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Legacy (Legacy #1)

by Cayla Kluver (Goodreads Author)

3.74 · rating details · 1,014 ratings · 362 reviews

A CROWN PRINCESSA SCANDALOUS SECRET CRUSHA KINGDOM ON THE BRINK OF DISASTERIn her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.When the palace guard captures an intruder?a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy ? Alera is alarmed....more

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Aug 03, 2011

Krystle Yanagihara rated it

· review of another edition

I’ll admit it, when I was fourteen my writing sucked and when I read it over I cringe in embarrassment. And this book produced the same reaction. After reading this book I understand how awesome editors are and damn, did this book need it.

I love me some description, beautiful, lyrical stuff that’ll make you turn green in fits of raging jealousy but shit, man, when they fail, oh boy do they fail. Frick, if I wanted to read paragraphs and paragraphs of technical descriptions about the ...more

like 16 likes

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Jul 27, 2011

Katie rated it

· review of another edition

When I found out a young author in my state -- near the city in which I live -- had succeeded in writing and publishing a book, I was ecstatic. I wanted to like it, I /really/ wanted to like it. I read it the whole way through, hoping I'd find a redeeming star hidden in the pages... And all I found was a shining example of why so few teenagers get their works published. A dragging plotline (was there a plot?), endless descriptions of what people are wearing (I about died after the fifth time -- ...more

like 11 likes

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Oct 20, 2011

Wendy Darling rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: skimmed-or-unfinished

Could not get through this one--needed a lot more editing.

like 5 likes

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Jul 08, 2011

Amber added it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, netgalley, ebooks, 2011

The cover is gorgeous and the story was most interesting. The protagonist as well as the other characters in this story are very original and interesting. It is a long book, and at times you may feel it drag on a little but as you move along you get pulled in.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder...more

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Jul 28, 2009

Eleni ( La Femme Readers ) rated it

· review of another edition

First let me just say wow. I am in love with this book and with Cayla's beautiful writing. Cayla wrote this book when she was only 14 years old! I know, can you believe it? I am so impressed with the storyline, it kept me at the edge of my seat. I loved the descriptive details which helped me imagine the life of Princess Alera. I enjoyed most of the characters, with the exception of one, Steldor, which was her father's choice for suitor, he was an arrogant son of a gun. I don't want to say a lot...more

like 13 likes

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Sep 01, 2009

Tara Chevrestt rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ya, arc

I had to read this when I found out the author was 14 years old at the time of writing it. I do not regret my decision. Whereas it is not the best book I have ever read, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the writing style. I liked the clothing and scenery descriptions. Most authors will go on and on about the sky or the trees and yet give very little details as to what the characters are wearing. Cayla did an excellent job.

The story takes place in medieval times in a fictional king...moreI had to read this when I found out the author was 14 years old at the time of writing it. I do not regret my decision. Whereas it is not the best book I have ever read, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the writing style. I liked the clothing and scenery descriptions. Most authors will go on and on about the sky or the trees and yet give very little details as to what the characters are wearing. Cayla did an excellent job.

The story takes place in medieval times in a fictional kingdom called Hytanica. Hytanica has been fighting for a hundred years with another kingdom called Cokyri. Hytanica is ruled by the men and the men consider women to be mere window ornaments and/or party planners. Cokyri is ruled by women. I found myself rooting for Cokyri, despite the fact that the heroine of the story, Princess Alera is a born and bred Hytanican. In Princess Alera's society, the women are spineless. Princess Alera is spineless. She is rendered speechless most of the time or scrambling for something to say in most of the serious discussions she finds herself in. She is always aiming to please all around her and never herself. Well, very rarely. Her father, the king, desires her to court and marry an incredibly pompous boy and despite her feelings for another young man, Narian, she pretty much does her father's bidding. She rarely even speaks up to her bodyguards even when they annoy her. This irksome trait of Alera's is the only thing preventing this from being a 5 star book in my eyes. I mean, she is a princess!! Put the bodyguards in their place! Have someone's head cut off or something.

While the kingdoms are fighting on and off, a long lost Hytanican boy, the Narian I mentioned above, suddenly reappears in Hytanica after many years of living with the Cokyri. A mystery surrounds him. Who is he? What are his intentions? Does he love Alera?

I am not all that fond of the ending...but my interest is certainly picqued enought to read the sequel. I am dying to know what happened next. Does it really end as badly as this one has us thinking? Or does love conquer all?

Again, love the writing style. This author is extremely talented and I am seriously impressed. Do not be put off by her age. She writes like an adult. This was a surprisingly light, entertaining read, if a bit slow at times. Well worth it. (less)

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May 20, 2008

Jennifer Wardrip rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com

Seventeen years ago, a bloody war waged by the Kingdom of Cokyri on the Hytanicans ended abruptly when the Cokyri stole away forty-nine newborn males...and only returned the bodies of forty-eight. Hytanica has managed to rebuild from the war, but the anger felt towards the warriors of the mountains--not to mention anxiety that the war could resume at any time--has never completely ceased.

Alera, crowned princess of Hytanica...more

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May 08, 2011

Debora rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fisicamente_posseduto, ◈ebook◈

Legacy è uno di quei fantasy cosiddetti “classici”. Senza draghi, vampiri e lupi mannari ci affascina e ci narra la “vita” di principesse e principi in un epoca diversa e un regno “lontano”.

Innegabilmente diretto a un pubblico piuttosto giovane (diciamo fino ai 15 anni), Legacy è, però, un fantasy piuttosto piacevole anche per un pubblico più adulto. Purché consapevole di “cosa” intenda leggere e soprattutto che non si avvicini alla lettura con grandi pretese. Data la grande pubblicità, soprattu...moreLegacy è uno di quei fantasy cosiddetti “classici”. Senza draghi, vampiri e lupi mannari ci affascina e ci narra la “vita” di principesse e principi in un epoca diversa e un regno “lontano”.

Innegabilmente diretto a un pubblico piuttosto giovane (diciamo fino ai 15 anni), Legacy è, però, un fantasy piuttosto piacevole anche per un pubblico più adulto. Purché consapevole di “cosa” intenda leggere e soprattutto che non si avvicini alla lettura con grandi pretese. Data la grande pubblicità, soprattutto per il web, verrebbe da pensare di aver di fronte un nuovo caso letterario, invece no. E’ un libro carino, tiepido e dall’atmosfera “favoleggiante”. Abbiamo una principessa, un matrimonio combinato, un “prescelto” spocchioso e insopportabile e “l’altro” . Sì, perché Alera dovrebbe proprio sposare Steldor; suo pradre sembra aver deciso pur lasciandole l’illusione di una scelta. Lei non l’ama, non lo ritiene un buon erede al trono e prende tempo fra un un pasticcio e l’altro che, assieme alla sorella, la porteranno ad imbattersi nel misterioso e sicuro Narian, tornato in patria dopo essere stato rapito in fasce dal popolo dei Cokyri.

Potrebbe sembrare la classica favola sull’amore “plebeo” della principessa che, sdegnando il principe di turno, finisce per unirsi in matrimonio con il plebeo. Quasi, ma non del tutto. A metà libro avevo dato già per scontato il finale, demoralizzandomi un po’. Invece l’autrice mi ha sorpresa! Non c’è un finale “positivo” per Alera, non c’è “fuga” dalle responsabilità, né una scappatoia facile.

C’è una principessa che, nonostante i picchi di ingenuità (reduci soprattutto dalla giovane età dell’autrice, presumo), alla fine si sobbrarca i propri oneri e non lio scarica sulle spalle del primo venuto pur di “coronare il suo sogno” . Questo mi piace, è un tocco di amara realtà, di maturità. Molto probabilmente con i prossimi libri, il risultato, sarà comunque un amore fra Alera e Narian, non lo escludo ma credo che sarà piacevole leggere come si evolverà questa trilogia.

L’autrice scrivere bene ed ha un bello stile tranquillo e un po’ ingenuo. Francamente mi aspettavo di peggio, visto altri “colleghi”. Probabilmente la trama pecca, in alcuni punti, di ingenuità però si regge in piedi e non crolla sullo scetticismo assoluto del lettore che, nonostante in più punti si ritrova a sorridere indulgente, è comunque persuaso a continuare la lettura.

La parte grafica è assolutamente curata! Una delle cose che, l’ammetto, mi ha colpita enormemente è stata proprio la parte “fisica” del libro. La casa editrice ha curato l’editing (anche se in alcuni punti, ammettiamolo, avrebbe potuto fare di meglio! Ci sono alcune frasi che proprio non tornano in italiano) e ha creato un effetto “libro antico” frastagliando leggermente le pagine del romanzo e pubblicando un prodotto finito davvero convincente. Complimenti alla Sperling & Kupfer.

Riassumendo un bel libro, una lettura tranquilla e senza troppe pretese che, però, ci accompagna alla fine riuscendo comunque a mantenere viva la curiosità.(less)

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Aug 19, 2009

Kat Bryan added it · review of another edition

First, I have to say, all the time I was reading the book, one thought kept going through my mind, “A girl wrote this when she was just 14!” I find that amazing as the story line, characters, and dialogue are well developed and would rival any other book I’ve read. The heroine in only 17 so I’m sure that helped give the author an edge even though the story takes place at a much earlier, medieval time. Her descriptions of people, places, customs, foods, and clothing are very complete.

...more

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Jan 28, 2012

Ahana .M. Rao rated it

· review of another edition

When I was a kid, I used to love feeling dizzy. I would spin around with my skirt flaring about around me and stop suddenly, disoriented to no end.
I loved that feeling, where even though logic was telling me that the things in front of me were not criss-cross, moving or slanted, my eyes took in the few seconds of unreality where everything seemed ... Unsubstantial.
Thats how this book made me feel. I LOVED it. Cayla Kluver spun an amazing story that reminded me of when I was a kid and l...moreWhen I was a kid, I used to love feeling dizzy. I would spin around with my skirt flaring about around me and stop suddenly, disoriented to no end.
I loved that feeling, where even though logic was telling me that the things in front of me were not criss-cross, moving or slanted, my eyes took in the few seconds of unreality where everything seemed ... Unsubstantial.
Thats how this book made me feel. I LOVED it. Cayla Kluver spun an amazing story that reminded me of when I was a kid and loved feeling dizzy...she reminded me why I love reading books-to remember.
It's hard to believe that age at which this author spun this story at the extent of her imagination and her grasp of the society at that age.
We come to see in book that Alera, a Princess is as helpless go Fate as anyone else.
One of my most favourite characters would be London, after Narian, of course. London is a head-strong and serious character who's past is as much a mystery as himself. But if i realised something, it's that no matter what you make up your mind about, you're emotions can never be controlled. It's like they come about just to defy the conclusion you've taken.
Alera was a character many can understand easily. But Alera chose to do something that I would have never done, but considering how she's a Princess and to-be Queen, I guess the perspective changes. But every step she seemed to take we seem to understand.
Narian. Now, he's an amazing character. Whom at 16 has crossed feats greater than that of many others. He's quiet, which speaks volumes for him, intense but shows no expression of it, dangerous, but chooses to stay away from it.
He's a contradiction. One you'll come to love.
Now, Steldor. What can you say? He's typical to so many other men who know they look good. He's named to be the best in everything he does. He's conceited, arrogant, egoistic. But I've come to wonder, towards the end if maybe that'll change.
Five well deserved stars.
Love the book. Highly recommend it.
You can also read this review on reviewspree.blogspot.com (less)

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Jan 23, 2012

Zografia rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: amazing

i totally loved this book!!!! it is one of my favourite, along with the next, allegiance.
please note that i didnt read it in english.
Alera i loved most of the characters. i like Alera, despite her betrayal to London, because she is not stupid like the other girls there, she wants to be free and make her own choices. sometimes i wanted to shoot at her ''dont let him treat you like that! say something!'' when she spoke with Steldor, her stupid bodygueard Tandark or her father and...more

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Dec 26, 2011

Kelly rated it

· review of another edition

First of all I have to admit that I read the Dutch translation of this book. This can be the cause of the bad writing that I had to endure.

I like to write a lot too. Have been writing since I was about 12. And I have to agree with what many before me have already said... This book reads like it's been written by a 14-year-old (which it was). Apparently Kluver had to start her own publishing company, before she could even get her book published and it's no wonder why.
Don't get m...moreFirst of all I have to admit that I read the Dutch translation of this book. This can be the cause of the bad writing that I had to endure.

I like to write a lot too. Have been writing since I was about 12. And I have to agree with what many before me have already said... This book reads like it's been written by a 14-year-old (which it was). Apparently Kluver had to start her own publishing company, before she could even get her book published and it's no wonder why.
Don't get me wrong. The story was okay (despite its veeeeeeeeeery slow start), but it could have been great/MINDBLOWING with more editing. Alera behaved much younger than her age and was/will probably never be ready to rule when she's 18. I liked both the love interests fine, although I still don't quite get why she ever started disliking one of them. Sure he's a brat, but so is she. And I never much liked prejudices.
And that was what this book was practically based upon; Alera's prejudices.
She didn't like Steldor before she really got to know him, so he must suck for the rest of the book.
Everybody hates Narian, so he must be great and become her knight in shining armour.
Also... WTF was going on with Narian? I have never read a book where the love interest was younger than the heroine. Not that that's bad per se, but I like it better when they're at least of the same age OR older. Okay, okay. Their age difference wasn't that big and I don't know why this irrates me so much, because I do have friends that date younger people than themselves, but it did. I don't understand why she falls in love with Narian either... He looks like he could be a good friend, but Kluver really didn't write this romance well. I just didn't feel it.

But then again. That could be because of the translation. Maybe if I read this book in English I'd like it a lot more, but right now I'm so disappointed (because I expected a LOT more of it) that I don't even care to try.

Overall I give it 3 stars because of the potential the book has in the series and because I like the way it ended. (The ending does it all!) I just hope that Alera matures in the next book, as well as the writer (and that sounds a lot meaner than I intend it to be).(less)

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Nov 23, 2011

Katy Book Corner rated it

· review of another edition

I liked this book but didn't love it. The summary really grabbed my attention, and even though I really liked the storyline, the writing was not as exciting as I hoped it would be and often dragged at many points. Still, I will say I'm impressed to find out the author was just 16 years old when she wrote this.

I like Alera's character in the book. She's a strong character who knows how to speak her mind, but not in an annoying way. At the same time, she does know what her duty is, and e...moreI liked this book but didn't love it. The summary really grabbed my attention, and even though I really liked the storyline, the writing was not as exciting as I hoped it would be and often dragged at many points. Still, I will say I'm impressed to find out the author was just 16 years old when she wrote this.

I like Alera's character in the book. She's a strong character who knows how to speak her mind, but not in an annoying way. At the same time, she does know what her duty is, and even though she tries to fight it and is sadden by it, I don't feel she's wallowing in self-pity. I LOVE London and think he's my favorite character. I was heartbroken to see him disappear for a bit because he's so well-written.

Having said that, Steldor and Tadark annoyed the crap out of me, as I'm sure was Kluver's intent. Steldor did grow on me later. Even though he's a jerk, I can tell he does care for Alera and he does try to make an effort later on. The other thing was I didn't particularly care for Narian. He wasn't a great hero in my opinion, and I felt his relationship with Alera was surface-level at the most. I didn't feel a connection to him like I do with your typical heroine's object of affection.

One thing I didn't understand was the disregard for age in this book. I'm not sure why Kluver made Narian a year younger than Alera. And I know London was in his late 30s, maybe closer to 40s, but he always felt like a protective older brother to her. Then there's Tadark, who I still can't figure out. I know he's younger than London, and I thought he was in his early 30s, but I figured he's maybe late 20s. But he acts so immature, oftentimes like a petulant child, not a proper body guard. I know he's written that way, but somehow I just don't see him any older than 25. I just had a hard time picturing some of these characters, partly because I couldn't pinpoint their age or the reasoning Kluver made them that age.

And I hadn't expected the book to end the way it did, but it was so anti-climatic that I had expected to be a bit more disappointed. I guess we'll see what happens next.

Like I said, overall not a bad read. I just wish that the copy would have been shortened and tidied up a bit so the writing didn't drag as much.(less)

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Oct 09, 2011

Harmony Beaufort rated it

· review of another edition

Legacy captured me from the first page and sent me on a total whirlwind of an adventure with intelligent and curious Alera at the head!

High Fantasy is my favorite type of read, you guys know this, and Legacy was absolutely no exception! Ripe with intrigue, well-rounded characters, and court secrets that'll leave you begging for more. Princess Alera is expected to take the throne as queen soon, with cocky and patronizing Steldor as her best suitor. But the balance of their kingdom sta...moreLegacy captured me from the first page and sent me on a total whirlwind of an adventure with intelligent and curious Alera at the head!

High Fantasy is my favorite type of read, you guys know this, and Legacy was absolutely no exception! Ripe with intrigue, well-rounded characters, and court secrets that'll leave you begging for more. Princess Alera is expected to take the throne as queen soon, with cocky and patronizing Steldor as her best suitor. But the balance of their kingdom starts to shake when they catch a boy named Narian from enemy territory in their grounds, with no one knowing what the hell he's doing there or how he managed to go around unseen. But now that they have the boy, and his loyalties are tested, a war that ended long ago might be coming back to kill them all.

Alera was a headstrong, awesome heroine and just the type of person fit to rule a kingdom! Her kingdom, though, does not consider women fit to rule and so she is forced to bow her head and play the submissive daughter of her father, which irritates her 'till no end. I love how, yes, sometimes she pissed her father off with the things she did, but she wasn't stupid enough to do something that would endanger not only herself, but her entire family. She was careful, and that's what's makes her an excellent princess! The writing is amazing and the book is paced just as a High Fantasy should be, with beautiful descriptions and a good 'ole journey of self-discovery!

Steldor has me confused. In the beginning, I completely hated him. He was pompous, arrogant, and had complete disregard for Alera and what she wanted to do with her life. But towards the end...I got conflicted. He really shows a new side of himself and I can't wait to see it more in Book 2! But then we have Narian, and he is so fantastic. He's sweet and caring, but has such a respect for Alera that really surprised me! He never pushed her, but instead acted like a strong companion and love to her throughout the novel. I can't wait to see more of him!

Finally, something I felt like touching on, her sister? DID NOT LIKE. Seriously, she annoyed the hell out of me! The only downside, and it definitely wasn't enough to affect my love for the book!(less)

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Oct 01, 2011

cecilia rated it

· review of another edition

Princess Alera is too young to recall a time when her kingdom had not been at peace, but when a Cokyrian breaches the castle grounds with questionable motives, she gets a quick history lesson about the horrific war 16 years ago that ended with the death of newborns. No sooner was the Cokyrian captured, however, did the enemy manage to escape! Alera wants to find more about it, but her father feels that she should focus her pretty, little head on deciding which suitor to marry and leave all the w...more

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Sep 04, 2011

Mary rated it

· review of another edition

Princess Alera has one year to make up her mind about who to marry. She doesn't particularly like the egotistic man her father has selected, and she doesn't really know what to do. She gets to know a young, handsome prisoner almost on a whim, but since he hails from her country's principal enemy, she knows any relationship would be forbidden. Even when it turns out that Nerian is from her country, but was abducted and raised by enemy forces, he's still not a suitable choice for her despite wh...more

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Aug 27, 2011

Sumando Libros rated it

· review of another edition

Pues.. para comenzar debo decir que me impresiono mucho que hubiese sido escrito por una niña de 14 años, ya que si me dicen 14 años y estilo “medieval”, creo que no soy la única en prejuiciar y decir: uuu debe ser roOOooosaaaa!!! Casi cenicienta xD!

Peeeeroooo para mi asombro no tiene casi nada de rosa xD pero eso no le quita el toque romántico y léase otra vez “toque”, de hecho no me recuerda a nada que haya leído y eso tiene muchos puntos a su favor!! :D

Lo que intento decir...more

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Aug 23, 2011

Nicole rated it

· review of another edition

Cayla Kluver has crafted a wonderful story with “Legacy”.

“Legacy” tells the story of Princess Alera of Hytanica. Upon her seventeenth birthday, Alera is to find a suitable husband (as she is expected to marry by her eighteenth birthday), one that her father will approve of as King. The problem is that her father insists upon Steldor, Alera does not share her fathers opinion of Steldor. But she isn’t to marry based on affection, she is to marry a suitable King.

When a Cokyrian ...more

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Aug 10, 2011

Auntb rated it

· review of another edition

Reviewed at: YA Sisterhood http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/2011/0...
Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany
The Sisters say: Interesting, Impressive

Summary:
I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.
In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be ki...more

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Aug 04, 2011

Aimee (Coffee Table Reviews) rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

This was one of those reads that kept me up way too long to see how the story ends. What I liked about reading this, was at the end, the author left a note at the end about the other book in the series. There was no guess work on if this was a series or not. It looks to be the first in a trilogy.

When I first started reading, I was hooked! I read and read until I consumed the whole book. It did have parts that dragged a bit that I skimmed over, but those were few and far between. I r...more

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Aug 01, 2011

Mlle. X rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya-or-teen-protagonist

LEGACY is one of those rare books whose story held my attention despite bland, lackluster writing.

I knew things were going to get interesting pretty early on in the novel, when Princess Alera has her life-long bodyguard, London, dismissed from his post despite her deep affection and trust in him. When London begins to behave suspiciously, Alera questions him. He's not forthcoming in his replies, most likely because Alera is young and female in a kingdom where women have no authority. ...moreLEGACY is one of those rare books whose story held my attention despite bland, lackluster writing.

I knew things were going to get interesting pretty early on in the novel, when Princess Alera has her life-long bodyguard, London, dismissed from his post despite her deep affection and trust in him. When London begins to behave suspiciously, Alera questions him. He's not forthcoming in his replies, most likely because Alera is young and female in a kingdom where women have no authority. Aware of her own limitations, Alera discloses her fears to the king. It's a complicated situation because Alera resents her own powerlessness, but isn't too proud to work the system; and because she has to pit her feelings against her responsibility to the kingdom.

While LEGACY is a fantasy, there's little to no supernatural goings-on in the novel. Hytanica is a small kingdom that mostly runs on elbow grease, and Alera's high position grants her leisure and comfort rather than excessive opulence. Much of the plot revolves around Alera's upcoming wedding - she is expected to marry on the day of her eighteenth birthday, and her father will simultaneously step down from the throne and let her husband assume command of the kingdom. Alera is seventeen, the clock is ticking, and she doesn't like any of her suitors. The king wants Alera to be happy, but he also wants arrogant golden-boy Lord Steldor to be the next King - and he thinks that finding a good replacement is more important than coddling his daughter. What's more, Alera agrees - she dreams of marrying for love, but she knows that she must marry a man who will become a good king, not just a good husband.

I wished that Alera had explained more clearly to her father why she thought Steldor would be a bad king - how his occasional cruelty and self-absorption would do more harm than good. It seemed like an argument he would take seriously, at least. Unfortunately, she doesn't - Alera is constantly criticized for being too forthright and dominant, but she can be very meek, especially around her father.

Meanwhile, war looms on the horizon with the northern kingdom of Cokyri. Hytanica is still recovering from its last war with Cokyri, which ended in a devastating loss but no treaty. Two Cokryians are captured inside the Hytanican palace, first a bold, powerful priestess who exudes an authority no woman in Hytanica could dream of attaining - and then Nerian, a young man who treats Alera with the respect she longs for most in the world. While Alera's heart warms towards Nerian, his encouragement also reinforces her determination to be a true leader.

The writing in LEGACY is pretty flat. I caught myself skimming through long descriptions, because they didn't add much to the experience. On the other hand, the author has a good grasp of character and setting. Every single character is struggling with competing loyalties, and so every single interaction in the book is tense and laden with meaning - even ordinary events, like a planned picnic or a walk in the garden. It's easy to identify with the characters, despite their exalted station, and Alera was likable and human. It's also a nice, hefty tome - so if you're looking for a longer read, this will keep you busy for longer than a lot of YA fantasies.(less)

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Jul 30, 2011

Amber rated it

· review of another edition

This is a book set back in the times that remind me of Arthur and the round table, very historical. This is a tale of Princess Alera. She is the oldest daughter of King Adrick and in line to take of the throne. Better yet, to marry a qualified guy so he can take over the throne because we all know women aren't qualified to do anything of importance. Lol, that time period really irks me because of that. I was definitely born in the right era.

Anyhow, sixteen years before the present p...more

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Jul 27, 2011

Anna rated it

· review of another edition

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning and I absolutely canot wait to get my hands on book 2, Allegiance. The introduction lends itself to a classic fairy tale, providing the pertinent background information for the kingdom, creating a believable legend slash curse, and introducing the main characters. After the prologue you get this line:

"I think I'm going to vomit."

How can you not want to read more? I cracked up. And from that point on ...moreI was hooked on this book from the very beginning and I absolutely canot wait to get my hands on book 2, Allegiance. The introduction lends itself to a classic fairy tale, providing the pertinent background information for the kingdom, creating a believable legend slash curse, and introducing the main characters. After the prologue you get this line:

"I think I'm going to vomit."

How can you not want to read more? I cracked up. And from that point on you know that this is not going to be your ordinary princess story at all.

Princess Alera is bound by duty to marry a man that is capable of becoming the next King of Hytanica, a prospect that isn't thrilling her to death. Her father wants her to marry Steldor. Only Steldor isn't exactly what she wants in a husband, especially when she meets Narian.

Steldor reminded me of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast~ arrogant, narcissistic, and selfish. He is admired and revered by all in the kingdom for reasons that have nothing to do with his actual personality. He is a skilled warrior of the guard with a reputation that many choose to ignore because of his standing in society, a society that doesn't place very much value on women. So to everyone else Steldor is simply doing what is expected of all men. This is reflected in how he treats Alera. He views her temperament as an amusement, nothing more.

Narian has the opposite personality and treats Alera with nothing but kindness and respect. He listens to her and shows her parts of life that she didn't dream of. To others he is a mystery and possibly a threat to the kingdom, to Alera he is everything she wants and cannot have.

The twists in this book were awesome and it's even more amazing that this book was written by a teen. We shouldn't underestimate the power of this generation or we risk missing out on so many things, like Legacy. It's a good thing I expanded my reading horizons and picked this YA title. I've since learned that this is the first of a planned trilogy, and that they have already been released overseas (due to different publishers and publishing schedules). Here in the U.S. they will be released under the Harlequin Teen brand.

(less)

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Jul 10, 2011

Karen morsecode rated it

· review of another edition

"I really have no choice," I said, confident he would acknowledge the difficulty of my circumstances.
"You always have a choice." (295)

17-year-old Alera is Crown Princess of Hytanica. Custom dictates that she marry on her eighteenth birthday, after which point her father will retire from his responsibilities as king. Alera will be queen, but her husband will be the true ruler of the kingdom. Alera's father has the perfect candidate lined up--Steldor, the conceit...more

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Jul 04, 2011

Gaby rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical, young-adult, romance

Alera tiene 17 años y es la Princesa de Hytanica. El próximo año, en su cumpleaños, deberá casarse con el hombre que sera el próximo Rey, por ordenes de su padre.

Alera no ha sido uno de mis personajes preferidos, principalmente porque ella vive en Hytanica, un reino donde la mujer no tiene ninguna importancia. Su único rol en la vida es casarse con Lord Steldor, quien sera el próximo Rey según las ordenes de su padre, y tener un heredero. No me gusto que fuese tan pasiva sobre su fut...moreAlera tiene 17 años y es la Princesa de Hytanica. El próximo año, en su cumpleaños, deberá casarse con el hombre que sera el próximo Rey, por ordenes de su padre.

Alera no ha sido uno de mis personajes preferidos, principalmente porque ella vive en Hytanica, un reino donde la mujer no tiene ninguna importancia. Su único rol en la vida es casarse con Lord Steldor, quien sera el próximo Rey según las ordenes de su padre, y tener un heredero. No me gusto que fuese tan pasiva sobre su futuro, siempre dejo en claro al lector que no quería casarse con Lord Steldor pero tampoco hizo nada para prevenirlo (como escapar). Sin embargo, debo darle algo de crédito y admitir que me empezó a caer mejor después de que ella conoció a Narian, y se comenzó a interesar mas sobre la política de su reino y defensa personal.

Narian es probablemente mi personaje preferido. Es fuerte y misterioso, pero es obvio que esta sufriendo por la supuesta profecía. Me gusto que tuviese esa actitud de no responderla a nadie, pero a la vez descubrir que es bastante dulce. Sigue siendo un misterio hasta el final del libro, espero que en el próximo se sepa mas de el.

Aunque Alera era interesante, la escritura era un poco lenta para mi gusto. Sentía como si realmente no pasaba nada y no fue hasta mas o menos la mitad del libro que empezó a tener algo de acción y romance. También hay muchas descripciones, sobre la ropa, la decoración del castillo, etc; que aunque me gustan, a veces se volvían muy tediosas y yo solo quería saber que iba a ocurrir con los personajes.

En mi opinión, Legacy es un buen primer libro para una saga. Es bastante descriptivo y me imagino que esto es para situar al lector en Hytanica. Deseaba que Alera hubiese sido mas fuerte de carácter o valiente, pero estoy bastante segura que eso se vera en el próximo libro (llamado Alera y disponible desde Febrero de este año). Aunque era un poco lento para mi, la autora logro crear un mundo interesante y sorprenderme con ese final tan inesperado.(less)

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Jul 04, 2011

Jaime rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, fresh-fiction-reads

Review from www.FreshFiction.com

Some people strive for greatness and power. Others are born in a position where power is at their fingertips along with duty, even if they like it or not. Alera, the Princess of Hytanica, her father’s heir has difficult choices to make based on what is best for her country. Even if they are the opposite of what her heart wishes to happen.

Legacy is a wonderfully descriptive Historical Fantasy that follows seventeen year-old Alera thr...moreReview from www.FreshFiction.com

Some people strive for greatness and power. Others are born in a position where power is at their fingertips along with duty, even if they like it or not. Alera, the Princess of Hytanica, her father’s heir has difficult choices to make based on what is best for her country. Even if they are the opposite of what her heart wishes to happen.

Legacy is a wonderfully descriptive Historical Fantasy that follows seventeen year-old Alera through the important milestone of declaring who her husband will be on her eighteenth birthday. This young man will not only marry a princess but in turn will become the King of their country. Since women are meant to be seen, not heard, her choice of a husband has higher implication then just who makes her happy. He must meet all the requirements her father and countrymen require within a King. There is a perfect candidate who also has the knack of making all the ladies swoon. Too bad the thought of him makes Alera aggravated and annoyed.

The hard choices come to light when a mysterious stranger is hurdled into Hytanica’s elite society. He is intelligent, rugged, and devilishly handsome. He teaches Alera that women are worth more then just an ornament that is to hang on a gentleman’s arm. He is not, however, the type of man the country would accept as King.

The theme of this novel is the right to choose. Every choice a person makes has the ability to affect those around them. Does a person choose for the good of the public or for their personal happiness? Having to make such difficult choices at the young age of seventeen takes its toll on the young princess. She stumbles at times when her need to be young and adventurous overtakes the desire to show her father that she will in deed make a respectful queen in the future. It does not help that her beloved country is trying to defend themselves from a neighboring country that would like nothing other then Hytancia to crumble into nothing. With a country on the brink of war, will she choose the man who holds her heart or the choice of the kingdom?(less)

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Jul 01, 2011

Whatchyareading added it · review of another edition

Shelves: caitlin, christine, fantasy, series, young-adult, debut-author

Caitlin: Legacy is an epic fantasy about a girl learning to become a strong woman. It’s got a huge cast of characters, with developing arcs and motivations. A world with history and politics and intrigues. What’s not to love? I did think the beginning was a little slow, but it’s like a game of chess. Once all the pieces are in place in moves along with alacrity and brutality. Character dynamics were complicated and thought out. I really loved the complicated political intrigue and how the reader...moreCaitlin: Legacy is an epic fantasy about a girl learning to become a strong woman. It’s got a huge cast of characters, with developing arcs and motivations. A world with history and politics and intrigues. What’s not to love? I did think the beginning was a little slow, but it’s like a game of chess. Once all the pieces are in place in moves along with alacrity and brutality. Character dynamics were complicated and thought out. I really loved the complicated political intrigue and how the reader can see that neither side is completely evil nor are they completely good. Both sides are made up of people, and people have both good and bad in them. I especially love how Narian comes on the scene and just challenges everything Alera believes about her country and herself and a woman’s place in the world. I loved the world and how all the characters felt like a real part of it. And I’d really like to read the second one. Now please.

Christine: When Caitlin told me about Legacy, I was a bit skeptical that I’d like it. I’ve tried pure fantasy books before and found them to be too bogged down in descriptions to move the pace along fast enough for my interest. A couple of chapters in and I’m done. But not so with Legacy. I think the main reason for that was London. From the beginning, he captured my attention and I couldn’t let go until the last page. Honestly, I wish he’d been featured more, but there are two more books, so I know he’ll be around again. Aside from London, I loved the interactions between Alera and Miranna (it’s so nice to see sisters who get along) and the mystery surrounding Narian was enough to keep me guessing (still haven’t figured it out). Also, have you seen the cover? It’s so pretty. So, really, you should read Legacy. If a non-fantasy person like me can like it, you have no excuse to not at least give it a try.

To read the interview with Cayla Kluver, please visit WhatchYAreading. This book was reviewed on June 28, 2011.(less)

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Jun 27, 2011

Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it

· review of another edition

What really got me about this book is the great pacing of it. As you read it, everything is given to you little by little so you are not left behind or given too much. You were given just enough to keep you entertain in the book and never bored.

The storyline for one is awesome! The reader is immediately put into a town that had a bad history. I really loved it when a book starts off with a great history not only to the characters but the story as well. I love how well the story just ke...more

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Jun 26, 2011

Natalie rated it

· review of another edition

At first I thought thas this book was going to be a fairly typical young adult fantasy romance where the young princess falls in love with the wrong gentleman and struggles against all expectations. On one side, I was right. On the other, there are aspects of this story that do not even come close to being ordinary.

The first half was fairly predictable, princess doesn't want to marry an arrogant lord who is only after her throne and meets a mysterious, dangerous boy who may be ...more

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Jun 23, 2011

Seanean rated it

· review of another edition

http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/2011/0...

For a hundred years, the lands of Hytanica and Cokyri had been at war. One day, the sky turned blood red and the Cokrian forces disappeared. And so did the first newborn boy. As long as the sky bled, baby boys disappeared. When the sky finally cleared, forty-nine boys had been kidnapped by the Cokyrians. Forty-eight bodies soon appears outside the walls and the Cokyrians were apparently gone for good.

Sixteen years later, as Prin...morehttp://librarytalker.blogspot.com/2011/0...

For a hundred years, the lands of Hytanica and Cokyri had been at war. One day, the sky turned blood red and the Cokrian forces disappeared. And so did the first newborn boy. As long as the sky bled, baby boys disappeared. When the sky finally cleared, forty-nine boys had been kidnapped by the Cokyrians. Forty-eight bodies soon appears outside the walls and the Cokyrians were apparently gone for good.

Sixteen years later, as Princess Alera turns seventeen years old, her homeland is expecting her to marry the man who will become the next king shortly after their wedding. Her father has his preference, but Alera can't stand the man. Unfortunately, time is ticking and she has few options.

When a Cokyrian boy shows up who appears to be the forty-ninth kidnapped Hytanican boy, Alera's world flips upside-down and her prospects definitely change. But not everyone thinks this boy can be trusted.

Final thoughts: Blech. This is written so poorly! It COULD be good, but it spends so much time talking about what people are wearing and how their hair is done. The writing is stilted and has no flow. It seems formulaic and childish. For example, "The lovely Lady Hauna... with her demure seventeen-year-old daughters... the sensible Lady Edora had accompanied her vivacious daughter Kalem... the exceedingly proper... brought easily excited... and bubbly Semari had come with the sedate Baroness Alantonya." One long sentence filled with adjective after adjective about person after person. Ugh.
Alera's primary suitor is described throughout much of the book as being cruel, overbearing, somewhat violent, condescending, and arrogant, but everyone agrees that he would be a great king. What?!?!?! And the land of Hytanica is constantly referred to as being chauvinistic, that women are inferior to men in all things and must defer to men at all times, along with constant references to how Alera can't be left alone with boys her age because it was inappropriate. The book itself ended unsatisfactorily. It wasn't a clean break (for yet another trilogy), but it had more of a sputtering finish. Maybe it was supposed to be a cliffhanger, but it just kind of... ended. And I really don't care how the story ends. There are just too many problems with this; I don't plan on reading the sequels.(less)

like 2 likes

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About Cayla Kluver

Cayla Kluver is the author of LEGACY, coming June 28th, 2011 through HarlequinTEEN. LEGACY is the first book in a trilogy.

Cayla spends her time singing, writing, reading, dancing, and goofing around. Her office is filled with twinkly lights.

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Quotes from Legacy

“And I can no more stop worrying about you than I can stop myself from breathing.” — 21 people liked it

“Ah, Galen! Late as always, I see," Steldor said as he took note of his friend's entry into the room.
"I'm never late," Galen returned. "You should know by now that the party doesn't begin until I'm here.” — 2 people liked it

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