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Fractured Conclave #4
An Unwanted Heir
Be careful what you wish for.
Hallie has always wanted to travel, and now she's getting her wish - leaving the city she's lived in all her life to investigate a violent death at the country home of Cotovatre, who is not only one of the most powerful people in the world but also has a personal connection to Hallie.
It quickly becomes clear that nothing is quite what it seems. The victim and the house's owner were apparently locked in a bitter feud, or at least that's what everyone is trying to tell Hallie. And there seem to be a lot of people who don't want the truth of the death uncovered.
Together with Investigator Girard Abbott, Hallie will need to use all her skills and her secret magic to navigate her way through the tangled politics of the elite and uncover the true killer before the situation can explode into more violence.
An Unwanted Heir continues Hallie's story, which started in A Usual Suspect (reading the series in order is recommended as later books may contain spoilers for earlier storylines).
If you like your fantasy with a high dose of mystery, a heroine who can hold her own and a dash of magic, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson. Get your copy of An Unwanted Heir today to continue Hallie's story.
Hallie has always wanted to travel, and now she's getting her wish - leaving the city she's lived in all her life to investigate a violent death at the country home of Cotovatre, who is not only one of the most powerful people in the world but also has a personal connection to Hallie.
It quickly becomes clear that nothing is quite what it seems. The victim and the house's owner were apparently locked in a bitter feud, or at least that's what everyone is trying to tell Hallie. And there seem to be a lot of people who don't want the truth of the death uncovered.
Together with Investigator Girard Abbott, Hallie will need to use all her skills and her secret magic to navigate her way through the tangled politics of the elite and uncover the true killer before the situation can explode into more violence.
An Unwanted Heir continues Hallie's story, which started in A Usual Suspect (reading the series in order is recommended as later books may contain spoilers for earlier storylines).
If you like your fantasy with a high dose of mystery, a heroine who can hold her own and a dash of magic, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson. Get your copy of An Unwanted Heir today to continue Hallie's story.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2025
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
33 books459 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 28, 2025
Hallelujah! Hallie has finally been outed! That was absolutely the very best thing about this book. NOW, maybe we can get some interest and excitement going again in what started as a riveting series but has petered out in the last couple of books. I also loved that Hallie had at least a bit of a chance to further her relationship with Cotravotre. That was lovely and holds promise, as well.
The rest? Ridiculously annoying. The author almost screamed, “Here is the villian!!’ at the very first of the book. So, it is glaringly obvious but we still must watch the characters run around guessing when the clues are bludgeoning them over the head. This makes Hallie et al look astonishingly stupid, blind or…. I don’t even know, it is just silly. And, there is little to no progression in the Girard/Hallie relationship. In fact that was even eye-rolling. Why wouldn’t Hallie confide in him? He has proven trustworthy to her over and over again. Why would Girard go so overboard as to dropping her from the team because he is mad at her personally? *sigh*
Still, with the revelations, there is so much potential going forward that I’ll probably give this series one more book in hopes things will look up.
The rest? Ridiculously annoying. The author almost screamed, “Here is the villian!!’ at the very first of the book. So, it is glaringly obvious but we still must watch the characters run around guessing when the clues are bludgeoning them over the head. This makes Hallie et al look astonishingly stupid, blind or…. I don’t even know, it is just silly. And, there is little to no progression in the Girard/Hallie relationship. In fact that was even eye-rolling. Why wouldn’t Hallie confide in him? He has proven trustworthy to her over and over again. Why would Girard go so overboard as to dropping her from the team because he is mad at her personally? *sigh*
Still, with the revelations, there is so much potential going forward that I’ll probably give this series one more book in hopes things will look up.
August 27, 2025
Well, I'm sad to say it, but there was a lot about this one that I wasn't thrilled with.
Firstly, it feels like Hallie is regressing as a character. In this book, she utterly lacked confidence, contributed almost nothing to the investigation, and was TSTL. She only found the villain because the villain chose to give themselves away.
She also had some ridiculous plot armor. I don't like that the zauber feels like a Deus ex machina device. We need some clear delineation of what it can do, with no direction from her at all, or it sucks any tension out of any encounter. Hallie can fuck up catastrophically because it can bring her back from death (or near death... Hallie seems to think she died, but maybe she didn't)? Really? Without her directing it, she doesn't even have to learn how to work with it, it can just do major magic as it chooses to?
Secondly, I thought the villain was as obvious as an anvil to the head, and while that made the whole team look kind of inept, it made Hallie look way more stupid, because she had a lot more information than they did. Folks, her magic not working on the villain was a dead fucking giveaway. As we learned the villain can mask its appearance, and she's all "but I would have seen it, I see through glamour" ... well, gee, jackass. Who else doesn't your magic work on? We know the villain is magical, because the scent of its kills is also masked magically. Hmmmmmm. And when she was hiding from them as they did their search? I just wanted to punch everyone right in the face.
Hallie was overly secretive with important information, even when Girard has earned her trust. And in response, Girard was fair in his unhappiness...until he dialed it way up and booted her off the investigation, which was NOT fair. Without even talking to her, just left word that her help wasn't wanted. So, frankly, they were both pretty asinine in this one.
I do still like the overall story, and I like the movement with Cotrovatre and that arc. Though I dislike that the conversation with her father - the big button at the end of the previous book - was handled off-page.
I'm also surprised that Girard's boss hasn't hired Hallie yet. I mean, isn't it an open secret that she's actually hochlen? It feels weird that that has no impact on anything, until it just barely starts to in this book, with the acknowledgement of her lineage.
I'll definitely read on, but this one was meh.
Firstly, it feels like Hallie is regressing as a character. In this book, she utterly lacked confidence, contributed almost nothing to the investigation, and was TSTL. She only found the villain because the villain chose to give themselves away.
She also had some ridiculous plot armor. I don't like that the zauber feels like a Deus ex machina device. We need some clear delineation of what it can do, with no direction from her at all, or it sucks any tension out of any encounter. Hallie can fuck up catastrophically because it can bring her back from death (or near death... Hallie seems to think she died, but maybe she didn't)? Really? Without her directing it, she doesn't even have to learn how to work with it, it can just do major magic as it chooses to?
Secondly, I thought the villain was as obvious as an anvil to the head, and while that made the whole team look kind of inept, it made Hallie look way more stupid, because she had a lot more information than they did. Folks, her magic not working on the villain was a dead fucking giveaway. As we learned the villain can mask its appearance, and she's all "but I would have seen it, I see through glamour" ... well, gee, jackass. Who else doesn't your magic work on? We know the villain is magical, because the scent of its kills is also masked magically. Hmmmmmm. And when she was hiding from them as they did their search? I just wanted to punch everyone right in the face.
Hallie was overly secretive with important information, even when Girard has earned her trust. And in response, Girard was fair in his unhappiness...until he dialed it way up and booted her off the investigation, which was NOT fair. Without even talking to her, just left word that her help wasn't wanted. So, frankly, they were both pretty asinine in this one.
I do still like the overall story, and I like the movement with Cotrovatre and that arc. Though I dislike that the conversation with her father - the big button at the end of the previous book - was handled off-page.
I'm also surprised that Girard's boss hasn't hired Hallie yet. I mean, isn't it an open secret that she's actually hochlen? It feels weird that that has no impact on anything, until it just barely starts to in this book, with the acknowledgement of her lineage.
I'll definitely read on, but this one was meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
This is the fourth novel in the series and it is recommended that you read this series in order, because there are parts to the story that are a continuation from earlier books. Also, reading all the books in order will give you a great appreciation of how this author has built this world, and how these characters connect and have grown since the first novel. In An Unwanted Heir, we are seeing a Hallie that is very different than the person we met in the first novel.
At Cotovatre’s estate one of the members of the Conclave have been murdered in a gruesome manner and Hallie, Girard, and their team are snowed in with a group of the most powerful people in the country, one of whom may be the murderer. As they investigate Callie’s own relationship to Cotovatre becomes more clear adding another element of tension to a situation that was already extreme. As readers, we have seen the evolution of Hallie and her magic and finally we get the reveals we’ve been waiting for!
Vanessa Nelson, in all of her series, gives our female main character a love interest, but her books are mostly focused on the investigations of her characters, not on romance. This series is a bit different as Hallie and Girard become even closer and “gasp!” even reveal their feelings for each other. I’m a romantic fantasy fan, so this gave me hope that the fifth novel will lead to not only a great mystery but a happily ever after for these two characters.
At Cotovatre’s estate one of the members of the Conclave have been murdered in a gruesome manner and Hallie, Girard, and their team are snowed in with a group of the most powerful people in the country, one of whom may be the murderer. As they investigate Callie’s own relationship to Cotovatre becomes more clear adding another element of tension to a situation that was already extreme. As readers, we have seen the evolution of Hallie and her magic and finally we get the reveals we’ve been waiting for!
Vanessa Nelson, in all of her series, gives our female main character a love interest, but her books are mostly focused on the investigations of her characters, not on romance. This series is a bit different as Hallie and Girard become even closer and “gasp!” even reveal their feelings for each other. I’m a romantic fantasy fan, so this gave me hope that the fifth novel will lead to not only a great mystery but a happily ever after for these two characters.
February 6, 2026
An Unwanted Heir is another compelling and enjoyable addition to Vanessa Nelson’s series, offering a satisfying read and a solid continuation of Hallie’s story. Like the earlier 3 books, the narrative operates on two levels: a central mystery unique to this volume and a larger, ongoing storyline that unfolds throughout the series. For this reason, it’s best read in sequence.
This installment presents a slightly different tone and setup compared to the first three. Hallie finally achieves her long-desired goal of traveling, but it comes with unexpected challenges. She leaves the city she’s known all her life to investigate a violent death at the country estate of Cotovatre, one of the world’s most powerful figures and someone personally connected to her. From the outset, the case is shrouded in misdirection: the victim and the estate’s owner are rumored to have been embroiled in a bitter feud, yet the more Hallie listens, the more it seems everyone is promoting a convenient version of events. Clearly, there are those who wish to keep the truth hidden.
The closed-circle setting, an elite world of influence, politics, and carefully guarded reputations, adds a fresh dimension to the series. Pairing Hallie with Investigator Girard Abbott propels the investigation forward, and Hallie’s secret magic continues to heighten the stakes in a way that complements the mystery rather than overshadowing it.
That said, there are a few minor logical inconsistencies along the way. They’re not deal-breakers, but they do stand out. Some might even be intentional, planted inconsistencies that will make more sense later, or subtle hints that not everything we’re told should be trusted.
Overall, An Unwanted Heir remains a successful read: a fantasy with a strong dose of mystery, a capable heroine to root for, and just enough magic to keep the tension simmering. If you’re already invested in Hallie’s journey, this is a worthwhile next step—especially if you enjoy intrigue among the powerful and a case where appearances are very much part of the problem.
This installment presents a slightly different tone and setup compared to the first three. Hallie finally achieves her long-desired goal of traveling, but it comes with unexpected challenges. She leaves the city she’s known all her life to investigate a violent death at the country estate of Cotovatre, one of the world’s most powerful figures and someone personally connected to her. From the outset, the case is shrouded in misdirection: the victim and the estate’s owner are rumored to have been embroiled in a bitter feud, yet the more Hallie listens, the more it seems everyone is promoting a convenient version of events. Clearly, there are those who wish to keep the truth hidden.
The closed-circle setting, an elite world of influence, politics, and carefully guarded reputations, adds a fresh dimension to the series. Pairing Hallie with Investigator Girard Abbott propels the investigation forward, and Hallie’s secret magic continues to heighten the stakes in a way that complements the mystery rather than overshadowing it.
That said, there are a few minor logical inconsistencies along the way. They’re not deal-breakers, but they do stand out. Some might even be intentional, planted inconsistencies that will make more sense later, or subtle hints that not everything we’re told should be trusted.
Overall, An Unwanted Heir remains a successful read: a fantasy with a strong dose of mystery, a capable heroine to root for, and just enough magic to keep the tension simmering. If you’re already invested in Hallie’s journey, this is a worthwhile next step—especially if you enjoy intrigue among the powerful and a case where appearances are very much part of the problem.
Read
March 19, 2026I almost dont wanna say it out loud, but this was kinda bad.
I wanted to like Hallie, I really did, but she made it next to impossible.
Stupid, ignorant, bordering on silly, hypocritical, full of prejudice and judgment, double standards,
showing practically zero growth/ character development, anything over the four books so far.
Not to mention the major case of TSTL, it seemed like the entire book she was either being beaten to within an inch of her life, dying, dead or recovering from said injuries/ near fatalities.
Apart from one brief suggestion she adds absolutely nothing to the "investigation" (what a joke that was) and only seems to still be around/ come to a conclusion by sheer dumb luck.
If I have to read the words "I couldn't shake the terrifying feeling that I'd missed something important" one more time. This or a variation of it was basically her refrain throughout the book, right along with all assumptions and surprises all the while willfully dismissing, brushing aside all bright neon signs pointing to the villain.
Yes, she was finally "outed", but I found I didnt really care anymore. And while she was outed, many more questions surrounding that and other open threads remain unanswered.
Plus I gotta say, their whole magic system makes little to no sense, not helped by the fact that it's barely explained, if at all.
And don't get me started on the romantic interest/ romance. another poor joke. Really with such a lackluster, less than half-hearted attempt the story would've been better off if they'd skipped the romance entirely.
Ok, I think I'm just about done with my little rant. Sorry, it's just so disappointing really but sadly par for the course with the last few books.
It may have started out as an interesting new series with plenty of promise but began petering out pretty much from half way through book 2 and its been going downhill ever since.
So much so that I have zero interest in continuing/ finishing this series.
I wanted to like Hallie, I really did, but she made it next to impossible.
Stupid, ignorant, bordering on silly, hypocritical, full of prejudice and judgment, double standards,
showing practically zero growth/ character development, anything over the four books so far.
Not to mention the major case of TSTL, it seemed like the entire book she was either being beaten to within an inch of her life, dying, dead or recovering from said injuries/ near fatalities.
Apart from one brief suggestion she adds absolutely nothing to the "investigation" (what a joke that was) and only seems to still be around/ come to a conclusion by sheer dumb luck.
If I have to read the words "I couldn't shake the terrifying feeling that I'd missed something important" one more time. This or a variation of it was basically her refrain throughout the book, right along with all assumptions and surprises all the while willfully dismissing, brushing aside all bright neon signs pointing to the villain.
Yes, she was finally "outed", but I found I didnt really care anymore. And while she was outed, many more questions surrounding that and other open threads remain unanswered.
Plus I gotta say, their whole magic system makes little to no sense, not helped by the fact that it's barely explained, if at all.
And don't get me started on the romantic interest/ romance. another poor joke. Really with such a lackluster, less than half-hearted attempt the story would've been better off if they'd skipped the romance entirely.
Ok, I think I'm just about done with my little rant. Sorry, it's just so disappointing really but sadly par for the course with the last few books.
It may have started out as an interesting new series with plenty of promise but began petering out pretty much from half way through book 2 and its been going downhill ever since.
So much so that I have zero interest in continuing/ finishing this series.
August 19, 2025
Good
Note: this is book four of a series, and while the story is complete, is it part of an ongoing series which must be read in order, since previous events both explain and impact events in this book.
Hallie is surprised to be invited on an investigation with Girard, that involves her leaving the city for the first time in her life.
The investigation takes place at the country residence of Cotovatre, one of the Hochlen members of the Conclave, and one with intriguing, but secret ties to Hallie.
When they arrive, it’s to the news that a conclave member has been murdered, and the investigative team will have to ascertain the culprit, which is more than likely a member of the house party, now snowbound in place.
It’s a politically loaded assignment for Girard, and one that means a huge change for Hallie…
There are some huge revelations in this book, mostly for Girard, though Hallie herself gets some answers to long held questions of her own. We also see some small movement on a romance, and some big personal changes for her.
That being said, there is no stew, in this book, but there is plenty of magic and action, as we dive deeper into this beautifully written world by Vanessa Nelson.
It’s an engrossing read, featuring some interesting new and important characters, as well as a few we have met before.
The setting is a very different one for us, as Hallie actually gets to venture outside of the low city, and has her first experience on a train, and with horses! I do hope she managed to spend some time with the horses before she heads back home though!
This is an enjoyable contemporary fantasy, that is set in another (modern? Dystopian?) world, with an intriguing set of rules. If you’re a fan of contemporary, urban, or just unusual fantasy, then you will probably enjoy this series, and the others by the author!
Note: this is book four of a series, and while the story is complete, is it part of an ongoing series which must be read in order, since previous events both explain and impact events in this book.
Hallie is surprised to be invited on an investigation with Girard, that involves her leaving the city for the first time in her life.
The investigation takes place at the country residence of Cotovatre, one of the Hochlen members of the Conclave, and one with intriguing, but secret ties to Hallie.
When they arrive, it’s to the news that a conclave member has been murdered, and the investigative team will have to ascertain the culprit, which is more than likely a member of the house party, now snowbound in place.
It’s a politically loaded assignment for Girard, and one that means a huge change for Hallie…
There are some huge revelations in this book, mostly for Girard, though Hallie herself gets some answers to long held questions of her own. We also see some small movement on a romance, and some big personal changes for her.
That being said, there is no stew, in this book, but there is plenty of magic and action, as we dive deeper into this beautifully written world by Vanessa Nelson.
It’s an engrossing read, featuring some interesting new and important characters, as well as a few we have met before.
The setting is a very different one for us, as Hallie actually gets to venture outside of the low city, and has her first experience on a train, and with horses! I do hope she managed to spend some time with the horses before she heads back home though!
This is an enjoyable contemporary fantasy, that is set in another (modern? Dystopian?) world, with an intriguing set of rules. If you’re a fan of contemporary, urban, or just unusual fantasy, then you will probably enjoy this series, and the others by the author!
August 28, 2025
LOVE THIS AMAZING SERIES ❤️❤️❤️
This is one of those amazing series you really don't want to miss reading! It is a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story with amazing characters that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a skip tracer in low city, finds herself embroiled in a tricky mystery that involves the elite “hoclen” and that takes her outside the low city, giving her the opportunity to travel for the first time in her life. There, together with her “friend” (for the moment, as it seems things are going towards a more romantic relationship) investigator Girard, his team, and a few familiar characters from the previous two books is where the wild journey begins. I love how smart, fierce and yet vulnerable and humble Hallie is. I do have to point out, that I had an issue with how Hallie was portrayed in this particular book. Yes, I love seeing her vulnerability, but I think the author took it a bit too far this time. We see a regression in Hallie's behavior to a point that she was unable to function at times. The case that they are dealing with, brings Hallie back to a tragic event that happened in her past. Having said that, I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
This is one of those amazing series you really don't want to miss reading! It is a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story with amazing characters that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a skip tracer in low city, finds herself embroiled in a tricky mystery that involves the elite “hoclen” and that takes her outside the low city, giving her the opportunity to travel for the first time in her life. There, together with her “friend” (for the moment, as it seems things are going towards a more romantic relationship) investigator Girard, his team, and a few familiar characters from the previous two books is where the wild journey begins. I love how smart, fierce and yet vulnerable and humble Hallie is. I do have to point out, that I had an issue with how Hallie was portrayed in this particular book. Yes, I love seeing her vulnerability, but I think the author took it a bit too far this time. We see a regression in Hallie's behavior to a point that she was unable to function at times. The case that they are dealing with, brings Hallie back to a tragic event that happened in her past. Having said that, I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
September 26, 2025
I fear this book solidified the fact that I don't like Girard :l He and Hallie are what like 30? They act... SO much younger... His little temper tantrum was so random. Even after he explained himself, that whole thing just didn't fit with his character for me. And based on how Hallie romanticizes him, it reallyyy just feels like she fell for the first guy who wasn't a complete asshole towards her. I know she keeps trying to explain to us all the little reasons she likes him, but they're always so blah. Hallie is also becoming very "OP protag with invincible plot armor." Idk. I don't knowwww. Idk. The characters all feel so flat, and the themes are simultaneously unclear and heavy handed. Also there were kind of a lot of typos in this book :/
September 8, 2025
great job
Generally I like the main character and am invested in her journey. She’s a very sympathetic character. She’s not “snarky” or the strongest or knows everything. She does have skillsets that she uses and is very much earnest and tries hard, which I appreciate. This is a story of the character becoming whoever she is meant to be. But she isn’t completely helpless and most of her actions are based on her own choices as opposed to being forced into things by other characters. There was talk in this book about understanding purpose.
For this story, I was worried. There was a lot going on and I wasn’t sure how the author would be able to connect all the moving pieces, plot points, and storylines. Not only is the character developing and discovering who she is, but there’s a murder mystery, and there’s a continuation in the development of her relationship with her ancestor, her team, Girad, and with new characters. Great job in bringing it all together in the end. Ultimately I was satisfied and interested in knowing what comes next.
Generally I like the main character and am invested in her journey. She’s a very sympathetic character. She’s not “snarky” or the strongest or knows everything. She does have skillsets that she uses and is very much earnest and tries hard, which I appreciate. This is a story of the character becoming whoever she is meant to be. But she isn’t completely helpless and most of her actions are based on her own choices as opposed to being forced into things by other characters. There was talk in this book about understanding purpose.
For this story, I was worried. There was a lot going on and I wasn’t sure how the author would be able to connect all the moving pieces, plot points, and storylines. Not only is the character developing and discovering who she is, but there’s a murder mystery, and there’s a continuation in the development of her relationship with her ancestor, her team, Girad, and with new characters. Great job in bringing it all together in the end. Ultimately I was satisfied and interested in knowing what comes next.
August 7, 2026
In this book, we meet more conclave members and witness their distasteful behaviour. History surfaces, including answers to a question I once had about the creature that attacked Hallie and thus changed her life forever.
I really enjoy the story in this instalment, especially the moment Cotovatre acknowledges Hallie in front of everyone. 😉 It feels like a turning point for her future. I cannot wait to see her journey continue, perhaps with her learning magic and discovering what awaits her as Cotovatre heir.
For those who have not started this series, I highly recommend reading it in the correct order. Pick it up if you enjoy detective work, magical elements, supernatural beings, dirty political segregation and a very slow‑burn romance.❤️
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
I really enjoy the story in this instalment, especially the moment Cotovatre acknowledges Hallie in front of everyone. 😉 It feels like a turning point for her future. I cannot wait to see her journey continue, perhaps with her learning magic and discovering what awaits her as Cotovatre heir.
For those who have not started this series, I highly recommend reading it in the correct order. Pick it up if you enjoy detective work, magical elements, supernatural beings, dirty political segregation and a very slow‑burn romance.❤️
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
September 1, 2025
3.5 stars
I still feel that Hallie hasn't come up to her full potential (including using the zauber, especally since that ancient object seemed to already adopted her) even if this is already in book #4. Having said that, I wholeheartedly enjoyed her being invited to Cotovatre's estate to investigate an suspicious death and her for ending up to know that she's Cotovatre's heir. Also for her to have a kiss with Girard in the end.
I also liked the mystery and investigation - everyone was trapped in the estate because of the weather, and it felt like classic closed-circle mystery, although with monster ☺️
Yep. Enjoyable installment.
I still feel that Hallie hasn't come up to her full potential (including using the zauber, especally since that ancient object seemed to already adopted her) even if this is already in book #4. Having said that, I wholeheartedly enjoyed her being invited to Cotovatre's estate to investigate an suspicious death and her for ending up to know that she's Cotovatre's heir. Also for her to have a kiss with Girard in the end.
I also liked the mystery and investigation - everyone was trapped in the estate because of the weather, and it felt like classic closed-circle mystery, although with monster ☺️
Yep. Enjoyable installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
I liked the continuous progress of Hallies magical powers in this book. She matures at a fast pace, finds herself in lots of akward places and seems to impress everyone with her detective skills.
As a sidekick to her hochlen partner Girard Hallie has a way to come to the heart of what matters with ease. It is fun to read how Hallie thinks and find clues in seemingly important details.
I like the pace off the story, the worldbuilding and the characters.
Every book has its thruths to reveal and we learn more and more about Hallie and the world she lives in. Hopefully there are lots more stories to be read about her.
As a sidekick to her hochlen partner Girard Hallie has a way to come to the heart of what matters with ease. It is fun to read how Hallie thinks and find clues in seemingly important details.
I like the pace off the story, the worldbuilding and the characters.
Every book has its thruths to reveal and we learn more and more about Hallie and the world she lives in. Hopefully there are lots more stories to be read about her.
September 17, 2025
I good installment to the series with one irritation. She suspects what the killer is and tells no one. They bring her for her expertise, she even makes a point of mentioning how she has more experience in the supernaturals than the others, but then the entire book she mentions it to no one. She sees people lying during interrogations and tells no one. They try to make an excuse for it in the end, but it doesn’t explain all her actions, especially after all her and the male lead have gone through in previous books. Several deaths could have been prevented if she just said something. It was a point of frustration in an otherwise good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2026
Travelling to the countryside in winter added a bit different feel to the story, which again deals with a murder but tackles also more - from revealing Hallie as Cotovatre's heir, through more about chicken society and especially Conclave to the monster who attacked and changed Hallie all those years ago. It was intriguing and surprising and I enjoyed it tremendously. Although I was a bit sad that there wasn't a follow up about Hallie and her dad, it was to some point compensated with her interaction with Cotovatre. So I am looking forward where the next story will take us and what new we will learn about this world.
August 25, 2025
In this fourth installment, Hallie and Girard travel with a forensic team to a country estate to investigate the murder of a high-ranking world leader. Some significant things happened, but the slower pacing stalled what could have been a compelling story.
Hallie’s memories resurfaced from the attack ten years ago when she almost died, and I was disappointed with her sluggishness in acting quickly in several situations. It was so unlike her character.
But this ended well, so I’ll definitely continue the series. I just hope the next one has Hallie back on track!
Hallie’s memories resurfaced from the attack ten years ago when she almost died, and I was disappointed with her sluggishness in acting quickly in several situations. It was so unlike her character.
But this ended well, so I’ll definitely continue the series. I just hope the next one has Hallie back on track!
August 31, 2025
old fashioned whodunit with fantasy elements
I love this author and have read all her series several times. This book opens with a murder in a great estate that must be solved. There’s creepiness, cold, isolation and magic. Our heroine is smart and inherently kind but not perfect so it’s easy to like her and follow the story. The writing is good, dialogue very realistic and while there is a romance it’s not front and centre to he story. This is book 4 in a series and I would suggest read in the series in order as it would be hard to start on this one.
I love this author and have read all her series several times. This book opens with a murder in a great estate that must be solved. There’s creepiness, cold, isolation and magic. Our heroine is smart and inherently kind but not perfect so it’s easy to like her and follow the story. The writing is good, dialogue very realistic and while there is a romance it’s not front and centre to he story. This is book 4 in a series and I would suggest read in the series in order as it would be hard to start on this one.
August 25, 2026
3.5
Death of a conclave member at the countryside estate!
With the isolated winter setting, this was kind of a A closed-circle mystery in which the killer could be any one of the guests- most of which were unpleasant (but powerful) so the suspects were aplenty.
Glad Hallie is coming into her own and growing in her power, but I'm interested in just how much her world will change. Wish the romance was a bit more....intense (?) but I find Nelson's couples are more sweet than spicy- which is totally fine (but a girl can hope 😂)
Will def read on.
Death of a conclave member at the countryside estate!
With the isolated winter setting, this was kind of a A closed-circle mystery in which the killer could be any one of the guests- most of which were unpleasant (but powerful) so the suspects were aplenty.
Glad Hallie is coming into her own and growing in her power, but I'm interested in just how much her world will change. Wish the romance was a bit more....intense (?) but I find Nelson's couples are more sweet than spicy- which is totally fine (but a girl can hope 😂)
Will def read on.
August 26, 2025
Excellent pacing and character development
The stories are self contained problems to be solved but the world-building is different and compelling across all the books. The characters have arcs. Mysteries are explained and/or revealed in unexpected ways. The romance is light and sweet and not heavy-handed or overwhelmingly forced, as is too common in a lot of urban fantasy today. Highly recommend this book and series.
The stories are self contained problems to be solved but the world-building is different and compelling across all the books. The characters have arcs. Mysteries are explained and/or revealed in unexpected ways. The romance is light and sweet and not heavy-handed or overwhelmingly forced, as is too common in a lot of urban fantasy today. Highly recommend this book and series.
August 28, 2025
Great Mystery with an evil shape shifting monster
This is another fun addition to the series. The mystery has an interesting twist. In an environment with Humans, near humans, and many types of non humans, Hallie, Girard, and the gang, or hunting a Serial killer.
The murder brings back uglie childhood memories for Hallie. Are her memories relevant, or just echoes of past trauma.
This case challenges everyone in different ways.
Good quick read.
This is another fun addition to the series. The mystery has an interesting twist. In an environment with Humans, near humans, and many types of non humans, Hallie, Girard, and the gang, or hunting a Serial killer.
The murder brings back uglie childhood memories for Hallie. Are her memories relevant, or just echoes of past trauma.
This case challenges everyone in different ways.
Good quick read.
August 31, 2025
Great addition
This is a great addition to an excellent series. The main character, Hallie, moves forward in her relationship with both her love interest, Girard, and knowledge about herself. We learn new information about her past and there’s a great wrap up of how Hallie came to have her particular skills. There’s also intriguing mysteries alluded to for the next story coming in December 2025.
I have read all five series written by this author and would recommend them all.
This is a great addition to an excellent series. The main character, Hallie, moves forward in her relationship with both her love interest, Girard, and knowledge about herself. We learn new information about her past and there’s a great wrap up of how Hallie came to have her particular skills. There’s also intriguing mysteries alluded to for the next story coming in December 2025.
I have read all five series written by this author and would recommend them all.
October 4, 2025
A country house murder? That seems to have been done by terrible beast that surely can't be any of the rich guests?
I normally like Nelson's books as predictable comfort reading but the beats here seemed *too* predictable and the characters mostly uninteresting. Not sure I'm going to continue with this series now the original romance barriers are all done with and all we have is elite politics and the boy's father being a hard-boiled snob; those are not interesting problems.
I normally like Nelson's books as predictable comfort reading but the beats here seemed *too* predictable and the characters mostly uninteresting. Not sure I'm going to continue with this series now the original romance barriers are all done with and all we have is elite politics and the boy's father being a hard-boiled snob; those are not interesting problems.
October 12, 2025
A very high 4 star 🌟
Honestly only Vanessa Nelson could take me from a dnf in the second book to a highly anticipated 5th book in a week. What an authour and what a story.
Genuinely so excited to see how far Hallie evolves in her new role and in the discovery of her powers. THANK YOU AUTHOUR for taking us out of that apartheid city 😭😭😭😭 we’ve truly always been too good for that setting ✅
The synopsis for book 5 also sets it up as on a different continent maybe? Very excited will read on 🫡
Honestly only Vanessa Nelson could take me from a dnf in the second book to a highly anticipated 5th book in a week. What an authour and what a story.
Genuinely so excited to see how far Hallie evolves in her new role and in the discovery of her powers. THANK YOU AUTHOUR for taking us out of that apartheid city 😭😭😭😭 we’ve truly always been too good for that setting ✅
The synopsis for book 5 also sets it up as on a different continent maybe? Very excited will read on 🫡
August 19, 2025
Vanessa Nelson is one of my fave fantasy writers!
Vanessa Nelson's work becomes more accomplished with each new book she writes. "An Unwanted Heir" is a thrillng addition to her Fractured Conclave series, thanks to Vanessa's deft character development and imaginative world-building.
Vanessa Nelson's work becomes more accomplished with each new book she writes. "An Unwanted Heir" is a thrillng addition to her Fractured Conclave series, thanks to Vanessa's deft character development and imaginative world-building.
August 22, 2025
Wonderful and not written by an AI
Great plot and characters that get you emotionally involved with their story. There is a huge difference between an author who lovingly crafts their words and those who use an AI to crank out a book a month. I urge everyone to support the authors who actually write their own books.
Eagerly await the next book.
Great plot and characters that get you emotionally involved with their story. There is a huge difference between an author who lovingly crafts their words and those who use an AI to crank out a book a month. I urge everyone to support the authors who actually write their own books.
Eagerly await the next book.
September 11, 2025
Fabulous
I love these characters but feel the book was cut a little short. Details were missing, questions still unanswered. The writing, as always, draws you into the story and holds your attention until the end. This world the author created is fascinating and leaves me wanting to know more.
I love these characters but feel the book was cut a little short. Details were missing, questions still unanswered. The writing, as always, draws you into the story and holds your attention until the end. This world the author created is fascinating and leaves me wanting to know more.
September 15, 2025
I was a little disappointed in this instalment of the Perils of Hallie. It’s a locked room mystery and the villain of the piece was obvious fairly early on. I was hoping it was a red herring but no such luck. Hallie gets the opportunity to learn a few things about herself and hook up with her romantic interest. Nothing to tax the little grey cells.
January 18, 2026
editing issues
This is another excellent story, so it definitely deserves all five stars. I was distracted by the editing problems. I don’t remember that many in the first three books combined.
I still absolutely recommend the series. I do hope that this book gets fixed and that there are not too many issues in the future books.
This is another excellent story, so it definitely deserves all five stars. I was distracted by the editing problems. I don’t remember that many in the first three books combined.
I still absolutely recommend the series. I do hope that this book gets fixed and that there are not too many issues in the future books.
June 24, 2026
Good mystery
Yet another excellent adventure for Hallie and Gerard! This book gives a bit more info on Hallie past incident as it pertains to the current mystery. Less "people being mean" violence, which I appreciated. As always I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Yet another excellent adventure for Hallie and Gerard! This book gives a bit more info on Hallie past incident as it pertains to the current mystery. Less "people being mean" violence, which I appreciated. As always I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 20, 2025
kept me up all night
i like Vanessa'' writing a lot ! Her characters seem like real and interesting people doing things the right way. The story line moves along and there are no stupid things brought into the story.*****
i like Vanessa'' writing a lot ! Her characters seem like real and interesting people doing things the right way. The story line moves along and there are no stupid things brought into the story.*****
August 20, 2025
Love this series
The story unfolds at a good pace and I enjoy the journey of self a discovery for Hallie. The storytelling for me has a good balance of
description and character interaction.
The story unfolds at a good pace and I enjoy the journey of self a discovery for Hallie. The storytelling for me has a good balance of
description and character interaction.
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