cornerfolds
Written on Jan 9, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Review to come!
The first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father's murder.
In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are deemed unnatural—even dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, is one of the most terrifying Affinites.
Ana’s ability to control blood has long been kept secret, but when her father, the emperor, is murdered, she is the only suspect. Now, to save her own life, Ana must find her father’s killer. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is one where corruption rules and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of Ana’s world.
There is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to the conspiracy’s core: Ramson Quicktongue. Ramson is a cunning crime lord with sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all.
Praise for Blood Heir
“Cinematic storytelling at its best.”—Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep and The Girl the Sea Gave Back
“Zhao shines in the fast-paced and vivid combat scenes, which lend a cinematic quality that pulls readers in.”—NYT Book Review
“Zhao is a master writer who weaves a powerful tale of loyalty, honor, and courage through a strong female protagonist. . . . Readers will love the fast-paced energy and plot twists in this adventure-packed story.”—SLJ
- ISBN10 0525707824
- ISBN13 9780525707820
- Publish Date 1 December 2020 (first published 4 June 2019)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Ember
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 480
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780525707820
Reviews
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Review to come!
Briana @ Pages Unbound
Written on Dec 31, 2019
"Dark" is an apt description for Blood Heir, a book where so many terrible things keep happening to the characters that it's difficult to say the story is "fun" or "enjoyable" to read. However, an interesting plot and strong world building kept me turning the pages and have me excited to read the sequel when it's released.
I did struggle with the beginning because ostracization, torture, injustice, violence, and slavery are all recurring themes, and while these are obviously important topics, they can make the book feel heavy. Each time I picked it up, I wondered what awful thing was going to happen to which character next. However, as protagonist Ana and her unlikely crime lord partner begin to come into their own--their abilities and their beliefs--the story also starts to show more hope. They know things will be hard, and more things will go wrong, but they realize that they must try, that it is their choices that define them.
I do wish I could have rooted for both characters a bit more. While the author does strive to make both nuanced, I felt she missed the mark in representing what are supposed to be their fundamental characteristics. For instance, Ramson is supposed to be the best criminal in the entire country, a man who can accomplish what no else can with cunning and ruthlessness--yet he never does anything particularly impressive during the course of the book. He gets into and out of a few scrapes, but so often it seems that other people are getting the upper hand on him; I can believe he's a skilled criminal, but I don't believe he's the best or unparalleled.
Ana is also a bit difficult. She struggles with having a blood Affinity, the ability to control others' bodies with their own blood, either to toss them about or to hurt or kill them. (Possibly she could figure out how to heal with it, but she doesn't know how.) Her brand of magic means many people think she's a monster, while she hopes she is not. However, her struggle here is also not as nuanced as it could be. Other characters in the book repeatedly mention that Ana is good, inspirational, etc.--but all I could see is how many people she kills, viciously, violently, and occasionally with some satisfaction because they "deserve" it. She mentions repeatedly that it's your choices that define you, but she kills dozens of people in horrendous ways over the course of the book, and I don't think her regret or struggle to come to terms with whether it was unfortunate but "necessary" is delved into enough.
Yet I did like the book. It has a sweeping scope and takes a thoughtful look at a nation that has become corrupt and is perpetuating terrible human rights violations through legalized indentured servitude (or what we as readers would recognize as modern-day slavery). Arguably this, recognizing the slavery and then finding ways to end (revolution? politically? something else?) it is truly the premise of the book, more so than the plot line about Ana searching for the man who murdered her father, which is mentioned in the official summary. Ana grew up shut up in the palace (because of her own Affinity), but now that she is out in the world, she begins to see the signs and the effects of this slavery everywhere--in the people selling food her at a festival who have bad contracts and aren't allowed to leave, in the back rooms of "reputable" places where work contracts are bought and sold, in the turned backs of the national guard who are supposed to protect the vulnerable but are willing to exploit them for the right amount of money. Injustice is everywhere, and she and her friends realize they cannot turn away.
Overall, this is a fascinating story that takes the basic story of Anastasia and turns it into something new. That something isn't always pretty because the world and the characters are dark, but it's compelling, and I think many readers will be gripped by the story if they give it a chance.
Renee
Written on Dec 28, 2019
I also thought it handled a lot of difficult topics without being too heavy. I personally would have preferred if the issues were addressed more in depth, but I understand that for a debut novel, this might not be the smartest move.
I highly recommend it if you like fantasy princess stories or hate-to-love friendships.
alindstadtcorbeax
Written on Dec 9, 2019
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A positively dazzling debut... and I am positively grateful to have been able to read it. I am in awe of Amélie Wen Zhao; That she re-released this is a true show of strength and belief in her work. Not to mention it is her debut... I mean, she took her time to regroup, but ultimately it is now in the arms of the world and I can only hope others will love this just as much as I did. She is no coward, & she takes on some controversial topics within this fantastic fantasy novel... again, in her debut, no less. She does not sugarcoat. Does the world sugarcoat?
What happened to her is absolutely ridiculous... just because someone has a strong opinion of a book, that does not make that opinion fact. So many who had never touched the cover of, never even HEARD OF, let alone READ the novel, were so quick to judge based upon one radical opinion that caused a twisted chain reaction of increasingly negative claims (so many completely 100% false) about the book, and the author (!) that couldn’t be further from the truth. The author was bullied by internet trolls. That is SO wrong; it broke my heart. Still does, for she is a brilliant writer, with so much to offer. I am so very glad she didn’t let that debacle define the emergence of her career; she stood by her work, even when she was probably feeling so misunderstood & devastated which is a quality worthy of great admiration.
My heart goes out to you Amélie! Both for your strength, and for winning me over with this incredible, incredible, and oh so beautiful story.
A story of what it means to be a human being.
A story that does not shy away from harsh truths just to take us on a lackadaisical tiptoe through the tulips or skip through the daisies.
A story of the never ending struggle inside us all to make the “right” decisions in tough situations, instead of the often easier ones. And how, every single one of us ends up making mistakes in life; we are human, after all...
A story of how our outward attributes (class, status, appearance, etc.) as an individual do not define who we are, how no one should ever be treated as “other.” These attributes should never define how we should be treated, & never be able to put a price on our worth. No one should be able to dole out the value of someone else, or be able to exploit someone else for their own gain... for any & all reasons, whatsoever.
I believe that there are so many important messages embedded into this novel, and along with them? A lush, hit the ground running, sweep you off of your feet, sometimes so painful it tears you in two, sometimes so full of beauty that tears stream down your cheeks story... under those layers lay messages of finding strength in times of complete weakness, finding hope in times of complete hopelessness, finding companionship where you least expect it, and realizing that our past does not define us, it is what we choose to do in this moment, in the future, that ultimately make us who we are.
But below those layers are some even deeper lessons to be learned, and some extremely deep & controversial questions that are raised. Questions about how we view so called “good” and “evil” and the in between... and at what point is someone past redemption? What events brought them to where they are, and can realization & remorse of the acts they had deemed righteous because of that past no matter the crimes, does this choice to try to make the right decisions moving forward & to repent grant them forgiveness? absolution? What do we do when there is such true evil lurking in the shadows of this world, with corruption abound? How do we make a difference, truly make a difference for the better without dirtying our hands, when the enemy has the upper hand, for they are willing to do anything to win (to fight dirty would be a most unjust simplification of the evils of this world)?
There is so much to unpack here! I’ve only skimmed the surface. So much is to be learned from this incredible story surrounding a condemned princess & a condemned con man finding each other & teaching each other important lessons on survival, as well as helping each other forge new paths, paths of possible redemption for themselves. As their paths continue to intertwine, the result is true magic.
A magic that sprouts & fights its way into your heart from the very first page, in the dark depths of a terrible, ruthless prison, until both Kolst Pryncessa Anastacya Mikhailov & Ramson Quick tongue are firmly rooted there, in your heart, magic growing & surrounding you; Their individual magics blooming in silver & gold amongst the stars.
Yes, this is a novel with heavy undertones, ones that may be potential triggers for some, but it is so important to recognize the sensitive matters & issues that are raised within the novel; to carefully assess the questions raised & truly analyze. Zhao wants us to think. To FEEL. There are lessons to be learned here, but do not worry, the story is so much more than just this, although the serious issues approached are beyond important to be aware of. Do not mistake this comment as a dismissal, but as a recognition of the many layers of the story being told... Because this story, is quite the incredible one.
I loved this, so much, and I cannot wait for the next installment in the series. Counting down the days until next fall!
100% recommend, with all of my heart. ♥️
Ashley
Written on Dec 6, 2019
littleread1
Written on Nov 25, 2019
Quirky Cat
Written on Nov 24, 2019
In a world where magical abilities are well known, we find our main character, Ana (aka Princess Anastacya Mikhailov), determinedly looking for vengeance. And who can blame her? She was framed for the death of her father, forced to go on the run, and further forced to hide her abilities. This novel brings magic and the tale of Anastasia together into one lovely series. It's complicated, political, and full of emotionally compelling moments, mystery, and declarations of revenge. In short, it was perfect.
Warnings: This is a world where magical abilities aren't unheard of. Unfortunately, they're valuable and feared. The end result is that people with abilities are frequently captured and enslaved. This is a brutal system, to put it lightly.
Blood Heir was an absolutely brilliant read, and is easily one of my favorite reads this year. Part of me actually hates that this novel just came out, because of the wait for the next installment. Ana's tale was gut-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. I just couldn't get enough of it.
As I mentioned above, this novel reminded me a lot of the tale of Anastasia – with several twists, of course. Ana was accused and then framed for the death of her father. And while she survived the attempts on her life – despite the belief of the people thinking otherwise – she still has a lot of work ahead of her. She's determined to get revenge for both her father's death and for her framing. But that task is easier said than done.
The action and abilities in this novel were brilliant. The fight scenes were well described, adding a new perspective on how magical abilities could be used in a fight. And how they can be feared. And let's not forget the politics, planning, and scheming that went on inside these pages. Because trust me – there was a lot of that. It helped to obfuscate the reality of Ana's situation and her attempts for revenge, making the journey more daring and dramatic.
Personally, it was the romantic subplot that really pulled me in. I know, that surprised me too. But it was so compelling and so beautifully written. It gave the series a chance to have a moment of brightness in an otherwise darker tale. It balanced out the main plot perfectly for that reason.
I loved everything about Blood Heir. I didn't end up reading this novel in one sitting – like many of the others that I fell in love with. But trust me, I was a very cranky girl at work waiting for my next break so I could get back to it! Now I just have to wait for news about the next novel in the trilogy.
bgsbooks18
Written on Apr 14, 2019
This book was amazing. I need more of this story!!!
Blood Heir is about a girl that has a amazing power and a Con man that need a way out.
Ana is dry my to find the man that killed her father. She gets framed as her father's killer and is locked up. Ana has some help with escaping the place. After she leaves her home she is out to find the man that changed her world. The only way for her to find him is with a very well known .com man named Ramson.
Rams on helps her get out of the prison they both are in and makes a trade with Ana. She doesn't know his intention with the trade but she will do anything to find her dad's killer.
This story is thrilling and actin packed with a little bit of a love story. If you would like to call it that.
In really enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to the publication of this book and I really hope that it happens.
I wound highly recommend this book.
nightingalereads
Written on Jan 18, 2019