Inferno's Heir

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Pub Date Oct 15 2024 | Archive Date Not set

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Description

Fearing for her life, an outcast princess joins the rebellion against her own kingdom and family. . . but when playing with fire, someone always gets burned. 

Teia Carthan abandoned her morals long ago, and now there’s nothing she won’t do to stay alive. So far she has survived her parents’ deaths, the ire of the Council, and innumerable attempts on her life, orchestrated by Jura, her half brother and soon-to-be king of Erisia. Teia’s rare control over two elements marks her as both an outsider and a formidable opponent—but once Jura is crowned king, there will be no way to survive him. Not for Teia, not for anyone. 

When Jura moves to crush the rebellion that seeks to overthrow the monarchy, Teia sees one last opportunity to ensure her own safety. She can infiltrate the rebels, locate their base . . . and betray them to Jura, trading their lives for her own. 

Yet when Teia meets the rebels, she gets far more than she bargained for. And when she gains not only their trust but their friendship, she begins to have doubts. Perhaps the rebels are right. Perhaps the Golden Palace should be torn down and the monarchy destroyed. 

But then again—what if there is another possibility? What if Teia were on the throne instead? 

Fearing for her life, an outcast princess joins the rebellion against her own kingdom and family. . . but when playing with fire, someone always gets burned. 

Teia Carthan abandoned her morals long...


A Note From the Publisher

EPUB available late May.

EPUB available late May.


Advance Praise

Inferno's Heir is an absolute delight. Teia is the kind of character you'll follow anywhere--devious, driven, and full of emotion. The world is so rich and intriguing that I sank into it and never wanted to leave." --Marie Rutkoski, New York Times bestselling author of The Hollow Heart, The Winner's Curse trilogy, and the Kronos Chronicles

"Full of court intrigue, assassinations, prison breaks, and heists, this is a dangerous and riveting story that's part Six of Crows, part Game of Thrones, and part The Poppy War. I adored Teia, its relentlessly fierce, morally gray heroine, and rooted for her, even in the most impossible situations. Absolutely recommended if you're looking for a book that you will have to devour in one sitting." –Jamie Pacton, bestselling author of The Absinthe Underground and The Vermilion Emporium

"Inferno's Heir is just like its protagonist: destructive, deceptive, and heart wrenching. Wang creates a world where heroes and villains are two sides of the same coin and fates unfold with the flip of a playing card. Prepare to fall in love and fall apart in this dark fantasy done right." –Vanessa Le, author of The Last Bloodcarver 

“A stunning concoction of political intrigue, found family and nail-biting tension. Inferno’s Heir is destined to be a book people obsess over.” –Jaysen Headley, global top 5 Booktok influencer @ezeekat

Inferno's Heir is an absolute delight. Teia is the kind of character you'll follow anywhere--devious, driven, and full of emotion. The world is so rich and intriguing that I sank into it and never...


Marketing Plan

  • Social campaign with over 5M direct reach plus paid promotions
  • National print, broadcast, and online media campaign including radio and podcast interviews
  • Extensive review copy mailings to booksellers, media, and influencers
  • Netgalley and Goodreads promotions
  • NYC launch event with broad influencer and media attendance 

Bindery partners with influential book tastemakers to identify and publish resonant stories. This book will receive continuous prepublication and post launch promotion by media-darling book tastemaker Kevin Norman, named one of 12 TikTok LGBTQ+ Trailblazers, with a platform of over 375k followers. 

  • Social campaign with over 5M direct reach plus paid promotions
  • National print, broadcast, and online media campaign including radio and podcast interviews
  • Extensive review copy mailings to booksellers...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781959411772
PRICE $15.95 (USD)
PAGES 352

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 42 members


Featured Reviews

I read an early draft of INFERNO'S HEIR back in 2022 and have been praying for more of these characters ever since, so I'm beyond excited that it will be on shelves this year! With beautiful writing, a found family I'd die for, and !!!! twists, Tiffany Wang's debut is incredibly addictive and obsess-worthy. Don't miss it!!

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I have read this book at least four times now, from its various drafts to the final version that everyone will be holding in their hands today. When I first came across Inferno’s Heir, I fell in love with our main character, Teia. She embodies the type of characters I adore: morally grey, powerful, and somewhat of an outsider. Teia evoked the same emotions and affection I felt when reading The Cruel Prince, which is one of my all-time favorite YA trilogies.

Beyond Teia, I was captivated by the diverse cast of characters, each battling for what they believe to be right. There is Jura, the malevolent half-brother who treats life as a mere game; the Dawnbreakers, who aim to overthrow Teia’s family legacy; and Teia herself, striving to belong within her own kingdom. I was thoroughly engrossed by the journey of each character as they navigated twists, betrayals, and mysteries. The book’s pace is brisk, making it impossible to put down until the last page—and even then, I was left craving more.

When given the opportunity to publish my first book under my imprint, I knew I wanted to find something reminiscent of Inferno’s Heir—a nod to the YA fantasies that ignited my passion for reading. I hope you fall in love with Teia as much as I did.

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Magic. Heists. Found Family.
Some of my favorite things.
Add in the fact that our FMC is a Morally Grey, Political Genius with both Fire and Water Magic flowing in her veins and I was sold.

Tiffany Wang’s world building is exquisite and our side characters are fully fleshed out and you care about them.

The story and the twists kept me engaged and wanting more. And I honestly cannot wait for the sequel (I said that out loud to my partner when I finished). Cannot wait to get my Hardcopy in October!

Thank you Kevin T. Norman and NetGalley for the eARC.

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OH TO READ THIS FANTASTIC BOOK! I GAVE IT 4 STARS. THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING IN IT. THE CHARACTERS ARE AMAZING. THE STORYLINE IS FANTASTIC.

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PAGE ONE! 10 out of 5
I am so picky about books, Im honestly trying to be better about the patience I have before deciding to not finish a read.
I never, not one time, even contemplated on not finishing this. Tiffany Wang has a writing style that i am unable to describe, but from the very first page, I was invested.
Found family, adventure, relatable characters..this is one of those books you recommend to EVERYONE, and I have!
Im so sorry the mass f the world must wait until the Fall!
Once finished, readers will definitely find themselves longing for something that can even remotely scratch the itch that Infernos Heir leaves behind.
Tiffany, I am so incredibly grateful you allowed me to read this delicious story! Bravo!

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There is something about books that strip reality away from you while you are falling into their world and this is one of them.

Tiffany Wang’s Inferno’s heir is a brilliant work of the craft and for those who love the books filled with; politics, cunning MC, a dash of magic,lores, heists and brilliant world building this is a book for you.

The plot twist in this book had me rereading the pages and had me utterly upset when I had come to the end because there are so many questions I want answered ! Not only is the MC have bendable morals but she has reasons for doing everything she does and is willing to risk it all.

Inferno’s heir is brimming with lines that would send the characters burning with rage -“if you can’t govern them, you might as well entertain.”
Is one of my personal favourites.
This book was something I saw late in 2023 and was everything and more then I could imagine. One of the top tier reads of the year so far.

Thank you to Tiffany wang, Kevin Norman, the bindery team and NetGalley for the amazing early read.

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First of all, this book’s cover is EVERYTHING!!

It took me a while to finish this book even though it certainly has a bunch of things that I enjoy like found family, slow burn (no pun intended), politics, and of course some elements wielding..

I really liked Tiffany’s description of Erisia and the rest of the settings where this story takes place, it made me feel transported, it was so easy to picture everything thanks to her writing.

Unfortunately, I do feel that the book was quite slow at the beginning and then 3/4 into it the pace suddenly changed and everything happened so fast almost without an explanation. I hope we get to see more of this characters in the future!

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This was fantastic, I was hooked from the first page until the very end! This is a heist (!!!) story where a disenchanted princess joins a group of rebels to take down her half-brother. It sounds straightforward but there were so many plot twists as the truth is slowly revealed. I love how every single character had ambiguous morals; everyone had their own motives and they weren't necessarily on each other's sides. Teia was an excellent protagonist — she was definitely a bit of an anti-hero, and I love the way her character progressed. The magic was also very cool. Teia can control both fire and water and I enjoyed seeing how she used it to achieve her goals. All in all, this was a super captivating read.

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this was a fun book! i really enjoyed it and the cover is stunning! teia is an interesting character and i love her development throughout the story

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The PDF isn't great on the kindle. I will be back once the ePub is available. Good luck to Tiffany Wang and Kevin Norman!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.

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I have heard AMAZING things about this novel - from its early draft iterations to now, with this ARC - and so far I am enjoying it immensely. I can't wait to share my final thoughts again here, on GR, and on my blog, but for now I will say that this book has and continues to exceed my expectations! Thank you to NG and the publisher for this opportunity - I'm so excited and grateful to see such diversity amongst AAPI authors in terms of genres, substance, and overall quality in writing, and am proud to be a member of this community myself.

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4.25⭐
ngl it was the cover that got me first. i only skimmed the blurb before starting but the inferno's heir turned out to be a pretty easy and enjoyable fantasy read. it was fast paced but somehow lost my interest in a few parts; my mind would drift to space and come back down after a particularly striking passage or turn of events and so i'd have to read a few past paragraphs again... there was hardly any romance thankfully! the main chars were giving me sapphic vibes but to my slight disappointment, it was all just my own delusion!
anyway! the plot really picked toward the end and I'd happily read teia and the dawnbreakers' next adventures!

thanks netgalley, bindery books, and tiffany wang!

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This book was absolutely mesmerizing—I was drawn in from the very first page and couldn't put it down until the end! It's a riveting heist tale where a disillusioned princess allies with a band of rebels to topple her half-brother. What seems like a straightforward plot quickly becomes a labyrinth of twists as hidden truths are gradually uncovered. The characters are wonderfully complex, each with their own murky morals and conflicting motives, making alliances tentative at best. Teia, the protagonist, shines as a compelling anti-hero, with her character evolving in fascinating ways. The magic system, particularly Teia's dual control over fire and water, added an extra layer of intrigue as she deftly wielded her powers to accomplish her aims. All in all, this book was an enthralling adventure from start to finish.

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This was a hard one for me to review. It's a fast paced fantasy book and I really flew through the pages. I loved the wordbuilding and mostly the pace. I have to confess I skipped some of the political rants/explanations. I didn't like Teia. I did like her when she was bantering with a certain boy. And I love a found family. The prison breaks where very fun too. And that cover! It's why I had to read this one. And I'm really happy that I got the chance to read it!

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This novel was so much fun to read. A four and a half rounded up! The characters were alive and vibrant. The setting was fun and unique and I could see what was happening on each page and it was a fun fantasy story to disappear into. The book has great YA vibes, and I feel like fans of Six of Crows and Faebound would also love this. The writing was easy to follow and get lost in. I found myself turning the page easily and consistently. The characters and setting were a blast to dive into and the magic was fun to learn about. I look forward to learning where the rest of the story goes and where our characters end up. Learning more about the magic system will be much fun as well. I am hoping for another in this world.

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Game of Thrones light, its the perfect primer for classic high fantasy.
This book offers a mystical world, political intrigue, magic powers and enough twist and turns to keep young adult and adult entertained.

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Inferno's Heir is a unique fantasy novel that takes a spin on the conventional "chosen one-led rebellion against corrupt powers." Presented from the perspective of the half-sister of the corrupt king, Inferno's Heir was a refreshing take on the traditional tropes of high fantasy.

Although I did I enjoy this new perspective, parts of this book fell flat for me. Asides from Teia, the characters didn't feel particularly complex, and the magic system and world building felt brushed aside. This resulted in awkward pacing, and for a majority of this book I considered rating it between 2.5-3 stars. However, Inferno's Heir definitely redeems itself in the last 15% and sets up an exciting hook for the next book (I hope!) Therefore, I give this book 4/5 stars.

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05/28/2024-06/02/2024
Rating: 3.5/5

This has a little bit of everything I want in a story: political intrigue, sibling rivalry, heists, found family, romance, banter, plot twists, and betrayal. The pacing was a bit choppy in the beginning, but the storyline began to gain momentum towards the middle and stayed steady until reaching the climax at the end. Some of the writing was a bit juvenile, but it is YA and not too distracting.

Teia is a refreshing character as she’s morally gray and willing to what it takes to get what she wants. When the story reached its climax, I was actually shocked by her decisions since it seemed like she was changing, but I’m excited to see how the story progress in the next book

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This is going to be a bit of a tuff review - because while the bulk of it will be critical, by no means is Inferno's Heir that BAD, its just not got much about it which is that GOOD either. Which already sounds off to a very negative start - hopefully one reads this review in the spirit in which it is intended which is just honest and pointing out some potential flaws while also emphasizing that overall the book is fine.

I guess the first critique will start from the end - Inferno's Heir (IH from now on) is very much a 'first book' in a series, which IMO is hard to pull off without some sort of compromise of leaving threads hanging. In the case of IH I felt like the majority of the action, intrigue and tension was saved for the finale. The plot was by no means slow-paced, however it lacked enough tension to keep my eyes glued to the page like the last few scenes did, which had a backfire effect where I thought "couldn't this have happened halfway through THIS book?"

My second beef, was that there simply wasn't enough character development, or more specifically not enough to make each character stand out. The MCs were largely defined by their respective roles, and were often referred to as such (e.g. 'the thief') but I didn't really get much of a sense of any particular traits - really the just of the obvious of they despised the bad-guys and were badass and suspicious of everyone else.

Finally the story-world was very hard to feel grounded in, I double checked the blurb to make sure I hadn't made mistaken assumptions about genre. I genuinely thought it was a fantasy setting, until about the midpoint when someone pulled a gun - and then were were mentions of a 'hotel' - now I'm not some sort of genre/trope purist I love sci-fantasy type settings, but they need sufficient worldbuilding to get a sense of connection with what the characters are doing and going through.

So in conclusion this book is just fine, perhaps moreso than my critiques above, is really just a problem of not having enough SOMETHING to really make the story pop, to really drag one into the tale and keep you reading through. I fully realize that some will love this story if everything in the book vibes with them and that is cool, it also obvious that Wang is super talented, I just have a sense that perhaps this book was pared back a little to make it fit YA? It certainly feels like it could have benefited from more romance and violence which sounds like a very blunt criticism but it certainly would have put more sparks on the page.

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Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I immediately fell in love with the female main character, Teia. This fantasy book was an easy read and once I started, I could not put it down. This book has politics, found family, morally grey compelling character and unlikely alliances. This book has twists and turns that are very unexpected. This book sucks you in and you do not want it to end. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you to Kevin Norman for promoting this book and putting it on my radar.

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I am loving this novel so far! I have heard amazing things about it and the cover illustrations are beautiful as well. I can’t wait to give my final review/thoughts 🤩

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I went into this book with low expectations since this is the authors debut novel and also a fantasy book, I was surprised in a very good way! This fantasy will sweep you to a castle with a horrific prince and her half sister who just does not wants to be left alone, also a rebel group that wants to bring the monarchy down. Teia wants to infiltrate this group and bring them in front of the prince to have a say in her future, but will she be able to do that when she gets to know these people?

The found family in this group is so adorable!!! The relationship of the fmc and her love interest is so cute and their sarcastic banter is just what I love seeing.
The plans within the rebel group are very much impossible to get through with but they still do, but it’s a fantasy book so who really cares😂
It kills me how fantasy books keep hurting you so much at the end of the books. I’m so curious about the next book!!

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I have really liked Inferno’s Heir. It was a very fun reading experience, and I found myself skirting my responsibilities to read ‘just one more chapter’ and see how the story moved forward more than one time. Unfortunately, however, the book didn’t fully satisfy me at the end, and I don’t feel comfortable giving it more than 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars on the platforms where half stars are not an option).

The plot was very well thought trough. I found the story gripping and the series of crises faced by the main characters at times surprising. The characters’ motivations and back story are very well woven into the main narrative, and so it was quite easy to understand why they were behaving in a certain way. It is definitely one of those books where you find yourself shouting at several characters multiple times that they are about to make a stupid decision, but also thinking ‘actually, in that situation, I understand why this seems like the only way to go’. This was definitely my favourite part of the book, together with the fact that, as the reader, you are thrown in the depth of the crisis. There’s no nice and tranquil beginning with maybe some foreshadowing, no. The book opens with blood and betrayal and continues from there with political intrigue (which is one of my favourite things in fantasy ever) and an increasingly fast pace. Delicious.

However, it is in the pacing and in the setting that I think Inferno’s Heir falls short, creating an experience that doesn’t fully satisfy:
1. The timing. The story is urgent. Things need to happen fast, and there’s a very real, very concrete looming deadline. Which is great, but I kept on reading time marks that contradicted one another. Basically, if you take how many days it takes the characters to plot, scheme, carry out, and suffer the consequences of their plans, then you land a couple of weeks after the stated deadline. At least, this was my experience, and it was a bit confusing.

2. The ending. The last five chapters could be a book in themselves and there are several points where one or more characters imply that a lot happened outside of the page. I would have appreciated seeing these events as well, as they are quite key for the resolution of the plot / the creation of potential new adventures.

3. The space. This is probably a personal shortcoming, but I would have really appreciated it if the book came with maps. I hope that the final, published version will have them, or that there will be a deluxe version with maps as well. Tiffany Wang has created an amazing, intricate world with its own geography, landmarks, desolated areas, and with bustling and intricate cities and buildings. I would have loved to be able to follow the Teia’s, Alana’s, Jura’s, and everyone else’s moves on a map. Personally, I would live to see maps of:
- The world
- The city
- The palace
- Blackgate

4. Finally, this is without any doubts an extremely well written book, with a very evocative language that helped me empathise with several characters and imagine landscape and scenes, except for melee battles and skirmishes. I understand that melees are messy and chaotic by definition, but I had a hard time follow what was happening, where all the characters were, and who was having the upper hand.

All in all, none of these points has hindered my reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have already in mind several friends and family members to whom I will recommend picking it up in October. For myself, I am holding out for a version with maps, and I will definitely pick up a sequel if there will be any. I feel like Teia’s (and everyone else’s) story has just begun, and I do want to see more.

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This book is, in my opinion, a pretty funny and simple fantasy story. Given the amount of attention given to the inner workings of Erisia's government, both past and present, it is evident that this work is a political dream. This book flows quickly, and I believe several sections could have used more time. While the first part of the book seemed to drag, the second half of the book concluded very quickly. Additionally, I believe that some of the book's lore was added at the last minute or carelessly. While I realize that we are discovering the twists and turns as Teia is, I believe there is a way to incorporate them into the plot in a way that feels more cohesive. Diverse, funny, and immensely fascinating characters comprise the cast.

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I loved this one! If you’ve been missing Six of Crows and want a heist, found family, and a stabby female main character, look no further. This was an incredible debut with adventure and heart, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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“Inferno's Heir” is a ya fantasy standalone written by Tiffany Wang, here at her debut. A quick and gripping book characterized by simple and compelling prose. A tale full of political intrigues, power plays, conspiracies, alliances and betrayals, which is not short of really well-written action scenes. The extensive and articulate world building, full of explanations and carefully delineated, intrigued me a lot. The story absorbed me completely with all the plotting and subterfuges that take place, making it hard for me to tear myself away from the pages. I admit that the ending seemed a bit rushed compared to the rest, but overall I still enjoyed the narrative. Teia, the main character, won me over completely! I love morally gray characters and she definitely falls into the category! Complex, troubled and cunning, she gave me so much satisfaction! I also liked the secondary characters, as well as their interactions with Teia!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Tiffany Wang's "Inferno's Heir" is a thrilling adventure that hooks you right from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The story of Teia Carthan, an outcast princess trying to survive in a world of betrayal and rebellion, is packed with action, intrigue, and complex characters that you can't help but root for.

Teia's journey is both intense and relatable. Her unique ability to control two elements makes her a powerful player in the dangerous game she's caught in. Her initial plan to betray the rebels for her own safety sets up a tense and exciting plot, but things get even more interesting as she starts to connect with them on a deeper level (especially with a certain male handler)!

Wang's world-building is top-notch. The kingdom of Erisia, with its lavish palaces and underlying tensions, feels incredibly real and immersive. The political drama and power struggles are fascinating and add a lot of depth to the story. There were a lot of similarities in both plot and setting from this book and the Six of Crows duololy, with the lower-end of the civilization being referred to as the Slats and in the other the Flats, but also the plot including a great heist. Even with the similarities, this story is entirely unique and I only bring up the parallel because of how fondly I loved the Six of Crows series and was thrilled to find a similar (and notably different!) adventure.

But what really makes this book stand out are the characters. Teia is a standout heroine—tough, complex, and genuinely human. Watching her grow from a survivor focused on her own safety to a leader questioning her morals is both gripping and satisfying. The rebels she meets are also a diverse and interesting group, each adding something special to the story.

Inferno's Heir isn't just a great fantasy novel; it's also a thought-provoking look at loyalty, power, and finding your own path. Wang does a fantastic job of weaving in themes of betrayal and trust, making you think about what's right and wrong along the way. Teia's final choice—whether to destroy the monarchy, claim the throne, or find a new way—will keep you thinking long after you've finished reading.

Overall, Tiffany Wang has created an unforgettable story with "Inferno's Heir." It's packed with exciting twists, emotional moments, and a heroine you can't help but cheer for.!If you love fantasy with high stakes and strong characters, this is definitely a book you don't want to miss. Prepare to be captivated and eager for the next installment!

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★ ★ ★ • 3

Solid debut novel with complex world-building, a well thought out plot, and a strong female protagonist. Besides Teia, the main character that was the absolute highlight of the entire book, Inferno’s Heir also has several likable supporting characters.

I did enjoy the book, overall I would say that I have a mostly favorable opinion of it… However there were times when the pacing felt a bit off and (without giving any spoiler away) I was a bit unsatisfied with the ending. Still, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of works like The Hunger Games and looking for a good new young-adult fantasy.

Was very excited to have a chance to read this ahead of the release, I’d been hearing about it all over Insta. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Thank you Netgalley and Bindery books for this arc! The stunning cover is what first drew me to this book and from the very first page I was hooked.

This book was a 5/5 for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to the end, boy was I shocked by the plot twist! It was built up from the beginning, but you know when you start to doubt and think surely not now after everything? I thought wrong, and loved it. The ending of this book and the tension involved makes me very excited for what else this world has to offer!

The author did a fantastic job in world building, I got a good grasp of this world without feeling that sense of information overload. I loved the use of elemental powers and the descriptions of use were unlike any other I have read! The writing was beautiful, descriptive and unique. This book was political and highlighted the manipulation of power struggles and how political gain is not black and white. I enjoyed the plot thoroughly, it kept me entertained and engaged throughout the late night and early mornings- I was often sleep deprived yet wanting to read just that one more page!

I loved the characters, I love a story that gives the side characters enough scope for me to fall in love with them. Enna and Kyra were easily favourites of mine, and each character felt unique. I love a book that makes me root for multiple characters. I also loved the banter we got to see between different pairings. Teia was a great main character, I love that she is flawed but still likeable. She is cunning, manipulative and the ultimate player of the long game. I can’t wait to see how she grapples with everything that happened. I feel like I can’t talk about loving characters without mentioning how much I hated Jura. The author did such a great job at making such a hate-able character. Overall, the characters throughout were fleshed out and masterful in their individual roles.

I don’t often give 5/5 ratings but I loved this book and will be recommending it to friends and fellow readers wanting a new ya fantasy read. I will be purchasing a physical copy upon release for sure.

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I would give this a 3.5/4 stars. Where it lacked for me was the beginning it made up for as I continued reading. It took a little bit of time for me to get into and to really grab me into the story. Once I got past a certain point I was hooked. This has some elements of politics, alliances and betrayals, a morally gray character, and a twisting plot. I enjoyed the characters and watching them build throughout the story. Their relationships develop so naturally throughout the story and I feel like that flows well. The things that lose me are the mythology or lore I don't know much about so sometimes I get confused or feel like I can't follow completely, that is not the fault of the author I just don't know much lore and haven't done much research. I have been learning a lot recently while reading more fantasy novels. I do feel like this is a very well written YA fantasy novel and I think I would enjoy a re-read very much!

Thank you Netgalley and Kevin Norman for the eArc!

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This book is so damn good. I've had quite a few delightful surprise favorites this year, and Inferno's Heir has rightfully earned its place amongst them.

The best quality about this book is definitely the characters, main and side cast alike. Teia is morally gray, but it's very easy to sympathize with her and understand why she is the way she is, despite the morally dubious decisions she makes over the course of the novel (Especially at the end, cuz, man, it really shows how ruthlessly ambitious Teia is). She's also very sarcastic and snarky, which makes excellent chemistry with the rest of the colorful cast of characters. It reminded me so much of Six of Crows with how heavily the story is carried by amazing dialogue and complex dynamics between all these characters (They also break into a prison-twice, even-but that's where the similarities end).

The worldbuilding was also very interesting. I wish there was a map so I could visualize the land better (All fantasy books need maps, dammit), but the descriptors given in test gave enough to understand the baselines of this world. It's highly implied that there will be a sequel at the end, and Teia will be exploring her mom's homeland. As interesting as Erisha was, I cannot wait to experience another country and its culture in this world. The story was also so engaging and had me guessing at every new reveal. I had some ideas in mind that were completely proven wrong, but the reveals that were made only enhanced my enjoyment.

All in al, this was such a great read. I hope the sequel will be so once this book is officially released, because I really want to know what happens next!

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This was such a satisfying read - there’s a perfect blend of conflict, betrayal, and romance. Teia is a fantastic main character - she’s morally grey, powerful, and cunning, and from page one I knew I’d love her! There’s a large cast of characters but at no point did I feel like this was overwhelming or that these characters were underdeveloped, but instead are interesting and relatable, with their own fleshed out stories - the Dawnbreakers team of Tobias, Kyra, and Alara had a great dynamic, and I definitely had a soft spot for Enna. I particularly liked the contrast between Kyra’s strong moral compass and Teia’s more underhand dealings.

The pacing was spot on throughout, it keeps you engaged without feeling rushed and maintains that perfect level of tension that keeps you hooked. This is definitely one I’ll want my own physical copy of when it’s published!

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