Title: Heir to Kale: Rise of the Temple Gods, Book 1 *Audiobook*
Author: K.L. Bone
Release Date: May 4th 2016
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you. – Prophesy of the Kalian Twins.
In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, 60 are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every 13 years.
Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.
Then, not long after their 17th birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.
Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.
Wow….this story blew me away. Fantastic world building! It’s adventurous and action packed and also heart wrenching. Several times throughout the story I was either shouting out loud or I had tears coming down my face. Ah good times. The characters are very well written. I really like Ameria! I just felt myself leaning more towards her. The puppies were a nice touch and totally unexpected! The narrator had a nice voice and I dig her wraith voice! I NEED the next one ASAP!! I am now fully hooked and invested in this series. I give it 5 stars!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
The Literary Vixen 