Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what expect when I requested this book. The summary drew me in as well as the unique cover.

I absolutely loved this book! We follow Astrid, who returns to the village her grandmother raised her in after her uprooted and moved them away 9 years prior. When she returns to the town, she discovers her grandmother to be missing. When she finds a mysterious note from her grandmother, she refuses to believe everyone in the village who says she died. As she searches the house, she accidentally wakes up Soren, a centuries old Vikings warrior (Draugr). As he is in search of the woman who imprisoned him, they both find themselves headed in similar directions. Astrid must follow Soren into a deadly magical forest as he is the only one who can help her navigate it. As they venture the forest together, Astrid and Soren learn more about the past that has brought them together and are faced with a choice to right the wrongs of a centuries old curse or to continue to honor the roles that they were cast in.

I loved that in addition to the main plot, we get flashes of the back story for how Soren was trapped in the basement of Astrid's grandmother's house. Those flash backs were crucial to understanding the current plot line. This book was full of twists and turns, morally gray characters, and themes about identity, fate/destiny, family, and love. It was unique and different. It also doesn't hurt that it's a stand alone!

Overall, I would recommend this to fantasy lovers who like a little paranormal and a little bit of a "darker" mood and setting.

The Inheritance of Scars poses a question: Could you handle the weight of a generational legacy? And what if that legacy turned out to be a curse?

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of Inheritance of Scars.

This unique fantasy, infused with Norse mythology, presents a captivating blend of romance and an almost gothic atmosphere. While it is categorized as fantasy, romance, and mythology, I would also venture to label it as a mystery. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading the protagonist’s life to unravel in dramatic fashion. Despite the chaos, she senses that not everything is as it seems, prompting her to follow clues, rely on her intuition, and seek guidance from an unlikely ally to uncover the truth.

The main character is young and that is evident and occasionally a source of frustration; however, she ultimately embodies strength and a compassionate heart. In contrast, the male lead struck me as neither evil nor purely morally ambiguous. Rather, he appears kind, patient, and willing to change, albeit with a slight edge that adds complexity to his character.

Key Themes:
-Mythology
-Mystery
-Betrayal
-Sacrifice
-Disability Representation (Crohn's Disease)
-Romance
-Quest

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The beginning was engaging and intriguing, while the ending delivered a surprising twist. Although there were a few slower points in the middle that felt drawn out, they did not significantly detract from my enjoyment. I would also note, based on descriptions I’ve encountered, that this story doesn’t fit the traditional enemies-to-lovers trope for me; to me the romance would be better described as being lost but finding your way back home.

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I did feel, however, that the weight of the trauma at the conclusion was somewhat glossed over. Maybe that’s just my perspective, but the ending was traumatic and filled with death.

Filled with bone-chilling forests, Norse mythology, and dark, moody settings, Inheritance of Scars has taken vampires to a new and fresh level. Those who love the enemies to lovers trope will swoon for the romance in this book, which takes place between Astrid and Soren (who just so happens to be my next book boyfriend for many reasons). I love that the author has taken pieces of her journey with Crohn’s disease to Astrid to create an authentic and much-needed lens for readers on the page. The world needs more diverse books. I can’t wait to read more from Crystal!

This was one of the more engrossing reads of 2024 for me.

Inheritance of Scars is definitely fantasy, but has MANY relatable undertones to it.
Generational trauma, physical disability (when was the last time we had a FMC with Crohn's Disease-kudos to the author for this inclusion.) and very complex chemistry between the love interests all hit the mark here. These characters are well built out and I really felt like I knew them by the end.

The story centers around Norse Mythology and I. ate. that. up.
So good if any sort of mythology is your jam.

I would label this closer to dark, paranormal fantasy rather than romantasy or YA fantasy for sure, but I think all genre lovers will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley andSimon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read and review prior to it's October 1st release. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review

Omg I loved this story sooo much! I loved the unique take on medical illness and really felt the inner struggle of how you percieve yourself, and how others think of you!

I am not very familiar with the folklore so it was such an exciting new world to learn and experience!

The cover is 10/10 and is the reason I loved it to begin with!

Thank you to the author, Crystal Seitz and Netgalley for the eARC!

This is one of those books that is definitely not what I thought it would be but was all the better for it! It’s a paranormal romance / urban fantasy on the order of Small Favors and Together We Rot but in my opinion, is more interesting and unique than both of them!

Also, I have no idea if this was on purpose but the one main plot of this book is: “girl awakens demon-boy from another era who was cursed to sleep by his old lover who looks like her” …. It’s Inuyasha! 😂 And I love it, the nod to the anime/manga. It made me laugh a lot to see the parallel. Obviously that the only similar thing between them but it was still fun.

The book is definitely upper YA with dark tones and prevalent violence. I could see 15+ reading it as long as parents allow some violence. It’s written in an easily understood narrative and I don’t think there are any ideas that would be too complex for teens. I actually love the idea that a family cannot bind you if you feel their values are not your values. It’s something teens SHOULD be told, especially if maybe they don’t agree with their older family members.

I did guess most of the twists but they were well done and not obvious. The only one I didn’t guess was the twist about midway through. I liked that one a lot and should have seen it coming.

My only holdup in giving this book five stars is that it felt REALLY long. It is stand-alone so obviously she had a lot to put in, but at times, I felt like I really just needed things to move faster. 🙈 I wasn’t necessarily bored but it was draining my energy a bit at times.

I would recommend this one to someone who likes paranormal romance and dark forest vibes.

I would first like to thank the amazing Crystal & Netgalley for the amazing opportunity to read this book a tad early for its release date (10•1•24) y’all are the best ♥️
This book is high on my most anticipated books of 2024 based on the cover alone, throw in Norse mythology and I was sold.
That cover is absolutely stunning and so fierce. 🔥🔥
The story revolves around our main character, Astrid, accidentally waking up imprisoned Draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.
What I loved:
•Crohn’s Rep
•Norse Mythology
•Twists and Turns
•Betrayal
• A MC who fights to change her destiny
I absolutely adored this debut book. I finished it so fast with all its twist and turns, tension with the love interest and scenes that absolutely shooketh me. 🥲
The Crohn’s rep was everything. It was a disease that I knew nothing about and was eager to learn more which is a key to a great book. Representation is everything Friends.
Thank you for reading my review, would 100% recommend this book ☺️

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Inheritance of Scars” by Crystal Seitz is a spellbinding debut that blends contemporary fantasy, Norse mythology, and romance into a thrilling adventure. The story centers around Astrid, a determined and headstrong young woman who, along with her father, returns to her grandmother’s town after her mysterious disappearance. Believing her grandmother is lost in the dark, fabled woods surrounding the town, Astrid sets off on a journey that unearths ancient secrets and terrifying creatures. This is a book with absolutely stunning world-building as well as a unique plot that centers around Astrid who has Crohn’s Disease. I absolutely loved the representation of Crohn’s Disease in this book, especially since it is a high fantasy; you rarely see such inclusivity in a fantasy book. It’s refreshing to see such a strong, relatable main character who isn’t defined by her illness but who still navigates its challenges while dealing with family tensions, personal growth, and romance.

One of the most striking aspects of “Inheritance of Scars” is its unique plot, which introduces you to Soren, a centuries-old Viking warrior. Astrid discovers him imprisoned beneath her grandmother’s house and inadvertently frees him, sparking a perilous quest through a magical, menacing forest. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Astrid and Soren is deeply engrossing, with their complex chemistry growing against the backdrop of dark folklore and mythological threats. Soren, dark and brooding yet layered with emotional depth, is a standout character. The tension between the two only builds more and more throughout the story, and I absolutely loved the development of their relationship, especially as it never overwhelmed the engaging plot.

Seitz’s writing shines with its balance between straightforward storytelling and lush, detailed descriptions that breathe life into the world she’s crafted. The creatures from Norse mythology add a gripping element to the plot, making the dark forest both captivating and terrifying. While the world-building focuses more on the mystical forest and its dangers, rather than the modern-day village, the rich lore and legends are enough to keep you hooked. The world-building and descriptions made me fall in love with the world Seitz created, and I want even more of this unique world in future stories.

Overall, “Inheritance of Scars” is a dark, atmospheric, and compelling read that is a unique, fast-paced story. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Seitz, whether in this world via a companion or a brand new world waiting to be explored.

“<i>As their cold hands touch me, each hand bearing the same mark as mine, I realize that this is my inheritance. An inheritance of scars. Skaga left her mark on every one of us, on our entire lineage, shaping us in ways seen and unseen. Of all of us, she left the greatest mark on me.</i>”
I absolutely loved this book, in every way. I don’t even think I’ll be able to accurately describe this book because I was so enraptured from start to finish that it felt like I was actually there. The atmospheric writing and journey through unknown lands really brought me right into the world. The Norse mythology and creatures, along with the unique twist on vampires, were so expansive and intriguing. There’s nothing I love more than a vampire book and this was something totally new and fresh from other vampire books I’ve read. This had ancient rituals, magic, gods, runes, and oaths, alongside history fated to repeat itself. The male main character is a vampire who has been asleep for hundreds of years that gets woken up in present day by a fierce girl that looks like the woman who betrayed him. I loved this broody, yet protective man so much. The chemistry was off the charts from first bite. Sorry for the stupid joke, but I do actually mean the first time he bit her had me screaming from the tension. The pacing was just right from beginning to end, no dragging or rushing. A lot of times standalones feel like they have to rush to fit all of the information at the end but this didn’t have that problem at all. This wrapped up nicely and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future. Inheritance of Scars is a perfect standalone with main characters I would die for, a unique fantasy world, thrilling plot twists, and my favorite: vampires.

Thank you Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance of Scars by Crystal Seitz is a dark fantasy inspired by Norse mythology that follows a teen girl as she and an unlikely ally venture into a deadly forest in search of her missing grandmother.

I really loved how the author brought the story to life with her imagery and seamless incorporation of Norse mythology that gave the reader a ton of information and world-building without overloading the story. I also enjoyed how the story pushed me out of my comfort zone, exploring heavy topics such as grief, family bonds, ancestry, legacy, and tradition. I found myself questioning what our main gal should do faced with such insurmountable odds and it was refreshing that there wasn't a clear cut, perfect answer. It was muddy and difficult and it just raised the tension all the more for me as I read.

Overall, I gave this book a four-star rating because the storyline was unique, the writing was well-executed, and I truly enjoyed getting to know the characters. I would recommend this book especially to fantasy readers who are ready to dip their toes into dark fantasy/horror. I think it was a great gateway book into that side of the fantasy world.

I loved this book. The characters were amazing and complex. I loved peeling back each layers of them as the story continued because with every layers I learned, the characters became more interesting and grew to be more and more invested in them. The world building was one of the best parts because I was brought straight into the world and really felt like I got to experience it through the eyes of the characters. The use of Norse Mythology was one of my favorite parts because Norse is one of my favorite branches of mythology and I think this book did it really well. I think the tension was a constant throughout the story and I was on the edge of my seat. Especially with the adventure as well as the lovers to enemies arc. This book was captivating and I loved it. This was my first time reading a book by Crystal Seitz and I want to read more from her in the future because I loved this book so much.