Months after the Battle of the Tower a semblance of peace has settled over Leirianor; the rebellion against Queen Arabella has been routed and the traitors punished. But peace is brittle, and war is a powder keg near a crackling flame.
Hannah Khoren doesn’t want a war, despite the Legend of the Heirs pointing towards its inevitability. In order to avoid it, she tries to become closer to Arabella, her fated enemy, to mend the strong bond that once united them.
Meanwhile, Leirianor faces a new threat: strange disappearances have been occurring all over the country in relation to the Jewel of the Seas, a powerful relic believed to have belonged to one of the Great Ladies of old. If they work together, Hannah and Arabella can stop the Jewel from falling into the wrong hands, and save Leirianor from disaster.
But an alliance will push Hannah closer towards the Throne of Bone. Will she be able to keep resisting the lure of power, or will it corrupt her as well?
Aldara Thomas grew up going back and forth between Madrid and Washington D.C. Butterflies That Never Die is her debut novel, the first in a fantasy trilogy.
Tropes ✔️Fantasy ✔️Unique magic ✔️Found family ✔️fated enemies to lovers
Triggers: 🛑 graphic depictions of torture 🛑mentions of past SA
I really really enjoyed the first book but this one kicked it out of the park. I’ll be honest I disliked Seth in the first book, thought he was a bit of a hot head (get it since he has fire magic lol) but in this book I was able to see a side of him that really surprised me.
Arabella also surprised me. She was different from the first book and the way she handled a certain something that has to do with Seth (won’t say what since no spoilers) I came to like her.
This book has so many twists and turns that it will keep you hooked. You won’t be able to put this book down as it has so much to offer. It will sink it’s claws and won’t let go.
Although "Butterflies That Never Die" was really good, "Beasts That Never Slumber" is absolutely epic. Peak fantasy. Masterful! Thomas has outdone herself—which is quite a feat—with this book, and what's more exciting; she doesn't seem interested in stopping anytime soon. This new tale is bursting at the seams with intrigue, magic, and explosive adventure. While the first book was of a more introductory kind, since we spent some time getting familiar with Leirianor and Hannah's little gang, this second installment waits for no one.
In this second book, well-loved characters such as Queen Arabella and her Flame Swallowers, Margaret, Henry, Katherine, Alex, and—of course—Hannah, make their comeback. After the Battle of the Tower, each of them sports new scars, not all of them visible; I was particularly interested in Hannah's chapters, as she struggled with the guilt of what she did. As the book progressed, Hannah found herself submerged in schemes and plots within the Leirianensi court, in which keeping her sister's Throne safe might come at the cost of her own sanity. Since she's K'holymara's heir, Hannah feels drawn to the Throne of Bones; since she's Arabella's sister, she feels repulsed by the idea of seizing it. This conflict is explored in depth in "Beasts That Never Slumber", and goes on to show just how masterful Aldara's storytelling is, to capture so many nuances.
Everyone else also has incredibly good storylines. I was really in awe of Margaret and Derek, who might or might not be the cutest OTP I've ever read about; and I was fascinated by one of the new cast members, Rolf, who stole my heart from the moment I met him. He and Arihi were great aditions to the story, who both drove the plot forwards and felt like really solid characters. Can't wait to see more of Rolfie in the future! (Also, you definitely want to ask Aldara for my amazing Rolf artwork) On a different note, another male character who captivated me was—much to my own surprise—Seth Vulture, one of the Flame Swallowers and Arabella's partner. I want to keep this review spoiler-free, but allow me one little comment: his plotline in this book made me cry. I admire Aldara a lot for how a certain topic was addressed through Seth's experiences, and the way Arabella reacted to it, both at first and once she had cooled down, was incredibly realistic and nuanced. Not a single interaction, regarding this topic, felt out of character or purely discursive, and I am unconditionally in love with Aldara's quill for it.
The action is relentless in this one, so I advise everyone to fasten their seatbelts! Once you've opened the book, it's impossible to put it down. The pages keep turning, and the hours passing, as this whimsical story unravels, to the point that you'll be unable to tell whether you're in Leirianor or not. Without a single dull, slow, or boring moment, this book will give you a rush of adrenaline and thrill, with action scenes and fights that will have you dodging swords and firing bullets.
Don't miss out on the Legend of the Heirs series! A must read for anyone who likes Fantasy even just a little bit.
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions in here are my own. *** Original Review: I AM SCREAMING ALDARA YOU BITCH IMHO this gem deserved to remain a part of my review
Something I noticed about both this book and BTND is Thomas' preference for slow first halfs that lead into high tension, heavy action second halfs. The middle of this book was particularly tense, with a bit of horror vibes to it. The ending had a good twist, with the breadcrumbs clearly laid out for readers to follow once you know where to look.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who like intricate plots and don't mind wait for a big pay off.
I received this novel as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did not believe it when I read reviews saying the second novel wel lol surpassed the first in regards to how amazing it is! Not to discredit the first either as it was amazing too!!
Hannah and Margaret have an amazing relationship as now they know they are really sisters. They face challenges together and always step up for each other. Happily in this novel they do reunite with the Spicy Queen Arabella! Yay! It is a bit tense at first but the sisters set aside their differences and really come thru for each other in the end multiple times throughout the novel.
I am so happy Henry and Hannah are together still through this novel. I cannot wait to watch their relationship blossom! 🥰 Arabella and Seth are also very much in love, it was heartbreaking to see Seth step out of the scene for some time but the ending really shows their passion for one another. Lastly, Margaret and Derek!!!!!! I cannottttt wait to see what happens between these two! 😍😍😍😍 Talk about things getting hot 🔥
The story, the adventure, the battles faced all were alluring and played a great part in the grand story. I think the overall development really fit pieces together that may have not made sense originally. Very well written!
Honorable mention to the shocking ending. Smug Derek knew and that was amazing. The very last two lines shook me and I can’t wait to see how it picks up in novel 3!
There are beautifully written supporting characters, Derek, Seth, Alex, and Katherine.
- Shapeshifters - Found Family - Royalty - Elemental Magic - World Building - 0/5 🔥
I cannot wait to read the next novel after this amazing ending set up!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and WOAHHH! This book is one hell of a journey and I will do my best to produce a spoiler-free review! I do not say this often, but I think the sequel is even better than the first book (...and do not get me wrong, the first book is FANTASTIC)! Follow the main character, Hannah, as she further discovers the magical world of Leirianor. With the help of her friends, she will rule a kingdom, go on dangerous adventures, face unexpected enemies, and solve ancient mysteries.
There are many moving parts in this book and, like the first book, I was hit with surprise after surprise. The friendships, relationships, family drama, court intrigue, ancient prophecies, life and death situations, and adventures will keep you on your toes and it truly will not leave you disappointed.
The book follows multiple characters and relationships that contain their own histories and complications. There are many tropes in this book such as fated enemies to lovers, found family, rivals, and redemptions. I love the way the characters are written in this series. The author has taken a lot of care to develop all the different main and side characters and introduce their backstories in such a way that it is easy to emotionally connect with them. There are moments in the book when the main characters have to make tough choices and it is easy for the reader to understand why some choices were made (some may even surprise you :D ). Overall, all the different personalities in this book mesh well and make the book enjoyable to read.
There were many times in this book that I was laughing but there were also times when I was heartbroken (a tear or two might have fallen … ) and speechless and wanted the author to say “PSYCH … just kidding.” This book leaves you emotionally invested and constantly engaged.
I cannot recommend this book enough and I cannot wait to discover what adventures the next book entails!
Lastly, I wanted to point out some TRIGGER WARNINGS if that is something that applies to you. The triggers that are listed at the beginning of the book include: graphic depictions of torture, mentions of past sexual assault, and prejudice.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really fortunate to receive an ARC of the first book as well, and wow — Aldara has really outdone herself on this one. The stakes throughout this book were intense and the added pressure of the Legend of Heirs is such a fascinating and exciting storyline to watch play out. I adore Arabella with my whole heart but Hannah's character arc is so dynamic and well-written. Margaret's romance is also the most compelling love story in the book for me, and I loved how fleshed out it got this book. I was fully invested in the story and the twists and turns of the plot. The freaking ending though GOT ME and I cannot wait for book three.
There were a couple of things I struggled with — namely Seth's storyline and I did have a little bit of trouble following all the characters and their role in the story.
Overall though, I *really* enjoyed book two and loved seeing this story develop further.
If you’re looking for an Enemies to Lovers YA Fantasy this is the book for you!
Butterflies That Never Die was good but book 2 is even better! AND both books are available to read on KU!
💟YA Fantasy 💟Enemies to lovers 💟Found Families 💟Shifters 💟Elemental Magic
I will say that the first half is a bit slow but once it picks up IT PICKS UP! The action and tension in the second half is 🔥🔥🔥!
We get to know find more about the heirs and what’s at stake. There’s twists and turns that I didn’t see coming!
Even though this is YA please be sure to still check TW!
This blurb is everything! I couldn’t write it better! “Months after the Battle of the Tower a semblance of peace has settled over Leirianor; the rebellion against Queen Arabella has been routed and the traitors punished. But peace is brittle, and war is a powder keg near a crackling flame.
Hannah Khoren doesn’t want a war, despite the Legend of the Heirs pointing towards its inevitability. In order to avoid it, she tries to become closer to Arabella, her fated enemy, to mend the strong bond that once united them.
Meanwhile, Leirianor faces a new threat: strange disappearances have been occurring all over the country in relation to the Jewel of the Seas, a powerful relic believed to have belonged to one of the Great Ladies of old. If they work together, Hannah and Arabella can stop the Jewel from falling into the wrong hands, and save Leirianor from disaster.
But an alliance will push Hannah closer towards the Throne of Bone. Will she be able to keep resisting the lure of power, or will it corrupt her as well?”
I was going to give this book 4.5 stars, due to the slow buildup, but then the last 25% took me by the throat and I can give it no less than 5 stars and do nothing but pray the third book comes out soon.
Like oh my god. What was this book? The plot twists! The political intrigue! The tension! The suspense! It's been a long time since a book has seriously stressed me out, and I loved every second. I was guessing at every decision the characters made from the start, questioning their motives at every turn (in a good way).
I never knew what would happen next, but the pieces were woven together perfectly when we finally reached the end.
Again, my only qualm was that the book did have a slow buildup, as I didn't really know what the main conflict was for a good third of the book, but when it picked up, it picked up good. I also would HIGHLY recommend giving book 1 a reread before diving into this one because I think I missed some things and a reread would've cleared up a lot of my confusion.
All I can really say is that you NEED to read this series, especially if you like stories with shapeshifters, elemental magic, ancient curses, chosen one with a twist, interesting family dynamics, and suspense.
Aldara once again created an amazing book, but this one tops the first in my opinion. The first book in the series really sets up the world, introduces us to the characters and sets up the action (as action pack as book 1 is). Book 2 continues with the action and story line, but also give us more depth of the characters and their relationships.
I loved seeing the group of Arabella, Hannah, Jessica, Alex, Katherine, and Margaret with Derek and Seth. The newest edition to the characters, Rolf, has me intrigued to know more about him. Several times throughout the book my heart broke, I wanted to scream, or help the characters myself. So many huge events happen in this book, make sure you read Book 1 or you will be lost with all the plot twists and new discoveries the characters make.
The book has just as much action in it as BTND and just like the 1st, it hits its high point of action around the middle of the book and keeps getting better. There are parts of subtle romance, but ultimately is a wonderful fantasy read. If you love magic, shifters, found family, and fated enemies to lovers/friends then this series is for you! I can't wait for the next book.
Why is no one hyping this series even more?! I was sent an ARC of this the 2nd book in her legend of the heirs series. So I did have to go and read the first one to start. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! There is so much building and character development that if you just try and dive into the 2nd book you will be lost.
But in this book we follow The Heirs. Hannah, Arabella, Margaret and Derek. Little do they know their own legends are about to lead to more! Trying not to spoil it but we go from sisters hating each other, a scandal ensues that ruins a wedding, mysterious disappearances force the queen to go into the modern world. Shortly after a rescue party goes to find her and finds a very disturbing research facility and thats only half of it!
The group must use their amazing powers to save themselves and everything they know to be true. But will it be enough to take down the true immortal enemy? I promise you want to find out!! This story is gripping and has so much detail you will get lost in the pages. No spice and the romance is the smallest sub plot throughout. Go read it!
Can I please give this book more than 5 starts? five is too little. five doesn't even begin to compare to what this book deserves. 5 is simply not enough. I thought that nothing could top Butterflies that never die. well, I was WRONG!!! Aldara, it was truly an honor to receive an ARC, so here goes my honest review. This book surprised me so many times, and that usually doesn't happen, but your story is such a unique story that I was surprised by what was happening time and time again, from the moment the first chapter started all throughout the ending. Even the last sentence (because OMG that ending!) I couldn't stop reading, I almost cried in class because of this book, multiple times. I've been in such a reading slump for the last few months, but the second I started reading I couldn't stop, no matter the time it was or where I was I would pick up my phone and read at least a few sentences because my anxiety would not let me function if I didn't know what was happening in Leirianor. The character growth from the last book to this was amazing, and the growth they all experienced through this 31 chapters (+ epilogue)... I have literally no words. Beasts that never slumber is everything I wanted from this sequel and more, and it's only been two days since I finished reading but I miss Leirianor and it's people already.
A Sequel That Topped The First Book!! There are not enough words for me to possibly tell you how much I loved this book! I recieved Beasts That Never Slumber as an ARC, and this review will be spoiler free. I loved the first book in this series (Butterflies That Never Die) but this Sequel is even better!!! The story and character development are top notch, I loved all the cute, and sweet moments while also being completely wrapped up in the intense adventure scenes. The world building continued to be amazing and I loved that we got to learn so much more about Leirianor and its history! There wasn't a dull, or slow moment the entire book. That last 100 pages blew my mind! I screamed and almost threw the book a few times. If you love unique stories, found Family trope, action, adventure, well thought out fantasy world building then Legend of Heirs series is for you!
If you enjoyed the cruel prince, I think you'll like this book a lot! Legend of the Heirs is a YA fantasy that focuses on Hannah, a girl who rediscovers a world lost to her a long time ago. Whilst enjoying spending time with the family she once lost, Hannah has to deal with the Legend of the Heirs and its consequences.
This book has a bit of everything: a unique magic system, found family, politics, enemies to lovers (between secondary characters), etc.
I really enjoyed reading these but I had trouble connecting with the characters. I found myself wanting to see more of Margaret and Derek than Hannah, Henry, or Arabella. I almost wished that the story focused on Margaret instead of Hannah (merging the two characters together). I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Nevertheless, this was a fun and refreshing read that I would recommend to ya fantasy lovers!
I loved this book even moreee than the first one. The world building in this one was AMAZING and the character development?? I’m sat. Derek has my heart, bless that man. BUT THE ENDING??? I felt like punching a wall (in both a good way and bad way) I need the next one IMMEDIATELY and an apology video for hurting my heart 🛐
Although "Butterflies That Never Die" was good and I enjoyed it, "Beasts That Never Slumber" was amazing. As the first book felt a little bit too introductory as we get to know the characters, is in this second installment when we get to see the high stakes of the main conflict. And it doesn't disappoint.
Our well-loved characters (Hannah, Arabella, Margaret, Jessica, Alex, Henry and Derek) come back after the revelations of the first book and dealing with the consequences of what happened, specially Hannah, who struggles with the guilt of what she did. Even though there is a huge set of characters, all of them push the story forward and they never feel out of place. I specially liked, without spoilers, how the author addressed certain topics regarding Seth, Arabella's partner.
To end this review, I would like to point out how Aldara has improved her writing from the first book. This doesn't mean she wasn't good in the first one, she bloody was, but we can appreciate now a maturity and growth in her skills. Aldara is a great writer and I am sure we are going to see more of her work in the years to come.
So, to wrap things up, if you like fated enemies to lovers, found family, great adventures and court intrigues, this is the series for you. Give it a chance and you won't be disappoint.
HELLO. This book was a rollercoaster ride both plot wise and emotionally. I love this sweet torture tho I loved the first book and so happy everything I loved was here too in the second one. The amazing characters dynamic, political intrigues, sisterly bonds, friendship, and of course, all the chaos! I adore the writing style and the fast pace of the story.
Margaret and Derek, ladies and gents. Slow(painful)burn romance and I just love it. Hannah and Arabella navigating their powers and pulling strings here and there, I just love to see it. Henry is such cinnamonroll as always and I love Jessica and Alex! Also Katherine and (cue new chara!) Rolf!
It's the ending thooooo! I will need book 3 ASAP haha
Amazing Read!!! However, the action was a bit slow to build up to, so for me it was hard to stick with the book. As it got towards the end, it started piquing my interest more and I couldn’t put it down.Definitely excited for the next one!!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: It is a clean YA ♥️ Tension: 🔥🔥
If you’re looking for your next read that is packed with action and a good fantasy storyline, look no further!
This book was EVERYTHING! Butterflies Never Die was really good but book 2 Beasts that Never Slumber! Well let me tell you! I freaking loved the character development with all the characters.
-YA Fantasy -Enemies to lovers -Shifting -Found Families
Aldara did such a great job with her world building and exquisite character arcs. We find out more about the heirs and what is at stake. I’m so glad we got to see more into the characters. There was someone in book 1 I didn’t care for that I just freaking adore now.
I was kept on my toes and my fingers on the pages flipping through just to find out what will happen nexts.
The characters go through so many challenges and choices that will impact all.
I can’t wait to read more!
Thank you so much Aldara Thomas for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
After the first book, I thought "where do we go from there?". The answer is all over the place, and I enjoyed every POV shift. My message to the author is "did you really have to cut it off there?"
A beautiful book that truly outshone its predecessor.
Beasts that Never Slumber is the second book to Legend of the Heirs, and by the gods it had me by the throat. Though the plot started off slow, the build-up and closure in relation to the first book was appreciated. I've praised her for this in Butterflies that Never Die (if you haven't checked that one out, what are you waiting for?), but the worldbuilding in this book was especially fantastic, and the vivid imagery as well as the character interactions made this book an easy world to dive into (iykyk ;). I've seen many authors attempt to pull off a certain part of the plot and fail, but with Aldara, the details with how it was set up all made sense. Act Two was very enjoyable as a reader, and the nuance with how the plot was handled onwards also made complete sense, especially those plot twists I never saw coming (yes I screamed at Aldara for them). It's also never a good thing when everything seems alright and the characters finally catch a break with 100 pages left to spare.
Overall, 5* for being the most enjoyable read I've had all year! (I say this in retrospect as well)