Title: The Winter Heir, A Fractured Kingdoms novel (book 2)
Author: J.A. Nielsen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Book Blurb:
Spense might have saved his country of Telridge and won the heart of the faerie princess. But he doesn’t feel like a hero—not while Dewy is stuck in the Winter Lands, all because of a bargain she made on his behalf.
After months of fruitless research, Spense abandons the libraries of Telridge and turns to the Faerie Oracles to seek a solution.
Meanwhile, Dewy is no damsel in distress. She is on a journey of her own, diving deeper into her magic, and finding alliances in the most unexpected of places.
As they each seek the Winter Heir, they face unsettling truths about themselves, their world, and the steep costs of magic.
My Review:
The Winter Heir is a captivating YA fantasy that draws you in right from the start. J.A. Nielsen does an excellent job of immersing readers in the magical world of Telridge and the Winter Lands, making it easy to follow the story even without reading the first book in the series.
The plot follows Spense, a reluctant hero struggling with guilt over Dewy’s sacrifice to save him. While he searches for answers from the mysterious Faerie Oracles, Dewy is far from a damsel in distress. Her journey is equally compelling as she grows into her magical abilities and builds surprising alliances.
The chapters are short and alternate between different characters’ points of view, allowing readers to get a closer look at each character’s emotions and motivations. The relationship between Spense and his brother Dirk is a major highlight, with their banter and bond reminding me of the dynamic between Merlin and Arthur from BBC’s Merlin (previously available on Netflix). Fans of that series will appreciate the humor, loyalty, and heartfelt moments in their interactions.
The romantic tension between Dirk and Flora adds another layer of intrigue and emotion, making the characters even more engaging. The vivid descriptions and detailed world-building make this book a joy to read, whether you’re exploring icy Winter Lands or the magical secrets of Telridge.
With strong characters, exciting twists, and heartfelt moments, The Winter Heir is a fantastic YA fantasy read. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, you’ll have no problem diving into this enchanting world. I give it five stars and highly recommend it to fans of epic adventures with plenty of heart!
My Rating: 5 stars
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Author Biography:
J.A. Nielsen is the author of the award-winning YA Fantasy series, Fractured Kingdoms (The Claiming, Book 1, and The Winter Heir, Book 2). She has spent most of her professional life in education—as a therapist, teacher, librarian, and administrator.
When not writing, she is most likely playing with her family in the forest, on the water, or in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
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Reviewed by: Lana