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Heir of Elriyon #1
Darcara
Aenya's destiny could cost her freedom.
After years of compulsory training to become an elite warrior, sixteen-year-old Aenya plans to run away with her friend Lewin. However, her plans crumble when she is chosen to be Elriyon’s new figurehead and wife to the future ruler, Rieve.
But Aenya has a secret: she is a Darcara—one chosen by elusive dragon-like beings, the Dargun, to receive the wisdom that once governed her people.
When the current rulers decide to stop a growing rebellion by killing the remaining Dargun, Aenya flees to Elriyon’s mysterious interior. Still, the Dargun’s words burn into her mind. They have a new task for her: return to her people and speak the truth, no matter the cost.
With escape close at hand, Aenya must choose between a dangerous calling, or finally being free
After years of compulsory training to become an elite warrior, sixteen-year-old Aenya plans to run away with her friend Lewin. However, her plans crumble when she is chosen to be Elriyon’s new figurehead and wife to the future ruler, Rieve.
But Aenya has a secret: she is a Darcara—one chosen by elusive dragon-like beings, the Dargun, to receive the wisdom that once governed her people.
When the current rulers decide to stop a growing rebellion by killing the remaining Dargun, Aenya flees to Elriyon’s mysterious interior. Still, the Dargun’s words burn into her mind. They have a new task for her: return to her people and speak the truth, no matter the cost.
With escape close at hand, Aenya must choose between a dangerous calling, or finally being free
Paperback
Published September 18, 2020
About the author
K. Michele Moseley
5 books51 followersK. Michele Moseley found her love for story telling on a Tuesday at 10 AM in the third grade. Though she struggled with dyslexia, her passion for stories allowed her to overcome the challenges that came with telling them.
While she writes in many genres, she most enjoys creating stories for young adults that place real-life obstacles into fantastic worlds.
You can connect with her via:
Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/KMicheleMose...
Instagram,
https://www.instagram.com/kmichelemos...
While she writes in many genres, she most enjoys creating stories for young adults that place real-life obstacles into fantastic worlds.
You can connect with her via:
Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/KMicheleMose...
Instagram,
https://www.instagram.com/kmichelemos...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 11, 2020
A wonderful debut novel! I don’t read a ton of YA but I really love that this one was a bit understated and nuanced in the feelings and actions category. It wasn’t this tidal wave of emotions, sweeping to and fro amidst a furious battle that would end the galaxy. Instead, it was more of an internal coming of age as Aenya determines who she will be as she steps into womanhood…against the backdrop of rebellion and societal anger.
I loved so many of the themes and pivotal moments in this story! So many wonderful storylines woven in. How to choose a path that is harder but that you know is right, how to respond to a calling (especially when you feel bitter towards it), how friends don’t always have to agree or understand to still help each other forward, how people are layered and it is rarely possible to fully understand them from a distance (especially our enemies, who we want to instantly write off), how there IS an ultimate authority that has the ability to ask more of us, how there is always hope despite how hopeless the situation might seem. I loved all the positive messages in this one, and that they weren’t applied as simple elixirs to make everything better right away. So many of these elements resonated powerfully as they played out.
They aren’t all tidily answered either. Sometimes people need to move forward when nothing beyond the next step is clear. There are still a lot of open questions that I’m excited to see how they play out.
The characters played their roles well. The protagonists were sympathetic; the antagonists, despicable. I appreciated how all of the hero characters were in the middle of a dynamic nest of conflicts, tugging them multiple directions at the same time. No decisions were ever easy or obvious, while they all bore consequences.
Despite so much of the introspection, rest assured, this is not a shoe-gazing story. There is action, life and death, toil and hardship, rebellion and torture. But it serves to support the internal turmoil, building real repercussions of each decision and action.
The rating gets a knock for a couple things. The style is YA-ish (which makes sense, and probably won’t be a problem for most readers). The characters felt a little YA-ish (which makes sense, and probably won’t be a problem for most readers). I really wanted to see a little more of the world building. Darcara scratched the surface of a rich world that has so much more to share! I think showing us a little more of that world would’ve have helped ground the story a bit more.
Overall, a really fun, thoughtful adventure! I’m kind of sad that I’ve read this so early, knowing that now I’ll probably have to wait much longer than I’d like to to read the sequel. Get writing, Mrs. Moseley! I want to see more dragons!
I loved so many of the themes and pivotal moments in this story! So many wonderful storylines woven in. How to choose a path that is harder but that you know is right, how to respond to a calling (especially when you feel bitter towards it), how friends don’t always have to agree or understand to still help each other forward, how people are layered and it is rarely possible to fully understand them from a distance (especially our enemies, who we want to instantly write off), how there IS an ultimate authority that has the ability to ask more of us, how there is always hope despite how hopeless the situation might seem. I loved all the positive messages in this one, and that they weren’t applied as simple elixirs to make everything better right away. So many of these elements resonated powerfully as they played out.
They aren’t all tidily answered either. Sometimes people need to move forward when nothing beyond the next step is clear. There are still a lot of open questions that I’m excited to see how they play out.
The characters played their roles well. The protagonists were sympathetic; the antagonists, despicable. I appreciated how all of the hero characters were in the middle of a dynamic nest of conflicts, tugging them multiple directions at the same time. No decisions were ever easy or obvious, while they all bore consequences.
Despite so much of the introspection, rest assured, this is not a shoe-gazing story. There is action, life and death, toil and hardship, rebellion and torture. But it serves to support the internal turmoil, building real repercussions of each decision and action.
The rating gets a knock for a couple things. The style is YA-ish (which makes sense, and probably won’t be a problem for most readers). The characters felt a little YA-ish (which makes sense, and probably won’t be a problem for most readers). I really wanted to see a little more of the world building. Darcara scratched the surface of a rich world that has so much more to share! I think showing us a little more of that world would’ve have helped ground the story a bit more.
Overall, a really fun, thoughtful adventure! I’m kind of sad that I’ve read this so early, knowing that now I’ll probably have to wait much longer than I’d like to to read the sequel. Get writing, Mrs. Moseley! I want to see more dragons!
April 8, 2022
A lovely and enjoyable YA novel! This is a slow-paced, intricate coming of age story featuring a likable protagonist. I loved seeing Aenya’s internal struggles and conflict, and how she overcomes these over the course of the novel. Her character arc is nicely done. She discoveres who she is amid a rebellion going on and danger at every turn. With so many eyes turned towards her. The themes woven were such good ones. Themes like, choosing what’s right over what’s easy. And how to respond to your calling, even when it seems impossible. A nice debut from K. Michele Moseley! I’m very excited to see what she writes next.
July 9, 2020
The story of Darcara is intense, colorful, passionate, and downright irresistible. The author has an impressive ability to create captivating characters from word one. They are complex, and yet simple and relatable all in the same breath. You feel for each one as they explore what their true calling is, and wonder with them what the right path is to take.
Though it is a far off land with creatures and cultures unknown, you become invested. You root for the heroes and you wish for enemies to fall. There are surprising twists that bring so much unexpected hope and moments of terror - it is an emotional journey completely worth taking. And underneath the fantastical world lies deeper meaning that I have no doubt will impact each reader in their own unique way. I never expected a young adult fantasy novel to be anything but a story, but this is much more than a story. Darcara is a beautifully painted picture, that for me, opened doors to seek what I perhaps need to be listening to within myself.
Powerful, fun, intriguing, engaging, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to get lost in a whole new world and walk away curious about what can be... and WHO can be.
Though it is a far off land with creatures and cultures unknown, you become invested. You root for the heroes and you wish for enemies to fall. There are surprising twists that bring so much unexpected hope and moments of terror - it is an emotional journey completely worth taking. And underneath the fantastical world lies deeper meaning that I have no doubt will impact each reader in their own unique way. I never expected a young adult fantasy novel to be anything but a story, but this is much more than a story. Darcara is a beautifully painted picture, that for me, opened doors to seek what I perhaps need to be listening to within myself.
Powerful, fun, intriguing, engaging, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to get lost in a whole new world and walk away curious about what can be... and WHO can be.
July 20, 2020
This book is like a fairytale, one that reminds me that stories can still grab us by the heart and one that reminds me of what grabbed me as a child and young adult.
I loved journeying along with Aenya on her journey. There's a lovely innocence about her and a beautiful transition of taking fear and turning it into courage. I absolutely adored Rieve and I look forward to seeing where their journey takes them.
The read started a bit slow for me, which I attribute to it taking a bit to get inside Aenya's guarded thoughts, but once the story got going, the magic just kept flowing. Toward the end I kept finding bits that took me back to reading Narnia for the first time and hearing Aslan, which is definitely a job well done.
I loved journeying along with Aenya on her journey. There's a lovely innocence about her and a beautiful transition of taking fear and turning it into courage. I absolutely adored Rieve and I look forward to seeing where their journey takes them.
The read started a bit slow for me, which I attribute to it taking a bit to get inside Aenya's guarded thoughts, but once the story got going, the magic just kept flowing. Toward the end I kept finding bits that took me back to reading Narnia for the first time and hearing Aslan, which is definitely a job well done.
July 8, 2020
This is a must read for all, young adult and adult alike! It’s filled with adventure and excitement from the first page to the last. Make sure you have a good chunk of time carved out before starting this because you will not want to put this down. There were too many occasions that I stayed up way too late reading this.
Even though the world the characters live in is different from our own, their personalities, struggles, and emotions are 100% relatable. Even their “other-world experiences” are written in such a life-like way that I found myself extensively hypothesizing what to do if I ever encountered an angry ogre or mystical elf (I have quite a few theories!).
The author does such a fantastic job of connecting the reader to the characters that I was filled with every emotion imaginable over the course of the adventure (including one evening I broke down in an ugly cry...really glad I was alone for that!).
I seriously hope there will be a sequel to this as I’m already looking forward to diving back into this wonderful world. Excellent, enjoyable, and exciting read. One of the best stories I’ve read—highly recommended!
Even though the world the characters live in is different from our own, their personalities, struggles, and emotions are 100% relatable. Even their “other-world experiences” are written in such a life-like way that I found myself extensively hypothesizing what to do if I ever encountered an angry ogre or mystical elf (I have quite a few theories!).
The author does such a fantastic job of connecting the reader to the characters that I was filled with every emotion imaginable over the course of the adventure (including one evening I broke down in an ugly cry...really glad I was alone for that!).
I seriously hope there will be a sequel to this as I’m already looking forward to diving back into this wonderful world. Excellent, enjoyable, and exciting read. One of the best stories I’ve read—highly recommended!
July 10, 2020
Darcara is a must read! This isn't about heroes but instead the choices and consequences that bring the hero alive inside each one of us. Darcara brings fresh air to epic fantasy storytelling. You won't be disappointed.
August 26, 2020
You ever read a book and you don’t want it to end? That’s what I felt reading DACARA. You know a book is good when the writing gets your imagination fully engaged. DACARA took me on a journey and left me wanting to know more! I’m hoping there is a second DACARA book!
June 24, 2021
I saw this book described as “high fantasy” before I read it and based on the description, I wasn’t sure if it would feel very “high fantasy.” But then I read it and yes, this totally has a high fantasy feel to it, and I loved it. There’s a sense of history and myth that pervades the whole story, especially the scenes in the desert, and the descriptions of Aenya’s visions are beautiful.
Aenya has such a personality, she just jumps off the page. Sometimes I wanted to smack her, but in a good kind of way—I was rooting for her character development. And Rieve was surprisingly loveable—a total puppy.
When I started the book, I was expecting the adventure to start right off, and I was *not* expecting the “arranged marriage romance” angle it took. It startled me a little, honestly, but once I settled into the new story direction I really enjoyed it (and did I mention I love Rieve?). And I loved that there was never any hint of a “love triangle” or romance between Aenya and Lewin—they gave me found family feels and I loved them. The romance itself is actually very understated—it’s more of a developing friendship that sets up the potential for future love. While I like romance, I also enjoyed that angle—it felt real.
There were a few times where I was a bit confused as to who the real villain of the story was, but overall I felt the plot was solid. It’s a more character-focused story than a plot-focused story (and that focus is solidified by the first-person present-tense writing—it’s a style that can be off-putting if not done well, but this was done well). But overall, the characters, writing, and worldbuilding stood out to me than the actual outward plot/the war that we were often told about but saw very little of.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story—there’s a little adventure, there’s DRAGONS, there’s a hint of romance, and the writing is beautiful.
Aenya has such a personality, she just jumps off the page. Sometimes I wanted to smack her, but in a good kind of way—I was rooting for her character development. And Rieve was surprisingly loveable—a total puppy.
When I started the book, I was expecting the adventure to start right off, and I was *not* expecting the “arranged marriage romance” angle it took. It startled me a little, honestly, but once I settled into the new story direction I really enjoyed it (and did I mention I love Rieve?). And I loved that there was never any hint of a “love triangle” or romance between Aenya and Lewin—they gave me found family feels and I loved them. The romance itself is actually very understated—it’s more of a developing friendship that sets up the potential for future love. While I like romance, I also enjoyed that angle—it felt real.
There were a few times where I was a bit confused as to who the real villain of the story was, but overall I felt the plot was solid. It’s a more character-focused story than a plot-focused story (and that focus is solidified by the first-person present-tense writing—it’s a style that can be off-putting if not done well, but this was done well). But overall, the characters, writing, and worldbuilding stood out to me than the actual outward plot/the war that we were often told about but saw very little of.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story—there’s a little adventure, there’s DRAGONS, there’s a hint of romance, and the writing is beautiful.
July 28, 2020
Still reeling from tearing my way through this fantastically engrossing debut novel. For reference, I am a slow reader: on average it takes me a couple months to make my way through a book. I finished this book in a couple weeks. I just couldn't put it down. Housework? Dinner? Hold up--I'm reading Darcara.
What had me most invested was probably the friendship between Aenya and Lewin. Their dynamic is so real and so inspiring, I just kept wanting to see more. That doesn't mean their relationship is always easy. This book is not full of easy things! But I love that they care enough to push each other to make the hard choices.
Speaking of hard things, thank you for writing a book in which things are complicated. In which charming, lovable people can still be part of a system that needs to change. In which following the right path hurts--sometimes literally! This book is not a power fantasy. It's a very real story about showing courage even when you don't feel powerful.
If I had to make one complaint, it would be that the Advanced Review Copy I read still had more typos than I would expect in a finished work. With a story this good, I hope final proofreading gives it the care it deserves. However, even if nothing changed between the ARC and final publication, the story would still be captivating.
What had me most invested was probably the friendship between Aenya and Lewin. Their dynamic is so real and so inspiring, I just kept wanting to see more. That doesn't mean their relationship is always easy. This book is not full of easy things! But I love that they care enough to push each other to make the hard choices.
Speaking of hard things, thank you for writing a book in which things are complicated. In which charming, lovable people can still be part of a system that needs to change. In which following the right path hurts--sometimes literally! This book is not a power fantasy. It's a very real story about showing courage even when you don't feel powerful.
If I had to make one complaint, it would be that the Advanced Review Copy I read still had more typos than I would expect in a finished work. With a story this good, I hope final proofreading gives it the care it deserves. However, even if nothing changed between the ARC and final publication, the story would still be captivating.
October 16, 2021
Still reeling from tearing my way through this fantastically engrossing debut novel. For reference, I am a slow reader: on average it takes me a couple months to make my way through a book. I finished this book in a couple weeks. I just couldn't put it down. Housework? Dinner? Hold up--I'm reading Heir of Elriyon.
What had me most invested was probably the friendship between Aenya and Lewin. Their dynamic is so real and so inspiring, I just kept wanting to see more. That doesn't mean their relationship is always easy. This book is not full of easy things! But I love that they care enough to push each other to make the hard choices.
Speaking of hard things, thank you for writing a book in which things are complicated. In which charming, lovable people can still be part of a system that needs to change. In which following the right path hurts--sometimes literally! This book is not a power fantasy. It's a very real story about showing courage even when you don't feel powerful.
Also, heads up that there's a fantastic prequel short story called "Forgotten Promise." I got it by subscribing to the author's email list, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone else do the same. You could enjoy the short story as a preview of K. Michele Moseley's writing style, but I found reading it after I finished Heir of Elriyon especially interesting.
What had me most invested was probably the friendship between Aenya and Lewin. Their dynamic is so real and so inspiring, I just kept wanting to see more. That doesn't mean their relationship is always easy. This book is not full of easy things! But I love that they care enough to push each other to make the hard choices.
Speaking of hard things, thank you for writing a book in which things are complicated. In which charming, lovable people can still be part of a system that needs to change. In which following the right path hurts--sometimes literally! This book is not a power fantasy. It's a very real story about showing courage even when you don't feel powerful.
Also, heads up that there's a fantastic prequel short story called "Forgotten Promise." I got it by subscribing to the author's email list, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone else do the same. You could enjoy the short story as a preview of K. Michele Moseley's writing style, but I found reading it after I finished Heir of Elriyon especially interesting.
February 17, 2022
Heir of Elriyon (or, Darcara) is a tale of fear, courage, and calling. Aenya was a fascinating character to read, with so many different facets to her. Independent, yet willing to bow; courageous, yet at times ruled by fear; wounded by an abusive mentor figure, yet able to find strength in his teachings; self-sacrificing, yet at times quite selfish. All of these contradictions were written so well—no one is completely one thing and Aenya felt so much like a real person to me. Our two main guys were also great and I came to lvoe them both (and there was ZERO love-triangle! Yay!). Finally, a big aspect of the story is a battle of wills between man and God (or, the God-like character, anyway), and I thought it was quite well-realized.
The only cons for me in this book were a slower pace than I like (which I know many readers will LOVE), and that it took what felt like a really long time to get to what the book blurb talked about, so I was left a little confused what the story was actually about (I still enjoyed everything up until that point, I was just constantly wondering why we were spending so much time before Aenya's running away. It makes sense now, just go into it knowing that the running away part is only the second half of the book).
The only cons for me in this book were a slower pace than I like (which I know many readers will LOVE), and that it took what felt like a really long time to get to what the book blurb talked about, so I was left a little confused what the story was actually about (I still enjoyed everything up until that point, I was just constantly wondering why we were spending so much time before Aenya's running away. It makes sense now, just go into it knowing that the running away part is only the second half of the book).
September 4, 2025
Full confession: It's been a while since I finished Heir of Elyrion, so my thoughts are a little fuzzy. But onto the review. Because my memories are a little vague, I'm just going to walk to the various story elements.
The worldbuilding was neat. Mosely had a fresh and unique take on both dragons (Dargun) and elves, which isn't easily done. The color visions that the Dargun sent were neat.
The characters were well-done. I loved the adoptive brother/sister relationship between Aeyna and Lewin. And Rieve was great.
The plot was good. There was one point where Aeyna's consistent resistance of the Darguns' plan that did start to feel repetitive and start to grate on me a little.
The audiobook narrator did a very nice job, giving everyone unique voices and adding accents to enhance the story. It was a very nice book to listen to.
Cautions: brief, semi-graphic violence; light romance*
*It's been a while since I finished Heir of Elyrion, so I may have forgotten a caution.
***I received an audiobook from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.***
The worldbuilding was neat. Mosely had a fresh and unique take on both dragons (Dargun) and elves, which isn't easily done. The color visions that the Dargun sent were neat.
The characters were well-done. I loved the adoptive brother/sister relationship between Aeyna and Lewin. And Rieve was great.
The plot was good. There was one point where Aeyna's consistent resistance of the Darguns' plan that did start to feel repetitive and start to grate on me a little.
The audiobook narrator did a very nice job, giving everyone unique voices and adding accents to enhance the story. It was a very nice book to listen to.
Cautions: brief, semi-graphic violence; light romance*
*It's been a while since I finished Heir of Elyrion, so I may have forgotten a caution.
***I received an audiobook from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.***
August 13, 2020
Without giving away spoilers...let me put it in YA nerd-tear-falling-from-geekness for you.
You. will. love. this. book.
The setting is easy to fall into, the language is accessible, the plot turns like jazz music, and the characters will pull on you long after you've put the book down. Can you feel the sand? Can you feel her migraines? Don't you just want to jump in and tell her she's awesome if only she'd believe in herself!!! Yes. And yes. And YES!
There are so many cute moments, and scary moments, and awesome moments. The relationship Aenya has with her magic is such a universal theme for young ladies these days. And the way Moseley writes how Aenya walks into her confidence is so needed. She stumbles, she fights, she falls, and she LEARNS FROM IT ALL AND BECOMES AMAZING.
I'm trying SO hard not to give away spoilers. Just read the thing. You'll see what I mean. You. will. love. this. book. You will also love K. Michele Moseley. Can't wait for her next books!
You. will. love. this. book.
The setting is easy to fall into, the language is accessible, the plot turns like jazz music, and the characters will pull on you long after you've put the book down. Can you feel the sand? Can you feel her migraines? Don't you just want to jump in and tell her she's awesome if only she'd believe in herself!!! Yes. And yes. And YES!
There are so many cute moments, and scary moments, and awesome moments. The relationship Aenya has with her magic is such a universal theme for young ladies these days. And the way Moseley writes how Aenya walks into her confidence is so needed. She stumbles, she fights, she falls, and she LEARNS FROM IT ALL AND BECOMES AMAZING.
I'm trying SO hard not to give away spoilers. Just read the thing. You'll see what I mean. You. will. love. this. book. You will also love K. Michele Moseley. Can't wait for her next books!
August 19, 2020
Darcara is a story of loss, learning, healing, and hope. I would recommend it to anyone interested in stories of personal growth, whether young adult fantasy fiction is your general preference or not.
As a reader who generally drinks in dense, wordy sentences with joy, many YA novels lose my interest quickly, but this reminds me of some of the best in the genre that I enjoyed as a girl (a la McKinley and Levine). Though geared toward teen readers, the author's poeticism flashes through time and time again with refreshing descriptions and metaphors, and I enjoyed myself all the way through.
The exploration of duty, self-sacrifice, fear, fortitude, and the resiliency of trust is compelling, both mentally and emotionally. Pivotal moments for the main character prompted self-reflection for me as well at several points as I read. At other times I laughed out loud at the well-written interactions between friends. I have had my eyes well with tears and had shivers running up and down my spine because of Mrs. Mosley, and I can't wait to read more from her.
As a reader who generally drinks in dense, wordy sentences with joy, many YA novels lose my interest quickly, but this reminds me of some of the best in the genre that I enjoyed as a girl (a la McKinley and Levine). Though geared toward teen readers, the author's poeticism flashes through time and time again with refreshing descriptions and metaphors, and I enjoyed myself all the way through.
The exploration of duty, self-sacrifice, fear, fortitude, and the resiliency of trust is compelling, both mentally and emotionally. Pivotal moments for the main character prompted self-reflection for me as well at several points as I read. At other times I laughed out loud at the well-written interactions between friends. I have had my eyes well with tears and had shivers running up and down my spine because of Mrs. Mosley, and I can't wait to read more from her.
July 17, 2020
This is a wonderful first novel which fully embraces the idea that truth can be conveyed through fantasy literature. K. Michele Moseley does not shy away from making characters who have flaws, and the interactions of those characters and the growth they experience tells a compelling story of growing up and embracing responsibility and gifting even when it's hard. Although the setting is fantastical, the themes and ideas are universal. As I read, I found myself reminded in positive ways of Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, and the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. If you're looking for a young adult story with action, internal struggle, great character dynamics, and awesome dragons, then you should definitely check it out. Any book that can make me laugh out loud and cry at the ending is a winner to me! Highly recommended.
November 20, 2021
This was a blast to listen to on audio. I loved the narrator's voice. I was a little confused at the beginning with some details, but I think that is more because I am not very good at remembering oral details (I have to see words written down). The end picked up pace very quickly and I loved the allegory there with the Dargoons. Beautiful story-telling and characters you really root for.
December 11, 2024
If you’re looking for a fantasy novel with a unique magic system, intricate world building, and a different take on classic fantasy creatures, well! This is the book for you!
September 17, 2021
A strong debut from a promising new author, Heir of Elriyon is a fantasy adventure at once familiar and unique in execution. Moseley writes with a strong voice and confidence, focusing on Aenya, a young woman with an unimaginable destiny, chosen both to be the future ruson--sort of like a Queen--of her people, and chosen as a messenger of the dargun, dragons that serve as almost angelic or godlike beings in this world, bestowing spiritual guidance and supernatural connection to those who hear from them.
The problem is, that Aenya is terribly unwilling to have all of this grand destiny thrust at her, and, together with her childhood friend, Lewin, decides to run for it. Until she can't run anymore.
In a lot of ways, Heir of Elriyon reminds me of the novels that made me fall in love with the fantasy genre when I was a child, a fun adventure with some solid allegorical concepts about faith and fear. This is also in some ways a weakness; oftentimes this book can read more like a middle-grade novel than true YA, especially in more whimsical moments (such as a charming village in the woods grown out of trees, or the excess of fantastical terms). But, on the other hand, it isn't the same cookie cutter YA fantasy I've read a thousand times, so one's mileage may vary own whether that's a weakness or strength.
There's some enjoyable and memorable characters and ideas here; I particularly loved Rieve, Aenya's betrothed, who is undeniably charming, and the depiction of dragons as semi-mystical beings was fascinating. The way dragons communicate with people, by sending them visions of color and light, was a beautiful concept, and unlike anything I've seen in the genre.
Overall, as I said, it's a very strong debut, and I look forward to seeing what Moseley does in the future.
The problem is, that Aenya is terribly unwilling to have all of this grand destiny thrust at her, and, together with her childhood friend, Lewin, decides to run for it. Until she can't run anymore.
In a lot of ways, Heir of Elriyon reminds me of the novels that made me fall in love with the fantasy genre when I was a child, a fun adventure with some solid allegorical concepts about faith and fear. This is also in some ways a weakness; oftentimes this book can read more like a middle-grade novel than true YA, especially in more whimsical moments (such as a charming village in the woods grown out of trees, or the excess of fantastical terms). But, on the other hand, it isn't the same cookie cutter YA fantasy I've read a thousand times, so one's mileage may vary own whether that's a weakness or strength.
There's some enjoyable and memorable characters and ideas here; I particularly loved Rieve, Aenya's betrothed, who is undeniably charming, and the depiction of dragons as semi-mystical beings was fascinating. The way dragons communicate with people, by sending them visions of color and light, was a beautiful concept, and unlike anything I've seen in the genre.
Overall, as I said, it's a very strong debut, and I look forward to seeing what Moseley does in the future.
September 30, 2020
An adventure that captured my attention. Loved the 3 main characters and their relationships as they grew and changed. In another world, but not so different than our own, with elves and dragons and the ruling class and the hard working class. I enjoyed the mystery and slow revelation as they journey through this unknown land. Kudos to the author on her debut novel. I’m looking forward to a sequel.
September 19, 2020
I really loved this book. The way the author writes I felt so immersed in the environment along with Aenya. I was drawn to the characters right away and I found myself really looking forward to when I would read again to find out what Aenya would do next. It’s a beautiful YA fantasy adventure!
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