For three years, the Resistance has suffered under oppression—first from Emperor Daican and now from his daughter. In her quest for vengeance, Davira has ripped Arcacia apart, and more blood is spilled every day. Newly married, all Jace and Kyrin want is to be able to live their lives in peace. In order to do that, they must help restore the rightful heir to Arcacia’s throne.
Carrying the weight of everyone’s hopes for the future, Daniel works every day to be the leader and king they have all fought so hard to see him become. With the Resistance and their allies from all across Ilyon united behind him, he prepares for a final confrontation with Davira. But to do so will require facing the full might of Arcacia’s military and Davira’s wrath.
When Jace and Kyrin become the primary targets of her ravenous hatred, Daniel finds himself in a race against time to stop his sister and avoid the bloodbath she is determined to unleash. Can he find a way to protect his loved ones and bring peace to Ilyon or will Davira succeed in bringing them all to their knees and destroying everything they hold dear?
Jaye L. Knight is a hopeless romantic with an active imagination and an AuDHD brain that fuels her stories with twists, adventure, and heart. She weaves tales of faith, courage, happily-ever-afters, and the power of God’s love to light the way even in the deepest darkness. When she’s not crafting fantasy, she dabbles in contemporary romance as Jaye Elliot.
ALL THE FEELS YOU GUYS 🥰❤️😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰 I CAN'T EVEN COHERENTLY FORM WORDS RIGHT NOW RTC
😭🥰😭🥰😭🥰
~~~~~~~~~~
I found this hard to get into for the first couple chapters, but I think that's just because it was so strange reading something new in this world after only re-reading the same books for so long. But it didn't take me long to become fully immersed. Jace and Kyrin were ADORABLE, I love them so much. When someone said in a review that this is a "kissing book," they weren't exaggerating 😂🥰
So many characters from previous books made an appearance, which was really cool to see, even people I'd forgotten about.
As for negatives, after sitting on it a few days, I have to say this: Even though yall know I love happy endings and everything, I was surprised about a couple things that happened at the end. I was like, this character is a murderer, but we're just gonna forget that happened and give him this important position??? Okay. Almost a little too much forgiveness floating around here if you ask me 😂 it almost felt a little cheesy how it all worked out perfectly.
BUT that being said, I still loved this book and I'm only devastated that it's over. No more adventures for my Ilyon people 💔😭 I feel so lost now that I don't have another book to look forward to. I may or may not have cried a tiny bit. What am I supposed to do with my life now?!
Anyways, what an awesome adventure this series was. I can't wait to see what the author writes next!!
This is a kissing book. And a stabby book. All the best books are. :)
This grand finale for the Ilyon Chronicles does NOT disappoint! Be prepared to have your heart strings tugged and shredded in turns as this book takes you on a wild ride with these beloved characters. I don't want to say too much more (because of spoilers), but let's just say that if you have been a fan of this series, RUN (don't walk) to get your hands on your copy of this book! Seriously, I can not emphasize enough. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! And that ending...eeep! It's so perfect and peaceful and just what my heart needed after all the adventures these characters have endured.
If you haven't picked up the Ilyon Chronicles yet, then what are you waiting for? This series is AMAZING! It is filled with deep Christian themes, heart-stopping battle scenes, an endearing cast of characters, and DRAGONS! While this series does have dragons and fantasy races, there is no magic.
It's over. Years and many rereads, 6 books, three years in the story timeline, character torture... it's all over. And I am so satisfied. My heart is full. And tearful. And thankful. And this remains one of my all time favorite Christian fantasy series. A full and epic story with so many characters <3 that I love. And Jace <3 Full review to come. (Maybe.)
AAAHHHHHH it's released!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought the ebook version for now. But I'm not reading it *just* yet. No, this is something to be savored, my friends. I left reviews for all the main Ilyon Chronicles books when I first joined Goodreads. And those were some pretty terrible reviews because I didn't know how to write reviews when I first joined Goodreads. Plus, it's been awhile since I've read any of the Ilyon Chronicles, soooo.... I think I'm going to do a complete reread of the series (leaving complete, fangirling reviews for all of it) and then finish it off with this one. I like, so want to read but also don't because I don't want it to end.
Update: Release date is set for Feb. 17th!!!
IT'S COMING IT'S COMING IT'S COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESSS!!!!!!!!!!!! The cover reveal is set for DECEMBER 2ND!!!!!!!! And preorders are available on Nov. 25th!!!!!!! Official release date is not set yet though. BUT IT IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know how people are going crazy over Stellarlune? This is my version of that right here guys.
If you’d like to read a series wrap-up that is simultaneously satisfying, breathtaking, and brings you to the edge of your seat while laughing with, crying with, screaming for, and smiling sentimentally at characters who have become like your best friends, Daican’s Heir is the book you’ve been waiting for.
Enjoy this spoiler-free review.
Wow, what a book. A long book. What a ride. Ups and downs, highs and lows. Reading it was something like riding a roller coaster. (Not that I’ve ever actually ridden one.) An emotional experience in every way. There’s A LOT going on in this book. There was a lot that needed to get wrapped up, and I think it was wrapped up very satisfactorily. There were so many excellent pay-off scenes in this book - we hung on a long time to get to see these characters have their happily-ever-afters, and, even despite those who may have been missing and the changes that took place, the endings were well worth it.
I loved all the references to Resistance and the memories from that time that were relived. There were so many happy “aw” moments! This book was chock full of them, especially the last third of the book, and it was wonderful. After the bleakness of previous books, it was beautiful to see the family moments.
Once we got into the plot, it kept me on the edge of my seat! The author did excellently portraying that it was the right thing to do, but it was still terrifying. The last third of the book was less dramatically exciting than the rest, but I loved it even more than the dramatically exciting parts. :) The flow was very good and very natural to read.
I loved all the spiritual messages in this book! The peace of God, the leading of God, hearing the voice of God in just the moment it’s needed, trusting God, persevering even when strength is gone, strength in temptation, facing and conquering specific fears, turning weaknesses into strength, redemption, and the protecting, caring, loving hand of Elom watching over the characters’ lives in every event, good or evil... the story of Jace, Kyrin, and their friends was just so beautifully told all around.
Parental guidance warning: so many kisses. It was pretty much all between married couples and all clean and appropriate, but they happened. Some violence/death/injuries/blood (not graphically described but still present on page).
The characters were as excellent as always. SO many characters came full circle in this book, and it was lovely. Daniel has so much beautiful and spiritual character growth. The way this series concluded in regards to Davira was perfect. (I must say, there was at least one element of her storyline I didn’t expect.) My only complaint is that I didn’t remember as much about some of the side characters as I wish I did. I’ll have to reread the entire series through when I get a chance to even more fully appreciate them all.
I loved how clearly character growth happens in every character. No one is the same as they were in Resistance, but they have the same elements of their personality, only refined and strengthened. Everyone has grown up A LOT in many areas and this book both shows and tells that well. I LOVED the way the series left our characters! I couldn’t think of a better way to close their story out than the final scene. Every single character that we know and love and every character we don’t love got wrap-ups more satisfying than anything I could imagine.
Overall, what an excellent conclusion to the series. I’m sad it’s over but so happy with where it ended. (But I still hope for tie-in books with side characters’ stories or what happened later!) It’s a beautiful wrap-up start to finish. I still love this series just as much as ever.
~~~ From 2017 when I added it to my shelf: I am going to make a wild prediction that I will love this book best of the series. I have that feeling. It will be AMAZING.
From 2022 when I first read it: I think my prediction came true. This book IS amazing. And it just might be my very favorite!
It’s over!!! I’m elated, deeply satisfied, and sad all at the same time. 🥰😭
These characters have been through so much throughout this whole series and I’m so so happy with where they ended up and how things turned out, even though tension and nail biting was there in full force! Bad guys met their deserving doom, growth was made, light overcame darkness, and Holden nearly went feral at the end for Jace and I was so rooting for him to do so, lol!
Jace and Kyrin remain forever and always my favorites and seeing who they are now as opposed to who they were all the way back in Resistance is just amazing, and I’m so happy I was able to be on this journey with them.
I honestly don’t have much more to say despite loving this book so much, lol. Go read this series if you love Christian fantasy! Definitely my top favorite Christian fantasy series of all time and even though I was late to reading the finale compared to I feel most everyone else, I’m glad I waited because it was so so worth it!
Can’t wait to reread this series from beginning to end all over again!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: panic attacks; PTSD
Language: hellish
Violence: fighting with weapons, hand to hand, and dragons (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); an assassination attempt with an arrow; characters are beaten and tortured (not to semi detailed); gladiators fighting for sport in an arena (not detailed); mention of a past murder
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a past almost sexual assault is mentioned
Drugs/Alcohol: a character is poisoned; drinking of ale at a tavern
Other: fantasy creatures; characters are kidnapped/tied and chained up/imprisoned; death and grief; PTSD; panic attacks; a character was a slave in the past
I cant believe this series is over 🥺 I think I am going to go cry now 😭 ( but seriously if you haven't read this series yet what are you doing, literally go read it NOW😆)
4.5 stars... this book is huge! And there were so many things I loved, and then I wasn't sure the book was ever going to end...lol...
Characters: Wow! How do you list them all? There are so many and yet all unique in their own way! Kyrin is just as sweet as always! Jace is one of my favorites and the moments in this book where he was forced to come face to face with his past...ack! My heart hurt for him! Holden is just as great and just...ack! My heart! Rayad is fantastic, and I will always ask for more page time for him...lol... Daniel is sweet and endearing, just a great guy! Kaden! My heart! This poor boy! I love him! Marcus and Liam are awesome! Trask! Balenciaga! Sam! Aric! Trev! Aaron! Timothy! Leetra! Anne! Elanor! Elian! Robbie! Good grief, I could be here all day!
Themes: Trusting when all seems lost... the beauty of all life... the price paid for freedom... so many good themes!
Language: N/A
Romance: A few married couples, weddings, engagements, and yes, some chaste kisses.
Overall: This book was a great conclusion to the series...it wrapped up so many loose ends, got justice for so many characters, and was just beautiful! Me personally wondered if it would ever end because the battles and such are about 350 pages of the book and the other odd 200 and something are the ending...which dragged on just a bit, but it was still good...just much slower than the rest of the book. I also felt like the reclaiming of Samara was too easy... but then that's me. If you know me, my own books are action, action, small respite, lots more action...lol... But overall, I really enjoyed this series! Like so much! I just docked half a start for the long ending...again, it's probably just a me thing.😂
Overall, I would recommend this series for 15+ as Jace has a pretty hard past and deals with a lot of depression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*screeches like a banshee* I’ve waited a long time for this book to reach my grubby little mitts and WOW IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! All the characters have grown so much in the series, and seeing them get their rewards (both good and bad depending on the person) was so fulfilling. I was a little worried because sometimes author voices can change if there’s a large gap between books but THERE WAS NO CHANGE GUYS. IT WAS JUST AS GOOD AS AND EVEN BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS BOOKS. Also the babies have changed so much and matured. *wipes tear* And bro, don’t even get me started on the faith elements in this series. They continuously smack me between the eyes like a 2x4. 12/10 good book, very sad the story ended to be honest. I didn’t want to leave Ilyon, but man I’m so proud of this story and these characters and their faith. Get this book. Read it. Now.
DNF. After getting into it, I realized I'm just not the target audience for this series anymore. It's been over four years since the last book came out--I've changed, my opinions have changed, my tastes have changed, and I think it's best to recognize that fact and move on.
That being said, the Ilyon Chronicles still holds a lot of nostalgia for me. It was my first fandom, the first time I was ever aware of "being in a fandom" and interacting with other fans. It was also the series that got me into reading fantasy again after a long stretch of hating fantasy as a teen. So I bid it a fond farewell, with "Thanks For the Memories" by Fall Out Boy playing in the background. ;)
This book is the culmination of 8 years as a fangirl and 3 years of these characters fighting for their freedom, and their faith in world of evil emperors, gladiators, dragons, family, friendship, and true love. It has brought me so much joy.
My expectations were through the roof. They were surpassed near the sky.
Everything came together. And I really mean everything. SO many things, and people, and places, got to come back for the big finale. It was like watching a play and everyone comes back in for a final bow and it gives you all the warm and fuzzys. Everything felt legit, not forced, like it was planned from the very beginning, even the things that came as a total shock. From first to last, it was all very fitting.
I felt like there was a point at which every time I turned the page there was a shocking reveal. Like BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Shocker after shocker. Some things I guessed, some I DID NOT. It was FANTASTIC. Sometimes two reveals would show up on ONE PAGE. Only such a long series with so many questions still around could do such a thing. I loved it.
I loved how much I just got to enjoy this book. To savor the world, the characters, the ideas, the reveals, the faith journeys, all of it. Yes, it was a major page turner, and my heart was beating very fast at points, but it was just such a fun, happy experience and it was like all of my wildest dreams coming true. I felt like in a way, it was a 500 page thank you letter to the fans, and I so appreciated it.
I really loved returning to this world after four years. The characters, the places, it was all so familiar and yet so new. It was beautiful to return one more time and see it all through. <3
Full circle. So much of this book came full circle from so, so many points and character moments in previous books, especially the first one. It was truly beautiful.
At the end of the day, my biggest actual fear in going into this book was that some characters would be completely forgotten in the chaos of finishing the series and juggling characters. Because at this point, after adding several characters per book, the cast is HUGE, which I totally love, but I was sure someone would be missed and I would be so sad. It was not so! I was blown away. EVERY character that I wanted to come back and see one more time, not only got a decent bit of screen time, but they got to SHINE. It was epic and Jaye blew it out of the water.
Jace & Kyrin. These two have come SO far, and done SO much, accomplishing things that are truly incredible and growing so much. I love them so much and they are a fantastically cute and loving couple. <3 They both got to do so much in this book, and I felt like they were both a big focus and really got to share equal screen time and importance. I loved every bit of it.
Kaden. Kaden went through the wringer in this one! I was kind of shocked how much time we got to spend with him! I loved it! He went through so much stuff through! Poor dude! The fan favorite was under attack! Muster the bubble wrap and the cookies! Kaden needs more love!! But I loved it and it was so great to get so much story with him
Holden. Holden got to be front and center as a major side character the whole book! Woot! I was so happy!
Marcus. Okay. So I’ve been wanting Marcus to get to shine for YEARS. And WOW did he SHINE. O.O THE SCENE WITH THE DOORWAYS AND THE ARROWS. THAT IS THE EPICEST THING IN FANTASY ACTION HISTORY SINCE I DON’T KNOW WHEN. AAHHH.
Liam & Cassie. Cuties. I’m gonna keep you.
Timothy & Leetra. Okay, so I didn’t used to be super into Timothy. He was fine, and nice, and a faithful guy, but I felt like the characters in the books spent so much time saying he was great, without me actually getting to see it? Sure he’s nice, and Leetra is cool, but what was the big huge deal? Finally, while reading Lacy, I felt like I “got” the Timothy thing, and that continued in this last book as well. He is actually really cool, and so is Leetra who I also finally “got” in this book, which was great. :) They are also cuties and I will keep them too. :D
Aaron & Lacy. Not much of Lacy in this, but she’s always cute. Aaron is SO EPIC.
Daniel & Elinor. They are kind of the best. Daniel has come so far and I am immensely impressed and love him so much! Elinor is such a fun character and her and Daniel are super cute together.
Rayad.
Trask & Lady Anne. They bring me so much joy every time. <3
Trev. Trev was one of the last characters on my list and I was like “we’re like halfway through, where is he???”. But then he showed up and he got to be pretty consistent in the background like the quite epic guard he is. <3 It was so beautiful to see full circle things with him too.
Talas. I love Talas. He adds so much. What more can I say?
Shout out to Ronny, Aric, Elian, Rachel, Charles, I love them all dearly. <3 And Alex Avery, who I never know quite what to think of.
ALSO, ALSO, ALSO.
One thing I found fascinating, was just how much from the other books was harked back to. I loved that. This sounds kind of weird, but it felt like the characters actually lived through three years of time. Jace and Kyrin remember it all. There was a level of realism and depth there, like time really had passed, and these people really had gone through all of those things. And I remembered it too.
Anyway. It was a fabulous experience. I 10/10 recommend these books. My li’l heart is so full. <3
Reading this series really has been a long and wonderful journey.
That terrible moment when you think you own all the books in a series and so you’re just casually reading through it and then you realize that the entire series isn’t published yet 😭
Me, a couple chapters in: You know...it's starting to feel slightly unrealistic that after all these battles, we haven't lost any of the characters we're closest to... Me, not much later and through most of the rest of the book: No! I didn't mean it! I take it back! Don't let anything happen to them!!! *reads frantically with my heart in my throat*
Ugh, seriously, though--I was so worried for a couple of characters in particular! Honestly, not so much for Jace and Kyrin (although watching their struggles was heartbreaking), but for everyone else who might possibly be expendable?
It actually took me a little bit after the climax to calm down and be sure another crisis wasn't going to pop up, but I really enjoyed and appreciated the time spent wrapping things up, bringing the kingdom back to normal, and letting everyone's lives settle again. Watching everyone make their plans for the future was heartwarming, even if there was some lingering wistfulness in watching the core group split up. That talk the Ilvaran siblings had with their mother, though... *snorts with laughter* (Also, that is so fun to say!) I've loved this whole series so much more than I expected, and this is the perfect wrap-up!
At last, the Ilyon Chronicles come to a close! I admit, I expected the climax to be a little more drawn out and was disappointed when it wasn’t. However, it was cool to look back and see how far the characters have come since the beginning, and to see so many things finally get resolved!
One word to describe this book… Slayyy. (Take that as you will) Honestly tho it feels surreal that these characters are actually NOT in danger anymore. WHAT??? I feel like Jaye years from now is just gonna be like… “SuRpRiSe mOrE hEaRtbReAk mOrE pAiN” And honestly who knew Jace and Kyrin would both be in their killing and torture era??
Updated Review:
December 4 2022
A few days ago Jaye revealed the cover And I just gotta say….. I hate it 😂😭🫣 I was thinking more of Daican’s thrown on the cover at leasttt Not freaking half of Divera’s face and her body bro 🫠 But I still can not wait for this to be released! She didn’t even give a date for when it would release when she revealed the cover 🫠
Orginal Review:
Idk when I wrote this all I know is it was in the past.😂
I’ve been waiting for this book for a whole YEAR!🥺❤️ I NEED THIS FINAL BOOK AND I NEED IT NOW!!!🥺🥺❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
Ahhh - I have complete closure!! This series will always be one of my absolute favorites of all time. That epilogue was EVERYTHING 🥰
The faith, the found family, the persecution and perseverance -are only just a few of my favorite themes in this series. What made it so special for me personally, I got to buddy read it with my son, I’m so thankful for the experience and memories that we shared while talking about each book. I will recommend this series to everyone - it’s one of those I feel everyone should read. It makes you question your choices and look deep within yourself. We all have a choice in everything we do. Each choice reflects the next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ♥️
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” Joshua 24:15 NKJV
Ughhhhhhh...I cannot believe this series is over😫😭 I highly recommend this whole series. It's definitely my favorite series of all time and I am pretty sure it will never be beaten. Now it's time for me to go live my life and see if I will ever recover😭😂😂
Such a wonderful finale to a great series! Maybe I will write a proper review, maybe not, but I highly recommend this fabulous series. The message of grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, and REDEMPTION was so well-done, and the characters continued to be wonderful. This is a series that will stay with me for a long time to come and will surely be reread in the future.
Perhaps the most satisfying conclusion to any series I have yet encountered. Cementing Jaye L. Knight as one of my favorite authors. This book felt unique in the fact it took the time to give almost every character a conclusion. Seriously, it reminded me somewhat of Lord of the Rings, in the fact that the climax comes rather early, and the rest of the book is finishing up everyone's story. this is also monumental for being the second book I have ever cried during, and the first that I cried while I read it. You did the impossible, Jaye!
The only thing I would say content wise is, like previous books, there are a couple of minor, but heartbreaking references to a woman being assaulted and becoming pregnant. The romance is also quite a bit more mature in this. Definitely still clean and also the characters are married, there is just some more kissing.
LOVE LOVE LOVED this book, and would recommend to nearly everyone. This series deserves SO MUCH more recognition. Go on and gets yourself a copy! Lol. Happy reading!
Starting to read this series years ago, I didn't know what to expect.
Now? I've read Resistance so many times I lost count, I read the second and third books half as many times, and the series in all probably three or four times. I literally don't know how many times I've read them though between the review copies, the ebooks I bought after reading them in Kindle Unlimited, and now paperbacks that an amazing friend gifted me.
Normally if I am this attached to a series it saddens me to see it end.
Honestly? I am not saddened by the conclusion of the Ilyon Chronicles.
Why?
Because Jaye L. Knight did a tremendous job! She took all of the loose ties from the whole of the series and left us with a thriller read that ended with a sweet and wonderful book.
Jace, oh, sweet Jace! I loved seeing him and Kyrin, I mean, she's amazing and I love her and I've loved Jace and her since the first book, but together like they are now?! Ahh, perfection!
I don't want to give spoilers, but it's hard not to if I gush like I want... So! All I'll say that the way that Knight brought the series full circle with Jace's tale.
And. It. Was. Amazing.
So amazing!
Like all of it. I was so satisfied when I tapped to the last page!
Ughhhhh, spoilers are so hard not to give away so I'll try to give a few simple short final thoughts...
Daican's Heir deals with several tough topics in a clean and wholesome way.
The faith does have some allegory themes however with the way Jaye did it I was not disappointed, and the romance was oh so sweet and pure! Beautiful really!
Yes, there are violent themes, it's a book with war, gladiators, and a stolen throne. Think Roman empire themes, however it was done in the cleanest possible way and never disgusted or icked me out.
All in all, this was the most satisfying end to a series I've read. I will miss these characters, the stories, and the wonderful world found in the Ilyon Chronicles, but I am glad to find such a perfect ending to one of the best series I have ever read.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary ebook or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator, I did not need to provide a review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others views or wishes.
*melts into the floor as the stress leaves my body*
I was scared to start this book. For one thing, it’s the end. I’ve been on this journey for so long and have waited so many years for this book, but now that it’s here, I’m not ready for things to be over. Also, Jaye has shown that she’s not afraid to kill characters in the past and this is the showdown. I was terrified of who might die. Basically, I prepared myself for just about anyone to die.
This book was incredible. Well with the wait. It’s the perfect culmination to this story. I’m so pleased with things and how this book ties the whole series together. It’s stressful and painful, there are harrowing moments and great sacrifices, hard decisions and so many tears, but I should not have doubted Jaye.
This series is a modern epic. Jaye L. Knight has created a stunning work that frankly is almost unbelievable for someone so young and someone who is doing this without a major publishing house behind her. I have to believe God is doing something with this story.
The Ilyon chapter is closed but I know Jaye has much more for us in store and I will continue to rave about her work. I’m so content that I somehow don’t even feel as sad as I expected that this is over. And who knows? Maybe there will be another novella or a spin-off series someday. There is certainly plenty to be explored.
(While these books are clean, due to the nature of the battle and some more mature topics, I recommend this series for 16+. In this last book, we do have more romance and a lot more kissing and mushiness because we have some newlyweds, but everything is very tasteful and well-done.)
I did receive a copy from the author in exchange for my review but all opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.
i shed a tear during the epilogue. such a happy, sweet way to end the series. trying to resist the urge to reread them all.
waffling b/w 3 and 4 stars bc i did really enjoy it, despite not loving the writing style (but that's been a quibble w/ the entire series) and sooo many different povs.
also kyrin. i LOVED kyrin in the other five books, how she refused to back down and would fight alongside her brothers and jace (whom i adore). but
and there was a lot of courtship/marriage/pairing up of all characters which i didn't mind, but it was a lot lol.
This was such a satisfying ending in so many ways. And I don't know how Jaye managed to up the stakes so skillfully, but she did and it was torture/brilliant.
This series has such a special place in my heart, and I'm so thankful for such a satisfying ending.
Now I seriously need to debrief it all with another fangirl, lol.
Oh, it was so satisfying to finally finish the ILYON CHRONICLES! So many tears! Such goodness. Of course, lots of intense and scary moments, too. Unexpected twists and turns. I loved seeing how far Jace & Kyrin have come, as well as many other characters. So, so sweet. A wonderful ending to this Christian fantasy series. (Although I can't help hoping there will be more stories from this world *grins*)
I love books/series that, when I pick them up, make me feel like I'm visiting old friends. They're few and far between (and _Lord of the Rings_ is a notable example). _Daican's Heir_ (and the Ilyon Chronicles series) is definitely one of those reads, and I am so excited to add it to the "BFF shortlist," as it were. :)
Frankly, picking _Daican's Heir_ up was a little hard, because I knew it was the last book in the series. I had all the nostalgia feels: the "last first read," the last not knowing how it was all going to turn out, the last ... you name it, I felt it, lol.
BUT, GUYS. IT WAS SO GOOD. So worth all the bittersweet, all the nostalgia. Just do it. Just read the series and this book and, and, and. It was amazing. Gutting at times, yes (we know that from other books; this is not a first, lol), but SOOO good. The epitome of Sam Gamgee's eloquent soliloquy in _The Lord of the Rings_: "Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer."
I can't even...and that's okay. <3 :) Love love love.
I received an eARC of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
MY HEART. This is now my top favorite book. What a romantic, beautiful, heart-wrenching, masterpiece. My heart was torn apart. But it was sooooooooo good. I know this book was long, but I wanted more! I was so in love with it. I literally read it in less than a day. Yeah. Total fangirl. But seriously, this book was so good.
Characters:
Jace: uhhh like how could he get more awesome? But he did. 😁 He was so adorable (he probably wouldn’t appreciate that lol) and great. He was always my favorite but…wow. He was so good in this book. He and Kyrin 😭💔 One of my FAVORITE quotes (even though there are too many to count!)
“I love you,” she whispered. His smile deepened, and he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you too.” And then he kissed her properly.
Like how beautiful and romantic, and just sends this fangirl’s hopeless romantic heart sighing in contentment? And may I just say (no, I’m not done fangirling about Jace.) his protection of Kyrin is soooo sweet. And how he is with being a father? So cute
Kyrin: She was so great in this book. I honestly would’ve loved to only have the book between her and Jace’s perspectives, but I know there were things that needed to be told that they weren’t there for. I also loved Kaden’s perspectives but I will get to that in a minute. Kyrin still had her fighting spirit, but she’d also matured a lot in this one. I loved how protective she is of her baby.
Kaden: I loved him the best in this book. Besides Jace and Kyrin, he was my favorite. My heart broke for him. And poor Exisis. That was the first time I cried. And when Kaden got poisoned. 😭
“Ami.” He held out his hand for the dragon to take in his scent and then ran it up the dragon’s face.Both of them were scarred and had lost. Perhaps they could help each other heal.
Leetra: My heart broke for her. But I loved how open and raw she became. She made me laugh and tear up. I just needed her and Timothy together.
Leetra couldn’t breathe. It was as if her lungs had been ripped from her chest, leaving nothing but a hollow searing pain in their place. She needed fresh air. She needed home. She needed Timothy.
She wanted to fly to Valcré and rip that witch of a usurper queen’s throat out.
The Plot: Very good. But in my personal opinion a couple things could’ve gone on for longer periods of time. But that’s only because I didn’t want the book to end.
This book is so good, and I cannot recommend the Ilyon Chronicles enough. GO BUY THIS SERIES.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's hard to believe it's been over eight years since I read book one of this series. Though it took far too long to break out of my reading slump to finish Daican's Heir, it is most definitely the perfect conclusion to this series.
As the Resistance prepares to reclaim Arcacia, Kyrin and her family face the future with both exhaustion and hope. The past years have been filled with sorrow and hardship. Their pain has forged a band of friends they would not trade for anything. Friends whose lives will be in danger every moment of their battle to put Daniel on his rightful throne. Will they make it through to see the peace and freedom they've dreamed of?
I've always seen Jace as the true main character of this story, with Kyrin as a close second. This feels especially true as A truly satisfying and heartwarming ending for characters I love.
Content Romance: Married characters (and those in serious relationships) kiss frequently. Language: None. Vioelnce: PG war violence, perhaps edging towards PG-13 when characters suffer physical abuse at the hands of captors. Religion: Characters frequently pray, reference The Scrolls, and rely on Elom for courage and guidance in the story world's version of Christianity.