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The Tethering #4
The Blood Heir
The Gray Clan has scattered. The shadows thirst for blood. The end has come.
Trapped in the Academy where the beauty of magic is only a myth, Jacob and Emilia struggle to recover from terrible losses after their battle with the Pendragon. The horror stories of life in the Academy did not prepare the Grays for what the students truly face. With the Headmistress refusing to tell her students of the murder and chaos the Dragons have wrought, escape is Jacob and Emilia’s only option.
But the war outside the Academy’s walls rages on without them, and the Dragons have scented the Gray Clan’s blood. When death comes from below, will the tethering be enough to keep Jacob and Emilia together, or will their bond finally be broken?
Trapped in the Academy where the beauty of magic is only a myth, Jacob and Emilia struggle to recover from terrible losses after their battle with the Pendragon. The horror stories of life in the Academy did not prepare the Grays for what the students truly face. With the Headmistress refusing to tell her students of the murder and chaos the Dragons have wrought, escape is Jacob and Emilia’s only option.
But the war outside the Academy’s walls rages on without them, and the Dragons have scented the Gray Clan’s blood. When death comes from below, will the tethering be enough to keep Jacob and Emilia together, or will their bond finally be broken?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2019
50 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Megan O'Russell
52 books495 followersFrom the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 4, 2022
It's rare that I finish a book that I enjoyed so little, but I'd come this far in the series. The finale felt almost like a rough draft. The kids go to the magical academy at last, which is basically Hogwarts once Umbridge is in control, but without the humor. They get ready for a war with the Pendragon, which is essentially a recapitulation of the Battle of Hogwarts. Battle scenes were essentially just spells and characters shouting each others' names in angst. Several characters died, which was clearly supposed to have the emotional impact of the loss of Sirius or Dumbledore, but I either couldn't remember who they were or knew the name but was never made to care about them. The Pendragon is evil for the sake of being evil, and he and all the other dragons spout platitudes, and that's about it. All the dialogue was very "on the nose," really. Emilia and Jacob became rather nauseating. I normally listen to books on 1.8 speed; I sped this one up to 2 just to finish it faster, which didn't take very long because they're all quite short.
Again, the series had a good premise, and might have been wonderful had it not so clearly mimicked Harry Potter, and had there been a lot more characterization.
Again, the series had a good premise, and might have been wonderful had it not so clearly mimicked Harry Potter, and had there been a lot more characterization.
March 17, 2025
Final book in the 4 book series. Emilia & Jacob face many battles in this YA Fantasy.
June 15, 2022
The books in this series have just got better and better. The plot is sufficiently complex to be interesting, yet not so much so that we can't easily follow it. There is plenty of action, peril and twists abound, and it is easy to be caught up in the action.
Personally, I'm neither YA nor a great fan of books about magic, yet I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I imagine that anyone who loved books about magic would be delighted by these books.
So, why do I like this series? On reflection, I think it is all about the characters - this author is excellent at writing satisfying, well-rounded characters that make me care about what happens to them. I find this is vitally important for a good, escapist read. I have no qualms in recommending this book, and this series, to you.
Personally, I'm neither YA nor a great fan of books about magic, yet I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I imagine that anyone who loved books about magic would be delighted by these books.
So, why do I like this series? On reflection, I think it is all about the characters - this author is excellent at writing satisfying, well-rounded characters that make me care about what happens to them. I find this is vitally important for a good, escapist read. I have no qualms in recommending this book, and this series, to you.
July 4, 2020
After the horrific events of the concert, losing Rosalie and with Claire in horrific condition, Emilia and Jacob transport themselves to the academy hopeful it’s the only safe space left. Thankfully, it is, but they’re still unable to get in contact with anyone else in the Grey clan. They continue to try until finally reaching someone. As they’re all reunited the pendragon launches an assault on the academy. As Emilia rises to head the Grey clan, she is tired of losing people and is ready to take the fight directly to the pendragon. While she’s not sure if it’s a good idea, she feels it’s her only choice. With allies around her and Jacob by her side- she leads them into battle one last time. The ending of the series was poetic and fitting. I truly enjoyed the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Book 4 in The Tethering series
Last Hope
Feelings of helplessness and burdened with guilt amidst starting a school rebellion with war on the horizon to preserve magic kind set the stage for this final book in the series. The elements of found family lead to choosing to fight and be stronger together in the fight for a new day and a new future, safe for magic kind. The characters showed tremendous growth throughout this series. Once again it has detailed world building. A very satisfying conclusion to the series where good overcomes evil with a story of strength amid trials.
"For the good of the clan. For the good of magic kind."
"Be the light."
Last Hope
Feelings of helplessness and burdened with guilt amidst starting a school rebellion with war on the horizon to preserve magic kind set the stage for this final book in the series. The elements of found family lead to choosing to fight and be stronger together in the fight for a new day and a new future, safe for magic kind. The characters showed tremendous growth throughout this series. Once again it has detailed world building. A very satisfying conclusion to the series where good overcomes evil with a story of strength amid trials.
"For the good of the clan. For the good of magic kind."
"Be the light."
May 25, 2023
3.5 Stars. Finally finished The Tethering series. I will be honest, it took me a while to start this book because I wasn’t looking forward to it. The series started off strong in my opinion but lost substance as it went on. As I have said before, each book is just a series of safe haven, danger, leave, safe haven, danger, leave over and over again. As the series went on, I saw less of the obvious influences from other popular series, but they were still there. While this book was better than the second and third, there still was not much too it and not too memorable. I’m glad I read the series and I’m also glad to be done with it so I can move on to something else.
July 31, 2023
This book was chock full of feelings of helplessness and the overwhelming burdens that come with guilt. All the while the group was starting a school rebellion because of the war that is on the horizon, if only to preserve magic kind. The elements of a found family not a blood tie family lead to the characters choosing to fight and be stronger together for a new day and a new future, a future safe for magic kind. The characters showed tremendous amounts of growth throughout this series. This book continued to have detailed world building. It is a satisfying conclusion to the series where good truly overcomes evil with a moving story of strength amid trials and believing in oneself.
February 10, 2021
Emilia & Jacob hHooray
If you've read the series of books, you're familiar with the story line, and of course the two young teenagers who are at the crux of the story line. If not, fear not, not telling you too much, just that you should definitely read them. If you can get past some of story line that just seems to drag on in sections of the book, The Blood Heir it was necessary to a degree to understand the seque to the next series of books. Enjoy!!
If you've read the series of books, you're familiar with the story line, and of course the two young teenagers who are at the crux of the story line. If not, fear not, not telling you too much, just that you should definitely read them. If you can get past some of story line that just seems to drag on in sections of the book, The Blood Heir it was necessary to a degree to understand the seque to the next series of books. Enjoy!!
May 3, 2021
Wow!
This series has been a ride and the ending was great! The battle was awesome and the series was packed with action throughout.
I’m so happy that Emilia and Jacob matured throughout the series and we were able to see Emilia stand up for what she believes.
The audiobook is wonderful. The narrator uses a variety of inflections and voices that is easy to follow and tell who is speaking. Thoroughly enjoyable!
This series has been a ride and the ending was great! The battle was awesome and the series was packed with action throughout.
I’m so happy that Emilia and Jacob matured throughout the series and we were able to see Emilia stand up for what she believes.
The audiobook is wonderful. The narrator uses a variety of inflections and voices that is easy to follow and tell who is speaking. Thoroughly enjoyable!
February 26, 2023
A fitting finale. I read all 4 books as part of a compilation which I think I preferred - they are YA for sure and the pacing/character arcs fit into a simpler story. I enjoyed the simplicity and ease of reading/following the story, though most of the plot point were unsurprising and easy to guess. Sometimes a final battle can feel poorly finished, but I think the final battle in this book was appropriately staged & prepared for.
April 19, 2021
Well I tried to wait before listening to the final part of this wonderful series but in the end I just had to listen. A fantastic end to the series. So pleased I found this author- will need to try some of her other works.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
September 16, 2022
This is a great series for young teens. There is no reference to sex only a little kissing as the relationship blossoms. There is a great deal of violence, but not super descriptive in details. I enjoyed the series as an adult.
August 15, 2019
Excellent book.
A great way to end the series.
And a great way to begin a new series.
It was well worth the time to read it, and very enjoyable. The characters are true to their nature.
A great way to end the series.
And a great way to begin a new series.
It was well worth the time to read it, and very enjoyable. The characters are true to their nature.
August 29, 2019
A great ending to a really exciting and enjoyable series, I am a bit disappointed it is over :) What will I do now?? Loved it from start to finish.
February 13, 2020
Best of the series action packed and fast paced
February 22, 2021
Good read
Happy Birthday Linda is 9th and a glass of wine or not sure about this is it supposed to be better than some of
Happy Birthday Linda is 9th and a glass of wine or not sure about this is it supposed to be better than some of
April 2, 2022
Great series!
I just finished this novel and the Tethering series. I highly recommend the whole series. I just wish there were more books to continue reading!
I just finished this novel and the Tethering series. I highly recommend the whole series. I just wish there were more books to continue reading!
July 9, 2022
Honestly a bit disappointed. The story and action are great. The characters are stereotypical whinny kids that want to claim how mature they are.
August 21, 2023
A fantastic conclusion. So many feelings.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews