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The Inheritance Ring #1
The Lost Heir
She is The Lost Heir, last of her line... but the secret she carries with her won't put her on the throne.
Standing atop a promontory, she sees them coming... interlopers in the desert, clumsy outsiders whose caravan blazes a trail of dust. Alisutton d'ere Lihter, who her brothers once called "Button," was abandoned in this wasteland, years ago. Is it those who betrayed her, returning? And if so... why?
The answer will bring a girl the world thought dead back across the desert, home to a place she barely remembers. The secret she carries won't put her on the throne. Instead, it prompts a race across the land, a daring rescue, and brings to light yet more mysteries. Who is hunting her along the way? Can she trust what's left of her family or the strangers who have taken her into their fold... or only herself?
With her bow and her spear, her heart and her wits, and an indomitable will to survive, Button will find the answers. But she will also learn, like the wind in the desert, what we learn can change us. For good or ill, she will never be the same.
Standing atop a promontory, she sees them coming... interlopers in the desert, clumsy outsiders whose caravan blazes a trail of dust. Alisutton d'ere Lihter, who her brothers once called "Button," was abandoned in this wasteland, years ago. Is it those who betrayed her, returning? And if so... why?
The answer will bring a girl the world thought dead back across the desert, home to a place she barely remembers. The secret she carries won't put her on the throne. Instead, it prompts a race across the land, a daring rescue, and brings to light yet more mysteries. Who is hunting her along the way? Can she trust what's left of her family or the strangers who have taken her into their fold... or only herself?
With her bow and her spear, her heart and her wits, and an indomitable will to survive, Button will find the answers. But she will also learn, like the wind in the desert, what we learn can change us. For good or ill, she will never be the same.
Paperback
First published June 12, 2021
545 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gourley
3 books11 followersChris Gourley is an artist, playwright, mother, and dreamer steeped in the oral storytelling traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although she currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware, the world created in her mind is forever pulling her down other enticing pathways. She is living proof of J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings old adage: "Not all who wander are lost."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 22, 2022
5 stars★★★★★
First read: September 2021
Second read: July 2021
The Inheritance Ring series reviews:
#1 The Lost Heir ★★★★
#2 The Lost Heir's Redemption currently reading
I was recommended this book on reedsy and I was so intrigued by the premise of this book that I stopped my current read to have a peak at this one. I couldn’t stop reading!
It was a beautiful book with lyrical writing and smooth p.o.v. transitions that don’t feel jarring but improved the story. I was deeply invested in the characters from chapter 1 and I knew that I just started!
“During a lifetime, we choose, in a thousand different moments and ways, who we are. Those small life decisions are embedded in your very being.”
I feel like I’m the dad in the princess bride but this book had it all! It had great fight scenes, intrigue, a quest, political machinations, love stories, fighting, poison, true love hate, revenge, hunters, bad men, good men, pain, death, brave men, coward men, strongest men, chases, escapes, lies, truths, passion and miracles!!
The characters were fleshed out and most of them were loveable. Button and her cadre are a new favourite squad that I will be hard pressed to not compare other squads with.
I cannot wait for the sequel! It cannot come fast enough!
** review posted on author's website!!! **
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October 2, 2022
My new favorite series
I literally could not put this book down! It is full of nonstop action and amazing characters. It is very well written, and I can’t wait to download the next book in the series. it even had some unexpected twists and turns, and the emotion of the main character, especially, really moved me. This author definitely has a new fan.
I literally could not put this book down! It is full of nonstop action and amazing characters. It is very well written, and I can’t wait to download the next book in the series. it even had some unexpected twists and turns, and the emotion of the main character, especially, really moved me. This author definitely has a new fan.
February 23, 2022
Great Storyline
I enjoyed the characters, story, and world. Although it's similar to Earth, there are some differences. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, chosen one, or shamanic teaching stories.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the characters, story, and world. Although it's similar to Earth, there are some differences. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, chosen one, or shamanic teaching stories.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
January 3, 2022
Even though I am past the ya age target demographic the prose kept me engaged. The characters did feel gritty enough to feel real in this harsh environment. It is leagues better many of the more mainstream ya tripe. So yeah a solid read.
January 4, 2022
--I was given a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discover. Receiving the book for free has not in any way affected my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and all opinions are my own.--
Saved from death by a warrior/healer at the desert wind's guidance, Button grows up seeking home. But her journey "home" is treacherous...
When Button is discovered in the desert on the brink of death by a woman not far from her own, the desert's winds have other plans for Button's destiny. Raised to survive as a healer and independent warrior, Button knows she must find her place among the People, her mentor's nomadic clansmen (who believe the two outcasts to be spirits of the dead).
Her mentor's passing, though, drives her on a journey of self-discovery, crossing her path with a man searching for the rings she bears around her neck - the ring of the natural-born (and long-lost) heir to a nearby kingdom.
In a story that merges epic fantasy, court intrigue with dark twists similar to Game of Thrones, and a theme reminiscent of Anastasia (but with a strong, warrior protagonist), The Lost Heir is truly a fantasy epic I loved reading.
There is no shortage of villains, as Button and her companions seek out the true heir (and Button's older brother) in harrowing cross-country and seaside adventures/trials.
I was a little worried when I opened the book and saw a several-pages-long glossary, but every page kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not get lost in the story. The world-building is rich and I could imagine myself there with Button and her friends.
The Lost Heir is a brilliant epic fantasy that will sweep you away into the world, have you hanging on ever development of every character, and caught off-guard by the unpredictable twist. I cannot wait for book two, and I highly recommend book one to any lover of true Epic Fantasy/LitRPG novels!
**Trigger Warnings: Child abandonment and death, torture and gore, slavery and human trafficking, drugging, assisted suicide (lack of action from observer)**
Saved from death by a warrior/healer at the desert wind's guidance, Button grows up seeking home. But her journey "home" is treacherous...
When Button is discovered in the desert on the brink of death by a woman not far from her own, the desert's winds have other plans for Button's destiny. Raised to survive as a healer and independent warrior, Button knows she must find her place among the People, her mentor's nomadic clansmen (who believe the two outcasts to be spirits of the dead).
Her mentor's passing, though, drives her on a journey of self-discovery, crossing her path with a man searching for the rings she bears around her neck - the ring of the natural-born (and long-lost) heir to a nearby kingdom.
In a story that merges epic fantasy, court intrigue with dark twists similar to Game of Thrones, and a theme reminiscent of Anastasia (but with a strong, warrior protagonist), The Lost Heir is truly a fantasy epic I loved reading.
There is no shortage of villains, as Button and her companions seek out the true heir (and Button's older brother) in harrowing cross-country and seaside adventures/trials.
I was a little worried when I opened the book and saw a several-pages-long glossary, but every page kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not get lost in the story. The world-building is rich and I could imagine myself there with Button and her friends.
The Lost Heir is a brilliant epic fantasy that will sweep you away into the world, have you hanging on ever development of every character, and caught off-guard by the unpredictable twist. I cannot wait for book two, and I highly recommend book one to any lover of true Epic Fantasy/LitRPG novels!
**Trigger Warnings: Child abandonment and death, torture and gore, slavery and human trafficking, drugging, assisted suicide (lack of action from observer)**
December 23, 2024
Chris Gourley’s The Lost Heir is an absolute gem that has reignited my love for fantasy. From the first page to the last, the story is masterfully crafted, immersing readers in a richly detailed world that feels both unique and timeless. The characters are wonderfully developed, each with their own depth and charm, making it impossible not to root for Button and the companions encountered along the way.
The prose is vivid and engaging, painting scenes so clearly that you feel as though you're stepping into a world reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings yet entirely original. The twists and turns kept me hooked, while the themes of love, betrayal, and hope left me emotionally invested in every moment.
Although categorized as YA, this is a tale for anyone who appreciates a well-developed fantasy universe. It’s rare to find a debut book with such finesse and promise, and I can’t wait to see how Button’s journey unfolds in the next installments. If you’re a fan of epic adventures and compelling storytelling, this is a must-read. Highly recommended and worth every star.
The prose is vivid and engaging, painting scenes so clearly that you feel as though you're stepping into a world reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings yet entirely original. The twists and turns kept me hooked, while the themes of love, betrayal, and hope left me emotionally invested in every moment.
Although categorized as YA, this is a tale for anyone who appreciates a well-developed fantasy universe. It’s rare to find a debut book with such finesse and promise, and I can’t wait to see how Button’s journey unfolds in the next installments. If you’re a fan of epic adventures and compelling storytelling, this is a must-read. Highly recommended and worth every star.
April 11, 2025
A great book, and a great start of the series. I feel it always takes a bit time to get into the story of these kinds of books, because there’s unfamiliar names, land and culture, but this was totaly worth the read. Building up the story and Button’s character growth in a good way, skipping forward when it’s needed in the beginning to not get to much fillers. The story is well paced and at the same time I’m sitting at the edge of my chair trying to anticipate what’s coming next. Bringing in the characters’ thoughts as well makes you wonder more of what’s going to happen. Sometimes it’s like foreshadowing, you know somethings going to happen, but you don’t fully know what or when. So the author keeps you on the edge and you just want to read more. Sometimes I was just in the zone, and pages went by in no time.
A really good book, great author, and it has potential to become a great series.
A really good book, great author, and it has potential to become a great series.
October 23, 2025
No spoliersThe Lost Heir, first in the the Inheritence Ring series is a gripping adventure told by an accomplished writer and storyteller that immerses the reader from the very first chapter. Starting with the callous betrayal of an old woman by her reluctant ward, an act that leads to the discovery of a child that otherwise would surely have perished in the desert sands, the reader is launched into the story of Button and her evolution from a defenceless child into the heroine of the narrative. Exceptionally well written characters and locations all come together to create an epic legacy that I throughly enjoyed.Beautiful worldbuilding and story progression draws the reader into Buttons trails and tribulations expertly and had me turning pages well into the early hours. A great first book in a series that I no doubt will follow and enjoy over the coming months. A real winner.
November 5, 2024
very well written and down to earth
I found this story to be a great adventure. It’s a story about a young girl (Button is the heroin of the story) who is banished from her inheritance to die in the desert. She is found and nurtured by an old woman who had a difficult life.
Taught to survive in the desert she is plucked away later in life to inherit what is rightfully hers. Along the way she encounters many harrowing encounters. Who can she trust? Who are her enemies? Who has fallen in love with her on her journey?
Much of the story is her trying to find her brother. I won’t spoil the ending but it has a great twist.
The writing is well done. The dialogue is excellent. I recommend this book!
I found this story to be a great adventure. It’s a story about a young girl (Button is the heroin of the story) who is banished from her inheritance to die in the desert. She is found and nurtured by an old woman who had a difficult life.
Taught to survive in the desert she is plucked away later in life to inherit what is rightfully hers. Along the way she encounters many harrowing encounters. Who can she trust? Who are her enemies? Who has fallen in love with her on her journey?
Much of the story is her trying to find her brother. I won’t spoil the ending but it has a great twist.
The writing is well done. The dialogue is excellent. I recommend this book!
April 13, 2026
A young woman emerges from a hostile desert...
…And embarks on a quest to find her birthright…and her family. ‘Button’ is one of the few remaining heirs of a brutal aristocrat, sent to die in the desert. Instead, she adapts, eventually leaving with Foley, a disgraced noble. Together, they set out to locate her long-lost brother, a quest filled with dead ends and deception.
‘Button’ comes across as hardened and indifferent, but those traits are a mask for the softer soul underneath. Many of the other characters are criminals or schemers, though each is distinct with credible motives.
‘The Lost Heir’ should appeal to fans of fantasy quests and intrigue.
…And embarks on a quest to find her birthright…and her family. ‘Button’ is one of the few remaining heirs of a brutal aristocrat, sent to die in the desert. Instead, she adapts, eventually leaving with Foley, a disgraced noble. Together, they set out to locate her long-lost brother, a quest filled with dead ends and deception.
‘Button’ comes across as hardened and indifferent, but those traits are a mask for the softer soul underneath. Many of the other characters are criminals or schemers, though each is distinct with credible motives.
‘The Lost Heir’ should appeal to fans of fantasy quests and intrigue.
December 26, 2025
YA Fantasy
A young girl found dying in the desert by K'Bar, a healer estranged from her people. Nursed back to health, taught healing, how to fight with a knife, bow & arrows, and spear. Remembers only that she's called Button and the need to rescue her beloved brother, Ruric.
Alot of twist and turns. Felt like I somehow missed part of the story in some of the transitions. Overall enjoyable read.
A young girl found dying in the desert by K'Bar, a healer estranged from her people. Nursed back to health, taught healing, how to fight with a knife, bow & arrows, and spear. Remembers only that she's called Button and the need to rescue her beloved brother, Ruric.
Alot of twist and turns. Felt like I somehow missed part of the story in some of the transitions. Overall enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews