The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe

"If Night Falls, All Fall"

"A richly told tale of strange magic, dark treachery, and conflicting loyalties, set in a well-realized world"—Robin Hobb
 
Heir of Night, young Malian is supposed to be kept safe at all times, and still she is out wandering in places she shouldn't go, heedless of the dangers all around her. After all, life in the garrison her family is pledged to uphold seems safe enough - until they are visited by their ancient enemy, the Swarm.  And that's when things suddenly get very interesting.

Standard fantasy stuff on one level, a young hero against forces apparently much stronger than herself.  Forces that could destroy everything she loves and holds dear - but it is the rich detail that makes this book too intriguing to put down.  Not everything is quite as it seems on the outside and Malian's greatest challenge is to recognise where the true danger lies, when treachery lies hidden at every step.

The writing is gorgeous, except for some of the older characters whose dialogue trips the line from old-fashioned to clunky.  The characters are great fun, good and evil alike.  And unlike the rather gorgeous Thornspell the main characters -- and I wont even say who the other main character is because it might ruin the suspense (although you'll probably guess)-- are dynamic and active, swimming in waters over their heads they still manage to direct the plot as they use all their resources and inner strength to try and survive.  Keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end.

The UK/NZ cover above and the US cover below (just because I love the US cover so much, and feel it's slightly more relevant to the story)

Visit The Heir of Night website here.  That way you will be able to keep an eye on what's happening and find out when the next book, "Gathering" will be out, because it's certainly not one I would want to miss.


Review by Alicia Ponder