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Forgotten Heirs #1
By Dust & Duty
By Dust & Duty is the moody yet enchanting first installment of Forgotten Heirs—a dystopian sci-fantasy romance spanning multiple realities.
At 28, Ereta still hasn’t found her footing in life. She stumbles through it as an anxious tangle of insecurities, finding solace only in banter with friends and the strange comfort of recurring dreams. Along with her best friend Leelin—a shameless flirt who’s far too handsome for his own good—she passes long days as a Runner on the cold desert planet of Veirbos.
When a bizarre supernatural encounter brings her to the brink of death, Ereta realizes she has a choice: to remain a victim of her miserable circumstances or to shed her long-held helplessness and actively create a future she can believe in.
Her foray into boldness begins, as many good things do, with a kiss.
But this world was not made for romantics.
As Ereta's hope leads to new and troubling questions, her circumstances grow ever more dangerous, until she's finally forced to stare down cruel truths about a society that would sooner see her dead than curious.
But when everything seems set in stone, maybe, just maybe, she can find a way to save herself.
By Dust & Duty is the first in a four-book series where nothing is as simple as it seems. We begin with a lost woman on a barren planet—but stick with her, and you might just find yourself in an epic romance spanning worlds and time, defying your every expectation along the way...
At 28, Ereta still hasn’t found her footing in life. She stumbles through it as an anxious tangle of insecurities, finding solace only in banter with friends and the strange comfort of recurring dreams. Along with her best friend Leelin—a shameless flirt who’s far too handsome for his own good—she passes long days as a Runner on the cold desert planet of Veirbos.
When a bizarre supernatural encounter brings her to the brink of death, Ereta realizes she has a choice: to remain a victim of her miserable circumstances or to shed her long-held helplessness and actively create a future she can believe in.
Her foray into boldness begins, as many good things do, with a kiss.
But this world was not made for romantics.
As Ereta's hope leads to new and troubling questions, her circumstances grow ever more dangerous, until she's finally forced to stare down cruel truths about a society that would sooner see her dead than curious.
But when everything seems set in stone, maybe, just maybe, she can find a way to save herself.
By Dust & Duty is the first in a four-book series where nothing is as simple as it seems. We begin with a lost woman on a barren planet—but stick with her, and you might just find yourself in an epic romance spanning worlds and time, defying your every expectation along the way...
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2024
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2024
Disclosure: I was beta reader for this book last year.
It was easily one of the top reads of the year. Actually, no, this is one of the best books I've ever read in my life.
No spoilers, but the LGBTQIA+/mental health rep is SO validating. I was easily drawn in, binged it in two days, and I will forever love these characters. I don't reread books, but I have already read this one again, and I think it will become one of those comfort reads that I always have on hand when I'm not sure I want to commit to something new.
It was easily one of the top reads of the year. Actually, no, this is one of the best books I've ever read in my life.
No spoilers, but the LGBTQIA+/mental health rep is SO validating. I was easily drawn in, binged it in two days, and I will forever love these characters. I don't reread books, but I have already read this one again, and I think it will become one of those comfort reads that I always have on hand when I'm not sure I want to commit to something new.
March 3, 2024
I was DEEP in a reading slump when I decided to pick up By Dust & Duty (I was lucky enough to receive an ARC) but I absolutely devoured this book. I was done reading it in 2 days. I was almost immediately hooked when I started reading, the world is so unique and layered. I found the science to be interesting so when I was in the world building in the beginning, I was never bored. One of the things I love most about this book is the way that mental illness is represented. When the author described Ereta's anxiety, I felt so seen. The planet of Veirbos is cruel and unrelenting and Ereta gets through by leaning on her friends. If you know me, you know I LOVE found family and By Dust & Duty absolutely delivers. I adored the romance developing throughout the first book and I can't wait to learn more about Ereta's mate as the story goes on. I LOVED THIS BOOK. 5/5 Stars. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
May 13, 2024
4.5 stars (rounding to 5)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the start, I’m right there in Tubat-So with the crew. The imagery and day to day activities are so well depicted! I loved all the characters and their quirks! I thought the whole concept was so original and charming. I did notice that the pacing as a whole slowed down in the second half of the story, so I started to feel a little disconnected there. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the start, I’m right there in Tubat-So with the crew. The imagery and day to day activities are so well depicted! I loved all the characters and their quirks! I thought the whole concept was so original and charming. I did notice that the pacing as a whole slowed down in the second half of the story, so I started to feel a little disconnected there. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
July 9, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this. It has great story building, the characters are amazing, it’s sci-fi so you get to explore more and more around every turn and I’m genuinely excited to start book two. Sci-fi lovers check this out.
June 6, 2025
Was this a romantasy? I would rather say it was a fantasy with a heavy romance and it was just how I liked it
"It is a truly weak authority that feels a need to punish its citizen for voicing valid criticism"
Yes baby! The dystopian desert planet setting mixed so well with the powers our main character Ereta discovers. She's a runner on Veirbos, who's life revolves around water. But her world is thrown upside down from one instant to the next, quite literally.
This novel is highly character driven and I might say this whole book is held up by their tension and bickering and dynamics. They drove the plot forward relentlessly and made this whole experience fun, infuriating, loving and everything all at once.
"Why do you bother imagining things that cannot be? Why can't you just be happy with the way things are?"
This book had me giggling out loud, this is what I want from a fantasy romance. Go away with your traditional heteronormative fairy couples (like, go enjoy them, but I don't have to, right?). I want to see monogamy challanged! I want to see the walls between platonic and romantic love tremble! I want to have queerness shake the system so bad it shatters. Over and over again.
"No good would come from not communicating"
As much as I loved to hear that from a character (ya heard me right, no miscommunication trope here) some bits felt a bit bumpy and clumsy. It is the author's debut, so I totally expect and respect that. So one starts perfect.
Some of the dialogue was too honest and open for normal people. The prose was a tad repetitive, as if not quite trusting the reader to catch the hints sometimes and a bit heavy on the adverbs in other instances.
The weaknesses in the writing weren't distracting to me. Another reader might not even notice.
"Ereta loosened a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding"
And as so many before her, she let that breath loose. I grinned at the page, and not just at this cliché, but at how much this novel got into my heart. I see this as a hard example that books don't have to be perfect to sneak deep into our hearts and make us ditch all responsibilities to binge the whole series (that's exactly what you'll find me doing this week)
"The price of apathy is usually greater than the reward"
Jup. I loved it.
"It is a truly weak authority that feels a need to punish its citizen for voicing valid criticism"
Yes baby! The dystopian desert planet setting mixed so well with the powers our main character Ereta discovers. She's a runner on Veirbos, who's life revolves around water. But her world is thrown upside down from one instant to the next, quite literally.
This novel is highly character driven and I might say this whole book is held up by their tension and bickering and dynamics. They drove the plot forward relentlessly and made this whole experience fun, infuriating, loving and everything all at once.
"Why do you bother imagining things that cannot be? Why can't you just be happy with the way things are?"
This book had me giggling out loud, this is what I want from a fantasy romance. Go away with your traditional heteronormative fairy couples (like, go enjoy them, but I don't have to, right?). I want to see monogamy challanged! I want to see the walls between platonic and romantic love tremble! I want to have queerness shake the system so bad it shatters. Over and over again.
"No good would come from not communicating"
As much as I loved to hear that from a character (ya heard me right, no miscommunication trope here) some bits felt a bit bumpy and clumsy. It is the author's debut, so I totally expect and respect that. So one starts perfect.
Some of the dialogue was too honest and open for normal people. The prose was a tad repetitive, as if not quite trusting the reader to catch the hints sometimes and a bit heavy on the adverbs in other instances.
The weaknesses in the writing weren't distracting to me. Another reader might not even notice.
"Ereta loosened a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding"
And as so many before her, she let that breath loose. I grinned at the page, and not just at this cliché, but at how much this novel got into my heart. I see this as a hard example that books don't have to be perfect to sneak deep into our hearts and make us ditch all responsibilities to binge the whole series (that's exactly what you'll find me doing this week)
"The price of apathy is usually greater than the reward"
Jup. I loved it.
March 18, 2024
*** Possible Spoliers***
Friendship, Fear, Angst, Romance, Enemies-to-friends, responsibility, cruelty. There's just so much in this book. I'd the opportunity to read this book before publication, and I'll gladly read it again and again. Kate has done a splendid job writing this book.
While reading this book. I’ve laughed out loud, smiled with my face threatening to stretch beyond its capacity, annoyed at the pity rules of Veirbos, furious at the miserable existence of Hista, cried with Ereta at the betrayal of her first love (sorry I forgot the name), annoyed along with Ima at Jace for not properly chewing her food and shutting up, marveled at Milo’s discoveries, and oh how my poor heart thrived on the angst between Kilas and Leelin. I’ve no words to explain how my heart tugged at Kilas’s silent worry, hope, and hurt towards the end. Man, I enjoyed every bit of it. And the ending, well if you are going to pick up this book, be assured that you'll be writing a review, anticipating the release of the second book.
The world-building of the book is something that will probably take a few chapters to completely understand, or at least it took me a few chapters to understand it, but it's worth your time. If you are someone who loves the book to hurt your heart, this is your book.
Friendship, Fear, Angst, Romance, Enemies-to-friends, responsibility, cruelty. There's just so much in this book. I'd the opportunity to read this book before publication, and I'll gladly read it again and again. Kate has done a splendid job writing this book.
While reading this book. I’ve laughed out loud, smiled with my face threatening to stretch beyond its capacity, annoyed at the pity rules of Veirbos, furious at the miserable existence of Hista, cried with Ereta at the betrayal of her first love (sorry I forgot the name), annoyed along with Ima at Jace for not properly chewing her food and shutting up, marveled at Milo’s discoveries, and oh how my poor heart thrived on the angst between Kilas and Leelin. I’ve no words to explain how my heart tugged at Kilas’s silent worry, hope, and hurt towards the end. Man, I enjoyed every bit of it. And the ending, well if you are going to pick up this book, be assured that you'll be writing a review, anticipating the release of the second book.
The world-building of the book is something that will probably take a few chapters to completely understand, or at least it took me a few chapters to understand it, but it's worth your time. If you are someone who loves the book to hurt your heart, this is your book.
June 7, 2024
K.C. Phillips has turned me into a sci-fi fan, it's official!
By Dust & Duty, being a science-fiction (or science-fantasy, which I actually think suits it more) romance, of course there is phenomenal world-building, but it never once felt overwhelming or too complicated to follow. Of course, what made it so easy to fall into was the rich story composing of multi-faceted characters who feel so beautiful and flawed I half-expected them to jump off right off the page.
There is something for everyone in this book: A complex storyline, amazing characters with refreshing interpersonal dynamics, romance (nice and spicy!), and a lot of action. The FMC, Ereta, was a multifaceted and down-to-earth POV, and I really related to her struggles with anxiety and with feeling like she was 'too much'. I love when the MCs are relatable to that degree, it really brings another level of emotion to the story, and I think K.C. did a wonderful job bringing her to life.
I'm so excited for Book 2, I can't wait to start it!!
By Dust & Duty, being a science-fiction (or science-fantasy, which I actually think suits it more) romance, of course there is phenomenal world-building, but it never once felt overwhelming or too complicated to follow. Of course, what made it so easy to fall into was the rich story composing of multi-faceted characters who feel so beautiful and flawed I half-expected them to jump off right off the page.
There is something for everyone in this book: A complex storyline, amazing characters with refreshing interpersonal dynamics, romance (nice and spicy!), and a lot of action. The FMC, Ereta, was a multifaceted and down-to-earth POV, and I really related to her struggles with anxiety and with feeling like she was 'too much'. I love when the MCs are relatable to that degree, it really brings another level of emotion to the story, and I think K.C. did a wonderful job bringing her to life.
I'm so excited for Book 2, I can't wait to start it!!
September 24, 2024
The only thing that is preventing me from giving this five stars is the third person perspectives.
The storyline is absolutely perfect with the realm jumping, the love stories, the drama and so much more. There are twists and turns every time you think you have it figured out. Imagery is a big attribute for me when reading and this author truly gave me everything I needed to get the perfect picture in my head of each scenery.
The characters are loveable and quirky once you get into the heart of the story. Though the book started off a bit on the slow side (but honestly, what fantasy story doesn't), I quickly began to fall into sync with the story and so began my journey into the fantasy worlds that are Veirbos and Scheal.
I felt truly engulfed by this story (so much so that I finished it in two sittings), and I cannot wait to begin the second installment.
The storyline is absolutely perfect with the realm jumping, the love stories, the drama and so much more. There are twists and turns every time you think you have it figured out. Imagery is a big attribute for me when reading and this author truly gave me everything I needed to get the perfect picture in my head of each scenery.
The characters are loveable and quirky once you get into the heart of the story. Though the book started off a bit on the slow side (but honestly, what fantasy story doesn't), I quickly began to fall into sync with the story and so began my journey into the fantasy worlds that are Veirbos and Scheal.
I felt truly engulfed by this story (so much so that I finished it in two sittings), and I cannot wait to begin the second installment.
March 13, 2025
Dystopia romance
A unique world but with intriguing characters. It's not often that I find a new story with its own unique world that I have never heard of before. I really enjoyed that aspect alone and learning what everything meant.
The characters are well fleshed out and you want to follow along and learn about each one. I like Ereta, there was a couple of things that were annoying but overall she is a badass. The spice is good too, honestly enjoying the actual story more. The spice is just a bonus.
The phrases said are fun too, cold burn0 me!
Overall, I want to know more, I want to know what happens next. Starting book 2!
A unique world but with intriguing characters. It's not often that I find a new story with its own unique world that I have never heard of before. I really enjoyed that aspect alone and learning what everything meant.
The characters are well fleshed out and you want to follow along and learn about each one. I like Ereta, there was a couple of things that were annoying but overall she is a badass. The spice is good too, honestly enjoying the actual story more. The spice is just a bonus.
The phrases said are fun too, cold burn0 me!
Overall, I want to know more, I want to know what happens next. Starting book 2!
April 5, 2024
Received an advanced copy through NetGalley though all thoughts are my own.
I was really interested in this sci fi romance with travel between realms but i was really confused most of the time. I wasn't engaging with the main FMC Ereta as much as i wanted and overall the romance was a bit flat for me. I'm bummed cuz i really wanted to absolutely love this. But it was just okay for me.
I was really interested in this sci fi romance with travel between realms but i was really confused most of the time. I wasn't engaging with the main FMC Ereta as much as i wanted and overall the romance was a bit flat for me. I'm bummed cuz i really wanted to absolutely love this. But it was just okay for me.
April 9, 2024
This was a great start to the series, it had everything that I was looking for from the description. It had a strong conxept and enjoyed how well everything flowed. The characters were everything that I wanted and glad I read this. It uses the world-buikding perfectly and was a strong start to the Forgotten Heirs series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2025
I really liked it. Excellent character development and great sci fi adventure. And I learned a few new vocabulary words while reading. The layout is really nice too, larger font easy to read. I don't read the genre too much but truly enjoyed this. Heading into book 2 next week!!
January 7, 2025
The best dystopian novel I have read in a long time. It is a completely fresh take on the genre and I love the mental health and lgbtq representation. So good.
March 22, 2024
Sci-fi with some romance, set in a different world where water is more precious than anything else around. It had a bit of a slow start, although after finishing it I am curious what happens next. My main qualm is in the description there is something about finding your soul mate and so it made the rest of the relationships flat. The main villain is also not really believable.
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November 12, 2024Just because I've lost all objectivity about this book doesn't mean I can't love it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews