Crimson Reign: A sumptuous romantasy from SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES best selling author of SONG OF SILVER, FLAME LIKE NIGHT: Book 3 (Blood Heir Trilogy) Paperback – 13 Oct. 2022

Speedy delivery and excellent condition. Daughter has whole series now and loves them!

I was so excited to read this and also dreading it too, I have loved the first two books in the trilogy and I don’t want it to be over. This book is everything, I admit I am a little bit in love with Ramson, I loved his character more than Ana’s (not that she isn’t great herself) he just is so loyal to Ana and he has such a big personality and I love his sense of humour.Speaking of Ana and Ramson, you can’t really not touch on the romance , it takes a back seat in this book, for the good of everyone else beyond themselves. Which I completely understood and it has to be this way but does mean I didn’t hate it or that my heart was breaking a little at times. Not that this was the only time in these books I’ve been emotional , these characters and their friendships, how they bonded over the course of this series often brought a tear to my eyes, but they made me laugh and cheer them on too.I loved that in this book we got to see so much more of the world. It reveals so much more of the distinct cultures portrayed I particularly enjoyed the fact it made the world seem more realistic and three dimensional. This world so full of magic, fantastic characters and the most fantastic plot, just kept me guessing all the way, there were so many twists and turns. As expected there is an ultimate climatic battle , simply put this is a spectacular ending to a series I am really going to miss and I am contemplating a re-read from the beginning already.Thanks to randomthingstours and harpervoyageuk for a free arc in return for an honest opinion.

I loved all three books in the Blood Heir Trilogy and Crimson Reign completes the series perfectly. I read it in two sittings and didn’t want it to end. The powerful prose are beautifully written and captured my attention from page one of book one!We follow Ana’s journey in her efforts to stop Morganya’s quest for power – she has killed, schemed and committed such atrocities to feed her endless greed for more Affinities, and ultimately more power. Ana will not rest until she puts an end to the never ending destruction and cruelty caused by Morganya’s monstrous reign. As Ana’s brother wisely said, “it’s not power that makes you a monster but how you wield it.”Ana has forged an alliance with the King of Bregan and we begin where Red Tigress left us, straight in to the action of Ana and her army en route to Cyrilia to launch a counterattack on Morganya, whilst contending with the physical and mental affects of having her blood Affinity siphoned.Ramson’s trying to find answers on the siphon – can Affinities be restored and what happens to someone who’s Affinity has been siphoned? Meanwhile, Linn and Kaïs are travelling to Kemeira to broker an alliance and discover Morganya’s plan to steal the Heart of the Deities. Whoever has it can control all the magic in the world – to create and destroy – and it would grant Morganya an endless flow of power to continue her reign of terror.The story is told from multiple points of view which creates a fast paced flow- each chapter unravels the individual journeys in play. The characters are complex and captivating, and we are granted access to their thoughts and feelings, and experience what’s happening from their own eyes. It gives a deep understanding of each character and creates a real sense of connection to them.I loved the world that Zhao transports us to, which is filled with infinite possibilities, it’s truly spellbinding, vibrant and immersive – I felt a part of it! The magic system is incredible and absorbing, and it’s gradually revealed throughout the pages with hidden elements coming to light along the way.Ana has suffered immense loss and is viewed as a monster because of her abilities. She’s brave, determined and empathetic – a true leader. Ramson has a tragic past and has been taught love is a weakness which only destroys. He’s charismatic, quick witted and has a heart of gold. I loved Jonah’s advice to him that, “your heart is your compass,” and enjoyed seeing Ramson put this into practise.It’s a joy to follow the journey Ana and Ramson go on as their two worlds collide. I enjoyed their sarcastic humour, the way they challenge each other, and how they don’t see each other as being different. The witch and the con man make quite a team, and hold a special place in my heart.At the centre of the story is the battle for justice and equality. It’s a fight for the greater good no matter the personal cost. The choices we make define who we are, and Ana really puts this into action. She fights and gives her all to try and implement her vision of an equal land free of oppression where Affinites and non-Affinites walk side by side in harmony. Freedom and autonomy should be the norm not just for the privileged few, and Ana realises that the structure in place goes against this, and she sacrifices everything, as do her friends and allies, in the ultimate battle of good versus evil.Zhan weaves a mesmerising and emotive tale about hope, friendship, love, and the possibility of creating a better world. It takes us on a thought provoking journey where alliances are formed, loyalties tested, and it’s not always easy to tell friend from foe. As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, it’s a gripping read to see whether the crimson reign will finally end!With thanks to @RandomTTours, @HarperVoyagerUK, and @ameliewenzhao for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book

What a fabulous and captivating conclusion to the Blood Heir trilogy. We pick up more or less where Red Tigress ends and are thrown straight into the action. Ana is now on her ship on the way to the Cyrilian Empire to try to stop Morganya finding a powerful artefact. Ramson stayed in Bregon to find out if there is a way to destroy the syphons and Kaïs and Linn are headed to the Kemeirian Empire. The focus shifts between their journeys throughout the novel. The pacing is good and the plot engaging and there is plenty of action to hold your interest. Each scene is beautifully written and descriptive.There is a little bit of romance but it doesn’t overshadow the story. Ana is very focused on winning the war and helping her people and is therefore willing to sacrifice her relationship with Ramson. She’s is constantly fighting with her emotions and has to push Ramson away and hide her feelings in order to focus, which shows her strength of character and loyalty to her subjects. Ramson continues to be my favourite character. He has a big personality and I love his wit and sarcasm and his incredible loyalty to Ana. Kaïs and Linn have come into their own in this book and Linn in particular has a great part to play and their connection with each other is lovely.A very satisfying conclusion to this amazing Russian inspired trilogy. This is a beautifully crafted world, full of action, magic, amazing characters and lots of twists and turns. There is a climatic end resulting in a battle which will have you on the edge of your seat. I have to mention the covers for this series which are simple but so eye-catching.

The Blood Heir Trilogy is a gripping fantasy about displaced royalty. Crimson Reign was a fantastic ending to the series, with non-stop action and a fast paced plot. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, desperate to find out how things were going to end! This story is beautifully written with realistic and relatable characters, and I'm slightly sad to see it end! Time for a full reread, I think - because this is a world that I could happily be sucked back into again and again.I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.