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Inheritance of Scars
Belladonna meets Norse mythology in this gorgeous dark fantasy debut that follows a teen who accidentally awakens an imprisoned draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.
Never go beyond the stave church.
Within Tiveden Forest, bloodthirsty monsters known as draugr lurk behind every tree, and secrets run through the soil like twisted roots. When her grandmother vanishes into the forest, Astrid won’t let Crohn’s disease get in the way of finding her. But in searching for her lost loved one, Astrid soon uncovers an even greater mystery:
A conflict that’s haunted her village and family for generations.
An ancient blood oath her ancestor made to protect them.
A deadly draugr imprisoned for centuries…who Astrid accidentally awakens.
Newly revived, Soren first mistakes Astrid for her ancestor, his ex-lover turned enemy. Astrid can’t tell if he would rather kill her or kiss her. But Soren knows the forest better than anyone, and Astrid quickly realizes that she’ll need his help to rescue her grandmother.
The deeper they venture into Tiveden, the closer Astrid gets to the cold, alluring Soren and the truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance. To save her home, a dark ritual must be performed before Midwinter—and only Astrid can fulfill her ancestor’s blood oath…or break it.
That is, if Soren—or the forest—doesn’t break Astrid first.
Never go beyond the stave church.
Within Tiveden Forest, bloodthirsty monsters known as draugr lurk behind every tree, and secrets run through the soil like twisted roots. When her grandmother vanishes into the forest, Astrid won’t let Crohn’s disease get in the way of finding her. But in searching for her lost loved one, Astrid soon uncovers an even greater mystery:
A conflict that’s haunted her village and family for generations.
An ancient blood oath her ancestor made to protect them.
A deadly draugr imprisoned for centuries…who Astrid accidentally awakens.
Newly revived, Soren first mistakes Astrid for her ancestor, his ex-lover turned enemy. Astrid can’t tell if he would rather kill her or kiss her. But Soren knows the forest better than anyone, and Astrid quickly realizes that she’ll need his help to rescue her grandmother.
The deeper they venture into Tiveden, the closer Astrid gets to the cold, alluring Soren and the truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance. To save her home, a dark ritual must be performed before Midwinter—and only Astrid can fulfill her ancestor’s blood oath…or break it.
That is, if Soren—or the forest—doesn’t break Astrid first.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Crystal Seitz
3 books135 followersA Viking at heart, Crystal battles Crohn’s disease and raids libraries for all the books on Norse mythology she can find. She works in marketing, but only because she can’t be a professional shield-maiden. She has a penchant for mythology, history, and all things creative. When she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found doing archery, drawing, or rewatching Game of Thrones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 30, 2024
DISCLAIMER: I am updating my review because I concede that my original was more aggressive than it should have been. But I am maintaining my rating and DNF status because this review is my honest opinion on what I did read and my personal feelings on the subjects that were covered.
DNF 53%
1.5 stars
This book had a really cool concept but the execution was not there for me.
This ended up being more of a magical realism story, and I was expecting this to be more of a fantasy story. That's absolutely not a problem, but maybe that assisted in throwing me off on my feelings from the beginning.
The main storyline in this book is the question if family should always come first, no matter what said family may have done to you in the past. For personal reasons, I do not subscribe to this notion; family doesn't get a free pass because they're family. And so it's really hard for me to read storylines that delve into this topic, not to say that I can't enjoy books that tackle it, but this one wasn't doing it for me. The poor MMC was getting the short end of the stick multiple times from the same family and that frustrated me to no end.
I was also getting whiplash from the timeline splits, and you're seeing the MMC fall for two different people, which I historically do not enjoy. I made it past the halfway mark, and there still seemed to be a very heavy emphasis on the FMC's ancestor, the MMC's original interest.
Overall, there just ended up being several storylines and tropes that I usually do not enjoy and wasn't expecting to see in this one. BUT. The subjects being tackled in this book are very entertaining for many other readers. So I'm not writing this to NOT recommend this book to readers. If you enjoy magical realism, a little bit of fantasy, familial tensions, and a little bit of a love triangle, then I would absolutely recommend this one 💙
Thank you Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
DNF 53%
1.5 stars
This book had a really cool concept but the execution was not there for me.
This ended up being more of a magical realism story, and I was expecting this to be more of a fantasy story. That's absolutely not a problem, but maybe that assisted in throwing me off on my feelings from the beginning.
The main storyline in this book is the question if family should always come first, no matter what said family may have done to you in the past. For personal reasons, I do not subscribe to this notion; family doesn't get a free pass because they're family. And so it's really hard for me to read storylines that delve into this topic, not to say that I can't enjoy books that tackle it, but this one wasn't doing it for me. The poor MMC was getting the short end of the stick multiple times from the same family and that frustrated me to no end.
I was also getting whiplash from the timeline splits, and you're seeing the MMC fall for two different people, which I historically do not enjoy. I made it past the halfway mark, and there still seemed to be a very heavy emphasis on the FMC's ancestor, the MMC's original interest.
Overall, there just ended up being several storylines and tropes that I usually do not enjoy and wasn't expecting to see in this one. BUT. The subjects being tackled in this book are very entertaining for many other readers. So I'm not writing this to NOT recommend this book to readers. If you enjoy magical realism, a little bit of fantasy, familial tensions, and a little bit of a love triangle, then I would absolutely recommend this one 💙
Thank you Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 30, 2024
…what an insaaaaaane ending + plot twist this book had I am quite frankly SHOOK over it BYE. wtf????
so many thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending this my way, never in a million years did I think I’d be reading a book that rings like Cruel Prince with the world building rooted in Norse Mythology, such a cool concept and I ate it tf up 💅🏼
Soren could ruin my life prolly, idk something about an immortal silver haired man has me giggling and kicking my feet every mf time
so many thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending this my way, never in a million years did I think I’d be reading a book that rings like Cruel Prince with the world building rooted in Norse Mythology, such a cool concept and I ate it tf up 💅🏼
Soren could ruin my life prolly, idk something about an immortal silver haired man has me giggling and kicking my feet every mf time
February 10, 2024
Oh, y'all are simply not ready!
It's dark and snowy!
Bloody and romantic!
Full of monsters and secrets and betrayals!
If you don't add this to your TBR I will be very disappointed in you, because I already know *exactly* how good this book is since the author let me read an earlier draft and I still haven't recovered.
It's dark and snowy!
Bloody and romantic!
Full of monsters and secrets and betrayals!
If you don't add this to your TBR I will be very disappointed in you, because I already know *exactly* how good this book is since the author let me read an earlier draft and I still haven't recovered.
January 12, 2025
I wanted to love this book but it just didn't work for me in pretty much every aspect. I'm not a huge fan of reincarnation love stories but add insta love to it and I'm definitely not on board. I did like the disability rep, I thought it was sincere and added to Astrid's character but it was a bit strange to read so much about how it affects her then not see it actually affect her at all during the story? Feels like a strange oversight
October 3, 2024
i deserve a medal for putting myself through this mess of a book.
the plot twist some readers were gagging at: clocked it before the book even hit 30%. it was so obvious that i wouldn’t even count it as a plot twist.
i can’t. i just fucking can’t.
the plot twist some readers were gagging at: clocked it before the book even hit 30%. it was so obvious that i wouldn’t even count it as a plot twist.
i can’t. i just fucking can’t.
September 23, 2024
This was one of the more engrossing reads of 2024 for me.
Inheritance of Scars is definitely fantasy, but has MANY relatable undertones to it.
Generational trauma, physical disability (when was the last time we had a FMC with Crohn's Disease-kudos to the author for this inclusion.) and very complex chemistry between the love interests all hit the mark here. These characters are well built out and I really felt like I knew them by the end.
The story centers around Norse Mythology and I. ate. that. up.
So good if any sort of mythology is your jam.
I would label this closer to dark, paranormal fantasy rather than romantasy or YA fantasy for sure, but I think all genre lovers will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley andSimon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to it's October 1st release. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review
Inheritance of Scars is definitely fantasy, but has MANY relatable undertones to it.
Generational trauma, physical disability (when was the last time we had a FMC with Crohn's Disease-kudos to the author for this inclusion.) and very complex chemistry between the love interests all hit the mark here. These characters are well built out and I really felt like I knew them by the end.
The story centers around Norse Mythology and I. ate. that. up.
So good if any sort of mythology is your jam.
I would label this closer to dark, paranormal fantasy rather than romantasy or YA fantasy for sure, but I think all genre lovers will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley andSimon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to it's October 1st release. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review
December 27, 2024
3.5 stars. I’m torn. I really really enjoyed the overall story. It was fantastic- a fresh take on Norse mythology infused with draugr (vampires). The writing was beautiful. I cried at a certain beautifully heartbreaking part. The romance was beautiful. I was so into the book my husband actually asked if I was enjoying it. Apparently I couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed this book, recommend it, and would read more of the same
HOWEVER
Spoilers, sort of. The book is supposed to be young adult/new adult, reads like a YA with Astrid’s thoughts, and reads like an adult book with the prose. It had me super confused. I would picture Astrid as a teenager, then an adult, then she’d do some real stupid teenage stuff. Ok REAL spoiler: I get that she’s technically Skaga reborn, but good grief either act like an adult or act like a child. The 50% mark had me LIVID.
HOWEVER
Spoilers, sort of. The book is supposed to be young adult/new adult, reads like a YA with Astrid’s thoughts, and reads like an adult book with the prose. It had me super confused. I would picture Astrid as a teenager, then an adult, then she’d do some real stupid teenage stuff. Ok REAL spoiler: I get that she’s technically Skaga reborn, but good grief either act like an adult or act like a child. The 50% mark had me LIVID.
May 23, 2024
I like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance at reading prior to release.
I am stunned on how much I enjoyed this first person narrative debut. It was so good? And I normally don't go for romance stories but this one didn't quite have enemies to lovers but lowkey rivals to lovers and the path it took to get there was interesting.
Girl and her father are returning to her original city/village in present day to take care of her father's mother's estate. She has bee missing for a month and the police have called off the search. Girl is determined that not only her grandmother is alive but she is lost in the woods that have folklore stories of creatures and beings that aren't there to protect but to kill.
Finding in her own room at her grandmother's house a riddle / clue that talks about a hidden door in the house, she discovers the hidden door and below is a man from the days of vikings. He is awoken when she is able to remove a rock from his torso. Upon waking up he near strangles her thinking she is a woman she loved from a long time ago, the one who imprisoned him for so many years.
The story then picks up and they must journey into the woods finding all sorts of mythical creatures out to kill her. There is also the man himself who she has been told is a being of great evil, the more she spends with him the more she finds out that the legends are not quite true and that the man may not be as evil as we are to believe.
There are twists, turns, reveals that shocked me for sure. There is also a disability for a main character that comes up as a plot point. I liked it, and it was nice seeing a headstrong girl with a disability and not such a perfect main character.
The only reason I knock it down a bit in rating is that the world building is kind of ... well, the modern day village isn't well developed and the scenes that had to do with the town / village / city wasn't as strong as those flashbacks we had with the past.
I really applaud the author for writing such a fun book, and one that could work as a film. I'd like to see the male lead in all his vampiresque / undead glory.
I am stunned on how much I enjoyed this first person narrative debut. It was so good? And I normally don't go for romance stories but this one didn't quite have enemies to lovers but lowkey rivals to lovers and the path it took to get there was interesting.
Girl and her father are returning to her original city/village in present day to take care of her father's mother's estate. She has bee missing for a month and the police have called off the search. Girl is determined that not only her grandmother is alive but she is lost in the woods that have folklore stories of creatures and beings that aren't there to protect but to kill.
Finding in her own room at her grandmother's house a riddle / clue that talks about a hidden door in the house, she discovers the hidden door and below is a man from the days of vikings. He is awoken when she is able to remove a rock from his torso. Upon waking up he near strangles her thinking she is a woman she loved from a long time ago, the one who imprisoned him for so many years.
The story then picks up and they must journey into the woods finding all sorts of mythical creatures out to kill her. There is also the man himself who she has been told is a being of great evil, the more she spends with him the more she finds out that the legends are not quite true and that the man may not be as evil as we are to believe.
There are twists, turns, reveals that shocked me for sure. There is also a disability for a main character that comes up as a plot point. I liked it, and it was nice seeing a headstrong girl with a disability and not such a perfect main character.
The only reason I knock it down a bit in rating is that the world building is kind of ... well, the modern day village isn't well developed and the scenes that had to do with the town / village / city wasn't as strong as those flashbacks we had with the past.
I really applaud the author for writing such a fun book, and one that could work as a film. I'd like to see the male lead in all his vampiresque / undead glory.
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July 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
Breathtaking debut by Crystal Seitz. “Inheritance of Scars” curates a feeling of longing along with the fortitude to reclaim and amend previous transgressions. Seitz blends Norse mythology and traditions to the present, following a young woman’s journey to rediscovery and personal growth. The pages are often thought-provoking about what lies in the eternal, easily absorbing the reader into the minds of the characters.
Seitz’s proficiency for writing is something worth contending with. This author will undoubtedly be successful. Please support Seitz’s work if the synopsis appeals to you. 💙🩸
Breathtaking debut by Crystal Seitz. “Inheritance of Scars” curates a feeling of longing along with the fortitude to reclaim and amend previous transgressions. Seitz blends Norse mythology and traditions to the present, following a young woman’s journey to rediscovery and personal growth. The pages are often thought-provoking about what lies in the eternal, easily absorbing the reader into the minds of the characters.
Seitz’s proficiency for writing is something worth contending with. This author will undoubtedly be successful. Please support Seitz’s work if the synopsis appeals to you. 💙🩸
May 5, 2026
4.5 stars
“As their cold hands touch me, each hand bearing the same mark as mine, I realize that this is my inheritance. An inheritance of scars. Skaga left her mark on every one of us, on our entire lineage, shaping us in ways seen and unseen. Of all of us, she left the greatest mark on me.”
I absolutely loved this book, in every way. I don’t even think I’ll be able to accurately describe this book because I was so enraptured from start to finish that it felt like I was actually there. The atmospheric writing and journey through unknown lands really brought me right into the world. The Norse mythology and creatures, along with the unique twist on vampires, were so expansive and intriguing. There’s nothing I love more than a vampire book and this was something totally new and fresh from other vampire books I’ve read. This had ancient rituals, magic, gods, runes, and oaths, alongside history fated to repeat itself. The male main character is a vampire who has been asleep for hundreds of years that gets woken up in present day by a fierce girl that looks like the woman who betrayed him. I loved this broody, yet protective man so much. The chemistry was off the charts from first bite. Sorry for the stupid joke, but I do actually mean the first time he bit her had me screaming from the tension. The pacing was just right from beginning to end, no dragging or rushing. A lot of times standalones feel like they have to rush to fit all of the information at the end but this didn’t have that problem at all. This wrapped up nicely and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future. Inheritance of Scars is a perfect standalone with main characters I would die for, a unique fantasy world, thrilling plot twists, and my favorite: vampires.
“As their cold hands touch me, each hand bearing the same mark as mine, I realize that this is my inheritance. An inheritance of scars. Skaga left her mark on every one of us, on our entire lineage, shaping us in ways seen and unseen. Of all of us, she left the greatest mark on me.”
I absolutely loved this book, in every way. I don’t even think I’ll be able to accurately describe this book because I was so enraptured from start to finish that it felt like I was actually there. The atmospheric writing and journey through unknown lands really brought me right into the world. The Norse mythology and creatures, along with the unique twist on vampires, were so expansive and intriguing. There’s nothing I love more than a vampire book and this was something totally new and fresh from other vampire books I’ve read. This had ancient rituals, magic, gods, runes, and oaths, alongside history fated to repeat itself. The male main character is a vampire who has been asleep for hundreds of years that gets woken up in present day by a fierce girl that looks like the woman who betrayed him. I loved this broody, yet protective man so much. The chemistry was off the charts from first bite. Sorry for the stupid joke, but I do actually mean the first time he bit her had me screaming from the tension. The pacing was just right from beginning to end, no dragging or rushing. A lot of times standalones feel like they have to rush to fit all of the information at the end but this didn’t have that problem at all. This wrapped up nicely and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future. Inheritance of Scars is a perfect standalone with main characters I would die for, a unique fantasy world, thrilling plot twists, and my favorite: vampires.
Want to Read
March 30, 2024House of Roots and Ruin meets The Darkest Part of the Forest in this gorgeous dark fantasy debut steeped in Norse mythology
October 6, 2024
2024 reads: 277/250
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when astrid’s grandmother disappears into the tiveden forest, she decides to enter it in search of her, despite the forest’s notoriety for its bloodthirsty monsters. soon after, she accidentally awakens a deadly draugr named soren…and she’s not sure if he wants to kiss her or kill her. either way, she needs his help to find her grandmother. the deeper they venture into the forest, the more astrid learns about soren and the truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance.
what initially drew me into this book was that it featured norse mythology and chronic illness (astrid has crohn’s disease, which is in remission). i love seeing both of these elements in fantasy books, so i was excited to see how these would play out in this book! i really enjoyed getting to learn more about norse mythology, as i’ve only read a handful of books featuring it. also, astrid’s chronic illness was represented respectfully, in my opinion, though i can’t speak to its accuracy since i don’t have crohn’s disease myself.
one thing i wished was different was the fact this is a standalone. a lot happened in this book, and i really wish this could’ve at least been a duology so these ideas could have been more fleshed-out! still, i really enjoyed this book, and i can’t wait for more from crystal seitz.
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when astrid’s grandmother disappears into the tiveden forest, she decides to enter it in search of her, despite the forest’s notoriety for its bloodthirsty monsters. soon after, she accidentally awakens a deadly draugr named soren…and she’s not sure if he wants to kiss her or kill her. either way, she needs his help to find her grandmother. the deeper they venture into the forest, the more astrid learns about soren and the truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance.
what initially drew me into this book was that it featured norse mythology and chronic illness (astrid has crohn’s disease, which is in remission). i love seeing both of these elements in fantasy books, so i was excited to see how these would play out in this book! i really enjoyed getting to learn more about norse mythology, as i’ve only read a handful of books featuring it. also, astrid’s chronic illness was represented respectfully, in my opinion, though i can’t speak to its accuracy since i don’t have crohn’s disease myself.
one thing i wished was different was the fact this is a standalone. a lot happened in this book, and i really wish this could’ve at least been a duology so these ideas could have been more fleshed-out! still, i really enjoyed this book, and i can’t wait for more from crystal seitz.
March 19, 2026
DNF
Some of the writing and dialogue felt really clunky, and I couldn’t stand the immediate unwillingness to even *try* explaining to Torsten who she really is, she just jumps to stabbing him and then acts bothered that Soren isn’t going to do anything. Like, you could try leading with “I’m her descendant.” Like it’s worth a shot, probably.
Some of the writing and dialogue felt really clunky, and I couldn’t stand the immediate unwillingness to even *try* explaining to Torsten who she really is, she just jumps to stabbing him and then acts bothered that Soren isn’t going to do anything. Like, you could try leading with “I’m her descendant.” Like it’s worth a shot, probably.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 23, 2024DNF
July 12, 2025
Soren: "The huldra use these trees to move around the forest."
Astrid: "So they use them as portals through the forest?"
Me: Bitch did you listen to a word he just said?
I almost DNFed right there, because it just goes on and on like this. The author writes as if her audience is as dumb as the forest trolls, as if we need everything explained to us repeatedly in order to understand. Thanks but I understood you the first ten times. I don't need it explained another twenty.
Look, I don't hate the author. She seems like a nice person. But holy shit this book was a mess.
-Skaga/Astrid-
Skaga was born with one brain cell, apparently, and it didn't reincarnate when she was born again as Astrid. She was dumb then and she's even dumber now. Skaga betrays Soren because the author was trapped by her own plot, not because it fit the character. Similarly, Astrid hangs on to the notion that her family was always right until the last second because the author was desperate for her dramatic climax. The author literally has the characters fighting against themselves instead of making characters that would fit with the story she wanted to tell, and as a reader, it's exhausting to witness. It's like watching the writer battle with her choices for the story in real time.
-Soren-
Soren is a doormat, despite being the fucking Fell King and an undead vampire. He refuses to hurt Skaga even as she's actively betraying him, and he refuses to defend himself against Astrid even as she's begging him to fight back. Not because it's what the character would do, but because the author is fighting to wrangle all her actors into position for the start of the play. She doesn't treat them like characters with rich, storied pasts. She treats them like chess pieces to be moved around wherever she sees fit, no matter how much it doesn't work for the story.
-Amma-
Amma is revealed to be a murderer and a liar a million times over, and Astrid is still conflicted about her feelings when she dies. This is not compelling inner conflict. This is an author who is ignorant about the way her work comes across to readers. This is an author telling us how we should feel, instead of working on building characters we actually connect with and care about. I felt nothing but anger when Astrid was sad about her grandmother and I highly doubt that was what Crystal was going for.
-The Writing-
The writing isn't even good on a sentence level. Crystal Seitz writes using what I've dubbed the "soap opera" style. She'll present a conclusion, and in the next sentence the character will be like "No - it wouldn't be like that. Not if SHE had anything to say about it." When it isn't doing that, it's repeating the book's concepts to us like we're as stupid as the characters. There's so much bloat and unnecessary padding. At one point, this happens:
Paragraph... With Soren is where I belong.
Next Paragraph: I belong with Soren.
Yep. Sure. We get it by now. NEXT.
It's annoying and exhausting as fuck and I'm fucking tired of seeing it everywhere. At the end, I desperately tried to think of anything I liked because I felt bad for giving this book a one star when the author really does seem like a nice person despite it all, but I couldn't. The ending was hugely insulting, and who the fuck was Zuri?
She kept being mentioned as this important friend in Astrid's life, but we didn't see her on page once until the very end of the book. It's black tokenism in the worst way possible. Even I, a pasty ass white person, saw how transparent that was. If you're going to have a black best friend, give her an important part in the story. Make her the voice of reason. Not that Astrid would have listened, but it would have been nice to like at least one character in this book.
Astrid: "So they use them as portals through the forest?"
Me: Bitch did you listen to a word he just said?
I almost DNFed right there, because it just goes on and on like this. The author writes as if her audience is as dumb as the forest trolls, as if we need everything explained to us repeatedly in order to understand. Thanks but I understood you the first ten times. I don't need it explained another twenty.
Look, I don't hate the author. She seems like a nice person. But holy shit this book was a mess.
-Skaga/Astrid-
Skaga was born with one brain cell, apparently, and it didn't reincarnate when she was born again as Astrid. She was dumb then and she's even dumber now. Skaga betrays Soren because the author was trapped by her own plot, not because it fit the character. Similarly, Astrid hangs on to the notion that her family was always right until the last second because the author was desperate for her dramatic climax. The author literally has the characters fighting against themselves instead of making characters that would fit with the story she wanted to tell, and as a reader, it's exhausting to witness. It's like watching the writer battle with her choices for the story in real time.
-Soren-
Soren is a doormat, despite being the fucking Fell King and an undead vampire. He refuses to hurt Skaga even as she's actively betraying him, and he refuses to defend himself against Astrid even as she's begging him to fight back. Not because it's what the character would do, but because the author is fighting to wrangle all her actors into position for the start of the play. She doesn't treat them like characters with rich, storied pasts. She treats them like chess pieces to be moved around wherever she sees fit, no matter how much it doesn't work for the story.
-Amma-
Amma is revealed to be a murderer and a liar a million times over, and Astrid is still conflicted about her feelings when she dies. This is not compelling inner conflict. This is an author who is ignorant about the way her work comes across to readers. This is an author telling us how we should feel, instead of working on building characters we actually connect with and care about. I felt nothing but anger when Astrid was sad about her grandmother and I highly doubt that was what Crystal was going for.
-The Writing-
The writing isn't even good on a sentence level. Crystal Seitz writes using what I've dubbed the "soap opera" style. She'll present a conclusion, and in the next sentence the character will be like "No - it wouldn't be like that. Not if SHE had anything to say about it." When it isn't doing that, it's repeating the book's concepts to us like we're as stupid as the characters. There's so much bloat and unnecessary padding. At one point, this happens:
Paragraph... With Soren is where I belong.
Next Paragraph: I belong with Soren.
Yep. Sure. We get it by now. NEXT.
It's annoying and exhausting as fuck and I'm fucking tired of seeing it everywhere. At the end, I desperately tried to think of anything I liked because I felt bad for giving this book a one star when the author really does seem like a nice person despite it all, but I couldn't. The ending was hugely insulting, and who the fuck was Zuri?
She kept being mentioned as this important friend in Astrid's life, but we didn't see her on page once until the very end of the book. It's black tokenism in the worst way possible. Even I, a pasty ass white person, saw how transparent that was. If you're going to have a black best friend, give her an important part in the story. Make her the voice of reason. Not that Astrid would have listened, but it would have been nice to like at least one character in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Disability Pride Month read: Crohn’s disease
This is a haunting blend of Norse mythology, generational curses, and a forest teeming with literal (and metaphorical) monsters. The setting is atmospheric, the lore is rich, and the stakes are grounded in family, grief, and chronic illness, which is something I really appreciated. Seeing Crohn’s disease represented in a fantasy protagonist was incredible and important.
But wow, I had a hard time with this one. The moment the ancient, ageless draugr developed romantic feelings for a teenage girl who just happens to look like his long-dead ex? I physically recoiled. More than once. And while I get there’s a plot-based reason for the insta-bond, it didn’t make it any less uncomfortable or believable. Honestly, the romance undercut what could’ve been a powerful exploration of generational trauma, inheritance, and family legacy. Astrid’s journey and the complex threads of the curse were compelling enough without adding a romance that felt forced and, frankly, gross.
If this had just leaned into the mythology and horror elements, it could have really hit. Instead, it asked me to root for something I absolutely could not. I know some people won’t mind the vampire age gap trope, but for me? This one crossed the line for some reason. Couldn't even finish the last 10% because it was nothing but romance between them.
This is a haunting blend of Norse mythology, generational curses, and a forest teeming with literal (and metaphorical) monsters. The setting is atmospheric, the lore is rich, and the stakes are grounded in family, grief, and chronic illness, which is something I really appreciated. Seeing Crohn’s disease represented in a fantasy protagonist was incredible and important.
But wow, I had a hard time with this one. The moment the ancient, ageless draugr developed romantic feelings for a teenage girl who just happens to look like his long-dead ex? I physically recoiled. More than once. And while I get there’s a plot-based reason for the insta-bond, it didn’t make it any less uncomfortable or believable. Honestly, the romance undercut what could’ve been a powerful exploration of generational trauma, inheritance, and family legacy. Astrid’s journey and the complex threads of the curse were compelling enough without adding a romance that felt forced and, frankly, gross.
If this had just leaned into the mythology and horror elements, it could have really hit. Instead, it asked me to root for something I absolutely could not. I know some people won’t mind the vampire age gap trope, but for me? This one crossed the line for some reason. Couldn't even finish the last 10% because it was nothing but romance between them.
December 24, 2024
4.25
NEEDS MORE LOVE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I really enjoyed this book y’all and at present, I’m the only one I know who has read it. Help me change that!! I loved the audiobook narrator but I will say that there’s some flashback aspects to this and the distinguishing narration was barely visible and at times I was confused on which time period I was listening to.
For a standalone though, this packed a lot of content and wrapped up the story well. I was surprised it was a standalone and I think the length helped contain aspects of the world building and character relationships needed to shine. I enjoyed the FMC, Astrid, and the Crohn’s disease rep too.
The romance was a little bit of a miss for me (I think I needed a bit more to be convinced), but it wasn’t a big issue. It’s a bit gruesome and dark and full of good twists and steady pacing.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: loss of a parent, grief, ritualistic self-harm, allusions to cancer and suicide
NEEDS MORE LOVE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I really enjoyed this book y’all and at present, I’m the only one I know who has read it. Help me change that!! I loved the audiobook narrator but I will say that there’s some flashback aspects to this and the distinguishing narration was barely visible and at times I was confused on which time period I was listening to.
For a standalone though, this packed a lot of content and wrapped up the story well. I was surprised it was a standalone and I think the length helped contain aspects of the world building and character relationships needed to shine. I enjoyed the FMC, Astrid, and the Crohn’s disease rep too.
The romance was a little bit of a miss for me (I think I needed a bit more to be convinced), but it wasn’t a big issue. It’s a bit gruesome and dark and full of good twists and steady pacing.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: loss of a parent, grief, ritualistic self-harm, allusions to cancer and suicide
September 15, 2024
I would first like to thank the amazing Crystal & @netgalley for the amazing opportunity to read this book a tad early for its release date (10•1•24) y’all are the best ♥️
This book is high on my most anticipated books of 2024 based on the cover alone, throw in Norse mythology and I was sold.
That cover is absolutely stunning and so fierce. 🔥🔥
The story revolves around our main character, Astrid, accidentally waking up imprisoned Draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.
What I loved:
•Crohn’s Rep
•Norse Mythology
•Twists and Turns
•Betrayal
• A MC who fights to change her destiny
I absolutely adored this debut book. I finished it so fast with all its twist and turns, tension with the love interest and scenes that absolutely shooketh me. 🥲
The Crohn’s rep was everything. It was a disease that I knew nothing about and was eager to learn more which is a key to a great book. Representation is everything Friends.
Thank you for reading my review, would 100% recommend this book ☺️
This book is high on my most anticipated books of 2024 based on the cover alone, throw in Norse mythology and I was sold.
That cover is absolutely stunning and so fierce. 🔥🔥
The story revolves around our main character, Astrid, accidentally waking up imprisoned Draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.
What I loved:
•Crohn’s Rep
•Norse Mythology
•Twists and Turns
•Betrayal
• A MC who fights to change her destiny
I absolutely adored this debut book. I finished it so fast with all its twist and turns, tension with the love interest and scenes that absolutely shooketh me. 🥲
The Crohn’s rep was everything. It was a disease that I knew nothing about and was eager to learn more which is a key to a great book. Representation is everything Friends.
Thank you for reading my review, would 100% recommend this book ☺️
March 19, 2025
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I found the FMC relatable and I enjoyed going on this journey with her. I loved the disability rep (more invisible illnesses/disabilities in books p l e a s e!!) and I enjoyed the setting. This was a marvelous debut.
I want to take a moment to address how many poor reviews are on this listing that are completely unfair and unfounded.
First, criticism about Astrid putting her family first and early DNFs citing that. You didn't read the damn book. If you did, and if you had a modicum of common sense, you'd know she learns through the course of the novel. This IS addressed. Saying it's not shows you didn't really read the novel. It's not that complicated. It's perfectly clear. She says as much at the end of Part 3. Demanding the novel's central conflict be solved sooner is crazy.
Second, criticism of the runes inside the book as "nazi symbols." Grow up and pick up some reading comprehension. This is about Norse paganism and folklore. The book's magic system involves them. They're not even nazi symbols. This is frankly insane.
Third, criticism I'm seeing about an "ai cover" leading to a bevvy of 1 star reviews. Per the back flap of the physical copy in my hands, the front cover illustration was done by Marcela Bolivar. The back cover photo was licensed from istock, provided by a user named naumoid. This back cover image is a repeating pattern and is also used on an interior page or two. I cannot believe the front cover image, which accurately depicts Astrid at a key moment in Part 3, is AI generated. Saying so does injustice to the novel, the author, and the artist who brought her to life. The back image/repeating pattern does have a sort of AI flavor to it, which is a shame IF true, but again- it's not the front cover, and the licensing through istock is clear. There is every chance this was not known. Why would you attack a debut author over misinformation or something that ridiculous? The front cover is not! AI! Stop saying it is!!!!!!!
LASTLY, to the people saying her Chrons never comes up/is conveniently absent- she talks about her injection schedule, her need to take meds. She injects in front of someone. She discusses hiding her illness and pushing people away so she doesn't make them uncomfortable or have to ask for accommodation. She discusses being on birth control to avoid a high risk pregnancy. Your able bodied asses missed all of this, I'm guessing. There's plenty more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I found the FMC relatable and I enjoyed going on this journey with her. I loved the disability rep (more invisible illnesses/disabilities in books p l e a s e!!) and I enjoyed the setting. This was a marvelous debut.
I want to take a moment to address how many poor reviews are on this listing that are completely unfair and unfounded.
First, criticism about Astrid putting her family first and early DNFs citing that. You didn't read the damn book. If you did, and if you had a modicum of common sense, you'd know she learns through the course of the novel. This IS addressed. Saying it's not shows you didn't really read the novel. It's not that complicated. It's perfectly clear. She says as much at the end of Part 3. Demanding the novel's central conflict be solved sooner is crazy.
Second, criticism of the runes inside the book as "nazi symbols." Grow up and pick up some reading comprehension. This is about Norse paganism and folklore. The book's magic system involves them. They're not even nazi symbols. This is frankly insane.
Third, criticism I'm seeing about an "ai cover" leading to a bevvy of 1 star reviews. Per the back flap of the physical copy in my hands, the front cover illustration was done by Marcela Bolivar. The back cover photo was licensed from istock, provided by a user named naumoid. This back cover image is a repeating pattern and is also used on an interior page or two. I cannot believe the front cover image, which accurately depicts Astrid at a key moment in Part 3, is AI generated. Saying so does injustice to the novel, the author, and the artist who brought her to life. The back image/repeating pattern does have a sort of AI flavor to it, which is a shame IF true, but again- it's not the front cover, and the licensing through istock is clear. There is every chance this was not known. Why would you attack a debut author over misinformation or something that ridiculous? The front cover is not! AI! Stop saying it is!!!!!!!
LASTLY, to the people saying her Chrons never comes up/is conveniently absent- she talks about her injection schedule, her need to take meds. She injects in front of someone. She discusses hiding her illness and pushing people away so she doesn't make them uncomfortable or have to ask for accommodation. She discusses being on birth control to avoid a high risk pregnancy. Your able bodied asses missed all of this, I'm guessing. There's plenty more.
January 16, 2025
4.5 stars. A GREAT YA fantasy with suspense, adventure, magic, and a great romance!
December 30, 2024
A fresh, exciting take on Norse mythology with a romance to die for, I devoured this book. And shoutout for the disability representation, I loved seeing how Astrid's illness made her such a strong character. I can't dive into the details because spoilers, but Skaga's story broke my heart and I would love to read an entire book for just her story.
June 25, 2024
This a strong YA romantasy debut inspired by Norse mythology and disability rep(crohn’s disease)! At times it was a little repetitive and some of the dialogue felt a little cringy, but overall I liked the romance. I also liked the flashbacks we got
August 13, 2025
I would like to start this review by saying this is probably my favorite book I’ve read all year. On top of that, it’s in the top five best YA books I’ve ever read and I’ve read a lot lol
Inheritance of Scars is a completely original and absolutely breathtaking debut.
I don’t think there are genuinely words that can express how much I adored this book. The world-building and characters left me breathless and so deeply emerged in Astrid’s mind. It was literally like watching a movie in my mind and half of the time I was loosing my mind. Crystal took the contemporary fantasy genre and made it completely her own. I absolutely ate this book up!! Soren was actually fantastic, dark and broody but soooo deeply written I was actually in awe. The enemies-to-lovers in this was actually perfect, it was so complex and the history behind them really added to the tension!! Soooo well done I literally will be thinking about them for years.
I was so entertained by the plot and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The reveals and twist had me gagged and literally crying (I’m a dramatic reader. Let me live) Astrid’s character was the perfect mix between the badass FMC and also a girl who’s like ‘wtf is going on’ and I found her so incredibly delightful.
Crystals writing is the perfect mix between straight-to-the-point and beautifully flowery. Her detailed descriptions bring her book to life and I swore the pages were breathing with lore it was so amazinggggg
Overall I am just like so in love with this book and will probably reread it a dozen times. Everyone needs to read this!! (Can’t wait to force my friends and family to read this♥️)
Inheritance of Scars is a completely original and absolutely breathtaking debut.
I don’t think there are genuinely words that can express how much I adored this book. The world-building and characters left me breathless and so deeply emerged in Astrid’s mind. It was literally like watching a movie in my mind and half of the time I was loosing my mind. Crystal took the contemporary fantasy genre and made it completely her own. I absolutely ate this book up!! Soren was actually fantastic, dark and broody but soooo deeply written I was actually in awe. The enemies-to-lovers in this was actually perfect, it was so complex and the history behind them really added to the tension!! Soooo well done I literally will be thinking about them for years.
I was so entertained by the plot and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The reveals and twist had me gagged and literally crying (I’m a dramatic reader. Let me live) Astrid’s character was the perfect mix between the badass FMC and also a girl who’s like ‘wtf is going on’ and I found her so incredibly delightful.
Crystals writing is the perfect mix between straight-to-the-point and beautifully flowery. Her detailed descriptions bring her book to life and I swore the pages were breathing with lore it was so amazinggggg
Overall I am just like so in love with this book and will probably reread it a dozen times. Everyone needs to read this!! (Can’t wait to force my friends and family to read this♥️)
March 28, 2026
I really don't like when fantasy novels have modern day callbacks. Things like cell phones, Billie Eilish, and Netflix just age your book and take me out of a fantastical element. This might be a me think since I despise urban fantasy, but this really took out my enjoyment of this one.
Beyond that, I don't like the ancestor/resurrection trope in this, as it was used to avoid having to write a compelling yearning story. Astrid (FMC) being a decendant of Skaga is used as such a crutch to why Soren (MMC) is attracted to her. Instead of building a believable relationship, we relay way too much on her being a descendent of her to explain away his attraction to her. This also drives the main conflict of the "does he like me, or just thinks of her" narrative that becomes so damn tiresome. This also causes the book to fall into an instalust or attraction that devolves into the "what's wrong with me" nonsense.
Astrid has Crohn's disease, but the disability representation feels more like a checkbox than a natural thing. We are told over and over how much it sucks to live this way, and the injections, and how much she wishes she was normal, but we are never shown the actual disadvantage of this disease. It didn't feel real and wasn't used against the plot in any way.
Soren is dry as an MMC and is too flat. Nothing sets him apart and makes me root for him. His attraction towards Skaga or Astrid seems shallow.
As a whole, there is nothing about this that stands out on its own.
Beyond that, I don't like the ancestor/resurrection trope in this, as it was used to avoid having to write a compelling yearning story. Astrid (FMC) being a decendant of Skaga is used as such a crutch to why Soren (MMC) is attracted to her. Instead of building a believable relationship, we relay way too much on her being a descendent of her to explain away his attraction to her. This also drives the main conflict of the "does he like me, or just thinks of her" narrative that becomes so damn tiresome. This also causes the book to fall into an instalust or attraction that devolves into the "what's wrong with me" nonsense.
Astrid has Crohn's disease, but the disability representation feels more like a checkbox than a natural thing. We are told over and over how much it sucks to live this way, and the injections, and how much she wishes she was normal, but we are never shown the actual disadvantage of this disease. It didn't feel real and wasn't used against the plot in any way.
Soren is dry as an MMC and is too flat. Nothing sets him apart and makes me root for him. His attraction towards Skaga or Astrid seems shallow.
As a whole, there is nothing about this that stands out on its own.
August 13, 2024
I won this ARC through the Goodreads giveaway. This was a great debut. What an epic tale. I love mythology and Nordic/Celtic mythology was at the core of this story. I really liked Seitz's interpretation of the lore and myth. It captivated my from the first chapter and you can not help but be drawn in to Astrid's world and how her destiny unfolds. I highly recommend this book if you like Norse mythology and epic fantasy tales.
Read
October 17, 2024DNF at 27%. The beginning was interesting, but once she entered the other world, I didn’t enjoy this at all. I rarely DNF, but this just wasn’t for me. The narrator for the audiobook was very good though
October 14, 2024
A cumbersome contemporary fantasy whose middling journey arc is comprised of repetitive beats.
November 4, 2024
I really liked the concept of this book, however, it was so unbelievably repetitive. During part 2 and 3 of the book, it took everything for me to not DNF it.
October 16, 2025
girl make up your mind
![Profile Image for vxmpslibrary [mental health break].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1776838907i/123295506._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 6, 2024
- 4.5 stars
𐙚⋆° review｡⋆♡
Okay this book turned out to be actually good, like really good I had actually no idea or any expectations it would.
The starting part was also really interesting, but I felt it the pacing in the starting wasn't the one for me really, but then moving on it actually became really adjustable and very great actually.
As a kid Astrid was scared of the Fell King feeling that he watches her in the darkness. She was very close to her Amma than her dad, and loved her very much, while she used to argue with her dad most of the time.
When Amma goes missing, Astrid knows that she wasn't unstable, and the letter she left for her says it all, now it's a matter of time Astrid follow the path that would lead to her Amma but she never knew it would be that difficult.
While the town seems perfectly alright as if nothing happened, what is the place?
"Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there."
And...
With some, twists-
She ends up freeing a draugar.
Who actually thinks she's his ex-lover who trapped him into sleeping for centuries.
For a while in the middle, I was actually kinda bit not interested, the love for a while turned out to be insta-love, even though it was not really.
Astrid for a while had no personality for me, they say she looks the same as Skaga, the one whom she descended from, and when she says 'I'm nothing like Skaga' and I just snort and I am like really? You definitely both are the same and oh boy..
The plot twist some were really predictable, while one of them was unbelievable went out my mind and I gasped like how I missed that, because there were signs *smacks my head against the wall* but yes this book turned out pretty fine.
I was so intrigued by the information which was given by draugar and other creatures, even Skaga's life which was shown when Astrid was asleep, the atmosphere was really better and well done.
Soren was also like quite not likeable for starting, when the reveal and all, I liked him a lot better then, I must say, he's a fool in love, he got betrayed by her yet loved her the same, but I wanted angst (jk) and like he cared for her, he also wanted good for his people as well and I so so loved it.
For a while I was like I think I don't like Astrid's dad, but he was actually good?!? And it was emotionally heartbreaking watching the last moment of Astrid with her dad, and it was so hard to let go Astrid lost both her parents because of the ritual they thought they had to perform.
Johan was also really turned out to be a well warrior character and I certainly enjoyed his friendship with Astrid.
There were some points I wanted to kick Astrid *hard* like really sometimes she was acting the same as her but then I am like *oh... okay* and really, I wanted to hit Soren in starting too I really didn't liked him at all in starting.
But...
The ending was so sweet, I loved it how it turned everything back to normal, how she lives with Soren now and guys he blushed too💖 like the epilogue was the perfect one needed and I loved the epilogue more then anything, it felt like I was in it experiencing yet and it's so sad to say goodbye to them.
Oh how even happily ever after gives a hollow feeling in the chest.
𐙚⋆° review｡⋆♡
Okay this book turned out to be actually good, like really good I had actually no idea or any expectations it would.
The starting part was also really interesting, but I felt it the pacing in the starting wasn't the one for me really, but then moving on it actually became really adjustable and very great actually.
As a kid Astrid was scared of the Fell King feeling that he watches her in the darkness. She was very close to her Amma than her dad, and loved her very much, while she used to argue with her dad most of the time.
When Amma goes missing, Astrid knows that she wasn't unstable, and the letter she left for her says it all, now it's a matter of time Astrid follow the path that would lead to her Amma but she never knew it would be that difficult.
While the town seems perfectly alright as if nothing happened, what is the place?
"Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there."
And...
With some, twists-
She ends up freeing a draugar.
Who actually thinks she's his ex-lover who trapped him into sleeping for centuries.
For a while in the middle, I was actually kinda bit not interested, the love for a while turned out to be insta-love, even though it was not really.
Astrid for a while had no personality for me, they say she looks the same as Skaga, the one whom she descended from, and when she says 'I'm nothing like Skaga' and I just snort and I am like really? You definitely both are the same and oh boy..
The plot twist some were really predictable, while one of them was unbelievable went out my mind and I gasped like how I missed that, because there were signs *smacks my head against the wall* but yes this book turned out pretty fine.
I was so intrigued by the information which was given by draugar and other creatures, even Skaga's life which was shown when Astrid was asleep, the atmosphere was really better and well done.
Soren was also like quite not likeable for starting, when the reveal and all, I liked him a lot better then, I must say, he's a fool in love, he got betrayed by her yet loved her the same, but I wanted angst (jk) and like he cared for her, he also wanted good for his people as well and I so so loved it.
For a while I was like I think I don't like Astrid's dad, but he was actually good?!? And it was emotionally heartbreaking watching the last moment of Astrid with her dad, and it was so hard to let go Astrid lost both her parents because of the ritual they thought they had to perform.
Johan was also really turned out to be a well warrior character and I certainly enjoyed his friendship with Astrid.
There were some points I wanted to kick Astrid *hard* like really sometimes she was acting the same as her but then I am like *oh... okay* and really, I wanted to hit Soren in starting too I really didn't liked him at all in starting.
But...
The ending was so sweet, I loved it how it turned everything back to normal, how she lives with Soren now and guys he blushed too💖 like the epilogue was the perfect one needed and I loved the epilogue more then anything, it felt like I was in it experiencing yet and it's so sad to say goodbye to them.
Oh how even happily ever after gives a hollow feeling in the chest.
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