The Solstice Heir

The Thrice Kingdom #2

by Jade Juniper

Summer has unfurled across the entirety of the Thrice Kingdoms.

A world lies beyond the Solstice Court, and for the first time, a Soul Heir is permitted to explore it. One royal decree grants Kezerah her every desire, yet claiming it has never terrified her more. With heavy footfalls and a weighty conscience, she is left to navigate a new landscape, fighting for neutrality, and against her own heart.

While he sailed away from Elastor a king, Ambrose arrives at Trusol Court off-kilter and without a crown. To his great pleasure—and pressure—a guest is expected to stay at his palace by the sea over the summer. However, with he and his family at odds, Ambrose must discern the difference between the path he has forged for himself and ruses masquerading as choices.

Across the map, on a snow-capped mountaintop, Ikaika runs, not only from those chasing him, but from the past he’s left behind. Unwilling to return to Elastor, the crown prince of Alora hurls himself into mastering his magick but he finds escaping himself a far more challenging task.


It’s up to each heir of Thrice to see their world isn’t set ablaze.

Unknown Binding

First published August 1, 2026

About the author

Jade proudly hails from the north and claims Juneau, Alaska as her hometown. Though admittedly, Portland, OR brewed her the best cup of coffee during an all-nighter studying at PSU. Jade’s degree and interests are social psychology and family studies, with a soft spot for child development.

When writing, she most likes to explore complex family dynamics and magic systems set in queer-normative worlds.
Now, nestled in Gifu, Japan, days are spent talking with students, writing books, and exploring the countryside with her partner and one real, one imaginary rabbit (Whimsy and Lancelot respectively).

If she takes days to respond to your email, it’s not because she dislikes you. It's just an Aquarius thing and it can’t be helped.

Reviews

[✧.*Emma✧.* · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 4.75 stars
Thanks to the author for receiving an advanced copy!
So I've read book one (5 stars) and it was just so good. This book also didn't dissapoint. The stakes were already high at the start, so I felt sucked in to the story. One of the main thing I noticed was that I found the dialogue very well written. Also really nice that the mindtalk was written in cursive to clearly see the difference. I loved the letters in between!

Okay and then about Ambrose. I just loved the way he talks about her... it was so sweet. He was there to comfort her and protect her when needed. And one of the last romantic scene actually got me a little bit emotional. The romance was pretty nice, especially at the end.

I also loved the length of this book. This was a slower read for me, but I got to experience the story more deeply. Every part of this made me want to keep going. If there were 200 pages more, I would have read it with pleasure.

Just a really well-rounded book with an unique magic system, full of royalty and court!

[Jade Juniper]

I am so pleased and relieved to say this book is finished and will be published Aug. 1st!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks für the eARC, Jade! 💕

I had wildly high expectations for this one, because as cozy as TSC was, that ending shocked me to the core - so much so that the book was on my mind regularly over this past year. 🤯 (Plus I'm a sucker for a love triangle so there's that, too.)

We're taking court intrigue a step further in TSH, as the feud between Amarus and Illija isn't just a distant thing their kids fight over. It's right there with them, as Ambrose and Kez are being made pawns in a war that is taking a hefty toll on Xenkesh - I didn't want to trade places with either of them. 😨
Ambrose, because he's trying to do right by his people and his king - all while feeling the two don't necessarily align... so he's on his own, trying to figure out the best way to end the war, and ideally keep Kezerah out of the equation while it seems more and more impossible.
Kez, because she's trying to remain neutral as is expected of her, all while the courtiers follow different methods in trying to get her to comply... Considering how sheltered as she was all her life this is a whole new world for her to navigate, and she has to be extra careful in whom she trusts. Dar is always at her side (still love that guy!), but it raises eyebrows and makes his soldiers question him.

As in TSC we have several noteworthy side characters, from Rorrik, who grew on me despite his flaws (and I'm curious to see how he'll fare in book three!), to Safeya whose unpredictability I enjoyed immensely(!), to Eriko because OMG!

Neither Illija nor Amarus are perfect as people, but the 'worst parent' award clearly goes to Amarus. The pain I felt for his sons was immeasurable. The obvious manipulation, right from the start? A truly hateable character - but it makes him a fantastic villain! 🥹

Last but not least, Ikaika! He's precious, I liked the parts we got to see of his journey, and I'm hopeful things will work out fine for him. 💕

TSH had me hooked right from the start because Jade keeps up the momentum, and I love that! I'm usually good without rereading, but in this case I think it would've helped me to reread at least the last few chapters before diving into this one, and I'll keep that in mind before reading book three (which I definitely will!). 👀

Jade's writing is gorgeous, the underlying feelings of the dialogues palpable. At some point while reading I actually took a step back to appreciate how thoroughly she must have planned all this. Plus, gotta love the LGBTQ+ rep! 🏳️‍🌈

[Soleil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this sequel since finishing The Solstice Court a few years ago. Not only did this book meet my eager anticipation but it exceeded my expectations. In The Solstice Heir we dive deeper into each of the characters, seeing them struggle between their individual duties and desires. This installment expands the world building to new levels as Kezerah sets off on her diplomatic tour, encountering the culture, tastes, and sights of another kingdom. Meanwhile we gather glimpses of another character as he’s set off on his own journey of self discovery.
Throughout this story I found myself constantly surprised by what would happen next, who we would encounter, and what new antics Kezerah would find herself in. My emotions oscillated between elated, distressed, and amused.
Did I mention this book has draconic creatures? A type of drake known in this world as a komodai saunters in, ruffling its deadly feathers and beckoning us closer.
On another note, I did not expect to be blushing but a certain chapter called “Blush” definitely had me giggling profusely and turning a bright shade of pink.
The ending had me begging for me, I cannot wait to read the third and final installment of this series.
*I was a Beta Reader for an earlier version of this book.

[Marie -The Reading Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy for review.

Review:
3.5 stars

First of all, I'd like to apologize for taking until after the release date to finish this ARC copy. Life got in the way.

I, also, unfortunately forgot much of what happened in book one. So it took me some time to get back into this world, and remember who was who with some of the characters, mainly side-characters. But once I did, I enjoyed my time reading it. But that did hinder some of my enjoyment.

I was often frustrated for Kez because of the position she was put in, with it being expected that she remain neutral. It feels very unfair that "the adults" are using their kids as pawns. Everybody's parents, even Kez's mother seems to be using her daughter for some personal agenda.

Ambrose is adorably smitten with Kez, and I hate that as I said "the adults" are trying to push them into a match which feels like it's tainting what could be a natural romance between them. I liked the addition of the letters between the characters. I also like that a cursive font was not used, I have a hard time reading those kinds of fonts.

The cliffhanger leaves me very intrigued for the next book.

Thank you once again for this ARC copy.