Heir to the Second Line: Part One

The Lines of Ebrus #1.1

by Grace McGinty

The Second Line lived, and their resurrection threatened the fragile happiness that Avalon has finally achieved.

Avalon Halhed was actually content. She’d go as far as to say she was even happy. She was in love. She had friends, a community, a damn pet.

Until a shockingly beautiful man walked through the gates of Boellium and ruined everything. The Heir to the Second Line shouldn’t exist. Their Line had long ago been eradicated and countless years had passed, until they were just a warning in the history books to not cross the First Line.

But Lierick Hanovan appeared with more than just the revelation that his Line lived; he had claims that were even more insane.

He believed Avalon was a Recreationist, and could physically turn back time. In fact, according to Lierick, she had recreated history over and over already.
She was also prophesied to change Ebrus forever. No pressure or anything. But despite the preposterousness of his words, they rung true in her soul.

Avalon didn’t want to be the ‘chosen one’. She wanted to badly swing a sword by day, have three ways beneath the stars with her handsome lovers by night, and then follow Hayle home when her time as a conscript at Boellium War College was complete.

However, Fate didn’t care what Avalon wanted. She’d proven that over and over again.

This is Part One in a Three Part book. If you haven't read DAUGHTER OF THE NINTH LINE, it's strongly suggested you do that first.

STRONGLY Suggested Reading Order for the Lines of Ebrus
Daughter of the Ninth Part One
Daughter of the Ninth Part Two
Daughter of the Ninth Part Three
Heir to the Second Line : Part One

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2025

About the author

When I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
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Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
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Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?

Reviews

[Elizabeth Argue · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I loved the Lines of Ebrus books however this book was disappointing.

I like the concept of the story line, the magic and the strategising etc. However I decided to stop reading at the point when Avalon decides to kiss a Lierick. She is basically attracted to every male she interacts with (in this book). I believe it does a disservice to Hayle and Vox. I already felt it was a cop out she couldn’t pick between the two MMC in the first place, however I understood how it contributed to the story. I draw the line at a third.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

After binging the first book, I knew that I just wanted to find out what happened after that major cliff-hanger moment. So, here we are.

I found this book to be more enjoyable now that I know what is going on, and what this means for the characters. I like the characters dynamics and interactions as they unravel the mystery, and how this fits in with what they have been told by the elders for generations. We don't see too much of the wider world and it's people apart from the condensed version at the academy and one journey that is the catalyst for the final confrontation. Very enjoyable, fast paced and I can't wait for the second part of this book to be released.

3.5 stars

[TX CHICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment to this six part story

Casual readers probably see “war college” in the description and think this is another take on the trend started by Fourth Wing. This is not like that or any of the knockoffs that followed. This a reverse harem story about a sheltered young woman who thinks she’s powerless at the beginning of her enrollment in a war college, but discovers her power with the help of multiple men and a prophecy. I’m really looking forward to the next two chapters in the story.

[Rebecca J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit dull and dragged out compared to the others. With this being a novella, I think it’s really telling that it felt endless. I still really like the overall story.

The book also has a serious plot hole. Once Avalon and co. have that big book of the future, HOW are they still caught off guard in the end? It would make the most sense to read the book in its entirety to map out their actions that result in success. Unless I missed a big plot piece of why this isn’t possible, it doesn’t make sense.

[Cris Campisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keeps getting better

This whole series just keeps getting better, I have said in previous reviews, for the earlier novellas that I didn’t give many details, well I’m not going to with this review either, it will just spoil it for you. I think that Grace has shown, with these works that she is more than capable of capturing readers and holding them until the last word falls, her stories flow beautifully at a comfortable pace. I feel like this has been my surprise series for the month, something that I desperately needed but did not see coming. Enjoy.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to this world

I love this story. The world building, the character development, the pace… everything just flows so well. Waiting for the next book is torture. Agonizing torture. And this is exactly the reason why I enjoy these books. I will definitely be re-reading just to immerse myself better into this world. I seriously don’t want these books to end.

[Celeste Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Romantasy Adventure

Ms McGinty's newest installment of the series is powerful. The story is riveting and filled with exciting action and intrigue. The world building is delightful and the characters are well written. Ms McGinty is masterful storyteller.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

I love Avalon and her story. She is the perfect FMC, powerful, kind, and loving. Everyone is evolving In the story. The guys are awesome. I can't wait for the next book.

[LaneyDay · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!

I loved this so much!
But why are these books so short?
I would love a 300+ book for a change!
I want to finish this, but I may just wait for it to be complete!

[Grace Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

more

Yas! I’m so excited to see how this story unfolds! We finally get to all the action and back story

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

everything is making sense

And it is all getting tied together! Such a great wordsmith! Grace McGinty stories are always worth a read, especially when it is in my favourite genre.

[Show Me The Sea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 100% why I love.

Every character is an individual. We’ve got the formation of a poly relationship and the new addition. Yesssss.

Grace you never disappoint

[TT · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a unique series!

Loving this series and all the twists and turns! Grace has crafted a very detailed world and so many loveable characters. I can’t wait for more!!

[Rubz]

I wonder if we will be having 4 men in the harem?

[Jasmine Hoisington · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD

Ugh I am loving this world so hard! The first book when we meet Avalon was amazing but being able to see her love blossom is even better!

[Sheila Ryals · Rating 5 out of 5]

😻

Huh that one wasn't as bad as the others! But I'm kinda partial to the mains! Seriously can't wait to read the next book!

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

[Sass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I'm growing out of the reverse harem genre, but I am enjoying the plot and story despite the banging.

[Nicole Borgstrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Spoiler Alert* Review is for Parts 1-2

It was interesting to see them have to leave the college. I like the introduction of the new characters. Specifically Lierick and another I can't remember his name but they jokingly call him Daddy (I hope he comes back in part 3). Lierick brought a new levity and due to his mind reading he was able to make sure they were able to communicate better. His and Vox's tension was also hot.

The only thing I don't enjoy is it felt very go here make an alliance move to the next location. They hit up almost every line. Also, the alliances they make are not for a rebellion but are for a rebellion. Like they need to make their move quick and that makes it feel very rushed.

Part 2 did end on a very intense cliff hanger and I can't wait to read part 3.