Non-Heir

The Black Mage #0.5

by Rachel E. Carter

Prince. Prodigy. Mage. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, and Tamora Pierce.

This prequel novella is set before the events of First Year (The Black Mage Book 1), following Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Readers discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy’s most illustrious mage.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Ebooks, Novella, Young Adult Fantasy, Romance

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2017

About the author

Rachel E. Carter is the USA Today bestselling author of The Black Mage, a YA fantasy series about magic, love, and war -with future projects to come. She hoards coffee and has a weakness for villains and Mr. Darcy love interests.

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Reviews

[Rachel E. Carter]

SERIES TEASER TRAILER: https://youtu.be/AJcWes2y__s

PINTEREST BOARD: https://www.pinterest.com/recarteraut...

LINKS TO BUY BOOK:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2r5JgL7
AUDIBLE: https://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Non-...

*** PLEASE NOTE: The ebook editions of this series are only available through Amazon, however you can still purchase the paperback/hardcover/audiobook versions at all retailers. If you would like to continue reading the series as ebook, you can purchase the book/s on Amazon and either: 1) install the Kindle app on your e-reader, or 2) EMAIL RACHEL (rachelcarterauthor@gmail.com) a copy of your receipt and she’ll send you the ebook edition/s you need for your preferred non-Kindle device (ie iBook, KOBO, Nook reader, etc).

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He was no longer the shadow in the corner. He was now the sun lighting up the room.”

Wow, just wow! I don’t usually give such remarks on a novella or a prequel. In fact, I rarely even bother with novellas, but the Non-Heir managed to amaze me as much as the main books did. If the four books in the series made me a fan of Ms. Rachel Carter, this prequel made me want to take her home to write beautiful, fantasy stories with princes like Darren exclusively for me. I don’t think her husband would like that much though.

This short novel is just as beautifully written, if not, most beautifully written among the four books. Such overwhelming emotions pouring out from just over a hundred pages are simply incredible. The writing is fluid and majestic, the tone shoots you straight to the heart and I just love the use of POV. Now I understand Darren’s actions and character even more. (His first impression of Ryiah is hilarious though.) Now, I completely realize the darkness that surrounded him since birth that caused him to become who he is and I just want to take him in my arms to protect and love him eternally. I don’t think my husband would like that much though.

This is a novella that would have cost just as much as a regular novel but the author is just giving it away for free. Now, everyone go access the free novella. But don’t forget to read the first three books of the series before the release of the final installment come February 7. Just click on the following links:

Check out the following links to avail of the books including the free novella below:
FIRST YEAR (the first book): http://rachelecarter.com/ books/first-year/
NON-HEIR (the novella): http://rachelecarter.com/ books/non-heir/
ALL BOOKS: http://rachelecarter.com/series/the-b...
TEASER TRAILER TO THE SERIES: https://youtu.be/AJcWes2y__s?list=PLy...

[Dannii Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Read: March 2017, Rating: 4/5 stars
Second Read: February 2020, Rating: 3.75/5 stars

This is the prequel novella to the Black Mage series. I think I underestimated how good this was going to be. I never seem to expect much from additional stories and novellas, that pad out a series, and this one proved me seriously wrong!

This explains the backstory to one of the central characters to the main series. Prince Darren will never be king. His elder brother, Prince Blayne, has claimed that birthright. All Darren knows is how to be second best. That is, until he decides he doesn't have to be.

Darren goes from being a spoilt and sour young boy, to a determined and dedicated young man, when he undertakes physical and weapon training with the king's guard. He remains just as sour, however, if less spoilt. And when the emergence of his magical abilities sees him transferred to the academy for trainee mages, he realises how beneficial his training will be in seeing him rise finally to the top.

This was a far more emotional story that I had been anticipating. It gave wonderful backstory to a character, without ruining or spoiling any scenes from the main series. Darren is not the protagonist for the first book, although the events depicted do overlap. It will be interesting to go into the central series with an already formulated view of one of the characters. I perceive he will become the antagonist of the series, and it will be interesting to see his character develop, through the eyes of another, when the reader is already privy to his secret and emotional backstory.

[Darcey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and explanatory prequel that informs you on the dark past of Darren and his brother, and also provides an interesting POV on the first meetings between Darren and Ryiah.

[Muse-ic ♬ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I just want to point out really quick that I'd recommend reading this in the order of release. Read it after Candidate. At least that's my recommendation. I feel like if you tried reading it before then, you'd have a different opinion of Darren due to the events of Apprentice and First Year and therefore a bias when reading this.

4.5
This novella was so fantastical!!
It was thoroughly well-written and I flew through it in a day!

How did the little brother end up being the young man we see in the other installments?
More importantly, how did the big brother end up being the big jerk we see in the other installments?

Good question, anonymous!
Read this novella to find out!
All the non-heir's childhood memories alluded to in the other books were seen in this little masterpiece.
We truly get a well-rounded backing image on how the past became the future!

Darren and Blayne have such a dynamic and complicated relationship! Half the time I don't even understand how their emotions function. Like they love each other because they are brothers and they suffer under the loving nature (*coughsarcasm*) of their father. But one suffers infinitely more than the other. Honestly I feel so bad for Blayne, but I also feel bad for Darren.
Like sorry dude, you're stuck with that for a brother.
But again, let's blame the father, because as we saw, Blayne seemed to be a pretty sweet kid who was abused until he turned into a twisted weed that spreads its poison everywhere it lands.

Who the hell does this king think he is???
Can Blayne and the king be magically shipped off to a deserted island with no exits? Pretty please? Like, is that too much to ask?
What if I said today is my birthday (it's not), and that I want this to be my birthday present?
What if I pointed to the east and exclaimed, "Look at that gorgeous sunrise!!!" and then sent them away myself while you weren't looking?
Do you think that would work?

What if I were to say, "Look! Beyonce came to visit you!" do you think you'd be successfully distracted long enough for me to send them packing; even if Beyonce was nowhere to be found?

Excuse me please. I'm going to keep busy brainstorming ideas until Last Stand comes out.......

[Melissa Baez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Panic hit the boy’s chest like a kick to the ribs, but there was something much worse than fear, and that was cowardice.

I'm thinking this series will never cease to amaze me ^_^

Darren was no longer the shadow in the corner. He was now the sun lighting up the room.

An amazing backstory on our favorite non-heir opening our eyes to his past and the thoughts behind his reasoning and actions. I'm truly impressed because it's been way too often that authors decide to give us a male point of view that is just a replica of how the female protagonist thinks but here we find an undeniably male voice that just leaves us wanting more.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Heir (The Black Mage 0.5) by Rachel E. Carter is a prequel that had me glued to the story and wanting me to read more of this exciting series. Great plot, characters, and lots of emotions. Magic, action, and my emotions were up and down in just the prequel. I can imagine what it will be like in a full novel! Great writing! Wonderful world building...exciting start to this series.

[Anna (Enchanted by YA) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like a long time since I found myself in the world of The Black Mage, yet I jumped back in just as excited as if I'd recently left. Immediately I was engrossed in the words and nothing could have made me put down my kindle (just ask my brothers who wanted to watch TV hours ago). No-one could have forced me away from Darren. What can I say? I'm in love.

In this novella we see the events that shaped both Darren and Blayne, from early childhood to meeting a certain redhead... Their relationship is complicated to say the least and seeing it develop was both eye-opening and brutal. But no matter how much I grew to understand Blayne, I'd happily throw him off a cliff right about now. Their father too, that ******* *******.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I just wanted to pull Eve and Darren into a group hug.

Darren... I know that this whole novella was about him but I just don't have the words. My watering eyes and grin and heart that is full of feels speak volumes. What I can say, is that you need to read it!

[Ioana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally some answers! Is it wrong to say that I like this prequel more than the "First Year"? From the first pages it made me feel! I finally understood Darren and other characters too. He and his brother were forced to grow up too early... and having an abusing parent has it's consequences. I saw how the author managed to speak her mind about problems of the real world, like animal cruelty, self harm, lgbt relationships or differences between classes and I truly appreciate her for that! She made Eve a total surprise. From the first book I didn't know much about her, but she became one of my favourites. Actually, from the first one I didn't knew almost anything. The real world building happens in this one. It's probably because it's written in the third person, even if it follows Darren, but there are more details. I wish the "First Year" would have been written from dual perspective or to follow both Ryiah and Darren. I mean, even in this book I found her annoying... Anyway, now I'm really interested to see how the story continues!

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute surprise!

This short novella has left me thirsting for the first book, 'First Year'!

This prequel lets us get to know the 2 princes, their personalities and why they are both the way they are... Most of the time I like Darren (the non heir) but he still has an arrogance around him and at first I really liked Blayne... not so much now that he is older... The king.... well...

The princes have finally come to the age where one is taking on 'king duties' and the other is off to become a mage... but things are obviously not as simple as they sound...

Bring on book 1!!

[Henz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go binge read this series now!

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this because it was free, even though I wasn't impressed with First Year. I wanted to see how the author would characterize Darren, since he wasn't at all likeable in First Year, even for an asshole love interest.

Well, I thought Carter did a good job of giving a back story to why Darren was the way he was. I still wasn't a fan of the style, though I thought it came across better here than in First Year. As a bonus, I'm really glad Carter gave some depth to Priscilla, so she wasn't just a scheming bitch trying to marry the prince. That was actually the part I was most impressed with.

[L.R.W. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was a very dark tale of Darren's childhood. To a point I wish I hadn't read it for it leaves a lot of questions unanswered rr: his father. How could a human being be so cruel to any child let alone his own. If this is his story about how to toughen up his sons to inherit the weight of a monarchy, he is one sick dude. I can't imagine any parent doing what is portrayed. It's just sick. So I'd love to understand what this father is thinking. He lost his wife, yes. But this is unforgivable.

Based upon the situation described, Darren had to be more deranged. Not sure what to think.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a big fan of novella, but Non-Heir really surprised me.
It's a great insight into the inner-workings of one of my favourite characters' and how his childhood reflected later in life. Blayne and Darren had a truly brutal childhood, so much so that I have to sympathise even with Blayne and contemplate how differently everything would have turned out if King Lucius was a better father.

Since I'm reading this after finishing the rest of the series, I loved seeing Darren's relationships develop with characters that from hindsight I know will play a great part later in his life. It was so heart-warming to become re-acquainted with Eve's character and to see how much of a rock she was to Darren. More than anything, no matter what their character flaw are and how dysfunctional their relationship is, the novella gives a great perspective into the complex sibling loyalty between Darren and Blayne.

Truth be told, I actually started this book by flipping to the end and reading the part where Ryiah and Darren met first - because yay! I really enjoyed seeing the non-heir's first impression of the girl who would mean so much to him later in life. I was smiling through their entire encounter...Oh Ryiah you are so adorable!
My only minor complaint is that I would love to have read more of Darren-Ryiah interactions in Darren's perspective *hint* *hint* *nudge* *nudge*

Completely recommend this awesome novella and thank you so much for the author for making this available for free (especially since this is practically half a novel long!).

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Rachel E Carter for giving me this book to review.

Non-Heir is the prequel novella to The Black Mage series, in which we discover how Darren and Blayne became the people they are in the series. It is really well written and has a dark tone.

We get to understand Darren’s motives and why he acts so cold and competitive, also why he is so protective of Blayne. Darren is complex and, despite everything that has happened to him, he still has goodness in him and he is really lonely. I was not expecting how sorry I felt for Blayne and I understood how he turned into a monster after everything his father put him through, this doesn’t mean I agree or in anyway like him, apart from when he was young, but he is also a victim.

This novella is a great addition to this series which really adds to the story. I would recommend Non-Heir to fans of The Black Mage series.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Anshika · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was good at it. Gods, Darren was good at everything he tried, but sometimes he wanted to be someone else. He wanted to leave the palace and the parts that made it so hard to sleep, flee this life that was equal parts poison and pride.

Second Born. Prince. Mage. Protégé. Non heir.
The novella is about Darren's life.. the life shaped by a monster that his father is. It was good to see how Eve and he became friends, his first impression of Ryiah, how his brother and he grew apart.

Her face was still lit up by the light in his palm—and Darren stared a moment too long. Her eyes weren’t just gray, he realized; there were flecks of blue too.

Not the blue of ice like his father and Blayne, but blue like a clear, rushing falls. Blue like the sky during that moment, that single moment at dawn, when everything ceased to matter, everything but that moment...

❤️😍🥰🦋🦋

January, 22

[~Tina~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given Darren's personality in First Year, I wasn't that surprised by the tone of Non-Heir. But it wasn't easy to read either. I understand Darren a little bit more now and was happy to get a better understanding of some of the events that took place in the first book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tore my fucking heart out! Ever since becoming a mum there are just some things I simply cannot stomach reading about when it comes to children. My poor, poor Darren ;-(

If you’re reading this series you should definitely read this one after finishing book one. It’ll make you understand so much more! Don’t read it beforehand, though.

[anjuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has read the Black Mage series so far, I definitely recommend this novella. It gives us insight into Blayne and Darren's gruesome and sad life growing up as princes of Jerar. Blayne, heir to the throne and Darren, non-heir, how their lives were not as simple as one would expect of royal bloods. Personally, I do believe that assholes and psychopaths are not born but are made (with few exceptions). Well, the life these two led, the monster they faced behind doors...made them into who they were as adults. We finally get to understand who the complex non-heir Darren is. His need to succeed, his aloofness, his lack of trust etc.. I felt so bad for them. While it does not excuse Blayne from what he did or who he is as we further into the series. I sure understand how he ended up being like he did. For the record, king of Jerar - ugh, horrible, horrible person...if you can call him a person.

It was interesting to see how Darren and Eve met and forged their friendship. It was very sweet and actually, good that he had at least, one person he could trust growing up. How Priscilla entered their group and the background behind their relationship. Yes, we get to read about Ella and Darren's meet and in fact, I was a bit surprised about that tidbit.

I laughed when Ryiah and Darren met the first time. Oh God, poor Ryiah. I felt bad for her. At the same time it was interesting to see the turn when Darren took. I wish I could have gotten few more chapters in his head. Cuz we know things were not easy that first year. There's never enough of Darren or Ryiah together.

I do recommend this Novella. And, Rachel thank you for making it free for your readers :).

[Thiades · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel shows perfectly how Darren became the person he is in the Black Mage series, and I really liked this. Darren has stolen my heart anyway. I read it in two day's time and it was still too short for me (books like this are really addictive, maybe I should stop reading them 'cause I'm even more excited to the next book afterwards).

The only thing I can remark are perhaps descriptions. More descriptions, of places, characters... I know it's a prequel but that was something what catched my eye while reading.

Touching, sensationel and very addictive, if you're a fan of the Black Mage series, you have to read Non-heir!

[Nicki Chapelway · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Dark, depressing, violent, frightening. These are the words that would best describe this brutal little novella.

Not my favorite story, but it does provide valuable insight to my son Darren and why I love him, cause someone has to.

Also, that cover 😍

[Sayara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Hour!!! An amazing read lasting only one hour.

the only problem I had with the book is its volume or in better work the lack of volume.

Just took me an hour to finish this book and the irony is its all about Darren. Its pure cruelty , you cant tease us with few pages of Darren. I Want , Hope , Prey and Beg to Rachel for more.

The book is so amazing and love reading about Darren and the small events that build up the character trait of him and Love Wolf as well, he is going to be another of my favourite pet character after hedwig.

Super Read and highly recommended for the reader of The Black Mage Series.

[Emmeline (The Book Herald) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book by following Rachel Carter's author Newsletters and as one of her book reviewers!

Everyday passed for the next two years, the little boy's hatred spilled over like a festering sore. It was poison that ate away at him from the inside.

This book broke me in a million pieces!

There are just moments when you open up a book and it carries you away. This was one of them!

This series is one of my special ones. One that makes me smile when i see the cover for it or when i read quotes from it. You get a sizzling and heart-wrenching romance, intrigues, magic and a red-eyed prince that makes you heart leap and pound.

Prince Darren has always been one of my book boyfriends, that stud. So when i heard that Rachel Carter was releasing a book of his backstory and his perspective, i futterwackened vigorously with the mad hatter hehe (i really hope you guys get this reference or its gonna be hella awkward!).

The moment i started this book i teared up, i kid you not. I was in a state of emotional unrest throughout. I was seething mad, i was broken, I was horrified, i was in pain. Well done Rachel, Dang you made me have crazy feels!

WARNING This story has a fair bit of child abuse portrayed graphically! If it's a trigger, i warned you.

But ahhh this was so good!

In this story we meet Darren as a little munchkin, its possible that i hate his father more than i already did. How that's possible, i'm not sure, because i hated the man with the intensity of a thousand suns. That mannnnnnnnn, he's jsfbfjnewofnLjdamnflk!! *BEEP, BEEP, BEEEEPP* (add words at your own leisure!)

Alsssoooooo, I gotta say, If I didn't Love Ryiah as much as i do, i would ship Darren and Eve! SO MUCH! *whispers* i slightly shipped them in this story...sorry Carter, i love Ryiah i swear! But I am a SUCKER for childhood friends!! however, it broke me so much more that i felt that way because, if you've read the books you know what happens...and when i thought about Eve, i cried and cried until i couldn't breathe. *Sighs* i told you guys i got really emotional!

It even made me feel SO sorry for Blayne...i know, its a shock but it helped me see how he became a psychopath *Shudders* hate him too!

Overall this book was brilliant and i'm SO glad i got to read this!

Also, can we have a moment of silence for the amazing cover?! (Stttaarrrttt now!...okay we're good!)

I loved being able to read his connection to the Black mage Marius, i love having seen his initial reaction to Riyah which made me laugh and even the connection to Ella was interesting! Also *sobs* Evvveeee!

Ahhh my heart! i just want to cuddle Darren forever but i guess i can leave that to Ryiah...or just mentally imagine i am Ryiah (hehehe loophole!)

So my wise last words will be READ IT! but have a box of tissues nearby because IT WILL DESTROY YOU!

Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince. Prodigy. Mage.

For a free novella Non-Heir sure had a lot packed into it. And I mean that in a good way! This is a prequel to The Black Mage series and it focuses on Darren. We see what it was like to grow up as the second son of the king, or the non-heir. We also see how the rift between Darren and his brother begins, and also how they become emotionally dependent on each other. The story starts out when Darren is 6 years old and ends not long after he has met Ryiah at the academy. It was nice getting into Darren's head, especially when he meets Ryiah and then when his opinion of her starts to change. The back story on Darren and his brother was heart wrenching. Even though I knew what their father was like, it was still heartbreaking to read, but it enabled me to see what shaped both boys into the type of men they eventually become.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this story early in return for helping proof-read it before publishing. (On that note, *already* so much better than the earlier published books.)

I've read prequel novellas that are, especially when told from another character's point of view, lacking. Stories I just have no intention of re-reading if I re-read the rest of the series. This one, thankfully, avoids that trend. The story is captivating and gives a lot of perspective on Darren's childhood/background. I think it will be a great addition to the series and will read well in conjunction with the other books.

[Felicia [Felicia's Ink(t)] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through from Rachel E. Carter. I got it in exchange for an honest review. I’m thanking Rachel E. Carter for providing me with the copy of this book.

“The girl wouldn’t last the year. Girls like her were soft and easy to break. Lowborns always wanted glory until they realized the hard work it entailed. Darren had worked hard for everything, and a girl who tried to take that away? Well, she wasn’t worth very much.”

I love this back story of how Darren became Darren. It was so insightful and so emotional!!

We get to read about his family life and issues, his dream for the Black Robe come to mind and how he trained to be the best.

This story wasn't all fun, it was a lot of hurt as well. All this hurt makes you see him from another perspective. It's not just prince Darren with the bitchy attitude and the 'I'm-better-than-anyone-in-this-place-ego', but now it's the prince with the back story. It makes you sympathize him and the situations in the story.

This story was really helpful for me and did a great job for his character growth - even though it's a prequel. It's nice how this book ends during the first book. Gives you new perspective to the story. Literally another point of view ;]

But this book isn't all about Darren, we get to see the history of Ella, King Lucius and the crown prince Blayne. And that's a really good thing about this story. Because we've seen the issue with the princes and Ella in First Year. Now we get to read about what truly happened. From Darren's point of view =]

I can't say it enough, I love this series!! And this prequel story was a real good addition to the main books. I needed it and I loved it ;]


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[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a short prequel one only gets to read if one signs up for the newsletter Carter puts out. It's well worth it to sign up. I really liked this prequel, and if I get the chance, will read First Year also. This book is about an abused prince named Darren that decides to do something heroic and in doing so finds a path for him to become a combat mage and escape much of the abuse. if you like fantasy and the Heralds of Valdemar tales by Lackey, you'll love this prequel.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come
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My dreams will, hopefully, arrive. Praiseeeeeee

[Taschima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally biased 5 star review~~ Because I love Darren and this series and my only regret is that this novella was so short (still longer than most novellas) and didn't cover the entire first book from his POV... that would be amazing!

Non-Heir was just the missing piece we needed from the Black Mage series. It details Darren's childhood, his relationship with both his father and his brother, and the many other small things that made him who he is today--aloof, sometimes cold, but deep inside with a good heart. That good heart is the one thing that kept him safe from becoming his father, while his bravery saved him from becoming his brother.

Darren and Blayne have a very complicated relationship. Darren is the brave one, wanting to save his brother from harm not because his brother is the heir, but because he is the one person who he has a connection with, his brother knows about the monster that hunts them and that creates a strong bond (a bond that is not easy to ignore, no matter how much of a jackass your brother grows up to be). Which is so sad because Blayne was such a sweet kid when growing up, his sweetness was just squashed under his father's expectations (not to mention his ungodly temper).

To be continued...

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still not sure, Michelle, this was the best book for me to start with, but it piqued my interest. I'll likely pursue the first book in the series.