believes that saving the Shajarat will also save the people, and he becomes obsessed with finding a way to communicate with the Shajarat. His excitement and motivation catapults Zahara on her own journey. Yet, people just believe him to be young and crazy.
Zahara is transported to another place where she undergoes personal and magical growth that she never imagined. She has visions and learns more about the history of the lands and the magic they hold. Her quest results in an unexpected bond with Mahzun and new insight on the war against the heirs.
The tale is full of magic and full of war. It is high adventure for all three, where mystery and danger hide at every turn. The creatures and the lands are described so well that you see this world and walk these paths. This story is so engrossing and exciting that I read it in one sitting. If you are anything like me, when you turn your last page, you will be reaching for the next book in the series!
Mahzun sees his victims and begins following the instructions of a voice. Although not knowing the source of the voice, he feels that the voice is a holy calling that he must follow.
Ekarath has accepted that he is the true and final heir of all people. He strives to be worthy of this position, but he also hears a voice that he cannot ignore. He sees the impending death of the Shajarat, the timeless tree that represents the magic in the land. He believes that saving the Shajarat will also save the people, and he becomes obsessed with finding a way to communicate with the Shajarat. His excitement and motivation catapults Zahara on her own journey. Yet, people just believe him to be young and crazy.
Zahara is transported to another place where she undergoes personal and magical growth that she never imagined. She has visions and learns more about the history of the lands and the magic they hold. Her quest results in an unexpected bond with Mahzun and new insight on the war against the heirs.
The tale is full of magic and full of war. It is high adventure for all three, where mystery and danger hide at every turn. The creatures and the lands are described so well that you see this world and walk these paths. This story is so engrossing and exciting that I read it in one sitting. If you are anything like me, when you turn your last page, you will be reaching for the next book in the series!
November 13, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It picks up where book 1 ended with The Final Heir taking his place in the palace trying to take care of the everyday bs that comes with being a leader. But he is still searching for the Usurper who has escaped into the Wilds and trying to repair the tree that the Usurper damaged prior to being beaten. This book gives perspectives from three different main characters which adds some personality to them. As you get to know the Usurper and where he came from it actually gives you insight into who he is. He is led around by forces he doesn't understand and at the same time he is on a journey that you are with him on. At times it drags, but it picks up. There are times of too much dialog, which I felt the need to speed read through. I don't need to know every thought that goes through their heads. But on the whole it's a good read and I'll continue on to read the last book in the series so that loose ends can be tied up. I think that Jon Monson is a good author, and his stories have interesting concepts that can take you from the mundane of this world into his imaginary one.
December 8, 2023
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. The ancient sacred tree is dying, wounds gaping more each day. The power is growing weaker and the effects are deeply felt. Enter the world of Zahara, a warrior determined to set things right, before the world as they know it, is destroyed. Setting out with her friend, they seek to destroy the Usuper, who is on a quest to free an evil entity imprisoned in a very desolate place. As Zahara tries to figure out how her powers can help the ancient tree, she is pulled into another place. One that once realized will keep you turning pages to find answers and the need to know what happens. Secrets are revealed that explain some mysteries of the Heirs lineage which helps the reader understand certain past events. The storyline is beautifully intertwined between the main characters, all strong in will, and determined to forge ahead. The imagery created by the detailed description of their journey makes for a story that is hard to put down. The ending leads you toward the next book in the series, which I cannot wait to read!
November 14, 2023
Some trilogies the second book is just the middle fluff or transition of the story between the first book introduction to the climax of the third book. Jon doesn't do that in this book. This book is an integral part of the story as he takes the reader on a journey to learn deeper understanding of why things happened in the first book. The characters are given more depth and life in this book as you traverse the saga. I also like that the third book was released on the same day, that way for those who read fast you will be able to jump right into the final book and find out what happens. You need to read this book, if you haven't read the first book then back up and get that one and then devore this epic trilogy.
November 13, 2023
Having not read book 1, I felt I was at a slight disadvantage going into this book - I received a copy in exchange for my review.
However, this book gave me a great insight into the characters and I ended it having felt like I knew what had happened and where it was going. As others have mentioned, it would get a bit slow at times, but it did help me get better understanding of what was going on with the characters and the plot.
I can't wait to read book 3!
However, this book gave me a great insight into the characters and I ended it having felt like I knew what had happened and where it was going. As others have mentioned, it would get a bit slow at times, but it did help me get better understanding of what was going on with the characters and the plot.
I can't wait to read book 3!
February 5, 2024
Great worldbuilding and a fun story! Love the continued adventures of Ekarath and Zahara.
August 23, 2024
Overall like a 3.7 ⭐️ on to the next
November 15, 2023
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book since I read the first one and it did not disappoint! There was some excellent character development that left me wanting for book three and I’m glad I don’t have to wait for that one. Great fantasy vibes and excellent magic themes and systems
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews