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Rise of the Temple Gods #1
Heir to Kale
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you.” – Prophesy of the Kalian Twins.
In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years.
Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.
Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.
Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.
In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years.
Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.
Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.
Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2014
7 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Bone
43 books651 followersK.L. Bone is a USA Today bestselling author of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. Her works include the bestselling Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series. The bestselling Flames of Kalleen paranormal romance series. The Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series. And a stand-alone science fiction novel, The Indoctrination and numerous novellas.
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 4, 2015
Everything about this book is a delight.
Heir to Kale (Rise of the Temple Gods) by K. L. Bone is a marvelous tale of fantasy and adventure that will draw you in from the very beginning.
Twin Princesses, both trained warriors, will take you on an action packed, poignant journey through the beautiful land of Kale, its inhabitants, monarchy, temples and tournaments. Only one can be crowned Queen, but which one will earn the right to rule?
My first delight was when I removed the book from the package. It looked and felt lovely. I knew from the first glance at the artwork that this was a book I would enjoy reading as well holding in my hands.
My second delight was discovering the princesses were not simpering maiden priestesses but vibrant young women who can kick the butt of a man just as easily as accepting his help or wisdom. Some people may find the fight scenes overly descriptive but that was another facet of the story that I found delightful. I was easily able to imagine the battles playing out in my mind exactly how every kick and punch was described.
On the topic of description, I was very impressed with the lush explanation of the scenery and the mythology of the Land of Kale. Ms. Bone’s writing style brought me to mind of the World of Earthsea that I fell in love with as a child but with a more comprehensive and vivacious mythology like that of Middle-earth.
In conclusion, Ms. Bone has well earned this five star review and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone, young adult or mature reader, who enjoys speculative fiction.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Heir to Koloso.
Heir to Kale (Rise of the Temple Gods) by K. L. Bone is a marvelous tale of fantasy and adventure that will draw you in from the very beginning.
Twin Princesses, both trained warriors, will take you on an action packed, poignant journey through the beautiful land of Kale, its inhabitants, monarchy, temples and tournaments. Only one can be crowned Queen, but which one will earn the right to rule?
My first delight was when I removed the book from the package. It looked and felt lovely. I knew from the first glance at the artwork that this was a book I would enjoy reading as well holding in my hands.
My second delight was discovering the princesses were not simpering maiden priestesses but vibrant young women who can kick the butt of a man just as easily as accepting his help or wisdom. Some people may find the fight scenes overly descriptive but that was another facet of the story that I found delightful. I was easily able to imagine the battles playing out in my mind exactly how every kick and punch was described.
On the topic of description, I was very impressed with the lush explanation of the scenery and the mythology of the Land of Kale. Ms. Bone’s writing style brought me to mind of the World of Earthsea that I fell in love with as a child but with a more comprehensive and vivacious mythology like that of Middle-earth.
In conclusion, Ms. Bone has well earned this five star review and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone, young adult or mature reader, who enjoys speculative fiction.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Heir to Koloso.
July 15, 2016
5+++++ Stars
OMG, OMG....I so freakin LOVED this book!! Immediately after reading, I just had to email Ms. Bone and tell her how much I enjoyed reading about Mary and Ameria.....but not JUST enjoyed - this book ripped my heart out, chewed it up and then spat it back out.
Perfect world building, character development and imagery details. I felt that I was riding right alongside the sisters as they battled each obstacle they came in contact with.
Perfect, just perfect epic fantasy!!
I can't wait to see how this story continues to unfold!
OMG, OMG....I so freakin LOVED this book!! Immediately after reading, I just had to email Ms. Bone and tell her how much I enjoyed reading about Mary and Ameria.....but not JUST enjoyed - this book ripped my heart out, chewed it up and then spat it back out.
Perfect world building, character development and imagery details. I felt that I was riding right alongside the sisters as they battled each obstacle they came in contact with.
Perfect, just perfect epic fantasy!!
I can't wait to see how this story continues to unfold!
August 3, 2021
Audio Review:
Heir to Kale (Rise of the Temple Gods, Book 1) is very descriptive and detailed which I love. Plenty of action and adventure in this world. The world building settings and descriptions are very descriptive and detailed. The writing style is captivating.
Cassandra Nuss performace was compelling. Her inflection is powerful and smooth. Her ability to give characters their own voice is fantastic.
🎧 Audiobook Obsession
Heir to Kale (Rise of the Temple Gods, Book 1) is very descriptive and detailed which I love. Plenty of action and adventure in this world. The world building settings and descriptions are very descriptive and detailed. The writing style is captivating.
Cassandra Nuss performace was compelling. Her inflection is powerful and smooth. Her ability to give characters their own voice is fantastic.
🎧 Audiobook Obsession
March 5, 2015
Bone did a amazing job making this book. It was full of fantasy, adventure and much more. The two princesses were great characters and everything they went threw. The fights were amazing to read. Love the healing light. Wish I had one. Would recommend this to others. <3
March 23, 2015
Received a complimentary copy to read and review. I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and the world that has been created. It has great twists and turns. Readers are drawn into the story from the first page. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
September 9, 2020
Wow….this story blew me away. Fantastic world building! It’s adventurous and action packed and also heart wrenching. Several times throughout the story I was either shouting out loud or I had tears coming down my face. Ah good times. The characters are very well written. I really like Ameria! I just felt myself leaning more towards her. The puppies were a nice touch and totally unexpected! The narrator had a nice voice and I dig her wraith voice! I NEED the next one ASAP!! I am now fully hooked and invested in this series. I give it 5 stars!
July 11, 2016
I found this book very hard to put down. From the very first page, I was transported to another world –– a world full of magic, but it isn’t until you really get into this book that you realise it is also a world full or danger and intrigue. This was not a simple story.
K. L. not only created a magical world, but it was also beautiful, from the purple skies with three suns to the Rainbow Mountains. The splendor didn’t stop here. The temple buildings and the palace were ornate buildings of architectural perfection.
And then there were the many varied characters ––– some I loved, some I hated and some just confused me. At the top of my list of characters I loved were the twin princesses, Mariana and Ameria. I couldn’t make up my mind which one was my favourite. However, I must admit there were so many characters in this book, that a few times I lost track of the roles each one played in the story. I also had to go back and reread a few sections because I lost my way because of the many different temples and the rankings of the fighters. I think a glossary of some sort would have made reading a little easier.
I’m not exaggerating when I say Heir to Kale kept we awake at night because I wanted to read just a bit more before I went to sleep. I immediately downloaded the next book in the series when I finished reading this book.
I gave Heir to Kale 4 and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
K. L. not only created a magical world, but it was also beautiful, from the purple skies with three suns to the Rainbow Mountains. The splendor didn’t stop here. The temple buildings and the palace were ornate buildings of architectural perfection.
And then there were the many varied characters ––– some I loved, some I hated and some just confused me. At the top of my list of characters I loved were the twin princesses, Mariana and Ameria. I couldn’t make up my mind which one was my favourite. However, I must admit there were so many characters in this book, that a few times I lost track of the roles each one played in the story. I also had to go back and reread a few sections because I lost my way because of the many different temples and the rankings of the fighters. I think a glossary of some sort would have made reading a little easier.
I’m not exaggerating when I say Heir to Kale kept we awake at night because I wanted to read just a bit more before I went to sleep. I immediately downloaded the next book in the series when I finished reading this book.
I gave Heir to Kale 4 and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
April 24, 2015
Captivating is such a minuscule word that does not do this book justice! Be prepared to get whisked away to a fantasy land full of purple skies, 3 moons, and beautiful settings. But don't get too comfortable, you are in for a ride!
Ms. Bone does a fantastic job of taking you through a fantasy world but making it so real, you forget you are reading fiction. This heart pumping, fast-paced story will take you a world where fighting for your honor, will save your life.
This book takes you to the Temples of the Gods. Each one fighting for the Golden Student, and the ultimate, Golden Defendant position. The fight scenes are incredible! The way she describes each scene, each fight, you feel you are right there watching. The only thing that would make this book better, is to make it a movie!
Full of romance, honor, incredible battles, and twists you never see coming, this is a must read! Never get too comfortable with family, for you never know what turns lie ahead. I can honestly say, I gasped, cried, and got angry with the characters. I hoorahed and clapped as scenes unfolded. For a book to take you on such a roller coaster, is a well written novel. But don't take my word for it, buy it! Read it! You will fall in love, just as I have!
Ms. Bone does a fantastic job of taking you through a fantasy world but making it so real, you forget you are reading fiction. This heart pumping, fast-paced story will take you a world where fighting for your honor, will save your life.
This book takes you to the Temples of the Gods. Each one fighting for the Golden Student, and the ultimate, Golden Defendant position. The fight scenes are incredible! The way she describes each scene, each fight, you feel you are right there watching. The only thing that would make this book better, is to make it a movie!
Full of romance, honor, incredible battles, and twists you never see coming, this is a must read! Never get too comfortable with family, for you never know what turns lie ahead. I can honestly say, I gasped, cried, and got angry with the characters. I hoorahed and clapped as scenes unfolded. For a book to take you on such a roller coaster, is a well written novel. But don't take my word for it, buy it! Read it! You will fall in love, just as I have!
July 8, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not read this type of book before and was not sure if it would hold my interest. Needless to say, I was loving several characters by the end of just a few chapters and could hardly stop reading. There were several late nights because it was just too exciting to stop for something like "sleep". K.L Bone is a studied author and can include history, intrigue and romance together in a way that casts it's own spell. I particularly liked the fact that the reader cannot guess what the next twist will be; and there are many. This is the beginning of a thrilling series. This is a great choice for anyone who loves romance and unexpected twists.
September 20, 2014
Heir to the Kale is the first book I’ve read by Bone, and I was not disappointed.
From the characters, to the setting, to the elaborate system of royalty and temples, Bone has crafted a world that is both colorful and rich, and will certainly provide a backdrop for stories as long as she chooses to write them. Both Mariana and Ameria had their share of flaws and positive notes, and, without spoiling it, the undercurrents of both love and resentment between them will carry the series forward.
I can say honestly I did not see some of the twists and turns coming, yet they were elegantly laid out. Great first story for a series. Would recommend!
From the characters, to the setting, to the elaborate system of royalty and temples, Bone has crafted a world that is both colorful and rich, and will certainly provide a backdrop for stories as long as she chooses to write them. Both Mariana and Ameria had their share of flaws and positive notes, and, without spoiling it, the undercurrents of both love and resentment between them will carry the series forward.
I can say honestly I did not see some of the twists and turns coming, yet they were elegantly laid out. Great first story for a series. Would recommend!
November 30, 2017
Wow! What an exciting read this was. And the realm it was in, how beautiful! Kristin Bone described a purple sky with rainbow mountains and blue grass. My imagination went wild picturing the different scenes. And the Temples, oh how beautiful they seemed. I don’t think I have read a more beautiful and colorful setting as in this book.
Being a twin is one thing, but being a twin princess and heir to the crown is another. Both sisters trained at a temple, not the same one though. As I saw what they did in my minds eye, it was like kick boxing but to the more extreme. You start out low in the ranks and work your way up to gold, the highest. There are tournaments with the other temples and you fight your own ranking color. There are always two colors as a pair, partners that fight together in the tournament.
One of the twins is destined to be the next Queen and the other the next Golden Defendant. But what they really want to do is switch their destiny's, merry who they want and live their own lives. The twins may not live to see their future, as there is some one or a group that is out to kill them so the “prophecy” doesn’t come true. The twins say, what prophecy?
There are lies, truth, betrayal. You have awesome fighting, death and sacrifice. Friendship that is tested to the end and love and loyalty that is pushed to the limits. I cheered, cried and just sat with my mouth open. With surprises around every corner and a mystery to figure out, I found myself reading to the pace of each line that is written. When the story line picked up speed, so did I.
Kristin Bone is an amazing author, for she puts you in the scene with the characters, you feel as one with the book. This is book one of the three in a boxed set and I can’t wait to read the other two.
Being a twin is one thing, but being a twin princess and heir to the crown is another. Both sisters trained at a temple, not the same one though. As I saw what they did in my minds eye, it was like kick boxing but to the more extreme. You start out low in the ranks and work your way up to gold, the highest. There are tournaments with the other temples and you fight your own ranking color. There are always two colors as a pair, partners that fight together in the tournament.
One of the twins is destined to be the next Queen and the other the next Golden Defendant. But what they really want to do is switch their destiny's, merry who they want and live their own lives. The twins may not live to see their future, as there is some one or a group that is out to kill them so the “prophecy” doesn’t come true. The twins say, what prophecy?
There are lies, truth, betrayal. You have awesome fighting, death and sacrifice. Friendship that is tested to the end and love and loyalty that is pushed to the limits. I cheered, cried and just sat with my mouth open. With surprises around every corner and a mystery to figure out, I found myself reading to the pace of each line that is written. When the story line picked up speed, so did I.
Kristin Bone is an amazing author, for she puts you in the scene with the characters, you feel as one with the book. This is book one of the three in a boxed set and I can’t wait to read the other two.
March 3, 2020
I went into this book knowing almost nothing about it. The title and the cover alone was enough for me to want to check it out.. plus I've loved everything this author has put out. I am glad I went into this one blind. So I won't say alot because it's so good and I don't want to ruin it for anyone else who wants to blindly go into it.
This book centers around twin princesses... and not dull, prissy princesses who were raised in a castle.. no these women were warriors. But they weren't mean spirited or blood thirsty. They are honestly some of my favorite female characters I've read in awhile. There is a prophecy and many, many battles. This book is extremely action packed and you will not want to put it down!
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the amount of description for every single thing. I understand that there needs to be some but I just think it was too much. However, if that doesn't bother you, than you'll love it because you can feel like you were actually in battle with Mariana and Ameria.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
This book centers around twin princesses... and not dull, prissy princesses who were raised in a castle.. no these women were warriors. But they weren't mean spirited or blood thirsty. They are honestly some of my favorite female characters I've read in awhile. There is a prophecy and many, many battles. This book is extremely action packed and you will not want to put it down!
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the amount of description for every single thing. I understand that there needs to be some but I just think it was too much. However, if that doesn't bother you, than you'll love it because you can feel like you were actually in battle with Mariana and Ameria.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
March 25, 2020
Audio book review
Great story full of surprises and action. The author wrote a story that is strong and very detailed. You actually see the settings
This story is about one twin but you see her other twin also the twins are separated at 2 different temples .
Mariana and her twin sister America are Princesses in the Kingdom of Kale. Marianna studies at the temple of Kale and her twin sister Ameria is a student at the temple of Koloso. Both sisters are at the top of their training.
Someone is out to kill the King , his brother and the 2 princesses. Some people do die , grab it and seen who is behind the assignation.
Cassandra Nuss performance is great . Her voice is strong and smooth and strong. She did the characters great
Great story full of surprises and action. The author wrote a story that is strong and very detailed. You actually see the settings
This story is about one twin but you see her other twin also the twins are separated at 2 different temples .
Mariana and her twin sister America are Princesses in the Kingdom of Kale. Marianna studies at the temple of Kale and her twin sister Ameria is a student at the temple of Koloso. Both sisters are at the top of their training.
Someone is out to kill the King , his brother and the 2 princesses. Some people do die , grab it and seen who is behind the assignation.
Cassandra Nuss performance is great . Her voice is strong and smooth and strong. She did the characters great
January 1, 2018
**This book was provided by the author to Nerd Girl in exchange for an honest review**
Per usual K.L. Bone draws the readers in from the very first sentence. As always the characters we perfectly rendered.
In this story the author takes us on a imaginative journey. One with warrior princesses. The fantasy in this book is mind blowing. The fight scenes in particular are extremely descriptive and illuminating. One of my favorite things about this author is how creative she is. Not many can match her imagination.
With so many twists and turns, I can not wait to continue with this series. It a must read!! 5 stars!
Per usual K.L. Bone draws the readers in from the very first sentence. As always the characters we perfectly rendered.
In this story the author takes us on a imaginative journey. One with warrior princesses. The fantasy in this book is mind blowing. The fight scenes in particular are extremely descriptive and illuminating. One of my favorite things about this author is how creative she is. Not many can match her imagination.
With so many twists and turns, I can not wait to continue with this series. It a must read!! 5 stars!
December 9, 2018
Wow
K.L. Bone did it again. This was far different from anything I have read. Fighting in tournaments...just wow.. A lot has happened through this book, two princesses, both are badass. There is an prophesy that is being taken place one which the girls have yet to know or understand about. The girls lose a lot through this book. They are at odds with one another and it will be a fight for the crown. Who will win the tournament? I can’t wait to find out where this all goes in the next book!!
K.L. Bone did it again. This was far different from anything I have read. Fighting in tournaments...just wow.. A lot has happened through this book, two princesses, both are badass. There is an prophesy that is being taken place one which the girls have yet to know or understand about. The girls lose a lot through this book. They are at odds with one another and it will be a fight for the crown. Who will win the tournament? I can’t wait to find out where this all goes in the next book!!
October 23, 2023
An ancient prophesy, twin sisters, different temples, and a continuous increasing rivalry are some parts of this book that I really liked. The other thing that was fantastic was the world building and the storyline. It's action packed too. From start to finish I was hooked. I just loved the way this story flowed, how everything pieced together. This is an intricate tale, one that captivates you.
March 2, 2020
This is a very intriguing novel that begins to show the spectrum of the family dynamic. The sisters are dedicated to each other, but also strong rivals that you never know what is going to happen next.
April 17, 2021
Striking story
This is a complex tale which is elegantly written using incredibly descriptive passages which create detailed visuals of a wonderfully constructed world.
It is a strong action packed emotional read!
I look forward to the rest of the journey the twins have to travel.
This is a complex tale which is elegantly written using incredibly descriptive passages which create detailed visuals of a wonderfully constructed world.
It is a strong action packed emotional read!
I look forward to the rest of the journey the twins have to travel.
December 12, 2018
Twin female warriors battle it out to see who should be Queen and the reader gets a front row seat! It was a somewhat slow start but the last 2/3 of the book were worth it! I absolutely loved both of the female leads were amazing and strong! I couldn't put the book down it was so good! Her character development and world building were both on point!
Ms. Bone has become a fast favorite of mine. I always know when I get a book by her that I will enjoy it. This was no exception. I can not wait to see where the storyline goes and how the girls are treated! Beautifully written!!
Ms. Bone has become a fast favorite of mine. I always know when I get a book by her that I will enjoy it. This was no exception. I can not wait to see where the storyline goes and how the girls are treated! Beautifully written!!
October 24, 2023
An ancient prophesy, twin sisters, different temples, and a continuous increasing rivalry are some parts of this book that I really liked. The other thing that was fantastic was the world building and the storyline. It's action packed too. From start to finish I was hooked. I just loved the way this story flowed, how everything pieced together. This is an intricate tale, one that captivates you.
July 22, 2015
I really had a great time reading this amazing story! K. L. Bone is a really talented (and imaginative) writer. I was blessed to be given this book in exchange of an honest review.
This story is following twin sisters America and Mariana and their respective temples : Kolosso and Kale. I really love the story; it is original, well construct and plenty of details are provided. Those details are really helping us to envision that magical world into our head. Truly a magical journey!!! This book is pure entertainment. Violence is present into the story, but toned down and was serving the story to move it forward. Violence is never use just for the sake of using it; it is used to move the story forward. The prophecy is very compelling; I really wanted to have more details on it… I was eager to know how Ameria’s and Marianna’s teammates were doing in battle. One little note here, at first I was overwhelmed with all the names that were given. Some could have been left out; anyway for most of them, they were name once or twice. In the end, it was easier to have known whom is who though!
The main reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5 for this book is based on the characters, it was the only bump in the road. Ameria’s chapters were way shorter than those of Mariana’s, which caused, on my end, a total lack of connection to Ameria. In the last third of the book, I could sense the wind turning though!! I am pretty sure that in the second book I will have that connection with her character. Mariana is well construct; she is believable, but really dramatic some times; other times it felt like she had a total lack of empathy. I’ve got mixed feelings about her, but I really know that it is how we come across when we are searching for ourselves, so I have to give a big Congrats to the author to take us into this road. I really wish having the same type of character complexity with America Though; as I said before it is beginning to emerge in the last part of the book. Jace, Marcus, Kyle And Ryan are characters that really stood out to me. Well construct, enjoyable and most of all believable (well I still am a guy after all lol)
Oh!!! I really want to meet those talking puppies (CoCo and Mac) and go for walk with them under the 3 suns!!
Overall there were a lot of hit and a few misses. However, I really do recommend this book you will not be disappointed at all. I Promise! I am eager to start reading the 2nd book!!!
This story is following twin sisters America and Mariana and their respective temples : Kolosso and Kale. I really love the story; it is original, well construct and plenty of details are provided. Those details are really helping us to envision that magical world into our head. Truly a magical journey!!! This book is pure entertainment. Violence is present into the story, but toned down and was serving the story to move it forward. Violence is never use just for the sake of using it; it is used to move the story forward. The prophecy is very compelling; I really wanted to have more details on it… I was eager to know how Ameria’s and Marianna’s teammates were doing in battle. One little note here, at first I was overwhelmed with all the names that were given. Some could have been left out; anyway for most of them, they were name once or twice. In the end, it was easier to have known whom is who though!
The main reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5 for this book is based on the characters, it was the only bump in the road. Ameria’s chapters were way shorter than those of Mariana’s, which caused, on my end, a total lack of connection to Ameria. In the last third of the book, I could sense the wind turning though!! I am pretty sure that in the second book I will have that connection with her character. Mariana is well construct; she is believable, but really dramatic some times; other times it felt like she had a total lack of empathy. I’ve got mixed feelings about her, but I really know that it is how we come across when we are searching for ourselves, so I have to give a big Congrats to the author to take us into this road. I really wish having the same type of character complexity with America Though; as I said before it is beginning to emerge in the last part of the book. Jace, Marcus, Kyle And Ryan are characters that really stood out to me. Well construct, enjoyable and most of all believable (well I still am a guy after all lol)
Oh!!! I really want to meet those talking puppies (CoCo and Mac) and go for walk with them under the 3 suns!!
Overall there were a lot of hit and a few misses. However, I really do recommend this book you will not be disappointed at all. I Promise! I am eager to start reading the 2nd book!!!
July 29, 2016
This is the first book in this series. I picked up this book because I love K.L. Bone’s other series The Black Rose Series. This book is about royal twin sisters and their destiny. There are about to embark on a journey that has the possibility to divide or unite them. It could easily go either way. One sister is destined to be the next queen and the other will be the next golden defendant. It seems to matter little what they truly want but more importantly what is expected of them. Both are so much more than they realize. Will they do what they are destined to or what is expected of them? This book was interesting. I must say I was a little confused at some points but I still really liked the story. The beginning is where I felt confused almost like I was dropped into the story and was missing something. But, after that everything was good. I felt for the girls. So much is expected of them. There are forces at work that they don’t know about and things are happening around them that they have no control or say in. Mary is to be the next queen after her uncle passes. I feel like at times she just wishes she could run away from it all and just be. She would like to lead a simple life and be with the person she loves. She loves her life as a temple student however the pressure but on her from being the next queen is something she doesn’t really want but at the same time she doesn’t want to give it to her sister because she is from a different temple. America doesn’t fully understand her sister and why she does what she does. I think she wishes that she were next in line for queen instead of her sister. But at the same time I feel not as much is expected from her because she is not next in line. The other temple students and masters are such an important of the story and I love how much they are included. I really like the paranormal aspect of the story. So much happens in this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
Make sure you have tissues ready because there are several parts in this book where I needed them. Mariana and her twin sister America are Princesses in the Kingdom of Kale. Mariana is a student at the temple of Kale and Ameria is a student at the temple of Koloso. Both of them are the Golden Ranked student. That is the highest fighting rank towards becoming a Defendant that the students can attain. Watching the tournaments that take place both in the temples and the one we see outside the temple are works of art. I felt like I was one of the people sitting there, watching it. I could practically picture it in my mind if I closed my eyes. Over the course of the book, some things happen. These things are potentially life altering for everyone concerned in the book when attacks occur on the Princesses, on the King, on his brother and Heir, on the Defendants of the Gods that have become servants of those Gods. We find out about the curse of the twins if it is indeed a curse, who the temples were named after and why. We learn many things such as who is behind the attacks. When I found that out, I got blown away. Yes, people die in this book, and I won't say who, but that is why the tissues are needed. This truly is not a book to be missed. I cannot wait for the second part of this series to come out. Mariana is the Heir to Kale, while her sister Ameria is the Heir to Koloso. How do these things put them at odds with one another/ what oath does Mariana invoke at the dinner that she's summoned to at the palace by her Uncle, the King? What does that promise mean? How does that play into either her favor or disfavor at the end of the book? You're going to need to read and find out exactly what happens. Because there were lots of surprises in this book.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
March 12, 2015
***I was given this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.***
Wow, this was super duper intense. K.L. Bone fit SO MANY events into the plot, just when I thought it wouldn't get anymore dramatic the end happened and I had to remember to pick my jaw up off the ground AGAIN.
So to start, I am a HUGE high fantasy nerd and LOVE a good story so I was super excited to jump into Heir of Kale. I immediately liked Mariana and still find her to be the more likeable/relateable twin.
I thought the authoritative regime was very interesting with the temple defendants having as much power as the royalty. I really loved Jace (sore subject), then I couldn't decide between Kyle, Marcus or Ryan (also sore subject) so I was REALLY confused and very mad throughout some parts of this book and still remain unsure as to who I would want as a love interest....especially all that happened in this first book.
I'm nervous to see what happens between the two sisters because of all of the shared hatred against each other AND the what the prophecy is all about.
As a side note, the only thing I didn't really like were the talking dogs...because even though it was a high fantasy, it just seemed detached from the rest of the story, like if it were removed from the book it wouldn't change anything so it was just a little weird.
I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what continues to happen.
Wow, this was super duper intense. K.L. Bone fit SO MANY events into the plot, just when I thought it wouldn't get anymore dramatic the end happened and I had to remember to pick my jaw up off the ground AGAIN.
So to start, I am a HUGE high fantasy nerd and LOVE a good story so I was super excited to jump into Heir of Kale. I immediately liked Mariana and still find her to be the more likeable/relateable twin.
I thought the authoritative regime was very interesting with the temple defendants having as much power as the royalty. I really loved Jace (sore subject), then I couldn't decide between Kyle, Marcus or Ryan (also sore subject) so I was REALLY confused and very mad throughout some parts of this book and still remain unsure as to who I would want as a love interest....especially all that happened in this first book.
I'm nervous to see what happens between the two sisters because of all of the shared hatred against each other AND the what the prophecy is all about.
As a side note, the only thing I didn't really like were the talking dogs...because even though it was a high fantasy, it just seemed detached from the rest of the story, like if it were removed from the book it wouldn't change anything so it was just a little weird.
I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what continues to happen.
June 2, 2016
Heir to Kale (Rise of the Temple Gods) by K. L. Bone
### 4 Hashtags ###
Wow, what an amazing fantasy adventure, here you will be transported into a beautiful world as you have never known before.
Mary (Mariana) and Ameria are both trained warriors, twins and princesses, they were separated at birth and have been brought up in different temples. Mary is destined to become queen. Her uncle, the current king and has an agenda of his own. Each temple has their own colour and they train their warriors to elite levels. The fights are superbly described and the tension can be felt throughout. The battle between the temples and the sisters commences.
There are some very unexpected twists, mixed with the intricate royalty, long standing traditions oh and not forgetting the severe treachery. This is a well written story which is so descriptive that this book fully captured my imagination.
I have dropped my rating just a little as I found in places the story was a little too drawn out ....also the talking dogs were not for me, they were very strange to say the least!
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 6, 2016
2.5 Stars It would have been a little higher if the talking dogs weren't a thing.
Maybe it was just me but when I started reading this book I wondered if I was missing something but this is the first book in a series. I did enjoy it enough to continue but I think the talking dog priests could have been left out since that was just odd and seemed pretty pointless and strange. I'm okay with strange but I just didn't see why dogs would be priests at a temple where people trained to become defendants who are basically protectors.
The king doesn't have any children so he decides to appoint the eldest daughter of his brother as the next Queen. Mariana and Ameria are twins who have grown up in different temples learning how to fight. When Ameria finds out that her uncle expects her to marry someone that isn't from the temple she flips out and makes a vow. After that stuff goes down.
It was an enjoyable read even though it was a little bumpy at first. It did get better as things went on and I just ignored the part about the talking dogs. Seriously? Why? There's a crazy prophecy. Things turn out to be topsy turvy and stuff is going down so it is quite the story and I did enjoy it the further I read. I am interested enough to pick up the next book in the series. There are things I want to know that I'm hoping the next book will adress.
Maybe it was just me but when I started reading this book I wondered if I was missing something but this is the first book in a series. I did enjoy it enough to continue but I think the talking dog priests could have been left out since that was just odd and seemed pretty pointless and strange. I'm okay with strange but I just didn't see why dogs would be priests at a temple where people trained to become defendants who are basically protectors.
The king doesn't have any children so he decides to appoint the eldest daughter of his brother as the next Queen. Mariana and Ameria are twins who have grown up in different temples learning how to fight. When Ameria finds out that her uncle expects her to marry someone that isn't from the temple she flips out and makes a vow. After that stuff goes down.
It was an enjoyable read even though it was a little bumpy at first. It did get better as things went on and I just ignored the part about the talking dogs. Seriously? Why? There's a crazy prophecy. Things turn out to be topsy turvy and stuff is going down so it is quite the story and I did enjoy it the further I read. I am interested enough to pick up the next book in the series. There are things I want to know that I'm hoping the next book will adress.
June 12, 2016
I was really excited to read this book, the cover is different and eye catching, and the blurb pulled me in.
I enjoyed the storyline, but for some reason I couldn't connect with the characters.
I loved the temple history, tournaments and the people. I really enjoyed the two princess characters, the were strong women. They could kick ass and could give as much as they could take. But for some reason I didn't feel connected to them, they didn't pull me into the story and make me want to keep reading until the last page. I can't pin point a reason for that.
The author's writing was good and descriptive, some of the fighting scenes were amazing. You got a really picture going in your head of what was happening.
I found the talking dogs a bit strange, I know it's a fantasy book but I felt like they didn't fit in with the whole story, and I hate to re-read the first part to see if I was reading the story right.
Overall it was a good book with lots of action packed adventures. Anyone who loves fantasy is sure to love this book!
I enjoyed the storyline, but for some reason I couldn't connect with the characters.
I loved the temple history, tournaments and the people. I really enjoyed the two princess characters, the were strong women. They could kick ass and could give as much as they could take. But for some reason I didn't feel connected to them, they didn't pull me into the story and make me want to keep reading until the last page. I can't pin point a reason for that.
The author's writing was good and descriptive, some of the fighting scenes were amazing. You got a really picture going in your head of what was happening.
I found the talking dogs a bit strange, I know it's a fantasy book but I felt like they didn't fit in with the whole story, and I hate to re-read the first part to see if I was reading the story right.
Overall it was a good book with lots of action packed adventures. Anyone who loves fantasy is sure to love this book!
August 1, 2015
I can't imagine what this book doesn't have.
We have a new world that it built up so beautifully, I can close my eyes and see it! There is family drama- so thick it could have it's own sitcom! Fighting forces of good and evil... and even those in between that just don't know which way to go!
This is the beginning of a tale of two sisters that were separated at birth and must now FIGHT for their birthrights!
I loved reading all the details, and learning all the new worlds with their species. Who has talking dogs? Not this world, I want a talking dog.
I loved the book and I was very happy with the pace. There is a lot of violence, sometimes violence in a book can take it to a level that is grotesque, this is NOT the case with Heir to Kale. Everything is tastefully written and I believe every world stands to support the story and emotion driving it.
Highly suggest it as your next read!
We have a new world that it built up so beautifully, I can close my eyes and see it! There is family drama- so thick it could have it's own sitcom! Fighting forces of good and evil... and even those in between that just don't know which way to go!
This is the beginning of a tale of two sisters that were separated at birth and must now FIGHT for their birthrights!
I loved reading all the details, and learning all the new worlds with their species. Who has talking dogs? Not this world, I want a talking dog.
I loved the book and I was very happy with the pace. There is a lot of violence, sometimes violence in a book can take it to a level that is grotesque, this is NOT the case with Heir to Kale. Everything is tastefully written and I believe every world stands to support the story and emotion driving it.
Highly suggest it as your next read!
October 6, 2018
Beautiful! Heir to Kale is a masterful display of word manipulation. She weaves a story that is as intricate and complex as the music played at the symphony. Heir of Kale is filled with musical delights and tantalizes the mind. She works her characters into a fantastic tale of intrigue and politics.
Within the royal family, twins were born with an elaborate ancient prophecy and a dangerous path to travel. Princesses Mariana and Ameria, are the twin royals and are their temples champions. The two were taken as children to separate, yet equally great Temples.
I am a lover of intricate world-building and consistent character development. BONE NAILED IT! She is going to be a major power player in the Epic Fantasy genre.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
Within the royal family, twins were born with an elaborate ancient prophecy and a dangerous path to travel. Princesses Mariana and Ameria, are the twin royals and are their temples champions. The two were taken as children to separate, yet equally great Temples.
I am a lover of intricate world-building and consistent character development. BONE NAILED IT! She is going to be a major power player in the Epic Fantasy genre.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
April 25, 2018
This is the first book by this author that I have read and from the very first page I was transported to a fantasy world where there are princesses, temples, defendants and talking dogs. I loved the vivid explanations of the fantasy world and all of the temple history. The fight scenes were so descriptive I could see it all so plainly as if I was watching it on the big screen. The characters were well developed and the twin princesses are both warriors that have different strengths. This book has romance, excellent fights and twists that you never seen coming and I definately didn't. I couldn't get enough a I can't wait to see what is in store in book 2.
I received this book for an honest review.
I received this book for an honest review.
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