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Heir of the Forsaken #1
Daughter of Embers
She was born to destroy the world.
Esme Oakenheart knows of only one thing: control her emotions at all costs. All her life she's been kept indoors with only the servants and her books as company. Now at the age of eighteen, she is expected to marry a prince whom she has never met in order to secure peace with her kingdom.
Everything goes according to plan until her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. Now lost and with only Magnus, the captain of the royal guard, as her ally, Esme must find out who was behind the attack, but things are not what they seem. Her people are starving and in grave danger.
Can Esme manage to control her powers or is she doomed to fulfill her curse and become the monster she fears to be?
If you like kick-butt heroines, slow-burn romance, intriguing magic, and breathtaking adventure then you will love Daughter of Embers. Grab your copy today to journey into a medieval world of princesses and sorceresses, elves and knights, and a curse that will change their world forever.
Daughter of Embers is the first book in the romantic fantasy Heir of the Forsaken series. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo!
Esme Oakenheart knows of only one thing: control her emotions at all costs. All her life she's been kept indoors with only the servants and her books as company. Now at the age of eighteen, she is expected to marry a prince whom she has never met in order to secure peace with her kingdom.
Everything goes according to plan until her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. Now lost and with only Magnus, the captain of the royal guard, as her ally, Esme must find out who was behind the attack, but things are not what they seem. Her people are starving and in grave danger.
Can Esme manage to control her powers or is she doomed to fulfill her curse and become the monster she fears to be?
If you like kick-butt heroines, slow-burn romance, intriguing magic, and breathtaking adventure then you will love Daughter of Embers. Grab your copy today to journey into a medieval world of princesses and sorceresses, elves and knights, and a curse that will change their world forever.
Daughter of Embers is the first book in the romantic fantasy Heir of the Forsaken series. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo!
- GenresFantasy
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2021
55 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 21, 2021
A book in which a cursed princess must travel to marry a prince from a neighbouring kingdom to save her own is usually right up my alley.
I assumed this would be an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, but then the bodyguard (in this case the Captain of the Royal Guard) was introduced and I was like "HELLO THERE".
I shipped it from the beginning honestly, but I was waiting to see the prince to know which team I'm on. And after I did...yeah, the other kingdom can keep him, thanks. He does have a cool name though.
This was a very smooth and easy read, I finished it in one sitting which I like. The writing was better in some parts than others. I think the battle scenes could've been written to be more dynamic.
The characters were the best part of this story. I admire Esme's bravery and everything she's willing to go through to save her kingdom and the people she cares about. And Magnus (another cool name here, how could I NOT simp?) is young, but tries his best to protect her.
About Magnus, his age didn't work for me. In my head I imagined him a few years older, that made more sense.
The plot was the "weakest" part of the book. By which I mean, some things didn't make sense and others weren't explained. Hopefully they will be in later books.
The final chapter is especially guilty of this, left me with even more questions. That's just mean.
Something I didn't like is all the deaths. That many weren't really necessary and I didn't feel their impact as I should've because I barely got to know them.
To end this on a more positive note, I like that Esme isn't the only magical one in the land. I'm interested in learning more about the other person, mainly because of what they said at the end.
And I do hope Esme can find what she's looking for and change her destiny.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I assumed this would be an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, but then the bodyguard (in this case the Captain of the Royal Guard) was introduced and I was like "HELLO THERE".
I shipped it from the beginning honestly, but I was waiting to see the prince to know which team I'm on. And after I did...yeah, the other kingdom can keep him, thanks. He does have a cool name though.
This was a very smooth and easy read, I finished it in one sitting which I like. The writing was better in some parts than others. I think the battle scenes could've been written to be more dynamic.
The characters were the best part of this story. I admire Esme's bravery and everything she's willing to go through to save her kingdom and the people she cares about. And Magnus (another cool name here, how could I NOT simp?) is young, but tries his best to protect her.
About Magnus, his age didn't work for me. In my head I imagined him a few years older, that made more sense.
The plot was the "weakest" part of the book. By which I mean, some things didn't make sense and others weren't explained. Hopefully they will be in later books.
The final chapter is especially guilty of this, left me with even more questions. That's just mean.
Something I didn't like is all the deaths. That many weren't really necessary and I didn't feel their impact as I should've because I barely got to know them.
To end this on a more positive note, I like that Esme isn't the only magical one in the land. I'm interested in learning more about the other person, mainly because of what they said at the end.
And I do hope Esme can find what she's looking for and change her destiny.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2021
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
A fantastic story!
Esme Oakenheart is prophecized to be a destroyer at her birth. Spending all her time locked up in a library, her only goal is to push down her powers for fear of being unleashed and killing all her people. When she is sent away to marry the prince of another kingdom, her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. With only Captain Magnus left alive, she comes across a deadly plot that threatens her kingdom.
I loved the story right from the start and even though it took me more time than usual to finish it, I was completely hooked. The characters are amazing and I loved Esme. I enjoyed watching her interactions with people, especially after being confined in the castle for so long. She is driven and kind and determined to protect the innocent around her. Also, I always have a soft spot for characters who love books.
Magnus is a sweetheart and I kept rooting for him throughout the book. The thing I liked most about his personality is that, even though he is the Captain and expected to hide his emotions, he has his vulnerabilities and isn't afraid to show them.
I kept waiting for something to happen between the 2 of them and there were instances when I thought they'd kiss, but they didn't. I really hope the next book has some action.
The supporting characters did a great job in helping the story progress.
The world-building was limited, but enough. I think the book had the right amount of description. I don't like it when the details go on and on.
I'm intrigued about Esme's magic and I liked the scenes where she unleashes them. Very badass!
The book ended with a cliffhanger and now I have a lot of questions. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the story unravels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it has helped me a little with my reading slump.
A fantastic story!
Esme Oakenheart is prophecized to be a destroyer at her birth. Spending all her time locked up in a library, her only goal is to push down her powers for fear of being unleashed and killing all her people. When she is sent away to marry the prince of another kingdom, her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. With only Captain Magnus left alive, she comes across a deadly plot that threatens her kingdom.
I loved the story right from the start and even though it took me more time than usual to finish it, I was completely hooked. The characters are amazing and I loved Esme. I enjoyed watching her interactions with people, especially after being confined in the castle for so long. She is driven and kind and determined to protect the innocent around her. Also, I always have a soft spot for characters who love books.
Magnus is a sweetheart and I kept rooting for him throughout the book. The thing I liked most about his personality is that, even though he is the Captain and expected to hide his emotions, he has his vulnerabilities and isn't afraid to show them.
I kept waiting for something to happen between the 2 of them and there were instances when I thought they'd kiss, but they didn't. I really hope the next book has some action.
The supporting characters did a great job in helping the story progress.
The world-building was limited, but enough. I think the book had the right amount of description. I don't like it when the details go on and on.
I'm intrigued about Esme's magic and I liked the scenes where she unleashes them. Very badass!
The book ended with a cliffhanger and now I have a lot of questions. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the story unravels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it has helped me a little with my reading slump.
June 9, 2021
This was really interesting, the lore was quite different and exciting. The characters were beautifully written, the storyline itself was unique. I loved everything about this book, it was tragic in places. I felt bad for the main character, her life was complicated even before it began. She was burdened with so much from such a young age, and had been tasked with too much responsibility for a young woman her age. This story will drag emotions from you, and leave you reeling. I couldn't put it down.
June 10, 2021
Do you like reading about the underdog? Magical beings? backstabbing? Goddess Prophecies? Then this is the book for you!
Esme is strong and empathetic in a harsh world. I would class this as a slow burn type of novel.
Everyone loves a good cliffhanger and this novel delivers it to you in spades!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Esme is strong and empathetic in a harsh world. I would class this as a slow burn type of novel.
Everyone loves a good cliffhanger and this novel delivers it to you in spades!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2021
Wow! What a series starter!
This book has all of my favorites; treachery, intrigue, Magic, and nasty villains. Princess Esme of Resina was branded at birth as the child that would fulfill the Goddesses’ prophecy of the Destroyer. Her father, the king, has helped her learn the control she needs to keep her powers suppressed but treachery and betrayal will soon test that control to its limits. The captain of the King’s guard, Magnus, and some of his men will be her escort to a neighboring kingdom where she will marry the prince in order to save her people but the journey has unknown dangers and soon Magnus and Esme will be on the run and fighting to survive.
This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the next book! There is plenty of action to keep the plot interesting. It culminates in a cliffhanger, which always drives me crazy since I will have to wait for the next book to see what happens. I finished it in one day.
This book has all of my favorites; treachery, intrigue, Magic, and nasty villains. Princess Esme of Resina was branded at birth as the child that would fulfill the Goddesses’ prophecy of the Destroyer. Her father, the king, has helped her learn the control she needs to keep her powers suppressed but treachery and betrayal will soon test that control to its limits. The captain of the King’s guard, Magnus, and some of his men will be her escort to a neighboring kingdom where she will marry the prince in order to save her people but the journey has unknown dangers and soon Magnus and Esme will be on the run and fighting to survive.
This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the next book! There is plenty of action to keep the plot interesting. It culminates in a cliffhanger, which always drives me crazy since I will have to wait for the next book to see what happens. I finished it in one day.
March 31, 2021
The plot summary is what intrigued me most about this but the story felt a little flat. More topical. I would've liked to have seen more things dived into and discussed in this first novel. There wasn't quite enough to keep me interested in the series. A couple of spelling errors in here too which were easy to overlook. A few cliche lines used as well. Overall not a bad story. Hopefully the rest of the series learns to show more than tell.
March 29, 2021
I loved this book. Esme is not some weak Disney princess that needs to be recused. She makes plans and thinks things through. She thinks about others and puts them first. She could things with her magic but doesn’t because she is concerned for other’s safety. I was drawn into this book from the beginning. I can’ wait for the next one. The mystery keeps growing. The world building is detailed and imaginative. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2021
This first book is incredible! It’s well written and gripping and one hell of an adventure. Our heroine is a totally kick ass princess and is in a fantastic world built by this author. It’s a medical world full of magic and sorceresses, elves and knights, danger, a curse and hope. I love the storyline with the curse, love the characters and I really look forward to more!
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was well developed, the characters were complex and well developed. The story world was detailed. The writing drew me in and I felt immersed in the story! I would highly recommend this book!
March 11, 2021
This book was so good! When Esme is born, an old woman tells the king that she will destroy the land with her curse, so she is kept away from people in order tobkeep her powers under control. However, famine has struck her father's kingdom and in order to save her people, she will be marrying the prince of a neighboring kingdom. On the way, they are attacked, and Esme escapes with little more than her life. Now she and Magnus, captain of the guard, must find out who is behind the attack and get her safely to her betrothed. All the while, Esme fights to keep her curse a secret from everyone.
The story is so well written that I was attached to the characters from the beginning. And that last chapter has be needing the next book as soon as possible! I can't wait to see where the author takes the story from here.
The story is so well written that I was attached to the characters from the beginning. And that last chapter has be needing the next book as soon as possible! I can't wait to see where the author takes the story from here.
March 17, 2021
I really thoroughly enjoyed this story! It had me reading until the wee hours of the morning. I loved the princess and the Knights characters the most. This is a really good read, i highly recommend it.
July 11, 2023
To say that Esme's birth was difficult is an understatement.
Born of a King and Queen, she lost her mother in her childbirth and was raised by her father, once he learned that she possessed a gift, (Some would call it a curse).
Having to keep her emotions in check by all means, she was raised sheltered and basically lived in her father's study and/or her library.
One day, she is summoned by her father, the King, who tells her that he made an arrangement with the neighboring to have her marry his first son. Staying that this is for the Kingdom, she is to depart darkly next morning under the protection of Magnus, Captain of the Royal Guards.
The author uses her gift to virtually take the reader on an adventure with a young untested Royal and her personal security bodyguard, amongst other functions, who will face uncontrolled powers, new environment discoveries, treachery, love, hate, battles, murders, all under the cover of secrecy as one witness when the mastermind is a coward having all his deeds done by others and hiding from the responsibility for the consequences of these deeds.
In addition, the author succeeds in creating a special and adapted personality for these fantastic main characters. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 Stars.
Born of a King and Queen, she lost her mother in her childbirth and was raised by her father, once he learned that she possessed a gift, (Some would call it a curse).
Having to keep her emotions in check by all means, she was raised sheltered and basically lived in her father's study and/or her library.
One day, she is summoned by her father, the King, who tells her that he made an arrangement with the neighboring to have her marry his first son. Staying that this is for the Kingdom, she is to depart darkly next morning under the protection of Magnus, Captain of the Royal Guards.
The author uses her gift to virtually take the reader on an adventure with a young untested Royal and her personal security bodyguard, amongst other functions, who will face uncontrolled powers, new environment discoveries, treachery, love, hate, battles, murders, all under the cover of secrecy as one witness when the mastermind is a coward having all his deeds done by others and hiding from the responsibility for the consequences of these deeds.
In addition, the author succeeds in creating a special and adapted personality for these fantastic main characters. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 Stars.
June 27, 2021
"That child will be the end of all of us." So begins Esme Oakenheart's life. She is prophesied to be the Destroyer of the world. Her father, King Daylen, teaches her to control her powers and she becomes a bookworm, hardly interacting with anyone.
When she comes of age, she is told that she is being sent to another kingdom to marry a Prince she has never met. When her convoy is attacked by bandits and everyone is killed except the head of her father's guards, Magnus, Esme must rely on him to keep her safe.
The pair soon discover that there is more to the attack than just simple bandits and might be connected to her upcoming marriage. Esme is determined to carry out her father's wishes, but Magnus is equally as determined to keep her safe.
This was a well-written and fast paced book, full of betrayal, action, a budding romance, and magic. The characters were well-developed and I found myself becoming involved with the book very quickly. It did end on a cliffhanger, so be aware that all will not be answered in this book (which is obviously part of a series). I was given the chance to read this book through Booksprouts and chose to review it.
When she comes of age, she is told that she is being sent to another kingdom to marry a Prince she has never met. When her convoy is attacked by bandits and everyone is killed except the head of her father's guards, Magnus, Esme must rely on him to keep her safe.
The pair soon discover that there is more to the attack than just simple bandits and might be connected to her upcoming marriage. Esme is determined to carry out her father's wishes, but Magnus is equally as determined to keep her safe.
This was a well-written and fast paced book, full of betrayal, action, a budding romance, and magic. The characters were well-developed and I found myself becoming involved with the book very quickly. It did end on a cliffhanger, so be aware that all will not be answered in this book (which is obviously part of a series). I was given the chance to read this book through Booksprouts and chose to review it.
June 30, 2021
I must admit I don't usually read this type of story. It was a little dark for me in places. There were a few very interesting twists in the tale of a knight protecting his princess. Princess Esme was born with a prophecy that she would destroy the world with her inner power. Her father keeps her secluded in their castle until she is 18 helping her control the power. She is now to marry the prince of a neighboring kingdom who knows nothing of her powers. One of the kings top guards is sent with her to keep her safe. They are attacked on the way by mercenaries. They go into hiding to find out who is behind it. The answer to that is a complete surprise. From then on it a fight for survival for Esme and Magnus. They want to get back to save her father while keeping Esme's identity a secret. It is a roller coaster ride to the end and sets you up for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this work. It's in third person, so it was easier to get to know the characters versus being written in first person. I enjoyed the read and found the characters to be great, the main two characters were fantastic, different from each other but they had a chemistry that I am excited to see grow over the course of the story as it continues on into the next book. The plot was great with some twists and turns, the ending has me eager for the next book to come out.
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2021
This is my 1st book by Clara C. Johnson I have read. It was so over the top fantastic I bought more of her books! And can't wait for more.
The medieval world building is fantastic & the character development is very interesting, intriguing & complex.
This book has a strong, selfless, kick ass heroine which is always a character I look forward to reading about. The story flows very well and has a little bit of everything in the plot line.
I HIGY RECOMMEND YOU BUY NOW WITH ONE CLICK! You won't be disappointed!
Clara C. Johnson has a new fan!
The medieval world building is fantastic & the character development is very interesting, intriguing & complex.
This book has a strong, selfless, kick ass heroine which is always a character I look forward to reading about. The story flows very well and has a little bit of everything in the plot line.
I HIGY RECOMMEND YOU BUY NOW WITH ONE CLICK! You won't be disappointed!
Clara C. Johnson has a new fan!
June 25, 2021
This is the story of Esme and what happens to her as she leaves the comfort of her Father and is attacked by bandits. Her and the Captain of the Guard are the only ones who survive and thus begins a wild story as these 2 try to stay alive and figure out what is really going on. It was fun and amusing to watch Esme struggle and become stronger. I loved the characters and the story was interesting and hard to put down as I had to see what would be uncovered and what would happen to Esme out in the real world.
June 26, 2021
This was a very interesting first book In the series. A supposed planned alliance between kingdoms Resina and Esnos does not materialize as expected. I liked how Esme and Magnus worked together to try understand what was happening and put their own plan in place. An epic fantasy filled with love, duty, betrayal and magical elements made for a great read. A new character with unexpected abilities introduced at the end brings a particular twist to the plot that I am interested to see unfold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2021
Esme was born with a power that she cannot control so she keeps her emotions in check so it does not get out. When she was born with silver hair and blue eyes, an old crone declared her the Destroyer, the one who would end life on the planet because the Goddess was fed up with humanity. When Esme was 18, her father, the King of Resina, made a deal with the evil King of Esnos to wed his precious Esme to Prince Jandor so the people of Resina would not starve. And so the adventure begins with plenty of action and close calls. This story ends in a cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
August 25, 2021
Interesting
It's an odd story. Princess Esme, promised to marry a Prince she's never met. A soldier tasked with guarding her. They are attacked on the road to the other kingdom, only to find that the king is a wicked liar. That he invaded her kingdom and killed the palace people, including the guards.
Marcus is trying to save Esme. She explains to him the curse that she has, a power that takes over when she's in danger. She is the destroyer of worlds. We'll see what happens next.
Read on my friends
It's an odd story. Princess Esme, promised to marry a Prince she's never met. A soldier tasked with guarding her. They are attacked on the road to the other kingdom, only to find that the king is a wicked liar. That he invaded her kingdom and killed the palace people, including the guards.
Marcus is trying to save Esme. She explains to him the curse that she has, a power that takes over when she's in danger. She is the destroyer of worlds. We'll see what happens next.
Read on my friends
April 2, 2021
I thought this book was excellent. It was well written and the characters and story were well developed. I loved the character dynamics and their individual personalities. The story was action packed and full of twists and turns. It had suspense, intrigue and emotion. I’d highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in this series!!
I received an arc for a voluntary review.
I received an arc for a voluntary review.
June 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it took me a couple of chapters to get into it but then I was hooked! It’s not what I was expecting and seemed to take a few twists and turns with all sorts of things I didn’t expect! A definite must-read for lovers of the genre!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2021
It did keep me reading - even though I still don’t know how or why she has powers which she didn’t inherit from anywhere. Story line is a bit unfulfilling -
I will see if I feel the same in June after reading the 2nd in the series.
I will see if I feel the same in June after reading the 2nd in the series.
August 9, 2021
This felt like a children's book... written by a child. I'm almost ashamed to say that I finished it. There was no character development, the plot didn't make sense, and ultimately nothing really happened.
June 25, 2021
I could not put this book down. Even stayed up late and put all other work aside so I could finish it.
Really love the twist at the end, along with all the characters.
Cannot wait to see where this goes...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really love the twist at the end, along with all the characters.
Cannot wait to see where this goes...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
A new author for me and let's say book 1 was a big hit. Great characters and the world building was great. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Esme has a great power that she always has trouble controlling. Her power requires her to keep her emotions under control at all times to avoid catastrophe. When an old crone saw her silver hair and blue eyes, she claimed Esme was the one who would end life on the planet. She was the destroyer. As Esme turned 18, her father struck a deal with the evil king of Esnos. Esme would marry his son Prince Jandor whom she had never met. As she is on her way, her convoy is attacked & everyone is killed except Magnus the head of her fathers guard. They begin to wonder if this is the work of more than simple bandits. Plenty of action to keep you turning pages. Loved it.
Esme has a great power that she always has trouble controlling. Her power requires her to keep her emotions under control at all times to avoid catastrophe. When an old crone saw her silver hair and blue eyes, she claimed Esme was the one who would end life on the planet. She was the destroyer. As Esme turned 18, her father struck a deal with the evil king of Esnos. Esme would marry his son Prince Jandor whom she had never met. As she is on her way, her convoy is attacked & everyone is killed except Magnus the head of her fathers guard. They begin to wonder if this is the work of more than simple bandits. Plenty of action to keep you turning pages. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews