A review by bookishlittleme
The Heir by Kiera Cass

emotional lighthearted tense slow-paced

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

3.0

 I really enjoyed the first 3 books of the selection and I like the twist of a female lead selection however this book feels a bit like a long prologue for the next book in the series (The Crown). Since the book is so slow paced the ending felt rushed 

Spoiler

since what I would perceive as the climax of the story happens in the last chapter when Queen America suffers a heart attack and Eadlyn’s brother, Ahren elopes with the French princess, Camille.

Spoiler

 

I think this surprise ending would have worked if there were more moments in The Heir that eluded to the ending. There were some details from the original trilogy that could have clued us in however they weren’t large enough in America’s original story for me to remember them now. 

 

Although the book is plot driven I do enjoy that the protagonist, Eadlyn is called on her personality flaws. Since she is a princess she is the type to put comfort before everything else so it’s good to see that she is questioned by the people closest to her in her life. Although she isn’t the most loveable character her imperfections give her room to improve as a person in the next book.Some of my favourite characters that I would consider loveable are Kile Woodwork, Henri Jaakoppi, Neena the maid, Ahren Schreave, Kaden Schreave and Fox Wesley. 

 

Overall, I did enjoy the story. It’s not my favourite out of the selection series (The One is my favourite😉) however I’m still excited to finish the series! 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual harassment, Violence, and Sexual assault

The Sexual Harrassment/Assault-

Spoiler

Eadlyn has a date that goes badly since the boy acts inappropriately in attempts to take advantage of her. Ahren punches the boy in the face (this is the first instance of violence) and he does not appear again for the rest of the novel other than being mentioned.

Spoiler

This moment is not very graphic and quite brief but is still disturbing. Violence -

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Shortly after the first incident that I described, Eadlyn goes on a group cooking ‘date’ with 4 of the selected boys. One of the boys has anger issues and when something doesn’t go his way he starts a fight with another boy.

Spoiler

This is another brief moment that isn’t described in great detail. Sex - There are no sex scenes in the story but there are moments that elude to one happening.

Spoiler

Kile and Eadlyn have a friends with benefit sort of relationship. It’s mostly kissing but at one point she tries to pull his shirt off but they decide not to continue.

Spoiler