Ducal Heir

Sangwheel Chronicles #2

by Marie M. Mullany

The older the secret, the more dangerous its revelation.

In the far north, Louis and Roul prepare to confront the darkness seeping through Lumeaux, the Jewel of Lumiaron. The machinations of Brice Rennaurd, Shadow Master to the Emperor, continue to grow in scope and ambition, and the specter of civil war looms over the Empire.

A world away, Naira follows the dream of her left-hand husband into the red dunes of the Cidan Mashada, where the scent of prophecy awaits them.

As two worlds converge, the spiderweb of conspiracy entangles all and knives glint like malicious sneers in the shadows. For at the heart of the Lumiaron Empire lies a secret so sinister, that its keepers would consort even with the dire power of Sang Sorcellerie to preserve it.

Genres: Fantasy

650 pages, ebook

Published August 26, 2022

Reviews

[Marie Mullany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So of course as the author I think this is fantastic. With that out of the way, I think my writing craft between book one (The Hidden Blade) and book two (The Ducal Heir) improved quite drastically.
Story wise, this book picks up directly after the events of The Hidden Blade, but also introduces the new POV of Naira, Balancer of the Order of the Threesome from the continent of Kisangi.

It's my first foray into multi-POV, I hope that you all enjoy it!

[Kim Cowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stage is set for a deadly struggle between forces who wish to preserve the Empire and a sorcerer who intends to bring about destruction. Our hero, Louis, is at the centre of the struggle, along with his mother, cousin and friends. Representatives of a disruptive religious faith are arriving from the far South.
The world-building is complex, the magical system unusual and the many characters are varied and well depicted. I found it difficult at times to keep track of the details of the noble systems, the magic systems and the religions, but a glossary is provided. The nobility are also the principal magic-users and have some rather extreme magical powers.

This is a very long book but I found it an absorbing read. I would recommend it, particularly if you have read the first volume.
I received a free advance copy of this book.

[DeathbringerZ7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot started slow, and some incidents raised even more questions than the first book, but the plot picks up and the pieces fall into place beautifully. When is the next book coming out? How many books are planned in this series?

[Christopher Klassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Hidden Blade, so of course I read The Ducal Heir as soon as I got the chance and the world gets even bigger and the so do the mysteries! I can't wait for the next one!!!

[Angela Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Hidden Blade and definitely ups the stakes significantly. Instead of only following the POV of Louis, the main protagonist, this book now follows multiple POVs as they weave their own stories that slowly draw together for the climax of the book. The storytelling feels richer and more complex, and each of the character perspectives has a unique voice and flavour. The worldbuilding is expansive and full of flavour. The story is very compelling and I was sad to reach the end and realise that book 3 of the series isn't out yet. I can't wait!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely grew into this book as time went on. Some of the last book items were explained and, whilst the other points of view were at first distracting, the pieces of the puzzle came together nicely (if sometimes obviously) and I can't wait for the next book.