Book: Heir of Shadows by Cali Mann
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 3/5
I absolutely love the cover of this book - look at Scout and his little bow tie! This was a pretty quick read and I breezed through it in one sitting. It has a bit of everything; forced proximity, enemies to lovers, a long lost heir with a slow burn romance added in. I really liked the necromancy angle and the use of the dead things around the castle coming to Marigold's aid. I'd have loved more of the academy aspect in general and some extra world building as the magical elements were one of my favourite parts and seeing the world through Mari's exposure to it.
The bullying aspect wasn't as bad as it could have been given everyone thinks Mari's father is a traitor and they all can wield some sort of magic. I wondered how far the Heirs would push Marigold but as they seem to keep themselves apart from the student body most of the bullying comes in the form of snide remarks or run ins in their common room. I didn't really understand when the Heirs pulled the maid outfit illusion why Mari actually cleaned for them. Mari tells herself earlier in the scene that she won't earn their respect by lashing out but it just felt like an odd choice just to submit to them when she's largely stood up to them before.
I liked how the added tension that Heir's seem to tolerate each other rather than being a cohesive unit of lifelong friends. They may put on a combined front but Keane in particular is often separate with Cyrus and Elio having their own issues too. Mari certainly seems to have the potential to become the glue holding them together and as the book ends they are starting to realise not everyone may want them to become a stronger force. The last few chapters reveal things may not be as black and white as they all originally thought and I'm interested to see what happens next.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.