Heir of Blood and Secrets
By Linda Xia
5 stars
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
I was approached by Linda Xia a while back to read and review Heir of Blood and Secrets. Unfortunately, medical school had taken over my life at the time, and I had to postpone the read. Now that I finally have a bit more time, I knew I needed to dive into it—not only because I promised the author, but because the plot had genuinely intrigued me. After finishing the book, all I can say is that I’m mad I didn’t read it sooner. Heir of Blood and Secrets quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year.
Set in the city-state of Devovea, behind the walls of the Castle, the story follows Scylla Delevan, who has been waiting for an opportunity to prove herself. When a Magistrate is murdered and her father is accused of the crime, Scylla eagerly takes it upon herself to uncover the truth and clear her father’s name. But as she delves deeper into her investigation, she discovers dangerous secrets that threaten the fragile balance of her society. With the stakes higher than ever, Scylla must confront everything she thought she knew and decide between fulfilling expectations or doing what is right.
The world-building in this book is excellent. Devovea is a vivid, intricately designed city-state with layers of political intrigue and societal tension that pulled me in from the start. I loved exploring its secrets through Scylla’s eyes and was constantly intrigued by the interplay of power and deception that drives the plot forward. The society felt unique and well-developed, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
The plot itself is gripping, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story threw another curveball. But what truly made this book stand out for me was its heroine, Scylla Delevan. She is refreshingly different from many protagonists in similar genres. Scylla isn’t afraid to ask for help, which I found incredibly relatable and realistic. So often, characters are written as “the chosen one” who refuses assistance, leading to reckless decisions that could easily be avoided. Scylla’s willingness to work with others, acknowledge her limitations, and think strategically made her a standout protagonist. Honestly, gold.
Linda Xia’s writing is smooth and engaging, balancing character development, plot progression, and world-building with precision. It’s clear that she has a lot of potential as a writer, and I’m thrilled to have discovered her work. The only downside? I need the second book now.
In conclusion, Heir of Blood and Secrets is an impressive debut filled with intrigue, complex characters, and a richly detailed world. If you enjoy stories of political drama, murder mysteries, and heroines who defy clichés, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to see what Linda Xia does next!
Comments