Descend

The Blaze Legacy #1

by L.R. Friedman

“We’ve been waiting for you.”

Kyleigh always believed attending Halston University would help her feel closer to her mother who went missing a decade ago. When a mysterious invitation to join the school's prestigious secret society arrives during orientation, an inexplicable urge to pledge fuels her hope of finding answers.

But what she doesn’t realize is that the answers she’s searching for are on the other side of everything she’s ever known...

Thrust into a dark and twisted fairy tale realm full of dangerous magic and creatures that once only lived in her bedtime stories, she runs into Aislin, a lightning wielding assassin with a talent for stopping hearts.

Since Aislin discovered her gift, she’s been nothing more than a weapon used by criminals to deliver swift and merciful deaths, but for the first time, she’s given the opportunity to earn her freedom.

Just one final kill.

Her mark? The man responsible for her family’s death and the destruction of her kingdom.

When Kyleigh and Aislin’s stories become entangled, two women from worlds apart must join forces against a vengeful king or risk remaining pawns in a deadly game played by those in power.

Descend is the first book in The Blaze Legacy, a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance featuring dragon shifters in a queernormative fantasy world. Perfect for readers who love:
- feisty heroines falling in love
- everyone is morally grey
- emotional damage told in multi POV

READ THE ENTIRE BLAZE LEGACY SERIES:
Book 1: Descend
Book 2: Scale
Book 2.5: Pitch
Book 3: Ascend
Book 4: Fall
Book 5: Soar

Note: This series is intended for 18+ readers due to its mature content and themes.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Queer

304 pages, ebook

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

L.R. Friedman started writing in 2021 after spending a decade putting “write the book” on her five-year plan. Her first book published in August 2022.

The girl that grew up trying to find a hidden realm in her closet, she now spends her days curled up with a cup of coffee, playing matchmaker for her morally grey characters.

All of her stories include LGBTQ+ leads, mental health rep, and are set in worlds that are dark, sexy, and whimsical. Her immersive and character-driven stories are full of emotional healing and relatable characters, meant to both entertain and empower her readers.​

She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[moiza ໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১]

Pre read ... I hear Charissa omgggg I read her the witch walker book 1 and I love the writing and world

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update my rating during my reread! Jan 2023
———-

I enjoyed entering this world! Descend is told in dual POV by Kyleigh and Aislin. This is great for fantasy lovers, those wanting to be introduced into New Adult.

I was super invested in Kyleigh's story. She starts off being a little bit childish but as time goes by I love her character development. Aislin was put to the test with Kyleigh, she definitely learned to have patience with people surrounding her. Being from two different worlds, Kyleigh from what could be defined as our world and Aislin being part of the realm of Celaria, these two were different. But this didnt stop them from growing and learning to work together. I love that!

The world building was beautiful, I loved so much of the detail the author puts in there. Not to say that it was overwhelming in any sense. Friedman gave us the perfect materials to build. With regards to the magic, I wish I would have learned more. I am a sucker for the beginning of things.. Hoping to see more of that in the next book, which I am super excited to read!

OK so I may be a bit obsessed with Ox and Dru, they were the perfect addition to this story. A lot of the development we see is because of them too!

Huge thanks to the author for letting me join the descend journey and sending me a copy! All opinions are my own.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author spontaneously on a weekend trip, bought this book from her in the parking lot of a restaurant area, and am now entrenched in the lives of these characters. I feel seen by the story being woven; through the grief, newfound autonomy, the ✨queerness✨. I see myself in the playfulness and heaviness that Lauren so delicately balances in her writing. I’m reminded that magic does exist. It can be dark and gruesome, but it can also create light and help us grow. It’s all up to the way we see and use it, and that magic exists inside of all of us.
I picked up the Pitch novella just after finishing this, and am ready with my copy of Scale for a buddy read-along. Not only are these books beautiful (and heartbreaking, funny, wonderful, etc) but they’ve connected me to a world of really cool friends in real life, reminding me that we can find wonder between the pages of a book and between the communities we have in our own.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review 4.5 Stars!

Descend is the first book in the Blaze Legacy, a dark portal fantasy series! This is an emotional and dark first book of the series, with a lush worldbuilding and layered characters.

When Kyleigh goes to college, she feels a link to her mother who left a long time ago and never came back. She discovers a secret university society, the Vis, which her mother used to be part of. Kyleigh unknowingly is dragged into a world of magic, danger and power: Celaria. Where she might just find the answers about her past.

While that, in Celaria, Aislin lives a life of service as a assassin due to her strong powers. After having her entire family killed in a devastating fire, she had no alternative but to accept her fate as an assassin, that is, until an opportunity for revenge comes knocking at her door.

The story is told in two points of views, from Kyleigh and Aislin, and as the lives of these two girls intertwine they must come together in order to achieve their goals. It is beautifully written story that had me guessing with every page! Cannot wait for the sequel.

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy for review

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descend is the first book in The Blaze Legacy series, and was a really good dark portal fantasy! I really enjoyed the world building and the plot was really intriguing. I loved all of the magical creatures we encountered!

In this book you follow two points of view, Kyleigh and Aislin. The characters were layered and enjoyable to experience this story with. The plot twists threw me for a loop too! I didn’t expect them, especially towards the end!

I do wish that there would have been more explanation in regards to the magic in this world. I feel that this area could have been developed a little bit more and made this story even more enjoyable.

If you are wanting to dip your toes into reading New Adult, this is a good one to start with.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!

“Once upon a time, I believed in fairy tales.
Now, I know they were all make believe.”

“I need you to kill a king”

“Mermaids are real”

Wow I’m still trying to recover from the amount of things I unraveled while reading this book!!
I can only say one thing … I NEED BOOK TWO NOW !!!!
A girl, trying to feel closer to her mother, who disappeared when she was ten, is suddenly invited to a college meeting for a secret society and … all of a sudden she finds herself in a completely different place … Celeria !!!!
We follow Kyleigh story, while she tries to find out what happened to her and her mother with the help of a handsome male interest Dru, while also following the story of another great main character … Aislin.
These two young women are connected in more than one way … that just don’t know it yet … while one is seeking answers, the other is seeking freedom, while delivering a mission for the Queen … to save her kingdom !!!!
So many mysteries, so many secrets, so many magical creatures (even DRAGONS!!!) and such a great plot !!!
I fell in love with the magic system and I’m afraid I’m partial to soma characters more than others … though I believe this world is gonna surprise me again soon !!!
And damn those plot twists at the end !!! It felt like the author already knew she needed something to catch the attention of the reader to prepare them for book two …
I AM MORE THAN READY !!!!!

“You are still just as beautiful as before, but now you stand out a little differently”

“I believe she’s descended from Celaria”

“My mom always believed you had to take charge of your life or others would happily do it for you”

[Tati Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique and interesting read! I think the author did an amazing job at creating a diverse magical realm and weaving in modern day problems as well.

I really enjoyed Kyleigh and loved discovering Celaria. Such a fantastic debut!

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fantasy with lovable characters, dual POV, multiple worlds, ad portal magic, then DESCEND is a book I highly recommend you check out! Though it does have a darker vein to it at times, the writing and dialogues make it the perfect light read, ideal to enjoy a quick binge or to slip out of a reading slump.

I adore fantasy stories that dabble with multiple worlds, but I particularly enjoyed how the author wove in a dash of secret societies as well. It added a touch of academic mystery, and also created a seamless link between our world and the fantasy realm of Celaria. The world building in the magic realm was also very well done. We still haven’t gotten a full scope of the magic (for plot reasons), but I was so excited about the little tidbits we did get! Lighting magic, fire magic, ice magic, shapeshifting, dragons, wicked enchanting beings in the woods… I was fangirling the entire time when something new was introduced as everything was so well done.

The author did an incredible job with her characters as well, especially the leading ladies, Aislin and Kyleigh. These two couldn’t be more different. One is a bit of an extrovert assassin from a fantasy world who yearns for nothing more than freedom and revenge for her dead family, the other is a sweet girl from our world who just wants to go to college and understand why her mom abandoned her. And yet I loved the grace with which both of them carried their burdens and the optimism they have in common. I found it extremely easy to cheer for these women and want them to succeed. They both grow and achieve so much during the span of a single novel, and I cannot wait to see where the author takes their journey next.

The only issue I found—which is subjective to my personal tastes—was in the pacing, both of the story and Kyleigh’s romantic arc. While the beginning was quick and engaging, I found that the middle of the book dragged a little. I think this was done to give the characters time to bond and also set the foundations for a relationship that I think will be important in the sequel, but I found I wasn’t as engaged. The ending, however, more than made up for it! There are so many plot twists and reveals within the last 50 pages, I couldn’t stop reading! As far as the romance goes, I felt like we didn’t get to see enough “bonding” between Kyleigh and Dru, so I’m not really feeling their attraction or romance yet. But Dru is the sweetest, so I know he’ll win me over given the time.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enchanting story!

Descend is the first in The Blaze Legacy series, set in both our world and the fantasy world of Celaria, and told in the dual POVs of Kyleigh and Aislin. There’s the mystery of a missing parent, secret societies, assassins, portal magic, rival kingdoms, characters that band together for a common goal, dragons…this book was a Fantasy lover’s dream!

While the story starts out in our world, the majority of it takes place in Celaria. That isn’t to say that the chapters in our world were no less important or intriguing. Here, we got to investigate on the enigmatic secret society, the Vindicatio Vis, and we got to meet our precious librarian Dru, so I was in my element. However, I loved the world the author created with Celaria with the court intrigue between the courts of Arafax and Inverno.

The group that forms within the story was fantastic. Ox was especially hard not to love. The two protagonists, Kyleigh and Aislin, were both amazing and well structured. I enjoyed both their POVs. As for the romance, Kyleigh and Dru were cute, but I do wish things had moved a little slower. Aislin, on the other hand, has an interesting dynamic going on with another strong female character, and I hope my ship senses aren’t lying to me. I’m excited to see how things progress for both couples.

I loved the reveals towards the end! I’d guessed the one about the mother, not because the author gave it away somehow, but rather because I couldn’t keep my overactive imagination quiet. The one in Inverno…shocked. My jaw hit the floor. Very excited for the sequel!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Megs: Glitter in the Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about some badass female main characters. Aislin, who started off badass from the first page she was on. And Kyleigh, who became bassass once she had a little more time under her belt. I enjoyed that the story was told from both girls POVs, I felt that was very unique.

I definitely want more of Aislin’s background. I love that she names her marks- and loved that she still continued to call Fergus, Ox, even after learning his real name. I loved their playful banter with each other.

I can’t imagine what Kyleigh was going through when she found out about Celaria and magic abilities. I feel like she handled it quite well and so glad that she had a familiar face, Dru, to help her through it. Even after their awkward meeting in the library.

Very excited for the next book Scale to get more answers.

[Justyn Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this today, and I must say-as someone who doesn’t typically go for the fantasy genre (more of a crime/mystery kinda gal), I was blown away by this book and totally rethinking the “not a fantasy reader” thing.

The book started out intriguing and quickly became gripping. The author’s words had me visualizing the scenes in my head with their great attention to detail. I felt like I was right there in this fantasy world watching like a fly on the wall; reading as fast as I could to learn what would come next. I could feel my face visibly reacting to what I was reading I was so engaged.

I am hooked, and dying to find out what happens in the next book!

[Keiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I've read a book that continually surprised me with twists. Descend managed to do just that, all the way up to the last page of the epilogue.

The story is told through the eyes of two different girls, from two different worlds. Normally, this style of writing annoys me but this was well done and each chapter is clearly marked so you know who is telling the story. The author also does an excellent job of getting into the story. There's some character set up in the beginning but it's not drawn out. Once you meet all of the main characters, the pace picked up and it became very hard to put the book down. Just when you think that you know what's coming next, you're proven wrong with the introduction of a new character, new magic, or finding out that what you thought you knew was wrong.

I loved reading Descend and I look forward to reading it again before the 2nd book in the series is released.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime I read a debut of an authors, I try not to be too harsh, and I don't expect the book to be a 5 star but this one was for me.
This book caught my attention immediately and I kept wondering how Aislin and Ky were connected and when that answer came, I did not expect what I got but I was very pleased. Lauren did an amazing job with the characters and building their personalities beautifully, the world building was picture perfect and all the creatures in this world were a nice addition to the storyline. Even the villains in this story were intriguing and captivating. All the secrets and twist and turns in this story kept my attention and before I knew it, I had reached the end and hit a cliffhanger that had me screaming and in disbelief of what I had just read.
I would 100% recommend reading this new debuting author to anyone who enjoys a YA fantasy.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have re-read this for the read-along put together by Lauren on IG in late May-June 2023 ...

I truly enjoyed reading this story again. I found a new love and respect for my favorite characters: Dru, Ox and Neve. I even found an understanding of Redmond.

I have been missing this world for 4 months! Lauren introduced me to such an enchanting place where it has been living rent-free in my head.

All of the clues to who Kyleigh truly was and where Kyleigh's mother ran off too, relied on that one item she had with her the whole time. Although I am pissed at her mother, I can appreciate that she did her a solid by having a caring and protective person sent to her.

If you have NOT read the Blaze Legacy yet ... go do it now.

Suggested reading order:
Descend
Scale
Pitch
Ascend

[✩₊*Shelby ⋆ ☾⋆ LiteraryFaery ⁺₊✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately captivated by the premise of Descend—two women’s stories collide, one in our world and the other in a fantasy realm!!

The world-building and magic systems are utterly fascinating and it’s an altogether perfect book for lovers of new adult fantasy with all the best things—including DRAGONS!! Add to that the university setting and dark academia vibes?! I’m obsessed!!

This is a beyond wonderful debut from this new indie author and I cannot wait for more. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim and am so glad I did! The secret society and dark academia world in Kyleigh's POV and the badass magical assassin story in Aislin's POV drew me in and once I started, I couldn't stop! The world of Celaria with its magic and history was fun to escape into. I liked how both Kyleigh and Aislin had their own journey they needed to work through, but also how their stories complemented each other. Those reveals at the end were crazy! I can't wait for book 2!

[ciin_leest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Reading the book through the eyes of Kyleigh and Aislin was so fun and made me really feel for both girls. And the way the story has been written is so good! It felt like I could see all of the places described in my mind and it felt like I was walking along with them in the book. L. R. Friedman did a wonderful job at creating a world full of magic, wonder, action and love. I can't wait for the next book!

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What an amazing debut novel! I CAN NOT wait for the next book. The writing is beautifully done and the pacing was phenomenal. Kyleigh and Aislin’s journey had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The next book can’t come out soon enough!

[Brittany |planted.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun!

I love the dual POV from Kyleigh and Aislin, who are similar yet also different. I can’t wait to learn more about world, and all the characters we were introduced to in book one. I’m especially intrigued by the King 😏

Here’s to book 2!

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Portal Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Forced proximity, slow burn, cinnamon roll MMC

Spice: 🌶️

Why you will like: Portals, secret societies, magical creatures, unlikely friends, a man who loves books, giant fox!

What it’s about: College student Kyleigh gets more than she bargained for when she is whisked into a portal hidden on her campus. Discovering enemies, powers and worlds she can’t explain, she finds an unlikely ally in Aislin. An assassin with an attitude and a longing for freedom. Dangers and shocking twists wait around every turn, will they be able to revive this world destroyed by long held hatred?

Notes:
I’m not really a fan of books with a “college” vibe. (Cue bad decision flash backs 😳) But even though that’s where this book starts you’re pretty quickly sucked into mysteries and secret societies. Then you hit the portal and you get to meet all my favorite people. The enchantress HAS enchanted me. I need more of her. I think that’s my heart in her jar. 💘 There were a lot of twists and I really enjoyed learning about the characters history and the world/magic. Aislin is amazing and I’m pretty sure we’re best friends. She pushes people away or maybe it’s that she doesn’t know how to let them in. But it’s so fun to watch them all work their way into her heart and get her all protective over them. I need to know more about Sloane and Mox! They are so intriguing. And that ending.. I just 🤯 What?!??

Why you might dislike: The dual POV is not with the love interest. It’s not a bad thing but just something to note, I’m so used to it being the love interest it threw me for a minute. Kyleigh is young and some of her actions felt silly even if understandable. I just didn’t connect with her as much as Aislin in the first half of the book, which is totally a preference thing. I personally wasn’t into the romance here, maybe Dru is too good for me. And I mean it’s probably because my heart belongs to another. 🫙❤️

TW: Explicit scenes, sexual harassment, loss of family, violence, gore, murder, torture (of the winged variety)

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Equality Book Tours for partnering with me and allowing me to read and review this book!

If you’re looking for a good NA fantasy with both contemporary elements and excellent world building, this is the book for you. The story is told with dual-POVs and both women’s stories become entangled over the course of the book. Kyleigh and Aislin were such unique characters and I loved both of their POVs! Easy to follow and definitely added something to the story, versus if it had just been Kyleigh’s perspective. This book had so many plot twists and THE EPILOGUE?? Already need the second installment! (Which is out right now!)

💗 Tropes: slow burn, secret societies, cinnamon roll love interest, forced proximity
💗TW: violence, mental health recovery
💗dark academia meets a magical portal to a fairy realm with deadly creatures and lots of adventure.

[Hannah Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an amazing work of fantasy and it blew my mind every step of the way! The two main heroines are phenomenal characters who complement the other's personalities so well they remind me of Arthur and Merlin from BBC's Merlin! (If you know, you know.) Dru and Ox as the leading men are also quite dynamic characters that I always loved to see more of! One of the characters in the book is inhuman but makes the four main characters understand the human-like feelings that "beasts" can have underneath their misunderstood exteriors. All in all, I cannot say enough praises for this book. I am so extremely fortunate that I got to participate in this Read-along with L.R. Friedman and the rest of my fellow "Initiates" because I adored being able to talk not only to fellow readers in real time, but to the author as well via our Instagram chat. On to the next book to help prepare for the release of Ascend! Solid 5/5 star book in my eyes!

[Katie Huhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Descend falls on the outside of my go-to book choices, but when gifted an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review I wouldn’t say no.

I found myself wanting to stay up to get to the next section. This book is written in a dual perspective which normally is a turn off for me because one character is always unlikeable, but I loved both perspectives.

The problem with books in series? When the next one is not out yet. Can not wait for Scales to be released!

[Scott Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like this before but thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Full of fairy tales and magic that make the trip fun and enjoyable, some tension to keep things interesting, and a good little twist at the end. A great debut novel, and I'm sure L.R. Friedman will only get better and better with each coming installment.

[Rachelle B. Ruffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to take a deep dive and truly descend into the portal with Kyleigh as you follow her through this completely new realm! L.R. Friedman does such a great job captivating her readers with all of her amazing use of imagery and emotions to make you feel transported into two worlds, the one Kyleigh has lived most her life, and the one she discovers. Every character in this book has a quality to draw you in wanting to learn more about them. I had so much fun reading this book, getting to know the dynamic characters through their eyes and others, seeing paths cross, following the plot twists and turns-I was hooked till the very last page. While I don't read a lot of fantasy/portal-fantasy, the excitement and page-turner hype I felt reading Descend, reminded me of how I felt reading Harry Potter. If your a fan of being completely submersed in a world within a book and enjoy some romantic spice this is for you! I can't wait to see how the adventures will continue. Be ready to feel left wanting more! It's truly a realm you want to stay a part of.

[Chubby_Little_Butter_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Once upon a time, I believed in fairytales. Now, I know they were all make believe.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kyleigh begins her first year at Halston University, following in the footsteps of her mother and father. She hopes she will feel closer to her mother, who left without a trace 10 years ago. But when she receives an invitation to join the school’s secret society Kyleigh begins a much bigger adventure than she ever anticipated.

Descend is a great opening to The Blaze Legacy series. It does an excellent job of world building while keeping the plot moving. If you like a portal fantasy with dual powerful and interesting female main characters, this is the series for you.

A copy of Descend was graciously provided by the author for review.

[Nikki Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ☆ Kept my attention right from the beginning

[Brandi Marinig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good in the beginning but they went to the other world too quickly. Author should have spent time developing characters and motivation before that. I was uninterested after that.

[J.A. Vodvarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series and authorial debut for L.R. Friedman. This was really my first foray into romantic fantasy and was wondering, as an epic fantasy reader who has grown tired of standard epic fantasy and looking for something different...is this for me? Well, after reading Descend, I would say yup! It's got the right amount of fantasy mixed with romance, with intriguing characters and a little something for everyone, including my weakness...what looks to be a slow-burn romance that's just teased a bit and has me exited for book 2! A lot of care and attention to detail went into this book and I think everyone is going to just latch onto a character from this diverse cast. For me, it's Ais, Ox, and Sloan. There's enough world-building, character development, and twists to keep the pages turning. Read this book!

[Kyndle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started off really slow but the last 50 pages or so raised it from 4 starts to 5!