Title: Blood Heir
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Aurelia Ryder # 1
Publication: January 12, 2021 by NYLA
Source: Purchase
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Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival.
Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit
If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she'd ever loved could threaten everything.
One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.
My Thoughts
It’s been a little over two years since the Kate Daniel series ended and ever since then I feel the B.D.H./IA fans have been begging hoping for a Julie novel. I am one of the fans that have had my fingers-crossed and waited on abated breath to hear any news of Julie’s novel. And in 2020 our wildest dreams came true when IA announced they were penning Julie’s novel! This has got to be the most anticipated release we’ve been waiting for YEARS. YEARS.
Before I continue, if you haven’t read the Kate Daniels series, please x out of this window and go read the series A.S.A.P. There are too many backstory, history, reference to the KD world that is needed to make this a more enjoyable read. It will be worth it. You’ll thank me later.
So the quick rundown, Julie left Atlanta 8 years ago. She’s 26 years-old now and has a new name, face and new powers. A prophecy regarding Kate was what kept her away and also the reason why she’s returned. And the biggest issue of all is that she can’t see Kate until she changes the prophecy enough that doesn’t result in Kate’s demise or Atlanta burning, or both.
My expectations for Blood Heir was all over the place but Andrews exceeded them. Julie’s novel did not disappoint. It felt so good to be back in Kate’s world and having Julie/Aurelia continue the story was the perfect choice. I’ve always thought that Julie was a mini Kate and as the years went by she proved to be just as capable and a worthy successor to Kate. She certainly has the attitude and smarts for it. I loved seeing all the original characters. It kinda became a game as I read to see who would figure out Aurelia’s true identity! We meet a handful of memorable new characters as well, notably Julie’s ‘great uncle’ and a street smart child named Marten. I am exceeded to see more of these two.
I loved every moment of Blood Heir. It had everything I loved about the KD novels while still being different enough to stand on its own. Andrews just recently announced on their website that Blood Heir is the start to a new trilogy and I Can. Not. Freaking. Wait. I want more Julie/Derek! In the meantime, I feel like another reread of KD is in order…so I can just read Blood Heir again and soak in the KD/AR feels!
