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Forsaken Legacies #1
The Legacies of Traitors
Some stories are meant to be written in prose. Hers will be written in blood.
In the wilds of Old Virginia, the shadows whisper of rebellion. The air may be heavy with discontent, but Maia Avalos only feels the burn of whiskey as she grieves her mother over another glass. One night, a rebel approaches her to finish the fight her father started against Portico—the tyrannical law-and-order of the land. Determined to prove she's worthy to carve her mark on the world and avenge her parents' deaths, Maia takes his offer, making her Portico's new target.
Now part of the lawless world of the rebels, Maia recruits a bruised-up gambler, a vengeful brothel madame, and an ex-bounty hunter, placing her life in their deceitful hands. When Maia and her team are the sole survivors of a heist meant to tip the scales in the rebellion's favor, she realizes the only way to destroy Portico is from within. Once inside, she's pulled into a dangerous game of manipulation, making her question if she's fighting on the right side of history.
THE LEGACIES OF TRAITORS is a gritty new adult dystopian that journeys into a nature-reborn post-apocalyptic world on the brink of revolution, with a morally gray ensemble cast and twists that will make you question who you can trust.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2024
56 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Leyva
5 books31 followersC.M. LEYVA is a speculative fiction author and registered nurse who enjoys writing character-driven fiction about messy, anti-heroes. Her passion for science and medicine is often seen in her stories while exploring the what-if’s around them.
When she’s not working on her next manuscript or short story, you can find her attempting home improvement projects, losing herself in a good book, or enjoying a nice glass of wine while working on a puzzle.
When she’s not working on her next manuscript or short story, you can find her attempting home improvement projects, losing herself in a good book, or enjoying a nice glass of wine while working on a puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 1, 2024
The Legacies of Traitors is a dark, gritty, and atmospheric dystopian story that feels a bit like riding a wild train with no brakes. Its impact is unapologetic even as we first meet our main FMC, Maia, who gets thrust into a world of rebellion that was once led by her father.
From there, the plot begins to take shape as she enters their world and begins to discover that the corruption in Portico is deeper than she could possibly know. Maia begins to establish her place among the rebels and also finds herself being teamed up with 3 other misfits who have their own carefully selected roles to play. And it’s there, in the midst of the flames, that she struggles to commit herself to the cause - afraid to cross the line to where there’s no coming back. But when a heist goes terribly wrong, Maia and those closest to her find themselves at a crossroad and decide to take the more dangerous path.
And y’all, WHAT A RIDE IT IS!! The plot twists be twisting, you don’t even know who to trust, and the underlying themes really tug at the heart strings. Maia teeters that fine line of good vs evil and essentially becomes the villain in her own story. But she doesn’t endure it alone. The found family vibes are immaculate, the slow burn brings that added tension, and every single character brings a truly unique voice to the story and I love that!
A wonderfully gripping debut and I CANNOT WAIT for book 2!!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 1/5
⟡ + 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: dark dystopian, fast paced, female rage, mild spice, Latina rep, forbidden love, possible love triangle?! (please, I beg), trauma rep, banter, Six of Crows vibes
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: torture, violence, murder, + more. Please be mindful
From there, the plot begins to take shape as she enters their world and begins to discover that the corruption in Portico is deeper than she could possibly know. Maia begins to establish her place among the rebels and also finds herself being teamed up with 3 other misfits who have their own carefully selected roles to play. And it’s there, in the midst of the flames, that she struggles to commit herself to the cause - afraid to cross the line to where there’s no coming back. But when a heist goes terribly wrong, Maia and those closest to her find themselves at a crossroad and decide to take the more dangerous path.
And y’all, WHAT A RIDE IT IS!! The plot twists be twisting, you don’t even know who to trust, and the underlying themes really tug at the heart strings. Maia teeters that fine line of good vs evil and essentially becomes the villain in her own story. But she doesn’t endure it alone. The found family vibes are immaculate, the slow burn brings that added tension, and every single character brings a truly unique voice to the story and I love that!
A wonderfully gripping debut and I CANNOT WAIT for book 2!!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 1/5
⟡ + 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: dark dystopian, fast paced, female rage, mild spice, Latina rep, forbidden love, possible love triangle?! (please, I beg), trauma rep, banter, Six of Crows vibes
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: torture, violence, murder, + more. Please be mindful
August 17, 2024
ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to C.M. Leyva.
The Legacies of Traitors is the first book in the series called Forsaken Legacies. I loved this book and it is amazing. The characters and the worldbuilding, wow.
It is a dystopian novel and we are 200 years into the future. Maia has recently lost her apprenticeship and her house. She is recruited by a rebellion, which her father started. She joins to stop the tyrannical and political regime known as Portico. But are they all fighting for the same thing?
The whole heist and working from the inside had Ocean's Eleven vibes. The growth of Maia's character and her learning her place in the world was so beautifully written.
The side characters aren't just there to be wallflowers. They bring the story to the next level. Briar and Sky were my favorites. I hope to see more of them in the series. Especially Sky as I felt there was more to him. I loved how they found family in their little unit and the love triangle was exquisite. It felt impossible to choose and I'm still not sure Maia chose right.
The twist and turns were done so well I didn't know how to suspect or trust. I loved how they were all morally gray, life isn't black and white.
This felt like reading a movie, like I could see it for myself. I can't wait for the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to C.M. Leyva.
The Legacies of Traitors is the first book in the series called Forsaken Legacies. I loved this book and it is amazing. The characters and the worldbuilding, wow.
It is a dystopian novel and we are 200 years into the future. Maia has recently lost her apprenticeship and her house. She is recruited by a rebellion, which her father started. She joins to stop the tyrannical and political regime known as Portico. But are they all fighting for the same thing?
The whole heist and working from the inside had Ocean's Eleven vibes. The growth of Maia's character and her learning her place in the world was so beautifully written.
The side characters aren't just there to be wallflowers. They bring the story to the next level. Briar and Sky were my favorites. I hope to see more of them in the series. Especially Sky as I felt there was more to him. I loved how they found family in their little unit and the love triangle was exquisite. It felt impossible to choose and I'm still not sure Maia chose right.
The twist and turns were done so well I didn't know how to suspect or trust. I loved how they were all morally gray, life isn't black and white.
This felt like reading a movie, like I could see it for myself. I can't wait for the next book.
June 2, 2024
Received an ARC copy of this book which I don’t remember signing up for but I’m not one to turn away a book.
This book was a dystopian novel based about 200 years on the future after nuclear war had pushed everyone to live in bunkers. Now everyone is above ground again under a hard political regime know as Portico. Maia is the daughter of a deceased rebellion leader who has recently lost her apprenticeship and her house. She joins the rebellion to fight for the greater good and recruits to her own team. This team is made up of people with unique skills all contributing to become formidable. Due to this, and possibly some luck, Maia and her team survive a high risk mission where many others don’t. To keep the rebellion going, the team decides to infiltrate Portico from the inside - sabotage!
However soon things twist on their head and it becomes unclear who is fighting for the greater good and who is fighting for power.
Maia becomes a symbol of hope and is tested in her strengths and finding out what she is capable of.
The characters in the team are diverse and loveable - Sky and Micah’s dynamics were my favourite. Briar is a lovable bear and Senna is the girl you want on your team.
Along the way there is a romance - nothing hardcore 🌶️ but enough to keep James Bond happy. Which is appropriate because this book is for fighting and inspiring hope for change in the world away from oppression and living in fear.
“In a world divided we rise as one!”
If you liked Red Queen, Red Rising, potentially even Hinger Games, you will enjoy this book.
This book was a dystopian novel based about 200 years on the future after nuclear war had pushed everyone to live in bunkers. Now everyone is above ground again under a hard political regime know as Portico. Maia is the daughter of a deceased rebellion leader who has recently lost her apprenticeship and her house. She joins the rebellion to fight for the greater good and recruits to her own team. This team is made up of people with unique skills all contributing to become formidable. Due to this, and possibly some luck, Maia and her team survive a high risk mission where many others don’t. To keep the rebellion going, the team decides to infiltrate Portico from the inside - sabotage!
However soon things twist on their head and it becomes unclear who is fighting for the greater good and who is fighting for power.
Maia becomes a symbol of hope and is tested in her strengths and finding out what she is capable of.
The characters in the team are diverse and loveable - Sky and Micah’s dynamics were my favourite. Briar is a lovable bear and Senna is the girl you want on your team.
Along the way there is a romance - nothing hardcore 🌶️ but enough to keep James Bond happy. Which is appropriate because this book is for fighting and inspiring hope for change in the world away from oppression and living in fear.
“In a world divided we rise as one!”
If you liked Red Queen, Red Rising, potentially even Hinger Games, you will enjoy this book.
June 3, 2024
The Legacies of Traitors is the first book in the Forsaken Legacies Series & wow, what a book to start a series!
Upon starting, you meet Maia, who is reeling from the loss of her mom and her apprenticeship. She's having a hard time figuring out who she is and what she's meant to do with her life.
After being recruited into the rebellion by someone who knew her father, she is thrust into a war filled with pain, longing, betrayal, and sacrifice.
In this story, you won't know who to trust as every corner you turn will bring new challenges and new questions to the forefront of your brain.
Can Maia rise to the challenge of continuing her dad's legacy, or will she crumble beneath the weight of everyone's expectations? How can she begin to trust the people around her if she can't trust the voice in her mind?
If you love:
🌹 nature reborn worlds
🌹 plot twists that will break your neck
🌹 loyalty beyond death
🌹 found family
🌹 bad ass character arcs
🌹 with a sprinkle of romance
then make sure you read The Legacies of Traitors! Preorders are live, and the book will be coming out 8/31!
I was graciously gifted a copy to read before it releases & I can't thank Christine enough for introducing me to this world.
Upon starting, you meet Maia, who is reeling from the loss of her mom and her apprenticeship. She's having a hard time figuring out who she is and what she's meant to do with her life.
After being recruited into the rebellion by someone who knew her father, she is thrust into a war filled with pain, longing, betrayal, and sacrifice.
In this story, you won't know who to trust as every corner you turn will bring new challenges and new questions to the forefront of your brain.
Can Maia rise to the challenge of continuing her dad's legacy, or will she crumble beneath the weight of everyone's expectations? How can she begin to trust the people around her if she can't trust the voice in her mind?
If you love:
🌹 nature reborn worlds
🌹 plot twists that will break your neck
🌹 loyalty beyond death
🌹 found family
🌹 bad ass character arcs
🌹 with a sprinkle of romance
then make sure you read The Legacies of Traitors! Preorders are live, and the book will be coming out 8/31!
I was graciously gifted a copy to read before it releases & I can't thank Christine enough for introducing me to this world.
August 29, 2024
"Welcome to the rebellion."
The Legacies of Traitors, Book 1 in the Forsaken Legacies series by C. M. Leyva, was such a wild ride! The story is deep and raw, exciting and enthralling, filled with action, crazy plot twists and turns, pain, love, and betrayal; it truly has it all.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it tells the story of people fighting for their peace and happiness, the story of power play and corruption, and difficult choices. In a morally grey world, where do we draw the line? And can our innate goodness be lost for good?
Even though the story is set centuries from now, after a nuclear catastrophe, it seems that the human race hasn't learned anything—corruption and power play are still rampant. That is the world Maia lives in. As she is tossed deep into the belly of the rebellion against the ruling Portico, she learns that nothing is as it seems—secrets and betrayals run wild, and personal gain always seems to win. In the midst of it all, she struggles with her own choices, actions and consequences. Will anything good come out of it all?
I loved Maia's character; she is real and raw. Her found family brings so much to the plot; everybody is morally grey, struggling in their own way, yet still stronger together.
Romance is the subplot here, but it is executed beautifully. I wasn't sure at first who Maia's love interest would be, and I think the choice was right for her.
The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but with a promise of so much more to come. I enjoyed being an ARC reader and am so excited to see the aftermath of everything that has happened so far.
The Legacies of Traitors offers you
- a dystopian NA dark fantasy
- corruption, powerplay, political intrigue
- thirst for revenge
- morally grey characters
- fighting for a better world
- rage, pain, betrayal
- plot twists and turns
- slow-burn romance as a subplot
and a story of a rebellion and the need to be and do better.
The Legacies of Traitors, Book 1 in the Forsaken Legacies series by C. M. Leyva, was such a wild ride! The story is deep and raw, exciting and enthralling, filled with action, crazy plot twists and turns, pain, love, and betrayal; it truly has it all.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it tells the story of people fighting for their peace and happiness, the story of power play and corruption, and difficult choices. In a morally grey world, where do we draw the line? And can our innate goodness be lost for good?
Even though the story is set centuries from now, after a nuclear catastrophe, it seems that the human race hasn't learned anything—corruption and power play are still rampant. That is the world Maia lives in. As she is tossed deep into the belly of the rebellion against the ruling Portico, she learns that nothing is as it seems—secrets and betrayals run wild, and personal gain always seems to win. In the midst of it all, she struggles with her own choices, actions and consequences. Will anything good come out of it all?
I loved Maia's character; she is real and raw. Her found family brings so much to the plot; everybody is morally grey, struggling in their own way, yet still stronger together.
Romance is the subplot here, but it is executed beautifully. I wasn't sure at first who Maia's love interest would be, and I think the choice was right for her.
The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but with a promise of so much more to come. I enjoyed being an ARC reader and am so excited to see the aftermath of everything that has happened so far.
The Legacies of Traitors offers you
- a dystopian NA dark fantasy
- corruption, powerplay, political intrigue
- thirst for revenge
- morally grey characters
- fighting for a better world
- rage, pain, betrayal
- plot twists and turns
- slow-burn romance as a subplot
and a story of a rebellion and the need to be and do better.
June 12, 2024
Absolutely LOVED this book!! It was SO good!! Every single character is brought to life in all their little quirks and things they get brought on the team for.
The heist, the world building and the absolute war/battle the main character has within herself to do the right thing, be on the right side only to find out it might only come down to what she’s able to live with.
Secrets, twists and a forbidden love all wrapped up in this amazing story, don’t miss it! Can’t wait for book two!
The heist, the world building and the absolute war/battle the main character has within herself to do the right thing, be on the right side only to find out it might only come down to what she’s able to live with.
Secrets, twists and a forbidden love all wrapped up in this amazing story, don’t miss it! Can’t wait for book two!
August 26, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
200ish years in the future (post nuclear holocaust) there is a power struggle amongst the tyrannical political group Portico and the group of rebels founded by our FMC's father.
Maia has definitely got a chip on her shoulder and she's eager to prove herself after she's recruited by the rebellion. I loved everything about her, she takes no shit and she stands up for what she believes in.
This book was very easy to read, I found myself whipping through it eager to find out what happens next. There are a few twists, turns, and double crosses that keep you guessing. There were a few instances where I truly didn't know whose side I was on.
There were quite a few likeable and interesting side characters as well (I LOVED Briar)
If you like heists, found family, a little bit of romance and a lot of espionage then you would love this book!
200ish years in the future (post nuclear holocaust) there is a power struggle amongst the tyrannical political group Portico and the group of rebels founded by our FMC's father.
Maia has definitely got a chip on her shoulder and she's eager to prove herself after she's recruited by the rebellion. I loved everything about her, she takes no shit and she stands up for what she believes in.
This book was very easy to read, I found myself whipping through it eager to find out what happens next. There are a few twists, turns, and double crosses that keep you guessing. There were a few instances where I truly didn't know whose side I was on.
There were quite a few likeable and interesting side characters as well (I LOVED Briar)
If you like heists, found family, a little bit of romance and a lot of espionage then you would love this book!
November 20, 2024
4.5 stars. Wow I loved it! A dystopian masterpiece full of non stop action & interesting/ complicated characters. Can’t wait see where this series goes.
December 13, 2024
"I'm looking for someone with your talents. Someone who can look at a situation, assess it, and find a solution. That's what healers do, right?"
Maia is the protagonist in The Legacies of Traitors, and while she is trained as a healer when our story begins, she's also so much more than that. We begin to learn just how colored and complicated her past is, as well as the pasts of the friends and enemies she makes along the way, and how they all intersect. Learning about her and the difficult decisions she's made both in the context of the rebel organization and Portico were truly the driving forces of the story, and each new thing I learned kept me on the edge of my seat.
If you're a native of the east coast of the United States and you've walked the old historic districts of Virginia, the Carolinas, or even any of the New England States, this is going to feel warmly nostalgic and like a homecoming to a previous time but that takes place in the future.
There's been some kind of cataclysmic event that's turned the world into a dark, dystopian, post-apocalyptic place with a deadly disease called the red lung sitting at the center of a growing war and conflict.
There's found family, forced proxmity, and political intrigue that kept me turning the pages. Maia's past is interesting and complex and I found her to be such a compelling character. I think my favorite part was the setting and the ever-present themes of espionage and betrayal, feeling like the Boston Tea Party was just days away at all times.
Five out of five stars for me. I love Leyva's prose and can't wait for Book 2!
Maia is the protagonist in The Legacies of Traitors, and while she is trained as a healer when our story begins, she's also so much more than that. We begin to learn just how colored and complicated her past is, as well as the pasts of the friends and enemies she makes along the way, and how they all intersect. Learning about her and the difficult decisions she's made both in the context of the rebel organization and Portico were truly the driving forces of the story, and each new thing I learned kept me on the edge of my seat.
If you're a native of the east coast of the United States and you've walked the old historic districts of Virginia, the Carolinas, or even any of the New England States, this is going to feel warmly nostalgic and like a homecoming to a previous time but that takes place in the future.
There's been some kind of cataclysmic event that's turned the world into a dark, dystopian, post-apocalyptic place with a deadly disease called the red lung sitting at the center of a growing war and conflict.
There's found family, forced proxmity, and political intrigue that kept me turning the pages. Maia's past is interesting and complex and I found her to be such a compelling character. I think my favorite part was the setting and the ever-present themes of espionage and betrayal, feeling like the Boston Tea Party was just days away at all times.
Five out of five stars for me. I love Leyva's prose and can't wait for Book 2!
June 28, 2024
This book was a bit of a slow start for me. There were a lot of characters introduced all at once and I had a hard time keeping them straight— which almost never happens to me. I also never got a good sense of how old everyone was, which left me feeling disorientated when the romance started.
However, once I settled in to the who’s who, I was hooked. Most of these characters are morally gray (and I mean actually morally gray, not a hero pretending to be evil), so if that’s not your cup of tea, this book won’t be for you. Personally, I loved it.
There’s quite a bit of character development in this book. Maia starts off as a grieving girl who sees the world in black and white and we slowly get to witness her descent into ‘villain’ territory. One of my favorite aspects of this book is that I was continually questioning who was in the wrong.
I also LOVED the relationship that developed between Maia and Briar. Briar reminds me a lot of Todd from the Chaos Walking series (which is one of my all time favorite trilogies). Briar is the big brother Maia needed to take care of her, and Maia is the little sister he needed to motivate him to do better 🥹
And THEN we get to meet our love interest and things take off even more. If you are a fan of dystopian books and love questionable characters and the twist of betrayals I can’t recommend this book enough. The Legacies of Traitors is book 1 in the Forsaken Legacies series and will be released on August 31st! (Also I’ve seen a sneak peek of the hardcovers and they are STUNNING so you should definitely go preorder 👀)
4⭐️
2🌶️
August 31, 2024
Dystopian fiction has been a long-time favorite genre of mine, but it's been a while since I read a truly great dystopian book that was pure dystopian--and The Legacies of Traitors blew me away. Not only did Maia's voice come through clearly from the first page, but the plot was excellent, and the side characters were so well developed that I could imagine myself sitting amongst them. Maia's character arc was beautiful, the romance was wonderful, and I adored how Leyva sprinkled in her Latina heritage throughout her book. I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a new voice in dystopian fiction!
July 9, 2024
You can tell when a debut novel has been worked, culled, edited, refined, reworked, and refined again. This one has been through that process! The writing was just good. Period.
The post apocalyptic story is captivating and a little unnerving at how realistic it is? Like you could see the political and societal upheaval happening which makes it so interesting to put yourself in that headspace. I loved the thread of true rebellion and that there will always be people who fight simply for what is Right.
I loved Aster and Sky. Their different versions of love and their capacity for it was done so well. Ultimately I loved who Maia chose but I can’t help but hope for a redemption arc in the next book. I’m a sucker for those.
The found family in this book is everything. Oh man, I loved their little unit so much. Senna was so strong in her femininity, Briar was the best big brother figure in the world, and others but I don’t want to spoil anything!
The twists in this book were done so well. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust or believe. The stakes felt so high and I could 100% see this being turned into a movie. I don’t feel like I read a book, I feel like I watched and lived it all!
Last thing, I need to touch on is Maia. Her journey of embracing who she really is was emotional and torturing in the best way. You really suffered right a long with her. If there’s one thing I wish for her, it’s that in the next book she realizes she’s not darkness but a good person who does what needs to be done for what’s right. I hope she finds peace and forgiveness. I feel like if that comes in the next book, I’ll be ok with how much she self-loathed and guilted herself in this book. If not, that will be my one critique of this book.
Thank you so much to Christina for the arc of this book and for letting me be a part of the rebellion! This was a treat and I’m so glad I got to indulge in it.
The post apocalyptic story is captivating and a little unnerving at how realistic it is? Like you could see the political and societal upheaval happening which makes it so interesting to put yourself in that headspace. I loved the thread of true rebellion and that there will always be people who fight simply for what is Right.
I loved Aster and Sky. Their different versions of love and their capacity for it was done so well. Ultimately I loved who Maia chose but I can’t help but hope for a redemption arc in the next book. I’m a sucker for those.
The found family in this book is everything. Oh man, I loved their little unit so much. Senna was so strong in her femininity, Briar was the best big brother figure in the world, and others but I don’t want to spoil anything!
The twists in this book were done so well. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust or believe. The stakes felt so high and I could 100% see this being turned into a movie. I don’t feel like I read a book, I feel like I watched and lived it all!
Last thing, I need to touch on is Maia. Her journey of embracing who she really is was emotional and torturing in the best way. You really suffered right a long with her. If there’s one thing I wish for her, it’s that in the next book she realizes she’s not darkness but a good person who does what needs to be done for what’s right. I hope she finds peace and forgiveness. I feel like if that comes in the next book, I’ll be ok with how much she self-loathed and guilted herself in this book. If not, that will be my one critique of this book.
Thank you so much to Christina for the arc of this book and for letting me be a part of the rebellion! This was a treat and I’m so glad I got to indulge in it.
June 11, 2024
The pace is on point! It is easy to immerse yourself in this story from the beginning and not be able to stop.
The characters are easily relatable and distinguished.
The character growth and development of the relationships are fantastic. Even the closed door romances were genuine and written so eloquently. Just the right amount of sentiment and emotions brought forth where you swooned and agreed what they said to one another and you weren’t left with wanting more.
I love the journal entries from past diplomats that are placed at the beginning of each chapter. I love how they relate to what is developing in the chapter and become more deep and dark as the story progresses. They also set the mood of each chapter!
The story is just full of action and deceit and keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out what side everyone is on. Things are constantly shifting. I am not surprised that I did not see that ending.
Book 2 is going to be awesome! I just know it. I have So many theories going forward, and I see us learning more about the different regions and maybe more characters.
This gave me The 100 CW show vibes but before the sky people get there. So the grounder clans against one another 🤩
Loved this scene from the first chapter -
“The truth is reality, not the propaganda that surrounds you. I’ll give you time to figure that out.”
Standing from the table he hesitated, eyes suddenly distant.
“Your mother once told me not to let fear guide my decisions. I’ve lived by those words, and wish I could have told her that.”
He tapped the table with the brim of his hat, bringing himself back. “Goodnight, Maia.”
The characters are easily relatable and distinguished.
The character growth and development of the relationships are fantastic. Even the closed door romances were genuine and written so eloquently. Just the right amount of sentiment and emotions brought forth where you swooned and agreed what they said to one another and you weren’t left with wanting more.
I love the journal entries from past diplomats that are placed at the beginning of each chapter. I love how they relate to what is developing in the chapter and become more deep and dark as the story progresses. They also set the mood of each chapter!
The story is just full of action and deceit and keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out what side everyone is on. Things are constantly shifting. I am not surprised that I did not see that ending.
Book 2 is going to be awesome! I just know it. I have So many theories going forward, and I see us learning more about the different regions and maybe more characters.
This gave me The 100 CW show vibes but before the sky people get there. So the grounder clans against one another 🤩
Loved this scene from the first chapter -
“The truth is reality, not the propaganda that surrounds you. I’ll give you time to figure that out.”
Standing from the table he hesitated, eyes suddenly distant.
“Your mother once told me not to let fear guide my decisions. I’ve lived by those words, and wish I could have told her that.”
He tapped the table with the brim of his hat, bringing himself back. “Goodnight, Maia.”
June 29, 2024
An amazing and unique dystopian world with lyrical and beautiful writing. It takes you on a journey as you follow Maia struggling to find her purpose life. She joins a group of rebels who you can't help but love as they risk their lives to save each other and have such fun and distinctive personalities.
The character arc was done really well as we see the character trying to figure out who she is, trying to create a better life for her and her sister and mostly trying not to lose her moral compass which was constantly tested. The plot is excellent as the rebels plans are constantly stopped making for cool plot twist and interesting plot lines.
The character arc was done really well as we see the character trying to figure out who she is, trying to create a better life for her and her sister and mostly trying not to lose her moral compass which was constantly tested. The plot is excellent as the rebels plans are constantly stopped making for cool plot twist and interesting plot lines.
July 25, 2024
Wow
If you want a story with morally grey characters, this one is for you! Each of the main / supporting main characters had such conflicting states of being that left me questioning at times. It was incredible how vivid I could picture everything with its details. It felt like I was watching a movie! The storyline was unique, which was my only concern going into a dystopian novel about rebellions - I couldn’t guess anything that was going to happen next! Incredibly written. I’m so happy I got to read this?
If you loved red queen, hunger games, or divergent, you’ll love this book! I know I did!
June 13, 2024
This book is like the love child of Rogue One and The Hunger Games - political factions where good and evil are not black and white, with a team of ordinary people trapped in the middle, desperately trying to define their idea of "good"
I absolutely adored this arc, it was so nuanced and isn't your typical tale of good vs evil, rebels vs tyrants.
Maia's development was so heartbreaking to read and gave me major Katniss vibes, which I loved. Her love triangle was amazing, and following her thought process during it was just *chef's kiss*
I absolutely adored this arc, it was so nuanced and isn't your typical tale of good vs evil, rebels vs tyrants.
Maia's development was so heartbreaking to read and gave me major Katniss vibes, which I loved. Her love triangle was amazing, and following her thought process during it was just *chef's kiss*
June 18, 2024
Props to Leyva for writing a dystopian setting that truly felt dystopian.
Everything we have NOW is gone after a massive war scoured the world and forced everyone underground. Technology has had to start at ground zero - EVERYTHING has had to start at ground zero.
Maia has, perhaps, some of the best character growth I've seen in a book in a LONG time. Rowan, Briar, and the rest, the relationships she forges with them help her step into her true self and understand her purpose.
And the slow burn...
Everything we have NOW is gone after a massive war scoured the world and forced everyone underground. Technology has had to start at ground zero - EVERYTHING has had to start at ground zero.
Maia has, perhaps, some of the best character growth I've seen in a book in a LONG time. Rowan, Briar, and the rest, the relationships she forges with them help her step into her true self and understand her purpose.
And the slow burn...
June 7, 2024
4.5/5
First and foremost a huge thank you to C. M. Leyva for providing me with an arc for this book!
It’s her debut dystopian book and I ate it up start to finish!
Maia is an amazing complex character that finds herself joining a rebellion..(and yes, there’s a hot dude coming your way….wait and see👀👀)
The rebels, Sky, Briar and Senna were delightful and I LOVED THEM🫠❤️
The dynamic between the characters, chefs kiss.
The ending? Totally didn’t expect all of the things that have happened and, MISS LEYVA, A WARNING WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE…
I loved the plot, very fast paced, the characters and world I found myself in and our FMC Maia; she’s soft and yet fierce!
And about that dude….🤫
Wait and see, just you wait…
One quote is all you’ll get;
"My feelings for you were never something you needed to earn, Maia."
His eyes traveled to her lips, and he lifted her chin. "They're yours, if you want them."
🫣🫣🫣🫣
Cannot wait for book 2!
First and foremost a huge thank you to C. M. Leyva for providing me with an arc for this book!
It’s her debut dystopian book and I ate it up start to finish!
Maia is an amazing complex character that finds herself joining a rebellion..(and yes, there’s a hot dude coming your way….wait and see👀👀)
The rebels, Sky, Briar and Senna were delightful and I LOVED THEM🫠❤️
The dynamic between the characters, chefs kiss.
The ending? Totally didn’t expect all of the things that have happened and, MISS LEYVA, A WARNING WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE…
I loved the plot, very fast paced, the characters and world I found myself in and our FMC Maia; she’s soft and yet fierce!
And about that dude….🤫
Wait and see, just you wait…
One quote is all you’ll get;
"My feelings for you were never something you needed to earn, Maia."
His eyes traveled to her lips, and he lifted her chin. "They're yours, if you want them."
🫣🫣🫣🫣
Cannot wait for book 2!
August 11, 2024
“Good and evil are just a perception of circumstance…”
Wow, oh wow, was this book a wild ride! Like the best kind of rollercoaster that builds and builds and right when you think you’re going to go over the drop, you get an exciting turn you didn’t expect.
The characters? Loveable. The plot? Entertaining af. My eyes? Crying. Me? Ready for book two.
This is one you won’t want to miss and you won’t regret reading. The pacing of the book keeps you interested but it’s not too fast that you wonder “what the hell just happened”.
Wow, oh wow, was this book a wild ride! Like the best kind of rollercoaster that builds and builds and right when you think you’re going to go over the drop, you get an exciting turn you didn’t expect.
The characters? Loveable. The plot? Entertaining af. My eyes? Crying. Me? Ready for book two.
This is one you won’t want to miss and you won’t regret reading. The pacing of the book keeps you interested but it’s not too fast that you wonder “what the hell just happened”.
June 28, 2024
Welcome to the rebellion!
This book was a phenomenal story of hope. The twist and turns throughout the book could keep your rebel spirit up late into the morning reading. Maia’s journey throughout this book reminds you that even through loss and weakness, one can rise and become a stronger version of themselves.
This book was a phenomenal story of hope. The twist and turns throughout the book could keep your rebel spirit up late into the morning reading. Maia’s journey throughout this book reminds you that even through loss and weakness, one can rise and become a stronger version of themselves.
August 31, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book. I can't believe it's C. M. Leyva's debut novel!! There's beautiful world-building, a gripping heist, and characters that will stay with you for a longgggg time. Not to mention secrets, twists and a forbidden love story that you will root for.
This book was a wild ride, and I already can't wait for book 2!!
This book was a wild ride, and I already can't wait for book 2!!
June 22, 2024
SPOILER FREE!
I received this book as an ARC, but these are my thoughts and honest review of the book.
I have always been intrigued with dystopian societies (books or not), so this was a must for me to apply to. I honestly was shocked on how absolutely incredible the book was. The world building? Perfect. Characters? Beautifully described. Overall Plot? 11/10. If you like romantasy, it's this - but in a dystopian setting. A wonderful blossoming slow-ish burn romance "hidden" within the story that you didn't even think you needed until it happened.
There are secrets, betrayal, a beautifully formed found family, and lots of action. I truly believe this story, setting, and characters have the ability to be a TV show or movie, but I may be biased because of my love for dystopian societies.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes. I am only sad to be an ARC reader because I have to wait even LONGER for the next book.
I received this book as an ARC, but these are my thoughts and honest review of the book.
I have always been intrigued with dystopian societies (books or not), so this was a must for me to apply to. I honestly was shocked on how absolutely incredible the book was. The world building? Perfect. Characters? Beautifully described. Overall Plot? 11/10. If you like romantasy, it's this - but in a dystopian setting. A wonderful blossoming slow-ish burn romance "hidden" within the story that you didn't even think you needed until it happened.
There are secrets, betrayal, a beautifully formed found family, and lots of action. I truly believe this story, setting, and characters have the ability to be a TV show or movie, but I may be biased because of my love for dystopian societies.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes. I am only sad to be an ARC reader because I have to wait even LONGER for the next book.
December 25, 2024
100% recommend this beauty!! Christine is such an amazing writer and am already thinking of going for a reread!
August 1, 2024
~ Rebellion
~ Post-apocalyptic world
~ Forbidden love ~ Badass FMC
~ Latin rep ~ Found family
~ Mild (to no) spice
This book has left me absolutely speechless, I was so lucky to be chosen as an ARC reviewer for this fast-paced fantasy novel! This book had all the right flavors romance, betrayal, found family, dystopian universe, and you will never know what happens next. The characters were a huge part of this story for me watching Maia grow and find her strength was so inspiring. I also loved her relationships with Hannah, Aster, Briar, Sienna, and even Sky. There is no part of me that is not recommending this book but you may or may not need some therapy around the 80% mark (I'm just saying!). Thank you so much @cmleyvaauthor for sending me an E-ARC, I am so excited to meet you at one of your signings!
~ Post-apocalyptic world
~ Forbidden love ~ Badass FMC
~ Latin rep ~ Found family
~ Mild (to no) spice
This book has left me absolutely speechless, I was so lucky to be chosen as an ARC reviewer for this fast-paced fantasy novel! This book had all the right flavors romance, betrayal, found family, dystopian universe, and you will never know what happens next. The characters were a huge part of this story for me watching Maia grow and find her strength was so inspiring. I also loved her relationships with Hannah, Aster, Briar, Sienna, and even Sky. There is no part of me that is not recommending this book but you may or may not need some therapy around the 80% mark (I'm just saying!). Thank you so much @cmleyvaauthor for sending me an E-ARC, I am so excited to meet you at one of your signings!
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Sometimes dystopian fiction can be hit or miss for me, and this book is definitely a hit!
I loved how the author created the world. This can take some time and I definitely felt like at the beginning the pace was a little slow, but that's too be expected. As soon as the Maia is trust into the rebellion, the pace picks up and all the information from the world building comes together. I really appreciated how the author approached this development. She didn't rush it and didn't leave out anything. It helps the book to develop further on in the story.
The characters. Maia, the FMC, is going through it ya'll. She has a journey to figure out herself, her family, and who she can trust. I can appreciate the up and downs of her story and the growth that her character goes through. Briar is a really great addition to Maia's story. They're really there to support one another as they both go through traumas. I think their development would suffer without the other. Asher, the love interest, is super interesting and he adds a different perspective to the story from his upbringing. He adds the extra to the story along with a whole cast of really strong supporting characters.
The secrets and lies that are woven through the story is so well done. I think the reader is always guessing what is true and what is not, and it adds to the mystery of what legacy Maia will chose to live up to. Or will it be her own?
Such a great debut novel that you are sure to enjoy!
I loved how the author created the world. This can take some time and I definitely felt like at the beginning the pace was a little slow, but that's too be expected. As soon as the Maia is trust into the rebellion, the pace picks up and all the information from the world building comes together. I really appreciated how the author approached this development. She didn't rush it and didn't leave out anything. It helps the book to develop further on in the story.
The characters. Maia, the FMC, is going through it ya'll. She has a journey to figure out herself, her family, and who she can trust. I can appreciate the up and downs of her story and the growth that her character goes through. Briar is a really great addition to Maia's story. They're really there to support one another as they both go through traumas. I think their development would suffer without the other. Asher, the love interest, is super interesting and he adds a different perspective to the story from his upbringing. He adds the extra to the story along with a whole cast of really strong supporting characters.
The secrets and lies that are woven through the story is so well done. I think the reader is always guessing what is true and what is not, and it adds to the mystery of what legacy Maia will chose to live up to. Or will it be her own?
Such a great debut novel that you are sure to enjoy!
August 30, 2025
loved!
captivating and gritty dystopian story. The concept of a deadly disease bringing an end to civilization was both chilling and fascinating. Leyva creates a world that feels so vivid and raw, making it impossible to put the book down. The rebellion storyline, packed with tension and stakes, hit all the right notes for me—emotional, complex, and action-packed.
One of my favorite parts of reading this was recognizing the places woven into the story. Being from the same area as where this is set made it feel so personal, like I could see the transformation of familiar spaces into this dystopian landscape. It added a whole extra layer of immersion for me.
The characters were well-developed, with relatable struggles and tough decisions that kept me invested. Leyva strikes a great balance between action and heart, never losing sight of the humanity behind the chaos.
This is a solid 4-star read—well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking. If you love dystopian worlds with rebellion, disease, and characters fighting for survival, this is a book worth picking up. I’m excited to see what Leyva writes next!
****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own.
captivating and gritty dystopian story. The concept of a deadly disease bringing an end to civilization was both chilling and fascinating. Leyva creates a world that feels so vivid and raw, making it impossible to put the book down. The rebellion storyline, packed with tension and stakes, hit all the right notes for me—emotional, complex, and action-packed.
One of my favorite parts of reading this was recognizing the places woven into the story. Being from the same area as where this is set made it feel so personal, like I could see the transformation of familiar spaces into this dystopian landscape. It added a whole extra layer of immersion for me.
The characters were well-developed, with relatable struggles and tough decisions that kept me invested. Leyva strikes a great balance between action and heart, never losing sight of the humanity behind the chaos.
This is a solid 4-star read—well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking. If you love dystopian worlds with rebellion, disease, and characters fighting for survival, this is a book worth picking up. I’m excited to see what Leyva writes next!
****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own.
November 23, 2024
Maia has just lost her apprenticeship and home when she’s approached by one of her father’s acquaintances to join the rebellion. Feeling as if she has nothing left to lose, she agrees and says farewell to her sister. But of course, not everything is always as it seems. As Maia builds her team she starts to wonder if she can truly trust the rebels that recruited her, and if what she is being told is true.
After a heist goes wrong, she comes to the conclusion that it would be easier to take Portico down from the inside and hatches a plan to do just that. With enemies surrounding her however, she will need to tread carefully and decide quickly who she can trust outside of her team.
I absolutely loved this book, and the found family aspect to it. The “side characters” were very much a big part of the story and helped move things along at certain times. I also like how fast paced the book was as it very much gave me movie vibes. It will certainly be interesting to see if Maia made the right decisions in the next book.
After a heist goes wrong, she comes to the conclusion that it would be easier to take Portico down from the inside and hatches a plan to do just that. With enemies surrounding her however, she will need to tread carefully and decide quickly who she can trust outside of her team.
I absolutely loved this book, and the found family aspect to it. The “side characters” were very much a big part of the story and helped move things along at certain times. I also like how fast paced the book was as it very much gave me movie vibes. It will certainly be interesting to see if Maia made the right decisions in the next book.
September 7, 2024
I thought this book was very well written. The author is a good writer. The descriptions of scenery really created a picture of what this world looked like.
There was alot of characters that were hard to keep track of. I felt like the introductions were lack luster which made it hard to remember who was who.
I didn’t really vibe with the main character. I felt like she had a lot of support from other characters, but I felt like they had no reason to support her. Almost like we skipped over the rapport building part of the relationship. A lot of plot lines left me wondering why it was included and/or felt disconnected.
There was alot of characters that were hard to keep track of. I felt like the introductions were lack luster which made it hard to remember who was who.
I didn’t really vibe with the main character. I felt like she had a lot of support from other characters, but I felt like they had no reason to support her. Almost like we skipped over the rapport building part of the relationship. A lot of plot lines left me wondering why it was included and/or felt disconnected.
June 5, 2024
This book brought me back into the dystopian genre, which I hadn't read in a while (I had my Hunger Games phase like all the teens back then!), and I couldn't have hoped for a better way to get reintroduced.
I really enjoy post-apocalyptic scenarios where a found family/group of outcasts is a major part of the narrative—it's one of the reasons why I love the Last of Us—and Legacies dedicates a good portion of the plot to craft each individual "misfit" within Maia's found family of rebels. It does so beautifully. The dynamic of their group is equally explored in such a delicate way, you can't help but love, and rage, and worry about each of them.
Now, OBVIOUSLY my favorite supporting character is Briar, just a big himbo with a tragic past and a heart of gold. His friendship with Maia is so full of tenderness, despite all the trauma they go through separately and together, that I can't help but tear up just thinking about it. I'm a sucker for friendships, especially in such a dire scenario, and their loyalty and dedication to each other was one of the best friendships I've ever read about.
I am also a major fan of Sky! I know he's, at best, questionable...but his character arc is so well constructed, to the point I could understand why he is the way he is, and while I might not always support his choices, I think he feels human and like he's balancing on a rope between redemption and the point of no return. That's probably why I loved his character. He could face the world with the same level of empathy that Maia and Aster do, but he doesn't. I love the contrast between him and Maia, in particular.
And speaking of Maia, my beloved, she's a female character on a corruption arc so, immediately, it's a chef's kiss kind of plot. I love seeing the girls making difficult choices and snapping—but I love even more that murder/violence is never depicted lightly throughout the book. It has consequences, and Maia is extremely human, which means even when she snaps, she doesn't turn into a stereotype with little to offer. You feel how heavy the consequences of her actions weigh on her. Once you get to the end of the book and then go back to the beginning just to take a peek at where she started, you get slapped in the face with how much she changes. I can't stress enough how much I love her, and how precious the concept of a kind soul in a messed up world is to me.
Aster is the perfect love interest for anyone who likes their cinnamon roles, turning against the environment that raised them. He makes choices that alter the privileges he's used to, and his romance with Maia will probably appeal to anyone who wanted a healthy version of Snow/Lucy—he's a part of the system, she's not, but he turns against the system and is genuinely a good person. They are great for each other, and I love how his strength is his charisma and words, not his potential for violence. If you like couples where the girl is the physically stronger/gets more physical action than the guy, you'll love them!
I don't even know what else to cover. This is one of my favorite books, and I could go on and on about the messages it covers and how important I feel it is.
I am DYING to read the next one!
I really enjoy post-apocalyptic scenarios where a found family/group of outcasts is a major part of the narrative—it's one of the reasons why I love the Last of Us—and Legacies dedicates a good portion of the plot to craft each individual "misfit" within Maia's found family of rebels. It does so beautifully. The dynamic of their group is equally explored in such a delicate way, you can't help but love, and rage, and worry about each of them.
Now, OBVIOUSLY my favorite supporting character is Briar, just a big himbo with a tragic past and a heart of gold. His friendship with Maia is so full of tenderness, despite all the trauma they go through separately and together, that I can't help but tear up just thinking about it. I'm a sucker for friendships, especially in such a dire scenario, and their loyalty and dedication to each other was one of the best friendships I've ever read about.
I am also a major fan of Sky! I know he's, at best, questionable...but his character arc is so well constructed, to the point I could understand why he is the way he is, and while I might not always support his choices, I think he feels human and like he's balancing on a rope between redemption and the point of no return. That's probably why I loved his character. He could face the world with the same level of empathy that Maia and Aster do, but he doesn't. I love the contrast between him and Maia, in particular.
And speaking of Maia, my beloved, she's a female character on a corruption arc so, immediately, it's a chef's kiss kind of plot. I love seeing the girls making difficult choices and snapping—but I love even more that murder/violence is never depicted lightly throughout the book. It has consequences, and Maia is extremely human, which means even when she snaps, she doesn't turn into a stereotype with little to offer. You feel how heavy the consequences of her actions weigh on her. Once you get to the end of the book and then go back to the beginning just to take a peek at where she started, you get slapped in the face with how much she changes. I can't stress enough how much I love her, and how precious the concept of a kind soul in a messed up world is to me.
Aster is the perfect love interest for anyone who likes their cinnamon roles, turning against the environment that raised them. He makes choices that alter the privileges he's used to, and his romance with Maia will probably appeal to anyone who wanted a healthy version of Snow/Lucy—he's a part of the system, she's not, but he turns against the system and is genuinely a good person. They are great for each other, and I love how his strength is his charisma and words, not his potential for violence. If you like couples where the girl is the physically stronger/gets more physical action than the guy, you'll love them!
I don't even know what else to cover. This is one of my favorite books, and I could go on and on about the messages it covers and how important I feel it is.
I am DYING to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
“Even the harshest winters are incapable of muting their resilience.”
In this gripping post apocalyptic story Maia has lost so much already. First her father who was killed for being a part of the rebellion and then her mother to the red lung disease.
Maia is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as she is a healers apprentice, but after a huge mistake she is let go from her position. She then finds herself in the sights of Portico guards who decide to take her home from her and her sister Hannah. Maia meets Rowan and after some convincing he recruits her to join the rebellion.
Maia meets Orion, the current leader of the rebellion. She is tasked with recruiting Briar, a fighter and an alcoholic. After recruiting a few more people they are sent on their first mission to steal from the coin stashes of Portico and that’s when all hell breaks loose.
She finds herself infiltrating Portico with Rowan and the other rebels whom weren’t killed in the attacks on the coin stashes.
Maia meets Asher and let’s just say I adore Asher and leave it at that for now.
I’m not going to give the whole story away but I can tell you this book was absolutely amazing. I read this in 2 days and did not want to put it down. From the very first page this book is packed with adventure. It is super fast paced but still had amazing world building and character development. I fell in love with so many characters and was so thoroughly invested in their stories. I need more of Maia and Asher but even more so I need more of Hannah and Brair!!! I will be impatiently waiting for more!!
Thank you to C.M. Leyva for this opportunity to read your amazing book for my honest review.
“Even the harshest winters are incapable of muting their resilience.”
In this gripping post apocalyptic story Maia has lost so much already. First her father who was killed for being a part of the rebellion and then her mother to the red lung disease.
Maia is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps as she is a healers apprentice, but after a huge mistake she is let go from her position. She then finds herself in the sights of Portico guards who decide to take her home from her and her sister Hannah. Maia meets Rowan and after some convincing he recruits her to join the rebellion.
Maia meets Orion, the current leader of the rebellion. She is tasked with recruiting Briar, a fighter and an alcoholic. After recruiting a few more people they are sent on their first mission to steal from the coin stashes of Portico and that’s when all hell breaks loose.
She finds herself infiltrating Portico with Rowan and the other rebels whom weren’t killed in the attacks on the coin stashes.
Maia meets Asher and let’s just say I adore Asher and leave it at that for now.
I’m not going to give the whole story away but I can tell you this book was absolutely amazing. I read this in 2 days and did not want to put it down. From the very first page this book is packed with adventure. It is super fast paced but still had amazing world building and character development. I fell in love with so many characters and was so thoroughly invested in their stories. I need more of Maia and Asher but even more so I need more of Hannah and Brair!!! I will be impatiently waiting for more!!
Thank you to C.M. Leyva for this opportunity to read your amazing book for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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