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The Realm Reachers #2
The Crystal Heir
A Crimson sun rises with the dawn.
Thwarted by her rivals in the Crimson Court, Kasia Niezik finds herself at sea as she struggles to control her strange new Reaching. Armies march in the east as foes and friends alike seek to take advantage of the chaos. And at home, old scars fester in her absence.
The capital she left behind is in ruins. Spirits haunt those who refuse to kneel before the Crimson King, and lowborn like Nex survive among the ashes while Princess Nikoza and her fellow scions tread on shattered political grounds. One misstep, and they're sure to find death is hardly the worst punishment one can endure.
Beyond Kalastok's streets, spurred scions and lowborn gather under the banner of legendary general Tiuz Hazeko. A mysterious benefactor has granted him a weapon that could be the key to stopping the Crimsons' spirits, but to succeed, he will need the aid of allies new and old. Guns and powder can only go so far.
In this war, they need crystal and glass.
Launch into the aftermath of The Crimson Court's shocking end as the Commonwealth teeters on the edge. Every faction on Zekiaz wants a piece of the spoils, but neither magic nor war come without a heavy cost.
This eBook of The Crystal Heir includes the deluxe edition's eight interior illustrations, twelve maps, and in-world graphics in full color.
Thwarted by her rivals in the Crimson Court, Kasia Niezik finds herself at sea as she struggles to control her strange new Reaching. Armies march in the east as foes and friends alike seek to take advantage of the chaos. And at home, old scars fester in her absence.
The capital she left behind is in ruins. Spirits haunt those who refuse to kneel before the Crimson King, and lowborn like Nex survive among the ashes while Princess Nikoza and her fellow scions tread on shattered political grounds. One misstep, and they're sure to find death is hardly the worst punishment one can endure.
Beyond Kalastok's streets, spurred scions and lowborn gather under the banner of legendary general Tiuz Hazeko. A mysterious benefactor has granted him a weapon that could be the key to stopping the Crimsons' spirits, but to succeed, he will need the aid of allies new and old. Guns and powder can only go so far.
In this war, they need crystal and glass.
Launch into the aftermath of The Crimson Court's shocking end as the Commonwealth teeters on the edge. Every faction on Zekiaz wants a piece of the spoils, but neither magic nor war come without a heavy cost.
This eBook of The Crystal Heir includes the deluxe edition's eight interior illustrations, twelve maps, and in-world graphics in full color.
- GenresFantasy
727 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2025
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Brendan Noble
17 books98 followersBrendan Noble is an American epic fantasy author writing epic fantasy with inspiration from his Polish ancestry, mythology, video games of all types, and Dungeons & Dragons. He loves to explore the complexities of politics and the gray between good and evil.
Shortly after beginning his writing career in 2019, Brendan married his wife Andrea and moved to Rockford, Illinois from his hometown in Michigan. Since then, he has published three series: The Realm Reachers, The Frostmarked Chronicles, and The Prism Files.
Outside of writing, Brendan is a data analyst and soccer referee. His top interests include German, Polish, and American soccer/football, Formula 1, analyzing political elections across the world, playing extremely nerdy strategy video games, exploring with his wife, and reading.
Shortly after beginning his writing career in 2019, Brendan married his wife Andrea and moved to Rockford, Illinois from his hometown in Michigan. Since then, he has published three series: The Realm Reachers, The Frostmarked Chronicles, and The Prism Files.
Outside of writing, Brendan is a data analyst and soccer referee. His top interests include German, Polish, and American soccer/football, Formula 1, analyzing political elections across the world, playing extremely nerdy strategy video games, exploring with his wife, and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 8, 2025
Holy giant crabs, that ending!!! I had literal chills, and now I'm twiddling my thumbs like Spongebob in that one episode while anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Also, if you're curious why I started the review with giant crabs, you might want to pick this book up for a nice surprise. I was not expecting that, 10/10, if I ended up stranded in a different realm I'd pick that one, no question.
My favourite part of The Crystal Heir was all the realm jumping (obviously, haha). I loved seeing this enchanting world get expanded, and meeting all the nice (and not-so-nice) creatures that inhabit it.
There's a new storyline that stemmed from a specific realm that I'm so excited to see play out, but it happened near the end so now I have to wait...boo.
Anyway, The Crystal Heir managed to strike a good balance between plot and character development, neither was lacking in favour of the other. We got to know everyone on a deeper level (even one of the villains), but I gotta say that Nikoza and Nex really stole the show this time around.
My heart was squeezing for poor Nikoza, how she just wanted to help people to the best of her ability despite the consequences. She's the sweetest character. I can safely say that she's made it onto my forever favourites list after this book.
And Nex...Nex, I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, you just have to ask. Or don't ask, I'm already on my way!!
There was some relationship development between Kasia and Zinarus, I found myself audibly exclaiming "Finally!!", after their whole push and pull dynamic yielded (very satisfying) results. I couldn't keep the smile off my face during some of their scenes together.
Can we also talk about how devoted he is to her? A true romantic right there.
We learned more about reaching, and it's so fascinating to me still, definitely one of my favourite magic systems to date.
At the start we got a nice recap, and, much like the first book, this one is filled with beautiful character artwork (respectfully looking at that Zinarus one) and maps, as well as detailed battle formations (as I call them in my head). I'd like to focus on the latter, because I don't recall ever seeing something similar in a fantasy book before.
We basically got to see where every battle was being played out, where each group of characters was positioned in reference to one another, their movements as the battle went on, and they all had unique markers setting them apart, which made the reading experience even more immersive.
The only thing I had a tiny problem with is the pacing, it really slowed down compared to the first book, so I couldn't binge as much of this as I wanted to.
But other than that, it was an excellent sequel, jam-packed with political machinations that will make your mind run wild. Add in a few twists, and you'll be right here with me, eagerly anticipating book three.
P. S. Gregorzon when I catch you!!!!! If I said he was my most hated character, then what??
4.5
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Also, if you're curious why I started the review with giant crabs, you might want to pick this book up for a nice surprise. I was not expecting that, 10/10, if I ended up stranded in a different realm I'd pick that one, no question.
My favourite part of The Crystal Heir was all the realm jumping (obviously, haha). I loved seeing this enchanting world get expanded, and meeting all the nice (and not-so-nice) creatures that inhabit it.
There's a new storyline that stemmed from a specific realm that I'm so excited to see play out, but it happened near the end so now I have to wait...boo.
Anyway, The Crystal Heir managed to strike a good balance between plot and character development, neither was lacking in favour of the other. We got to know everyone on a deeper level (even one of the villains), but I gotta say that Nikoza and Nex really stole the show this time around.
My heart was squeezing for poor Nikoza, how she just wanted to help people to the best of her ability despite the consequences. She's the sweetest character. I can safely say that she's made it onto my forever favourites list after this book.
And Nex...Nex, I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, you just have to ask. Or don't ask, I'm already on my way!!
There was some relationship development between Kasia and Zinarus, I found myself audibly exclaiming "Finally!!", after their whole push and pull dynamic yielded (very satisfying) results. I couldn't keep the smile off my face during some of their scenes together.
Can we also talk about how devoted he is to her? A true romantic right there.
We learned more about reaching, and it's so fascinating to me still, definitely one of my favourite magic systems to date.
At the start we got a nice recap, and, much like the first book, this one is filled with beautiful character artwork (respectfully looking at that Zinarus one) and maps, as well as detailed battle formations (as I call them in my head). I'd like to focus on the latter, because I don't recall ever seeing something similar in a fantasy book before.
We basically got to see where every battle was being played out, where each group of characters was positioned in reference to one another, their movements as the battle went on, and they all had unique markers setting them apart, which made the reading experience even more immersive.
The only thing I had a tiny problem with is the pacing, it really slowed down compared to the first book, so I couldn't binge as much of this as I wanted to.
But other than that, it was an excellent sequel, jam-packed with political machinations that will make your mind run wild. Add in a few twists, and you'll be right here with me, eagerly anticipating book three.
P. S. Gregorzon when I catch you!!!!! If I said he was my most hated character, then what??
4.5
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 3, 2025
This is EPIC in every way.
E - Exceptional Epic fantasy with amazing world building based on Spirits and Reaching.
P - Political intrigue, plots, and conspiracies. Portals to other Realms. Pacing that is perfect.
I - Illustrations that are absolutely gorgeous - of characters, maps, battle plans…
C - Characters you can’t help but root for, especially during an Uprising against the usurper tyrant King and the Crimson Coup.
“Forgetting even our worst actions would mean changing who we have grown to become.”
Kasia must learn she does not have to take on the world alone. The voices are getting worse and she is pushing everyone away, but Zinarus is stuck by her side.
A strong heroine who doesn’t know how to accept she (and others) deserves trust and love.
Radais is the new Glassblade supreme defender, balancing the role of authority, mentor, and lover. He is stretched as he discovers more about the nature of Spirits.
Nex - we don’t learn much more about our favourite ruffian, but boy, do they go through it in this book.
Princess Nikoza wants to use her power to help those who can’t help themselves, but is she a player or being played?
“Blah,” Wanusa muttered. “Stop flirting. It probably attracts breathless.”
Lazan swept his hat back onto his head. “Why, of course. Attraction is well known to take one’s breath away.”
The banter was great, the puns were funny; but the writing did seem more YA this time around though.
My review of book one mentioned the potential for world building in terms of the Eastern European culture and gaslamp setting. We got even less in this instalment.
I found Kasia’s character frustrating and annoying, particularly after the half-way point. She was one of my favourites, but her spiralling made her repetitive and coddled.
Without spoilers - the ending. Wow. What a complete crescendo and tantalising secretive set-up!
Arc gifted by the author - it is beautiful and I would definitely recommend the Kickstarter or Hardcover.
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E - Exceptional Epic fantasy with amazing world building based on Spirits and Reaching.
P - Political intrigue, plots, and conspiracies. Portals to other Realms. Pacing that is perfect.
I - Illustrations that are absolutely gorgeous - of characters, maps, battle plans…
C - Characters you can’t help but root for, especially during an Uprising against the usurper tyrant King and the Crimson Coup.
“Forgetting even our worst actions would mean changing who we have grown to become.”
Kasia must learn she does not have to take on the world alone. The voices are getting worse and she is pushing everyone away, but Zinarus is stuck by her side.
A strong heroine who doesn’t know how to accept she (and others) deserves trust and love.
Radais is the new Glassblade supreme defender, balancing the role of authority, mentor, and lover. He is stretched as he discovers more about the nature of Spirits.
Nex - we don’t learn much more about our favourite ruffian, but boy, do they go through it in this book.
Princess Nikoza wants to use her power to help those who can’t help themselves, but is she a player or being played?
“Blah,” Wanusa muttered. “Stop flirting. It probably attracts breathless.”
Lazan swept his hat back onto his head. “Why, of course. Attraction is well known to take one’s breath away.”
The banter was great, the puns were funny; but the writing did seem more YA this time around though.
My review of book one mentioned the potential for world building in terms of the Eastern European culture and gaslamp setting. We got even less in this instalment.
I found Kasia’s character frustrating and annoying, particularly after the half-way point. She was one of my favourites, but her spiralling made her repetitive and coddled.
Without spoilers - the ending. Wow. What a complete crescendo and tantalising secretive set-up!
Arc gifted by the author - it is beautiful and I would definitely recommend the Kickstarter or Hardcover.
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July 21, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
4.25 stars
It’s always nerve-racking to pick up a sequel to a book you absolutely loved, especially one as boldly ambitious as The Crimson Court, but Brendan Noble is back and better than ever in The Crystal Heir. We’ve got more cutthroat political scheming, more dangerous Reacher magic, more shocking revelations and so many more emotional gut punches, resulting in a sequel that isn’t just satisfying, but absolutely masterful in every sense of the word.
First of all, thank all that is holy for the ‘story so far’ section, I will never get tired of those. Though, even without that little summary of prior events, I think Noble does an excellent job of reconnecting the reader with our cast of scarred and morally grey chaos demons (as I so lovingly dubbed them when I first read book 1). From the moment I opened The Crystal Heir, I was just immediately reimmersed in this breathtakingly grand and epic Eastern-European flavoured flintlock fantasy world, and I think the start to this sequel could seriously not have been more gripping and engrossing.
I mean, as much as I enjoyed The Crimson Court, there was a lot of set-up and teasing at bigger things to come, but from the very first pages of The Crystal Heir it’s clear that Noble isn’t going to waste any time delivering on his promises. The world instantly expands in both breadth and depth, be that in terms of the escalating (inter)national political conflict (both amongst the scions and between the scions and lowborn) after the Crimson Coup, the shocking revelations about the nature and ever-increasing threat of the spirits, the dangerous discovery of other Realms, or the exploration of the devastating impact of the different branches of Reacher magic on both the wielder and the people it is being used on.
However, the true highlight of The Crystal Heir for me is the fact that every single one of these characters just Goes Through It… real hard. The authentic exploration of themes of mental health, loss, classism, (physical) disability, corruption, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition and vengeance really shines brighter than ever before in this instalment, which added both a lot of heart and a lot of hurt to the narrative.
For me, Kasia, Nikoza and Nex (my fave from day one) were the true showstoppers in The Crystal Heir, precisely because their journeys were the most messy, frustrating and heart wrenching of all. Be it Kasia’s deep inner struggle to let people in and her escalating Realm Taint (hello unreliable narrator) due to her newfound Axiom powers, Nikoza’s battle between her heart and her (controlled?) mind or Nex’s continued fight against the scions’ oppression at the risk of their own safety and sanity, I was just so here for the intense drama and emotional turmoil of it all. What can I say, I will always love me some stubborn, complicated babes (totally using that term in a non-binary way, we respect & stan Nex here) who are desperately trying to keep their shit together while tearing down the system.
The other four POV characters (yes, we get two new ones, including a brief villain POV!) all really had their moments to shine as well, even if they didn’t all pull me in on the same emotional level. Still, I really liked seeing the ways that everyone clashed or unexpectedly came together despite their wildly different backgrounds and conflicting personal motivations, and the way that Noble balanced and interwove all their storylines was just so captivating. Also, this sequel focuses even more on the interpersonal relationships that lie at the core of this narrative and we get treated to some more (queer) romantic shenanigans that were equally heart warming and gut wrenching, which I absolutely ate up!
Now, The Crystal Heir is not a short read, and I have to admit that there were a few moments where I felt like this book would never end, especially in Radais and Wanusa’s chapters. But then at the same time, I also didn’t really want this story to be over because I just loved spending time in this world with these characters, so I can’t really complain. Moreover, this book simply does not have any bloat or filler content; every single scene furthers the overarching plot and/or the individual character arcs, and I think there is simply no denying that Noble is absolutely nailing his ambitious vision for this extraordinary story.
And as the cherry on top of it all, the visual presentation of this book is just as awe-inspiring as the story itself. I mean, not only is the cover art just an absolute gem (yes, pun very much intended), but the interior design and full-colour illustrations are also nothing short of breathtaking. We’ve got cool chapter headers, unique house emblems, gorgeous character portraits, and detailed war maps, all of which only increased my level of enjoyment and immersion (which were already through the roof to begin with).
The Crystal Heir honestly shattered all my expectations, and I think it’s just everything you could wish for in a great sequel. To me, The Realm Reachers series feels like an Eastern-European flavoured mix of the best aspects of ASOIAF and The Stormlight Archive, except make it even more imaginative, unique and exhilarating. I will be first in line when the next instalment drops, and I think anyone who loves a good dark, epic, political fantasy should join me for this wickedly wild ride.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Crystal Heir is scheduled for release on 22 July 2025.
4.25 stars
It’s always nerve-racking to pick up a sequel to a book you absolutely loved, especially one as boldly ambitious as The Crimson Court, but Brendan Noble is back and better than ever in The Crystal Heir. We’ve got more cutthroat political scheming, more dangerous Reacher magic, more shocking revelations and so many more emotional gut punches, resulting in a sequel that isn’t just satisfying, but absolutely masterful in every sense of the word.
First of all, thank all that is holy for the ‘story so far’ section, I will never get tired of those. Though, even without that little summary of prior events, I think Noble does an excellent job of reconnecting the reader with our cast of scarred and morally grey chaos demons (as I so lovingly dubbed them when I first read book 1). From the moment I opened The Crystal Heir, I was just immediately reimmersed in this breathtakingly grand and epic Eastern-European flavoured flintlock fantasy world, and I think the start to this sequel could seriously not have been more gripping and engrossing.
I mean, as much as I enjoyed The Crimson Court, there was a lot of set-up and teasing at bigger things to come, but from the very first pages of The Crystal Heir it’s clear that Noble isn’t going to waste any time delivering on his promises. The world instantly expands in both breadth and depth, be that in terms of the escalating (inter)national political conflict (both amongst the scions and between the scions and lowborn) after the Crimson Coup, the shocking revelations about the nature and ever-increasing threat of the spirits, the dangerous discovery of other Realms, or the exploration of the devastating impact of the different branches of Reacher magic on both the wielder and the people it is being used on.
However, the true highlight of The Crystal Heir for me is the fact that every single one of these characters just Goes Through It… real hard. The authentic exploration of themes of mental health, loss, classism, (physical) disability, corruption, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition and vengeance really shines brighter than ever before in this instalment, which added both a lot of heart and a lot of hurt to the narrative.
For me, Kasia, Nikoza and Nex (my fave from day one) were the true showstoppers in The Crystal Heir, precisely because their journeys were the most messy, frustrating and heart wrenching of all. Be it Kasia’s deep inner struggle to let people in and her escalating Realm Taint (hello unreliable narrator) due to her newfound Axiom powers, Nikoza’s battle between her heart and her (controlled?) mind or Nex’s continued fight against the scions’ oppression at the risk of their own safety and sanity, I was just so here for the intense drama and emotional turmoil of it all. What can I say, I will always love me some stubborn, complicated babes (totally using that term in a non-binary way, we respect & stan Nex here) who are desperately trying to keep their shit together while tearing down the system.
The other four POV characters (yes, we get two new ones, including a brief villain POV!) all really had their moments to shine as well, even if they didn’t all pull me in on the same emotional level. Still, I really liked seeing the ways that everyone clashed or unexpectedly came together despite their wildly different backgrounds and conflicting personal motivations, and the way that Noble balanced and interwove all their storylines was just so captivating. Also, this sequel focuses even more on the interpersonal relationships that lie at the core of this narrative and we get treated to some more (queer) romantic shenanigans that were equally heart warming and gut wrenching, which I absolutely ate up!
Now, The Crystal Heir is not a short read, and I have to admit that there were a few moments where I felt like this book would never end, especially in Radais and Wanusa’s chapters. But then at the same time, I also didn’t really want this story to be over because I just loved spending time in this world with these characters, so I can’t really complain. Moreover, this book simply does not have any bloat or filler content; every single scene furthers the overarching plot and/or the individual character arcs, and I think there is simply no denying that Noble is absolutely nailing his ambitious vision for this extraordinary story.
And as the cherry on top of it all, the visual presentation of this book is just as awe-inspiring as the story itself. I mean, not only is the cover art just an absolute gem (yes, pun very much intended), but the interior design and full-colour illustrations are also nothing short of breathtaking. We’ve got cool chapter headers, unique house emblems, gorgeous character portraits, and detailed war maps, all of which only increased my level of enjoyment and immersion (which were already through the roof to begin with).
The Crystal Heir honestly shattered all my expectations, and I think it’s just everything you could wish for in a great sequel. To me, The Realm Reachers series feels like an Eastern-European flavoured mix of the best aspects of ASOIAF and The Stormlight Archive, except make it even more imaginative, unique and exhilarating. I will be first in line when the next instalment drops, and I think anyone who loves a good dark, epic, political fantasy should join me for this wickedly wild ride.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Crystal Heir is scheduled for release on 22 July 2025.
July 18, 2025
Writing the review for this particular book is difficult. The story was tense and infuriating at times. Extremely slow and enamored with its past for set up. Other times it was heartfelt and warm, jumped right to the action and stuck on point. It was inconsistent. There were parts I wished the story would just end because I was bored and knew the information already, and other parts I was enamored. Right in the action, discovering mystery and wanted the story to continue. I don't know what to do with it because of that.
I think if at the beginning, if the tale focused more on itself rather than romanticizing what had already happened, it would be an easier read. It is supposed to be a sequel with the assumption that the first story was already read. As much as book 1 details and that of the short story of the series were included, I think it has done quite the opposite and vyes more to be a standalone. Someone could totally just read this one and not be completely lost.
That said, omg that ending. It was epic. There were certain characters that I couldn't get enough of either. Like Wanusa of the Glassblades. She had some difficult choices that made her particular parts of the story very compelling. Kasia kept jumping into different realms trying to learn her portal powers. Her relationships are tested. Pulled between her past hurts and her furthering insanity. The dynamic between her flaws, her lack of experience, and realizing what is really important cemented her further as the lead character who is a draw into the story for me. More of the Bound Ones were revealed, including their intentions, which I was really into their goal. I won't say to not spoil, but it is a great counter to the protagonists and brings more into question the reason for everything's being.
The author is amazing connecting with his characters and where he takes them. He has a good grasp of what an expansive story should have. How to leave a little mystery, to then have a reveal that is wonderful, simply put. However, I feel needs to tighten the overall story to help it be a smoother read.
So take from that what you will. I would continue to read this series, but only when I knew I had time to properly invest.
I think if at the beginning, if the tale focused more on itself rather than romanticizing what had already happened, it would be an easier read. It is supposed to be a sequel with the assumption that the first story was already read. As much as book 1 details and that of the short story of the series were included, I think it has done quite the opposite and vyes more to be a standalone. Someone could totally just read this one and not be completely lost.
That said, omg that ending. It was epic. There were certain characters that I couldn't get enough of either. Like Wanusa of the Glassblades. She had some difficult choices that made her particular parts of the story very compelling. Kasia kept jumping into different realms trying to learn her portal powers. Her relationships are tested. Pulled between her past hurts and her furthering insanity. The dynamic between her flaws, her lack of experience, and realizing what is really important cemented her further as the lead character who is a draw into the story for me. More of the Bound Ones were revealed, including their intentions, which I was really into their goal. I won't say to not spoil, but it is a great counter to the protagonists and brings more into question the reason for everything's being.
The author is amazing connecting with his characters and where he takes them. He has a good grasp of what an expansive story should have. How to leave a little mystery, to then have a reveal that is wonderful, simply put. However, I feel needs to tighten the overall story to help it be a smoother read.
So take from that what you will. I would continue to read this series, but only when I knew I had time to properly invest.
August 24, 2025
4.25. A little step down from book one, mainly because of it being slower paced and less action packed. Still a very good books that leaves me wishing for more
July 4, 2025
6 stars: this book had me gripped from start to finish! Sometimes a sequel can drag until things pick up again but this book was moving from the start.
I loved seeing our characters grow through their pain and fight for what they believe in!
I also loved exploring the different realms and meeting different creatures 🦀 the ending really hurt me though lol it felt like a punch to the gut.
It’s really cool to me when an author can break their own magic system rules (at least from the readers perspective) in a way that doesn’t feel cheap or like a cop-out.
There are some really heavy themes of death and grief so keep that in mind before picking up this book.
I loved seeing our characters grow through their pain and fight for what they believe in!
I also loved exploring the different realms and meeting different creatures 🦀 the ending really hurt me though lol it felt like a punch to the gut.
It’s really cool to me when an author can break their own magic system rules (at least from the readers perspective) in a way that doesn’t feel cheap or like a cop-out.
There are some really heavy themes of death and grief so keep that in mind before picking up this book.
July 17, 2025
The attention to detail by this incredible author is not only in his exceptional storytelling or his prose, it's also the maps, the the descriptions in the glossary up front. You'll see exactly what I mean when you read this book, which you MUST. No half measured in anything Brendan does, and I definitely appreciate it! Once again, with a powerful prologue, I "fall" into this world Brendan has created, I relish every word, every deed and I'm riveted! The intricacies and complexity of the plot cannot be summed up in a few words, there are many facets and layers to this story, it's hardly a "normal political" fantasy. Hells, it's hardly a "normal" anything! Majestic is what it is! With a vast and very diverse cast, told from multiple POVs, it sets all the juices flowing! I want to indulge in this fine feast, savouring every single thing, and I do...
Everything is in disarray after Chatik Bartol staged a coup, putting himself on the throne, with major grandiose ideas. Only...yes, taking a throne by bloody force is by no means a given you'll be respected as a ruler, quite the opposite in fact. Fear is now the order of the day, not only from the unearlthy spirits roaming freely, these abominations are the manifestation of a cruel experiment. A plague let onto the masses to control these mindless spirits, who have a ferocious appetites. Only glass weapons and amber can keep them at bay, a resource that's not easy to come by, hoarded by the more affluent. The Crimson Court has much to answer for, manipulation, lies, assassinations, greed and, yes, domination. Various factions are popping up to rebel against this iron fist but they need to coordinate. As Nex declared "It's about time we started fighting against the Crimson instead of each other" I did mention the complexity of the plot, there is a caste like system in place, nobles and low borns, the haves and have-nots. Rebellion poses a danger though, and Chatik seeks to eliminate any who stand in his way. His scheming knows no bounds, he even puts himself in great danger to carry out his will, that of overlord of the entire realm, to have a crystal heir under his thumb. But it's his disgusting behaviour and usage of his Reaching, extended towards Nikoza that turned my stomach. Poor Nikoza, so pure, so genuine in wanting to help everyone, even the lowborn, I was ready to howl at what Chatik did to her, to her mind. The Etal and the Nex saga prove just how vile he is.
The cast is rich, the tale intense and their POVs fitting in placing me in different situations concurrently. Kasia is desperate to return to her realm, in her rush to get away from the deadly onslaught, has transported into unknown territory. Princess Nikoza has her life turned 360 at the death of her grandfather and her uncle's Reacher abilities. With all her thoughts in a muddle, her memories struggling to connect, I loved her "awakening", extremely well executed. Even though there are many characters, they all have their own demons to face, amongst them Nex, Radais, Wanusa, Tuiz, and even Chatik, they and their actions, are clear as crystal....I really love this take on magic, Reachers are those with various abilities or magics, much like a mage but not. Brandon manages to capture the characters in full, their vulnerability, their anxiety, their determination and their resolve, and that's from the good guys as well as the bad guys. But not for a second does he veer away from the seriousness of the tale, and I have to applaud at how he handles the disability aspect with great sensitivity. As for some characters, like Mariana and Tzena, the author keeps their true motivation concealed, gets me guessing which way they lean, so well done!
I must say that I love Zinarus, he's a honey, a gentleman of the highest order, his love for Kasia, his dedication to her, his concern for her, is real. Even with his ailment, he'll do anything to protect her. Especially as with Reaching as much as she has, her brain's a bit frazzled, which is a side effect called the Taint. It affects all who overuse their magic but for her, it's baaaad, she sees and hears spirits , all those she put an end to, they taunt her, even her previous lover, Aliax, whose demise affected her deeply. Her guilt is insurmountable, her motivation undeniable, she wants to make reparations for the lives she unintentionally and accidentally took with her uncontrollable Death magic. Heavens, the lengths she goes to to right wrongs, betrayals! The one scene with her despicable brother had me holding my breath...."If history has taught us anything, it's that those who share blood tend to cause it to flow", how apt! But she's spiraling, appallingly, the spirits or voices give her no retrieve, in fact, from halfway through, Brendan Noble gave ME no retrieve, tossing me around like a ball!
Very much a character driven author, Brendan delivers time and time again. With his unique magic system, the freshness he breathes into a story and characters, embellishing on already incredibly vivid characters, adds more and more substance to them, more and more layers, as the story progresses. So utterly captivating and engrossing, I struggle to tear myself away from a Brendan read. The plot is masterfully handled with twists that had my neck in a spasm, the flow of words is simply sublime. The heart of the characters, the feels, the angst, all portrayed with excellence, entangling me throughout the entire book, I was literally writhing and squirming in some scenes. The depth of the characters and story is so flavoursome, robust, opulent. Even though the first half was a bit slow, it was sound, the details, insight and and descriptions, imperative to the story but shoo did the second half make up for that! More involved, more exciting the further I read, the pace picked up with gusto! And the ending??? Oh boy....oh boy.... electric!
Everything is in disarray after Chatik Bartol staged a coup, putting himself on the throne, with major grandiose ideas. Only...yes, taking a throne by bloody force is by no means a given you'll be respected as a ruler, quite the opposite in fact. Fear is now the order of the day, not only from the unearlthy spirits roaming freely, these abominations are the manifestation of a cruel experiment. A plague let onto the masses to control these mindless spirits, who have a ferocious appetites. Only glass weapons and amber can keep them at bay, a resource that's not easy to come by, hoarded by the more affluent. The Crimson Court has much to answer for, manipulation, lies, assassinations, greed and, yes, domination. Various factions are popping up to rebel against this iron fist but they need to coordinate. As Nex declared "It's about time we started fighting against the Crimson instead of each other" I did mention the complexity of the plot, there is a caste like system in place, nobles and low borns, the haves and have-nots. Rebellion poses a danger though, and Chatik seeks to eliminate any who stand in his way. His scheming knows no bounds, he even puts himself in great danger to carry out his will, that of overlord of the entire realm, to have a crystal heir under his thumb. But it's his disgusting behaviour and usage of his Reaching, extended towards Nikoza that turned my stomach. Poor Nikoza, so pure, so genuine in wanting to help everyone, even the lowborn, I was ready to howl at what Chatik did to her, to her mind. The Etal and the Nex saga prove just how vile he is.
The cast is rich, the tale intense and their POVs fitting in placing me in different situations concurrently. Kasia is desperate to return to her realm, in her rush to get away from the deadly onslaught, has transported into unknown territory. Princess Nikoza has her life turned 360 at the death of her grandfather and her uncle's Reacher abilities. With all her thoughts in a muddle, her memories struggling to connect, I loved her "awakening", extremely well executed. Even though there are many characters, they all have their own demons to face, amongst them Nex, Radais, Wanusa, Tuiz, and even Chatik, they and their actions, are clear as crystal....I really love this take on magic, Reachers are those with various abilities or magics, much like a mage but not. Brandon manages to capture the characters in full, their vulnerability, their anxiety, their determination and their resolve, and that's from the good guys as well as the bad guys. But not for a second does he veer away from the seriousness of the tale, and I have to applaud at how he handles the disability aspect with great sensitivity. As for some characters, like Mariana and Tzena, the author keeps their true motivation concealed, gets me guessing which way they lean, so well done!
I must say that I love Zinarus, he's a honey, a gentleman of the highest order, his love for Kasia, his dedication to her, his concern for her, is real. Even with his ailment, he'll do anything to protect her. Especially as with Reaching as much as she has, her brain's a bit frazzled, which is a side effect called the Taint. It affects all who overuse their magic but for her, it's baaaad, she sees and hears spirits , all those she put an end to, they taunt her, even her previous lover, Aliax, whose demise affected her deeply. Her guilt is insurmountable, her motivation undeniable, she wants to make reparations for the lives she unintentionally and accidentally took with her uncontrollable Death magic. Heavens, the lengths she goes to to right wrongs, betrayals! The one scene with her despicable brother had me holding my breath...."If history has taught us anything, it's that those who share blood tend to cause it to flow", how apt! But she's spiraling, appallingly, the spirits or voices give her no retrieve, in fact, from halfway through, Brendan Noble gave ME no retrieve, tossing me around like a ball!
Very much a character driven author, Brendan delivers time and time again. With his unique magic system, the freshness he breathes into a story and characters, embellishing on already incredibly vivid characters, adds more and more substance to them, more and more layers, as the story progresses. So utterly captivating and engrossing, I struggle to tear myself away from a Brendan read. The plot is masterfully handled with twists that had my neck in a spasm, the flow of words is simply sublime. The heart of the characters, the feels, the angst, all portrayed with excellence, entangling me throughout the entire book, I was literally writhing and squirming in some scenes. The depth of the characters and story is so flavoursome, robust, opulent. Even though the first half was a bit slow, it was sound, the details, insight and and descriptions, imperative to the story but shoo did the second half make up for that! More involved, more exciting the further I read, the pace picked up with gusto! And the ending??? Oh boy....oh boy.... electric!
August 24, 2025
This is the second book in the Realm Reachers series. Fantastic. I received this book as an arc read from Brendon along with the first copy so that I could read them in order. I really enjoyed it. This book , just like book one, is told from multiple view points. I typically cannot stand books with multiple view points as most tend to take away from the story and provide only filler information. This did not. I enjoyed every character built within the story. A very exciting YA read!
Thank you Brendon for my copy!
Thank you Brendon for my copy!
July 23, 2025
Book 2 in The Realm Reacher series did not disappoint. With The Crimson Court I found that while the book started off fast with the world building, it quickly tapered off and was a slower paced book as a whole. The characters were introduced and the foundation for the plot was set. All in all it was an enjoyable experience with such a unique magic system and likeable characters. I was invested!
The Crystal Heir started off with a bang since we’re were left with a cliffhanger and I loved that I was able to dive back in where I left off. The characters were in their transition phase, either into a better version of themselves, a different version of themselves or an honest version. You got it all. The plot became even more complex and we learned a lot more about the magic system in this world, realm reaching, the spirits, and the acquisition of powers/abilities. I felt like the plot was consistently progressing and moving forward along with the character growth. I did not see the plot twist coming and that in itself is a very tough thing to do to me as a reader, so I appreciated that surprise.
This writing style was very similar to something like The Stormlight Archive with but in a more modern world. So if you enjoy nice chonky books, intense world building and unique magic systems, this one is for you.
The Crystal Heir started off with a bang since we’re were left with a cliffhanger and I loved that I was able to dive back in where I left off. The characters were in their transition phase, either into a better version of themselves, a different version of themselves or an honest version. You got it all. The plot became even more complex and we learned a lot more about the magic system in this world, realm reaching, the spirits, and the acquisition of powers/abilities. I felt like the plot was consistently progressing and moving forward along with the character growth. I did not see the plot twist coming and that in itself is a very tough thing to do to me as a reader, so I appreciated that surprise.
This writing style was very similar to something like The Stormlight Archive with but in a more modern world. So if you enjoy nice chonky books, intense world building and unique magic systems, this one is for you.
May 25, 2025
This is how you write a strong sequel to a fiery debut.
The author Brendan Noble has crafted several capable arcs, all throughout a rapidly developing world (and multiverse, if we count all of those Realms!). I am especially impressed on how he balances the development of the important characters without anyone getting ahead of the rest, or being left behind and neglected. The writing was managed well there. I also like the author's writing style, being that there aren't any momentum-killing infodumps or robotic dialogue. The pacing works out quite well too.
The characters are his strongest aspect of the book. We return to point-of-view of Kasia, Radais, Zinarus, Nex, and Nikoza. We also gain the perspectives of Wanusa (tying into Radais' storyline) and Chatik (bringing us villain perspective). Three main fronts happen, grouped by three groups of these characters- also with intriguing side characters having their own storylines and moments just as well.
The book ends on multiple cliffhangers, setting up exciting for the incoming third book. Obviously, I will be first in line to pick that up too.
(Note- I read advanced copy of The Crystal Heir)
The author Brendan Noble has crafted several capable arcs, all throughout a rapidly developing world (and multiverse, if we count all of those Realms!). I am especially impressed on how he balances the development of the important characters without anyone getting ahead of the rest, or being left behind and neglected. The writing was managed well there. I also like the author's writing style, being that there aren't any momentum-killing infodumps or robotic dialogue. The pacing works out quite well too.
The characters are his strongest aspect of the book. We return to point-of-view of Kasia, Radais, Zinarus, Nex, and Nikoza. We also gain the perspectives of Wanusa (tying into Radais' storyline) and Chatik (bringing us villain perspective). Three main fronts happen, grouped by three groups of these characters- also with intriguing side characters having their own storylines and moments just as well.
The book ends on multiple cliffhangers, setting up exciting for the incoming third book. Obviously, I will be first in line to pick that up too.
(Note- I read advanced copy of The Crystal Heir)
August 12, 2025
This was an absolute beast to get through but totally worth it. It's definitely darker leaning than the first book, with the levels of corruption and manipulation methods deployed by some characters, and the trigger warnings at the start of the book are well warranted for psychological and physical abuse. It is still a fantastic, politically motivated story though, feeling a lot more like game of thrones with a mad king throwing around as much power as possible and doing horrific things in the name of 'saving' his kingdom. I also liked the way this one expanded upon the way the different realms work, and showed that they are so much more than just a place where magic comes from.
While it feels like certain real world events definitely had a hand in shaping this story, the moral and ethical messages within really strike at the reader, and can probably be applied across the ages when evil holds power and is free to twist the definition of justice and what is justifiable to its own cause.
100% recommend still for dark political fantasy fans especially if you like GoT too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
You can read my entire review here
It was not an easy task to follow up The Crimson Court, but Brendan came and did it with great poise and skill.
First and foremost, The Crystal Heir is a perfect follow up to the political thriller that was its predecessor. It's an 800 chonker, but it never feels like it's weighing you down with its size.
Let's get things in order.
The story starts right where we left of in The Crimson Court.
The themes of fascism, oligarchy, capitalism, defiance and survival remain the core aspects of it. But there's a new aspect that we come to discover as we advance throughout, and that is that of colonialism (in a very fantasy-themed way). Be warned if you don't like to question our modern world...
There are some nice twists along the way, and Brendan does a great job at subtly hinting them, so if you pay attention you'll see the signs. The ending lands perfectly and it leaves you itching for the third book.
4.7 ⭐️
It was not an easy task to follow up The Crimson Court, but Brendan came and did it with great poise and skill.
First and foremost, The Crystal Heir is a perfect follow up to the political thriller that was its predecessor. It's an 800 chonker, but it never feels like it's weighing you down with its size.
Let's get things in order.
The story starts right where we left of in The Crimson Court.
The themes of fascism, oligarchy, capitalism, defiance and survival remain the core aspects of it. But there's a new aspect that we come to discover as we advance throughout, and that is that of colonialism (in a very fantasy-themed way). Be warned if you don't like to question our modern world...
There are some nice twists along the way, and Brendan does a great job at subtly hinting them, so if you pay attention you'll see the signs. The ending lands perfectly and it leaves you itching for the third book.
4.7 ⭐️
April 20, 2025
This is the second book in the Realm Reachers series, and it did not disappoint! The twists and turns were sometimes shocking, and there were some satisfying scenes. A lot happens in this book, and to reveal anything would take away the magic, so I will just say this is an entertaining YA fantasy novel that is complex but has a lot of heart as well. I hadn't read the first book in the series, so I can attest that this can be read as a standalone. However, I just purchased the first book and intend to read it. It won't be the first time I read a series out of order. This would make an excellent graphic novel.
August 5, 2025
When I tell you this book kept me interested from page 1. There was not a time I was not stressed in the book waiting for another ball to drop.
There is sort of a found family aspect along with ROMANCE! Not to much.. but the touch made me so invested in the characters and I really think it drew me into the story even more.
Brendan did such an amazing job keeping me interested in all the different story lines while also keeping everyone moving the same direction and towards the same goal.....or maybe just their goal, youll have to read it.
Cant wait to continue to read more from him in the future. GO READ THE BOOK!
There is sort of a found family aspect along with ROMANCE! Not to much.. but the touch made me so invested in the characters and I really think it drew me into the story even more.
Brendan did such an amazing job keeping me interested in all the different story lines while also keeping everyone moving the same direction and towards the same goal.....or maybe just their goal, youll have to read it.
Cant wait to continue to read more from him in the future. GO READ THE BOOK!
August 14, 2025
All power has a price.
Great sequel to The Crimson Court! Without spoiling, I really enjoyed seeing all the threads start to come together, whether it was the politics or the mysteries of the worldbuilding. There were some crazy Realm stuff that happened as well.
Great balance of main characters, as well as diverse MCs as well. Great LGBT representation, disability representation, and not all the MCs are the same age either!
Also, shoutout to having a female main character who is deeply flawed and a little (maybe a lot) crazy. I feel like we don’t have a lot of those.
I need the sequel asap!! I need to know what happens next
Great sequel to The Crimson Court! Without spoiling, I really enjoyed seeing all the threads start to come together, whether it was the politics or the mysteries of the worldbuilding. There were some crazy Realm stuff that happened as well.
Great balance of main characters, as well as diverse MCs as well. Great LGBT representation, disability representation, and not all the MCs are the same age either!
Also, shoutout to having a female main character who is deeply flawed and a little (maybe a lot) crazy. I feel like we don’t have a lot of those.
I need the sequel asap!! I need to know what happens next
July 22, 2025
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The only downside to this book is that it had to end. The Crystal Heir is the sequal to the Crimson Court, which I had the pleasure of reading in the build-up to this release.
Kasia continues to go down the path and follow her vengeance while battling her demons. Her and Zinarus's relationship was probably my highlight of this novel for me. While rebellion and revolution stir in the capital.
Overall, it was a very good second entry, and I'm very intrigued by how this series will end.
The only downside to this book is that it had to end. The Crystal Heir is the sequal to the Crimson Court, which I had the pleasure of reading in the build-up to this release.
Kasia continues to go down the path and follow her vengeance while battling her demons. Her and Zinarus's relationship was probably my highlight of this novel for me. While rebellion and revolution stir in the capital.
Overall, it was a very good second entry, and I'm very intrigued by how this series will end.
July 22, 2025
Some sequels hit or miss but this one definitely hit the mark.
I was a massive fan of the first book, The Crystal Court for the unique world building and the plot and this book just hit this in a completely new level.
This was an epic fantasy adventure with hints of grim dark fantasy in such a political environment but it all worked perfectly.
Definitely one of my top five reads of the year and any fan of epic fantasy should read !
I was a massive fan of the first book, The Crystal Court for the unique world building and the plot and this book just hit this in a completely new level.
This was an epic fantasy adventure with hints of grim dark fantasy in such a political environment but it all worked perfectly.
Definitely one of my top five reads of the year and any fan of epic fantasy should read !
June 6, 2025
The writer did an amazing job with the conclusion of this series. Kasia again is my all time favorite heroine. The book was a fast pace, action series. I enjoyed the book so much. It’s a wonderful read for those who love the fantasy genre.
August 22, 2025
It just keeps getting better! the world building and magic system is done really well. It reminds me of throne of glass mixed with the Witcher. With 6 POVs and constant turns it keeps you hooked.
November 3, 2025
The Crystal Heir took me straight back into Kasia Niezik’s world, picking up without a pause for breath. Kasia finds herself pulled in every direction, wrestling with unexpected abilities and surrounded by shifting alliances, all while the threat of crystals and spirits lurks on the edge of every choice. It is a world where power always extracts a price, and the consequences of a single decision can spill outward, stirring entire nations.
There’s a sense of tension that never fully eases, as if danger is always just out of sight. Every decision seems to close one door and open another, each step forward carrying weight. Even when hope appears, it feels fragile. The story’s sombre, uneasy mood suits the path Kasia walks.
What I admired most was how the personal and the political are so closely entwined. There is plenty of action, but it never drowns out the quieter struggles. The story gives space for relationships to develop and for motives to become clear; when everything collides, it strikes deep. The world itself grows stranger and more intricate as the story unfolds, yet the lore and the magic slip in almost unnoticed, never feeling forced or overexplained.
On the surface, it has the makings of classic fantasy: court politics, old secrets, and high stakes. Still, the book manages to surprise by digging into class divides and the cost of ambition. It asks what it truly means to seek power, and who is left to pay the debt. Privilege and rebellion twist together, and the questions the story raises—about ambition, strength, and vulnerability—linger long after turning the page.
The characters are drawn with care. None of them have all the answers. They falter, adapt, and grow, their journeys feeling honest and hard-won. Watching them form a family of sorts, more out of necessity than blood, brought a warmth that cut through the darkness just enough.
I was glad to see mental health handled with such thought. Magic is not just a tool for grand battles; it becomes a lens for looking at inner struggles and resilience. The care woven into these parts gives the book something special in a genre that can often skirt around such things.
The world-building deserves a mention. The detail is just enough to let the realms and spirits take shape in my mind, though never so much that it becomes a burden. The political games keep the plot lively, and the true nature of the characters shows in the choices they make. Sometimes, the many viewpoints become a tangle, but that untidiness only adds to the sense of a living world. When all the threads come together, the reward is worth the wait.
There were a few moments when I lost track of the shifting alliances, but once the dust settled, the outcome was satisfying. The book left me thinking about the ways unchecked power can shape a society, and how the smallest decisions can ripple outward, slowly changing everything. In some ways, it reminded me of Mistborn, though rougher around the edges and with a sharper focus on intrigue and spirit lore.
For me, this was a story of tangled loyalties, betrayals, and hard-won growth. It may not suit anyone after something light, but for those willing to stay with it, the journey is well worth taking.
https://fantasywordsmith.com/my-reviews
There’s a sense of tension that never fully eases, as if danger is always just out of sight. Every decision seems to close one door and open another, each step forward carrying weight. Even when hope appears, it feels fragile. The story’s sombre, uneasy mood suits the path Kasia walks.
What I admired most was how the personal and the political are so closely entwined. There is plenty of action, but it never drowns out the quieter struggles. The story gives space for relationships to develop and for motives to become clear; when everything collides, it strikes deep. The world itself grows stranger and more intricate as the story unfolds, yet the lore and the magic slip in almost unnoticed, never feeling forced or overexplained.
On the surface, it has the makings of classic fantasy: court politics, old secrets, and high stakes. Still, the book manages to surprise by digging into class divides and the cost of ambition. It asks what it truly means to seek power, and who is left to pay the debt. Privilege and rebellion twist together, and the questions the story raises—about ambition, strength, and vulnerability—linger long after turning the page.
The characters are drawn with care. None of them have all the answers. They falter, adapt, and grow, their journeys feeling honest and hard-won. Watching them form a family of sorts, more out of necessity than blood, brought a warmth that cut through the darkness just enough.
I was glad to see mental health handled with such thought. Magic is not just a tool for grand battles; it becomes a lens for looking at inner struggles and resilience. The care woven into these parts gives the book something special in a genre that can often skirt around such things.
The world-building deserves a mention. The detail is just enough to let the realms and spirits take shape in my mind, though never so much that it becomes a burden. The political games keep the plot lively, and the true nature of the characters shows in the choices they make. Sometimes, the many viewpoints become a tangle, but that untidiness only adds to the sense of a living world. When all the threads come together, the reward is worth the wait.
There were a few moments when I lost track of the shifting alliances, but once the dust settled, the outcome was satisfying. The book left me thinking about the ways unchecked power can shape a society, and how the smallest decisions can ripple outward, slowly changing everything. In some ways, it reminded me of Mistborn, though rougher around the edges and with a sharper focus on intrigue and spirit lore.
For me, this was a story of tangled loyalties, betrayals, and hard-won growth. It may not suit anyone after something light, but for those willing to stay with it, the journey is well worth taking.
https://fantasywordsmith.com/my-reviews
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