When Kali, eighth heir to the Southwestern Court’s throne, is accused of being a halfling traitor behind the bloody attack on the tri-annual Summit, she is forced into a rushed alliance that grants her refuge with the infamously violent ruling General of the Northern Court.
With the group behind the attacks remaining anonymous, Kali must uncover the truth of the Northern Court’s involvement for the chance of removing suspicions from herself and the Southwestern Court. Anyone can be involved and no one can be trusted, but the violent confidence of the Northern General tempts Kali into embracing the new reality of her abilities as a halfling and keeps pulling Kali deeper into the dark.
Things are rarely as they seem, though, and Kali must be wary of where she aims the slash of her sabre lest she cuts her own ties or risks being the catalyst to plummet the seven great Courts into a realm-wide war.
HEIR OF ABSENCE is an adult adventure fantasy first with an enemies to lovers romantic subplot. Expect spite, blood, and spice amidst the suspicions, deceptions, and betrayals.
Alana Vieira is author of the REALM OF THE SEVEN series: a world steeped in old magic and blood, where myths blend with truth and things are rarely as they seem. The fantasy genre stole Alana's heart early in life and it has never let her go since.
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I really enjoyed reading this, the twists and turns as the FMC and MMC go from enemies to allies to lovers had me gripped. Very different from the other fantasy stuff I have read. I do feel the ending was a little bit of a let down and lacking umph/pizazz. But over all I enjoyed the book.
One heck of a very enjoyable fantasy book with a different vibe than I'm used to. I enjoyed all the fantasy and the characters. There was unfortunately something lacking but I'm not entirely sure what it was.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting tale set in the realm of 7 kingdoms teetering on the brink of war. Great, very detailed world-building by the author that sets the stage for the novel. While the initial part of the book was difficult to get into introducing all the characters, kingdoms, etc., the background building becomes increasingly important as the story continues. Kali is tasked with building an alliance of the Southwestern kingdom with the Northern kingdom. Keir, the Northern General, is full of distrust of Kali’s true intentions and the two must learn to work together or allow the realm to fall apart. A gripping story that won’t let you go, this story is full of twists and turns, the final one I never saw coming!
Are you kidding me?? This book… I can’t. First off, Kali is a BADASS. She is smart, and she can wield a sword better than anyone?! Sign me up! Keir is deep, misunderstood, pained. He is amazing.
I loved this so much, the book is fantastically built, the characters are genuine, it’s funny, intimate, vulnerable and all-consuming. I will admit, the introduction of the «gang» did confuse me to start with, but after getting the hang of it it was all smooth sailing.
But girl… that plot twist?? I GASPED. My heart was pounding, palms sweaty and i forgot how to breathe. The book kept me on my toes, looking over my shoulder at all times. I loved it!!
And please, can we get a short story of Luka and Bolin?? My heart broke for them, completely shattered.
Thank you so so much, Alana, for having me on your ARC-team! It was a blast and i enjoyed every second of it!
4.5 ⭐ I'd like the author for letting me ARC read for her.
This book blends, adventure, action, love, betrayal all together into a complete masterpiece. I loved the storyline and the characters... And that ending - Damn!
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the excessive amount of times the author referred to the characters with their titles and then with their names all of a sudden which made it pretty hard for me to understand which character the author was referring to. Overall, I loved this book 🫶🏻💕
Alana Vieira wrote this book perfectly and had that element that I was looking for from the description. It does a great job in introducing us to the world of Realm of the Seven, it uses the sword adventure element that I was wanting and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters had that magical element to this world and worked in this universe. I'm glad I was able to read this and look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Arc Review✨ Thank you to the author Alana Vieira for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Thoughtful and Atmospheric Debut That Lingers After the Last Page
Heir of Absence by Alana Vieira is a debut that quietly but confidently makes its mark. Rooted in themes of grief, legacy, and belonging, this fantasy novel offers a richly developed world and a layered emotional core that sets it apart from more traditional quest-driven stories. While not without a few rough edges, it’s an absorbing and introspective read that rewards patience and emotional investment.
At the heart of the novel is a protagonist caught between who they were expected to be and who they are becoming — a classic but well-executed tension. The concept of "absence" is more than just a title here; it weaves through the characters, the political backdrop, and even the magic system in subtle and interesting ways. Vieira does an excellent job exploring the lingering impact of loss — not just personal loss, but cultural and generational loss as well.
The worldbuilding is a major strength. It’s immersive without feeling over-explained, with a clear sense of history, cultural complexity, and political tension. The setting never feels like mere decoration; it actively shapes the characters and their choices. There’s a quiet intensity to the atmosphere — something simmering beneath the surface that keeps you engaged even when the pace slows.
Character-wise, the book delivers a solid ensemble. While some supporting characters could have used a bit more development or clarity, the central relationships are emotionally resonant. The protagonist’s internal struggles feel authentic and are handled with care, though there were moments where the emotional pacing could have been tighter. Still, the depth of feeling and vulnerability is commendable.
One of the most refreshing things about Heir of Absence is that it doesn’t rush. It allows its characters space to breathe, reflect, and react — something often lost in faster-paced fantasy. That said, readers looking for action-heavy or plot-driven narratives may find the pacing a bit slow, particularly in the first half. But for those who enjoy more character-focused fantasy with emotional complexity, it’s a rewarding read.
In the end, Heir of Absence feels like the beginning of something bigger — not just in terms of series potential, but in Vieira’s career as a writer. It’s an impressive debut that shows both craft and heart, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what she writes next.
Kali is a well thought out and complex character dealing with loss and grief but still aiming to achieve her goals. Her Court is attacked and she finds herself in a strained alliance with the Northern General.
I really enjoyed: - The tension between Kali and Keir, which added to the Spice. Their banter was definitely the highlight of the book for me. - The women are all BAD ASS. - Pavel and Sajjad were two of my favourite side characters! - I really want more content from Luke and Bolin - Pacing was great. There was no stagnant period of time everything was moving the plot forward. - I did guess part of the twist but the part I didn't guess caught me off guard. - My least favourite character was Echidna. - I liked how the world was built and the ongoing political tension in the background. It allowed the other characters to be fleshed out and have their own motives. - I wasn't quite sure what Keir knew vs what the other characters knew. - I also got slightly confused when a few of the generals were given names a few chapters in but it became clearer as the story continued.
It feels like there's more to explore with this story with Kali and her origin, the different courts and the political climate at the end of the book. Book Two?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say I liked the storyline and I will be thinking about this book for a while lol. Overall I had a whirlwind of emotions throughout this book. I was curious at the beginning trying to figure out what the goals were.
Then confused, because of the way the multiple characters were referenced. It started with just their titles: the general, the second in command, the third in command. They felt like an afterthought so I didn’t really worry about telling them apart. Then the narrator started referring to them by name, and I was like. Huh? Who?
The last emotion I felt was dissatisfaction. I was waiting, BEGGING, for a big reveal to put everything together. There were so many things I as a reader didn’t get to experience in the story so I was excited to see the hidden clues other characters got.
But no! The characters were just talking about it all like I already knew everything they did. BUT I don’t 😩
I’m not even mad about the ending because I FINALLY understood true the plot. But everything was so vague. I’m kinda bummed.
When Kali is sent to form an alliance after her realm got attacked at a summit, things do not turn out as expected. She ends up joining the Northern General and his companions traveling to various realm searching for the responsible parties and stop the continuous attacks.
Initially there is a lot of mistrust between the parties. Along the way they establish trust and Kali finds out, that there is more to her than originally thought.
I enjoyed being thrown into the story from the beginning and liked Kali a lot. She had to leave her home looking for a new purpose. Along the way she made new friends and fell in love. Not only did she have to fight for her life, she also had to accept that betrayel will hurt especially if coming from people that are supposed to have your back.
In enjoyed this book a lot. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heir of Absence absolutely consumed me from beginning to end. This is adult fantasy done right. There is adventure (I was giggling at their plotting and hijinks) with great side characters, betrayal, sword fights and a romantic sub plot. The enemies to lovers tension was sharp as a blade, topped off with just the right amount of spice. The MMC Kier is written so well and will not be easily forgotten. He is dark, dangerous, and impossible not to root for. The FMC Kali is sharp, fierce and strong and their chemistry was simmering with tension and barbed words. When it came to the cliffhanger at the end, I just sat there devastated it was over. I immediately wanted to call someone to talk about it. Now I am impatiently waiting for book two. If you are looking for fantasy that blends intrigue, betrayal and deliciously tense romance, Heir of Absence should be at the very top of your TBR. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story took me a few chapters to fully immerse myself in, but once I got there, I was hooked. It was a little more politics heavy than I usually go for, but I found myself intrigued by it all. The description of the various Courts and their customs was a high selling point for me, it was easy for me to visualize them with how elaborate an illustration we are given. Kali's internal conflict as she goes through her slow discovery of self while finding out who is and isn't worthy of her alliance resonated deeply with me. Her slow burn with Kier had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment they'd finally implode. The supporting characters were incredibly written, I found myself very attached to Pavel as well as Zivon. The ending took me very much by surprise and the cliffhanger we are left with has me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Heir of Absence is an absolute must-read. Alana Vieira has crafted a fantasy that is everything I was hoping for and more. I tore through this book in two days, completely captivated by the story and its characters. Kali is a fantastic heroine—smart, strong, and a master with a sword. Keir is a compelling male lead, deep and pained, making their dynamic truly engaging. The world of Realm of the Seven is incredibly well-built, with epic action scenes, familial politics, and a touch of romance and spice. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat with a mind-blowing twist that left me gasping. I'm still reeling from that cliffhanger and am desperate for the next book! Heir of Absence is an unforgettable read that will grab you from the first page and not let go. Note: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
** I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions are my own and freely given. **
I loved the story! It's different from other fantasy books I've read recently, which was refreshing. There were a few times where I found myself thinking "Wait, how did we get here?" or had to stop and re-read a sentence that was phrased in a way my brain didn't automatically get. Other than those few instances, I did enjoy reading this!
FMC was a badass, we love to see it! And who doesn't love a mysterious, brooding MMC who falls HARD? The world building was also really good! Overall, I'd recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers, slow burn read!
I received this as an e-arc for free in exchange for an honest review, and am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was an adventure. It took me on a ride that had me on the edge turning pages faster than I could read haha. It was spiteful, full of action, and I loved the badass FMC. The world building was put together very well. Although a slow-burn, which we love a slow-burn over here, the stakes and tension were high. If you like fantasy adventure, with politics, unique abilities, enemies to lovers romance not being the primary plot, secrets, an outsider FMC, self-discovery, and morally complex characters, this is for you. Great book. Would have been 5 stars if I didn’t find myself a little confused throughout reading it, also the ending wasn’t my favorite. ❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I overall enjoyed this story. At first I was a little confused and unsure if I was missing something, but honestly once you get towards the last 100 or so pages the puzzle pieces start to click.
The world building, the character development of the fmc and mmc, the learning of side characters along the journey and the almost puzzle-like mystery along the way made this a really good fantasy novel to read. And of course the slow burn enemies to lovers never hurts one to read.
I was slow to get into the book to start with but then was absorbed by the end. I hate that it's ended on such a cliff hanger and am desperate to know what comes next. I love the development of the characters and really enjoyed the world setting. I loved the sarcastic banter the main characters had and loved the enemy's to lovers development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Good GOD! I haven't read such an epic romantasy book since ACOTAR, but this book has it all. Badass FMC, Cunning MMC, amazing world building, familial politics, epic action scenes, a little bit spicy, and the plot it just fantastic! I was drawn in from the get go and smashed through this book in 2 days, it was everything I was hoping it would be and then some! I am truly DYING to get my hands on the next book because the cliffhanger had me squealing!
What the hellll??? First of all Kali is a Baddie and i just love keir and their banter😍 Second of all- the cliffhanger??? Miss girl i need the next book Yesterday!!!! This is a real fantasy adventure book with a sub-plot of romance and i ate every second of it. I cant believe the plot- twist in the end…im still in shock 😳 Full disclaimer- i received this book as an ARC and i am voluntary leaving a review :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Omg!! That cliffhanger and plot twist 🤯 Kali, the FMC, is a baddie. Keir, the MMC, is misunderstood and deep. The banter between the two was epic. This is a fantasy adventure with a sub plot of romance. The world building and characters are amazing. It’s funny and consuming. I ate this story up. At the end I was completely surprised and I NEEEEED the next book. The vibe was unique and I loved every page
Amazing debut novel ! Captivating story, characters with depth, brilliant dialogs, and a very thoughtful and multi dimensional approach to trauma and freeing oneself from what holds us back.
In a time where all fantasy novels are the same, this book was a breath of fresh air.
Solid read!! I received this as an advanced read and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wonderful, immersive and detailed world building. Enemies to allies to lovers trope. Strong characters that get you invested.
I wanted to really LOVE this book, but I ended up just liking it. I am still happy that I read this book as it has a great story. There was just something missing for me that made it so I didn't get sucked into it.