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Heir to the Darkmage #1
Heir to the Darkmage
Ambition drives her. Danger thrills her. But magic always has a price.
Twenty years have passed since the Darkmage was destroyed and the war between mages ended. For Lira Astor, the single living heir to the Darkmage, escaping her name is impossible. People still fear what is long dead, and they see in her the rise of another dangerous mage with deadly ambition. Desperate to claw her way free of her grandfather’s shadow, to make her own name amongst the world of mages, Lira is willing to do whatever it takes. Even if that means joining the secretive rebel group looking to restore his vision.
Survival is a lesson Lira learned early and often, yet when she is abducted and held prisoner in a deadly game of cat and mouse, she finds herself facing a nemesis she may be no match for. Forced to band together with unlikely allies who challenge everything she believes about what it means to be a mage, she will have to rely on every bit of ruthlessness she possesses.
Because the war may only just be beginning…
…and Lira Astor intends to come out on top.
Twenty years have passed since the Darkmage was destroyed and the war between mages ended. For Lira Astor, the single living heir to the Darkmage, escaping her name is impossible. People still fear what is long dead, and they see in her the rise of another dangerous mage with deadly ambition. Desperate to claw her way free of her grandfather’s shadow, to make her own name amongst the world of mages, Lira is willing to do whatever it takes. Even if that means joining the secretive rebel group looking to restore his vision.
Survival is a lesson Lira learned early and often, yet when she is abducted and held prisoner in a deadly game of cat and mouse, she finds herself facing a nemesis she may be no match for. Forced to band together with unlikely allies who challenge everything she believes about what it means to be a mage, she will have to rely on every bit of ruthlessness she possesses.
Because the war may only just be beginning…
…and Lira Astor intends to come out on top.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
169 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Cassidy
18 books256 followersLisa is a fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She’s a self-confessed coffee snob (don’t try coming near her with any of that instant coffee rubbish) but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers.
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 22, 2021
My first book by Lisa Cassidy and it definitely won't be the last. I got hooked on the story right from the beginning when I started reading about Lira, who turned out to be quite a complex character.
I didn't realise that this was a follow-up to another series by Lisa Cassidy (The Mage Chronicles), but it didn't stop me from enjoying this one. Lisa carefully feeds in all the information you need about this dark and fascinating world and its diverse cultures. Lira grew up knowing very little about the war described in the previous series, so we build our knowledge of the events together with her.
My heart went to her when I read about the suffering she endured as a child, trying to survive in a place where people hated and feared her for the power her grandfather Shakar wielded. Lira would like nothing more than take control of her own life and stop being defined by the long shadow cast by her formidable ancestor. Lira's early experiences shaped her into someone clever, streetwise, resourceful, and determined to prove her worth. They also taught her to know her limits and train and practise relentlessly to become the best.
There are two timelines- one deals with the past, Lira's heart-wrenching childhood, and the second one with the main events happening at the time when Lira has already become an apprentice at the Mage Academy. The book is quite fast-paced, and it felt as if there was a perfect balance of the backstory, and the action-filled narrative of the present.
The book proved to be a real page-turner, and my only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next book to come out. Looking forward so much to the continuation of Lira's story in the next instalment of this fascinating series.
I didn't realise that this was a follow-up to another series by Lisa Cassidy (The Mage Chronicles), but it didn't stop me from enjoying this one. Lisa carefully feeds in all the information you need about this dark and fascinating world and its diverse cultures. Lira grew up knowing very little about the war described in the previous series, so we build our knowledge of the events together with her.
My heart went to her when I read about the suffering she endured as a child, trying to survive in a place where people hated and feared her for the power her grandfather Shakar wielded. Lira would like nothing more than take control of her own life and stop being defined by the long shadow cast by her formidable ancestor. Lira's early experiences shaped her into someone clever, streetwise, resourceful, and determined to prove her worth. They also taught her to know her limits and train and practise relentlessly to become the best.
There are two timelines- one deals with the past, Lira's heart-wrenching childhood, and the second one with the main events happening at the time when Lira has already become an apprentice at the Mage Academy. The book is quite fast-paced, and it felt as if there was a perfect balance of the backstory, and the action-filled narrative of the present.
The book proved to be a real page-turner, and my only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next book to come out. Looking forward so much to the continuation of Lira's story in the next instalment of this fascinating series.
April 21, 2021
Lira can't escape from her grandfather's dangerous legacy, and she will have to keep her wits, to stop people from killing her or using her.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in this series, but it is connected to the author's Mage Chronicles series. I think readers should read the earlier series first, as you would benefit from knowing the background.
The narrative is split between two points in Lira's life.
First, showing how she was orphaned and nearly died at a young age. It follows her life, as she chooses the streets over the orphanage, and meets Ahrin, who shows her that little girls can be ruthless too.
Secondly, it follows Lira about eighteen. She's in her third year as an mage apprentice at Temari Hall, and allied with the Underground (who want to continue her grandfather's work).
Her old survival instincts come in handy when she is kidnapped along with some other students. She finds herself in an abandoned estate, with monsters chasing them.
Young Lira's storyline has to be my favourite. She has such a hard time, being such a young kid, and small for her age. She's shunned by the people of her village; the orphanage; and others on the streets. All because of some guy that died before she was born.
I really felt sorry for her, and admired her stubborn will to go on, and still remain a good (if standoffish) person.
I thought it had some Six of Crows vibes, as Lira and some other kids on the streets work together, making their stand alongside the other gangs. I really liked the growing connection between Lira and Ahrin, and thought these two girls could achieve anything.
Older Lira... I struggled to connect to her storyline. This is a reasonably long book, and not much happens in over half of it, except they are running blindly from monsters and unknown enemies. It feels like there's a lot of supposing and hypothesising, and everything gets talked in circles; even the action scenes seem slow. I also lost count of the number of chapters that started with Lira waking up from being knocked out/shut in a dark cell etc. It all made her narrative quite repetitive.
I also felt that Older Lira's narrative relied more heavily on stuff that's happened in the previous series. Her grandfather - the Darkmage - comes off as some vague bad guy; and for a good part of the book, it was hard to get any sense of whether the rebel Shadowcouncil or Mage's Council were the "good" factor.
Overall, this was a tricky one to review. I really liked one half of the narrative, and I think I would have connected to the other half more, if I'd read the other series first.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in this series, but it is connected to the author's Mage Chronicles series. I think readers should read the earlier series first, as you would benefit from knowing the background.
The narrative is split between two points in Lira's life.
First, showing how she was orphaned and nearly died at a young age. It follows her life, as she chooses the streets over the orphanage, and meets Ahrin, who shows her that little girls can be ruthless too.
Secondly, it follows Lira about eighteen. She's in her third year as an mage apprentice at Temari Hall, and allied with the Underground (who want to continue her grandfather's work).
Her old survival instincts come in handy when she is kidnapped along with some other students. She finds herself in an abandoned estate, with monsters chasing them.
Young Lira's storyline has to be my favourite. She has such a hard time, being such a young kid, and small for her age. She's shunned by the people of her village; the orphanage; and others on the streets. All because of some guy that died before she was born.
I really felt sorry for her, and admired her stubborn will to go on, and still remain a good (if standoffish) person.
I thought it had some Six of Crows vibes, as Lira and some other kids on the streets work together, making their stand alongside the other gangs. I really liked the growing connection between Lira and Ahrin, and thought these two girls could achieve anything.
Older Lira... I struggled to connect to her storyline. This is a reasonably long book, and not much happens in over half of it, except they are running blindly from monsters and unknown enemies. It feels like there's a lot of supposing and hypothesising, and everything gets talked in circles; even the action scenes seem slow. I also lost count of the number of chapters that started with Lira waking up from being knocked out/shut in a dark cell etc. It all made her narrative quite repetitive.
I also felt that Older Lira's narrative relied more heavily on stuff that's happened in the previous series. Her grandfather - the Darkmage - comes off as some vague bad guy; and for a good part of the book, it was hard to get any sense of whether the rebel Shadowcouncil or Mage's Council were the "good" factor.
Overall, this was a tricky one to review. I really liked one half of the narrative, and I think I would have connected to the other half more, if I'd read the other series first.
April 24, 2021
This is my first step into Lisa Cassidy’s novels, and I have to say that I was not disappointed! This is a follow-up to The Mage Chronicles but if you’re like me and jump in feet first with this book you won’t miss too much from not reading the first series. There are some things surrounding Lira’s past that I do think would’ve solidified my understanding of her ancestry, but Cassidy still does an excellent job of keeping her readers in the know.
The world building is crafted with a dark and dangerous atmosphere. The setup of the street kid ‘gangs” and the Underground aspect were a great touch and I found myself constantly questioning who was truly good. I like that. I like surprises in my reads. Let me also take a moment and say my favorite part… monsters. Throw monsters into a novel and I am like a kid in a candy store ready to get my hyper on. The action was perfectly paced and though some areas did feel a bit repetitive in scenario and circumstance I still found myself flipping pages to know the ending.
Dual timelines that jump between Lira’s past and present really helped form that reader/character connection that I always hope to have. She is a complex, rough edged and street-smart MC who proves how strong a woman in her situation can truly be. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and Cassidy does an exquisite job of creating strength from the turmoil the MC encounters. However, I do think that present day Lira lacked something that the younger Lira had in the narration. I am not sure exactly what it was but between the two timelines I fell more in step with Lira’s past self than the present self. I feel this may stem from the reader in me realizing the need to start with The Mage Chronicles. Or it could simply be the depth put into creating the past-self chapters, it really grips you in the blood pumper.
I loved being a part of Cassidy’s team and having the opportunity to read and review this gifted ARC. I have her other series on my kindle and have officially made it part of my 2021 TBR. If you’re into fantasy and books with morally grey and complex female leads than you know I would totally point you towards this novel for your TBR. Now to patiently await book two.
The world building is crafted with a dark and dangerous atmosphere. The setup of the street kid ‘gangs” and the Underground aspect were a great touch and I found myself constantly questioning who was truly good. I like that. I like surprises in my reads. Let me also take a moment and say my favorite part… monsters. Throw monsters into a novel and I am like a kid in a candy store ready to get my hyper on. The action was perfectly paced and though some areas did feel a bit repetitive in scenario and circumstance I still found myself flipping pages to know the ending.
Dual timelines that jump between Lira’s past and present really helped form that reader/character connection that I always hope to have. She is a complex, rough edged and street-smart MC who proves how strong a woman in her situation can truly be. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and Cassidy does an exquisite job of creating strength from the turmoil the MC encounters. However, I do think that present day Lira lacked something that the younger Lira had in the narration. I am not sure exactly what it was but between the two timelines I fell more in step with Lira’s past self than the present self. I feel this may stem from the reader in me realizing the need to start with The Mage Chronicles. Or it could simply be the depth put into creating the past-self chapters, it really grips you in the blood pumper.
I loved being a part of Cassidy’s team and having the opportunity to read and review this gifted ARC. I have her other series on my kindle and have officially made it part of my 2021 TBR. If you’re into fantasy and books with morally grey and complex female leads than you know I would totally point you towards this novel for your TBR. Now to patiently await book two.
April 22, 2021
Heir to the Darkmage by Lisa Cassidy is an awesome book! It is a follow up to another series, but it is perfectly great if you read this first. All the info needed to understand is here!
I absolutely love the world building in this novel. It was so easy for me to imagine I was in this story.
I love the dual timelines. We get one that involves Lira’s backstory, that is gut-wrenching. We also get a timeline with current events as she lives as an apprentice at the Mage Academy.
The pacing is excellent. I was obsessed from page one. I read this in one sitting because as soon as I opened this book, there was no setting it down. Highly recommended!!
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
I absolutely love the world building in this novel. It was so easy for me to imagine I was in this story.
I love the dual timelines. We get one that involves Lira’s backstory, that is gut-wrenching. We also get a timeline with current events as she lives as an apprentice at the Mage Academy.
The pacing is excellent. I was obsessed from page one. I read this in one sitting because as soon as I opened this book, there was no setting it down. Highly recommended!!
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
April 22, 2021
Orphans, mages, criminals and intrigue? YES PLEASE!
Returning to the mage chronicles world was really fun, I loooved following the next generation and seeing more of the world built up in the first series. The fact that our main character is bitter and morally grey is the cherry on TOP!
I enjoyed Lisa’s writing as usual, it’s very fast paced and you can literally finish one of her books in a sitting. I adored Lira and AHRIN (oh my god love her), and the plot set up 👀 I would have liked some more flashback chapters though, I really loved learning about Liras backstory and her relationship with AHRIIIN.
... did I mention Ahrin? I am a sucker for strong female characters, and Ahrin really gave me all I needed in one! I can’t wait to check out the sequel and see where the story goes!
Returning to the mage chronicles world was really fun, I loooved following the next generation and seeing more of the world built up in the first series. The fact that our main character is bitter and morally grey is the cherry on TOP!
I enjoyed Lisa’s writing as usual, it’s very fast paced and you can literally finish one of her books in a sitting. I adored Lira and AHRIN (oh my god love her), and the plot set up 👀 I would have liked some more flashback chapters though, I really loved learning about Liras backstory and her relationship with AHRIIIN.
... did I mention Ahrin? I am a sucker for strong female characters, and Ahrin really gave me all I needed in one! I can’t wait to check out the sequel and see where the story goes!
March 12, 2022
What a reintroduction back into the world of Mages and Taliths. Heir to the Darkmage picks up many years after the ending of Heartfire. It has an all new cast of characters, the new generation of Students learning to live life after the war, with Lira being the main protagonist. Yet again another fabulously written book by Lisa, fast paced and easy to follow. Characters who flicker on the edge of good or evil. Thankfully I already have the second book to jump straight into
May 23, 2024
[Series review]
The last of Lisa Cassidy's four series for me to read. This was actually the one I was most anticipating, because the premise of it seemed the most interesting - a next-gen where we're neither drinking beers with the protagonists of the previous series nor having them parent the kids. The impression after reading is that this is one of her most inconsistent series, but has some of the most interesting concepts, scenes, and moments in her writing.
In this follow-up to The Mage Chronicles, we skip ahead twenty years and follow the daughter of the OG series's villain, as she takes on both the now-conservative government that was established in the denouement of the previous series and a new threat from revolutionaries. This has extremely mixed success. The protagonist, Lira, is a brutal warlord and never truly picks sides, and I loved the more morally gray, Game of Thrones-like scheming and violence that Cassidy brought into this series. It felt completely different in vibe from her previous two series, and she writes a very compelling antihero in Lira. But we still have a YA feel where the good guys are obviously all going to survive (it is YA, to be fair) and a cartoonization of the villain and monsters in this one which you don't really get in Cassidy's other series.
The characters in this one did not work as well as in the two earlier series Cassidy has put out. Her two later series have a much bigger focus on rigorous elements of epic fantasy, as well as darker elements, and I somehow feel the character development has slightly suffered. I did not care about Fari and Tarion and Garan the same way I cared about Tiercelin and Zamaril, or even Cario and Brynn from the previous series.
Lisa Cassidy always brings great plot twists and a good romance. The twists are especially crazy in this one, although none really as effective as the ones in ATOSAS. This series has possibly the most complicated romance of the four, but it didn't land for me the way the others did.
All of Cassidy's series feature some sort of very long and unexpected time skip in them, and one of her strengths is writing about how friendships strengthen and weaken over time. I've come to see Cassidy as someone who writes characters in their twenties really well, and all her YA series have characters reach their early or mid-twenties. I find both the Mage Chronicles series start really slow and only get truly exceptional once the characters reach that sort of age - but when they hit that point, the character moments really start popping. For whatever reason the moments with younger characters don't work as well for me.
I liked this series. It takes risks, ventures into some uncharted areas, and even though it might have a high strikeout rate, hits a lot of home runs.
A close comparison is, very oddly, a long next-gen Harry Potter fanfiction called the Stygian Trilogy, which is also a sequel series to another fanfiction series set twenty years earlier, also has time skips and crazy plot twists, and has an eerily similar plot to the first book. So if you enjoyed this book and are reading my review, maybe check it out - it's one of the most underrated stories in the fandom, and is free to read online.
Rating: 7/10
The last of Lisa Cassidy's four series for me to read. This was actually the one I was most anticipating, because the premise of it seemed the most interesting - a next-gen where we're neither drinking beers with the protagonists of the previous series nor having them parent the kids. The impression after reading is that this is one of her most inconsistent series, but has some of the most interesting concepts, scenes, and moments in her writing.
In this follow-up to The Mage Chronicles, we skip ahead twenty years and follow the daughter of the OG series's villain, as she takes on both the now-conservative government that was established in the denouement of the previous series and a new threat from revolutionaries. This has extremely mixed success. The protagonist, Lira, is a brutal warlord and never truly picks sides, and I loved the more morally gray, Game of Thrones-like scheming and violence that Cassidy brought into this series. It felt completely different in vibe from her previous two series, and she writes a very compelling antihero in Lira. But we still have a YA feel where the good guys are obviously all going to survive (it is YA, to be fair) and a cartoonization of the villain and monsters in this one which you don't really get in Cassidy's other series.
The characters in this one did not work as well as in the two earlier series Cassidy has put out. Her two later series have a much bigger focus on rigorous elements of epic fantasy, as well as darker elements, and I somehow feel the character development has slightly suffered. I did not care about Fari and Tarion and Garan the same way I cared about Tiercelin and Zamaril, or even Cario and Brynn from the previous series.
Lisa Cassidy always brings great plot twists and a good romance. The twists are especially crazy in this one, although none really as effective as the ones in ATOSAS. This series has possibly the most complicated romance of the four, but it didn't land for me the way the others did.
All of Cassidy's series feature some sort of very long and unexpected time skip in them, and one of her strengths is writing about how friendships strengthen and weaken over time. I've come to see Cassidy as someone who writes characters in their twenties really well, and all her YA series have characters reach their early or mid-twenties. I find both the Mage Chronicles series start really slow and only get truly exceptional once the characters reach that sort of age - but when they hit that point, the character moments really start popping. For whatever reason the moments with younger characters don't work as well for me.
I liked this series. It takes risks, ventures into some uncharted areas, and even though it might have a high strikeout rate, hits a lot of home runs.
A close comparison is, very oddly, a long next-gen Harry Potter fanfiction called the Stygian Trilogy, which is also a sequel series to another fanfiction series set twenty years earlier, also has time skips and crazy plot twists, and has an eerily similar plot to the first book. So if you enjoyed this book and are reading my review, maybe check it out - it's one of the most underrated stories in the fandom, and is free to read online.
Rating: 7/10
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April 13, 2025Book Review: Heir to the Darkmage by Lisa Cassidy
Heir to the Darkmage, the first book in Lisa Cassidy’s compelling fantasy series, plunges readers into a richly imagined world where magic, ambition, and danger intertwine. With its complex characters and intricate plot, Cassidy’s novel promises to captivate fans of dark fantasy and young adult literature alike.
A Gripping Premise
The story centers around Lira Astor, the lone heir of the Darkmage, a powerful figure whose legacy looms over her every move. Set twenty years after the defeat of the Darkmage, Lira finds herself caught between the remnants of a magical war and her own desire to create her identity apart from her infamous lineage. This conflict is central to the narrative, as Lira grapples with the expectations placed upon her while navigating a world where magic comes with a hefty price.
Character Development
Cassidy excels at developing her characters, particularly Lira, who is portrayed with depth and vulnerability. As Lira embarks on her journey, readers witness her evolution from a hesitant apprentice mage to a determined individual willing to confront her past. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own motivations, secrets, and moral complexities, which enrich the story and draw readers deeper into the plot.
Themes of Power and Identity
At its core, Heir to the Darkmage explores themes of power, identity, and the burdens of legacy. Lira’s journey is not just about mastering magic but also about defining herself outside the shadows of her family’s history. The novel addresses the moral implications of wielding power and the sacrifices that come with ambition, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of good and evil in a world where choices are rarely black and white.
World-Building and Atmosphere
Cassidy’s world-building is immersive, transporting readers to a vividly rendered landscape filled with magic and intrigue. The author skillfully describes the intricacies of the magical system, the hierarchies among mages, and the tension between different factions vying for control. This rich backdrop enhances the narrative, making the stakes feel high and the characters’ struggles all the more immediate and relatable.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to a Dark Fantasy Series
Heir to the Darkmage is a powerful introduction to a series filled with potential. Lisa Cassidy has crafted a story that balances thrilling magical adventures with profound themes of identity and morality. Readers who enjoy a mix of character-driven narratives and high-stakes fantasy will find themselves drawn to Lira’s journey. As the first installment in what promises to be an engaging series, this book sets the stage for deeper explorations of its characters and the dark world they inhabit. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy who appreciate intricate plots and rich character development.
Heir to the Darkmage, the first book in Lisa Cassidy’s compelling fantasy series, plunges readers into a richly imagined world where magic, ambition, and danger intertwine. With its complex characters and intricate plot, Cassidy’s novel promises to captivate fans of dark fantasy and young adult literature alike.
A Gripping Premise
The story centers around Lira Astor, the lone heir of the Darkmage, a powerful figure whose legacy looms over her every move. Set twenty years after the defeat of the Darkmage, Lira finds herself caught between the remnants of a magical war and her own desire to create her identity apart from her infamous lineage. This conflict is central to the narrative, as Lira grapples with the expectations placed upon her while navigating a world where magic comes with a hefty price.
Character Development
Cassidy excels at developing her characters, particularly Lira, who is portrayed with depth and vulnerability. As Lira embarks on her journey, readers witness her evolution from a hesitant apprentice mage to a determined individual willing to confront her past. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own motivations, secrets, and moral complexities, which enrich the story and draw readers deeper into the plot.
Themes of Power and Identity
At its core, Heir to the Darkmage explores themes of power, identity, and the burdens of legacy. Lira’s journey is not just about mastering magic but also about defining herself outside the shadows of her family’s history. The novel addresses the moral implications of wielding power and the sacrifices that come with ambition, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of good and evil in a world where choices are rarely black and white.
World-Building and Atmosphere
Cassidy’s world-building is immersive, transporting readers to a vividly rendered landscape filled with magic and intrigue. The author skillfully describes the intricacies of the magical system, the hierarchies among mages, and the tension between different factions vying for control. This rich backdrop enhances the narrative, making the stakes feel high and the characters’ struggles all the more immediate and relatable.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to a Dark Fantasy Series
Heir to the Darkmage is a powerful introduction to a series filled with potential. Lisa Cassidy has crafted a story that balances thrilling magical adventures with profound themes of identity and morality. Readers who enjoy a mix of character-driven narratives and high-stakes fantasy will find themselves drawn to Lira’s journey. As the first installment in what promises to be an engaging series, this book sets the stage for deeper explorations of its characters and the dark world they inhabit. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy who appreciate intricate plots and rich character development.
May 5, 2021
Heir to the Darkmage is a new Young Adult adventure that gave me the chills reading it. It follows a misunderstood Lira who has fought for her life and survived in a world where she is hated. Hated because of her name, her family, her power. But those that hate her do not realise the change she can bring. The book follows her journey, past and present as she battles against those hunting her, those that want her dead and those that fear her enough to kill her. Everywhere she looks there’s fear, hate or predators stalking the shadows. And I absolutely loved it.
It was dark, hauntingly good and reminded me why I love strong willed, head strong and determined female leads. Lira was perfect mixture of those features. She’s an orphan, I know stereotypical young adult characteristic, who learns to survive in the heart of the streets. She uses her fear as a strength wears her past like an armour. There were point in this book where she reminded me of Celaena; from the Throne of Glass series, and Mia Corvere; from the Nevernight trilogy, two of my favourite female bad-asses. Both assassins, both head strong and both use their fear to make them stronger, more feared. She was strong lead and it was enjoyable to watch her grow throughout the book.
But when I enjoyed the most about the book was how easily it snared you in. It rarely slowed, it had a grungey, darker feel that some young adults lack and reminded me of Eight will Fall at times with the horroresque elements and suspension. The monsters the author created gave the book a level of uniqueness and left me craving more. I throughly enjoyed my fall into the shadows, the book had the fantasy feel with darker undertones and I still wanted to live there. I still wanted to be kidnapped and fight for my life. Maybe its my love of suspenseful survivalist video games speaking but I wanted to be hiding under that desk, watching my breath in the frozen air.
I am so glad I picked up this one and have already added her other series to my amazon wishlist. This world intrigues me. Will you take the plunge too?
It was dark, hauntingly good and reminded me why I love strong willed, head strong and determined female leads. Lira was perfect mixture of those features. She’s an orphan, I know stereotypical young adult characteristic, who learns to survive in the heart of the streets. She uses her fear as a strength wears her past like an armour. There were point in this book where she reminded me of Celaena; from the Throne of Glass series, and Mia Corvere; from the Nevernight trilogy, two of my favourite female bad-asses. Both assassins, both head strong and both use their fear to make them stronger, more feared. She was strong lead and it was enjoyable to watch her grow throughout the book.
But when I enjoyed the most about the book was how easily it snared you in. It rarely slowed, it had a grungey, darker feel that some young adults lack and reminded me of Eight will Fall at times with the horroresque elements and suspension. The monsters the author created gave the book a level of uniqueness and left me craving more. I throughly enjoyed my fall into the shadows, the book had the fantasy feel with darker undertones and I still wanted to live there. I still wanted to be kidnapped and fight for my life. Maybe its my love of suspenseful survivalist video games speaking but I wanted to be hiding under that desk, watching my breath in the frozen air.
I am so glad I picked up this one and have already added her other series to my amazon wishlist. This world intrigues me. Will you take the plunge too?
March 28, 2021
(ARC Review). A great read. Like Lisa’s other novels, this one features a strong, complex female protagonist. Lira is different, however, because she is not at first the most sympathetic of people and it is not clear whose side she is on. This only adds to the interest and complexity of her character and makes the book feel somewhat more ‘adult’ than ‘young adult’. Lisa does a great job at linking the setting with the last series of books (20 years’ prior to the commencement of this series) and hinting at a world that has not turned out quite as planned. I really enjoyed this too because so often in fantasy novels at the end of one series it is assumed there is a ‘happy ever after’ and everything is perfect forever more. Lisa brings realism to this tired old trope, and I can’t wait to see how this develops over the course of the next few novels. Oh yes, and like Lisa’s other novels it is such an engaging story. I’m devastated that I now have to wait to find out what happens! (I am only new to Lisa’s books and read all her others in approximately two weeks - very little sleep was had!).
March 22, 2021
Overall, a great read - enough action to keep you engaged, and enough dialogue between characters to feel you get to know them. Lira Astor is an interesting character - you're not quite sure if you want to sympathise with her or condemn her for her choices. It moves at a nice pace (there's nothing worse than scenes which drag on). I'm keen to see how these characters develop over the next book/s.
This novel looks at what happens after the apparent happy ending of the Mage Chronicles series. I don't think you need to have read the MC series to understand this one (it's been awhile since I read those and I didn't re-read before I started this book) though those with familiarity with the characters will no doubt want to read on to see where they are at now. Picking up after the supposed "happily ever after" is a really good concept and I'm glad this author is giving it a go. Looking forward to the next release in the series.
This novel looks at what happens after the apparent happy ending of the Mage Chronicles series. I don't think you need to have read the MC series to understand this one (it's been awhile since I read those and I didn't re-read before I started this book) though those with familiarity with the characters will no doubt want to read on to see where they are at now. Picking up after the supposed "happily ever after" is a really good concept and I'm glad this author is giving it a go. Looking forward to the next release in the series.
March 28, 2021
I was given an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review, so here it goes.
First of all, wow I was not expecting that. I didn't know what to make of Lira's thoughts about the authorities. As we know, this series is a continuation of the mage chronicles. I don't know if it could be read without reading that series first tbh. There were many mentions of the previous characters, but since I didn't remember most of the events there and I didn't have any hardships during the read, I guess it could be said that it can be read without the mage chronicles series.
The book has daaarrrrk vibes to it. And it's kinda scary and mysterious. The main character is totally a morally gray one, and I like it. I didn't like her train of thoughts at first but near the end I gave her the credit she deserved. I don't know what to expect from the next book either. I have so many questions.
Overall, it had a slow start but pulled me under pretty quickly. I liked it <3
First of all, wow I was not expecting that. I didn't know what to make of Lira's thoughts about the authorities. As we know, this series is a continuation of the mage chronicles. I don't know if it could be read without reading that series first tbh. There were many mentions of the previous characters, but since I didn't remember most of the events there and I didn't have any hardships during the read, I guess it could be said that it can be read without the mage chronicles series.
The book has daaarrrrk vibes to it. And it's kinda scary and mysterious. The main character is totally a morally gray one, and I like it. I didn't like her train of thoughts at first but near the end I gave her the credit she deserved. I don't know what to expect from the next book either. I have so many questions.
Overall, it had a slow start but pulled me under pretty quickly. I liked it <3
June 2, 2021
Well! Lisa has done it again. Another engaging YA novel to start a new series that has all the hallmarks of being at least as good as the other two.
It was wonderful to see some consequences of the war and I loved Lira and the rest of the characters. They were each different, battling their own insecurities and trials, and they were relatable which was refreshing.
All the running around at the beginning did wear on me a bit as they seemed to be scurrying around without direction and I found it a little frustrating as it stalled the flow for me a bit.
I enjoyed the cameos from Alyx, Dash and the others and the connection to the first quartet they brought with them.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. I have absolutely no idea what Lucinda and her people hoped to accomplish which is killing the part of me that needs to know RIGHT NOW lol. I can’t wait for the next installment to see what Lira gets up to next!
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 / 5
It was wonderful to see some consequences of the war and I loved Lira and the rest of the characters. They were each different, battling their own insecurities and trials, and they were relatable which was refreshing.
All the running around at the beginning did wear on me a bit as they seemed to be scurrying around without direction and I found it a little frustrating as it stalled the flow for me a bit.
I enjoyed the cameos from Alyx, Dash and the others and the connection to the first quartet they brought with them.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. I have absolutely no idea what Lucinda and her people hoped to accomplish which is killing the part of me that needs to know RIGHT NOW lol. I can’t wait for the next installment to see what Lira gets up to next!
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 / 5
April 9, 2021
I think this was the best of Lisa’s books so far, I throughly enjoyed it and read it quicker than all the others.
I thought Heir to the Darkmage was an excellent read and whilst suspenseful, was just the right amount of parts of the story leaking out and keeping the reader guessing about other parts. I guess this is what made me read all the books so quickly, because I wanted to know what happened next!
I found it tough at first to keep flicking back to the past as I was so interested in what was happening in the present and didn’t want to be distracted - but soon realized the two story lines were so intertwined it was entirely necessary. I thought the stories combined wonderfully at the end and it just left me hankering for the next book - as always with Lisa’s stories.
A fantastic start to a what I presume will be a wonderful series! Keep the goods coming please.
Next...
I thought Heir to the Darkmage was an excellent read and whilst suspenseful, was just the right amount of parts of the story leaking out and keeping the reader guessing about other parts. I guess this is what made me read all the books so quickly, because I wanted to know what happened next!
I found it tough at first to keep flicking back to the past as I was so interested in what was happening in the present and didn’t want to be distracted - but soon realized the two story lines were so intertwined it was entirely necessary. I thought the stories combined wonderfully at the end and it just left me hankering for the next book - as always with Lisa’s stories.
A fantastic start to a what I presume will be a wonderful series! Keep the goods coming please.
Next...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
First, for anyone reading this who is questioning whether or not to read the previous series before this one: I heavily, heavily suggest you do! It is brilliant, but also it makes this book SO much more enjoyable. Yes, the author does give you enough to go on to not need to read the previous series, but the characters and the stories from the previous series 1000% add SO much more to this series. Please do it!
Second, while it is connected to the previous series, the tone in this series is very, very different. And I like that! The MC we have is very, very different and so I enjoyed so much to see this world I’m familiar with from a completely different POV. Lisa Cassidy is an absolute genius at creating intriguing wonderful characters and this series is no different. I loved them all!
Lastly, I did have a slightly hard time getting into this book as a lot of it is a bit repetitive. The conflict throughout fell somewhat flat for me, even though it is well-written and pretty terrifying! I’ve read all of this author’s books though, and so even though the beginning was slow and repetitive, I trust implicitly that there is going to be a huge payoff for it. The ending felt like the kickoff of the entire series, and I am so looking forward to reading the rest!
First, for anyone reading this who is questioning whether or not to read the previous series before this one: I heavily, heavily suggest you do! It is brilliant, but also it makes this book SO much more enjoyable. Yes, the author does give you enough to go on to not need to read the previous series, but the characters and the stories from the previous series 1000% add SO much more to this series. Please do it!
Second, while it is connected to the previous series, the tone in this series is very, very different. And I like that! The MC we have is very, very different and so I enjoyed so much to see this world I’m familiar with from a completely different POV. Lisa Cassidy is an absolute genius at creating intriguing wonderful characters and this series is no different. I loved them all!
Lastly, I did have a slightly hard time getting into this book as a lot of it is a bit repetitive. The conflict throughout fell somewhat flat for me, even though it is well-written and pretty terrifying! I’ve read all of this author’s books though, and so even though the beginning was slow and repetitive, I trust implicitly that there is going to be a huge payoff for it. The ending felt like the kickoff of the entire series, and I am so looking forward to reading the rest!
March 27, 2021
ARC review!
I really enjoyed this book. The pace is perfect, as in the other books by Lisa, but the quality of writing and the plot is on par with AToSaS rather than the original series which I think had a few minor hiccups (that obviously didn't stop me from absolutely devouring it).
The book tells a self-contained story but also very clearly sets up the scene for the rest of the series, bringing us back to a world that we know but can now explore from a different, less glamorous, angle.
As always, the characters are what shines in the story-telling. Not just the leads ones but every single one of the supporting ones as well. I like how the old and new cast mixes.
I very much look forward to the next installment!
I really enjoyed this book. The pace is perfect, as in the other books by Lisa, but the quality of writing and the plot is on par with AToSaS rather than the original series which I think had a few minor hiccups (that obviously didn't stop me from absolutely devouring it).
The book tells a self-contained story but also very clearly sets up the scene for the rest of the series, bringing us back to a world that we know but can now explore from a different, less glamorous, angle.
As always, the characters are what shines in the story-telling. Not just the leads ones but every single one of the supporting ones as well. I like how the old and new cast mixes.
I very much look forward to the next installment!
April 23, 2021
I’ve read most of Lisa’s other books and she doesn’t disappoint!
The fantastic description of the settings helps you imagine that you are a ‘fly on the wall’ and in Heir to the Darkmage I kept relating this to previous books and wondering about the connections.
Must say that the character Lira still has me guessing on which path she’ll take, but again, love the way all the relationships are built up and we get to find out who we trust little by little.
Great plot and scary bits are so well done that made me read faster than usual to see how they turned out.
Again can’t wait for the next in the series - a great skill that Lisa has to write so many twists and turns in the plot that we are left wanting more.
The fantastic description of the settings helps you imagine that you are a ‘fly on the wall’ and in Heir to the Darkmage I kept relating this to previous books and wondering about the connections.
Must say that the character Lira still has me guessing on which path she’ll take, but again, love the way all the relationships are built up and we get to find out who we trust little by little.
Great plot and scary bits are so well done that made me read faster than usual to see how they turned out.
Again can’t wait for the next in the series - a great skill that Lisa has to write so many twists and turns in the plot that we are left wanting more.
March 21, 2021
Lisa Cassidy’s writing style has just gotten better and better! I was totally pulled into the world of Lira Astor, granddaughter of the DarkMage. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going I was surprised, even up to the very last chapter. The pace kept me turning the pages and I enjoyed the past/present method of learning more about Lira’s background. I want to know more about all of the characters and I can’t wait to see how to their stories proceed. If you enjoy fantasy and strong, complicated female characters, make sure you give this book a read! The only hard part is waiting for the next instalment!
April 25, 2021
I was lucky enough to be provided an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. So... what to say about Lisa Cassidy’s second series set in the world of the mage chronicles. Darker, with a more complex and damaged protagonist, I think this book sets up this series well. There’s lots of questions still to be answered and a great deal of intrigue still swirling around.
For those that have read the mage chronicles its a bit of a treat to see how these characters have grown in the intervening years and what they are now doing. Off the back of reading Heir to the Darkmage I did actually dive back into the original series to refresh my memory. Well worth reading.
For those that have read the mage chronicles its a bit of a treat to see how these characters have grown in the intervening years and what they are now doing. Off the back of reading Heir to the Darkmage I did actually dive back into the original series to refresh my memory. Well worth reading.
July 7, 2021
This is a difficult book to talk about without spoilers so I'm going to focus on things that aren't the plot.
I adore Lira and I love the supporting cast too. Honestly, I adored everything about this book except for the pacing of the middle 30%. That's probably a me problem. I was probably just having an off day and projecting my frustration at the book, but I had some trouble with a series of scenes that felt like the same scene over and over again. However, it was well worth enduring for the delight of Lira's story unfolding. I can't say more than that without giving things away. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I adore Lira and I love the supporting cast too. Honestly, I adored everything about this book except for the pacing of the middle 30%. That's probably a me problem. I was probably just having an off day and projecting my frustration at the book, but I had some trouble with a series of scenes that felt like the same scene over and over again. However, it was well worth enduring for the delight of Lira's story unfolding. I can't say more than that without giving things away. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 20, 2021
From the opening lines, Heir to the Darkmage sucks the reader back into the world of The Mage Chronicles. Perfect both to read as a new series or for previous fans of Lisa Cassidy’s books, Heir to the Darkmage introduces us to Lira, an orphan girl who has grown up neglected and abused, judged by her dead grandfather’s actions. Magic, formidable villains, kidnapping, mysterious experiments and deadly creatures all combine to create a suspenseful fantasy story.
April 2, 2021
ARC review.
I enjoyed this book and learning about Lira Astor. It is an action packed story and alternates between her past and present which is a commonly used plot device but kept me guessing about the character's motives and added to the suspense of the story.
It is a continuation of Lisa's other series (The Mage Chronicles) but I feel you don't need to read that to enjoy this novel.
I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the next installment 🙂
I enjoyed this book and learning about Lira Astor. It is an action packed story and alternates between her past and present which is a commonly used plot device but kept me guessing about the character's motives and added to the suspense of the story.
It is a continuation of Lisa's other series (The Mage Chronicles) but I feel you don't need to read that to enjoy this novel.
I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the next installment 🙂
April 11, 2021
Received an ARC for this and so glad I did - Lisa Cassidy is such a consistently good writer. Strong characters, good tempo of story and makes me like fight/battle scenes when I never thought I would. This new series is different, but different good. I have read Lisa Cassidy's earlier series set in the same world and as much as I liked it I'm pleased that this new series isn't more of the same. And I read the whole book in a weekend so that says something! Looking forward to Book Two.
April 25, 2021
I couldn't wait to see what Lisa Cassidy was going to do next so I was very excited to get my hands on this first book to her new series. Once again I was taken into a world of contrasts with really interesting characters! I love the way it has been written in two different times - 'before' and 'now'. This gives you a look into the heart-breaking back story of the very complex main character. I loved it!!
May 2, 2021
Lisa Cassidy's Mage Chronicles got me through a particularly tough few months in 2020 so I was a little more than bummed when I arrived at the last page of the series. So imagine the joy I felt when Lisa announced that she was writing another series that followed on from the Mage Chronicles. A Tale of Stars and Shadow did not disappoint - there were several plot twists that I did not see coming. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 27, 2021
Another imaginative and compelling read. I most enjoyed Lira's back story in the dual story line; it gave me sympathy for a character I initially struggled to relate to. But, as is usual with this author's characters, they have depth and take a while to get to know. I'm looking forward to the next instalment and am sure Lisa Cassidy has more surprises in store for her readers.
May 18, 2024
Great start to this next installment. Really liked the first 4 books, was very excited to learn there were more, and based on this one they look to be just as much fun as the first ones. Wasn't sure how compelling Lira was going to be as a main character given the back story, but I am totally hooked at this point!
November 9, 2024
YA Fantasy
The twists were broadcast way before they happened. The ending was much ado about nothing. There is a slight sapphic coded non-romance. It was compelling and a page turner for all that. I would read more books and, that's saying something because I hate YA and fantasy.
The twists were broadcast way before they happened. The ending was much ado about nothing. There is a slight sapphic coded non-romance. It was compelling and a page turner for all that. I would read more books and, that's saying something because I hate YA and fantasy.
April 18, 2021
ARC reviews
This was a fabulous fast-paced read. I loved that protagonist Lira was more complex and conflicted than other characters in the author’s previous books, and the carefully timed release of critical info kept me guessing and surprised to the last. Can’t wait for the next one!
This was a fabulous fast-paced read. I loved that protagonist Lira was more complex and conflicted than other characters in the author’s previous books, and the carefully timed release of critical info kept me guessing and surprised to the last. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to get a early copy of this book. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I loved the way the author wrote in two different time zones. Don't expect to get much rest, it's a hot pace from start to finish. Great read. Highly recommend it!
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