Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman - ARC Review + Eleanor's Fan Casting
Posted by The YA Book Traveler , Friday, August 7, 2015 12:00 AM
Legacy of Kings (Blood of Gods and Royals #1)by Eleanor Herman
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Goodreads Summary:
Imagine a time when the gods turn a blind eye to the agony of men, when the last of the hellions roam the plains and evil stirs beyond the edges of the map. A time when cities burn, and in their ashes, empires rise.
Alexander, Macedonia’s sixteen-year-old heir, is on the brink of discovering his fated role in conquering the known world but finds himself drawn to newcomer Katerina, who must navigate the dark secrets of court life while hiding her own mission: kill the Queen. But Kat’s first love, Jacob, will go to unthinkable lengths to win her, even if it means competing for her heart with Hephaestion, a murderer sheltered by the prince. And far across the sea, Zofia, a Persian princess and Alexander’s unmet fiancée, wants to alter her destiny by seeking the famed and deadly Spirit Eaters.
The World:
One of the most interesting aspects of this book was when in history it occurs. It takes place in the time of Alexander the Great (340 BC) when he was still a teen before he ruled the world. This was one of my favorite things about the book. I had never read a book that took place in this time-frame (except the Bible) and was curious if it would seem confusing or if there would be difficulty understanding the world. But, I had no problem with the world building in Legacy of Kings at all. Everything was described wonderfully by Eleanor, and it doesn't leave you lacking.
Not only is this world set in BC history, there is also magic! I love the combination of historical fiction AND fantasy. Not only is magic prevalent in this world but so are magical creatures. Who doesn't love that?
I was really wishing for a map in the ARC because I had to Google the area in which these events take place. I was told that the final copy of the book would indeed have a map which will make this book even better!
The Characters:
This book has 6 main point of views (there are a few others). Sometimes, in books, this bothers me and other times it doesn't. I didn't particularly have any issues with the amount of voices in the book. I found them all distinct and well written. Most, if not all, the characters all are carrying around secrets. It was fun guessing what those secrets could be or how they would play out.
Alexander, Macedonia’s sixteen-year-old heir, is on the brink of discovering his fated role in conquering the known world but finds himself drawn to newcomer Katerina, who must navigate the dark secrets of court life while hiding her own mission: kill the Queen. But Kat’s first love, Jacob, will go to unthinkable lengths to win her, even if it means competing for her heart with Hephaestion, a murderer sheltered by the prince. And far across the sea, Zofia, a Persian princess and Alexander’s unmet fiancée, wants to alter her destiny by seeking the famed and deadly Spirit Eaters.
Legacy of Kings was a book that I instantly wanted! Why? Because of that cover! I received a copy of Legacy of Kings from the publisher for review. Thank you!
The World:
One of the most interesting aspects of this book was when in history it occurs. It takes place in the time of Alexander the Great (340 BC) when he was still a teen before he ruled the world. This was one of my favorite things about the book. I had never read a book that took place in this time-frame (except the Bible) and was curious if it would seem confusing or if there would be difficulty understanding the world. But, I had no problem with the world building in Legacy of Kings at all. Everything was described wonderfully by Eleanor, and it doesn't leave you lacking.
Not only is this world set in BC history, there is also magic! I love the combination of historical fiction AND fantasy. Not only is magic prevalent in this world but so are magical creatures. Who doesn't love that?
I was really wishing for a map in the ARC because I had to Google the area in which these events take place. I was told that the final copy of the book would indeed have a map which will make this book even better!
The Characters:
This book has 6 main point of views (there are a few others). Sometimes, in books, this bothers me and other times it doesn't. I didn't particularly have any issues with the amount of voices in the book. I found them all distinct and well written. Most, if not all, the characters all are carrying around secrets. It was fun guessing what those secrets could be or how they would play out.
Overall:
Legacy of Kings is a high fantasy full of romance, magic, secret plots and adventure. To me this book felt like a set-up book for the rest of the series. Events that occur in this book set the stage for the story line to continue and pick up in book two.I enjoyed the book, however, I found it rather long and it took me a while to read it. There was nothing wrong with the book but I didn't find myself emotionally invested in it. However, it's a strong first book to a new high fantasy series and I have high hopes for the next book.
I gave Legacy of Kings a 4 out of 5 Stars
Eleanor Herman's Fan Casting:
In the ARC, Eleanor lists who she would fan cast for all the main characters so I thought that would be fun to include in this review.
Alex: Daniel Sharman
Heph: Jack Falahee
Kat: Emma Watson
Jacob: Matt Lanter
Cyn: Caitlin Stasey
Zo: Shay Mitchell
Great review, Sarah! I know what you mean about the lack of a map - I only really knew where places where cause I did a module on Alexander last semester at uni. The fan casting is perfect, I can really see them as the characters, though I'd love to see who Eleanor imagines for Olympias :)