Heir of Grief: A Dark Academia YA Fantasy Romance

by Allison Blanchard

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

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dark Academia, Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Allison 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.

Reviews

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Amazing read! I could not put it down! This is how you pace a YA 🙌🏻 The plot moved quickly keeping me intrigued and waiting for what’s next. The dynamic between the FMC and the MMC was perfection with uncertainty, a draw between them, and the longing. You get magic training between a mentor and mentee of the same age which is always fun!

I love how this story captured me in the mystery and intrigue from the first chapters! The magic system is unique and really interesting. I love how grief is the catalyst for their powers. I love the whole secret society feels of the people with powers. And I love the prophecy feels the FMC gets through her dreams 🤩 it really set her up for becoming a powerful FMC and for a lot of excitement for book two.

So this setting felt like Gossip Girl with rich families, nice dinners, elite school, and second homes. I really enjoyed this element since I don’t get to read it often. It was the perfect setting for the secret society feels, families with lineage, and families with power.

The dark feels come in to play with the wraith-like beings hunting them down.

🖤 Dark Academia
🖤 Magic Powers
🖤 Contemporary Setting
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Bonded Magic
🖤 Mentor x Mentee (same age)
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Sweet and Sassy FMC
🖤 She finds her strength through the changes grief brings

I don’t remember catching the age of the characters but based on living with parents, being able to drive, and going to the academy, they feel like upper teens.

🫑🫑 No Spice, kisses with tension
Language: F*, B*, Sh*, Di* - used casually and not super often

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir of Grief is the first of five books in the
The Bloodwright Chronicles Series. I will have to say from the opening sentence of this book I had a feeling it was going to be a very intense story filled with heavy emotions. You really have to admire the author for going out of the way to put these feelings into her story because this can be something that can be really hard to handle but she did it perfectly.

We are introduced to Mari who is trying to deal with the loss of her grandmother. The last thing she wants is to have to live up to the expectations of going through intense training however it must be done. Entrusted to help her is a young man named Alaric but even then she starts to become suspicious of him. Will she find a way to survive this complicated world?

[Miranda S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change is hard. Grief is hard. Mari is forced to leave the only home she has known after losing her parents, and then her Nana. She travels across the country to New York City, stepping into the unknown while carrying so much loss.

Mari’s anxiety about flying and all the “what ifs” felt so real to me. I completely understood her fear, constantly hoping for a safe landing.

I loved the magic in this story, especially the way the system unfolds. The idea that magic awakens through grief fit perfectly and added so much emotional depth. Mari, Sara-Kate, and our tall, dark, and grumpy love interest were all characters I genuinely enjoyed. Watching Mari learn to control her powers during training was intense especially when it felt like she had no support. That first training scene when she jumped into the memory of the little boy was absolutely gut wrenching/heartbreaking and literally brought me to tears especially as a mom of 2 boys.

Around the halfway mark, the action and suspense really do take off and do not let up. I was completely hooked. The moments with Nana were so meaningful and insightful even though they were very cryptic. I’m glad she got those moments with her and that they were real. She really did try, and those scenes stayed with me. Now that her new found family is with her distant Uncle Dan and his wife Tiffany I really do hope he does her right and is ready to fight by her side.

That plot twist at the end completely shocked me. My jaw hit the floor and I am still recovering. I had a bad feeling about Alaric and his dad, something always felt off, but I kept hoping I was wrong. I was not, and honestly, what was that? How could they do that? How could Alaric do that to his twin flame? I really hope that there’s a good explanation in the next book because I will be waiting.

The way they watch Mari and seem genuinely curious about her feels different from everyone else. There is a quiet attentiveness in their mannerisms, almost like they are observing her with purpose. That curiosity makes me think they will have a much bigger role moving forward, possibly even as unexpected allies, especially after they helped protect her best friend.

I did not want this story to end. The cliffhanger hurt in the best way, and I need the next book immediately. Mari, you have got this. Hope is about to light it up.

[Wera Niyom · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.'

[araceli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars.
my first arc read and fantasy book so this book definitely means a lot to me. this is a YA, dark academia, romantasy book of where grief opens a secret world of powers, magic, secrets and the MMC is this mysterious guy who is connected to this and becomes her mentor. i absolutely enjoyed reading every single page. the author did really well with her writing, connecting each small detail into the storyline, and it was just so easy to fall into this world. i loved that it’s based in nyc cause i also live in nyc so i thought that was cool. okay now more about the characters and plot. i love how Mari was not afraid and is such a strong and powerful person for such a young age who is grieving and trying to adapt to her new life in the city. the writing was done so beautifully because i was able to feel what Mari was going through and i felt like i was there with her throughout the whole story. especially during those intense moments of her nightmares, training, death echoes like i just wanted to hug her and yell for her to run when her and Alaric was being chased… wow that scene what a twist. the way everything started unfolding afterwards and yet still full of suspense and i just wanted to know the answers the same way Mari was begging Dan and Alaric for some truth. i wish there was a little more details about her parents story and how her grandma connects to her current life and what her dreams were trying to tell her. i was also shocked when Mari had her first training and she saw the vision of the two young boys at the pool and how she said that those green eyes looked the same as Alaric… like WHAT!! i need more details for that vision. honestly im so happy this was my first fantasy book because it was so easy to get into it, fell in love with the characters except for Richard and his cold personality, the plot twists. it would’ve been a 5 star for me but that cliffhanger at the end !!! ughhh i need that second book.

[C.B. Deem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an early ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let me first just say how excited I was to receive this book! I love to read YA dark academia and fantasy, so this was right up my alley. I think the author did a great job with introducing the main character, Mari, and her present day world. She feels like an authentic teenager who has to deal with the sadness of losing a loved one. Often times young people experience disruptions in their grieving process, and Mari’s quick transplant to New York City and a privileged lifestyle, sets her off-balance from the get-go. I love the way hints of the unusual are woven into the plot through suspicious architecture, an often absent uncle, and that familiar ”mean girls” set-up waiting for Mari on her first day of school. It doesn’t matter that her well-to-do aunt and uncle bought her a new wardrobe; money can’t buy her acceptance, nor instant joy, and I felt Mari’s ever-present grief looming in every experience she had.
But Mari really finds herself in a pickle when she’s challenged by the handsome and brooding lab partner that irritates her every chance he gets. These two find themselves thrust together despite their resistance to trust each other. So many secrets, and so many people tied to those secrets. Who can Mari really trust?
Things really start heating up when Mari finds herself fighting for her life in a hidden world crossed with blood lines and ancient power struggles. Allison Blanchard keeps readers on the edge of their seats with an exciting carousel of action, one chapter after another, and I was happy to hold on and take in every heart-racing detail. It was a ride I couldn’t stop, and I didn’t want it to end! I loved this book and cannot wait for book 2!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok

This dark YA romantasy starts off a bit slow, but around the midpoint—and especially by the end—it really finds its momentum.

The story follows Mari, who, after the death of her grandmother and guardian, is forced to move to New York City to live with her uncle. As she struggles with grief, she begins experiencing migraines, visions, and increasingly strange occurrences. It soon becomes clear that her loss has awakened a rare and dangerous magic within her—one tied to grief, blood, and death.

This is a dark academic, that has secret bloodlines and forbidden magic. While this is a slow-burn romantasy, it is still YA, so no spice, just kissing.

With that being said, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, which made it difficult to fully invest in the story. The romance, in particular, didn’t feel especially convincing. Although it’s meant to be a slow burn, the MMC seemed to fall for Mari a bit too quickly for it to feel natural. I also saw the twist involving the MMC coming early on—something I don’t always mind, but this one didn’t really land for me. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I’m not sure I’m interested enough to continue the series.


‎‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧

➳❥ Book 1/ YA Romantasy
➳❥ Dark Academia
➳❥ Twinflames
➳❥ Secret Magic Society
➳❥ Morally Grey MMC
➳❥ NYC Setting
➳❥ Betrayal

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼


“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 needed him, and needing him might be the most dangerous thing of all.”

“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.”

[Lilly Ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic read, as it follows a grieving 16 year old finding out about her heritage and awakened power. I'm quite excited to see how her power grows in the next book and her development. I loved Mari's strength in herself, as well as bravery. I'm excited to see Sarah-Kate again and see how she could play a part in this.

I'm kinda suspicious of Tiffany, mostly because she just so happens to be in charge of renovating the church that sits directly above the council? I feel that wouldn't be added in if it weren't important. OH, and she re-did the schools library, where there are also ancient texts about the council and Bloodwrights? And there were a few phrases she said that made me raise my eyebrows. Also the fact that she lives with Dan and he just happens to have a library full of ancient texts and history, that she could probably fake her way into. Could she be connected to the stone bound of something else not mentioned yet?

I also am excited to learn more about the stone bounds intention, now knowing that it protected Mari and Sarah-Kate from Alaric. I also find it interesting how anytime its with Mari, it walks slowly and is said to be looking at Mari "curiously", as if trying to figure her out. I have a feeling there's lots of foreshadowing in this first book that we don't know yet!

[kylieparker · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!! 🤍

[Sarah Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was completely captivated by this enchanting tale! Watching Mari discover her powers as a young teenager losing her grandmother (the woman who raised her), while forming deep friendships with Sarah Kate and falling for the intriguing bad boy Alaric, was an absolute joy. The author masterfully weaves together themes of grief, magic, and self-discovery, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience. The magic system coming from a state of grief was truly beautiful to watch unfold.

The world-building is amazing. Where ancient secrets and forbidden magic lurk beneath the surface. Mari's journey is both heart-wrenching and empowering as she navigates dark academia halls, morally gray alliances, and a slow-burning romance that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Alaric is the perfect morally gray love interest, and his connection with Mari is palpable. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves forbidden magic, slow-burn romance, and stories about finding strength in the face of loss. Prepare to be spellbound!"

Thank you Allison Blanchard, for trusting me with reading this story before you release it to the world. It was truly an honor to get to read this book.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heir of Grief book one of an anticipated 5-book series and I'm excited to see where this story goes! I would suggest this book for lovers of urban fantasy and mystery with touches of dark academia and a sprinkle of romance. Heir of Grief features a unique and intriguing magic system and secret society hiding the shadows of New York City. The world Blanchard built feels full and real with a great cast of characters and thoughtfully crafted lore.
One critique that I have is that this book does a bit more "telling" than "showing." It seems that a lot of information Mari gains about the world of the Bloodwright comes from people telling her things rather than her discovering them on her own. This can feel like an info dump, at times, and it may make for a more engaging story if Mari is able to explore and find things on her own.
That being said, I hope to read the rest of the series and learn more about the Bloodwright secrets! In an interview, Blanchard mentioned future installments may feature multiple POVs from other characters which I am very interested in!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica Canady · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[readwithmegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique and interesting story that kept me on the edge of my seat!! I kept needing answers and everyone kept leaving the FMC in the dark!
I loved the vibes of this one, an underground secret society in the heart of New York with magic and creatures only she can see. I’m a huge urban fantasy fan!! The magic system was so unique and creepy and I can’t wait to learn more about it!! I loved the dynamic between the main characters but I still don’t know who to trust!! I can’t wait for book 2!!

Content note: I had a couple people reach out that they saw a review saying this book uses blood magic and wanted my opinion and honestly (kinda a spoiler) it’s just when the main characters have to solidify their bond that they cut their palms to hold hands and exchange magic. It was only that one instance because of (reasons that would be a spoiler) but I didn’t feel it was dark or sinister at all, just my honest opinion!


If you love:
🖤Urban Fantasy
✨Enemies to Lovers
🖤Secret Society
✨Found Family
🖤Soulmates
✨First Person POV
🖤No Spice Romance (kisses only)

[storieswithlizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had me from line one. I was completely hooked until the very end. This is the first book in The Bloodwright Series, and I already need the next installment.

In this YA romantasy, we follow Mari as she navigates magic that’s triggered and fueled by grief, death, and blood. There’s an ongoing conflict between the Bloodwrights and the Stonebound, all set against a dark academia backdrop that’s described so vividly you feel like you’re there. Add in high school chaos and a budding romance with a charming classmate? I was all in.

The magic system is incredibly unique and so intriguing, and Mari’s journey takes you through hidden family secrets, grief, secret societies, and a morally grey MMC that I adored. The pacing is spot on and it kept me turning pages and somehow delivered exactly what I didn’t even know I was looking for.

If you’re into dark academia romantasy with no spice but plenty of chemistry, a sweet and sassy FMC, a morally grey MMC, and a bond that feels special you need this on your TBR.

And that ending?? Yeah… I need book 2 immediately.

[Tori Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for reaching out and sending me an arc copy!

This story follows Mari who moves to NYC after her grandmother dies. Upon arriving she starts to get migraines and visions. It turns out her grief awakens a unique magic within her.

I honestly had way more fun with this book than I thought I was going to! This book reminded me how much I enjoy urban fantasy books. Once Mari’s magic came into the plot I was 100% captivated!

The magic was soooo unique and interesting. I honestly wish the book had been longer so I could learn more about it.

I enjoyed the characters and the romance. Although I feel like the romance went from 0-100 after like a day of them meeting. I was just always confused on how/why Alaric was so obsessed with her right off the bat. However I did enjoy their relationship!

I have so many unanswered questions and I will definitely be reading book 2!

[Maria Bandin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished my ARC read of Heir of Grief by Allison Blanchard, and I need more like now book 2 can’t come soon enough . This story is about grief and dealing with the changes that happens with death.

Mari is the fmc she loses her grandmother and her uncle takes her in so she has to move from Georgia to New York where she feel out of place. And just want to go back to Georgia but can’t because there is nothing left for her there. She meets the mmc Alaric and he is instantly broody and British. When he feels a pull to her he try’s to force it away but can’t. Mari finds out she is part of a secret society and will come into powers because she lost someone and Alaric ends up being her mentor there are twist, turns, and many secrets he isn’t telling her. The book ends on a huge cliffhanger but you definitely will want the second book

[Natasha Dantchev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still can’t believe I was given an ARC 😭

I’m depressed after finishing this book. Why??? Because I don’t have the second book! I’m grieving the loss of not having this story as part of my nightly routine anymore. I was pulled in from the very first page and it took everything in me to put it down and not completely ignore all my responsibilities 🙈

This is a no-spice story with romantic tension that is off the charts. The way Allison explores grief is deeply raw, honest, and beautiful.

Have I mentioned yet that the MMC is British and broody?? He’s BB for sure 💗

The only not so good thing I have to say is that it ended on a cliffhanger 😩 Allison please give me book two asap before I plummet further into post-book depression.

I know you all need another book to add to your tbr’s! This is the one ☺️

[The Introverted Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

💭 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I am actually unwell after finishing this book in the best way. Like… this is the kind of story that completely takes over your brain and refuses to leave.

I loved this. So much.

From the first chapter, I was hooked. The writing pulls you in immediately, and the atmosphere is so rich and heavy in the best way. You can feel the grief in this story. It’s not just part of the plot, it’s woven into everything, and it makes every moment hit that much harder.

The characters??? Obsessed. Every single one of them feels layered and real, and I was fully invested in all of their relationships, choices, and struggles. The emotional tension is constant, and I mean that in the best possible way. I felt stressed, attached, heartbroken, hopeful… all of it.

And the slow burn of everything unfolding? Perfect. Nothing felt rushed, nothing felt wasted. It just builds and builds until you’re completely consumed by it.

Also, I love that this is YA fantasy with no spice. The focus stays on the story, the characters, and the emotional depth, and it absolutely delivers.

Also… that ending?? RUDE. I need the next book immediately because I am not okay and I have so many feelings.

[Jenesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I did not know I needed and more.

The story follows Mari who after losing her nana who has raised her most of her life since losing her parents. She has to move from Georgia to NY to live with an uncle and his wife who she has never met. In a brand new school and no friends.

Mari uncovers, hidden family secrets, secret society, a magical system that draws power from loss and grief. A morally grey MMC that pulls the rug right from under our feet.

This book was perfectly paced, easily relatable and even tho the FMC is only 16 years old, she shows us a resilience, compassion and critical thinking that we don’t see often and that made me love this book so much more. I cannot wait for how the story continues to unfold.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liv Arnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jordyn Rasore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly how you write book one in a series.

I’ll be honest, I’m usually skeptical of anything set in a high school, but this felt so grounded. The characters were mature, the conversations felt real, and it never leaned into anything overly “young”.

The magic system and overall premise felt completely unique to me. It had this dark academia vibe that reminded me of the movie The Covenant, moody and a little unsettling, but balanced with moments of high school normalcy that made it all hit harder.

I loved both main characters and the supporting cast, but what really has me hooked is everything still to come. The secrets, the motives, the constant question of who is actually good and who isn’t. I cannot wait for book 2.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

[Ashley Dumitrascu · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Shenandoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a slow burn Romantasy. The FMC, Mari, had recently lost her grandmother, her guardian. She has family in New York City who have agreed to care for her. The Mari has been admitted into a well off private school in New York City, where she finds no filter best friend and has eyes on our MMC (he’s British btw 🥴). The Morally Grey MMC, Alaric, falls first, he is the “Touch her and you die” type. Together they work with a secret society just under the streets of New York City. There are things in the shadows that have been feared for generations. Mari has been brought into a completely new world after hers had been destroyed with grief, yet her grief is now her ally and proves she’s far more powerful than she knew. She trains everyday to better herself with the help of her newly found mentor, Alaric. There is a new problem rising, more and more innocent people are being shown this secret world. More and more people are dying, going missing, going crazy… Will Mari find the courage and the strength to solve what’s happened? Will she be able to stop what’s to come? How can she if she keeps getting lied to and betrayed…? This cliffhanger will drive you mental… Heir of Grief is now available in bookstores near you! Happy Release Day Allison!

[JordsReadingTales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book😍 this story was so unique and intriguing, I’ve never read anything quite like it. The magic system was incredibly unique.

Allison portrayed grief so well and really made you feel for the FMC. The world building was fantastic and made me feel like I was part of the story.

I’m really looking forward to continuing on with this series and finding more out about each of the characters. The cliffhanger definitely left me wanting more!

If you love: dark academia, forbidden magic, a no spice slow burn fantasy romance - I would definitely recommend picking this one up!

[Victoria Marsteller · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 😊

[Debbie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure that I would love this book or just like it but I read it and loved it. As a person whom just experienced the grief of losing a loved one, it was actually cathartic for me reading it. I recently lost my mom to cancer and this book got my mind off of it for awhile. Plus the magic coming from the grief was a really interesting and powerful aspect. I enjoyed it immensely!!! I will definitely want to read book 2. Thank you to Allison Blanchard for the arc copy to experience this world she made.

[romantasywithjess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Definitely pick this up if you are looking for a quick (around 300 pages) and interesting young adult romantasy read with a paranormal feel. It has some darker themes as magic is triggered by loss of a loved one. There is a mentor MMC, fake dating and mysteries. The energy reminded me of mortal instruments and book 1 ends in a way that will set book 2 up well with lots to uncover.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of The Bloodwright Chronicles series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'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.'

The characters were very complex and complicated. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.