A review by meadhbh
The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

Sylvia has a secret, one that will kill her if it gets out. She is a Jasadi, a member of the kingdom that was burned down 10 years ago, whose magic is hated and feared by the other kingdoms. That alone is enough to secure a vicious death, but even worse, Sylvia is the heir to that kingdom, and no one knows she survived. Her magic has been bound, which has kept her hidden up until now, but will she survive the scrutiny of Arin, the Nizahl heir who is rumoured to be able to sense magic through touch?

I went into this book expecting a classic sci-fi/fantasy trials novel, so perhaps that is why, in part, I found it disappointing. Sure, the trials of the Alcalah are there, but really they serve as a backdrop for a fantasy romance novel, with the trials themselves getting minimal attention. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the fantasy romance subgenre, so this book didn't really do it for me. It's very brooding and lots of tension, so if that sounds like your sort of thing, go ahead!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.