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Legacy / The Warlock Legacy #2
Birthright
Meet Erik Ashendale: Detective, Wizard, Monster Hunter. In a world where magic is very real and monsters hide in every dark alley, Erik keeps people safe by taking on anything that goes bump in the night.
Already embroiled in a war between Heaven and Hell, the last thing Erik needs is to babysit his apprentice, who seems intent on messing up so bad she’s bound to get herself killed. To make matters worse, the mysterious power he had awoken last time one of the Seven Deadly Sins attacked is making his own magic go awry.
So what’s a wizard to do? Head over to the ancient immortal — and possible avatar of God — Sun Tzu for a stiff drink… or maybe six.
While his apprentice is going through her trial, Erik delves into his own dark past, reliving his early days of training to be a warlock. From losing his magic to a phoenix, to planning murder with his demonic tutor, training under a magic monk, and being forced to duel for the sake of a family that abandoned him long ago, the last place Erik wants to visit is home…
Home, sweet psychotic home.
Already embroiled in a war between Heaven and Hell, the last thing Erik needs is to babysit his apprentice, who seems intent on messing up so bad she’s bound to get herself killed. To make matters worse, the mysterious power he had awoken last time one of the Seven Deadly Sins attacked is making his own magic go awry.
So what’s a wizard to do? Head over to the ancient immortal — and possible avatar of God — Sun Tzu for a stiff drink… or maybe six.
While his apprentice is going through her trial, Erik delves into his own dark past, reliving his early days of training to be a warlock. From losing his magic to a phoenix, to planning murder with his demonic tutor, training under a magic monk, and being forced to duel for the sake of a family that abandoned him long ago, the last place Erik wants to visit is home…
Home, sweet psychotic home.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
251 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Attard
33 books86 followersAuthor of the Legacy Series, the Pandora Chronicles and the Esper Files under Egan Brass
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 3, 2016
This book is basically a looooooooooooong conversation with a wise old gentleman of some paranormal flavor in which we get Erik's backstory, so often alluded to in the first book. It was like an infodump and cheesy action movie rolled into one. Unfortunately the story was very slow. Fight scenes drug on and on and on. It was like watching Erik vs the Terminator with the way the bad guys just seemed to die and then crawled out from under the rubble, made smartass remarks, and started trying to kill him again. I felt like the whole book could have been told in a quarter of the time. Erik and Gil are teenagers during all of this so we don't get any of the adult years of badass assignments and creative fighting. At this point in Erik's life it's just about raw energy and hacking at things. We do learn many important things like how Erik's cat/demon came into his life, why he and Gil are estranged, why he and Gil had to kill his father, and more about his mother. We find out all about how he was trained--both by an evil (Faust) and good (Tenzin) teacher. The only forward momentum in story is how Abi's training is coming, hints that she's crazy powerful, and her earning a powerful weapon of her own. This is about a chapter's worth of the book. I look forward to the next book and hope that it's a return to the dynamic, clever action and the great character interactions of the first book.
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January 27, 2025The second book in The Legacy Series has just as much wicked humor as the first, but even more heart. Many questions about Erik Ashendale's past are answered, giving the reader more of an in-depth look as to what makes this monster-fighting Warlock tick. The backstory is perfect preparation for what's sure to be an exciting sequel.
February 4, 2019
Birthright is an entertaining book in the Legacy series by Ryan Attard. The plot of this one was great in my eyes and mostly focuses on us learning about Erik and how he became who he is now. The pace of the book is great and is a mix of what is happening currently and flashbacks to major life incidents of Erik's, that formed him, his magic and his personality in major ways.
I for one truly enjoyed learning about Erik's upbringing and his experiences. His story was pretty dark and Tenzin was a huge influence in his life, and still is in so many ways. Erik struggles on a daily basis and the author is doing quite a bit of character development with that throughout this book but also the first one. I am guessing this will continue on.
Abi is a fun addition to the mix and her escapades help lighten up some of the situations but also give Erik a purpose but also a friend, even though I don't think he realizes that yet. Amaymon is also a great addition and yes he acts a certain way, not sure how much of that is real and how much is show.
I think this trio makes for a fantastic group that will go far and I am curious to see what adventures they will experience. This will definitely be another binge reading series for me. I like the way it is written, very off the cuff and easy going. There are some editorial errors that I found that I wish weren't there but other than that I really enjoy this book a lot. Off to the next one, Lost One is next.
I for one truly enjoyed learning about Erik's upbringing and his experiences. His story was pretty dark and Tenzin was a huge influence in his life, and still is in so many ways. Erik struggles on a daily basis and the author is doing quite a bit of character development with that throughout this book but also the first one. I am guessing this will continue on.
Abi is a fun addition to the mix and her escapades help lighten up some of the situations but also give Erik a purpose but also a friend, even though I don't think he realizes that yet. Amaymon is also a great addition and yes he acts a certain way, not sure how much of that is real and how much is show.
I think this trio makes for a fantastic group that will go far and I am curious to see what adventures they will experience. This will definitely be another binge reading series for me. I like the way it is written, very off the cuff and easy going. There are some editorial errors that I found that I wish weren't there but other than that I really enjoy this book a lot. Off to the next one, Lost One is next.
May 31, 2020
Probably more a 3.5 than a 3. Second novel of the series where we follow Wizard Erik and his demon cat in their continuing adventures. Attard has a great idea, the novel is easy to read, the characters are funny and likeable but he needs a better editor. A large part of this book is his back story, which is told by him sitting down and telling someone what he went through as a kid for 75% of the book. It was interesting and after the first book I did really want to know about hos previous experience but I just feel this would have worked better as a prequel story in it's own right or drop feeding this information over a few books in amongst the current day dangers. That aside I am still really interested in what will happen next so I will be continuing with the story
February 26, 2022
Fast paced action and great writing. This is a series I am rereading and still the ending creeps up on me leaving me impatient for the next one. These are likable characters in a unique world. I am not sure what wizards have against Chicago but it does get trashed. There are some fun comparisons to other series but that is done tongue -in- cheek and part of the fun.
I received this book from the author and am happy to leave this reveiw.
I received this book from the author and am happy to leave this reveiw.
September 1, 2020
Birthright
A year on from the first book Erik is training Abi. While helping her take the next step on her path he recounts his story from the time he gained his magic.
Ryan Attard 's second book in the Legacy series is even better than the first. In this Erik's backstory is revealed. I found the story engrossing and I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended.
A year on from the first book Erik is training Abi. While helping her take the next step on her path he recounts his story from the time he gained his magic.
Ryan Attard 's second book in the Legacy series is even better than the first. In this Erik's backstory is revealed. I found the story engrossing and I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended.
April 24, 2022
A great insight into one of my favorite characters
This story gives Wonderful insight into what happened to make Erik Ashendale into the man that he is. A moving tale full of action and emotions
This story gives Wonderful insight into what happened to make Erik Ashendale into the man that he is. A moving tale full of action and emotions
January 18, 2023
love the back story
We learn what makes Eric Eric as well as what his issues are with his sister what happened to his mom and why/ how he killed his dad. So we have learned his past present and looking forward to finding out his future in the next book can’t wait!
We learn what makes Eric Eric as well as what his issues are with his sister what happened to his mom and why/ how he killed his dad. So we have learned his past present and looking forward to finding out his future in the next book can’t wait!
January 2, 2018
Great book
Answered my questions from the first book. Blah blah blah blah amazon is making me add these extra words .
Answered my questions from the first book. Blah blah blah blah amazon is making me add these extra words .
January 8, 2018
The making of Eric
Excellent urban fantasy. The action scenes are very imaginative. The fight scenes are all knock down drag out affairs. This is as good as it gets.
Excellent urban fantasy. The action scenes are very imaginative. The fight scenes are all knock down drag out affairs. This is as good as it gets.
March 28, 2019
Excellent, very impressed so much so I’ve read all 6 books in the legacy series.
January 8, 2019
an interesting view on magic a strange relationship with his family and good friends the best part is the demon
September 6, 2019
Took me a while to get through this book b/c it was a lot of flash back and foundation building. Not sure it's vital.
October 12, 2019
A new Dresden
Love the background story of Erik in this book. Liked the Dresden Files, like this as much or better. Easily loveable characters, even the demon cat
Love the background story of Erik in this book. Liked the Dresden Files, like this as much or better. Easily loveable characters, even the demon cat
October 14, 2019
Great origin story . About his childhood , loose it near the end . Sound like it just was filler . Second fav series next the Dresden Files in that genes
May 8, 2025
Very good but sad!
It's a horrible thing to find out your own father is trying to kill you and your sister for your magickal power, and helped take your mother from you to!
It's a horrible thing to find out your own father is trying to kill you and your sister for your magickal power, and helped take your mother from you to!
June 24, 2014
“Birthright”: Action, Magic, Martial Arts…and Laughs
“Birthright” continues the saga of Erik Ashendale that began with “Legacy.” “Birthright” fills in Erik’s history and answers many questions raised in “Legacy” about his strange past and stranger sister, Gil. We find out why Erik can’t use his inherited magical ability, how he acquired his magical sword, Djinn, and the origins of his irascible cat-demon familiar, Amaymon.
Erik and Gil are the children of a long line of magically endowed aristocrats. Having lost their mother when they were very small, the children are raised largely by their father’s major domo, a demon named Mephisto. Mephisto trains the children in the ways of magic, exposing them to a wide array of monsters and demons until the kids are able to literally handle anything—if they can survive. Their survival becomes more and more tenuous as their cold and distant father unexpectedly begins to take an interest in his children—but not the kindly and paternal interest that you might expect. No, it turns out that the senior Ashendale is plotting to…but that would be a spoiler, so I’ll stop there.
If you’re into action, “Birthright” is nonstop. In addition to being an expert sword fighter (albeit with a magical sword), Erik is also a martial arts expert and lays waste to a large cast of monsters, including hillbilly vampires, the loathsome Alastair Crowley, and an army of assorted demons. Attard owns his own (non-magical) swords, has trained in martial arts, and practices fight sequences with his obliging friends to improve the verisimilitude of the scenes. He doesn’t pull any punches, either—there’s enough gore to satisfy even a G.R.R. Martin fan.
What might not be apparent from this description is Attard’s gonzo sense of humor. The story is told from Erik’s point of view, and Erik is the king of world-weary snark. The verbal play between Erik and Amaymon is laugh-out-loud funny, so consider that before you sit down with a cup of hot coffee to read “Birthright.”
“Birthright” continues the saga of Erik Ashendale that began with “Legacy.” “Birthright” fills in Erik’s history and answers many questions raised in “Legacy” about his strange past and stranger sister, Gil. We find out why Erik can’t use his inherited magical ability, how he acquired his magical sword, Djinn, and the origins of his irascible cat-demon familiar, Amaymon.
Erik and Gil are the children of a long line of magically endowed aristocrats. Having lost their mother when they were very small, the children are raised largely by their father’s major domo, a demon named Mephisto. Mephisto trains the children in the ways of magic, exposing them to a wide array of monsters and demons until the kids are able to literally handle anything—if they can survive. Their survival becomes more and more tenuous as their cold and distant father unexpectedly begins to take an interest in his children—but not the kindly and paternal interest that you might expect. No, it turns out that the senior Ashendale is plotting to…but that would be a spoiler, so I’ll stop there.
If you’re into action, “Birthright” is nonstop. In addition to being an expert sword fighter (albeit with a magical sword), Erik is also a martial arts expert and lays waste to a large cast of monsters, including hillbilly vampires, the loathsome Alastair Crowley, and an army of assorted demons. Attard owns his own (non-magical) swords, has trained in martial arts, and practices fight sequences with his obliging friends to improve the verisimilitude of the scenes. He doesn’t pull any punches, either—there’s enough gore to satisfy even a G.R.R. Martin fan.
What might not be apparent from this description is Attard’s gonzo sense of humor. The story is told from Erik’s point of view, and Erik is the king of world-weary snark. The verbal play between Erik and Amaymon is laugh-out-loud funny, so consider that before you sit down with a cup of hot coffee to read “Birthright.”
October 24, 2016
After adding this book to my 'To Read' list, I purchased books 1 - 3 of the series as a set. I had read book 1 previously so I just started in on book 2 and am reviewing that as an individual book.
I really like the concept behind this series which is no surprise since I LOVE Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, but there are a few issues. What's with wizards and female apprentices? (One other series I've recently been reading also stars a magical guy with a female apprentice.) The main character, Erik, is supposedly around 24 but he has the attitude of a teenager. He's just full of angst. Also, I recognize that this author is self-published, but that's no excuse for poor proofreading. Please find someone better at the job! All those errors are a distraction from the story.
In my opinion, a really good author will tell the protagonist's back story in segments throughout a book or series. Ryan Attard decided to spill it all in the guise of a storytelling session in this book. So you really deviate from the main outline of the series - finding and destroying The Seven Deadly Sins which is started in book One. I'm not sure why the author chose to go this route, but it took me a while to get back to that main outline when I picked up book three.
Somewhere I read that you should read this series in the order of Book 1, Book 2, free short stories which you get via e-mail link when you sign up for his newsletter (and which are NOT available on my Kindle - just 'sell' them for free on Amazon) and then Book 3. Although the author claims you can read the stories out of order and they will still make sense, it's not true. Mr. Attard says each book is a complete stand-alone story, book 2 ended with "Hello, brother."
Now that I've read books 1 - 3, I guess I better go back and read all those free short stories.
I really like the concept behind this series which is no surprise since I LOVE Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, but there are a few issues. What's with wizards and female apprentices? (One other series I've recently been reading also stars a magical guy with a female apprentice.) The main character, Erik, is supposedly around 24 but he has the attitude of a teenager. He's just full of angst. Also, I recognize that this author is self-published, but that's no excuse for poor proofreading. Please find someone better at the job! All those errors are a distraction from the story.
In my opinion, a really good author will tell the protagonist's back story in segments throughout a book or series. Ryan Attard decided to spill it all in the guise of a storytelling session in this book. So you really deviate from the main outline of the series - finding and destroying The Seven Deadly Sins which is started in book One. I'm not sure why the author chose to go this route, but it took me a while to get back to that main outline when I picked up book three.
Somewhere I read that you should read this series in the order of Book 1, Book 2, free short stories which you get via e-mail link when you sign up for his newsletter (and which are NOT available on my Kindle - just 'sell' them for free on Amazon) and then Book 3. Although the author claims you can read the stories out of order and they will still make sense, it's not true. Mr. Attard says each book is a complete stand-alone story, book 2 ended with "Hello, brother."
Now that I've read books 1 - 3, I guess I better go back and read all those free short stories.
April 19, 2016
It looks like the author took my advice and got a professional editor. The story flowed much better this time and didn't have any noticeable (to me) SPAG errors.
As far as the the actual plot/content/character development, it was actually quite good. I enjoyed learning more about Erik, his relationship to other characters, and his past. There was a lot of action (although a little heavy on the violence for my tastes) and everything was very well thought out. The story took some interesting twists and turns and I'm excited to see where the next books will lead.
My only two negatives about the book:
1. Though there was a lot of action and exposition, there were times where this story just felt like a big info dump.
2. Some continuity errors that seemed to jar first book irked me a bit (Erik's age was a big one for me).
As far as the the actual plot/content/character development, it was actually quite good. I enjoyed learning more about Erik, his relationship to other characters, and his past. There was a lot of action (although a little heavy on the violence for my tastes) and everything was very well thought out. The story took some interesting twists and turns and I'm excited to see where the next books will lead.
My only two negatives about the book:
1. Though there was a lot of action and exposition, there were times where this story just felt like a big info dump.
2. Some continuity errors that seemed to jar first book irked me a bit (Erik's age was a big one for me).
July 27, 2025
In this book we get to see how Erik and Gil came to their legacy. We also learn what prompted the animosity between them. I hope in the rewrite that Ryan fixed what was a glaring error. Mephistopheles, IN FRONT OF!! Gil, admitted to lying to Erik. Gil has been the brains of the twins. The idea that she didn’t react to what the dog said, and instead continued to lay all of the blame at Erik’s feet shows that she isn’t as wise as she pretends to be. Add in a character who is akin to cockroaches in how hard they are to eradicate means I probably shouldn’t have given this book 5 stars. But meeting Sun Tzu and the others (especially Turtle) was interesting. Most importantly was Tenzin. One shudders to think what Erik would have been like without that gentle soul finding him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2014
I just finished reading this book, and all I can say is wow. Erik's past has blown my mind, and truth be told, tears have been shed at times.
Attard's descriptions are formidable; whether he is describing the emotions of the characters, a fight sequence, or the surroundings. He finds a great balance between humour, raw emotions, and actions. Somehow you get to relate to each of his characters - through their thoughts and experiences, and that creates an amazing bond between the reader and the book.
Definitely a series I'd recommend to anyone.
Attard's descriptions are formidable; whether he is describing the emotions of the characters, a fight sequence, or the surroundings. He finds a great balance between humour, raw emotions, and actions. Somehow you get to relate to each of his characters - through their thoughts and experiences, and that creates an amazing bond between the reader and the book.
Definitely a series I'd recommend to anyone.
December 31, 2021
I don't remember my impression of this the first time around, but the second time around, after having read the whole series so far, it is a pretty good follow-up of Firstborn. It is structured as one long flashback, but it is all told by Erik in the first person, so it is easy to forget the framing if that bothers you too much. We learn how Abi gets her fighting stick, and what happened to Erik to end up estranged from his sister and away from his family mansion. We also meet Tenzin, who brought him back to humanity, as well as join in Erik's first glimpse of Amaymon.
August 14, 2015
WOW! The new author is coming into his own. A great read, continuing the storylines from his first book by back-filling in pre-history + a continuing intrigiung storyline
January 2, 2017
Great characters with full background.
I really like the characters in this series. Love the demon cat. And always find myself cheering for Erik and hoping he finds his peace.
I really like the characters in this series. Love the demon cat. And always find myself cheering for Erik and hoping he finds his peace.
February 14, 2022
Awesome
Another excellent book from a truly exceptional writer. Each and every book is extremely difficult to put down. I finish and then look for the next book.
Another excellent book from a truly exceptional writer. Each and every book is extremely difficult to put down. I finish and then look for the next book.
April 21, 2017
Nice back stories
I really like how this covered a lot of the back stories to catch you up and how they main character was telling someone his history over drinks.
I really like how this covered a lot of the back stories to catch you up and how they main character was telling someone his history over drinks.
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July 12, 2017Not as good as the first book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews