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Ruling Magic #3

Guardian Heir

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She’s finally done it. Mother’s pushed me over the edge.

The woman has taken things from me. People. One of them I can never get back.

She started this war thinking we’d simply fall down at her feet. You know, kiss her expensive little stilettos. After all, she’s the most powerful mage in existence. And she’s got help.

We’re outnumbered and, to be honest, outmatched. But me and Rik? Together, we might just be enough. Fate has brought us together—irrevocably and in ways we never saw coming.

And that’s not all.

A darkness has awoken within me, and I have to admit, I kinda like it. It gives me power like I’ve never had before. I see the other mages, scampering out of my way like I’m some kind of monster.

Maybe I am.

Doesn’t matter. What’s important is that Mother knows I’m coming for her. Her reign? It’s ending.

And it won’t be the only thing I destroy when I get there.

270 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2021

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About the author

Lissa Bolts

10 books119 followers
Lissa Bolts is an up-and-coming author (see also: noob). A devourer of words and a predictor of endings, she’s here to debut her first full-length novel, The Counterbalance. This is the first book in the Ruling Magic Series. As all authors do, she hopes you'll love it. It’s kind of like her baby. She loves it almost as much as her real baby...er, two-year-old. A native to Utah, Lissa enjoys spending time with her family tearing up the powdery slopes in the winter and long lakeside camping trips in the summer. You can connect with Lissa on Instagram HERE or facebook HERE. You can also visit her website, lissabolts.com, to sign up for fun emails where she’ll sometimes talk about her new releases.

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5 stars
280 (63%)
4 stars
109 (24%)
3 stars
45 (10%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Selena Martinez.
55 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2021
If you’ve read the first two books in Lissa Bolts’ trilogy “Ruling Magic”, then Guardian Heir will be the perfect ending to Isla’s story for you to read.

Isla’s love for her brother and the protective nature she has for her people is beyond compare. Her character growth from The Counterbalance to Guardian Heir is night and day. She no longer is timid or afraid, and even though there is a new type of fear running through her, Isla is a strong individual who represents her people well. And the fact that she will do whatever is necessary to protect her people, speaks volume, even when it feels like all hope is lost.

I absolutely loved this book, as well as her relationship with Rik. The love they have for one another is heart-wrenching and just swoon-worthy. And yes, Isla, I agree: Rik is exactly like a book-boyfriend.

Not to mention just the comedic banter Isla has with her newfound family and friends. I mean, it really gives some lighthearted moments to counterbalance the dark ones.

I highly recommend this read to anyone who’s read the first two books in this series, or if you want to read a serious with a kickers heroine, a magical system so complex and has twists and turns to keep you sucked in, and most of all: fantasy like you’ve not seen before. Amazing series, Lissa, and I’m so glad to have read it all!
Profile Image for DeljM.
346 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2025
I really liked the first book but this book and the last one just didn’t do it for me. I initially couldn’t see why the books hadn’t got more hype but I can now.

I think maybe having Riks POV in these books could have helped? Maybe?
I continued to cringe at the banter in this book like I did in second book and wasn’t fussed on the romance (if you can call it that), characters (is it me or did they all just seem the same) or plot by the end. The FMC seemed to become less competent as the series went on….unticked a lot of boxes for me.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lunnaris.
121 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2021
For more reviews please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/

*4.5/5 stars*

*Trigger warnings? I don’t think so, but it has torture and a sick woman trying to kill her own children 🤔. It has a fade-to-black sex scene, non-descriptive.*
“I feel like a pawn—a puppet, pulled by fate’s strings.”
“But that’s just it. Fate might be guiding you, but all the choices you’ve made? Those were your own.”
In brief, do yourself a favor and grab this series. Lot of rambling and quotes if you keep reading my review 😅.

Isla is broken. After Sarah’s death, or actually murder by Remy’s own hands, Iz hates her “Mother” more than ever.

At least they got Remi back, but she’s just a shell of who she was. Another gift of the Magnate to her beloved daughter…
I’d been a punching bag for so long that she thought I was soft. That I wouldn’t sink to Mother’s level. My face lit with a feral grin. Hope she likes surprises.
There’s no way to stop the war between Splendor and Taramur now. So they must find a way to win at all cost.

At least Iz/Thea and Killian/Rik are together now. And they have some REALLY unexpected allies too.
“Fate is dealing you an interesting hand, Isla. It has led you this far and I have enery faith that it will see you through.”
But Victoria has never been more powerful, and the caeli and terra resources (the ones that allow magic to exist) are growing dangerously low in Taramur.

Some new discovered powers, along with some specials connections will be the key to win the war. But the world needs balance… Are they willing to sacrifice what it will take?
I was made to bring Mother down. But it did leave one giant question mark behind. Would I still be alive at the end of it?
Ok, first things first… I don’t forgive you Lissa! 😭

Sarah was my favorite character AND she was Chilean! My heart 💔

But well, back to the story (without Sarah 🥺). We get to see a different image of Iz. The latest events have made such damage that she’s willing to do anything to destroy Victoria, even kill… or worst.
I was like a shaken can of soda—and when I blew, it wouldn’t be pretty.
The only thing keeping her from the abyss is Rik, our beloved Sovereign of Taramur (#TeamRik).
A boy said a few nice words and I turned into a pile of goo. This was not good for my badass persona.
Their relationship is growing stronger, but the battles in their immediate future won’t be easy.

I really enjoyed this book. Iz’s evolution was something worth seeing, along with her relationship with Rik and also with Eve, Harper and Merc.
Would men ever learn that women didn’t like their words thrown back at them? Especially with air quotes?
I loved Eve, but I couldn’t help the feeling that she was Sarah’s replacement, and I didn’t like that.


About the battles, I really enjoy the way Lissa writes action scenes, so these are always good. Iz took her rightful place as the chosen one, and she has help, but I would have liked to see Rik a little more badass. His powers are quite something, and it’s nice to see that the guy is the damsel in distress once in a while, but I feel he was in the middle of these two sides.
“Why me?”
“I think a lot of people have asked that question over the centuries,” he said. “There’s not really a textbook answer, except that some are sent a call and it is their choice wheter or not to answer it.”
Cool. Didn’t know it was that easy, I’ll just let this one go to voicemail…
Still, I’m just being picky. I loved this book, and the whole saga. It goes to my favorites and I got a deep love for most of the characters, particularly Rik. And same as Rik goes to fight on the top of my book boyfriends list, Iz is going to my book best friends one. And, of course, Lissa to my favorite authors.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re like one of those book boyfriends.”
He looked up at me over his mug. “What’s a book boyfriend?”
“You know. The perfect boyfriend, as written about in books. Exactly how every girl imagines their boyfriend to be, but it’s so unrealistic that nobody actually expects to have one in real life.”
He grunted.
I won’t give it five stars, but I read this book in the middle of a huge time crisis (meaning I had zero time for reading), so it took me months to read it and I believe I would have enjoyed it even more if I had been able to read it faster. I feel the need to clarify that the book, and the whole series honestly, is a fast and fun read normally. I took too long, it was not a problem with the book.
I needed the damn key. How do I get a key? If only there were a way that I could make one appear in my hand… Ha. I’m an idiot.
Profile Image for Kim Campbell.
Author 2 books23 followers
March 8, 2023
Fantastic conclusion to the Ruling Magic series. I've loved Iz's story from book 1 to this third and final story. It wrapped up beautifully.

I cannot recommend the entire series enough.
Profile Image for Tea_Reading_and_Oz.
152 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2021
Loved the end to this!!

I'm sad the trilogy is done but sooo glad it ended with an HEA!

Iz was pissed in this one and rightfully so. She was such a badass and threw herself into more dangerous situations again but each of her new and old friends helped her through it all. Iz was just awesome and kicked even more a** in this one and used her powers to their full extent.

Rik is and forever always in the top three of my book boyfriend's now cuz his interactions with Iz were just *chefs kiss*. There was more of their adorableness in this and Rik went full on caveman a few times 😂.

There were multiple awesome fights in-between the adorableness and even some sadder moments but the last fight was the absolute best! There was more brought up about info on Iz's family's past with her mom, her and Rik have a surprise revelation and some people are shown to have a bigger part in Iz's life.

I wish there was a glimpse into how life was after everything worked out but I guess I'll have to imagine it and just live with everything ending great. Can't wait to see what else Lissa has in-store with her next project, cuz I only have high hopes after this one!

(Again I really suck at being vague 😂)
Profile Image for Ilona Nurmela.
745 reviews19 followers
August 30, 2021
This is the 3rd and last instalment of the trilogy and I highly suggest you read books 1&2 before. I love Lissa’s books - she manages to write cross subgenre and her dialogue is to die for! I want to write like that!! Iz is warring with her mother, the evil queen aka Magistrate who will stop at nothing to destroy Iz, her brother Linc, Iz’s heartthrob-soulmate-eyecandy (and Sovereign of the neighbouring nation) Rik, her friends and all magic or oretty much anything that gets in her way. Talk about a crazy powerhungry lady who wants her daughter under control coz of…yup, more power. I’m not going to give you any spoilers but the romance is minimal, clean & sweet & fade to black; fighting scenes are awesome; the heroine is unapologetically sassy; there’s an Arthurian myth come to life there somewhere and you’ll definitely enjoy the sarky rapport between Iz and her bodyguards. And the cottoncandy emotional scenes, too. Recommended for lovers of action adventure, contemporary fantasy and sword & sorcery.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2021
“Guardian Heir” by Lissa Bolts is the conclusion to the “Ruling Magic” trilogy, a fantasy series which offers some reminiscences of the classical Cinderella tale adapted to a modern setting.

Isla has reached the end of her rope, and now is time for Mother to pay her dues, and for all the pain she has caused. Mother might had made Isla’s life miserable, even taking loved ones for her. But with pain comes resilience and now Isla is stronger than ever and with Rik at her side almost unstoppable, Mother’s dark reign will end, even if it takes an even darker force to bring it down.

Lissa Bolts story is compelling, well-written, and offers interesting and relatable characters embedded into a well-constructed world, in a brand-new take of the Cinderellian trope, showing the struggle of a young female to escape her imposed confinement and fulfill her fate. Easy to read, fast-paced, action-filled, and enjoyable from start to finish. A wonderful conclusion to Isla’s journey.

Profile Image for Audrey.
136 reviews17 followers
August 2, 2023
This last one had me a bit frustrated. Overall I’d give the series a 4 out of 5. I love that Isla gets mad at people when they do things that are manipulative or out of line. That might sound obvious but a shocking amount of books have heroines that get pushed around in ways that I can’t stand. I love the side characters but they don’t have as much time to shine here. There are also a few questions that I would have liked to see answered. This book was more predictable than the first 2 by far and I found myself getting angry with the characters decisions. I like that Isla is stubborn but it just seemed really childish by this point. She also makes a few mistakes that you see coming miles away. I also think it could have gone on for another book so that the war and the side characters had more breathing room. Despite the frustrations and somewhat rushed conclusion, this series is still worth finishing and was overall a delightful surprise.
400 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2023
I loved this series. The story caught my attention immediately, and held it until I finished the series. The characters were believable, except for the magic part, but even that fit into the story naturally. The writing was excellent; good grammar, spelling, sentence structure. The love scenes were G-Rated, but I didn’t mind, especially since Isla just turned 21. She was a caring person, even though she was badly abused by her mother. She thought she was alone, except for her younger brother, which she had to pretend she didn’t like, until they were alone together. But she found out there were quite a few others working secretly to help her throughout her life. There were just a couple times I thought she acted a little childish, but maybe naive is a better word. But, I have nothing negative to say. This series was exciting, unpredictable, and heartwarming. But keep some tissues handy for happy and sad tears. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Kim Scanio.
31 reviews
August 20, 2021
Isla promised she would get revenge on her mother! While plotting that revenge.. she struggles not to become just like her. Isla has what her mother doesn’t though.. people she loves, who love her too, and she also has hope! Is it enough though or will she succumb to the darkness too?!

This book was a perfect ending to an amazing series! Isla’s mission to save her brother and her people was definitely a thrilling, yet sometimes extremely nail biting..and almost heart stopping journey for me! Lol. It was nice to have all of Iz’s new friends come together to fight with her! I enjoyed seeing Isla and Rik’s relationship progress...they are definitely one of my new favorites couples! I love all of these characters so much, and I’m sad for their journey to be over, but I can’t wait to see what Lissa write’s next!
117 reviews
November 14, 2021
Still really good

If this author is a newbie, doesn’t matter. This Author is a master. I’ve read the whole series, and impatiently waiting 2022 for her new book. Great world building, great characters, Delectable Dialog!, and great story. Just a heads up…. I’m a dirty wench and really like steamie parts ( cough, cough - wink, wink - You know what I mean ). While this book has romance, it’s very clean. I know some that this makes a difference too. Whether you like steamie parts or not, don’t pass on this great series.
584 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2021
The woman has taken things from me. People. One of them I can never get back.
She started this war thinking we’d simply fall down at her feet. You know, kiss her expensive little stilettos. After all, she’s the most powerful mage in existence. And she’s got help.
What will happen will she destroy her mother?
Will she take over the reigns or will it end in disaster?
Read this exciting book to find out you will not be disappointed.
2,335 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2022
The third book in the series was the most exciting of all. Tension was high. The characters have all reached their boiling points. War was imminent. There was a lot going in this story and plenty of action. I found this to be a very enjoyable series and I recommend it to others who enjoy this genre. Carolyn Hunter's narration was fine, and she enhanced the story with her performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,799 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2023
Great series

Guardian Heir is the last book of this series. We get the HEA after a hard fought war with several battles that looked very dicey. I love Rik and Thea as a couple. The main characters and side characters are all great. Even the ones we hate. They are well written and will have you rooting for the good guys and hurting when they hurt. This series has all the feels. Definitely recommend. Told from h POV. Closed door, slow burn romance.
Profile Image for Amanda Petrin.
Author 13 books38 followers
August 3, 2021
This was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy. Isla reached the end of her journey and I feel like all the threads were wrapped up nicely. I especially loved Isla's relationship with Rik, her sass, and the reappearance/callback to characters I loved in earlier books. Lissa Bolts is an incredible author and I can't wait to read everything she writes :)
756 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2021
Isla and Rik are back in the best installment yet. They are going to stop Victoria no matter the cost. Will Isla get her brother Linc back? Old friends show up and as always new ones are added. There is action throughout this book. It is hard to put down and once finished you are looking and hoping for a next one.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books572 followers
June 16, 2023
Guardian Heir, the third book of the Ruling Magic series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). The gloves are off, and Isla's power and resilience take center stage. Excellent build-up for the finale, not to mention very satisfying, too. Loved the series and the level of tension the writer maintained through all three books.
434 reviews
January 18, 2024
Great series

I really enjoyed this series. I loved the strong female characters, I also appreciated that there weren't constant pages or chapters of nothing but bedroom activity. It was inferred but not dwelled on, I feel like too many writers use it as page fillers instead of expanding the story. Will definitely be following this author for more of her books!
1,136 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2025
Super ending!!!

Rik and Iz, what a couple! This book ties everything together and more! I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying ending than what I just read. The final battle was epic! And Victoria?? That made me smile.
I can’t recommend this series enough. It’s really great!
Profile Image for Lori Potter.
376 reviews11 followers
December 25, 2021
Read this series!

Great series! I really enjoyed the story and characters. The magic, the evil villain, the heroes, so worth meeting. Start to finish, kept my attention and interest. Read it.
151 reviews
August 12, 2023
Guardian Heir book 3 Ruling Magic Series.

I really lived this series. I was sad with all violence,but there was so much more happy times also. The ending was exactly as I hoped for it was happy.
5 reviews
December 13, 2023
Loved this Series!

Great heroine, lots of action, likable good guys, despicable antagonist, romantical romance ... perfectly paced over the span of three books. I haven't gotten much sleep since I started the series, but that's the only downside!
Profile Image for April Flores.
25 reviews
March 14, 2024
Great story

Finally, a book in which the female main character doesn't cry every 5 minutes and the boyfriend doesn't fight the attraction. They make it work and together fight the bad guys!.
Profile Image for Shannon Seafish Lucy.
525 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2024
Great ending to the trilogy. Unexpected curves thrown by the author which I ADORE because it seems like it keeps getting harder for me to find an original story in which I can't predict the ending after chapter one. Well done Lissa Bolts, one of my new favorites, from whom I will be expecting much!
Profile Image for Sarah Ann.
68 reviews
May 15, 2024
Amazing

This series is one of the top for me. Great writing style, wonderful characters and our main girl is such a blast. I enjoyed how the story ended, and that at no point was a guy going to outshine the MFC. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Julie.
217 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2021
5 stars

I really liked this series a this new author. The world and system of magic that she created was fantastic- I definitely want to read more.
142 reviews
September 9, 2021
Great series

Magic in our current times, set in the Americas. Cruel ruling mage mom that hates her kids and loves power. Thankfully there is an HEA for almost everyone.
Profile Image for Joyce Wajer.
1 review2 followers
September 11, 2021
Loved them. Great new author

Loved the story, great characters. Read all three books in a week. Can't wait to read the next books from this author.
1,269 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2021
4.0

In general I liked a lot of this book, though the pacing was somewhat uneven. I think this author will continue to improve in her skills as this was her first series.
50 reviews
February 23, 2022
Awesome

These books was a great read,with Magic and battles. Also with true love. So if you want to enjoy any of the above, pick these up you will be glad you did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews