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Heir of Grief: A Dark Academia YA Fantasy Romance
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26
When grief cracks her open, magic answers.
After the sudden death of her grandmother, Mari Pollard is torn from her quiet life and thrust into the glittering, ruthless world of New York City’s elite. Surrounded by wealth, secrets, and expectations she never asked for, Mari begins to feel something awakening beneath her skin, ancient, dangerous… and tied to her blood.
As forbidden power stirs, Mari is pulled into a hidden war between the Bloodwrights, wielders of perilous blood magic, and the Stonebound, sworn guardians of the mortal world. Her only guide is Alaric Gaines, the enigmatic boy sworn to train and protect her, even as he becomes the one person she’s not sure she can trust.
Bound by grief, destiny, and a connection older than memory itself, Mari must navigate dark academia halls, morally gray alliances, and a slow-burning attraction that could either save her… or destroy everything.
Because in a world where loss fuels magic, the greatest danger isn’t power.
It’s who you become when fate finally calls your name.
✨ Tropes You’ll
🔷 Forbidden Magic
🔷 Slow-Burn Romance
🔷 Mentor / Protector Hero
🔷 Morally Gray Love Interest
🔷 Dark Academia
🔷 Hidden Magical Legacy / Secret Bloodline
🔷 Chosen Heir / Fighting Fate
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
The Bloodwright Chronicles Series
Book 1: Heir of Grief
Book 2: Heir of Legacy
Book 3: Heir of Ruin
Book 4: Heir of Fate
Book 5: Heir of Choice
After the sudden death of her grandmother, Mari Pollard is torn from her quiet life and thrust into the glittering, ruthless world of New York City’s elite. Surrounded by wealth, secrets, and expectations she never asked for, Mari begins to feel something awakening beneath her skin, ancient, dangerous… and tied to her blood.
As forbidden power stirs, Mari is pulled into a hidden war between the Bloodwrights, wielders of perilous blood magic, and the Stonebound, sworn guardians of the mortal world. Her only guide is Alaric Gaines, the enigmatic boy sworn to train and protect her, even as he becomes the one person she’s not sure she can trust.
Bound by grief, destiny, and a connection older than memory itself, Mari must navigate dark academia halls, morally gray alliances, and a slow-burning attraction that could either save her… or destroy everything.
Because in a world where loss fuels magic, the greatest danger isn’t power.
It’s who you become when fate finally calls your name.
✨ Tropes You’ll
🔷 Forbidden Magic
🔷 Slow-Burn Romance
🔷 Mentor / Protector Hero
🔷 Morally Gray Love Interest
🔷 Dark Academia
🔷 Hidden Magical Legacy / Secret Bloodline
🔷 Chosen Heir / Fighting Fate
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
The Bloodwright Chronicles Series
Book 1: Heir of Grief
Book 2: Heir of Legacy
Book 3: Heir of Ruin
Book 4: Heir of Fate
Book 5: Heir of Choice
- GenresYoung Adult
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 14, 2026
54 people want to read
About the author
Allison Blanchard
6 books46 followersAllison Blanchard is a young adult romantasy author and creative writing teacher at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in literacy, as well as degrees in English Creative Writing and French. Allison is the author of the Forget Me Not trilogy (Martin Sisters Publishing, Inc.) and is currently working on her new YA Romantasy series, The Bloodwright Chronicles. She lives in Bethlehem, Georgia, with her husband and their two dogs. When she is not writing or teaching, you can find her with a book in hand, drinking obscene amounts of coffee, and listening to Taylor Swift.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and Varus Publishing Core Readers for providing an ARC ahead of this review!
HEIR OF GRIEF is a YA slow-burn romantasy that follows Mari Pollard as she navigates forbidden magic fueled by grief, death, and blood, an unseen war between Bloodwright and Stonebound, and a romance with an enigmatic classmate. It features an academic setting, secret bloodlines, and a morally gray love interest. Readers looking for more no-spice slow-burn books will enjoy this story.
I first came across HEIR OF GRIEF during the author’s ARC promos on Instagram and was instantly interested in magic nurtured through grief. Coming out of pandemic restrictions and the ever-changing world we live in now, I thought it’d be a rejuvenating read to connect with a fictional character who has experienced loss and is now struggling to figure out where they go from there. Although it helps to have a support system, I was relieved to discover that Mari coped with her loss in her own way, instead of relying on another person to do it for her. There’s a quiet strength in her that many can draw from as they navigate through their own personal turmoil. I believe the cover perfectly reflects the melancholy tone of the story, never romanticizing loss. The practice of healing one’s grief is quite poetic, and that’s why it was such a compelling premise for me.
While the story tackles grief in a respectable, real way, I had difficulty connecting with the story’s prologue and epilogue. I really wanted to dig in, so it felt like it delayed my immersion. Some sentences are quite long and contributed to the initial and ending disruptions. In terms of setting description, I wanted more details, as some scenes were harder to visualize, though the author displayed attentiveness regarding character appearances. Aside from that, the world felt very real, and the magic concepts were easy to understand.
The romance had several cute moments, though it felt slightly underdeveloped. It’s unclear when like transitions to love. Other emotions are chaotic and sudden. Rather than building slowly, it’s explosive and often makes the pacing jarring. There were times I wanted more interiority because Mari has such a relatable perspective!
HEIR OF GRIEF is a YA slow-burn romantasy that follows Mari Pollard as she navigates forbidden magic fueled by grief, death, and blood, an unseen war between Bloodwright and Stonebound, and a romance with an enigmatic classmate. It features an academic setting, secret bloodlines, and a morally gray love interest. Readers looking for more no-spice slow-burn books will enjoy this story.
I first came across HEIR OF GRIEF during the author’s ARC promos on Instagram and was instantly interested in magic nurtured through grief. Coming out of pandemic restrictions and the ever-changing world we live in now, I thought it’d be a rejuvenating read to connect with a fictional character who has experienced loss and is now struggling to figure out where they go from there. Although it helps to have a support system, I was relieved to discover that Mari coped with her loss in her own way, instead of relying on another person to do it for her. There’s a quiet strength in her that many can draw from as they navigate through their own personal turmoil. I believe the cover perfectly reflects the melancholy tone of the story, never romanticizing loss. The practice of healing one’s grief is quite poetic, and that’s why it was such a compelling premise for me.
While the story tackles grief in a respectable, real way, I had difficulty connecting with the story’s prologue and epilogue. I really wanted to dig in, so it felt like it delayed my immersion. Some sentences are quite long and contributed to the initial and ending disruptions. In terms of setting description, I wanted more details, as some scenes were harder to visualize, though the author displayed attentiveness regarding character appearances. Aside from that, the world felt very real, and the magic concepts were easy to understand.
The romance had several cute moments, though it felt slightly underdeveloped. It’s unclear when like transitions to love. Other emotions are chaotic and sudden. Rather than building slowly, it’s explosive and often makes the pacing jarring. There were times I wanted more interiority because Mari has such a relatable perspective!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun read! I sometimes get the "ick" with high school MCs, but this was not one of them.
This was such an intriguing concept, in that her type of powers are awoken after experiencing the death/grief of a family member. I will be honest and admit that I forgot what this book was about when I got the ARC. As I was reading, I kept thinking "what is this?! Is it a high school drama, a murder mystery, what? Of course, it's fantasy but urban fantasy. A delightful surprise since I hadn't re-read the blurb.
This is a shorter book than I've been reading recently, so I devoured it pretty quickly. I am definitely going to continue with book 2!
We follow Mari as she arrives in NYC to move in with an uncle she has never met after her grandmother passes away. She just came from a small town in Georgia, so she is outside of her element and trying to adjust. As soon as she gets to NY, she starts experiencing debilitating headaches and dizziness. She chalks it up to the tumultuous changes that she has been experiencing, but it turns out to be something that will affect the rest of her life.
In her struggle to understand her new reality, she isn't sure who she should go to for answers, and finds help in unlikely places. But the more she learns, the more uncertain she is of who she should trust with her secrets and her life.
Fave quotes (from the ARC, may not be the same in the final version)
"Girl, I think you dropped something," Sara-Kate dead-panned. "Those standards you have rolled over there by the trash can."
--
"The only regret I'd have is if I let you go right now and you ceased to exist in this world. That, I won't stand for."
--
'I wasn't just an ignorant, grieving girl anymore. I was a prophecy in chains -- and I swore to myself and those I'd love that I would break them.'
This was a fun read! I sometimes get the "ick" with high school MCs, but this was not one of them.
This was such an intriguing concept, in that her type of powers are awoken after experiencing the death/grief of a family member. I will be honest and admit that I forgot what this book was about when I got the ARC. As I was reading, I kept thinking "what is this?! Is it a high school drama, a murder mystery, what? Of course, it's fantasy but urban fantasy. A delightful surprise since I hadn't re-read the blurb.
This is a shorter book than I've been reading recently, so I devoured it pretty quickly. I am definitely going to continue with book 2!
We follow Mari as she arrives in NYC to move in with an uncle she has never met after her grandmother passes away. She just came from a small town in Georgia, so she is outside of her element and trying to adjust. As soon as she gets to NY, she starts experiencing debilitating headaches and dizziness. She chalks it up to the tumultuous changes that she has been experiencing, but it turns out to be something that will affect the rest of her life.
In her struggle to understand her new reality, she isn't sure who she should go to for answers, and finds help in unlikely places. But the more she learns, the more uncertain she is of who she should trust with her secrets and her life.
Fave quotes (from the ARC, may not be the same in the final version)
"Girl, I think you dropped something," Sara-Kate dead-panned. "Those standards you have rolled over there by the trash can."
--
"The only regret I'd have is if I let you go right now and you ceased to exist in this world. That, I won't stand for."
--
'I wasn't just an ignorant, grieving girl anymore. I was a prophecy in chains -- and I swore to myself and those I'd love that I would break them.'
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing! The whole story was captivating and had me hooked from the beginning to the end. The magic system was so unique and thoughtfully crafted. It felt layered and seamlessly woven into the world in a way that made it completely immersive. I really loved how different the magic was from most things I’ve read over the last few years, it really hit the mark for what I was looking for.
I loved that it wasn’t fully predictable. Yes some things were obvious, but I’m still left with several questions and I have theories on where the story is going but nothing solid. I feel like I’m going to be pleasantly surprised with the next book.
This is not a smutty book, which I actually prefer. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in romance. The relationship between the main characters is complicated and deep, with longing and tension and just enough steam for their ages given that they’re still in high school.
The cliffhanger at the end….*chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait for the next book!
My only complaints: I wish there was more, I didn’t want to stop reading! I kept hoping for a little more detail and explanation throughout the book, but I have high hopes that the next book will answer some questions that I have. I did feel like the storyline was a bit rushed overall, like a lot happened in a short amount of time. The whole book essentially happens in a matter of weeks whereas I think it could have had room for more detail and build up if it was spread out over a few months instead. The scenes all felt a little shorter than I would have liked and I would have really enjoyed just MORE all around. But it was enough to keep me hooked
I loved that it wasn’t fully predictable. Yes some things were obvious, but I’m still left with several questions and I have theories on where the story is going but nothing solid. I feel like I’m going to be pleasantly surprised with the next book.
This is not a smutty book, which I actually prefer. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in romance. The relationship between the main characters is complicated and deep, with longing and tension and just enough steam for their ages given that they’re still in high school.
The cliffhanger at the end….*chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait for the next book!
My only complaints: I wish there was more, I didn’t want to stop reading! I kept hoping for a little more detail and explanation throughout the book, but I have high hopes that the next book will answer some questions that I have. I did feel like the storyline was a bit rushed overall, like a lot happened in a short amount of time. The whole book essentially happens in a matter of weeks whereas I think it could have had room for more detail and build up if it was spread out over a few months instead. The scenes all felt a little shorter than I would have liked and I would have really enjoyed just MORE all around. But it was enough to keep me hooked
Review of advance copy received from Author
3⭐️
Heir of Grief follows a sixteen year old, Mari, as she is transported into a world far beyond her understanding after the death of her grandmother. With the help of her handsome mentor, she just might become something powerful.
As indicated by the title, this book deals heavily with grief. It’s the force that the entire magic system is based off of. I really appreciated the realness of the grief that Mari was feeling over her grandmother, I definitely think the author portrayed that really well.
The magic system was outside of my comfort zone, at least where my convictions are concerned. As a Christian, I’m very intentional with what I feed my mind/ expose myself to. This book uses blood magic, which isn’t my favorite. Despite that, I was really impressed with how the author was able to craft a magic system so intricately. It was very detailed, and the lore is very vast. It would definitely be interesting to see where the story goes next.
Side note: I loved Tiffany’s character, and would love to see her take on a prominent role in future books!
As promised, this was a no-spice romantasy. There were only a couple kisses with nothing more!
Allison, thank you for trusting me with an advanced copy of your novel!! 🤍
Heir of Grief follows a sixteen year old, Mari, as she is transported into a world far beyond her understanding after the death of her grandmother. With the help of her handsome mentor, she just might become something powerful.
As indicated by the title, this book deals heavily with grief. It’s the force that the entire magic system is based off of. I really appreciated the realness of the grief that Mari was feeling over her grandmother, I definitely think the author portrayed that really well.
The magic system was outside of my comfort zone, at least where my convictions are concerned. As a Christian, I’m very intentional with what I feed my mind/ expose myself to. This book uses blood magic, which isn’t my favorite. Despite that, I was really impressed with how the author was able to craft a magic system so intricately. It was very detailed, and the lore is very vast. It would definitely be interesting to see where the story goes next.
Side note: I loved Tiffany’s character, and would love to see her take on a prominent role in future books!
As promised, this was a no-spice romantasy. There were only a couple kisses with nothing more!
Allison, thank you for trusting me with an advanced copy of your novel!! 🤍
March 17, 2026
Heir of Grief by Allison Blanchard is a breath of fresh air for the YA genre. In a market currently saturated with "spicy" titles, this "no-spice" story is a welcome change. It’s a modern-day tale filled with magic, secrets, and romantic tension—think Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones, but without the graphic violence.
At its heart, the story hinges on a universal experience: significant grief. The narrative beautifully explores how loss can destroy even the strongest people, while also serving as a catalyst for magical transformation.
This was an engaging, easy read with impressive world-building that never felt drawn out. I found myself tearing up several times as the characters navigated their grief. The cast is relatable, and the New York City setting is vividly rendered. As this is the start of a series, be prepared for a cliffhanger—I’m already reaching for the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At its heart, the story hinges on a universal experience: significant grief. The narrative beautifully explores how loss can destroy even the strongest people, while also serving as a catalyst for magical transformation.
This was an engaging, easy read with impressive world-building that never felt drawn out. I found myself tearing up several times as the characters navigated their grief. The cast is relatable, and the New York City setting is vividly rendered. As this is the start of a series, be prepared for a cliffhanger—I’m already reaching for the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed the story in this book. Something different but unique and beautiful. Magic that is only awaken with grief. Mari has lost her Nana and is moving with her uncle, new place new school plus this headaches thar won't leave. Alarics was assigned as lab partner for Mari (the new girl) but they end up meeting more and more as the story goes on. Mari starts to discover that there is more to her than she things, that her bloodline has more to offer and that she is a unique case with a unique gift. Grief can be hard and can bring so many things to your life but I am sure she didnt think it was what she got. This was an amazing story, the way thks author wrote it keep ylu going without wanting to stop (read it in a day). Can wait to continue leaning more about this characters, because that ending? Left me wanting more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heir of Grief is such a strong start to Allison Blanchard’s Bloodwright series.
The magical academia setting immediately pulled me in—there’s something about training, power dynamics, and hidden agendas within a school environment that always works for me, and this one delivered. Add in the layers of political intrigue, and it kept things interesting as the story unfolded.
I will say it starts a bit slower, but once everything begins to click into place, it really picks up. By that point, I was completely invested in the characters, the magic system, and the bigger picture of what’s going on behind the scenes.
There’s a lot being set up in this first book, and it definitely leaves you wanting more in the best way. I’m really excited to see where this series goes next.
Many thanks to Allison Blanchard for the ARC in exchange for my review!
The magical academia setting immediately pulled me in—there’s something about training, power dynamics, and hidden agendas within a school environment that always works for me, and this one delivered. Add in the layers of political intrigue, and it kept things interesting as the story unfolded.
I will say it starts a bit slower, but once everything begins to click into place, it really picks up. By that point, I was completely invested in the characters, the magic system, and the bigger picture of what’s going on behind the scenes.
There’s a lot being set up in this first book, and it definitely leaves you wanting more in the best way. I’m really excited to see where this series goes next.
Many thanks to Allison Blanchard for the ARC in exchange for my review!
March 23, 2026
I could not put this book down! Highly recommend!
Finally, a true YA book! While discussing important topics like grief, friendship, and love, Heir of Grief has both depth and entertainment! It is spice free, but you’re still kicking your feet at the young budding romance!
From the start I was committed to seeing Mari’s success and healing - and then to be left on a cliffhanger, I am already eagerly awaiting the 2nd book!
The magic system is so interesting and unique, I cannot wait to learn more! The mixture of grief, mystery, love, friendship, and family makes this book so well rounded! I was tearing up at the loss and grief one page and then giggling at the banter on the next!
Mari is such a fierce and committed friend - I am excited to see where her journey takes her and to see what truth she uncovers in the new world she’s found herself!
Finally, a true YA book! While discussing important topics like grief, friendship, and love, Heir of Grief has both depth and entertainment! It is spice free, but you’re still kicking your feet at the young budding romance!
From the start I was committed to seeing Mari’s success and healing - and then to be left on a cliffhanger, I am already eagerly awaiting the 2nd book!
The magic system is so interesting and unique, I cannot wait to learn more! The mixture of grief, mystery, love, friendship, and family makes this book so well rounded! I was tearing up at the loss and grief one page and then giggling at the banter on the next!
Mari is such a fierce and committed friend - I am excited to see where her journey takes her and to see what truth she uncovers in the new world she’s found herself!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wowowowowowowow. All I can say is MORE PLEASE!!!!!
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I genuinely could not put this book down. The writing is immersive, and the plot had me holding on for dear life the entire time.
As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward YA or fantasy, I was surprised by how completely this story pulled me in. The concept of magic deriving from grief is such a unique and meaningful idea, and it adds so much emotional depth to the world and characters.
I’m already counting down the days until the next book!
Thank you Allison, for being brave enough to put your thoughts into the page and sharing with the world your story. I am so grateful to have received this ARC.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I genuinely could not put this book down. The writing is immersive, and the plot had me holding on for dear life the entire time.
As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward YA or fantasy, I was surprised by how completely this story pulled me in. The concept of magic deriving from grief is such a unique and meaningful idea, and it adds so much emotional depth to the world and characters.
I’m already counting down the days until the next book!
Thank you Allison, for being brave enough to put your thoughts into the page and sharing with the world your story. I am so grateful to have received this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This fantasy was fun to read. It was a page turner and fulfilling to devour. I found myself thinking about the book often and what will happen next.
This YA fantasy takes place in an academic setting with relatable characters and disturbing creatures. Seriously, I am still able to imagine the creatures when I close my eyes. The way this books turn grief to power is unique and beautifully written. I have not read anything like this before and I cannot wait to read more like it.
Only negative thing to say is that there was not more to read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This YA fantasy takes place in an academic setting with relatable characters and disturbing creatures. Seriously, I am still able to imagine the creatures when I close my eyes. The way this books turn grief to power is unique and beautifully written. I have not read anything like this before and I cannot wait to read more like it.
Only negative thing to say is that there was not more to read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished my ARC read of Heir of Grief by Allison Blanchard, and I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet.
Thank you for trusting me with your world and the characters who now feel like they’ve taken up residence in my chest. This story captures something so raw and honest about grief—how it cracks you open and, somehow, makes space for something beautiful to grow.
Mari is a quiet, fierce light of a heroine, and her bond with SK completely undid me. ❤️ The MMC is broody, British, and wonderfully complicated, and the world feels rich, layered, and alive.
And the ending? I was fully whisper-screaming into the void.
Respectfully … I need book two immediately. Hop to it ma'am!
Thank you for trusting me with your world and the characters who now feel like they’ve taken up residence in my chest. This story captures something so raw and honest about grief—how it cracks you open and, somehow, makes space for something beautiful to grow.
Mari is a quiet, fierce light of a heroine, and her bond with SK completely undid me. ❤️ The MMC is broody, British, and wonderfully complicated, and the world feels rich, layered, and alive.
And the ending? I was fully whisper-screaming into the void.
Respectfully … I need book two immediately. Hop to it ma'am!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I like this book and the detail of how the magic system works. It's very gothy, academia, and the characters are well thought out. rated 4/5 because there were a few places I didn't fully grasp. Overall the story is great I loved the plot and I was hooked when you mentioned fantasy without adult scenes in it. I'm down for spice but most of my books have the same scenes over and over so reading heir of grief was a nice touch to build a fantasy world in my head that is clean and not overbearing every 6 chapters. thank you for letting me read this book as an arc copy 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one day. It gripped me from start to finish. I was rooting for Mari the whole time, dropping my jaw when plot twists were revealed, and screaming at my husband for interrupting me and pulling me out of this amazing world! I couldn't stop reading because I HAD to know what would happen next. I can't wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful read. I love how easy the book is to get into. From the beginning you feel engrossed in the book. Each character fits perfectly into the book. Many times I thought I knew what was coming next to be surprised instead. I have recommended this book to everyone I can! So thankful to have joined the world and can’t wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly an amazing start to the series. I’m excited to see how the world building and romance develop and I know I would have absolutely adored this series as a teen! I can’t wait for people to get their hands on this.
Review of advance copy
Wow! Hooked me in from the start! I loved the intricacies of the world and the people in it. Strong start for the series ❤️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews