Thank you to Orbit Books for sending me a copy of The Jasad Heir in exchange for an honest review.
Sylvia is the last survivor of the massacre that wiped out the Jasad kingdom. Now magic is outlawed and she’s spent the last decade hiding her heritage from the Nizahl warriors. When Arin, the Nizahl Heir, discovers her magical abilities, however, Sylvia must strike a risky deal to save her life. If she helps him track down the rebels threatening the Nizahl rule, then he’ll keep her magic secret and set her up for freedom. As she navigates a treacherous game of loyalty and deception, Sylvia must confront her past and decide between the life she desires and the responsibility thrust upon her to lead her people.
The Jasad Heir is a promising start to a debut series. Part political fantasy, part slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance and part survival competition, it has a little bit of everything. Sarah Hashem’s first book asks thoughtful and challenging questions; she isn’t afraid to dive in deep.
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Central to The Jasad Heir is the question of what we owe to the people and places that claim us. Sylvia was ten when her people were destroyed: old enough to remember a different world, but too young to have a true sense of her place in it. She was raised to believe one thing with 100 percent certainty. However, eventually, she learns the history she knows may be wrong, and I loved following along in her journey. The sense of not knowing the real truth about Jasad and the royal family truly drew me in. In this case, it isn’t only the victors who shape history, but whoever is telling the story.
The lack of true knowledge surrounding her people’s past makes Sylvia an incredible morally gray character. Her upbringing, her surroundings, and the things she learns over time complicate everything. Readers learn about the world alongside Sylvia, allowing for some fantastic twists and revelations.
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If the romance aspect of The Jasad Heir is what draws your attention, be prepared to wait. A long, long time. This certainly isn’t a love-at-first-sight relationship, and romance isn’t at the forefront of the plot. Part of what makes the interactions between Sylvia and Arin is a tension that begins with animosity. She’s a puzzle he can’t solve, while he’s a statue she wants to break. However, every moment between them has a hint of appreciation and understanding that’s incredibly enticing.
Striking just the right balance between action, court intrigue and romance, The Jasad Heir is perfect for anyone looking for their next epic fantasy series. The huge cliffhanger ending is certain to leave readers hungry for more, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this world.
The Jasad Heir comes out on July 18, 2023, and is available for preorder from your local independent bookstore or Bookshop.org.
TW: child abuse, colonization, cultural appropriation, death, death of a parent, genocide, pedophilia/sexual assault (mentioned/remembered), physical abuse, suicide, violence, war
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/new-books-releases-july-11/
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