Burning Heir

The Serpent Academy Heir #1

by Kelsey Forster

Step into a world of elite students, where six realms vie to claim their rightful title as heirs. Amidst the competition, trials, and rivalries, some students seek to steal those legacies, aiming to be the first in their bloodline to rule.

Twenty-one-year-old Severyn Blanche is the last sibling of five to keep her family among the powerful list of rulers in Verdonia when she’s invited to the Serpent Academy to claim her title as her father’s heir, amidst his shattering, frozen wards that threaten her home realm becoming a barren land. Failure is not an option.

Her enemies must become her friends, and impressing the powerful Serpents may be more difficult with the malevolent history her last name carries. How far will one go to achieve greatness when a legacy awaits?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark Academia

423 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2024

About the author

Hi! My names Kelsey and I am the author of Burning Heir and Soul Splinter! Thanks for the follow!

Growing up I was the girl with the books, and it's always been a dream to write one! I love all things fantasy and romance!

Reviews

[Nikki Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a couple chapters to get into, but it definitely improves the more you read. The first of the book felt a little bit like word salad with way too many overly descriptive sentences that felt unnecessary, or descriptions that didn't make sense. I found around the 20% mark is when the writing really improves and it becomes way more digestible. From there on out it just keeps getting better and better. I recommend sticking this one out because the pay off of the story is worth it.

If you like Fourth Wing, you'll like this. There are a lot of similarities between the two. I hope future books in the series stray a little farther from those similarities because the author made a really interesting world and I feel like she could turn it into something really unique that will stand out on its own in this genre.

You definitely get invested in the characters and their future. The stakes are really high so it makes for a really fast paced exciting story. There were some really great twists and surprises that had me gasping. You never know who to trust and it has you questioning everything which I loved. The author does a great job of making you really feel what Severyn feels throughout the whole book. Also add another shadow daddy to your list of book boyfriends. The romance was top notch and the tension had me screaming.

Based on how much better the writing of the book gets the farther you get into it, I think book two could be really spectacular. I hope the next book dives into the world a bit more because that's one of the best parts of the story and I felt like I was still needing more information on it. This ends on an absolute heart breaker of a cliffhanger so prepare yourself!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has literally kept me up for three days straight, I only read at night so having to try to limit myself has been a challenge.

This book brought out so many twists and turns some that I thought I knew and others I didn’t see coming.

I feel as though this is similar to fourth wing, it’s still entirely different too.

[Sammi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this one, loved the idea but the writing itself made me feel like I was missing chapters. It didn’t flow well for me.

[Nikki Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!! I was captivated from the first page and couldn't seem to put it down! The twist and turns kept me guessing again and again. Once I thought I knew where it was going, something else was revealed and it wasn't at all what I thought!

The main character, Severyn (a name which I really like and the nickname Sevy? So dang cute), doesn't gain her quells instantly and must go through trials and tribulations before they appear which I really appreciated. It made the character feel more relatable and I was cheering her on every step of the way. I also love the connections she has with her brothers. My heart ached for Klaus and I love how his character was developed throughout the book.

Even though I love Severyn (and let's be real Klaus is pretty high up there too). Archer has my heart. A morally grey man with shadows? Gets me every time! His mysterious ways kept me wanting more and more.

BE AWARE this book ends on a major CLIFFHANGER. When I got to the final few pages my jaw didn't leave the floor and when it ended? I yelled out "where is the rest" because I couldn't believe that's how I was going to be left. I'm already craving book 2 and can't wait to see where this series heads.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be read

I found this author thanks to TikTok.
This story reminds me of Zodiac Academy and Fouth Wing.
You have creatures, dragons, chosen heirs, and underdogs that become the most powerful.
I would say mild to medium spice.
Great fantasy story about a girl who needs to ascend the thrown to save her people and lands. She grows and learns many family secrets.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT ENDING??!??!??!!!!

[Hailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally wtf is going on. The writing style made it feel like I skipped paragraphs of text. Super confusing to follow and made no sense. Big events just being glossed over. Felt like I should know what’s going on but literally had no clue. Wish someone who knew how to write took this idea and ran with it as the idea and premise has promise. Halfway through it turned into a hate read. Felt like I was reading a synopsis for the whole book even though I read every word. Not sure why this is so highly rated. Terrible book. Don’t read if you like fourth wing.

[Dot Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Okay so I got this off a bookstagram saying “if you loved fourth wing you’ll love this” , and yeah I did like it. It’s no FW but it did have me hooked
So many overlapping themes as FW, bonded dragons, war college vibes & gaining powers

Minus half a star because of that damn ending, what on earth was that ?! The most blunt cliff hanger 😅

So when’s the next book out?

[Laura Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book really blew me away! If you love fourth wing, zodiac academy, acotar, Harry potter...you will absolutely love burning heir.

The story follows Sev who is enlisted to go to serpent academy and compete against other students to try to successfully claim the right as heir to her realm. It has a lot of similarities to fourth wing but honestly after finishing the book it completely stands alone as it's own entity. There's dragons, trials, betrayal, enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, slow burn, tension....honestly anything you could possibly want in a fantasy book, this book has.

There are so many plot twists that I was completely blindsided by. While attending serpent academy Sev has to try bond with an enigma (this could be anything from a dragon to a wolf to a griffin) while also trying to manifest her quell (think special individualized magical ability). She's been thrust into this environment where everyone wants her dead because her father is the current ruler of the winter realm, making her the prime candidate for becoming heir.....if she can survive. Throughout her journey at the academy, she uncovers some absolutely crazy family secrets and discovers that the life she thought she knew is riddled with long kept secrets.

The ending had my jaw on the floor, and I can not wait for the second book. If you are a fantasy lover, this is an absolute 6 Oh and if you needed anymore convincing there's also a closed off, ruthless male main character who happens to process shadow powers (If you know you know).

[Amber Magnant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a little while to get into but the way this book had my jaw on the floor with secrets I did not see or predict coming… I need book 2 like rn!

[Mollie VanCamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like fourth wing, add this to your tbr.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fourth wing rip off except the girl had a pity party for herself the entire time

[Charley’s Book Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

Leaders are not born – they are made.

Dragons
Romantasy
Enemies to lovers
One bed
Slow burn

Welcome to the Serpent academy. Fight for your title or die for your claim.

Ok I am honestly speechless right now. That ending……… I do not think I will fully recover until I have book 2 in my hands.

Burning Heir is an academic Romantasy with dragons, trials and bloodshed. If you loved Fourth Wing you will love this book.

Severyn, born of the house of Winter, receives her invitation to the Serpent academy to fight for her claim to become the Winter heir. To only be blindsided by being placed in a different sector.
Throughout the novel Sev unfurls lies and deception her family has been hiding for decades. You will have your jaw dropping when she discovers the secrets about her family line/history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to my romantasy lovers!

I want to thank Kelsey for allowing me to read her novel as an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Rali D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh,so messy book 😐

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Stole. My. Heart.

I absolutely loved this book! Archer. Broody. Dark. Dangerous. Every girl needs an Archer. I love how her made a promise to his best friend to protect her. The way he tries not to fall in love with her, but utterly fails. She’s a magnet for trouble and he’s always there to help her through it!

Everyone needs a villain. But this book presents a few, but i still LOVED Damien. The Lynch brothers are devastatingly drawn to her. The plot thickens and changes dramatically towards the end.

[Dasha Svyrydovska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay , the idea of the book is veryyyyyyy good, but the way it is written so baaaad.
Like the world is so confusing and events are happening too fast without proper explanation. One day she is no body the other day she is the strongest one. If this book could be written in more details , then it would one of the best fantasy book. Almost like Fourth wing

[Selena Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay wow! I feel a bit thrown off kilter here.
Prior to starting the book I just had this feeling that I would love it, Typically when I get new books, I put them on my shelves and wait till the mood strikes me (I have an insanely overwhelming tbr) but I started the day it came in the mail, I’d have to say my intuition was right.
In the beginning I felt a bit lost, so many characters and names are introduced so it was overwhelming at times, But lord is this fast paced; I honestly assumed I’d be waiting at least 50-100 pages before being thrown into the academy but I was pleasantly surprised.
The flow of transitions between scenes lacked a lot of the time maybe slightly clunky?, so I had to really take my time to read slowly and absorb what was going on. This is a book you need to read with undivided attention; but I don’t mind that at all. I soon realized that why I was so confused was because Severyn is… she didn’t know what was going on so I was right along with her on that, we learned and discovered at her pace. The plot twists actually had me reeling and surprised, typically I’m quick to catch on and predict what’s happening next but nope not with this one!
It was really high stakes which made it a very exciting story, I was invested in most of the characters, really intrigued to see where they ended up next. I felt real frustration and anger towards characters just as she did. (Ooo when I catch you Bridger) I really felt for Severyn and the situation she was thrust into, i understand her self deprecation I mean come on?? It’s extremely high stakes pretty much all of her brothers failed before her, who she’s looked up to her whole life who she sees is better, bigger, stronger. I understand why didn’t feel as if she wasn’t enough. But lorddd I’m so happy she’s turning out to become so powerful I love a powerful fmc!!
Now! Damien, at first I was like awe woah cute wee friend! I didn’t understand where the feelings were coming from and how they developed as they did, at first I honestly thought the dynamics would have worked better if they just kept a strong friendship… and that would of been enough to cause some hurdles with rivalry, as well as Archer in future; because I had a pretty clear idea that Archer would be the main love interest. As things progressed I really started to get creeped out… the whole mirror thing being revealed and the necklace didn’t sit right with me once so ever, and the bathtub with mirrors everywhere ew like how creepy. It did start to feel like he was manipulating her and taking things way too far, it frustrated me she forgave him so fast. But now seeing as how the book ended I understand why things progressed as they had.
Moving onto Archer! I really liked him, from the start I felt that yearning for Sev as clear as day, ugh the things he said had me in a chokehold, I’m so glad they bonded but so nervous for the future and how they will be able to contuine to be together. I want the best of both worlds, the title the power, the love, but I see how it can continue into a really great forbidden romance!
I will say I had great imagery for the world but I would have liked to of had more detailed descriptions regarding the characters appearances personally!
I loved learning about the quells, all the mystery and uncovering all these secrets right along Sev, but it’s starting to feel like an unreliable narrator situation… due to her limited knowledge😭 usually I would of loved some povs from Archer but I understand everyone else knows way more and even then it’s hard to tell who would be reliable. But I understand it’s meant to be confusing and leaving us in the dark on purpose. I am so excited to see where this leads in book two!! 😩 I need it immediately.🙏🏻

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Are you insinuating your heart beats for mine?“ „When I feel you in my veins miles away, I begin to believe so.“

I went in with zero expectations and I was pleasently surprised because this was SO good?
The first 10-20% were a little bit hard to get into and to get a grip on the world. There definitely could‘ve been much more world building and this was lacking throughout the whole book, which had me confused at times. But this world is SO interesting and once you got into it, it consumes you. It is absolutely captivating and the story is so fast paced that you just want to know what happens next. Some twists were predictable, but it didn‘t bother me, whereas other plot twists had me totally shook.

I absolutely adore Sev and Archer and I can’t wait to see where their story goes. I also loved the side characters. They were written with so much care, making the story complete.
And this had dragons, which easily got me hooked.

Can‘t wait for book 2!

More quotes (can contain spoilers):
- „Yesterday was the first time I smiled, truly smiled, since his death. And it was because of you. That‘s selfish to admit, I know, because his death lead me to you. But it‘s the truth.“
- „You are my only warmth, Severyn Blanche. The only warmth I desire.“
- And for the first time, I wondered if he was the only shadow I would ever welcome.
- „Sometimes, I believe there is more to this world than power. You must fight for what is right, and sometimes that is your breath and your heart.“
- Chaos and shadows swirled around us. I kissed him like it was my last breath.
- Archer was not the calm after the storm. He was the storm itself. And if I was to live in a world of shadows, I would strike my flame and light the path.

[Ariane Poitras · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but the writing was very messy. It took me 30% to get into it. There is a lot of similarity with fourth wing maybe too much.
The world was a little hard to understand for me but i like that you can’t trust which character is a good person or not.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me whiplash. It keeps shifting…one character good next minute bad. Character saved then character betrays. Character becomes serpent then not a serpent. Characters Fall in love but can’t be in love. What the fuck. Choose a struggle.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 1🌶️

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

[Tahlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Macy Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Veronicas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ I started enjoying it after the 30% mark, and it did give me some Fourth Wing vibes, but somewhere toward the end it lost me again.

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so, I have a lot of thoughts for this book so bear with me.
This is not a bad book, the book has so many things going on, so many elements that added to the story and so many plots that were interesting to read. HOWEVER, too much too soon can sometimes be a not so good thing, I feel like this book had so much going on I was lost 70% of the time. I was 11% into the book and our fmc was already on her third challenge and I really didn’t even know her life pre everything. It was like the world was introduced in a rushed way but then our main character was kinda forgotten ?
I would have also enjoyed our mmc povs but perhaps there was reasoning behind that and well see it in book 2.
So overall I think this is a good book, but it might’ve been better if i did not feel as lost as i did and if our characters were introduced better and described better.

Will I continue to read ? Yes, this is a good book, it has a lot of elements that I enjoyed and the writing is overall good. My only issue is just how quick and how much you are given as you read more and more. Book 1 would’ve been much better if it was just us getting to know the world, our characters and the fantasy aspects plus the death of Klaus as a mystery. Some plots were left mid air (hoping to get answers on book2) and some characters lacked depth more some than others.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is if Acotar and Fourth Wing had a baby, and not in a bad way because it did not feel as a copy as i read it. So that’s good.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️

I’m going to start this review saying the beginning is hard to grasp and get through. The writing just seemed all over the place and felt like not a whole lot of things were explained. You were thrown into the world but got no background to go with it. I thought about stopping but I will say that the writing and the story for better as the book went on.

I think there is still some choppiness in the writing. I started to be able to follow along and I DO like the story, but felt there was a lot left to be desired. I’m hoping as she continues the series, it’ll all get better and better. Again, the writing overall did improve a lot as the story went on.

There’s a lot of different pieces moving in this story. You have academy trials, forbidden magic, destinies/legacies, a love triangle, slow burn, sibling relationships, hidden family, forbidden love, etc.

The relationships between all the different characters are unique in that they don’t fall into the typical romantasy check boxes you expect.

The spice 🌶️ is slow burn and we have a couple different spicy scenes. The first one left me desiring more. The 2nd one I felt actually gave more description, passion behind it. I’d like to see more in depth spicy telling in the next book.

There were a couple surprises for me in this book. Things I didn’t expect to happen. I think it just goes to show you truly have no idea where the story might next take you. I’m excited and curious to see where book 2 takes the story and characters. Will some character relationships grow? Others fall apart? Severyn’s destiny is more clouded then ever to me. She has the ability to change the world and all they know, but which direction will her heart pull her?

[Aurielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never rage read a book until now. I picked it up because dragons and the overall idea of the story sounded cool. And to be fair it was a cool concept with what was potentially cool world building. But the entire thing read like a fever dream with not enough information, or like things were poorly explained and rushed through. The descriptions were just…poor and i couldn’t imagine or become pulled into the world. The world building had amazing potential but the execution was lacking.

The characters; while the side characters were interesting they weren’t really explained or fleshed out. They were just there. Some were explained better and felt more ‘real’ than others but still it was all a little 2 dimensional. And the MFC?! Gods she was infuriating. Absolutely no character growth and remains a woe is me damsel for the entire thing. It’s like she was purposely made to be a victim. The only part of the book that I found that was described with any sort of lasting realism is when she’s an actual victim of SA. But even after there’s no growth from her. Talks about becoming strong and fighting back but constantly falls short. When she should be rage filled and wrathful she cries and weeps instead.

It was entirely a rage read and I hate to leave a crap review but it just felt so short and it’s disappointing. The world building and the lore of the book had such potential. I wanted that to be explored more but it was like it was all rushed through. Final thought; Damien was scum and I hated how she always excused and forgave him.

[kita 🤍✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This 400+ page book could have easily been 200-300. A lot of over describing (and its repeated) like 4 lines to describe a look or someone raising their hand, very shallow relationships with EVERY character and any semblance of love, trust or loyalty was given after a 4 sentence conversation??? Or over HEARING A NAME?? I’m sorry no
Very little dialogue & semblance of a plot that makes sense. You’d think with all the “world building” and over describing that you would know what was going on but again NO. I’ve never left a bad review before but this book I cannot stand. Had ALOT of potential but did not pull it off at all. The authors tik Tok about this book made me read it and after reading it, the quotes were taken so out of context and unbelievable shallow.
I hate to be a hater on somebody’s creativity and hard work but cannot recommend this book. It’s considered a Romantacy but is definitely just a badly done fantasy. Even the “love” declarations for the multiple love interests that actually were well written just fell short due to the lack of actual romance or genuine feelings between the “couples” and the rushed connections. Only giving 1 star due to my love of dragons, wyverns, ext but again you don’t hear much about.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review of ‘Burning Heir’ by Kelsey Foster.

Oh my! If you like the vibes of academia like Fourth Wing or Zodiac Academy, then you will definitely love this book series!
It is mentioned in the book that it will be 5 books series, so I am soooo looking forward to that!

The storyline and worldbuilding was just amazing! Enemies to lovers, frenemies, villains, dragons, wolves, serpents, far away lands, just all the feels well written to just draw you in.
Character building was amazing as well❤️
Severyn is sheltered, soft, has hidden strength in her, but naive. There were certain times I found her irritatingly so tbh, so I hope she will evolve in following books into a more bad#ss woman!
Archer’s character is hunky, sentimental, mysterious.
Damian was so lovable I was rooting for them from the beginning!
All side characters made you think twice who would be an ally or enemy, twists and turns in this book were amazingly written.
I really wanted to kick the villains in this book!
🌶️ came up in the final chapters and was delicious, not raunchy or OTT, but just right!

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down and just flipped the pages, I was so invested in it.
A well deserved 5/5⭐️