Set in the richly layered world of the Fated series, The Unwritten Heir is a character-driven romantasy blending sharp banter, political intrigue, found family, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance built on tension and restraint.
Riven Augustine has always believed in fate—she just never thought it would drag her into a forbidden realm.
Captured by a fae court where silence is law and even memory can be erased, she's thrust into a deadly political game. The enigmatic king claims she's part of an ancient prophecy. His council wants her dead. And whatever is forming between them could get them both killed.
He needs her to break the curse tearing his world apart. She needs him to send her home.
But the prophecy binding them together demands a sacrifice—and fate has never been kind to those who try to rewrite it.
A slow-burn, forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers romantasy perfect for readers who love powerful heroines, layered magic systems, and immersive fantasy worlds with devastating emotional payoff.
I have a theory. I am a part of the reading community that got back into reading recently after not picking up a book since college. Careers, marriages, babies, life gets busy, but eventually we found ourselves reading fantasy again and reliving our 90’s Disney obsessed era. You hear about some popular series like ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass and give one of them a try. In my case, this was ACOTAR. This first series starts the obsession and we’re chasing that feeling again, the first book that could transport us out of reality like Disney movies used to. And I believe that we are buying all these books and reading whatever we can get our hands on JUST to feel that initial feeling again.
And this book did that for me!
I cannot stress this enough, this is an S Tier book. I have loved and am still in the process of reading all the original Fated series, but because I was chosen to read the ARC of this book, I had to dive in immediately. I am a slow reader and I consumed this in 24 hours. I could not stop. I cannot stop thinking about it, about Him. Toran. Oh my word Toran. He has leveled with Cassian, Xaden, and Ryder. I love that his stillness calms her storm. Because I am a storm and my husband is my stillness.
I feel Riven, I feel her deep. I love that she is UNAPOLOGETICALLY her at all times. I love that Areya and Ash made such a spitfire. You don’t need to read the Fated series to jump into this book, but it adds so much underlying humor and beauty because you know where her parents came from and what they fought against to get to where they are now. Although, It does give away a few spoilers if you haven’t finished or started the Fated Series.
I am obsessed with this story and the origin of it all. This world Cosette Verga has made it original and interesting and amazing. I really can’t say enough about this.
I am floored, staring at a wall, knowing that I will not know what happens to everyone until Spring of 2026. I am unwell in the best way.
I am a part of the Fated Review Team and was sent this book as a reviewer for the ARC and I am giving my review based on my own opinion and of my own free will. Obsessed, knowing now that my TBR that is not Cosette Verga is useless and I need to know what happens to my Man!! Ahhhh
What a way to start out a new series. I loved the fact that it explained who her mom and dad were. Amazing amazing amazing!
This was an ARC read for me. And I say buckle up. I don’t want to give away too much because it’s not released yet. Go read her other books! Amazing did I already say that?
A new Realm, new risks, new discoveries, new adventures, new fates entwined, new loves formed. Every line delivered my emotions a silver platter of feelings. The story is exciting. It holds the same promise Cosette always delivers on, A CHANCE TO BECOME APART OF HER STORIES. The descriptions help you live in the Realm and make the book all that more enjoyable. Book 2 cant come out soon enough. Being on the edge... waiting... feels so riveting. From Gardonia to Eilowen... she gave me worlds to travel between... now she gave me relams to roam. Love it.
Huge gratitude to Cosette Verga and NetGalley for the eARC copy!
Writing ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World building ⭐⭐⭐.5/5 Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Overall, this book was REALLY good. The world is quite easy to follow. The writing isn't complex, it's low-key addicting and easy going. And the characters AREN'T annoying. Some moments, it did feel a little YA-y. But it's not too strong or overpowering.
I think, overall, this book is a solid 4.99⭐ read..(I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I withhold 0.01 star for my dignity😅)
(Reviewing from netgalley) unfortunately I did dnf this at 30% it was very young reading for me, I would say definitely more for older teens. It did feel a bit like zodiac academy for me too. It wasn’t terrible just very young reading. I haven’t read any of the authors other books, which you meet the characters in those but you don’t need to read those to be able to read this one.
Solid start for the legacies of our beloved fated characters. we are drawn into a new world and new sets of characters that feels both familiar and refreshing.
I was really excited going into this one. I was prepared to dive headfirst into a brand-new fantasy universe because the premise had so much promise. Regretfully, that world never came to pass.
For me, the absence of grounding was the main problem. We were surrounded by castles and courtly intrigue one moment, followed by yachts and cell phones the next, and then we were dealing with floating, driverless cars. The environment seemed to be changing all the time without any reason. When genre-blending is deliberate and well-developed, I don't mind, but in this case, it felt more unorganised than creative. I never felt anchored in the absence of defined norms or obvious world-building. I was stuck trying to figure out where (and sometimes even when) we were, rather than losing myself in the plot.
Pacing wasn't helpful. Major narrative aspects were introduced and resolved before they had a chance to catch their breath, and everything happened at a blazing pace. Immersion—atmosphere, tension, and slow revelation—is what makes fantasy so successful. Scenes felt hurried here, and changes were sudden. Frequently, I would turn the page to make sure I hadn't missed anything, only to discover that the story had just jumped forward once more.
Another area of weakness was character development. The characters in the ensemble had intriguing outlines, but they never seemed completely developed. We weren't given enough information to really comprehend their relationships or goals, therefore I found it difficult to relate to them. Specifically, the romance lacked the passion and tension necessary to be credible. Although there were a few spicy moments here and there, the tone was overwhelmingly YA, which made it odd to combine it with themes that were more mature.
I'm very tolerant of well-worn clichés because I read a lot of romance, but even in such cases, I seek for excellent execution. Some storyline threads seemed to exist without significantly contributing to the larger story, and many of the twists felt predictable. By the end, I felt more disappointed than frustrated. Although the idea was sound, it required more time, organization, and extensive development to really take off.
Nevertheless, I can see this appealing for readers who don't want complex world-building or in-depth character study and instead like fast-paced, vibe-heavy fantasy. For me, it simply wasn't the right fit.
So in Cosette fashion, she of course left this off with a WTH moment.... I should have expected but was I prepared for the way it went down..... NOPE!!! Now I sit here and am crashing because I'm gutted.... In such a good way though. I am now sitting here thinking about the book and everything I might have missed with something... ANYTHING! Oh the betrayal.... So hurtful in a way.
Ok so let me say this, if you haven't read Fated (or the series) you will be just fine reading this book. Reading Fated will help you understand Riven's parents and what happened along the way to her becoming a reality.
So now that I got that out of the way, we have our MFC Riven, our MMC Toran, and some sidekicks. So Riven's cousin Caelan is in this as well.... He is along for the ride I guess will say it the best way. So this book hits hard right off the bat with a death that our MFC doesn't handle well. One day her cousin and her ended up on the Fae side of the veil. They meet a guy (stranger danger) who then takes them captive. Riven is held captive in a "jail" while cousin is in luxury. You will find out why when you read this. Needless to say, in order for the "stranger" to keep our MFC safe, she is entered into the "courting" ceremony and has to compete against others to be the kings new wife. So then there is all that hot mess. You learn who the king is and that Riven has a lot of the best qualities from her parents. She never gives up and has a heart of gold. She learns some secrets (and it's a big secret). As she works to uncover some things, she and a certain someone start to get close. I don't want to spoil much more but let's say, in Fated fashion, some things are very predictable but still so great to read.....
BUT THAT ENDING!!!!!!! Ok, yes I'm still crashing from this book. My heart is hurting for these characters. I know they will be just fine in the end.... BUT I was not expecting the level of what happened to happen.
Thank you to Cosette for allowing me an early copy of this to read and approving my NetGalley account.
Forbidden portal, a shadow-daddy king and one ruthless cliffhanger. I was a goner.
Riven jumps through a forbidden portal into another realm, her cousin right behind her, loyally trying to have her back as always. From that moment on, the story barely lets you breathe. I was hooked, line and sinker. Every spare minute went into reading just one more chapter.
It’s almost adorable how long Riven doesn’t realize who Toran truly is. And Toran… dark hair, silver eyes, calm intensity. The epitome of shadow-daddy energy. He smells like clean linen with something darker beneath it, cool and mineral, like night air after rain. Yes, I noticed. Of course I noticed. Riven is thrust into a role she never wanted, she falls fast but he falls first, emotionally and situationally. A touch fast, perhaps, but the tension carries it.
This is the start of a new series set in the same shared universe as the Fated books. I hadn’t read that series before, so I went in without prior knowledge and it worked perfectly well on its own. You can sense the larger world behind it, but it never feels inaccessible. If anything, this installment pushed the original series much higher up on my TBR. A bit more world-building would have been welcome, not strictly necessary for the plot, but it would have added depth. Stylistically, the many short sentences and frequent “I” openings distracted me slightly. It may well have been intentional to mirror Riven’s anxiety and insecurities, but it was noticeable.
And that cliffhanger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 stars, rounding up to 5
It kept me up and fully invested, and that’s my gold standard.
If you like: • forbidden portals and other realms • intense, calm, morally commanding MMCs with a very specific scent profile • fast pacing and a brutal cliffhanger
Not for you if: • you need extensive world-building from page one • you cannot stand shadow-daddys anymore
The blurb immediately intrigued me citing a 'richly layered world, slow-burn, enemies to lovers, which is why I requested the ARC and was excited to get stuck in.
Unfortunately, the writing style was not for me. The style relies heavily on short, sharp sentences, which made the narrative feel choppy and stop start. Instead of pulling me into the story, it often disrupted the flow and made it harder to stay engaged. The overall sentence structure created a mechanical rhythm that reminded me of books that feel heavily AI-assisted or insufficiently edited. It lacked the natural variation and depth that help story feel immersive and distinctive.
I also noticed there was no mention of an editor or acknowledgement of alpha or beta readers. The manuscript felt as though it could have benefited from additional developmental or line editing to strengthen clarity and consistency. The wide used of em-dashes, often 3 or 4 per Kindle page (text size 6 meaning only 14 lines per page) and the consistent short, often one or two word sentences suggest AI was used to edit this manuscript.
From a worldbuilding perspective, I struggled with confusion from the start. We are introduced to castles and bloodline magic, which suggests a more traditional fantasy setting, yet the characters also appear to use some kind of boat or hovering vehicle and reference chargers that imply modern technology. I think it was also a school and the parents and family lived there but I'm confused. The combination could be compelling, but by 12% I was still unsure how these elements connected. Being placed into a complex magical world without grounding or explanation left me disoriented rather than intrigued.
Because of these issues, I chose to stop reading at 12%. While the concept itself has potential, the execution and writing style did not work for me personally.
I appreciate the opportunity to read an early copy of this ARC, thank you NetGalley. I wish the author success with the release.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I am NOT okay… and I mean that in the best way.
I went into this expecting to enjoy it. I did not expect to become emotionally feral over it.
First of all, the FMC? She feels like a real person. Not a “strong female character” in the hollow, performative way. She’s messy. She second-guesses herself. She makes choices that feel human and layered and sometimes a little reckless—but always understandable. Her strength isn’t loud or invincible. It’s stubborn. It’s bruised. It’s earned. I saw myself in her more than I was prepared to, and that made every betrayal, every revelation, every tender moment hit ten times harder.
And then there’s the MMC.
I need a minute.
He is devastatingly hot, yes—but not in a copy-paste shadow-daddy way. He feels original. The way he moves through the story, the quiet danger around him, the subtle restraint… and then those flashes of vulnerability? Absolutely lethal. His dynamic with the FMC is electric in a way that sneaks up on you. The tension builds slowly, deliberately, until suddenly you’re gripping the book and whispering “don’t you dare” at 2 a.m.
The magic system deserves its own paragraph because wow. It’s not just decorative. It shapes the politics, the relationships, the emotional stakes. It feels ancient and intricate and slightly dangerous in a way that makes every spell feel like it could go wrong. You can tell there’s a larger mythology at work here, and it makes the world feel deep and lived-in rather than just a backdrop for romance.
And speaking of world-building—this being a spin-off? Genius. It stands completely on its own, but there are these threads—these hints of a bigger universe—that make everything feel interconnected. I immediately added the original series to my TBR because I refuse to sit here in agony without more lore to obsess over while I wait for book two.
I will preface this (spoiler free) review by saying that I have not read any of the Fated books, so I might be at a slight disadvantage when it comes to knowledge of the Fated world.
This books was a 3.5 ⭐️ read for me, rounding up to 4.
If you are looking for a whirlwind romance in an interesting fantasy setting, this is the book for you. The MMC is an enigmatic and powerful fae, who has his own motives (which he could try to explain to the FMC a little more and a little sooner), but which also make you love him even more. The way this romance was written and developed, really kept me going and I probably read 75% of the book in one day. You could just see and feel how the misunderstandings between the FMC and the MMC would ultimately lead to these little moments of heartbreak 💔, which felt very real.
The one issue that I have with this book, is that the world building felt limited to me, especially the world and magical system that the FMC comes from. I found out later that this book takes place in the same world as the Fated series, with the FMC having a very close connection to the main characters in that series. I think that if I read that series first, I might understand the powers that the FMC has and how her world relates to the realm of the MMC a lot better. I also wish that some of the side characters were a little more developed; the focus of the book, and of most of the side characters, was very clearly on the FMC and the MMC.
Considering the major cliffhanger the author left us with at the end of this book, my hope is that we get more of that in book 2, as well as the beautiful connection between the two main characters.
_____________________
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
I was given a copy of this book as an ARC reader but was not paid for my review! :)
That said... I got this book last night and I am already 75% of the way through. Now, some of that is because I'm a fast reader and I got really excited to read my first ARC book that I was approved for. The rest is because I was sucked into the book from Chapter 3 onward (you expected me to say chapter one, huh?). I ran to this review so that I could get my thoughts down before the last quarter of the book... but I'll be back when I'm done to update, too!
The magic system in this book is amazing, and not only is it well explained it is super unique! In the first chapters you are hit with an unexpected shock as well, throwing you into a realm of court intrique, manipulations, slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Tall-Dark-Handsome MMC, multiple perspectives and last but not least... competition for love.
If you liked The Selection by Kiera Cass, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, The Jewel by Amy Ewing, The Glittering Court by Ritchelle Mead, The Princess Trials by Cordelia K. Castel, The Vampire Royals series by Leigh Walker, Shatter Me by Teherah Mafi or the Matched Series by Ally Condie you will love this series!
I'm only upset that I got in on the ground floor here and now, when I finish the book, I'm going to have to wait for the next ones!
*Edit!* I'm back. It's just as good as I thought, and it ends on a cliff-hanger. I need more. Immediately lol.
I read this through NetGalley, and while I was excited for the premise, this book ultimately just wasn’t for me. The writing felt juvenile, and the complete lack of world-building made it hard to stay engaged. I genuinely could not tell what kind of setting this story was meant to take place in. At times it seemed medieval with castles, then modern with yachts and cell phones, and then suddenly futuristic with floating driverless cars. The result was disorienting, and the pacing felt rushed, likely because nothing in the world was ever anchored or developed.
The characters were also pretty surface-level. I never felt invested in them or their relationships, because there wasn’t enough depth or time spent building who they were beyond the basics. Plot points came and went without much explanation or impact, and several things felt either predictable or irrelevant. To be fair, I do read a lot (especially romantasy) so a lot of "twists" don’t surprise me easily.
While there were a few spicy moments, the overall tone read more YA, with a lot of teen‑drama energy that didn’t quite match the more mature themes the book was trying to include. My biggest issue, though, is that I never connected with the story or the characters, and the unclear, inconsistent setting made it hard to lose myself in the world.
Just not a match for me, but I can see how some would like this for the vibes or just an easy read without having to put much mental thought into it.
This was such an adventure! Already looking forward to more books in this series.
If you aren’t already familiar with Cosette Verga’s Fated series you will still be able to fully understand what is happening, but this is set in that same world/magic system. There are some overlapping characters mentioned, though their backstories are not necessary to the enjoyment of this book.
Although the FMC was not my favorite character early on, I came to really enjoy her through some beautiful and gradual character development. In fact, there’s a whole host of wonderfully complex characters who grow and develop through the trials and events of the story, which makes for a dynamic and enjoyable read.
Despite being set in a fantasy world (and informed by certain popular tropes and lore from other fantasy series), it does not feel derivative or redundant. The FMC is a modern, if not always relatable, girl in her late 20s who hails from a separate magical realm. The magic system itself is well-crafted and introduced in an approachable way to readers who are new to Verga’s world.
The story is well-paced, allowing time for characters to breathe and interact amid some fun twists and plot developments. I fully enjoyed the journey and impatiently await the next installment in this story!
The Unwritten Heir Cosette Verga Set in the world of the Fated Series
This story is about fate dragging a fiercely independent heroine into a forbidden fae realm where silence is law, memory is fragile, and prophecy demands sacrifice. Riven is captured by a court divided between those who need her and those who want her dead, while a curse threatens to unravel everything. What makes this book special is how immersive and emotionally devastating it is. The magic system feels layered and original, the political tension is razor sharp, and the romance is built on restraint, stillness, and aching slow burn intensity.
My favorite part was Toran. The calm to her storm. The quiet power. The tension in what is not said. Their dynamic is elite level romantasy and the emotional payoff wrecked me in the best way.
Tropes & Vibes 🖤 Enemies to lovers slow burn ✨ Fae court political intrigue 🔮 Prophecy bound fate ⚔️ Forced proximity tension 🌑 Cursed king energy 🔥 Emotional devastation and restraint 👑 Powerful unapologetic heroine
Read this if you like 📖 Immersive romantasy worlds 🖤 Tall dark morally complex MMCs ✨ Unique layered magic systems 👑 Court competition and deadly politics 💔 Cliffhangers that leave you staring at a wall
I genuinely tried to like this book, but I’m sorry, everything felt too forced. I’ve read hundreds of books in this genre over the years, and I can confidently say this one has a lot of flaws.
First, it’s far too fast-paced and lacks proper flow in the plot. Please, use your words and creativity. Take your time. Use vivid language and build the story gradually so readers can feel the suspense. As a reader, I felt rushed when I wanted to savor the story—fantasy books like this are supposed to feel immersive and fluid.
Second, because everything moves so quickly and feels forced, I honestly struggled to understand what was even happening. The plot jumps around too much and feels incredibly inconsistent.
Third, the chemistry between the characters was underwhelming. The character introductions and development were lacking, and the world-building felt messy and unstructured.
It’s such a waste of time to finish the whole book, especially since it had a promising premise and concept. Honestly, I even thinking it's an AI generated because how lack of depth it is. I’m sorry, but this book is definitely a big no from me.
So right now I desperately need to know when the next installment will be delivered, because I have a chasm in my chest from that ending. This book is a freaking fantastic 6 star absolute masterpiece. It’s simply written, yet picturesque. Descriptors aren’t overly flowy and I could follow everything that was happening effortlessly in great mental detail. Gripping from the very first chapter! I fear any description I give summarizing this book will give spoilers so I will simply say READ IT!!! IMMEDIATELY. If you are a fan of fantasy, romance, just the right amount of spice, and twists that will make your head spin, this is the book for you. This is the first book I have read by Cosette Verga and apparently it stems from the world set in another series she wrote, Fated, so I’ll certainly be adding that to my TBR if it is even a fraction of the story telling this book presented!
I was given the honor of my life receiving this as an ARC and finished just in time for publication day! Thank you to the publishers and Cosette Verga for this opportunity and I EAGERLY await the next in this series!
I’ve read all seven books in the Fated series and absolutely fell in love with them, so when I started The Unwritten Heir, I was already hooked on Cosette Verga’s world. Seeing some of my favorite characters pop up again and hearing familiar bits of lore was such a sweet surprise. The worldbuilding in this one is next-level. I thought Fated was complex, but this takes it to another height, and somehow it’s never overwhelming or confusing. I fell hard for Riven right away. She’s so funny, smart, and witty. Her voice leaps off the page. And Toran… oh my god, Toran has my whole heart. He’s officially my favorite MMC in the entire Fated world so far. The way their story unfolds, the tension, the slow build, it’s everything I love about romantasy. I read the whole book in one day. I literally couldn’t put it down. If you loved Fated, you will love the spinoff, And if you haven’t read the series yet, this one stands strong on its own—but good luck not immediately jumping back to the originals after.
9/10 A fast, exciting, unique story with magic, fae, and adventure and a captivating world to jump into! I started this without even knowing there was another Fated series and that this was a spinoff and I wouldn't have known from the story at all - it did not feel like there were gaps in my knowledge and the world building is so complete on its own.
I immediately was hooked on the story - I loved that we got to experience the "backstory" with the characters instead of just read about them after they had happened and I am a big fan of the characters and their relationships with one another. The characters feel authentic and believable and the slow build felt realistic and natural. The plot and the magic were intriguing and simple to follow.
The major issue I had was that the sentences often felt short and abrupt - I think this was done stylistically to make it feel more conversational or punctuated but it instead made it feel disjointed in parts and like the internal thought process of the FMC wasn’t fully formed well.
I absolutely loved this book. It has that same emotional depth and immersive feel that made me fall in love with the original Fated series, but the story is completely its own. Riven is not a repeat of Areya, and I really appreciated that. She has her own fire, her own struggles, and her own growth. Watching her journey unfold felt fresh and authentic. The same goes for Toran—he is not another Ash. He brings a completely different energy to the story, and the tension between him and Riven is incredible. The slow burn was done so well. The buildup, the restraint, the emotional pull—it kept me hooked the entire time. I loved the tension and how it simmered throughout the book. It was also really special to see cameos from the original Fated cast at the beginning. It felt like coming home while still stepping into something new. I cannot wait for book two. That ending has me counting the days.
There is so much to say about this book, but I want to avoid spoilers before it releases! First- thank you to Cosette Verga for giving me the opportunity to read this spin off of the Fated Series- book one in Fated Legacies.
This book immediately had me in a grip! From the start it jumps off and sucks you in, and just never lets go. Riven is spicy and fiery and healing while finding herself, Toran makes you swoon, scream and kick your heels while giggling! Caelan is your strong and steady ♥️
I loved every second of this journey and legit can’t wait for more. It’s a beautiful journey of healing the part of you that is scared to be too loud for the world around, and shows you how the journey to being unapologetically you is worth every step.
Add it to your TBR if you love touch her and die vibes, fated bonds, sassy FMC and swoon worthy MMC.
⭐⭐⭐ - Fun, Dramatic, and About as Surprising as a Sunrise
The Unwritten Heir serves up court intrigue, emotional chaos, and enough dramatic tension to keep things lively. The worldbuilding is solid, the vibes are strong, and when the plot decides to get moving, it actually delivers some genuinely engaging moments.
But let’s be honest: you can see several of the major plot turns coming from so far away they might as well send a polite RSVP. The “big twists” arrive exactly when you expect them to, and while the journey is still enjoyable, the surprises aren’t exactly surprising. Riven and Toran felt a bit generic as leads, and the number of times Riven sobbed alone in her room had me wondering if her tear ducts were sponsored.
A solid read for anyone who enjoys fantasy with a healthy dose of melodrama and a few predictable detours.
I was so honored to be chosen as an ARC reader after reading the Fated series and being obsessed, and this start to the Fated Legacies did NOT disappoint.
There was background given so this could be read without having read Fated, however Fated was amazing so I highly recommend reading first if you love a series.
I enjoyed Riven’s story independent of her parents and coming in to her own as a heroine, and her relationship with her cousin was just as special as their parents. The plot was awesome and I enjoyed the new realm they stumbled into. I wasn’t sure where it could go after Fated, but of course Cosette was able to keep me thoroughly entertained.
I laughed, cried, squealed and screamed. If you’re an romantasy reader, I highly recommend this whole series. Can’t wait to find out what happens for Riven and Toran.
A little fast in the beginning, it felt like the author was excited to get to the meat of the story, but as it settled in, it got really gripping. The characters are very compelling and there's a lot of well-used writing techniques. The fae court politics had me on the edge of my seat despite it not usually being my sort of thing. The romance was endearingand made me constantly feel for the main character throughout all the twists and turns. it was also very refreshing to see such a healthy and supportive relationship with the cousin. Overall, a very well-written and entertaining story that reminded me a lot of Throne of Glass, but only the fae parts, which were personally my favourite parts. Very excited to see more from the series and from the author. See my full review on my blog.
Cosette must be fueled by my tears because whew the emotional whiplash!
I am a huge fan of second gen books, and this absolutely delivers! Even though I've not finished reading the Fated series, I didn't feel lost in Riven's tale or spoiled for returning to Areya's.
World weaving, tension, the secrets of the universe - Unwritten Heir delivers it.
Riven is a sassy, fun, and at times infuriating princess. Caelan is her steadfast and loyal cousin whose POV gives us amazing insight. Toran is a multifaceted king with the weight of the Law on his shoulders and secrets to protect. Together, they have the power to be the salvation, or ruin, of a forgotten realm.
Fair warning - this ends with a cliffhanger, and I am still suffering with a book hangover as a result
I found The Unwritten Heir by Cosette Verga an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read and a strong introduction to this author’s work for me.The story drew me in quickly with fluid writing, interesting character dynamics, and a plot that maintained steady momentum. The characters to me were relatable and well developed, carrying the narrative with enough tension and intrigue to keep the pages turning way later that I intended! The balance between atmosphere and character driven storytelling worked particularly well. Readers who enjoy fantasy in the spirit of The Cruel Prince or From Blood and Ash will likely find much to enjoy here. A very satisfying and entertaining read.
Thank you to Cosette Verga and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this a digital ARC!
I went into this one completely blind as I haven’t read any of Cosette’s other works and I was very pleasantly surprised. The world building was easy to follow and I really enjoyed the FMC, Riven. I read through this very quickly and really enjoyed the journey.
I love that this book wasn’t over complicated and I didn’t feel like I needed to be constantly taking mental notes to keep up with the plot. As I was reading, I did feel a bit YA, but that could be totally on me as I’m currently getting off a kick of reading some “heavy” books.
Set in the same universe as the Fated series but standing confidently on its own, this romantasy was such a fun surprise. Huge thank you to Cosette Verga for the ARC…I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
The MMC/FMC relationship arc delivers everything we want from a dark, broody book boyfriend without feeling formulaic or overly familiar. Their dynamic unfolds naturally, with tension, vulnerability, and just the right emotional payoff.
Add in high-stakes trials, intriguing magic, and immersive world-building, and you’ve got a story that keeps the pages turning. This reads FAST, which is a huge plus in my book. Whether you already love this world or are stepping into it for the first time, it absolutely holds its own. Definitely one to pick up once it is out if you enjoy character-driven romantasy with depth and fun!!! And if you havent read the Fated series also do that- highly recommend!!!
This book had me rather conflicted. I felt like the enemies to lovers weren't really fully explored. It was like as soon as an upset happened it was immediately forgotten. It did get rather spicy further in the book. But being I'm such a huge fan of enemy to lovers It was a disappointment in that aspect. The magic system is based on bloodlines which isn't that original but the world building was. The world was very interesting and original. Overall I think if you don't mind the enemies to lovers being very slight then this would probably hit it out of the park for you.