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Heritage Mountain
Adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery unfold in a world where the mystical and the actual coexist. Set in the majestic Adirondack mountains, when Marco Cason leads an expedition to explore the history of the mountain wilderness, he doesn't know his colleagues are guardians of the fae.
Searching for clues about ancient societies that inhabited the Adirondacks centuries before. they delve into legends, navigate ancient maps, and learn that folklore about magical clans is based on facts. When a pixie introduces herself to Maria, the expedition takes a different path. The guardians realize the mountain is filled with mystical clans, and that their homes are under attack. Negligent use of dynamite, illegal mining, and disregard for nature and the environment has destroyed much of their habitat. It has also cost lives.
Elves, stargazers, and goliaths fill the pages as the explorers unite with the supernatural creatures to save the mountain from invaders whose greed is destroying their territory. Faced with the truth about the magical beings, Marco is forced to reevaluate everything he believed. Still, he becomes a central force when he battles beside the fae to save Heritage Mountain.
Themes of friendship, conservation, love, and acceptance flourish, as well as a heavy dose of karma.
Searching for clues about ancient societies that inhabited the Adirondacks centuries before. they delve into legends, navigate ancient maps, and learn that folklore about magical clans is based on facts. When a pixie introduces herself to Maria, the expedition takes a different path. The guardians realize the mountain is filled with mystical clans, and that their homes are under attack. Negligent use of dynamite, illegal mining, and disregard for nature and the environment has destroyed much of their habitat. It has also cost lives.
Elves, stargazers, and goliaths fill the pages as the explorers unite with the supernatural creatures to save the mountain from invaders whose greed is destroying their territory. Faced with the truth about the magical beings, Marco is forced to reevaluate everything he believed. Still, he becomes a central force when he battles beside the fae to save Heritage Mountain.
Themes of friendship, conservation, love, and acceptance flourish, as well as a heavy dose of karma.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
2 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 8, 2026
Heritage Mountain is a stunning, immersive escape into a world where the rustle in the ancient pines might just be a pixie’s wing, and the oldest mountain legends are living, breathing truth. This enchanting novel masterfully blends adventure, romance, and ecological urgency into a captivating narrative that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.
Set against the breathtaking, rugged backdrop of the Adirondack mountains, the story follows Marco Cason, a man of science and history leading an expedition to uncover the secrets of the ancient societies that once thrived there. Unbeknownst to him, his colleagues are guardians of the fae, and their scholarly quest is about to become a front line mission. Black’s love for the wilderness sings from every page, painting the landscape not just as a setting, but as a sacred, living character.
The moment a pixie introduces herself to Maria, the expedition and the reader, is plunged into a wondrous hidden world. The discovery that the mountain is home to elves, stargazers, and goliaths is rendered with a sense of awe and beauty that is genuinely magical. Yet, this beauty is under siege. The conflict is powerfully grounded: the destruction wrought by “negligent use of dynamite, illegal mining, and disregard for nature” is not a vague evil, but a tangible, devastating force destroying habitats and costing lives. This gives the fantasy a gripping, real-world stakes.
Marco’s journey is the heart of the novel. A man forced to “reevaluate everything he believed,” his transformation from skeptic to a “central force” in the battle to save the mountain is profoundly satisfying. His budding romance, woven subtly into the larger tapestry, adds a layer of tender human connection amidst the epic struggle.
The themes of friendship, conservation, love, and acceptance are not merely stated; they are lived and fought for by a cast of characters, both human and mystical who are richly drawn and deeply compelling. The promise of a “heavy dose of karma” for the invaders adds a deeply satisfying layer of poetic justice to the thrilling confrontations.
Heritage Mountain is a triumph of cozy yet epic fantasy. It’s for readers who long for the wonder of discovering a hidden magical world, for those who believe in the sacred duty to protect our natural places, and for anyone who loves a story where brave hearts, whether human or fae band together against greed and destruction. Karen Black hasn’t just written a novel; she’s crafted a love letter to the wild, a call to arms for conservation, and a dazzling, unmistakably mystical adventure that will linger in your imagination long after the last page. An absolute treasure.
Set against the breathtaking, rugged backdrop of the Adirondack mountains, the story follows Marco Cason, a man of science and history leading an expedition to uncover the secrets of the ancient societies that once thrived there. Unbeknownst to him, his colleagues are guardians of the fae, and their scholarly quest is about to become a front line mission. Black’s love for the wilderness sings from every page, painting the landscape not just as a setting, but as a sacred, living character.
The moment a pixie introduces herself to Maria, the expedition and the reader, is plunged into a wondrous hidden world. The discovery that the mountain is home to elves, stargazers, and goliaths is rendered with a sense of awe and beauty that is genuinely magical. Yet, this beauty is under siege. The conflict is powerfully grounded: the destruction wrought by “negligent use of dynamite, illegal mining, and disregard for nature” is not a vague evil, but a tangible, devastating force destroying habitats and costing lives. This gives the fantasy a gripping, real-world stakes.
Marco’s journey is the heart of the novel. A man forced to “reevaluate everything he believed,” his transformation from skeptic to a “central force” in the battle to save the mountain is profoundly satisfying. His budding romance, woven subtly into the larger tapestry, adds a layer of tender human connection amidst the epic struggle.
The themes of friendship, conservation, love, and acceptance are not merely stated; they are lived and fought for by a cast of characters, both human and mystical who are richly drawn and deeply compelling. The promise of a “heavy dose of karma” for the invaders adds a deeply satisfying layer of poetic justice to the thrilling confrontations.
Heritage Mountain is a triumph of cozy yet epic fantasy. It’s for readers who long for the wonder of discovering a hidden magical world, for those who believe in the sacred duty to protect our natural places, and for anyone who loves a story where brave hearts, whether human or fae band together against greed and destruction. Karen Black hasn’t just written a novel; she’s crafted a love letter to the wild, a call to arms for conservation, and a dazzling, unmistakably mystical adventure that will linger in your imagination long after the last page. An absolute treasure.
November 26, 2025
Heritage Mountain is a heartwarming blend of cozy fantasy and wilderness adventure, following botanist Anita and survivalist Marco as they reunite for an archaeological expedition in the Adirondacks. Alongside their close-knit friends, Maria and Chase, and a delightful cast of supernatural beings like pixies, elves, and a telepathic cat, the group embarks on a journey that’s as much about discovery as it is about connection, both with nature and each other. The story gently weaves folklore, love, mystery, and magic into the everyday, creating a world where firepits reveal ancient tools, and a simple forest walk may bring you face-to-face with stargazers or nymphs.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this. There’s a quiet, comforting kind of magic in the way author Karen Black writes. She gives the characters space to breathe, laugh, stumble, and grow close. I loved the humor between Chase and Maria. It felt like watching old friends tease and support each other without missing a beat. Marco’s protective, grounded energy made him instantly likable. And Anita. I loved Anita. Her blend of practicality and wonder, her quiet strength and openness to magic, made her feel real and relatable. And the worldbuilding? It’s so gentle and subtle, the supernatural just slips in like a whisper. Nothing is overexplained or flashy. And that makes it feel real.
Everything feels safe, and sometimes I find myself wishing for a little more tension or stakes. But then again, that’s probably the point. Heritage Mountain tells a different kind of story. One about trust, connection, and ancient magic hidden in plain sight. It's quiet but rich, like the kind of story you’d tell around a fire under the stars. It made me want to go hiking. Or at least take a walk and keep an eye out for little footprints in the moss.
I’d recommend Heritage Mountain to anyone who loves stories about found family, soft magic, and wilderness tales that feel like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. If you liked Practical Magic or The Bear and the Nightingale, or just need a break from the world, this book will meet you gently and invite you in. Fans of cozy fantasy, magical realism, and wilderness adventure will find Heritage Mountain a gentle, enchanting read full of heart, hidden magic, and unforgettable charm.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this. There’s a quiet, comforting kind of magic in the way author Karen Black writes. She gives the characters space to breathe, laugh, stumble, and grow close. I loved the humor between Chase and Maria. It felt like watching old friends tease and support each other without missing a beat. Marco’s protective, grounded energy made him instantly likable. And Anita. I loved Anita. Her blend of practicality and wonder, her quiet strength and openness to magic, made her feel real and relatable. And the worldbuilding? It’s so gentle and subtle, the supernatural just slips in like a whisper. Nothing is overexplained or flashy. And that makes it feel real.
Everything feels safe, and sometimes I find myself wishing for a little more tension or stakes. But then again, that’s probably the point. Heritage Mountain tells a different kind of story. One about trust, connection, and ancient magic hidden in plain sight. It's quiet but rich, like the kind of story you’d tell around a fire under the stars. It made me want to go hiking. Or at least take a walk and keep an eye out for little footprints in the moss.
I’d recommend Heritage Mountain to anyone who loves stories about found family, soft magic, and wilderness tales that feel like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. If you liked Practical Magic or The Bear and the Nightingale, or just need a break from the world, this book will meet you gently and invite you in. Fans of cozy fantasy, magical realism, and wilderness adventure will find Heritage Mountain a gentle, enchanting read full of heart, hidden magic, and unforgettable charm.
February 2, 2026
Heritage Mountain by Karen Black hits a home run with me. I enjoyed her other two books in the Unmistakeably Mysterical Series and felt comfortable with the returning characters. I know this is fantasy, but Karen's fae characters are so likable, and they seem real to me.
The backdrop for this story is the Adirondack Mountains. The team of Maria, Chase, Anita, and Marco ventures into the mountains to find signs of earlier civilizations living there. The fae fear that notoriety would draw others onto the mountain and put the mystical inhabitants and their homes at risk. Prior treasure hunters caused great damage to the mountain and ruined the homes of many fae. The witch guardians (Maria and Anita) convince the fae that if successful, they could get the government to protect the area and keep treasure hunters out.
Unknown to the team, they are being followed by a pair of brothers who believe the team can lead them to an abandoned gold mine. When they use dynamite inside the mountain, it puts everyone in danger when a rockslide traps some of them. Death is inevitable if not rescued in time. Telepathic signals are sent across the mountain, and mystical creatures of all kinds rally to save the humans.
Karen introduces a new clan called Goliaths, who are akin to Bigfoot, stargazers, and also talking rocks. They join the cast of pixies, elves, and water nymphs in this adventure.
Readers will encounter magic, love, trust, camaraderie, and teamwork. This is a standalone story in the series and is hard to put down. I'm hoping the author has another book or two in the future that takes us, readers, on another mystical adventure. I highly recommend this series to all age groups.
The backdrop for this story is the Adirondack Mountains. The team of Maria, Chase, Anita, and Marco ventures into the mountains to find signs of earlier civilizations living there. The fae fear that notoriety would draw others onto the mountain and put the mystical inhabitants and their homes at risk. Prior treasure hunters caused great damage to the mountain and ruined the homes of many fae. The witch guardians (Maria and Anita) convince the fae that if successful, they could get the government to protect the area and keep treasure hunters out.
Unknown to the team, they are being followed by a pair of brothers who believe the team can lead them to an abandoned gold mine. When they use dynamite inside the mountain, it puts everyone in danger when a rockslide traps some of them. Death is inevitable if not rescued in time. Telepathic signals are sent across the mountain, and mystical creatures of all kinds rally to save the humans.
Karen introduces a new clan called Goliaths, who are akin to Bigfoot, stargazers, and also talking rocks. They join the cast of pixies, elves, and water nymphs in this adventure.
Readers will encounter magic, love, trust, camaraderie, and teamwork. This is a standalone story in the series and is hard to put down. I'm hoping the author has another book or two in the future that takes us, readers, on another mystical adventure. I highly recommend this series to all age groups.
January 11, 2026
Heritage Mountain is a beautifully written story filled with adventure, love, magic, and mystery.
Maria, Chase, Anita, and Marco set out on a quest to protect the Heritage Mountains from destructive gold- and treasure-seekers. If they find archaeological evidence of ancient inhabitants, they could have it designated a historic region. Anita and Maria, protectors of the fey in their own sanctuaries, meet local elves and stargazers who guard the mountains. Tensions rise as greedy men set out to find gold at any cost. When they cause an event putting everyone’s lives in jeopardy, help comes from creatures Maria and Anita had never before encountered.
Entertaining dialogue adds dimension to the well-rounded characters, making them relatable and endearing in this rousing adventure fraught with danger and filled with magic. Vivid descriptions bring the mountain environment to life. With breathless action and a conflicted romance, this story kept me reading straight through. Fantastic read!
Maria, Chase, Anita, and Marco set out on a quest to protect the Heritage Mountains from destructive gold- and treasure-seekers. If they find archaeological evidence of ancient inhabitants, they could have it designated a historic region. Anita and Maria, protectors of the fey in their own sanctuaries, meet local elves and stargazers who guard the mountains. Tensions rise as greedy men set out to find gold at any cost. When they cause an event putting everyone’s lives in jeopardy, help comes from creatures Maria and Anita had never before encountered.
Entertaining dialogue adds dimension to the well-rounded characters, making them relatable and endearing in this rousing adventure fraught with danger and filled with magic. Vivid descriptions bring the mountain environment to life. With breathless action and a conflicted romance, this story kept me reading straight through. Fantastic read!
January 5, 2026
Reading Karen Black’s Heritage Mountain is a wonderful way to begin the New Year. This is the third in a series featuring human characters that we trust, delightful Fae we wish we knew, remarkable Stargazers, and a magnificent new clan named the Goliaths who capture our hearts and spirits by their absolute uniqueness. Black always writes immersive books and not only do the mystical clans appear real, even the environment—this time in the Adirondack Mountains—becomes a character. If you have ever camped and hiked in the mountains, you will feel the pristine air, smell the aroma of much-needed morning coffee, and crunch the fallen leaves from treetops reaching toward the night sky, framing the stars. There is a noticeable tactile quality in this novel because the writing explodes with vivid reality. Into every garden, however, scoundrels creep, but there is a satisfactory resolution involving Living Rocks. I am hoping another book is forthcoming.
January 14, 2026
Heritage Mountain delivers a tale of adventure and mystery in a well-crafted world where the supernatural coexists with reality. Marco’s journey into the Adirondacks uncovers long-forgotten secrets of ancient societies and mystical clans fighting to survive. The story’s romance provides a tender atmosphere in the ensuing chaos, while the underlying mystery keeps readers hooked. As the guardians reveal their true nature, the stakes escalate, and illegal mining threatens the very habitat of these magical creatures. Karen Black’s great storytelling brings elves, goliaths, and stargazers to life, and she forces readers to think about environmental themes and survival. A thoughtful exploration of nature and beings that evolve with it.
January 14, 2026
Heritage Mountain is an enthralling mix of adventure, romance, and mystery set against the stunning Adirondacks. Marco and his team stumble upon a hidden world of fae and mystical clans, unearthing truths that challenge their beliefs. The story explores themes of friendship, love, and environmental conservation as magical creatures unite to defend their homes from destructive invaders. The romance blossoms amid danger, adding emotional depth to the high-stakes battles. Karen Black’s captivating narrative highlights the importance of respecting nature and embracing differences. With its lush setting and intricate folklore, the novel immerses readers in a world where magic and reality collide, leaving a lasting impression about the power of unity and the consequences of greed.
February 8, 2026
Heritage Mountain blends adventure, folklore, and archaeology into a story that feels vivid and engaging. The characters draw you in, and the wilderness setting adds depth and atmosphere. A strong choice for readers who enjoy myth woven into exploration.
February 8, 2026
Karen Black delivers a richly imagined tale where history, mystery, and the natural world collide. The pacing keeps the story moving while allowing the relationships and worldbuilding to develop naturally. An immersive read with a strong sense of place.
February 8, 2026
This novel offers a compelling mix of discovery, legend, and character-driven storytelling. The blend of archaeological intrigue and supernatural elements feels seamless and thoughtful. Readers who enjoy layered adventures will find a lot to appreciate here.
January 31, 2026
Reading this has been a magical experience. Black writes about the fae, elves, stargazers, and goliaths like she is a guardian herself. So I ask.. who am I to doubt this suspicion?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews