The Last True Heirs

The Head, the Heart, and the Heir #4

by Alice Hanov

A prince cursed. Hidden truths revealed.
An ancient evil emerges–can she fight what lives inside?

Princess Alexandria expects her happily-ever-after to begin after marrying the prince of her dreams. But when it’s revealed that Prince Aaron has been cursed by someone trying to hurt her, turning him into a jealous, violent monster, Alex must retreat to safety in her own kingdom, Warren. There she grapples with having put Aaron in harm’s way–not knowing if the man she loves will ever be himself again.

Determined to help Alex, the sorcerer Gryphon relives the horrifying memories of Aaron belittling and hurting Alex, learning it was his family that cursed him in the first place. It’s all his fault and if he doesn’t save the Princeling, his future with Alex will be over before it begins.

While the sorcerers led by Gryphon try to find a cure, Alex discovers hidden spellbooks that might hold the key to saving Aaron–as well as an old journal revealing truths that throw her whole life into question and unearth why her grandfather killed her mother. When Alex shares what she’s learned, a close ally’s true identity is exposed.

Now, Alex must confront the truth of her past and what it means about her relationship to Aaron, face the sorcerers who want to capture or kill her, and ready herself to become the Queen her kingdoms need.

Can Alex grow into the sorceress she’s meant to be…or will the fury raging inside hold her back?

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Alice Hanov is a writer who graduated with a degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo. She’s been writing and dreaming up stories since she was seven and only now decided to get them on paper after enthralling her children with them.

She's working on the final book in her debut series The Head, The Heart and The Heir, and starting two new series including Torian Tales, a series of stand alone stories or duologies set in the fantasy world of Torian, from her main series. The first story, Heart of the Siren, will be releasing in November, 2025.

When she isn’t writing Alice is raising her three kids with her husband, helping run their software company Hanov Solutions or can be found reading, painting, knitting and chasing after their three super busy, artistic children who aspire to be artists or you tubers themselves.

Reviews

[Brianne Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honor of being an ARC reader for Alice Hanov since the beginning of this series. I love this story. This book picks right up where the last left off. Aaron has a curse on him, making him irrational and violent. Alex is dealing with the trauma of what he did to her in this state. The sorcerers are looking for a cure. All the while, a coronation is being planned. Aaron is cured and learns that the curse brought out mannerisms that are buried in him that he doesn't want to become. He learns from the curse and becomes more patient and trusting with Alex. The rest of the story is Alex learning who she's is, finding out about a lost family member or two, and by the end of the story getting into mischief, again. I loved this story. I think the curing of Aaron was a little rushed, and not enough was built up about Michael's back story. Otherwise fantastic, and u can not wait to read more about the land of Torian!!

[Rachel Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice does it again!! This book was so great. The book starts off strong, and doesn’t disappoint. There are great adventures and mysteries solved! I could hardly put this book down!

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh prophecies. Nothing good ever comes from them and no one actually ever understands them until they come to pass. Every time Alex goes into a trance, I try to guess what it means and I have yet to guess correctly 😅

The Last True Heirs solves the major problem of the last book (the one where someone was going to be dropkicked off a cliff if I met him) before Alex, Aaron and the gang are hit with new ones. Why can't they catch a break?! 😭 But as the series progresses, more information comes to light and we start to see the bigger picture. Identities are revealed, relationships are deepened and secrets come out. The supporting characters are developing and getting their time to shine and one of the events in this book made me so happy because two of my favourite characters totally deserved it! 🥰

So excited to read their next adventures in Book 5!

[Mikayla Tague · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series!!! It’s fast moving and so much happened in what feels like such a short amount of time. From curses to sorcerer attacks to furies to ending on a quest to find a lost scepter. It’s everything I love about Alice’s writing.

Alex is so relatable in she’s constantly trying to do better but sometimes slips back to her old habits because it’s what kept her safe while she was in hiding.

Aaron slightly redeemed himself this book, but I’m still not really sure what Alex likes about him. He’s a decent guy and always there for her, but I feel like the curse wouldn’t have worked if it wasn’t for his insecurities. Yes everyone is allowed to have those…I’m just not on team Aaron I suppose.

Gryphon however, is my favorite so I might be a little bias. He is doing everything in his power to help Alex and keep her safe. Including help Aaron and break his curse. Gryphon just wants alex to be happy and is willing to wait for his turn since he will outlive Aaron.

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to really build up the story, have you go all in, all the way deeply invested, watch you edge toward the precipice and probably gleefully watch as you scream noooooo at the last page and you're left hanging onto that last word while wanting, needing so much more. That's how I picture authors who are getting near the end of their book. I can just see them clicking away on their keyboard, cackling as they imagine the readers face as they near the end of the book and behold the glorious cliffhanger.

The Last True Heirs has really given us so much to ponder especially about what may be the final outcome for Alex, Aaron & Gryphon. I have my suspicions and as much as I want the whole Alex and Gryphon arc I feel these three are meant to become something more together. How that will play out is to be seen and I'm here for it!

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Prophecies
- Emotionally impactful
- Magical world

I have devoured every book in this series, but I have to say this one is my favorite. I found myself holding my breath at times and screaming at my tablet as well. This book made my heart pound and I loved every word of it.

Aaron is dealing with the curse that was placed on him. He is truly trapped in his own mind and that is heartbreaking. Alex is determined not to give up hope that he can be cured.

This brings us to my man Gryphon. He is so snarky and snide and I am just in love with him. He is helping cure Aaron, but make not doubt, it's for Alex's sake.

The tension in this book is palpable and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Bekah Berge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off on another adventure! The Last True Heirs begins with a bang as we dive into the complicated relationship of Alex, Gryphon, and a cursed king. I was immediately sucked back into the story and had a very difficult time putting down this book AT ALL. Secrets between families, between kingdoms, begin to unravel and finally reveal key components to the story that I’ve been waiting a long time for.

Alice Hanov’s writing is so addictive and yummy. I love the way her plots unfold and how AT LONG LAST my dear Stefan found love. I feel like in this book, I was able to really see a lot of Alex’s character development as she begins to feel more comfortable with her powers and more in control. For now, at least. Chaos is, of course, always around every corner in the world of Torian.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! What a read. From the very start we hit the ground running as Alex thought that Aaron was her hea and then it all gets turned upside! The adventures begin and we are off to solve the mystery behind Aaron’s curse and that’s when the fun really starts. It’s as exciting and thrilling as the previous books and with characters that are intriguing, snarky and determined. The world building continues to captivate and enthral as secrets are revealed and truths are faced and evil sorcerers must be defeated! It’s an incredible addition to this series and I look forward to reading more!

[Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you Alice for giving me an Arc of this book in exchange for a review
I loved this book,
How the characters changed and developed throughout the book was just so good i loved all interactions especially those between Aaron, Alex and Gryphon. I especially loved all plot revelations and settups we got for the next book on which I can’t wait to read.
But honestly what i most love is how the tone of the series is getting darker and how much the author has gotten better and better with each book.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each installment. I love all the secrets that are uncovered and the new mysteries that are brought forth.

I also really like that the cliffhanger we had at the end of the 3rd book wasn't dragged out too much into this one. While it was "resolved", we still got to see the characters dealing with the effects of what happened.

I am not sure how many books the author has planned for the series but I am thoroughly enjoying the adventure and look forward to the next installments.

Great world building and magic systems!

[Angela Perdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intrigue continues

In this instalment we learn more about what Alex must overcome to find her happily ever after, but who will she find it with. The twist and turns will have you hanging on the edge as this master story teller pulls you deeper and deeper into their world. Each new novel in this series brings new twists but doesn't overwhelm the characters. You may even find your allegiances switching as you discover new truths and learn more of what may have been for told but was withheld. By the end one thing will be for sure.... You will need the next book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a unique series, and the latest installment is just as exciting as the rest!
This one kept me up reading into the wee hours of the morning excited to see what adventure awaited!
Alice has created a world you can get lost in, with amazing characters.
So far, this has been my favourite of the series. Check your trigger warnings, sit back in a comfy chair, and enjoy being transported into a magical world!

[Nikki Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite in the series so far (yes, I liked it even more than Broken Sons). There are some very witty lines that had me laughing out loud and the whole book was so entertaining. The tension between Aaron and Gryphon is hilarious in the less serious parts and a good plot driver at other times. The author, Alice Hanov, has done it again and has made me desperate for the next book!!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book finished off exactly where Book 3 ended thank whoever you believe in!

This book introduces you and gives you the personality of a lot of the secondary characters which I am all for! I needed more Gryphon but I digress.

Great story and journey. I really need to know how you decide to end each book because it's getting borderline cruel now! Well done!

[K Huskić · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! This book follows immediately on from The Heir Rises, and was an exciting read. It's magical, and has action and adventure, highs and lows, and was a great read. I want to see how it all ends, but also don't want it to end.

There are many characters, and I'm invested in each one getting their HEA. I'm also totally Team Gryphon, and am loving the awkwardness between him and Aaron. I'm curious to see if it'll change as we get to the end of the series.

Now, that ending? I am sure the next book will be a huge, crazy adventure. Can't wait!

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the things happen... they are learning and gathering resources, smoothing rifts and creating new ones, there's death, and coronations, and just all the things. Very entertaining. Never a lull, just layers and layers of story telling. The cliff hanger in the middle of an adventure has me immediately opening the next book.

[Elise Colburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! I swear Alice's books are like Pringles.... Once you pop the fun don't stop.... In this case I just can't stop reading!! Was happy to see some of my predictions come true, and can't wait to see more of the story unfold!

[Shannon Courtney-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously these books just keep getting better and better!! Alice really sucks you into the world and keeps you wondering what will happen next!

[Andrea Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me in suspense! I was so concerned about Aaron and how he would come back to Alex. Alice Hanov does a great job of weaving the multiple POV's into a tale that keeps the reader wanting more. We learn a lot about Alex and who she is while seeing more about kingdom politics. All the while relationships are strengthening, growing and changing. Just when you think things are going to settle down and form a new sense of normal, there is another twist and the characters are running in a new direction. This book left me SO CURIOUS about what is to come, and I can't wait to see what adventures Alex and her friends get up to next.

[Lizzie CP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don’t understand how Alice manages to put all of this together. As always, this was a fantastic work, it does deals with some heavy topics so I’d advise checking TW, but she does it beautifully.

I really won’t write a long AF review but I’ll tell you this, there’s so many twists and turns in this story that you’ll read this book in a sitting ✨

I really enjoyed and suffered while reading this book and can’t wait for more!

[Alice Hanov]

I am the author and so won't give myself stars but want it to count for my reading challenge.

[Sonja Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-packed installment in an incredible series!

The Last True Heirs picks up right where The Heir Rises ended – and thankfully so! Author Alice Hanov delivers on showing more Aaron and his cursed affliction. I was riveted! I never know what to expect from Hanov’s characters and I love it!

This installment is an absolute delight as secondary characters are given more page time, secret identities are revealed, and more information on Alex’s magical background is brought to light.

I LOVE the diverse cast and the push-and-pull tension of the Aaron, Alex, and Gryphon triach! Very invested in this epic story of self-discovery, power struggles, friendship, and trusting in yourself. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[thelostbookmark.20 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Alice Hanov's books since her debut book The Head, The Heart, and The Heir. I absolutely love this series and I could not put this book down. Time flew by while I was reading and the next thing I knew the book was over and I was left with a cliffhanger. Alice never fails to leave you with ending that ensures you'll want to read the next book. I cannot express how much I recommend this book and series!