A book that rides in the middle.

I was enjoying the read but I also enjoyed when I was finally done.

Slow paced and challenging at times but the adventure made up for it. The world building is done beautifully and I think I liked the world more than the characters traveling it.

A fantasy novel whose Villain barely seems like a villain. And half way through the book, I wasn't sure if I even cared about the characters.

I came into this book with solid expectations and they were delivered. Normally I become more invested in the characters rather than the plot, but this case was the exact opposite. The world-building was fantastic and the plot was well-paced and kept me hooked the whole read. I found the main characters a little bit underwhelming, as I was expecting more from them, but the secondary characters had interesting plotlines. I look forward to read more of this world, as I feel like it is a good start to something great. Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good book. It was nicely paced, with good forward momentum. I enjoyed the world building and the connection between the characters. It was was packed with action, and I really enjoyed the journey. A young mage and soldier stand together to save the Destroyer of Worlds.

If this becomes part of a longer series, I look forward to revisiting the world again.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Final Heir was an interesting book. I really enjoyed the world that we were introduced to. As well as the magical aspects. Unfortunately, I wasn't completely invested in the actual characters, but I did end up liking them.

In it, you will meet Zahara and Ekarath. She is training to become a mage and he's training to become a guard. Until they aren't. They are quickly force into an adventure filled with action and a little bit of betrayal. It all comes down to who the Usurper really is and who backs them up. Of course, we get little clues here and there, but I honestly didn't expect the ending.

Other than that, the little drama towards the end seemed too easy for me. I wanted something a bit more than what we got, but I am happy with how everything turned out. Not sure if there's going to be another book but with a little ending like that - I feel like there should be.

Really unique magic system which I loved; the last few fantasy books the magic system was so underdeveloped and confusing that I'm now paying attention to this more so than usual. I also like multiple POV books And the story gets better as you go. A good book and a solid fantasy rec from me

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book. It was such an enjoyable read. The characters were so diverse and the story had many unexpected twists and turns. Reading the story for several different points of view made the plot development so much more interesting. I will be following the author, Jon Monson, for the release of book two!

The Final Heir started slow and seemed predictable with the pair of young heroes ( a soldier and a sorcerer). against the villain. Fortunately there were enough twists to keep you guessing as to what would happen next..

Mahzun, the villain, is a well-developed anti-hero who wants to overthrow the standard order of his world. He wants to overthrow the government led by the "Heirs" and replace it with himself. He is close to accomplishing this - the heroes are down to the final heir.

A rather good story, and an intriguing enough start to a series, though I would have been satisfied even if it was a standalone.

Zahara is a young mage whose home has been destroyed by the Usurper, a man with a terrifying blade that has set out to kill all the Heirs, the lords and ladies of the land. On the run and with an important mission after the Usurper invaded her last refuge, she struggles to come to terms with the fact that, though Lord Dimitri intended for her to become his successor, the man’s powers were instead transferred to her best friend, Ekarath – a soldier. Now they must race against time and attack the villain while they still have the advantage of surprise, before he does the unthinkable and destroys the sacred tree in the capital of his Empire – an act that could send the world into chaos.

Honestly, this was not a bad read. The world was well-built and developed, and it made following the story’s pace easy. I would have liked a bit more of the map to be revealed or more details on the various creatures that the two heroes met in their frantic journey, but since they didn’t engage with them for long, I don’t think it was that unsettling.

The characters were all complex and with several layers. Nothing was ever set in stone or in shades of black and white. Mahzun was supposed to be evil, yet the man really did think he was freeing the poor and downtrodden from tyrants, and he didn’t care much for luxuries. If he wasn’t the main villain of the book, I would have easily liked him and sympathized with him the way one does for an antihero. (although, given the ending, I suspect he could very well be a puppet)

Dimitri had a great plan in mind and I loved the twist and the flashbacks. The old man sure was wise! Even Saren had depth of character, despite her aristocratic bimbo appearance at first. I quite liked her after she actually started talking and gave away how smart she really was and what her own opinions towards certain matters were.

The main two heroes were a bit of a mess, but I guess that was to be expected with the kind of adventure they had. Zahara was level-headed most of the time, and despite being disappointed, she was ready to give all of her support and help to Ekarath. One could say she acted like an idiot near the end of the book, but I’m with her on this – everyone kept trying to hide her and pin duties and responsibilities on her, none of which was right since she wasn’t the Heir.

Speaking of the Heir, Ekarath started out real nice and likeable, and then made me want to choke him after a certain point in the story. Typical whiny teenager chosen one, crying about how he doesn’t want the gift, and instead of accepting his responsibility and manning up, he wasted all the time he had to try and find a way to “throw” the Heir status to Zahara. One wrong step in the final chapters of the book, and the girl would have been dead, simply because he refused to accept and practice!

By the way, people, the final chapters of the book are well worth the read! The pace instantly shoots up in speed, and the paranoia and madness and anxiety are a damn good shot of adrenaline to any reader. And the ending may leave you hanging, but even if there was no next book, I would still find it satisfying.

I recommend it to all young adults who like action and magic in a strange new way, along with political intrigue and companionship above romance (although I’m not sure how long the last one will actually hold on…).

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

I received a copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

An exciting, twisting, tale of good vs evil, astounding magic, misdirection and acceptance. We encounter a man who believes himself to be the savior of man as he destroys those he perceived to be enemies.

We meet a young woman studying to be a mage, and a young man studying to be a soldier. Both of whom believe they will be fighting for their way of life, fighting to destroy evil and protect their city.

And so the stage is set. The characters are believable, the world is well built, the descriptions are clear, the concept is well-developed. This is a world you can picture and lose yourself in. The action takes you along with it. If you love fantasy with lots of well-developed facets, this is a book you will enjoy. And there’s more to come. Follow Mahzun, Zahara, Ekarath and many more fascinating inhabitants as they learn about themselves and their world.

Einor has been ravaged for a decade in the battle between the Seven Heirs and the Usurper, a man determined to destroy the old ways and rebuild a new society. Zahara lost her parents early in the war and has sought refuge in a walled city where she trains as a mage. In the final battle when the last of the original Heirs is killed she and her best friend warrior Ekarath escape.. Adventure and surprises await as they endeavor to fulfill a prophecy about the final heir and the future. This was a fast paced YA fantasy with an interesting concept that provoked thought about what form of society is best for all? The characters were well developed including the villian who was written as a true believer who had good intentions. I liked that the focus was on friendships not romance which I found refreshing. My one quibble was I found the ending to be unsatisfactory and open ended about the villian's fate. I suppose there is another book in the offing. An enjoyable story of adventure and magic in the unending battle between good and evil.

The Final Heir was a fun start to a new fantasy series. One thing that separates this novel from others in the genre is the fact that we got so many chapters from the villain of the story's point of view. It was refreshing to see Mahzun's side of things more thoroughly than you typically get. The friendship between Zahara and Ekarath was sweet, and I enjoyed this world's form of magic. Excited to see where it goes next.

The Final Heir is a novel set in the midst of a world-changing war. Mahzun, "The Usurper" or "Savior of Man", believes that he is fighting to free the people from the long-standing reign of the Heirs. Zahara, a powerful mage, is the supposed last Heir standing. Ekarath is a Hundiin soldier who happened to inherit the Power of Creation.
"Nobody can bind me."

With Zahara and Ekarath being the Heirs' last hope, these youngins have a long, hard ride to go in order to defeat Mahzun. Zahara is experienced beyond her years and Ekarath is supremely skilled, they seem like the "dream team". With many adventures to experience, it is hard for the reader not to remain engaged throughout the story.

It would've been nice for the reader to experience the history of the magic system and how the feud between the Heirs and Mahzun started. It was harder for me to enjoy the heroes' chapters, or maybe the villain just was very convincing for me? I found it hard to believe that Mahzun was a villain because his motives weren't selfish, but maybe misinterpreted by the way in which they were conducted.

The Final Heir is novel about the power of friendship, selflessness, and how perspective can influence decisions. The ending leaves readers wanting more and with the expectation that a sequel will answer the remaining questions.

DNF-
While I think this story has potential I decided to stop forcing myself when I’m just not invested.

There’s no character development, poor scene setting, and just a general lack of attachment or excitement.

This is a story filled with war, ruin, and hope. I loved the dichotomy of each side of the war. We delved into the Usurper's past that caused him to start the war, while also seeing how his destruction is influencing the rebellion.

What drew me in from the first few pages was the magic system. I loved how mages need the use of a tool- their qilada- and those tools come in many shapes and sizes. They use them to weave the threads of magic- or the draod- to create their spells. I thought this was very imaginative and in depth with the different kind of threads.

I love that readers are introduced to this world after this war has been going on for years. Jon Monson did a great job at the world building and character creation. Each character was unique and left me feeling as if I knew them. Plus the antagonist is someone I kinda want to see redeemed, but I know that's just me wanting to see the best in characters!

I am mad that this novel ended at a bit of a cliffhanger. I really need more and soon!

Thanks to Net Galley and author Jon Monson, I obtained an Advanced Reader Copy of The Final Heir.

This was a fantastic book for me! I could never figure out where the narrative was headed since there were so many twists and turns. All the key characters were well-developed and likeable in my opinion.

Mahzun is a complex character with strong motivations who is both charming and formidable, an expertly created villain, and a lot of fun to read.

The characters are all in the right places.
This is a complex fantasy story filled with suspense, fight scenes, peril, quests, magic, and much more. There are surprising turns, moments when all appears to be lost, and wins that will make the reader happy. As magic, friendship, and the battle to survive maintain this a fast-paced read, powerful characters clash over a last hold on power.

This is a book that fantasy aficionados should pick up and immerse themselves in. It's definitely a thrilling read...

DNF @ 43%

This book kind of drops you right into the action with very little world building or character development. I found myself at nearly the halfway point simply not caring what happened to them and not totally understanding the world. I’m fine with learning the world as I go, but not caring about the characters was a deal breaker. I think the writing style just didn’t quite work for me.

This isn’t an inherently bad book. I would still suggest that people try it out if they like fast-paced fantasy stories.

I really enjoyed this book. A complex plot and vivd characters keep you flipping pages as fast as you can. Check out this engrossing book. Happy reading!

The Final Heir, by author Jon Monson, is the first installment in a yet to be named series. The series follows three main characters from Zahara, Ekarath and Mahzun, aka the villain of the story. 17-year-old Zahara is formally training to become a mage. Ekarath is a young man who is training to become a specialize soldier known as Hundiin who is supposed to protect Lord Dimitri, the last remaining Heir. Mahzun, aka the Usurper, has been fighting for the past 10 years to rid the world of the remaining Heirs.

Zahara, from the region known as Karajaani, which was conquered 5 years ago by the Usurper, is ahead of most people her age thanks to training she received from her mother before she passed. She's also a minor noble. Zahara was ready to take her final test to become a full fledged Mage until the Usurper waged war on her home. She's grateful when she's asked by Lord Dimitri to travel with Ekarath to find Farban, his spy master, deep in the heart of the forest. She's shocked even more when she's named heir to replace Dimitri. But it is Ekarath, not Zahara, that the power of the Heir has found a home with.

Ekarath, who heroically fought against the Usurpers army, is shocked that the Power of Creation has found its way to him, rather than his best friend Zahara who is a powerful mage who can easily access magic called draoad. Ekarath has to learn the three basic types of power from Destruction to Illusion to Restoration while Zahara has to fake being the heir for fear that Ekarath will be easy pickings for the usurper if he is caught before he is ready.

Mahzun calls himself the Savior of Mankind, but along with the name Usurper, he's also called Wild Man, Primal Key, and Destroyer of the World. Mahzun claims he is fighting a war to liberate humanity from the tyranny of the Heirs. There was once 7 heirs decreed by the Creator, but with the fall of Dimitri by his sword, Mahzun feels as though his 10 year war has finally come to an end even at the cost of his own body which has aged decades. Until the Power of Creation decides to find a new host. Mahzun doesn't see himself as the villain. He sees himself as a hero who is getting revenge on those who has suppressed people for generations.

Here are my regrets: The reader is literally dropped in the middle of a very complex world that is at war and expected to understand how everything works and who everyone is without the benefit of at least a bit of explanation. Mahzun is the character mostly formed by the author while Zahara and Ekarath are left to dance around from scene to scene until an encounter with the Usurper is all but doomed to fail. The ending was probably the best part of this book but it also leaves many, many unanswered questions pertaining to a certain character who seems to hang around for no apparent reasoning except to torture one of the characters.

Great world created by author Jon Monson The characters are memorable & I really enjoyed the twists this storyline has.
This is my first time reading this author and I am now a fan.

Can't wait to see what happens in the sequel.