A review by davinareads
The Tournament of Heirs by Amilea Perez

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

One of the first things that caught my eye about this book was the incredible effort the author put into her PR boxes and artwork. They’re some of the most beautiful promotional materials I’ve seen, and they reflect the love and care she has for her story. It’s something to be proud of!

Aside from the stunning artwork and bookish goodies, let's talk about the story. This is where my opinion might differ from the majority.

The Tournament of Heirs is labeled as a New Adult Fantasy and marketed as The Hunger Games meets Aztec culture—essentially a dystopian tale with a cultural twist. Personally, I found the story closer to All of Us Villains than The Hunger Games, which might be a better comparison.

As a dystopian novel, it follows a storyline that will feel familiar to many readers, especially those who have read a few books in the genre. While the inclusion of Aztec culture added a unique and intriguing layer, I felt the story struggled to offer something truly fresh or unexpected.

At over 500 pages, the book felt longer than necessary. Some sections were repetitive and overexplained, which slowed the pacing and made it harder to stay fully engaged. With 63% of the book serving as an introduction, the buildup felt too drawn out. Although there were many events, they didn’t always feel like they moved the story forward meaningfully. Additionally, I would have loved more vivid descriptions in certain areas to enhance the setting.

That said, the cultural aspect was wonderful. I loved being immersed in the Aztec-inspired setting—it was vibrant and rich, though I wished for even more depth. The mythology was one of the most fascinating parts of the book and made for an engaging learning experience. I also really enjoyed the dynamics between the siblings, which stood out as one of the strongest elements of the story.

Overall, I think this book might resonate more with readers who are newer to the dystopian genre or those who enjoy a slower, more detailed narrative. Even if it wasn’t entirely for me, I admire how the author brought Aztec mythology to life and portrayed the sibling dynamics so well. All of this could make it a worthwhile read for the right audience.