Legacy of Ghosts

The Coraidic Sagas #2

by Alicia Wanstall-Burke

Four years have passed since Lidan’s world was ripped apart, and time is running out to change her father’s mind about the succession before the bargain with her mother expires. Torn between what she wants and what she knows is right, she is faced with an impossible choice; will her brother live, or will he die?

Within the walls of the Hidden Keep, Ranoth holds his secrets close as he tries to harness his wild magic. But when life in the Keep descends into chaos, he is cast once more into the outside world, forced upon a southward path toward unknown lands and untold danger.

With Ran set on seeking justice and revenge, and Lidan fighting to find her feet and follow her heart, journeys will converge, and the ghosts of a past thought long dead will rise.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction, Adult

415 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2019

About the author

Splitting her time between Central Queensland, Australia and Lancashire, England, Alicia is a writer, a mum and a cat-herder. There are rumours she may in fact be a quokka in disguise, but these are not to be believed.
She began writing in her teens and never grew out of the phase, publishing Blood of Heirs in 2018, Legacy of Ghosts in 2019, and Empire of Shadows, the final book in The Coraidic Sagas trilogy, in 2022.
She is an accomplished editor, holds a Bachelor of Education and has studied a Post Graduate Certificate in Ancient History.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Legacy of Ghosts is, without a doubt, a worthy successor to Blood of Heirs.

First of all, I’m going to repeat a bit of what I’ve said in my Blood of Heirs review. I’ve mentioned before that my ARC and review requests were out of control that I had to reject so many of them; this situation hasn’t changed, it only got worse. But considering the fact that Blood of Heirs was one of the biggest indie surprises I’ve read last year, I knew I had to accept the ARC request of this book and give it a go as soon as I can; I’m happy that Legacy of Ghosts ended up being another great read.

“Life isn’t about getting what you want, Lidan. It never has been. I thought you would have learned that by now. We get what we’re given, and it’s up to us to navigate the river or let it drown us.”

Legacy of Ghosts is the second book in The Coraidic Sagas trilogy by Alicia Wanstall-Burke. With this sequel, Wanstall-Burke has successfully proven that her debut wasn’t a fluke; Legacy of Ghosts used everything established in the first book as a blueprint to expand on the characterizations, the stakes of threats, and the scope of the world. The story in Legacy of Ghosts takes place four years after the end of Blood of Heirs. Wanstall-Burke utilized the time-gap to mature the characters and storyline further; once again, there are only two main characters’ POVs to follow here: Lidan and Ranoth. Rest assured that despite the time-gap, the story still continues seamlessly from where things have left off in the previous book. Although it took me a bit of time to remember (I've read more than 110 books since I finished Blood of Heirs a year ago) the side characters, I honestly believe that Wanstall-Burke did a good job in reminding her readers about the main event of her previous book efficiently. I won’t be talking about the details of the plot at all because doing so would, in a way, spoiled the final sections of the first book, and I don’t want that to happen. I would, however, say that Legacy of Ghosts retains all the great qualities from Blood of Heirs; the most noticeable being the impressive characterizations, well-written action scenes, and world-building expansion.

“Thing is, that’s not how the world works. You can’t fix things with a word and a smile. You can’t take back an insult or repair a broken heart. Not really. Those cuts remain—they scar you and the people you inflict them on. We tell children to say sorry, and when they grow up, they’ll believe that’s how wrongs are undone, that things can be set right again. But it’s not, is it? If saying sorry meant a damned thing, do you think we’d be in this war?”

Clean prose and wonderful characterizations have always been Wanstall-Burke’s main strength as an author; the characterizations for Lidan and Ran were terrifically done that all of their feelings and actions are conveyed clearly to the reader. I’ve mentioned in my Blood of Heirs review that the expansion to the world-building, magic, and history of the world would appear in its sequel, and Wanstall-Burke didn’t disappoint on all fronts. Seriously, Legacy of Ghosts is much more action-packed compared to its predecessor, but notwithstanding the well-written action sequences that can be found in many sections throughout the book, Wanstall-Burke really raised the intensity and quality of the series within the last quarter. Unveiled rage, thrilling clan politics, factions trying to exact revenge, a convergence of storylines, and realistically stunning revelations were all there. A huge part of why all of these were achievable was due to how well fleshed out the characters were; Wanstall-Burke’s clean prose also continues to be delightful to read.

“Danger often did that to people. Perhaps that was how he and Iridia had ended up as they were—bound together by invisible chains that had not broken no matter how hard he’d tried to sever their hold.”

There are still many great moments and events that I purposely left out from this review because I strongly believe that it will be highly beneficial for readers to read them without any prior knowledge. However, before I close my review, I would like to once again establish the notion that this series is seriously worth a go if you’re into character-driven fantasy. It’s true that scope of the story has gotten bigger in scope now, but at its core, The Coradicic Sagas main strength remain firmly lodged in its intimacy narration; it has always been about the characters more than anything else. Legacy of Ghosts is vividly written; it’s a thunderous sequel that offers an engaging narrative, action-packed plotline, and revelations that make me excited for the third and last book of the trilogy. Judging from the direction of the story, it seems very hopeful that the third book will deliver the best that the series has yet to offer. Highly recommended!

“There will be a reckoning for what they did to us. There will be a bloody toll to pay for what was taken. And when it comes, that dawn will break hot and red, and they will curse the day they turned their ire on our people.”

You can pre-order the book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

[Nick Borrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years have passed since the events that culminated Alicia Wanstall-Burke's first book in the Coraidic Sagas, Blood of Heirs. Much has changed in those intervening four years, both with the two main characters Lidan and Ran, and also within the kingdom itself regarding the threat that it faces from its hated enemy the Woaden Empire. But there are other things much worse than enemy armies lurking along the fringes of the Southlands and Ortha. Things in the form of unspeakably hideous animated corpses who raid villages and kill with impunity. Some call them Dradur, others Ngaru, but whatever the name, they pose an existential threat to the people who inhabit the region and must be dealt with.

Lidan is now officially a ranger in her father the king's expeditionary force. Her job is to patrol the border looking for signs of Ngaru and to root them out when found. Her dream of being the true heir of the clan continues to be cast in doubt as her father finally has the son he has long-desired from another wife. Her only hope is to convince her father that she is worthy of being his successor by her heroic exploits as a dedicated ranger protecting the clan against potential attack. Keeping her mother at bay might be Lidan's biggest problem however, as she is none too happy that Lidan may be passed over and there's no telling what lengths she will stoop to rectify that situation.

As far as Ran goes, he also has issues with his father. Ran has fled to an isolated keep where he could hide out from the king's men after he was caught using forbidden magic. The use of magic is punishable by death in Orthia, and even though it was the king's own son who broke the highly sacred law, even he is not immune to the consequences and repercussions of violating it. Ran now finds himself living in exile among the small population within the keep, a fugitive from the king's justice, but the walls may be closing in on him quicker than he realizes.

Both Lidan and Ran have matured beyond their years over the past four years, but will that be enough to help them defeat what is to come? Can they find the strength within themselves to bury the demons of the past and forge a new future for themselves and their people? And are their fates somehow unavoidably intertwined? Many questions will be answered and even more will be posed once the final page of LEGACY OF GHOSTS is turned. The kingdom may just be on the tipping point of destruction, and Ran and Lidan will have their own part to play in all that will transpire going forward.

There are certain books that feel like home to me. I know this may sound silly to some, but upon reading Alicia Wanstall-Burke's debut novel Blood of Heirs, I immediately knew that this series was made for my particular tastes. Now that I have read the stunning follow-up LEGACY OF GHOSTS, I'm even more of a believer. There is such a rhythm and beauty to this series that I simply don't see in a lot of fantasy these days. This book was a giant leap a leap in intensity and impending danger, so much so that even though it is roughly 250 pages longer than book one in page count, I devoured it just as rapidly.

One thing that I believe sets this series apart is the undeniable impact of having two main characters who are from such disparate backgrounds and social status, yet have to overcome incredible adversity and odds that are stacked against them, thus revealing that they are actually more alike than not in most ways. It really is a brilliant way to construct a story and Wanstall-Burke deftly alternates viewpoints every few chapters so that we can see how the events on one side of the continent are affecting the other. I never thought I would enjoy a book that has two main characters, but it doesn't even faze me anymore it is so natural in its presentation.

You might think by my praising of how character-driven this story is that it's light on action and tense moments. Well think again because where the first book set things up wonderfully, this book hammers the action home with a thundering concussion and delivers beautifully on the promise of book one. No second-book letup here I'm happy to say, and the action scenes that occur are so real and breathtaking that they leave you emotionally drained. All of this is set against the backdrop of a land on the cusp of chaos and potential ruin. As a reader I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and I wanted to find out what was eventually going to happen.

I can't praise LEGACY OF GHOSTS enough. For all of the reasons I have just mentioned, plus an unbelievable ending that you won't see coming in your wildest imagination, this is a book and series that would be a crime to be missed. Alicia Wanstall-Burke you have done it again! Only, I'm more than a little upset that I have to wait for the third book now. But that's just a testament to how this story gets its hooks into you and just doesn't relent for a single second. If you enjoy your Fantasy with a heaping of political intrigue, a healthy dose of magic, characters who touch you in the deepest and most emotional of ways, and a story that is so engrossing that you can't force yourself to put it down to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, etc.... then you absolutely need to read the Coraidic Sagas by Alicia Wanstall-Burke.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia Wanstall-Burke’s Legacy of Ghosts, the second entry in The Coraidic Sagas trilogy, is a thrilling addition to Lidan and Ran’s stories and elevates all the material that came before it. While Blood of Heirs set the table for what was to come, its sequel devours the meal and kicks the table over in style. In Legacy of Ghosts, Wanstall-Burke demonstrates her shrewd talent for plotting, fusing together threads of physical and emotional confrontations with the fine touch of a knife’s edge.

We open the story with a four-year time jump, a smart choice to catch up with the scheduled life events that Lidan follows, as well as the growth that Ranoth needs. Right away we see both characters, now 17 and 20 years old, as more confident and mature. Lidan and Ran are still under constant threat of having their lives upended at any moment and eventually such an event comes to pass. This sets off a chain of events that draws them closer together as their stories begin to intersect at a steady clip, while new threats continue to barrage them from strange new environments along with dire threats from within.

One of the book’s strongest suits is how well-developed and natural the relationships feel. There are several new friendships that have been built during the ‘off years’ in between books, and their familiar rapport is exemplified through their dialogue with ease. There’s also a burgeoning love story that earns its emotional payoffs every step of the way. On the other side of the rainbow, the familial mistrust, defiance, stubbornness, anger, loyalty, and confusion once again play crucial roles in the story. These turbulent and incisive scenes are often more damaging to our characters than any metal-clawed undead monstrosity could ever be.

There’s one particularly well-written action scene that involves a high-speed chase, kind of, and another set piece that includes an environmental obstacle with some frightening new threats. There’s a significant jump on the Excitement Meter in this entry and although it is 200 pages longer than Blood of Heirs, this book feels like it reads much faster. Once you reach the halfway point, it will be difficult to stop reading until you hit the end.

All the minor nitpicks I found in Blood of Heirs were squashed dead in Legacy of Ghosts. (Sorry, not sorry.) This sequel offers stronger relationships, heavier emotional fallouts, more powerful consequences, exciting action scenes, and perhaps most importantly, left me hankering for book three. That ending? Come on. You’re really going to drop that ending and just let us brood over it for the next two years?? Anyway. This book shows that Wanstell-Burke has worked out an intricately-plotted game plan that involves all aspects of the story from the very start of the series, and book three has some massive roles for Ran and Lidan still to play in the pages ahead.

Read this series, then go call your mom, because she can’t be any worse than Sellan.

ARC via author. On sale November 30, 2019. Preorder here.

8.5 / 10

[Dyrk Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another review it's taken me forever to post, but I seriously loved this book. And here's the thing - I haven't read the first book yet, and I still loved it. Terrific characters with a pathos that I find rare and wonderful. Wanstall-Burke is, in my opinion, one of the best new fantasy writers working today.

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legacy of Ghosts sees us move four years beyond the events of Blood of Heirs and that comes with both positives and negatives. On the plus side, the characters are older, which in Lidan’s case makes it easier for her to get about and get stuck into the storyline in a wider world. On the negative side, there’s a four-year gap where we haven’t seen for ourselves what’s happened and how the overall situation has progressed.

Lidan is definitely a better character here, showing many of the hallmarks of the confident and capable young woman, as well as the kickass warrior, she promised in book one. Meanwhile, Ran has grown to master his magic ability, which for me is the other key progression from Blood of Heirs.

The story still takes a bit of a slow burn, but throughout the whole book you can sense it is building towards something and again making me really eager to see how it all ends in book three.

We see more of the world here and learn more about some of the creatures that inhabit it, including some interesting revelations regarding the monsters that plagued both sets of characters in Blood of Heirs.

With Ran’s increased ability, and four years of tutelage, we are now able to learn a lot more about the magic of this world as well, which also ties up some loose ends from the first book. Now we can see some of the possibilities this brings to Ran, and start to piece together some of the potential pathways ahead in book three.

On its own merits, Legacy of Ghosts is a good read, but, much like with Blood of Heirs, I feel that it will be stronger when considered alongside the first and third books, as each book enhances the experience of the others.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first one was already a really good read, but Legacy of Ghosts is another step up!

The characters and world gained a lot more depth, and the whole story felt more immediate and real to me.

I was instantly transported into the world and hardly noticed the real world! How annoying when you have to stop reading and actually do things like working or sleeping...

It's a bit darker and has more magic than book one, and I enjoyed the change.

There's quite some twists and turns that I did not expect, but which kept me on my toes! Some I celebrated, some had me flinch, all had me glued to the story!

It leaves on quite a cliffhanger, so I'm glad to know the third one isn't far away... I want it yesterday preferably!

[Anna Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really mature sequel to last year's Blood of Heirs and I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Tolak Range and Usmein.
Ran and Lidan have both matured, though things aren't much easier for them than they were last time around - and they head downhill at a pretty frantic pace. We finally see our disparate heroes come together for the final huge - and well-handled - reveal, setting up the third book very nicely.
My only gripe was the plot surrounding the matching (marriage) of Lidan's sister. Much is made throughout the book that Lidan is too young to be matched and that doing so is against the law. Yet a large piece of the narrative is centred around her younger sister's marriage. But if Lidan is too young, then Bridie definitely is. Maybe I missed something about special dispensation being given to Bridie, but the repetition of Lidan's youth as a defence for not marrying grated in the face of her sister's fate.
That aside, Alicia's prose has come on leaps and bounds since the first book, with flashes of beauty and brilliance in her descriptive flourishes, and I for one am thoroughly looking forward to the concluding novel.

I received an arc in return for an honest review.

[Calvin Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Blood of Heirs last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I realized Legacy of Ghosts was releasing, I knew I needed to pick it up right away and give it a read. I was not disappointed. Legacy picks up the story several years after Blood of Heirs concluded. Once it does begin, however, it doesn’t miss a beat. Wanstall-Burke quickly brings readers up to speed on what has happened in the intervening years and then we’re treated to a quickly moving plot that races to a satisfying and yet oh-so-enticing conclusion.

I loved both Ran and Lidan’s arcs in this book. Both were engaging, fun, and provided some excellent emotional beats. The early going in the two storylines was a tale of two stories for me, however. I immediately connected with Ran, enjoying the magical aspects of the story and his own growth in the years between Blood of Heirs and this story. I quickly had a sense of his growth and what he still struggled with, and the side characters who make up his team were a lot of fun. Lidan’s story, on the other hand, was a bit more complicated for me. Her family is so dysfunctional it hurts, and I felt—in the first twenty percent of the story—that Lidan continued to lack agency. That was a complaint of mine in the first book as well. I will admit to being a little concerned at the beginning of this book. I shouldn’t have been. Wanstall-Burke deftly weaves Lidan’s tale together in a way where we see tremendous growth in her. By the time I was a quarter of the way in, I was completely sold and loving it. The way the author tells the story makes Lidan an incredibly compelling character and I loved her arc in this one. Wanstall-Burke also excels at dropping breadcrumbs in her story, little bits of foreshadowing that have significant payoff in the second half of the book. This was wonderful and gave a coherence to the story that was tremendous. These elements combine to give us a back half that is amazing at moments and shocking at others. The payoffs are big. The themes that come together—like choice—are meaningful, and the character interactions are magnificent. The pacing also deserves praise in bringing this all together. It is incredibly even throughout. It builds steadily, changing back and forth between Lidan’s and Ran’s perspectives, always keeping you engaged. Then, it builds to a crescendo of a climax that leaves you longing for that third book.

My dislikes are truly more about personal preference than any deficiencies in the story itself. For instance, I thoroughly enjoyed the magic in this book and loved how it had significant impact on the plot. But there were moments when I was left scratching my head a little about the rules of the magic or why something worked this way but not that way. I guess I would have liked to have seen a little more explanation of the mechanics of the magic to understand more the way it was impacting the plot.

Legacy of Ghosts is an action-packed, perfectly paced tale that has wonderful and engaging emotional moments. It builds on the foundation left by the first book and sets things up for what should be a stunning and spectacular conclusion to the trilogy.

8.8/10

4.4/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, first a preface because I really loved the first book in this series and I was so surprised by how much I loved it because it has two things working against my personal (rather stupid) biases: it’s epic fantasy and it’s self-published. I’m really picky about taking chances with either of those and this is both. That being said, wow, Blood of Heirs, amazing. I loved it. I’m happy to say that this sequel continues my love for this series and for Alicia’s writing.

Like the first in the series, this book follows our two protagonists, in two different parts of the world, each not even aware of the other’s existence as they live their lives and deal with various things–fleeing magician hunters, life at a safe haven, life on a plains battling strange creatures, dealing with magical powers and how to control them, tribal alliances and navigating family connections, etc. I love both of these protagonists so much and each of their stories. I love how it alternates between their stories and just when I am like ‘omg what’s gonna happen?!’ it switches POV. This brought a fabulous tension and excitement to the story and also kept the pace up–I was eager to continue and found it hard to put down.

Most of all, I continue to love these characters. This may be one of the few times you’ll see me say this but I actually loved the time jump and that this book takes place four years after the first one. The characters have had a lot of growth during that time, and all that is conveyed to us expertly by the author, shown to us by their interactions with others and where they’re at in their lives now, how their daily routines are, etc.

Both Lidan and Ranoth are written in such ways that puts you in their shoes and lets you empathize with them. You feel for them even when they might not be acting decently. But, the thing is, they are decent people who want to do what’s right and that’s one of the reasons it’s so easy to root for them. Each of them has their own things they’re dealing with, but they also each see injustice happening and want to end that, even if it means it’s not in the own best interests. Lidan has a complicated relationship with her family (well, so does Ranoth for that matter but Lidan’s family is very much at the forefront here); her father is not above using her to better his alliances even though it’s clear he also loves her. She loves her little brother who is also her rival. Lidan’s mother, meanwhile, continues to be despicable and yet has some sort of hold over her. I love the complexities of these relationships she has to navigate, all while trying to stay true to herself in a position where that might not be possible. Ranoth, on the other hand, is dealing with more of a quest. He’s been safe for four years but suddenly that safety is upended and his only real way forward is to figure out the answer to a mystery, and so he sets off to find out answers.

I’ve been waiting since the previous book for the part where these two character’s stories would converge and I’m not going to come out and spoil anything but let’s just say I’m extremely happy with the way this epic is progressing. The connecting thread between the two that was hinted at in the first book is front and center here and I’m all about it. The story easily could have been started near where this book ends, but the I applaud the author for taking it back further, letting us get to know the characters and their stories, their histories with their people and their lands, showing us how they’ve grown since they were children. Because of that choice we get to see the plot play out in an interesting way and I really appreciate this aspect of the storytelling.

Overall, I loved this book! The characters continue to be interesting, more of the mystery is revealed, and it had a great pace that built to a fantastic climax. I’m only sad because now I have to wait until the next book comes out and I want to keep reading! 5/5 stars.

THANKS MUCH TO THE AUTHOR FOR PROVIDING ME WITH AN ARC FOR REVIEW PURPOSES, THIS DID NOT AFFECT THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW IN ANY WAY.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Ghosts is a wonderfully fresh follow up to Blood of Heirs. It expands on the very unique antipodean-setting, and the characters. Both side and main all progress and show a lot of growth as the story unfolds. The pacing is spot on and flows nicely. Sharp, fast action sequences follow soft, slow, romantic or heartfelt moments. That make the reader feel a vast range of complex and rich emotions. The plot continues to be magical and combined with the setting is sublime. Ran and Lidan both have an equal amount of time in the spotlight. Their are several revelations, twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat.

I'm excited for the next book. Legacy of Ghosts was a book I enjoyed and found finishing it bittersweet. Having taken on the book to beta-read I couldn't find anything worthy of note to find fault with, which is very rare.

Everyone should grab a copy of the book (or at least check out a sample on kindle) once it's released. This is some of the most unique fantasy I have read in a very long time.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s packed to the brim with suspense, action, and anticipation. I feel that this book drew on all of the good things from book one, but with more precision. The characters and their relationships with others and their world are beautifully developed. I feel sad to be done and lonely without them! Totally engrossing. I am very much looking forward to part 3.

[FantasyBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shit!

What the hell happened here?

I'm not sure, but I like it!

Alicia Wanstall-Burke certainly ups the ante in Legacy of Ghosts, the breathtaking sequel to Blood of Heirs.

Let me tell you, this review is going to be hard! There are no two ways about it, coz I need to tell you about this book, whilst not spoiling the last book. If I can, I will try to give as much info without spilling too many beans on what came before.

Legacy of Ghosts continues the story of Lidon and Ranoth.

At the end of the last book, Ran found a place where he could exist without persecution, and Lidon had her future irrevocably changed.

Now four years have passed and Lidon is a ranger and Ran is hiding from the world, whilst learning how to use his magic.

I can’t help it, but there is one thing that I am going to spoil for the last one, coz whichever way I look at it I need to mention this point as it has an impact on the story.

As you know, the story follows the points of view of the two main characters, and you would expect that the two storylines would converge. However, Alicia Wanstall-Burke decided to throw that rule book out of the window and maintain the dual storylines well into the second book.

The Legacy of Ghosts follows a pretty similar formula to book 1. We cycle through the points of view every three or four chapters, and when there are major events that have an impact on the plot, they are echoed in the other storyline too.

I really enjoy how this works, and it is always something that I didn't see coming. I tell you, I spend most of the time with my jaw well and truly on the floor. There is always this parallel of events that sets the story in motion, and I am like - Whaaaat? WTF!

Now as I said earlier, Alicia Wanstall Burke ups the ante two fold in this book and whilst the first book had a lot of character building, Legacy of Ghosts felt much more plot focussed due to those initial building blocks.

Now, I know I am being a bit sketchy on plot points coz quite truthfully I want to pique your interest, without spoiling either the first or the second book in the hope that you will pick this one up.

As you can guess, a load of stuff happens in this story. Things get answered, things get revealed. The story moves on etc etc

However, it is the pace at which they keep coming at you, it's like boom - action piece, boom - plot reveal, boom - action piece, boom - here's a dragon, bet you didn't see that coming did ya sucka? (haha)

Throughout the story, there were some plot points that I guessed weren't particularly far off the mark (And let me tell you, I can never usually see things coming, and I know it was only one thing in a book full of things like this, so I am keeping it as a major achievement! So there!). However, this had absolutely no impact on the story because Alicia Wanstall-Burke executed the reveal in such a brilliant way that it left me a bit gobsmacked. Because I read this and listened to this on audio there was always someone thinking that I may be losing the plot coz I was like whoa! Oof! No way! Even the dog was getting a bit worried at points wondering who the heck I was making random exclamations at whilst out on his daily walks! (I lay this wholly at your doorstep AWB)

The magic system comes to the fore a bit more in this book too, as Ranoth's story shows you that he has gained much more control over his powers and is able to use them effectively.

For me, Legacy of Ghosts was an absolutely brilliant second book, and masterfully moves the story along in ways I didn't expect.

So with me telling you all about this book, whilst not telling you anything at all, I bid you adieu!

[T.O. Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Heirs, Alicia Wanstall-Burke’s debut, introduced us to two leading characters at opposite ends of a vividly drawn world. Though Lidan the southern princess and Ranoth the Northern prince never met in that first book, they faced a common foe. Ranoth’s people called them Dradur, Lidan’s called them Ngaru, but either way these were formidable creatures fashioned from corpses fitted with embedded blades and bred for ferocity.

Lidan and Ranoth also faced separate, more domestic perils: the ruthless ambition of Lidan’s mother to see her daughter succeed to clan leadership at any price, and the granite intransigence of Ranoth’s father who would see his only son executed for the crime of being gifted with magic.

The first book ended with the protagonists each earning themselves some breathing space. Ranoth had escaped to a refuge where users of magic could live and learn and share their gifts. Lidan had navigated the complications of a war between the clans and a family tragedy to force her mother into an uneasy truce, a pause in her murderous ambition. That hiatus would allow Lidan to find another way to keep all her family safe.

Legacy of Ghosts opens four years after the events of Blood of Heirs – a time during which the protagonists have not been idle.

Lidan has become one of her father’s rangers, roaming the plains around her home to battle enemy clansmen and Ngaru incursions. The nomadic warrior life has helped her form a close bond with her fellow scouts, while also revelling in the independence and distance from her own mother Sellan and Sellan’s frightening companion the enigmatic crone.

Ranoth – hiding his princely blood – has lived in a homely internment within the Keep, one of many respected magic wielders within the community training the young but with no scope to leave or seek redress for the injustices he has suffered.

Wanstall-Burke’s titles are curtly cryptic yet – as each story unfolds – clearly logical. In Blood of Heirs it was the curse of their inheritances that shaped Lidan and Ranoth’s paths. In this volume, they are each haunted by a personal ghost, spirits of beings slaughtered by magic with a hunger for vengeance that they bequeath to our protagonists.

A collision of circumstances, tragedy and desperation shakes Ranoth free from his sojourn in the Keep and drives him south. He travels with a few close companions in pursuit of justice for his ghost, retribution for the Keep, and a faint chance of familial rehabilitation for himself.

Lidan’s busy but happy time with her fellow rangers is also under threat. Even the most tight-knit, well-trained soldiers will have a few with an exaggerated sense of their own worth and rights – the kind of tension that invites peril and inspires bloody arguments. In the aftermath, Lidan’s seemingly simple pleasures and desires become subjugated in a tangled web of clan law and inter-clan diplomacy.

Vivid descriptions are a strength of Wanstall-Burke’s prose:

"The cliffs rose either side, bluffs of orange and white cresting the tops like great stone waves held frozen in time."
"
[The mountains] dominated the space on the vellum sheet, as if the spine of the world had broken the surface of Corraidia and arched its bare bones towards the sky."

The writing is also illuminated with flashes of humour, such as when Lidan’s mother is thwarted:

"Sellan took Erlon’s announcement with all the grace and composure of a cat dunked in a rain barrel."

Or when Ran is discussing a suspected dragon attack:

"Aellish threw her hands out exasperated. “I don’t know! I wasn’t here! But by the fucking great big bite marks on the side of the wagons and the serious lack of corpses, I’d say they were probably involved.”

But Wanstall-Burke has the knack of mixing visceral humour and tragic introspection such that each throws the other into sharper relief and gives depth to the depiction of very human lives, not least when Lidan reflects on grief or is tortured by an experience of pain that must draw deeply from the well of the author’s own experience.

"That gurgling gasp was always loudest in the quiet moments, when her mind emptied and thoughts faded and little purpose gifted her too much time and space to think. Only when she stared down the shaft of an arrow, the sounds of her sister’s death fled, and for a moment as brief as a few heartbeats nothing else existed.

Pain did that. Unrelenting, merciless pain. It sucked the light from your soul, devoured your joy, and ravaged any strength held in reserve."

Legacy of Ghosts is haunted by magic: the magic that Ranoth has bursting within him that he must struggle to control; the magic that binds the dradur/ngaru to this world and their own unknowable destiny. Wanstall-Burke brings an inventiveness to her world’s magic that is not simply about power-blasting problems aside (though it does have moments like that). Those users of magic have different talents, partly a form of energy, partly a kind of sight. Ran’s ability to see the invisible thamalux trails left by those gifted – or tainted – by magic is a key driver for moving the story onwards and southwards.

However, magic is no simple or inexhaustible solution to the problems that befall them. There are times when Ran is crippled by his own magic, or utterly drained of it, and this makes an intriguing counterpoint to Lidan and the Tolak clan. Lidan’s clan, having less use and more suspicion of magic, and indeed less access to raw steel, have had to use brute force and skill to defeat their foes. In so doing they have become very accomplished warriors, capable of taking down Ngaru that could have, would have, and indeed have, shredded forces in the far north. But no victory is ever permanent or certain, especially when betrayal and intrigue infect the clans.

Along the way Lidan tiptoes uncertainly towards a romance as enticing as it is inappropriate. The relationship is a subtle, slow-burning affair that complements without overpowering the main threads of Lidan’s story. Ran’s most intimate friendship, however, is with the ghost of a girl whose mortal remains were turned into a Dradur. Her soul infects his own and drags him into strange white spaces, silent conversations and life-changing oaths.

Like Lidan and Ran themselves, the plot of Legacy of Ghosts ranges widely, sequences of events forming a trail of actions and consequences. The tight focus on Ran’s journey and Lidan’s travails takes us away from events and characters in the North, but the book’s ending promises a return there in the next volume for a final reckoning.

The threads that bind the Ngaru or Dradur to their creators draw Ran and Lidan inexorably closer together, building to a moment of recognition as startling though not quite as genteel as Stanley’s “Dr Livingstone, I presume.” In the aftermath of that revelation they are forced to fit their differing skills and powers into effective collaboration. But even that cannot forestall a moment where old, cold secrets emerge ferociously into explosive day-lit scrutiny.

This review first appeared on the fantasy-hive website https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2019/10/le...

[Stephen Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Coraidic Sagas and follow up to SPFBO 5 excellent Blood of Heirs. The two POVs of Ran and Lidan continue to shared the narration of the tale as the plot thicken as second book in the series have a tendency to do. It is two year past since the end of events in Book One. Both Lidan and Ran have hard choice to make which sets them on a path not of their choosing. The excellent worldbuilding continues as does the establishment of a magical system that is feared in both cultures represented in the book. If you are looking to support and read Self Published authors I highly recommend this series as this is an excellent example of how good self published works can be.. And I would not be at all surprising if book 3 is produced by a major publishing company because I am still in a bit of a shock that this series has not already been snapped up.

[Ian Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book

Bloody good follow up to the first book. I was really happy when the two main characters met up. The story was compelling and fast paced and had plenty of action. Ran is definitely my favourite character out of the bunch but I also enjoyed reading Liddys chapters aswell. I will definitely be reading the next book when It comes out. Great writing from the author.

[Jeff Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some authors create a world and open a door for you to gaze at it. Alicia’s prose takes you by the hand and leads you through the door and across the map. You can feel the breeze in your hair, the wood smoke in your clothes, the crunch of gravel beneath your boots.
This second book in her saga continues the story of two protagonists; Ran, a scion of nobility in the North exiled for his awakened magic powers and discovering how to harness them, and Lidan, daughter of a clan leader in the Southern tablelands whose position as a potential leader is suddenly challenged by the birth of a brother. Their stories now begin to come together as they both learn about maturing into themselves and facing an unspeakable evil that binds both their lands.
Alicia’s second book shows she has further honed her skills as a writer ( already sharp but much keener here). Well developed characters you pull for, antagonists you can root against, and well paced action. She brings the landscape of her native Australia into her world and lets you feel and experience a wonderful story. Highly recommended.

[A.M. Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Loved this book. I picked it up immediately after finishing Blood of Heirs and was not disappointed. The pacing was somewhat slower than the first book in the series, but the extra time spent on character development was well worth it, and the payoff at the end was terrific. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

[Heath Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic follow up to the Blood of Heirs

The first book was great, the second book was even better - which is often so difficult with series. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Maša · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 4 years, our heroes have matured and undergone many a violent and/or character building moment. Now it seems their paths will cross around a common threat - beings made of fury and death.

The series continues to amaze me with its characters who are very deftly fleshed out. We are never told anything about them but get to experience their emotions and witness their growth. Lidan is still more engrossing of the two and I'm curious to see how Ran will fare when the rug is pulled under him. This series does rely on familiar tropes and won't surprise you with its turns, but if you enjoy character driven narratives peppered with action scenes and ever-growing world (not to mention we get to see nations on different levels of technical development) you are in for a treat.

This is a slow burn and although it picks up considerably in the last quarter, the beginning was a lot to wade through. I think it was completely worth it because once the ball started rolling I couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to the series finale.

[Elana Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding follow up to Blood of Heirs. With the world building done in the first novel the author was free to ratchet the story up to heart attack territory which she does with aplomb and some whiplash inducing twists that have left me quietly angsting that the third book is still in progress (as at Feb 2020).

So I shared the pain with a friend and gave her the first two books to read and now she’s cranky about having to wait for the third novel. That’s how good this is. Go read it.

[Che is Slowly Getting Back to Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Marc Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started book one while in hospital last October and fun how when this book hit my shelf I was going in for operation so decided that would be good time to start book 2 but need to say am not starting anything to be admitted to hospital for book three food sucks and only saving grace was This ! I was instantly drew back in to the world superbly crafted with characters well designed and captivating in every way ! The twist at end was good if not little to scripted in the who but the way it played out was so different than I thought and leaves room for so much to come from the prisoner ( trying not to spoil ) and really think that this series deserves much more credit and definitely needs to hit more shelf’s

[Jon Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent follow up.

[Beena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved this, easily the best read I've had so far this year!

The second book in The Coraidic Sagas continues Ran and Lidan's individual threads four years later from the first book. Whilst the first book seemed more of an introduction, this book is where the story starts truly developing. Ran has settled into life at the hidden keep teaching the children how to use their magic in a fight, having learnt to control and hone his own power. However after the arrival of Brit Doon- an old friend of his- the keep is attacked by the Dradur; creatures that used to be men and women who were killed and twisted into monsters by surgery and magic. Devastated by the loss of so many, Ran gathers a few close friends and sets out to find the witches responsible for creating the Dradur and bringing them to justice. He is able to track the Dradur by having the ability to detect thaumalux- light trails left by the presence of magic, which I found a particularly interesting concept.

Lidan has grown into a fierce, formidable young woman as an apprentice ranger, honed by years of fighting the Namjin; a rival clan and the Ngaru (what they call the Dradur). The need to prove her worth to her father and show him that she is capable of one day leading their clan weighs heavily on her, particularly as her mother (a rather nasty piece of work) had drawn a promise from a 13 year old Lidan that she would one day win the title or she would do away with the competition- her little brother Ehran. In a patriarchal society, Ehran would be the rightful heir despite Lidan being the first born. However much Lidan dreams of being the leader, she can't bring herself to hurt her brother and caught between two opposing parents, finds herself in an impossible position. Despite Lidan always striving to do everything she can for everyone, she's constantly thrown under a bus, that, combined with the fact that she's always underestimated or used as some sort of commodity for being female really made me rage for her.

Her one solace throughout all this turmoil is her part protector, part ranging- guide, Loge, who she has grown and trained with for the past four years and naturally this relationship starts to grow deeper. I loved the blossoming relationship between Lidan and Loge, their romance was realistically built without overpowering the rest of the story. Male authors take note, this is how you successfully include romantic relationships in a fantasy story. (Not just throw two characters together and they're instantly a couple with no emotion conveyed or the impact that it has on them *eye roll*).

Wanstall-Burke's prose is very straight-forward and simple, but she is such a brilliant story-teller it doesn't need to have any additional frills. One of her main strengths is her characterisation; she really places you in Ran and Lidan's shoes and you'll feel all their struggles and conflicting emotions. The part where their two tales finally intercept is worth the wait and Alicia unfolds the puzzle of their connection deftly. The pacing is perfect, the plot is well executed and the action scenes are awesome; incredibly enjoyed both the magic and hand to hand combat fight scenes.

I'd say this is more high than epic fantasy as it's very small-scale compared to other books, but still a damn good story. I wish the 3rd book was already out, can't wait to see how this story ends so I'll definitely be looking out for it! Highly, highly recommend.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, Blood of Heirs.

I enjoyed the story, but the frequent and unnecessary swearing got on my nerves from the beginning, and it jarred each time.

I also became a bit impatient with Liddy’s romantic struggles - not uncommon in a YA book, I know, but it grew tedious about 2/3 of the way through.

AND the ending is still “To Be Continued”!!! Arrgh!!

[Andy Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of Heirs (bk 1) was good, this is better. I'll post a review in good time but what I will say for now is that Wanstall-Burke has created something really good here and I cannot wait for book 3

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.5/10*

What a solid and enjoyable addition to this series.

I definitely recommend this series.

[Sina Tavousi Masrour · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 90%.
I realized I have wasted enough time on this book. Couldn't find myself caring about the characters, the world, or anything. Book 1 had some redeeming qualities but this one is a chore.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 🤩

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in the series, even though the second half was very predictable (at least for me)
Hope book 3 will change that.