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The Kyona Chronicles #1
Heir of the Curse
Kyona’s lost heir is found—but his birthright might be his greatest curse
Calinnae’s world is shattered when a discovery about his best friend Jonan brings the king’s soldiers down on both families. Barely avoiding their pursuers, the two friends escape with nothing but each other, and the stories of the past they grew up with. Stories that might hold answers, if they turn out to be more than just legends.
Still hunted, they set out for Kyona’s infamous mountains, assisted by Elnora, an unlikely rescuer with mysteries of her own. They hope to find answers, perhaps even the dragons of legend, whose magic might be the key to restoring Kyona’s ancient bloodline.
But the mountains hold more than just magic—they hold a secret that none of the friends are prepared for. And Calinnae’s response, as much as Jonan’s, will decide whether the kingdom stands or falls.
Calinnae’s world is shattered when a discovery about his best friend Jonan brings the king’s soldiers down on both families. Barely avoiding their pursuers, the two friends escape with nothing but each other, and the stories of the past they grew up with. Stories that might hold answers, if they turn out to be more than just legends.
Still hunted, they set out for Kyona’s infamous mountains, assisted by Elnora, an unlikely rescuer with mysteries of her own. They hope to find answers, perhaps even the dragons of legend, whose magic might be the key to restoring Kyona’s ancient bloodline.
But the mountains hold more than just magic—they hold a secret that none of the friends are prepared for. And Calinnae’s response, as much as Jonan’s, will decide whether the kingdom stands or falls.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2020
209 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Grace White
44 books351 followersDeborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 13, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - YA Fantasy (magic)
I think it would be fair to say that I’ve never read another book like “Heir of the Curse”. For one, it’s told fully from the POV of a guy and I actually didn’t hate that part. Perhaps it’s because the author is a woman (whose fairytale retellings I’ve greatly enjoyed!) but even this “romance” reader was interested in the plot—okay, okay, I was more interested in this story when the romance entered in. 🤷♀️
I don’t think this book dragged despite it’s loooong length of 500+ pages, so that was a feat in my mind. It was long, but not too long, in my opinion. This is good because prior to starting this book I was concerned about the page length and kept pushing it off because of it.
The character development of Cal and his brother-like friendship with Jonan were really major parts of this book and I think it would make the book interesting for readers who prefer plots that aren't centered around a romance, especially for teen guys.
On that note and the romance, though, I will add that there were two kisses that were a little much for my tastes—but I can’t tell if that’s because the rest of the book was very light in the romance department which make it feel like a stark amount in comparison. I think the two kisses were actually a bit…passionate, though, either way. So, not sure how guy readers will feel about that. 😅
The reveal didn’t shock me at all, but I was pretty sure about it coming. I want to continue on with the series, but the fact that book two is almost 600 pages long makes me want to run and hide. 🫣
Main Content-
Fantasy content with magic such as dragons, a magical gift from dragons to kings for him to become the wisest in his kingdom and see things that others cannot (like past events as if they were there), but also the consequences is it’s misused or used by those not in the royal line.
*Spoilers* .
Elnora comments on a “pernicious fate” ruling over everything, but Cal doesn’t agree that “some malicious fortune was running their lives”.
Some people believe the mountains have magic & it’s affected the people who live in them to have magic or be able to feel magic as well; When a person dies, they are told to prepare their spirit to meet their ancestors or others say that a deceased person met their ancestors (rather than go to Heaven or the afterlife); Someone claims to have received a dream warning about another’s arrival.
Many mentions of magic & magical items; Mentions of curses & one affecting a bloodline; Mentions of dragons; Mentions of a woman cursing someone & that while she didn’t have power granted by magic, her words settled on the person like a cloak; Mentions of superstitions & a rumor that a wife cursed her husband (when it was really grief after her passing); A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of an omen; A mention of kin/cousins’ spirits recognizing each other (even though they’ve never met before).
Fighting, Killing in battles, Knocking others unconscious, Violence, Being chased, Being held at sword-point and holding others at sword-point, Being tied-up, Being abducted, Being choked, & Setting fires (up to paragraphs, but not gory or gruesome); Stealing food; Hearing murders & Seeing loved ones’ murdered bodies & grief (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing others fighting, killing, being killed, near death, stabbed, injured, & beaten (bluntly written, up to a handful of sentences); Recalling & Seeing past events that feature being murdered, fights/fighting, an execution, murders (including of loved ones), & a funeral for a child (up to a handful of sentences).
Cal is tempted to push a slave trader into the water to his death, but because he has never killed before, he can’t bring himself to do it; Later, in battle, he does kill enemy soldiers with awareness that it has to happen for the sake of removing evil; Another character has trauma from thinking her nightmares are coming to life (she stares blankly ahead and doesn’t reaction, but eventually has a break-down; up to a few sentences).
Cal struggles with resentment towards Jonan at times and thinking he could do better; Towards the middle, they say some harsh words to each other and fight physically when tensions rise.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, ‘idiot’, or the fictional curse ‘what in the kingdom’; A couple mentions of curse (said, not written) or almost cursing; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Eavesdropping.
Many mentions of deaths (including of parents and it happening because of or in front of their kids/teens), executions, bodies, fires, an explosion, murders, & grief; Many mentions of injuries, attacks, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Mentions of the death of a young daughter & grief by the parents (up to a few sentences; later discussions of it, the effects on the family, & grief); Mentions of a possible war; Mentions of slaves, slavery, slave traders, raids, & kids/teens being abducted by the traders (implied their life would be bad and some may die in the journey to the other country, but no details to what fates await them); Mentions of soldiers abusing and being brutal to normal citizens; Mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, & gangs; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & taverns; A couple mentions of a possible drowning; A couple mentions of a guard thinking about hitting a young woman; A couple mentions of hatred.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
1 almost kiss (lasting a couple sentences),
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
2 passionate kisses lasting 4-6+ sentences,
Remembering kisses & Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Some Touches, Embraces (some in comfort rather than sexual), Hand holding, Warmth/Fires, Blushes, Nearness, Noticing, & Staring (up to a few sentences); Remembering touches, embraces, & nearness (up to a couple sentences); Wanting to touch, embrace, & kiss (up to a few sentences).
Cal stumbles around Elnora, thinks she’s pretty, and their relationship grows; Elnora sees Cal bare-chested when changing his tunic and he thinks he sees her blush.
Remembering stories about a couple in love (both before and during their marriage; told about on-page as if it’s happening then and there); Some glimpses of the married couple talking in their bedroom (but no sexual content besides as embraces for comfort or kisses with no details and does not lead to or imply more).
A man gets into a young woman’s personal space and touches her hair.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes; A mention of Cal finding the thought of no more stolen kisses with Elnora being “deeply depressing”; A mention of a couple “making eyes” at each other.
I think it would be fair to say that I’ve never read another book like “Heir of the Curse”. For one, it’s told fully from the POV of a guy and I actually didn’t hate that part. Perhaps it’s because the author is a woman (whose fairytale retellings I’ve greatly enjoyed!) but even this “romance” reader was interested in the plot—okay, okay, I was more interested in this story when the romance entered in. 🤷♀️
I don’t think this book dragged despite it’s loooong length of 500+ pages, so that was a feat in my mind. It was long, but not too long, in my opinion. This is good because prior to starting this book I was concerned about the page length and kept pushing it off because of it.
The character development of Cal and his brother-like friendship with Jonan were really major parts of this book and I think it would make the book interesting for readers who prefer plots that aren't centered around a romance, especially for teen guys.
On that note and the romance, though, I will add that there were two kisses that were a little much for my tastes—but I can’t tell if that’s because the rest of the book was very light in the romance department which make it feel like a stark amount in comparison. I think the two kisses were actually a bit…passionate, though, either way. So, not sure how guy readers will feel about that. 😅
The reveal didn’t shock me at all, but I was pretty sure about it coming. I want to continue on with the series, but the fact that book two is almost 600 pages long makes me want to run and hide. 🫣
Main Content-
Fantasy content with magic such as dragons, a magical gift from dragons to kings for him to become the wisest in his kingdom and see things that others cannot (like past events as if they were there), but also the consequences is it’s misused or used by those not in the royal line.
*Spoilers* .
Elnora comments on a “pernicious fate” ruling over everything, but Cal doesn’t agree that “some malicious fortune was running their lives”.
Some people believe the mountains have magic & it’s affected the people who live in them to have magic or be able to feel magic as well; When a person dies, they are told to prepare their spirit to meet their ancestors or others say that a deceased person met their ancestors (rather than go to Heaven or the afterlife); Someone claims to have received a dream warning about another’s arrival.
Many mentions of magic & magical items; Mentions of curses & one affecting a bloodline; Mentions of dragons; Mentions of a woman cursing someone & that while she didn’t have power granted by magic, her words settled on the person like a cloak; Mentions of superstitions & a rumor that a wife cursed her husband (when it was really grief after her passing); A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of an omen; A mention of kin/cousins’ spirits recognizing each other (even though they’ve never met before).
Fighting, Killing in battles, Knocking others unconscious, Violence, Being chased, Being held at sword-point and holding others at sword-point, Being tied-up, Being abducted, Being choked, & Setting fires (up to paragraphs, but not gory or gruesome); Stealing food; Hearing murders & Seeing loved ones’ murdered bodies & grief (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing others fighting, killing, being killed, near death, stabbed, injured, & beaten (bluntly written, up to a handful of sentences); Recalling & Seeing past events that feature being murdered, fights/fighting, an execution, murders (including of loved ones), & a funeral for a child (up to a handful of sentences).
Cal is tempted to push a slave trader into the water to his death, but because he has never killed before, he can’t bring himself to do it; Later, in battle, he does kill enemy soldiers with awareness that it has to happen for the sake of removing evil; Another character has trauma from thinking her nightmares are coming to life (she stares blankly ahead and doesn’t reaction, but eventually has a break-down; up to a few sentences).
Cal struggles with resentment towards Jonan at times and thinking he could do better; Towards the middle, they say some harsh words to each other and fight physically when tensions rise.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, ‘idiot’, or the fictional curse ‘what in the kingdom’; A couple mentions of curse (said, not written) or almost cursing; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Eavesdropping.
Many mentions of deaths (including of parents and it happening because of or in front of their kids/teens), executions, bodies, fires, an explosion, murders, & grief; Many mentions of injuries, attacks, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); Mentions of the death of a young daughter & grief by the parents (up to a few sentences; later discussions of it, the effects on the family, & grief); Mentions of a possible war; Mentions of slaves, slavery, slave traders, raids, & kids/teens being abducted by the traders (implied their life would be bad and some may die in the journey to the other country, but no details to what fates await them); Mentions of soldiers abusing and being brutal to normal citizens; Mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, & gangs; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & taverns; A couple mentions of a possible drowning; A couple mentions of a guard thinking about hitting a young woman; A couple mentions of hatred.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
1 almost kiss (lasting a couple sentences),
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
2 passionate kisses lasting 4-6+ sentences,
Remembering kisses & Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Some Touches, Embraces (some in comfort rather than sexual), Hand holding, Warmth/Fires, Blushes, Nearness, Noticing, & Staring (up to a few sentences); Remembering touches, embraces, & nearness (up to a couple sentences); Wanting to touch, embrace, & kiss (up to a few sentences).
Cal stumbles around Elnora, thinks she’s pretty, and their relationship grows; Elnora sees Cal bare-chested when changing his tunic and he thinks he sees her blush.
Remembering stories about a couple in love (both before and during their marriage; told about on-page as if it’s happening then and there); Some glimpses of the married couple talking in their bedroom (but no sexual content besides as embraces for comfort or kisses with no details and does not lead to or imply more).
A man gets into a young woman’s personal space and touches her hair.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes; A mention of Cal finding the thought of no more stolen kisses with Elnora being “deeply depressing”; A mention of a couple “making eyes” at each other.
February 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely and it really helped me out of my reading slump. I was looking for exactly this without even knowing it!
I loved Calinnae from start to finish and I couldn’t get enough of reading about him!!
Also I had missed dragons ;)
Content Warning: a few kisses described as “passionate” nothing more, embraces, noticing of each other and emotions. Chaste and good romance even though I would have liked a little less description of the kisses and sometimes didn’t feel like reading romance (I was in it for the battles xD)
Overall though I would totally recommend to my younger sisters!
I loved Calinnae from start to finish and I couldn’t get enough of reading about him!!
Also I had missed dragons ;)
Content Warning: a few kisses described as “passionate” nothing more, embraces, noticing of each other and emotions. Chaste and good romance even though I would have liked a little less description of the kisses and sometimes didn’t feel like reading romance (I was in it for the battles xD)
Overall though I would totally recommend to my younger sisters!
April 25, 2020
This was the best example of Clean, Romantic High Fantasy that I have read in a long while. It is a charming, if classic coming of age story. I like that the book is complete in and of itself. The way the different cultures split up the men and women to sleep is, at this point rare. My favorite moment of characterization in the story was when the queen said, “I do not love him any less.” and went on to explain her relationship with her daughters. It was just touching to hear a parent talk about how relationships with different children are different, whether through personality, needs or circumstance. The main characters sometimes seem wise beyond their years, but they grapple with real struggles of character. It’s a nice change of focus and a healthy struggle. Throughout the book, I was just struck at how many classic or traditional themes—character struggles, right, wrong—are rarely as well done. They are a part of the fabric of the story and characters, not a sermon on top, and that presence and genuineness is rare.
This is one of the most worthwhile YA fantasies I have read in a long while. I hope the author is able to keep writing and maintain the unique voice and perspective.
This is one of the most worthwhile YA fantasies I have read in a long while. I hope the author is able to keep writing and maintain the unique voice and perspective.
July 15, 2021
2.5 stars.
As an adult reader I found this simply too YA for me. The characters’ interactions just weren’t very mature, and their motivations were teenage at best. I think younger readers might enjoy this one. It’s clean, and I always appreciate that. However, this was quite long and wasn’t for non-YA aged me. :)
Aside from all that, the plot was simplistic and things were achieved rather easily, all told. I prefer my stories a bit more nuanced so I’m not sure I’ll continue on with this series. I’m still going to check it out though. Maybe one or two stories will feature more, ahem, mature characters. :)
As an adult reader I found this simply too YA for me. The characters’ interactions just weren’t very mature, and their motivations were teenage at best. I think younger readers might enjoy this one. It’s clean, and I always appreciate that. However, this was quite long and wasn’t for non-YA aged me. :)
Aside from all that, the plot was simplistic and things were achieved rather easily, all told. I prefer my stories a bit more nuanced so I’m not sure I’ll continue on with this series. I’m still going to check it out though. Maybe one or two stories will feature more, ahem, mature characters. :)
Read
April 3, 2020Fans of secondary-world epic quest fantasy will enjoy this book! Contains dragons and a lost heir plot with a few more twists than usual *eyebrow waggle*
September 9, 2020
Hmmmmm....
Positives: What can I say? I'm always a fan of well-rounded characters with character arcs, whether simple or complex. And what I can say about Deborah Grace White is that she is very good at plotting stuff. Everything just....flows together. And the world is very interesting, too, at that! (I mean...come on, mentions of dragons?? dragons are cool...) I certainly am curious to see what she does next, especially with her very excellent cinematic writing (there was a point where I got a slight jump scare, which was fun (though the scare wasn't bad)!)
Negatives: Eh, might be me, but I thought the romance was too fast, especially considering their ages. I'm not saying teens can't be emotionally mature but...well, I guess if you had experienced horrible tragedy, maturity can come fast (especially in a medieval fantasy setting?) And really...that's mostly what I have to tentatively say.
Opinion: So, my dubiousness in romance asides (and spoilers coming, so brace yourselves)... I didn't really like the plot twists considering the king. Oh, it was VERY well built and all that stuff but...I was kind of hoping that I would get to see a protagonist who DIDN'T turn out to be the grand hero of the tale. I understood him getting the girl (he was the protagonist, after all)...but yeah, I was sad about the king twist. That SAID, I AM very excited to see Jonan's story and everything else as the world starts rebuilding itself. And I think she handled that plotline really nicely, too, for that matter... (end spoiler)
I also just...liked the side characters (why do I so often like the sides more than then main, I wonder?). They were fun and sweet and utterly hilarious. The friendships between everyone were so good. One last thing is...I have no idea if it's the style and not being used to it, but the pace was pretty fast...not bad, but it was rather quick.
Content: Kissing, nothing beyond. Violent stuff consists mostly of battle-stuff and injuries, which aren't really gory.
Positives: What can I say? I'm always a fan of well-rounded characters with character arcs, whether simple or complex. And what I can say about Deborah Grace White is that she is very good at plotting stuff. Everything just....flows together. And the world is very interesting, too, at that! (I mean...come on, mentions of dragons?? dragons are cool...) I certainly am curious to see what she does next, especially with her very excellent cinematic writing (there was a point where I got a slight jump scare, which was fun (though the scare wasn't bad)!)
Negatives: Eh, might be me, but I thought the romance was too fast, especially considering their ages. I'm not saying teens can't be emotionally mature but...well, I guess if you had experienced horrible tragedy, maturity can come fast (especially in a medieval fantasy setting?) And really...that's mostly what I have to tentatively say.
Opinion: So, my dubiousness in romance asides (and spoilers coming, so brace yourselves)... I didn't really like the plot twists considering the king. Oh, it was VERY well built and all that stuff but...I was kind of hoping that I would get to see a protagonist who DIDN'T turn out to be the grand hero of the tale. I understood him getting the girl (he was the protagonist, after all)...but yeah, I was sad about the king twist. That SAID, I AM very excited to see Jonan's story and everything else as the world starts rebuilding itself. And I think she handled that plotline really nicely, too, for that matter... (end spoiler)
I also just...liked the side characters (why do I so often like the sides more than then main, I wonder?). They were fun and sweet and utterly hilarious. The friendships between everyone were so good. One last thing is...I have no idea if it's the style and not being used to it, but the pace was pretty fast...not bad, but it was rather quick.
Content: Kissing, nothing beyond. Violent stuff consists mostly of battle-stuff and injuries, which aren't really gory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
I loved this book. Especially Elnora. But the book too. 😁
Chapter 1- I predicted that whole chapter as soon as I read the first two sentences on the back of the book.
Chapter 2- Quick thinking, Jonan.
Chapter 4- Not very cautious, this one.
Chapter 6- Ooh secret library.
Chapter 7- I really like how they don't have stupid escapes. Their escapes actually make sense.
Oh my goodness, that plan was genius. I love it.
Chapter 12- Ooh does Cal like Elnora. Also, strange name.
Chapter 13- They act too young to be 17. Especially Elnora.
Ok, ok, so you like Elnora. You don't have to be so awkward about it.
Ooh an arm laying on the floor. Lovely.
Chapter 14- Oh look, it's attached to a person. Good, he's alive.
Chapter 16- Elnora- "Well? How do I look?" Cal- "Like a girl." Smooth, Cal, way to go.
-I wrote this right after he said that, and the next thing Jonan said was "Smooth, Cal." 😂-
This dude named Scetch seems pretty scetchy.
Elnora no, you can't leave... You've got to marry Cal, remember?
Chapter 19- You clearly like each other, so don't ignore each other and make one feel like you don't like them! Ugh this is stupid.
Well now she's talking to Jonan, just not Cal. Welp.
Finally, they're talking. Jonan's gonna interrupt them in the middle of their talk, I just know it. Ok, well it didn't exactly happen like that but still.
Chapter 20- Jonan's not the lost heir. It's Cal. It has to be.
Chapter 25- Called it.
Chapter 26- Jonan- "What's wrong with Elnora?"
Cal- "I was hoping you could tell me. All I know is that dragons suddenly seem less mysterious than girls."
Chapter 29- Why am I feeling stressed for their attack?
Well done Cal, you finally told him you liked Elnora. And somehow assumed he didn't know, when it's probably the most obvious thing in Kyona.
Chapter 32- Elnora's gonna be queen!!!
Chapter 34- "It was amazing what people had 'always known' after someone else had proved it to be so"
Chapter 35- "Spoken like the tired old man in a young man's body I've always known you to be."
Chapter 1- I predicted that whole chapter as soon as I read the first two sentences on the back of the book.
Chapter 2- Quick thinking, Jonan.
Chapter 4- Not very cautious, this one.
Chapter 6- Ooh secret library.
Chapter 7- I really like how they don't have stupid escapes. Their escapes actually make sense.
Oh my goodness, that plan was genius. I love it.
Chapter 12- Ooh does Cal like Elnora. Also, strange name.
Chapter 13- They act too young to be 17. Especially Elnora.
Ok, ok, so you like Elnora. You don't have to be so awkward about it.
Ooh an arm laying on the floor. Lovely.
Chapter 14- Oh look, it's attached to a person. Good, he's alive.
Chapter 16- Elnora- "Well? How do I look?" Cal- "Like a girl." Smooth, Cal, way to go.
-I wrote this right after he said that, and the next thing Jonan said was "Smooth, Cal." 😂-
This dude named Scetch seems pretty scetchy.
Elnora no, you can't leave... You've got to marry Cal, remember?
Chapter 19- You clearly like each other, so don't ignore each other and make one feel like you don't like them! Ugh this is stupid.
Well now she's talking to Jonan, just not Cal. Welp.
Finally, they're talking. Jonan's gonna interrupt them in the middle of their talk, I just know it. Ok, well it didn't exactly happen like that but still.
Chapter 20- Jonan's not the lost heir. It's Cal. It has to be.
Chapter 25- Called it.
Chapter 26- Jonan- "What's wrong with Elnora?"
Cal- "I was hoping you could tell me. All I know is that dragons suddenly seem less mysterious than girls."
Chapter 29- Why am I feeling stressed for their attack?
Well done Cal, you finally told him you liked Elnora. And somehow assumed he didn't know, when it's probably the most obvious thing in Kyona.
Chapter 32- Elnora's gonna be queen!!!
Chapter 34- "It was amazing what people had 'always known' after someone else had proved it to be so"
Chapter 35- "Spoken like the tired old man in a young man's body I've always known you to be."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
A story of two recently orphaned boys and an uncommon girl fighting to get back the throne that was wrongfully stolen from the true bloodline of royals generations before.
The entire story consists of the internal and external battles that the main characters face throughout their fight for the throne. The struggle with doubt, memories, identities, relationships, and more was enamoring. Every interaction between the three friends was incredibly realistic, from the brotherly quarreling between Calinnae and Jonan, to the uncomfortable feelings of romance that began to blossom between Cal and Elnora. I loved the realism that accompanied the fantasy aspect of the story. The characters had an overall realistic perspective on the situations and the stories that were explained throughout the book. It was incredibly easy to fall into the story and feel as if I was truly apart of their world. Every piece of information that was related the their background was so well crafted that it felt as if I was reading another story at the same time. The imagery was well crafted and the overall atmosphere of the book truly translated the feelings that the characters would have felt in each situation. This was an amazing read and I cannot wait to start the next book as soon as I am able.
The entire story consists of the internal and external battles that the main characters face throughout their fight for the throne. The struggle with doubt, memories, identities, relationships, and more was enamoring. Every interaction between the three friends was incredibly realistic, from the brotherly quarreling between Calinnae and Jonan, to the uncomfortable feelings of romance that began to blossom between Cal and Elnora. I loved the realism that accompanied the fantasy aspect of the story. The characters had an overall realistic perspective on the situations and the stories that were explained throughout the book. It was incredibly easy to fall into the story and feel as if I was truly apart of their world. Every piece of information that was related the their background was so well crafted that it felt as if I was reading another story at the same time. The imagery was well crafted and the overall atmosphere of the book truly translated the feelings that the characters would have felt in each situation. This was an amazing read and I cannot wait to start the next book as soon as I am able.
October 31, 2022
This is a clean YA fantasy adventure following two friends Cal and Jonan who discover their parents have been killed and escape with their lives to find away to resist a usurping king. Fun twists with plenty of swashbuckling fights and a slow-burn romance. This is the first in a series.
I discovered this author when I found she was part of a group of writers who are committed to writing compelling, clean YA books without swearing and sexual content. Highly recommend.
I discovered this author when I found she was part of a group of writers who are committed to writing compelling, clean YA books without swearing and sexual content. Highly recommend.
March 1, 2024
The beginnings of an adventure!
While the story had a slow start, things pick up and you get to explore the growth of characters as they make their way through their journey. This story is filled with magic and dragons and lost heirs and loyalty. A great beginning for a series.
While the story had a slow start, things pick up and you get to explore the growth of characters as they make their way through their journey. This story is filled with magic and dragons and lost heirs and loyalty. A great beginning for a series.
August 12, 2022
Great book!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this intriguing series!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this intriguing series!
April 30, 2020
Such a wonderful story!
I loved both Jo and Cal in Heir of the Curse and was thrilled to know more of their story was yet to come.
Jo always had a desire for travel and adventure so he set off for the South Lands at his first opportunity. Even the warnings of the sailor on the ship he secured passage on didn't deter him. Yet as he arrived in the capital city of Nohl, he found himself immediately embroiled in intrigue, rebellion, and danger! (Well, as he told Cal later, it took at least three hours before this happened!)
Oh my! I enjoyed this story so much! Jo went from being an intrepid and slightly reckless young man setting off on a lark and grew into a courageous, and – dare I call him – responsible hero.
Filled with secret identities, uprisings, danger, plots to overthrow kingdoms, hints of dragons, and romance, Captives of the Curse is a delightful continuation of The Kyona Chronicles.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I loved both Jo and Cal in Heir of the Curse and was thrilled to know more of their story was yet to come.
Jo always had a desire for travel and adventure so he set off for the South Lands at his first opportunity. Even the warnings of the sailor on the ship he secured passage on didn't deter him. Yet as he arrived in the capital city of Nohl, he found himself immediately embroiled in intrigue, rebellion, and danger! (Well, as he told Cal later, it took at least three hours before this happened!)
Oh my! I enjoyed this story so much! Jo went from being an intrepid and slightly reckless young man setting off on a lark and grew into a courageous, and – dare I call him – responsible hero.
Filled with secret identities, uprisings, danger, plots to overthrow kingdoms, hints of dragons, and romance, Captives of the Curse is a delightful continuation of The Kyona Chronicles.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
Good book, but since I went into it having been told it was heavy on the romance, I was sorely disappointed. It does contain a romantic element, but I wouldn’t call it more than that. When Cal confessed his feelings (and the way he did it), I was definitely arching a brow and thinking how soon that word was handed out. To say he was falling for her, had feelings for her, wanted to explore where a relationship would take them... any of those would have been more realistic.
I was especially disappointed since this was recommended to me when I requested a book heavy on the romance. And I found every time the romantic aspects of this book cropped up, I just wanted to roll my eyes because it was done so poorly.
This is no fault of the author. The MC was enjoyable and mostly relatable and I enjoyed watching the story unfold. I was mostly just a spectator without feeling any emotional engagement, but there were a few times I felt connection. with the 3 friends. And the ages of the characters made the romance that much less credible. So I feel it perhaps would have been better left out entirely or made less concrete and more up to the reader to assume what comes next.
I do believe my favorite part of this book (but also the most frustrating at times) was I read another reviewer say of this before reading it... That it was like reading the Lord of The Rings through the eyes of Sam instead of Frodo. And that was a good way of looking at it. And I believe it served this story very well and maybe wouldn’t have been as good if told in any other way.
I was especially disappointed since this was recommended to me when I requested a book heavy on the romance. And I found every time the romantic aspects of this book cropped up, I just wanted to roll my eyes because it was done so poorly.
This is no fault of the author. The MC was enjoyable and mostly relatable and I enjoyed watching the story unfold. I was mostly just a spectator without feeling any emotional engagement, but there were a few times I felt connection. with the 3 friends. And the ages of the characters made the romance that much less credible. So I feel it perhaps would have been better left out entirely or made less concrete and more up to the reader to assume what comes next.
I do believe my favorite part of this book (but also the most frustrating at times) was I read another reviewer say of this before reading it... That it was like reading the Lord of The Rings through the eyes of Sam instead of Frodo. And that was a good way of looking at it. And I believe it served this story very well and maybe wouldn’t have been as good if told in any other way.
August 1, 2024
I bought this book the day after it was released. It's high time to give it a review!
This is such a great debut novel from Deborah Grace White. It is well written, well paced and has some surprises up its metaphorical sleeve.
Cal and Jonan, friends who are more like brothers, are forced to flee their home and begin a quest for answers and help. Dodging the king's soldiers, along the way they meet Elnora who falls in with their quest. They eventually come to the mountains where they learn more than they bargained for.
The characters are really well developed, with strengths and weaknesses, complex emotions, and dynamic and evolving relationships. Their interactions felt realistic so it was really easy to be immersed in this story. The stories from the past were seamlessly woven in to the prose and helped to flesh out the story world and context.
'Heir of the Curse' is the first of a trilogy, with a second trilogy following the next generation of characters. This seriously didn't feel like a debut novel, it is so well written. It's pitched at young adults, I'd say it's on the teen side of YA, but was still a very enjoyable read for this fully adult adult! I will read anything Deborah writes. I love her characters and writing style. Thanks for putting your stories out into the world for us!
This is such a great debut novel from Deborah Grace White. It is well written, well paced and has some surprises up its metaphorical sleeve.
Cal and Jonan, friends who are more like brothers, are forced to flee their home and begin a quest for answers and help. Dodging the king's soldiers, along the way they meet Elnora who falls in with their quest. They eventually come to the mountains where they learn more than they bargained for.
The characters are really well developed, with strengths and weaknesses, complex emotions, and dynamic and evolving relationships. Their interactions felt realistic so it was really easy to be immersed in this story. The stories from the past were seamlessly woven in to the prose and helped to flesh out the story world and context.
'Heir of the Curse' is the first of a trilogy, with a second trilogy following the next generation of characters. This seriously didn't feel like a debut novel, it is so well written. It's pitched at young adults, I'd say it's on the teen side of YA, but was still a very enjoyable read for this fully adult adult! I will read anything Deborah writes. I love her characters and writing style. Thanks for putting your stories out into the world for us!
October 24, 2025
Is it woke?
Not at all.
Is it good?
Having read White's fantastic fairytale retellings, this isn't at all what I expected. What I found was an epic quest, written beautifully with great relationships. This series boasts a different tone to her later books, but it is strong and thoroughly enjoyable, like John Flanagan.
As a society, we seemed to have moved away from the fantastic adventure stories, where a hero rises up against a great evil and dashes off hither and dither across the country side to save the day. I am heartened to find this, quite similar to 'Deltora Quest' but for an older audience.
I loved every second of it.
Is it appropriate?
Definitely. There is no swearing, and a clean romance that is only a subplot. There is violence, but it is not gory, is always appropriate to the story, and for most of the book is weaponless and brief. Slavery is mentioned without much detail, but the slavers are overcome after only a brief scene seeing people chained up.
There isn't anything here to offend.
The tone and vocabulary are aimed at young adult and up. 13+
Not at all.
Is it good?
Having read White's fantastic fairytale retellings, this isn't at all what I expected. What I found was an epic quest, written beautifully with great relationships. This series boasts a different tone to her later books, but it is strong and thoroughly enjoyable, like John Flanagan.
As a society, we seemed to have moved away from the fantastic adventure stories, where a hero rises up against a great evil and dashes off hither and dither across the country side to save the day. I am heartened to find this, quite similar to 'Deltora Quest' but for an older audience.
I loved every second of it.
Is it appropriate?
Definitely. There is no swearing, and a clean romance that is only a subplot. There is violence, but it is not gory, is always appropriate to the story, and for most of the book is weaponless and brief. Slavery is mentioned without much detail, but the slavers are overcome after only a brief scene seeing people chained up.
There isn't anything here to offend.
The tone and vocabulary are aimed at young adult and up. 13+
April 16, 2020
I mainly read princess stories, so it was difficult at first for me to get into this story about a rightful king fighting to take back his throne that was usurped from his ancestors. Though it was slow to start, it got more interesting later in. I would have enjoyed it more if the love interest, Elnora, had been introduced earlier because the first quarter or so of the book suffered from a severe lack of female characters. The second half had dragons, action, romance, and everything else you could possibly want from this type of story. There was a twist near the end that I thought was very predictable, but I liked it anyway because it served the story well. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre even though I wish the first half was paced a little better.
February 21, 2021
Deborah Grace White knocks her debut book out of the park! Once I got a few chapters in, I couldn't put it down!
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story about Cal and Jo's quest to see the rightful ruler of Kyona restored. I especially appreciated the depth that the author was able to develop with the two boys who had known each other from childhood. Their witty banter made me laugh, and there were many emotional moments as their friendship developed and grew as they did.
There were some predictable twists, but the lead up to them added to the story well.
This was one of my favorite reads of 2020. Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story about Cal and Jo's quest to see the rightful ruler of Kyona restored. I especially appreciated the depth that the author was able to develop with the two boys who had known each other from childhood. Their witty banter made me laugh, and there were many emotional moments as their friendship developed and grew as they did.
There were some predictable twists, but the lead up to them added to the story well.
This was one of my favorite reads of 2020. Highly recommend!
July 20, 2023
Oh boy was that a lot.
It was a bit slow at first and I almost gave up. But I love her other series and this is connected to most of her other books so I decided to keep going. I’m so glad I did.
I love the crew so much.
Cal, Jo, Elnora, they were all amazing and I can’t wait to read about Jo.
I love the relationships.
Cal and Elnora are so cute
I love the siblingness between Jo and Cal
The friendship between Jo and Elnora is so amazing.
The twist was so cool. I saw it coming cause of some stuff but it was still very interesting.
I’m just so happy with this book.
Again, I am only giving this 3.5 stars cause it was very hard to get through the first couple chapters. It was pretty slow and I wasn’t very interested in it.
It was a bit slow at first and I almost gave up. But I love her other series and this is connected to most of her other books so I decided to keep going. I’m so glad I did.
I love the crew so much.
Cal, Jo, Elnora, they were all amazing and I can’t wait to read about Jo.
I love the relationships.
Cal and Elnora are so cute
I love the siblingness between Jo and Cal
The friendship between Jo and Elnora is so amazing.
The twist was so cool. I saw it coming cause of some stuff but it was still very interesting.
I’m just so happy with this book.
Again, I am only giving this 3.5 stars cause it was very hard to get through the first couple chapters. It was pretty slow and I wasn’t very interested in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
Daring, unique and well told
Great tale of two young men being forced towards the adventure of a lifetime. Story was very well written, drawing you in on the very first page and holding you there until the last sentence. Loved the complexity and true humanity of the characters. No stereotypes or forced tropes just a solid old fashion tale of bad kings, mysterious objects and a quest much bigger then anyone could guess!!!
Great tale of two young men being forced towards the adventure of a lifetime. Story was very well written, drawing you in on the very first page and holding you there until the last sentence. Loved the complexity and true humanity of the characters. No stereotypes or forced tropes just a solid old fashion tale of bad kings, mysterious objects and a quest much bigger then anyone could guess!!!
August 10, 2024
Captivating Story
I’m coming to this series after having already read The Vazula Chronicles and The Kingdom Tales. I am excited to see what I saw glimpses of as history unfold in this trilogy and Legacy of the Curse.
While I did see some things coming, other plot points did surprise me, and I was definitely entertained while reading. I can’t wait to see how Jo’s adventure turns out!
I’m coming to this series after having already read The Vazula Chronicles and The Kingdom Tales. I am excited to see what I saw glimpses of as history unfold in this trilogy and Legacy of the Curse.
While I did see some things coming, other plot points did surprise me, and I was definitely entertained while reading. I can’t wait to see how Jo’s adventure turns out!
April 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very well written and I enjoyed how descriptive the author is about everything. It really helped me picture the world they live in. I love both stories being told and living in both timelines. I'm looking forward to the next installment, but appreciate that this book ended to a conclusion instead of a cliffhanger.
September 5, 2020
PEOPLE, READERS!😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀 IT'S THAT GREAT!😍
AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE AWESOME AUTHOR!😍 RELAX WITH THIS AUTHOR'S BOOK ☝!😍 YOU WILL ENJOY THE STORY ❤AND CHARACTERS THAT SURELY WILL SWEEP YOU AWAY!😍 I SO EARNESTLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!😍GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀
AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE AWESOME AUTHOR!😍 RELAX WITH THIS AUTHOR'S BOOK ☝!😍 YOU WILL ENJOY THE STORY ❤AND CHARACTERS THAT SURELY WILL SWEEP YOU AWAY!😍 I SO EARNESTLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!😍GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀
September 15, 2022
Contains: some violence, kisses. It took me a really long time to read this one. Probably because I read the first page or two of the next series (The Kyona Legacy) and was hooked but I could tell that there was more to the story. That’s when I found out that this series comes first. So I’m going to work my way though the Kyona Chronicles so that I can read the next series.
April 8, 2024
It was great! But I didn't really like the arguments and resentment between Jo and Cal. Also, I feel as though it got quite boring. But I did love the ending as it was packed with adventure and it was so worth it when Eldrekki came to help Cal. Great story! Deborah Grace White is an amazing author. I feel as though her ratings are around 4-5s and not below (in my opinion)!
June 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Cal and Joanna adventure! A little of everything along the ride and YA so clean, which I enjoy. Good characters, although would have liked to get more development on the two main characters other than Cal. Overall good read.
July 10, 2020
A Needed Distraction
I was having a difficult time concentrating on a book since the Great Pandemic 2020 began. This book captured my interest and I devoured it in short order. If you like a feel for story with lots of fun and action, give it a try. Can't wait for the next one!
I was having a difficult time concentrating on a book since the Great Pandemic 2020 began. This book captured my interest and I devoured it in short order. If you like a feel for story with lots of fun and action, give it a try. Can't wait for the next one!
November 8, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It lagged at moments, but that happens in the first of a series. It was clean which I greatly appreciate! Thank you! The writing at moments felt a little amateur, but I think this author will keep getting better. I’m looking forward to the next book!
September 20, 2021
Overwhelming
How do you claim your throne when everyone is hungry and desperate? Soldiers are hunting you and no one believes you. This has great possibilities but a bit too wordy in places.
How do you claim your throne when everyone is hungry and desperate? Soldiers are hunting you and no one believes you. This has great possibilities but a bit too wordy in places.
October 5, 2025
I enjoyed many things about this book... The world the author created, the character building, the side characters...but I was sorry that you never get the female's POV. You can read this book as a stand-alone if you wish, though it does continue in the next book following another character.
April 25, 2020
This was a fun adventure book! Fun characters. It did seem a little bit predictable, but still fun.
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