““The only soldiers not shivering in their boots the first time they hit the battlefield, or losing their bowels when a charge is called, are those who would be locked up if it wasn’t for war. They aren’t right in the head. A man without fear is a man without half his mind. This place won’t kick the fear out of you, it’ll only teach you how to hide it.“”
What is the Book about?
Lidan Tolak is her father’s most formidable daughter, a fierce warrior destined to one day lead their clan. But her life takes a dark turn when tensions between her warring parents escalate, and one of her father’s other wives becomes pregnant. Before she can confront the looming threat of a male heir, violence tears through the heart of her clan, forcing Lidan to prove her strength—not just to secure her future but to survive the chaos.
Ranoth Olseta dreams of being a leader worthy of his father’s throne. But when his homeland is invaded by the ruthless Woaden Empire, Ran becomes an unlikely hero, only to discover latent powers within himself that turn his people against him. Betrayed and sentenced to death, he escapes with nothing but his resolve to reclaim his rightful place—even if it costs him his life.
As they face uncertain paths and battle enemies both within and without, can Lidan and Ran rise above the forces threatening to consume them, or will they be lost to the darkness forever?
Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
World Building ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★★☆
Favourite Character
Lidan
My thoughts while reading it
Alicia Wanstall-Burke’s Blood of Heirs, the first book in The Coraidic Sagas, is a standout debut that captivates with its character-driven focus and richly detailed world. Set in a brutal and unforgiving landscape, the novel follows the journeys of two young protagonists as they fight against overwhelming odds. Their stories delve deep into themes of survival, identity, and the weight of legacy, offering a raw and emotionally resonant tale. While it doesn’t seek to revolutionize the fantasy genre, Blood of Heirs delivers an intensely personal narrative that lingers with the reader long after the final page. It’s a gripping introduction to a series with immense promise.
The world of Blood of Heirs is both brutal and captivating, steeped in danger and mystery. Alicia Wanstall-Burke crafts a setting that feels tangible and lived-in, with each region bringing its own unique flavor to the story. While the world-building doesn’t entirely break new ground within the genre, it is executed with precision and care, immersing readers in a realm rife with tension, tradition, and untamed wilderness. The southern lands, where Lidan’s story unfolds, evoke a harsh, almost stone-age-like society. Here, survival depends on physical strength, unity, and adherence to long-standing clan traditions. The dynamics of tribal life are vividly portrayed, from the deep reverence for rangers who protect the clan, to the patriarchal structures that dictate the roles of men and women. This focus on clan life and its rigid expectations adds depth to Lidan’s struggle, as she battles to assert her independence in a world where she is viewed as secondary to male heirs. In stark contrast, Ran’s northern realm is more advanced, reflecting a feudal society consumed by war and political intrigue. Here, the threat of the Woaden Empire looms large, shaping the decisions and fates of entire families. The northern regions are a land of castles, battlegrounds, and simmering tensions, where survival depends as much on strategy and alliances as on brute force. These contrasting settings highlight the divide between the two protagonists’ worlds, while also creating a compelling sense of scope and variety within the narrative.
The subtle presence of magic weaves through the story, adding an undercurrent of danger and the unknown. Wanstall-Burke wisely keeps the magic system understated, revealing just enough to intrigue the reader without overwhelming the story. This deliberate vagueness not only maintains the focus on the characters but also leaves plenty of room for exploration in future installments. The ominous ngaru monsters and Ran’s struggles with his burgeoning magical abilities hint at a larger, more intricate system that could play a pivotal role in the series’ overarching narrative. The political backdrop of the Woaden Empire’s ongoing war with Orthia is equally compelling. While the book touches on the broader conflict, much of the larger political and historical context remains tantalizingly unexplored. This leaves readers eager for future books to delve deeper into the roots of the war, the cultural dynamics between the warring factions, and the role magic may have played in shaping these tensions. Wanstall-Burke’s prose is polished and evocative, drawing readers into the world without overwhelming them with excessive detail. Her writing captures the raw emotions of her characters, making their pain, fear, and determination palpable. The pacing is excellent, with quieter moments of introspection balanced by high-stakes action.
Lidan’s story is one of fierce determination in the face of systemic oppression. She lives in a society where men hold most of the power, and her father, a tribal leader, is allowed multiple wives—a glaring reflection of the gender dynamics that permeate her world. Women in her clan are expected to marry, bear children, and serve their husbands’ interests. Becoming the heir, the leader of the clan, is virtually unheard of for a woman, making Lidan’s ambitions revolutionary. Lidan’s mother, however, adds an unexpected layer of conflict. Unlike the nurturing parental figures often found in fantasy, Lidan’s mother is abusive, molding her daughter through fear and anger. She believes Lidan’s only path to survival and power lies in becoming the clan’s heir, and her methods to prepare Lidan for this role are harsh and unrelenting. The relationship between Lidan and her mother is one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the novel. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of love twisted by ambition and fear, as Lidan struggles to reconcile her mother’s cruelty with her own desire to break free from the expectations placed upon her. Lidan’s journey is both empowering and deeply human. Her defiance against societal norms, her dreams of becoming one of the clan’s revered rangers, and her refusal to conform to the role expected of her make her a protagonist to root for. Wanstall-Burke does an excellent job of portraying Lidan’s internal conflict—she’s torn between her love for her family and her need to carve out a life on her own terms.
Ranoth, or Ran, offers a completely different perspective, one that is just as compelling. In a genre often filled with magicians destined to be revered or feared heroes, Ran stands out because his magic is neither celebrated nor tolerated. In his world, magic is not welcome, and those who possess it are seen as abominations. This societal rejection places Ran in constant danger, even from his own people. For readers who love stories about magic—and especially those who enjoy seeing a fresh take on the trope of the reluctant sorcerer—Ran’s story is a highlight. His journey is steeped in fear, self-loathing, and survival. When his latent magical abilities surface, they upend his life, forcing him to flee his home and everything he has ever known. The weight of his father’s expectations as a noble heir, combined with the shame and terror of his newfound powers, makes Ran’s story one of constant tension. What makes Ran’s arc so gripping is the way Wanstall-Burke portrays the emotional toll of being an outcast. Ran isn’t a confident, all-powerful wizard who bends the world to his will. Instead, he’s a young man struggling to come to terms with a gift that feels more like a curse. His magic isolates him, and his journey is as much about self-acceptance as it is about survival. As a reader who loves stories about magicians, I was immediately drawn to Ran’s chapters. His character feels fresh and relatable, and his struggles highlight the deep prejudices within the world he inhabits.
What ties both Lidan and Ran’s stories together is their shared experience of living under oppressive systems. Lidan battles against the gendered expectations of her clan, while Ran fights against the prejudice toward magic users. Both characters face immense external and internal pressures, and their resilience in the face of these challenges is what makes their stories so compelling.
Alicia Wanstall-Burke’s Blood of Heirs is an impressive debut that excels in character development and emotional depth. Lidan and Ran are compelling protagonists whose journeys are raw, relatable, and full of tension, making the book a deeply engaging read. The world-building is detailed and immersive, with a strong sense of place and danger that enhances the characters’ struggles. However, while the book delivers on emotional resonance and personal stakes, it does feel like it’s missing a certain spark to elevate it to the next level. The narrative plays it safe at times, adhering to familiar fantasy tropes without fully pushing the boundaries of the genre. Additionally, the lack of convergence between the protagonists’ stories leaves the plot feeling somewhat incomplete, even as it builds anticipation for future installments.
That said, Blood of Heirs is undeniably a strong start to The Coraidic Sagas. A solid and heartfelt debut that lays a promising foundation, though a bit more spice and boldness could have made it truly unforgettable.
Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✘
The Reading Stray 