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Academia Chronicles #2
Heir of Light
There is always a price to be paid for power and justice.
With the Academia now awakened from its centuries-long slumber, Robin, a student who hails from a prestigious family, must own up to his destiny. As heir to the Gardianno seat, a highly coveted position within the human caste court, Robin stands to inherit great power when he assumes his birthright—but at what cost?
Under the guidance of a formidable Barrani lord named Teela, Robin wrestles with his newfound duties and the societal complexities that come with the privilege. Soon, however, it’s apparent that others feel entitled to the seat…and they’re willing to do the unthinkable in order to get it.
With Teela and his best friend, Raven, at his side, Robin is ready to battle for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the investigation into the baffling murder of his parents, the truth could lead Robin right to the heart of danger.
With the Academia now awakened from its centuries-long slumber, Robin, a student who hails from a prestigious family, must own up to his destiny. As heir to the Gardianno seat, a highly coveted position within the human caste court, Robin stands to inherit great power when he assumes his birthright—but at what cost?
Under the guidance of a formidable Barrani lord named Teela, Robin wrestles with his newfound duties and the societal complexities that come with the privilege. Soon, however, it’s apparent that others feel entitled to the seat…and they’re willing to do the unthinkable in order to get it.
With Teela and his best friend, Raven, at his side, Robin is ready to battle for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the investigation into the baffling murder of his parents, the truth could lead Robin right to the heart of danger.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
103 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sagara
54 books1,805 followersSee also:
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
Michelle Sagara West
Michelle West
Michelle is an author, bookseller, and lover of literature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and sometimes as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is sometimes paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many bookshelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 9, 2025
Heir of Light by Michelle Sagara (Publishing May 27, 2025)
Thanks to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
Under the guidance of the formidable Barrani lord Teela, Robin navigates the weight of his new responsibilities—along with the societal complexities that come with them. But power is never without challengers, and there are those who believe Robin’s seat should be theirs—by any means necessary.
With Teela and his best friend, Raven, by his side, Robin is prepared to fight for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the long-cold case of his parents’ murder, the search for truth may lead him straight into danger.
This book is packed with political intrigue and intricate maneuvering. While the beginning had me a little lost as I sorted through all the players, once I got my footing, I was fully invested. If you love stories that blend academia and politics, this one will be right up your alley. The worldbuilding is truly unique, and even with minimal action, the writing kept me engaged. Robin and Raven are fascinating characters, and I enjoyed following their journey.
Thanks to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
Under the guidance of the formidable Barrani lord Teela, Robin navigates the weight of his new responsibilities—along with the societal complexities that come with them. But power is never without challengers, and there are those who believe Robin’s seat should be theirs—by any means necessary.
With Teela and his best friend, Raven, by his side, Robin is prepared to fight for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the long-cold case of his parents’ murder, the search for truth may lead him straight into danger.
This book is packed with political intrigue and intricate maneuvering. While the beginning had me a little lost as I sorted through all the players, once I got my footing, I was fully invested. If you love stories that blend academia and politics, this one will be right up your alley. The worldbuilding is truly unique, and even with minimal action, the writing kept me engaged. Robin and Raven are fascinating characters, and I enjoyed following their journey.
April 24, 2025
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me an arc copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
This book is politic driven and while I did enjoy it; I did get confused in some spots. There is just so much to know about each individual character. It has really good world building and I like that “eventful” things didn’t have to constantly be going on. If you love books that have a good mixture between academia and politics; I think you’ll eat this one up.
I’m excited to see where Raven and Robin’s journey goes.
This book is politic driven and while I did enjoy it; I did get confused in some spots. There is just so much to know about each individual character. It has really good world building and I like that “eventful” things didn’t have to constantly be going on. If you love books that have a good mixture between academia and politics; I think you’ll eat this one up.
I’m excited to see where Raven and Robin’s journey goes.
May 28, 2025
Heir of Light is a captivating story about the “call to adventure” for a young orphan named Robin. Raven is his only friend and protector and together they escaped the danger of the warrens and eventually find their way into the prized halls of the magical Academia.
Unfortunately for young Robin, he learns he is part of a noble family and the missing heir to its fortune. While that sounds wonderful, magical assassination attempts on his life begin almost immediately. And sadly, that is directly by his own family who very much will do anything to stay in power. That is certainly a common theme in the novel - attempted power through murder.
Thankfully Robin is humble young man, who wants to be a scholar and remain in the halls of Academia, and through his kindness to others, has collected powerful friends. Robin has support
to follow his own destiny and to save his part of his family home, and by extension, better his world.
Michelle Sagara is superb in creating a flawless series with characters that are somehow noble and courageous in spite of their humanity and flaws - which makes them so incredibly relatable and lovable. Even feared Barrani An’Teela, who is ultimate arrogant perfection among the Barrani, cares for young Robin and by extension rough around the edges Raven (and in earlier novels Kaylin), along with a stellar cast of additional characters, which makes Sagara novels truly superlative time after time.
Sagara novels or her Sagara-West novels are remarkably and thoughtfully written.
She is one of the brightest writing talents in this genre. I always buy the novels when the notice drops. I’m almost like a giddy child with glee - we pre-order so I can calendar the date to read the day they launch - it’s like an early birthday present, which is perfect for such an avid bibliophile such as myself.
This is yet another of her fabulously written novels and an absolutely worthwhile read
Unfortunately for young Robin, he learns he is part of a noble family and the missing heir to its fortune. While that sounds wonderful, magical assassination attempts on his life begin almost immediately. And sadly, that is directly by his own family who very much will do anything to stay in power. That is certainly a common theme in the novel - attempted power through murder.
Thankfully Robin is humble young man, who wants to be a scholar and remain in the halls of Academia, and through his kindness to others, has collected powerful friends. Robin has support
to follow his own destiny and to save his part of his family home, and by extension, better his world.
Michelle Sagara is superb in creating a flawless series with characters that are somehow noble and courageous in spite of their humanity and flaws - which makes them so incredibly relatable and lovable. Even feared Barrani An’Teela, who is ultimate arrogant perfection among the Barrani, cares for young Robin and by extension rough around the edges Raven (and in earlier novels Kaylin), along with a stellar cast of additional characters, which makes Sagara novels truly superlative time after time.
Sagara novels or her Sagara-West novels are remarkably and thoughtfully written.
She is one of the brightest writing talents in this genre. I always buy the novels when the notice drops. I’m almost like a giddy child with glee - we pre-order so I can calendar the date to read the day they launch - it’s like an early birthday present, which is perfect for such an avid bibliophile such as myself.
This is yet another of her fabulously written novels and an absolutely worthwhile read
June 22, 2025
HEIR OF LIGHT is the second book in the Academia Chronicles. In it young Robin is under threat. He has learned that he is the heir to the Gardianno which is a repository of incomplete thoughts left over when the ancients created his world. Many see these thoughts as a source of incredible power with Robin the only thing standing in the way of using them.
While he is safe at the Academia, he is in danger of assassination if he leaves the grounds. He would be mainly content to stay at the Academia, but the Gardianno is in need of his care. He needs a guardian because he is still a child, but the most usual guardian has already attempted to murder him.
Robin would also like to reopen the investigation into the deaths of his parents and older siblings but according to Imperial law, human versus human crimes can only be investigated by the human caste court which has already "investigated." If there was any evidence of interference by another race, the crime could be investigated by the Hawks who are the Imperial investigative force.
In order to pursue his goals, he needs help which leads to petitioning the dragon emperor who can assign him a more useful guardian. In this case, An'Teela of the Barani and who is very powerful herself has an interest in Robin's welfare.
This book has a mysterious guardian who has been with Robin since his mother sent him to the Warrens in an attempt to save his life and a sword of historic importance and which contains an ancient being of its own. Along with An'Teela and the chancellor of the Academia who is also a dragon, Robin will have help reclaiming his inheritance.
I enjoyed this epic fantasy. I liked the world building.
While he is safe at the Academia, he is in danger of assassination if he leaves the grounds. He would be mainly content to stay at the Academia, but the Gardianno is in need of his care. He needs a guardian because he is still a child, but the most usual guardian has already attempted to murder him.
Robin would also like to reopen the investigation into the deaths of his parents and older siblings but according to Imperial law, human versus human crimes can only be investigated by the human caste court which has already "investigated." If there was any evidence of interference by another race, the crime could be investigated by the Hawks who are the Imperial investigative force.
In order to pursue his goals, he needs help which leads to petitioning the dragon emperor who can assign him a more useful guardian. In this case, An'Teela of the Barani and who is very powerful herself has an interest in Robin's welfare.
This book has a mysterious guardian who has been with Robin since his mother sent him to the Warrens in an attempt to save his life and a sword of historic importance and which contains an ancient being of its own. Along with An'Teela and the chancellor of the Academia who is also a dragon, Robin will have help reclaiming his inheritance.
I enjoyed this epic fantasy. I liked the world building.
June 19, 2025
Depth of thought seen
Michelle Sagara developed the depth and width of Elantra. Her characters are well developed and the story has a good plot line. What makes her writing different is characters discussing subjects, going into different meanings of words or topics. To get the most of her work, every sentence should be read slowly and thoughtfully. It, like her other works, both elucidates and entertains.
Michelle Sagara developed the depth and width of Elantra. Her characters are well developed and the story has a good plot line. What makes her writing different is characters discussing subjects, going into different meanings of words or topics. To get the most of her work, every sentence should be read slowly and thoughtfully. It, like her other works, both elucidates and entertains.
June 21, 2025
A creative world and a verbose style
I love the world filled with dragons, barrani, humans and others, I love the stories and the individual characters.
I just wish that the writer's prose was less labored and flowed more smoothly. Why use five words when she can use 20? Also, the main characters in her books have the same inner dialogue, anxiety and speech patterns.
Will continue to read but I do wish the writing style was more tightly edited.
I love the world filled with dragons, barrani, humans and others, I love the stories and the individual characters.
I just wish that the writer's prose was less labored and flowed more smoothly. Why use five words when she can use 20? Also, the main characters in her books have the same inner dialogue, anxiety and speech patterns.
Will continue to read but I do wish the writing style was more tightly edited.
July 4, 2025
It’s difficult to encompass this book in a review, because a) there’s a lot of book, and b) it’s kind of the tip of the iceberg in that Heir of Light is beautifully set in the world of the long-running Chronicles of Elantra – and there’s a LOT of that world to explore.
This particular story is set in a tiny corner of that world, the recently re-discovered Academia, and the story is partly about that rediscovery but mostly about the impact of that rediscovery on one single student in it. Not because of the Academia itself, but because the discovery that Robin Gardianno, the heir to one of the founding families of the human caste court of Elantra, is alive and more or less well and managed to survive the murders of the entire rest of his family.
A crime that someone – or several someones – among the human nobles covered up when it happened. An oversight that one or several beneficiaries of that crime are absolutely trying to rectify in the present.
Robin, for his own self, was happy to have been hidden. He’s still underage, and he’s spent more of his life in the worst parts of the city than he ever did as a child of privilege. He’d be happy to just be a student, and then a scholar, now that the Academia has been restored.
But the perpetrators and beneficiaries of his family’s murder don’t merely want but actually NEED Robin dead, so that they can pilfer the magical legacy of his family. They’re either not aware, or more likely don’t believe or don’t give a damn, that destroying the ‘artifacts’ that the Gardianno have protected for millennia will literally unbalance the world.
Robin, however, does care. In order to do his duty he’ll have to take a crash course in how to do EVERYTHING to impress, to fake having power until he actually does have it, to protect his friends, his allies and his world from forces that will otherwise destroy it – even though he has to sacrifice his hard won peace and safety in order to even try.
But then safety has always been illusory for Robin – even before he knew what that meant. So it’s just another day. A day when he’ll have to fake it until he makes it, dodge assassins, give his oath to the Dragon Emperor, and discover that he still might have a bit of his original family left even as he protects the family he’s made along the way – and they also protect him.
Escape Rating A: I just spent an entire day in Elantra – and it was marvelous.
First, that’s literally true, as Heir of Light is a 500 page book, so it’s about 7 hours of reading for me. I did spend the entire day there, because once I started I couldn’t stop – and didn’t want to in the least.
One of the things I love about the whole Chronicles of Elantra series, of which the Academia Chronicles are a small part – in spite of the length of this entry – is that 20+ books, between the main series and so far two subseries, the world that Elantra inhabits is fairly fully baked. Not that there aren’t plenty more stories to tell, and not that there aren’t still corners to be explored, but the foundation of this world is well-fleshed out and just has oodles of depth.
Even when a new corner IS exposed – as is the case in this subseries – it’s set in the context of the whole, and there are plenty of links to the parts of the world we already know to ground it in.
I’m particularly highlighting this fact because the book I read the day before was the first book in what I hope is a new series by a debut author, and it was fascinating and I enjoyed it but the world it’s set in is far from fully realized or explained, yet. There were at least three major stories being explored in that one book but they were all rooted in backstory that couldn’t be fully explored or explained enough – at least not for this reader – and the contrast between that and Elantra felt pretty stark.
So a whole lot of that ‘A’ rating feels very personal. This is a world that I love, and I was so happy to be back. At the same time, one of the things I adore about this subseries, and the previous subseries, the Wolves of Elantra (beginning with The Emperor’s Wolves) is that I can go back and feel right at home without remembering every single detail of the whole entire series – because there are a LOT and it’s easy to get lost in the later books in the main series and it generally feels like I am even though I don’t want to be.
This is a direct follow-up to Shards of Glass, so you do need to read that to get into this. But you don’t have to have read all 18 books of the main series – although a selected few might help.
The other thing I love about this series, that was very much on display in this book, is that a lot of it is about process and making that process work. Part of what has made this and the Wolves of Elantra subseries work so well, at least for this reader, is that those subseries introduce a new character who needs to have the world explained to them – so we get the recap too and kind of fall in love all over again.
But also, as we see Elantra from a new vantage point, we get to experience again just how well it functions – even when it doesn’t – and how most of the people in most of the positions, or at least the ones we’re following – are doing their damndest to make a system work that will work for more of the people more of the time if the majority can just manage to let it or occasionally shove it back into working order. (This part is very reminiscent of LE Modesitt’s Imager and Grand Illusion series. I digress but if you like this you’ll like that and vice-versa.)
So in the end, it’s not that humans aren’t gonna human, and for that matter, that Barrani aren’t going to Barrani, etc., etc., etc. but that Elantra has enough people working towards the good in enough places that good has a really good chance of continuing to fight the good fight and shining some light into formerly dark places with a whole lot of help from its friends.
Or in this case, Robin’s friends. Especially because, honestly, marvelously and beautifully, there be magic here.
Originally published at Reading Reality
This particular story is set in a tiny corner of that world, the recently re-discovered Academia, and the story is partly about that rediscovery but mostly about the impact of that rediscovery on one single student in it. Not because of the Academia itself, but because the discovery that Robin Gardianno, the heir to one of the founding families of the human caste court of Elantra, is alive and more or less well and managed to survive the murders of the entire rest of his family.
A crime that someone – or several someones – among the human nobles covered up when it happened. An oversight that one or several beneficiaries of that crime are absolutely trying to rectify in the present.
Robin, for his own self, was happy to have been hidden. He’s still underage, and he’s spent more of his life in the worst parts of the city than he ever did as a child of privilege. He’d be happy to just be a student, and then a scholar, now that the Academia has been restored.
But the perpetrators and beneficiaries of his family’s murder don’t merely want but actually NEED Robin dead, so that they can pilfer the magical legacy of his family. They’re either not aware, or more likely don’t believe or don’t give a damn, that destroying the ‘artifacts’ that the Gardianno have protected for millennia will literally unbalance the world.
Robin, however, does care. In order to do his duty he’ll have to take a crash course in how to do EVERYTHING to impress, to fake having power until he actually does have it, to protect his friends, his allies and his world from forces that will otherwise destroy it – even though he has to sacrifice his hard won peace and safety in order to even try.
But then safety has always been illusory for Robin – even before he knew what that meant. So it’s just another day. A day when he’ll have to fake it until he makes it, dodge assassins, give his oath to the Dragon Emperor, and discover that he still might have a bit of his original family left even as he protects the family he’s made along the way – and they also protect him.
Escape Rating A: I just spent an entire day in Elantra – and it was marvelous.
First, that’s literally true, as Heir of Light is a 500 page book, so it’s about 7 hours of reading for me. I did spend the entire day there, because once I started I couldn’t stop – and didn’t want to in the least.
One of the things I love about the whole Chronicles of Elantra series, of which the Academia Chronicles are a small part – in spite of the length of this entry – is that 20+ books, between the main series and so far two subseries, the world that Elantra inhabits is fairly fully baked. Not that there aren’t plenty more stories to tell, and not that there aren’t still corners to be explored, but the foundation of this world is well-fleshed out and just has oodles of depth.
Even when a new corner IS exposed – as is the case in this subseries – it’s set in the context of the whole, and there are plenty of links to the parts of the world we already know to ground it in.
I’m particularly highlighting this fact because the book I read the day before was the first book in what I hope is a new series by a debut author, and it was fascinating and I enjoyed it but the world it’s set in is far from fully realized or explained, yet. There were at least three major stories being explored in that one book but they were all rooted in backstory that couldn’t be fully explored or explained enough – at least not for this reader – and the contrast between that and Elantra felt pretty stark.
So a whole lot of that ‘A’ rating feels very personal. This is a world that I love, and I was so happy to be back. At the same time, one of the things I adore about this subseries, and the previous subseries, the Wolves of Elantra (beginning with The Emperor’s Wolves) is that I can go back and feel right at home without remembering every single detail of the whole entire series – because there are a LOT and it’s easy to get lost in the later books in the main series and it generally feels like I am even though I don’t want to be.
This is a direct follow-up to Shards of Glass, so you do need to read that to get into this. But you don’t have to have read all 18 books of the main series – although a selected few might help.
The other thing I love about this series, that was very much on display in this book, is that a lot of it is about process and making that process work. Part of what has made this and the Wolves of Elantra subseries work so well, at least for this reader, is that those subseries introduce a new character who needs to have the world explained to them – so we get the recap too and kind of fall in love all over again.
But also, as we see Elantra from a new vantage point, we get to experience again just how well it functions – even when it doesn’t – and how most of the people in most of the positions, or at least the ones we’re following – are doing their damndest to make a system work that will work for more of the people more of the time if the majority can just manage to let it or occasionally shove it back into working order. (This part is very reminiscent of LE Modesitt’s Imager and Grand Illusion series. I digress but if you like this you’ll like that and vice-versa.)
So in the end, it’s not that humans aren’t gonna human, and for that matter, that Barrani aren’t going to Barrani, etc., etc., etc. but that Elantra has enough people working towards the good in enough places that good has a really good chance of continuing to fight the good fight and shining some light into formerly dark places with a whole lot of help from its friends.
Or in this case, Robin’s friends. Especially because, honestly, marvelously and beautifully, there be magic here.
Originally published at Reading Reality
July 26, 2025
I lost my mom last year. So i am still grieving. My brain gets distracted easily. I knew this was being published this year. I was so excited. I loved book 1 in the sub series. I felt that i recalled more or less book 1. So i did not re-read as has been my usual with Kaylin's books. I may re-read in the future since i have both books now. =0]
I just got book 18.5 in the series. This is funny, with great characters and lots of complex emotions. It makes me think a lot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self:
Spoilers:
Robin Gardianno (Guardian,Gardener,pal,new ward,Academia student,heir,cousin,from warrens) &
sword avatar, ancient heirloom,historical,Teela's mother's sword
Raven(pal,his Guardian,from warrens)
Teela(An'Teela,Hawk,Corporal,Barrani High Court Lord,immortal,cousin,1 of 12 Barrani changed/cohort,ex-Arcanist,partner,pal,new legal guardian,carries one of the 3 Dragon slayers Kariannos, new Academia etiquette teacher),
Tain(Hawk,corporal,Barrani,immortal,partner,pal,Lord),
Lannagaros (Academia Chancellor,Dragon Lord,ex-head of Imperial Library,ex-Librarian, Archivest,oldest,ex- Arkon),
Killianas(Academia avatar,damaged,sentient)
Seldon Gardianno(Sel,older cousin,older bro,regent,traitor)
Larana(cousin,younger sis,6yrs older)
Serralyn(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children,pal,Academia student)
Valliant(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children,Academia student)
Terrano of Allasarre(ex-Barrani shadow,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Barrani High Court,pt Academia student,troublemaker)
Sedarias An'Mellarionne(female Barrani,Teela's year mate,leader cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir),
Giselle(Grey Crow,Warren Guardian,informant,info broker)
Arbiter Starrante(librarian, Waveren )
Arbiter Androsse(librarian, Ancient)
Arbiter Kavallac(librarian,Dragon )
Prof. Larrantin(Ancient Barrani,Academia)
Prof. Lakson of Leante (practical magic for beginners,scholar,cast court heir)
Helen(Avatar building,Kaylin's home)
Kaylin Neya (Corporal,Elianne,mortal,Hawk(groundhawk),partner,Chosen,magic apprentice, healer, volunteer midwife, Nightshade fiefling,orphan,Lord of Barrani High Court, kyuthe,pal) &
Hope(small glass lizard/dragon,familiar,like an elemental but shadow)
Imelda Erickson(Helen's tenant,roommate,baker,pal)
Annarion(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Nightshades younger bro, bloodline heir)
Mandoran(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir)
Karian(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir),
Allaron(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Fallessian(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Torrisant(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Tiamaris(Dragon Lord,fieflord,ex-Hawk,Court youngest member,ex-Sanabalis' student,pal)
Tara(Avatar,tower of Tiamaris,pal)
Sheila Hawman(Academia student)
Prof. Ian(Academia numbers)
Prof. Caryl(Academia reading & writing)
Beryl Endarelle(new Academia student)
Delia dar Cassia(Aerian,new Academia student,new pal)
Tarransin of Menelas(Barrani, Academia student who left,Robin's Barrani language tutor)
Elisianne(Barrani)
An'Teremaine(Barrani)
Scholar Serriat(new academia Prof.)
Eternal Emperor(Dariandaros of Ebon flight,Lord,Dragon Court),
Onar Harrowmere(ally, human caste court,elder,family pal)
Mentioned only;
Corporal Severn Handred(mortal,Hawk,corporal, partner,Lord of Barrani High Court,ex-Shadow Wolf,Nightshade fiefling, orphan,pal),
Corporal Danelle(?)
Moran dar Carafel(Hawk,Aerian,Sergeant,infirmary)
Lord Grammayre(Hawklord,Aerian),
Lord Nightshade(Calarnenne,Outcast Barrani High Court,fieflord,Kaylin's namebound,Annarion's older bro),
Evanton(Keeper of the elemental garden,mentor,pal),
Consort(Lady,Barrani High Court,middle sis,Keeper of the Lake,ex-pal),
High Lord(Lord of the Green,older bro,Barrani High Court),
Lord of the West March(Lirienne,Consort's younger bro,Barrani High Court,Kaylin's namebound, pal),
Hallionne Alsanis(avatar West March, Barrani way station,ex-lost,ex-exiled)
Eddorian(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Iberrienne's older bro,lives in the West March),
Not mentioned, notes to self;
Sanabalis(Lord,Dragon Court,mage,mentor)
Lord Emmerian(Dragon Court)
I just got book 18.5 in the series. This is funny, with great characters and lots of complex emotions. It makes me think a lot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self:
Spoilers:
Robin Gardianno (Guardian,Gardener,pal,new ward,Academia student,heir,cousin,from warrens) &
sword avatar, ancient heirloom,historical,Teela's mother's sword
Raven(pal,his Guardian,from warrens)
Teela(An'Teela,Hawk,Corporal,Barrani High Court Lord,immortal,cousin,1 of 12 Barrani changed/cohort,ex-Arcanist,partner,pal,new legal guardian,carries one of the 3 Dragon slayers Kariannos, new Academia etiquette teacher),
Tain(Hawk,corporal,Barrani,immortal,partner,pal,Lord),
Lannagaros (Academia Chancellor,Dragon Lord,ex-head of Imperial Library,ex-Librarian, Archivest,oldest,ex- Arkon),
Killianas(Academia avatar,damaged,sentient)
Seldon Gardianno(Sel,older cousin,older bro,regent,traitor)
Larana(cousin,younger sis,6yrs older)
Serralyn(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children,pal,Academia student)
Valliant(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children,Academia student)
Terrano of Allasarre(ex-Barrani shadow,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Barrani High Court,pt Academia student,troublemaker)
Sedarias An'Mellarionne(female Barrani,Teela's year mate,leader cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir),
Giselle(Grey Crow,Warren Guardian,informant,info broker)
Arbiter Starrante(librarian, Waveren )
Arbiter Androsse(librarian, Ancient)
Arbiter Kavallac(librarian,Dragon )
Prof. Larrantin(Ancient Barrani,Academia)
Prof. Lakson of Leante (practical magic for beginners,scholar,cast court heir)
Helen(Avatar building,Kaylin's home)
Kaylin Neya (Corporal,Elianne,mortal,Hawk(groundhawk),partner,Chosen,magic apprentice, healer, volunteer midwife, Nightshade fiefling,orphan,Lord of Barrani High Court, kyuthe,pal) &
Hope(small glass lizard/dragon,familiar,like an elemental but shadow)
Imelda Erickson(Helen's tenant,roommate,baker,pal)
Annarion(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Nightshades younger bro, bloodline heir)
Mandoran(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir)
Karian(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,bloodline heir),
Allaron(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Fallessian(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Torrisant(Barrani cohort,Teela's year mate,1 of 11 ex-lost children)
Tiamaris(Dragon Lord,fieflord,ex-Hawk,Court youngest member,ex-Sanabalis' student,pal)
Tara(Avatar,tower of Tiamaris,pal)
Sheila Hawman(Academia student)
Prof. Ian(Academia numbers)
Prof. Caryl(Academia reading & writing)
Beryl Endarelle(new Academia student)
Delia dar Cassia(Aerian,new Academia student,new pal)
Tarransin of Menelas(Barrani, Academia student who left,Robin's Barrani language tutor)
Elisianne(Barrani)
An'Teremaine(Barrani)
Scholar Serriat(new academia Prof.)
Eternal Emperor(Dariandaros of Ebon flight,Lord,Dragon Court),
Onar Harrowmere(ally, human caste court,elder,family pal)
Mentioned only;
Corporal Severn Handred(mortal,Hawk,corporal, partner,Lord of Barrani High Court,ex-Shadow Wolf,Nightshade fiefling, orphan,pal),
Corporal Danelle(?)
Moran dar Carafel(Hawk,Aerian,Sergeant,infirmary)
Lord Grammayre(Hawklord,Aerian),
Lord Nightshade(Calarnenne,Outcast Barrani High Court,fieflord,Kaylin's namebound,Annarion's older bro),
Evanton(Keeper of the elemental garden,mentor,pal),
Consort(Lady,Barrani High Court,middle sis,Keeper of the Lake,ex-pal),
High Lord(Lord of the Green,older bro,Barrani High Court),
Lord of the West March(Lirienne,Consort's younger bro,Barrani High Court,Kaylin's namebound, pal),
Hallionne Alsanis(avatar West March, Barrani way station,ex-lost,ex-exiled)
Eddorian(Barrani,Teela's year mate,cohort/1 of 11 ex-lost children,Iberrienne's older bro,lives in the West March),
Not mentioned, notes to self;
Sanabalis(Lord,Dragon Court,mage,mentor)
Lord Emmerian(Dragon Court)
June 12, 2025
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This second volume looks to conclude a duology set in the Elantra universe. I had not read the Elantra books but did not feel lost at any time and greatly enjoyed the depth, nuance, quirkiness of the characters and plot.Story: As Robin eases into life at the academy, he finds he is becoming further embroiled in the fight to claim his hereditary position as head of Guardianno family. He has a motley assortment of Barrani allies willing to assist him but at the heart of the matter is what is at stake if the terrible secret of the Guardianno's responsibilities became known and a terrible power unleashed.
Sagara's Sun Sword (writing as Michelle West) had long been one of my favorite series and I see now I will definitely be starting the Elantra soon. Her ability to write interesting, distinct, and nuanced characters is in full showcase in this Academia duology and I was enthralled from the first chapter in the first book.
Those who have read the Elantra series will enjoy seeing more of familiar characters like Teela. But those who haven't read the series can get a great introduction to Sagara/West through this two books series without having to worry about getting lost. The focus is fully on Robin, a character I don't believe was in the long-running Elantra series.
In all, a great series and book two was just as good as book one. The story ended cleanly and I expect this to complete the Academia offshoot series. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the provider. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 5, 2025
-4 stars. took me 10 days to get thru. i enjoyed the story, but it felt long. her books are always long, but they usually don't *feel* long to me.
"she considered subtlety to be a waste of time. then again, she considered offended people to be mildly inconvenient, no more. how people viewed her wasn't her problem, but theirs. whoever they were."
"he wanted to finish school, although even that concept seemed odd to him. how did one ever finish learning? was there some magical point at which he'd have learned enough, and there'd be no more to be taught? he couldn't imagine it."
"'men of ambition.' the word should have been a curse, given the distaste with which it was spoken."
"that's the thing about trust though. until its fully tested, it's all theoretical. it's nicer to believe you can trust people. but you really won't know until you have to."
"i'm not lazy - i'm self indulgent. i don't like to work on things i don't care about."
"being noticed had never been a good thing."
"he'd pry them off and try to pawn them because he didn't want attention. he'd learned not to want it, and those lessons were so deeply rooted he wasn't certain he could ever pull them up and cast them aside." (referring to gems on a sword scabbard)
"i've never had trouble saying nothing before."
"yeah, but now you'll have to do it in actual words."
"a book is an object in and of itself, yes? but the readers of that book will be different. they will have their own experience and their own perspective and that influences their reading of the text. what you might find in a book, what you might unconsciously emphasize, will be different from what i might find. the book itself is static; it is what we bring to it as readers that directs our experience of the text."
"she considered subtlety to be a waste of time. then again, she considered offended people to be mildly inconvenient, no more. how people viewed her wasn't her problem, but theirs. whoever they were."
"he wanted to finish school, although even that concept seemed odd to him. how did one ever finish learning? was there some magical point at which he'd have learned enough, and there'd be no more to be taught? he couldn't imagine it."
"'men of ambition.' the word should have been a curse, given the distaste with which it was spoken."
"that's the thing about trust though. until its fully tested, it's all theoretical. it's nicer to believe you can trust people. but you really won't know until you have to."
"i'm not lazy - i'm self indulgent. i don't like to work on things i don't care about."
"being noticed had never been a good thing."
"he'd pry them off and try to pawn them because he didn't want attention. he'd learned not to want it, and those lessons were so deeply rooted he wasn't certain he could ever pull them up and cast them aside." (referring to gems on a sword scabbard)
"i've never had trouble saying nothing before."
"yeah, but now you'll have to do it in actual words."
"a book is an object in and of itself, yes? but the readers of that book will be different. they will have their own experience and their own perspective and that influences their reading of the text. what you might find in a book, what you might unconsciously emphasize, will be different from what i might find. the book itself is static; it is what we bring to it as readers that directs our experience of the text."
February 14, 2025
Robin takes the Gardianno seat with a little help from his friends!
Robin of Gardianno knows out that he has to take control of the Gardianno manse to protect Elantra from the things that are in the basement. But Robin is still a student at the Academia and he grew up in the warrens and he needs to learn etiquette and manners appropriate for the human caste court where Gardianno is one of oldest seats.
Robin is young enough that he needs a guardian and he would rather not have his uncle serve after the deaths of his parents and siblings. His guardian is Lord An’Teela of the Barrani court and she will do anything to protect him and his friend Raven with the help of the rest of the cohort.
Heir of Light is all about Robin learning about his birthright as the Gardianno and I wasn’t expecting Teela as the guardian. But if you have read the Chronicles of Elantra Series you will learn so much about Teela and her background so get started because Shards of Glass is slotted in at 17.5 and Heir of Light is 18.5 in that series because they are worth every minute of time reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Robin of Gardianno knows out that he has to take control of the Gardianno manse to protect Elantra from the things that are in the basement. But Robin is still a student at the Academia and he grew up in the warrens and he needs to learn etiquette and manners appropriate for the human caste court where Gardianno is one of oldest seats.
Robin is young enough that he needs a guardian and he would rather not have his uncle serve after the deaths of his parents and siblings. His guardian is Lord An’Teela of the Barrani court and she will do anything to protect him and his friend Raven with the help of the rest of the cohort.
Heir of Light is all about Robin learning about his birthright as the Gardianno and I wasn’t expecting Teela as the guardian. But if you have read the Chronicles of Elantra Series you will learn so much about Teela and her background so get started because Shards of Glass is slotted in at 17.5 and Heir of Light is 18.5 in that series because they are worth every minute of time reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 11, 2025
Book 2 in the Lessons of the Academia series (#18.5 Chronicles of Elantra)
Heir of Light continues the story of Raven and Robin in the Academia. While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I wish I had reread Shards of Glass before starting it. I had forgotten some of the events that were important to this second story and that made some parts confusing to me. I loved Teela's role in this book and also enjoyed seeing Serralyn and Terrano again.
I didn’t think this book was quite as interesting as the first book. I felt the story bogged down from time to time in too long philosophical discussions and the middle of the book was a bit slow. However, the last third of the story was excellent and I enjoyed learning more about the Humans of this world. My favorite scene was the one with the Emperor.
I’m not sure if there will be more books in this storyline. The main plot points were all completed, but several questions still remain.
I love the Elantra books overall and Heir of Light adds some interesting new characters and gives us a glimpse into a new aspect of the world.
Heir of Light continues the story of Raven and Robin in the Academia. While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I wish I had reread Shards of Glass before starting it. I had forgotten some of the events that were important to this second story and that made some parts confusing to me. I loved Teela's role in this book and also enjoyed seeing Serralyn and Terrano again.
I didn’t think this book was quite as interesting as the first book. I felt the story bogged down from time to time in too long philosophical discussions and the middle of the book was a bit slow. However, the last third of the story was excellent and I enjoyed learning more about the Humans of this world. My favorite scene was the one with the Emperor.
I’m not sure if there will be more books in this storyline. The main plot points were all completed, but several questions still remain.
I love the Elantra books overall and Heir of Light adds some interesting new characters and gives us a glimpse into a new aspect of the world.
August 31, 2025
“This level of politics gave Robin a headache…”
I have to admit that although this story intrigued me throughout both books of the series, I have to agree with the MMC; the level of political power and influence discussed in this second book was quite headache inducing. I adore how the author portrays the dynamics of the very diverse personalities of the characters in the series, but it is clear that she also seems to have a strong interest in the political paradigm in which power dynamics are most prevalent. Although, I found myself wishing for more interaction and growth that I loved in the first book, I admit that the seemingly endless amount of content dedicated to the breakdown of the political power struggle did make sense of much of the inner workings of the caste court systems in play. Thankfully, Terrano was also a major part of this book! I found myself eagerly awaiting his banter and rule-breaking antics a delightfully entertaining break from the often heavy and sometimes dry subject matter.
I have to admit that although this story intrigued me throughout both books of the series, I have to agree with the MMC; the level of political power and influence discussed in this second book was quite headache inducing. I adore how the author portrays the dynamics of the very diverse personalities of the characters in the series, but it is clear that she also seems to have a strong interest in the political paradigm in which power dynamics are most prevalent. Although, I found myself wishing for more interaction and growth that I loved in the first book, I admit that the seemingly endless amount of content dedicated to the breakdown of the political power struggle did make sense of much of the inner workings of the caste court systems in play. Thankfully, Terrano was also a major part of this book! I found myself eagerly awaiting his banter and rule-breaking antics a delightfully entertaining break from the often heavy and sometimes dry subject matter.
September 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Harlequin, and Michelle Sagara for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was fantastic in every way. The world building, story, and character growth were spot on perfect. The pacing was a little uneven at times, but it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
I loved watching Robin grow into what he is now. He is becoming an adult, with a huge burden of being the leader of Gardianno, and the legacy of his Mother's family to care for the Garden. It was interesting to see how Raven is changing over time, and slowly becoming her own entity instead of just a guardian.
There are a lot of political maneuverings going on in this book, and a lot less Academia related story, especially in the last half. It was pretty easy to follow overall, and I didn't struggle to follow along.
There were some great twists, and magical surprises too.
I think this is a great addition to the Elantra world, and can't wait to read the next one!
This book was fantastic in every way. The world building, story, and character growth were spot on perfect. The pacing was a little uneven at times, but it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
I loved watching Robin grow into what he is now. He is becoming an adult, with a huge burden of being the leader of Gardianno, and the legacy of his Mother's family to care for the Garden. It was interesting to see how Raven is changing over time, and slowly becoming her own entity instead of just a guardian.
There are a lot of political maneuverings going on in this book, and a lot less Academia related story, especially in the last half. It was pretty easy to follow overall, and I didn't struggle to follow along.
There were some great twists, and magical surprises too.
I think this is a great addition to the Elantra world, and can't wait to read the next one!
July 7, 2025
*Source* Library
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Heir of Light, by Michelle Sagara, is the second and apparent conclusion to the author's The Academia Chronicles. This series is set in the same world as the author's The Chronicles of Elantra series. Heir of Light follows Robin Gardianno, a young student at the newly awakened Academia, a magical institution within the Empire ruled by a Dragon Emperor. After the events of Shards of Glass, Robin is grappling with a monumental revelation: he is the heir to the Gardianno seat, a prestigious and influential position within the human caste court.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Epic Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Heir of Light, by Michelle Sagara, is the second and apparent conclusion to the author's The Academia Chronicles. This series is set in the same world as the author's The Chronicles of Elantra series. Heir of Light follows Robin Gardianno, a young student at the newly awakened Academia, a magical institution within the Empire ruled by a Dragon Emperor. After the events of Shards of Glass, Robin is grappling with a monumental revelation: he is the heir to the Gardianno seat, a prestigious and influential position within the human caste court.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 5, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down
I really love the world of Elantra. Michelle Sagara is a stellar writer with immense creativity and an eye for beautiful detail. I am really enjoying this side series set in the Academia. I do think that some of the political discussions got a little too detailed at times, but in general it was an extremely compelling story for me. There are a lot of characters, but since I've already known most of them for several books now, it was easy for me to just slip into the story. It actually made me miss the old gang, so I think I might be ready for an original series re-read again. I might even start with book one this time.
I really love the world of Elantra. Michelle Sagara is a stellar writer with immense creativity and an eye for beautiful detail. I am really enjoying this side series set in the Academia. I do think that some of the political discussions got a little too detailed at times, but in general it was an extremely compelling story for me. There are a lot of characters, but since I've already known most of them for several books now, it was easy for me to just slip into the story. It actually made me miss the old gang, so I think I might be ready for an original series re-read again. I might even start with book one this time.
July 30, 2025
Great Story!
As always Michelle drew me into her world, the development in the cast court was enlightening as to why humans could continue to hold power in the empire. Which in the Cast books never appeared to be likely. I really enjoyed Robin and Raven's growth and the interactions between them and the cohort. Also the Academia is very interesting as it continues to develop now that it is awake in the current time and accepting more students and Instructors.
As always Michelle drew me into her world, the development in the cast court was enlightening as to why humans could continue to hold power in the empire. Which in the Cast books never appeared to be likely. I really enjoyed Robin and Raven's growth and the interactions between them and the cohort. Also the Academia is very interesting as it continues to develop now that it is awake in the current time and accepting more students and Instructors.
September 9, 2025
I was not really feeling this, and it took me ages to get through it. It had some of the usual Elantra pitfalls-- too many extended conversations of Great Import where no one will ever say things straight out--but I also missed the actual danger that Kaylin gets into. Robin isn't a fighter, true, but surely there's a way to raise the stakes so it feels like there's some kind of risk or uncertainty for him.
June 15, 2025
Book 2 of Robin's story is another solid addition to the world of Elantra. Robin, now revealed to be the Gardianno heir, is a target for the same assassins who killed his family. Sagara's world and characters continue to hold the reader spellbound in the magic she so deftly weaves. I look forward eagerly to more.
July 18, 2025
The next part of the saga of Robin and Raven, and Robin’s new status and responsibilities. It was great to see them visit Helen, and meet Kaylin. I thoroughly enjoyed Teela’s parts of the story, too. It feels like this part is somewhat complete. I’m curious to see if we get further Academia Chronicles, and if so, who the narrative will center around.
February 11, 2025
I want to start my review by saying this is not my usual genre that being said I really loved it. I loved the concept of power and the price that comes with it and how it applies to the real world. I think it was a beautifully complex story.
May 30, 2025
Brilliant as always
A lovely book.
Robin has to learn quickly how the human cast court works to survive, and as he does, so do we. A nice blend of world building, action, and spending time with old friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
A lovely book.
Robin has to learn quickly how the human cast court works to survive, and as he does, so do we. A nice blend of world building, action, and spending time with old friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
June 11, 2025
Fascinating story that has just begun
This story gets better and better. It appears to be just the beginning of a tale full of adventure, change, and surprises. I can't wait for Book 3!
This story gets better and better. It appears to be just the beginning of a tale full of adventure, change, and surprises. I can't wait for Book 3!
July 22, 2025
Satisfying continuation
Robin is such a great lens from which to view Elantra. His story continues to engage and enlighten. I love that An'Teela will be in this story line in the future
Robin is such a great lens from which to view Elantra. His story continues to engage and enlighten. I love that An'Teela will be in this story line in the future
Want to read
February 26, 2025Coming out May 27, 2025.
Read
May 1, 2025Dragons & Mythical Creatures, Epic Fantasy, Action & Adventure Fantasy, Sagas, Coming of Age Fiction, Crime, Fantasy
Miniseries
The Academia Chronicles (Book #2)
Miniseries
The Academia Chronicles (Book #2)
May 29, 2025
This was a fantastic sequel, loved all the developments, and I enjoyed reading it so much!
June 3, 2025
I had to laugh at this almost 500 page book being billed as a 'cozy', but it's wonderful as all of her books are. Far deeper than a cozy and just magical. I love being in Elantra!
June 9, 2025
great story arc
Michelle Sagara has done it again! With the conclusion of Robin’s story arc, the story of Elantra continues to grow! Loved it!
Michelle Sagara has done it again! With the conclusion of Robin’s story arc, the story of Elantra continues to grow! Loved it!
June 19, 2025
Action is usually my game and this is not. The story is mostly political and academia intrigue but the writing style and world building and characters are cool.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews