Book Review of The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso

 

Name of Book: The Defiant Heir

Author: Melissa Caruso 

ISBN: 978-0-316-46690-5

Publisher: Orbit 

Part of a Series: Swords and Fire Trilogy (THE TETHERED MAGE is first, THE UNBOUND EMPIRE is last) 

Type of book: Fantasy, forest, politics, decisions, magic, volcanoes, war, self struggles, fire, alliances, Italy of 1700s fantasy, secrets, rescue, diplomacy 

Year it was published: 2018

Summary:

Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, they must call a rare gathering of all seventeen lords to decide a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this Conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war, and she is ready to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction.

Amalia and Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war. Or else it will all come down to swords and fire.

Characters:

Main characters are Amalia, who has really grown and mature to being more independent of her mother as well as more politically savvy and someone who will put duty and needs above personal desires. Zaira is a fire warlock who is struggling with feelings from her old life towards new possibilities and who also struggles with giving her heart away. Marcello, the guard who has to make difficult choices is also back along with the antagonist Reuven and there is also a new character of Lord Kathe, a Vaskandar Lord of the Crows who seems to be Amalia's equal in politics, education and desires. 

Theme:

There is focus on duty vs personal growth and what is more powerful

Plot:

Like the prequel, THE DEFIANT HEIR is also written in first person narrative completely from Lady Amalia Cornaro's point of view, and yes reading the previous novel is definitely necessary because from the start the book assumes the reader has familiarity with the characters and their personalities. The pacing and introduction are well done just like the predecessor and as long as previous book was read, the reader won't get lost within the story. There is also very strong growth of major characters of Lady Amalia Cornaro and Zaira and one can see maturation and will root for them to overcome their problems. 

Author Information:
(From goodreads)

Melissa Caruso is the author of THE TETHERED MAGE, first in the Swords and Fire trilogy, out now from Orbit books.

Opinion:

The first book of the series left itself quite finished, or so I thought, aside from the possible war and whether or not the main character, Amalia will get with Marcello. I am definitely of thought that there is no way the author could top the first book, which was good, and boy was I wrong when I began to read THE DEFIANT HEIR. In this excellent follow up to THE TETHERED MAGE, the stakes are upped and the reader is introduced to the all too intriguing kingdom of Vaskandar as well as the charismatic and charming Lord of the Crows, Kathe (makes the whole bird/crow covers make a lot of sense now!) I am definitely counting down until I can begin to read the last book of the series, THE UNBOUND EMPIRE, but yes, I also will read the second trilogy. 

This was given for review

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)