Blood Heir
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
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
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Community Reviews
I give this book 3.5/5 stars.
It started off strong: the story was exciting, the characters were well created, and the stakes were high. I just felt like the book got a bit sidetracked about it’s focus in the middle and it was hard for me to push through.
It did come back and finish strong in the end and It set itself up well for the sequel.
All in all, a good read and I look forward to book two.
It started off strong: the story was exciting, the characters were well created, and the stakes were high. I just felt like the book got a bit sidetracked about it’s focus in the middle and it was hard for me to push through.
It did come back and finish strong in the end and It set itself up well for the sequel.
All in all, a good read and I look forward to book two.
I enjoyed the book and plot overall, but my biggest complaint would be that there wasn't enough. The story starts off with her breaking into a prison in search of a notorious crime lord who could help her find the man who murdered her father. This is the first time we are introduced to the two main characters of the story and get a taste of their personalities. This was a really interesting start, it definitely captures the attention of the reader, but it felt too late. All of the background and history of our characters are gleamed from flashbacks. I think it would have been interesting if the beginning started just a little sooner. I think for our Crime lord it could have started with his capture and why he was in prison. For our main character I think it could have started with her escape from the palace after she was framed for her father's murder. This was all revealed slowly, only bits and pieces coming into light. There were also gaps that were just glazed over. There was a whole year between these two events and where the story actually begins, Why? Was there any reason it had to be a year? If there was then I didn't pay close enough attention or catch on. These are defining moments for these two characters, something that changes both of their lives and there was little to no focus on it. It just seemed like a huge missed opportunity and came across as rushed.
A good idea, and overall I enjoyed the book, just wish there was more... more detail and more character development. It felt too superficial. I didn't get a full grasp of the characters' motivations, as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.
A good idea, and overall I enjoyed the book, just wish there was more... more detail and more character development. It felt too superficial. I didn't get a full grasp of the characters' motivations, as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.
9/10
This book honestly is exciting. It started of with such amazing scenes. I automatically fell in love with the main character here, not to mention the mixed emotion you'll feel when reading this is just on point. After finishing this book I really got the urge to just read the sequel "Red Tigress", when I've read that book I'll make sure to do a review! <3
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