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Beatrice Harrow #1
Hereditary
“What is the most powerful force in the world?”
Beatrice Harrow was raised in seclusion, separated from the Read Kingdom and protected from the mysterious mechanisms of the other four races, but they are not as blind to her as she is to them. Even before she steps foot inside the Academy, they know her name and they know the truth about her birth. She is one of the Tainted: a mixed-breed creature with the blood of a monster, clinging to legitimacy by the genes of her human father. She is more beautiful, more powerful, and more despised than any other being in the Read Kingdom.
Her life was never going to be easy, but when fate throws her together with Cale, the troublemaking son of her father’s sworn enemy, and Hazen, the intimidating crown prince of the Read Kingdom, she quickly discovers that her problems haven’t even begun.
In a world built on status, there are lines that can never be crossed.
In a time of peace, it is inevitable that war will whisper on the wind once again.
In a land of mixed blood, a Tainted Creature can either be killed … or they can be recruited.
Beatrice Harrow was raised in seclusion, separated from the Read Kingdom and protected from the mysterious mechanisms of the other four races, but they are not as blind to her as she is to them. Even before she steps foot inside the Academy, they know her name and they know the truth about her birth. She is one of the Tainted: a mixed-breed creature with the blood of a monster, clinging to legitimacy by the genes of her human father. She is more beautiful, more powerful, and more despised than any other being in the Read Kingdom.
Her life was never going to be easy, but when fate throws her together with Cale, the troublemaking son of her father’s sworn enemy, and Hazen, the intimidating crown prince of the Read Kingdom, she quickly discovers that her problems haven’t even begun.
In a world built on status, there are lines that can never be crossed.
In a time of peace, it is inevitable that war will whisper on the wind once again.
In a land of mixed blood, a Tainted Creature can either be killed … or they can be recruited.
237 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2013
675 people are currently reading
3995 people want to read
About the author
Jane Washington
34 books4,573 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
September 24, 2022
✅ World-building / Magical creatures
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ Plot and pace
❌ Relationships
❌ Romance? (I didn't really see romance honestly...)
❗️❗️ Mention of rape
DNF at 70%
1.5 stars
Beatrice’s mother was a synfee, which is basically a land-mermaid, a creature that is made to be alluring so it can feed on its prey’s energy. That special set of skills, and some rather dark tales and legends, made the synfees the most despised and feared monsters in the land, and Beatrice has had to live in a secluded area all her life because of it. Not to protect her mother from the outside world, but rather to reassure the world that her mother was far away and behind a fence. Even though Beatrice has a human father and has never used her compelling nor fed on someone else’s energy, she is feared from the very first day she arrives at the academy.
I liked the world-building. The mix of humans, elves, faes, and other magical creatures is different from what I read lately and it was well done… But that’s about it. The politics are not explained at all, the relationships between the neighboring countries are not even mentioned, it’s all about the school drama and Beatrice’s need to feed off sexual energy, but not wanting to because she refuses to act on her synfee urges.
For some reason, the Prince and his best friend have graduated from the academy (at least that,s what I understood), but have been asked to continue to attend just so they can lend a hand and help from time to time because they have special and strong magic. Why they would need to attend instead of just doing something else and go to the academy whenever their help is required remains a mystery to me.
Besides Beatrice, the gorgeous loner, we don’t really know the other characters. They lack depth and are quite uni-dimensional. There’s the Prince’s best friend who decided for some reason to befriend Beatrice on her first day at the academy. All we know about him is that he is nice and kind and Beatrice feels more relaxed around him. It is also mentioned that he is the son of her father’s enemy, but that does not change a single thing in the story, I don’t even know why it was mentioned. A few days later, the Prince himself decides to befriend Beatrice since she doesn’t seem to be so bad, and all we see of him is a young man who seems to always be deep inside his own head, or inside other people’s heads and doesn’t show much emotion. I didn’t feel a single thing for him. Magically, the princess and the queen then accepted Beatrice in their home and treated her as a member of their family, playing dress-up with her and sharing their feelings and secrets together.
The relationships in this book are not built, they simply appear. People go from being complete strangers to being friends in one or two days, which makes relationships that feel rather shallow and superficial, and the interactions feel the same way. After reading the summary, I was hoping and expecting some hate-to-love, hate/sexual tension, or at least some complex relationship that mixes fear, hatred, disgust, sexual attraction… Something more elaborate than just deciding not to give a shit about rumors and becoming insta-friend with the new synfee girl.
The ideas are there, and there is potential, but the execution is lacking, and I couldn’t get into this story. I usually love Jane Washington’s books, but this one fell short for me.
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🆗 Characters
🆗❌ Plot and pace
❌ Relationships
❌ Romance? (I didn't really see romance honestly...)
❗️❗️ Mention of rape
DNF at 70%
1.5 stars
"There are no good and bad races, there are only good and bad people, and every race has their fair share of either."
Beatrice’s mother was a synfee, which is basically a land-mermaid, a creature that is made to be alluring so it can feed on its prey’s energy. That special set of skills, and some rather dark tales and legends, made the synfees the most despised and feared monsters in the land, and Beatrice has had to live in a secluded area all her life because of it. Not to protect her mother from the outside world, but rather to reassure the world that her mother was far away and behind a fence. Even though Beatrice has a human father and has never used her compelling nor fed on someone else’s energy, she is feared from the very first day she arrives at the academy.
I liked the world-building. The mix of humans, elves, faes, and other magical creatures is different from what I read lately and it was well done… But that’s about it. The politics are not explained at all, the relationships between the neighboring countries are not even mentioned, it’s all about the school drama and Beatrice’s need to feed off sexual energy, but not wanting to because she refuses to act on her synfee urges.
For some reason, the Prince and his best friend have graduated from the academy (at least that,s what I understood), but have been asked to continue to attend just so they can lend a hand and help from time to time because they have special and strong magic. Why they would need to attend instead of just doing something else and go to the academy whenever their help is required remains a mystery to me.
“You’re infamous. Apparently you have hair the colour of a desert sunset, and eyes that flash like a desert storm—nobody told me that your personality was like a desert cactus as well.”
Besides Beatrice, the gorgeous loner, we don’t really know the other characters. They lack depth and are quite uni-dimensional. There’s the Prince’s best friend who decided for some reason to befriend Beatrice on her first day at the academy. All we know about him is that he is nice and kind and Beatrice feels more relaxed around him. It is also mentioned that he is the son of her father’s enemy, but that does not change a single thing in the story, I don’t even know why it was mentioned. A few days later, the Prince himself decides to befriend Beatrice since she doesn’t seem to be so bad, and all we see of him is a young man who seems to always be deep inside his own head, or inside other people’s heads and doesn’t show much emotion. I didn’t feel a single thing for him. Magically, the princess and the queen then accepted Beatrice in their home and treated her as a member of their family, playing dress-up with her and sharing their feelings and secrets together.
The relationships in this book are not built, they simply appear. People go from being complete strangers to being friends in one or two days, which makes relationships that feel rather shallow and superficial, and the interactions feel the same way. After reading the summary, I was hoping and expecting some hate-to-love, hate/sexual tension, or at least some complex relationship that mixes fear, hatred, disgust, sexual attraction… Something more elaborate than just deciding not to give a shit about rumors and becoming insta-friend with the new synfee girl.
The ideas are there, and there is potential, but the execution is lacking, and I couldn’t get into this story. I usually love Jane Washington’s books, but this one fell short for me.
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June 13, 2015
I really wanted to love this book. Alone, the cover is great. I'm honestly super surprised at all the 4 - 5 star reviews. As much as I dislike it- I have to finish books I start, or else I would have given up on this after the first 30 pages.
So she's a Mary Sue and all powerful, the most pretty, everyone loves her, guys want her- girls want to be her. She goes from being a complete loner to the most popular girl at school. There's a super scary bad guy who also loves Beatrice, and there's a lot of sexual tension, but she also has the power that's different from everyone else, and can heal his kingdom. There's also another famous warrior guy who wants her too. Everyone wants her. Magic. Rape. End of book.
We drop the school plot half way in, the pacing constantly changes. Like I said, I'm surprised at how many people enjoyed this.
So she's a Mary Sue and all powerful, the most pretty, everyone loves her, guys want her- girls want to be her. She goes from being a complete loner to the most popular girl at school. There's a super scary bad guy who also loves Beatrice, and there's a lot of sexual tension, but she also has the power that's different from everyone else, and can heal his kingdom. There's also another famous warrior guy who wants her too. Everyone wants her. Magic. Rape. End of book.
We drop the school plot half way in, the pacing constantly changes. Like I said, I'm surprised at how many people enjoyed this.
May 11, 2021
This was such a weird book. Like many reviewers before me have stated, I didn't know wth was going on. Was this a RH, you'd think so since the main character is a Synfee( kind of a land siren that feeds on sexual desires) but when Cade tries to kiss her she refuses and doesn't feel anything for him but then she kisses a guy she dislikes and feeds from his energy. Then there is the prince who is her friend who seems interested in her even though he doesn't show it because he has a girl who he f*cks on the side and he also encourages her to feed from the guy she dislikes even though the prince can read her mind and see what she saw when she was feeding.
There there is the Professor who kissed her and she seems to be into him as well but that's all that happens. It is swept under the rug like the kiss never happens and now he's her personal guard.
The blurb also mentions that Cade is her father's enemy, why did that need to be mentioned? I thought they might have friction or something but that never happened. In fact, Cade was the first friend she made and his father never made an appearance.
I might read the second book sometime in the future.
There there is the Professor who kissed her and she seems to be into him as well but that's all that happens. It is swept under the rug like the kiss never happens and now he's her personal guard.
The blurb also mentions that Cade is her father's enemy, why did that need to be mentioned? I thought they might have friction or something but that never happened. In fact, Cade was the first friend she made and his father never made an appearance.
I might read the second book sometime in the future.
December 12, 2013
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I want to start off by saying that the premise of this book was fantastic. The ideas —outstanding. The writing— intriguing. The plot— all the main ingredients for perfection... the execution—ehh, a little lacking.
Lets start from the beginning. Everything was extremely rushed. Bea going to school, learning about Force and about her impending birthday, making friends, trusting said friends... it all seemed to just happen without much of a transition. This was a common theme throughout the novel that lead to a bit of whip lash. It seemed new information, or events, or battles, or people would just pop up out of no where without any signal or foretelling. In fact, this story lacked in foretelling plot wise that ultimately hindered the story over all. I would normally only give a 3 star rating to a book like this... however, the actual story more than made up for transition issues.
Where the story lacking in transition, it made up for in mystery and intrigue. I was constantly at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The descriptions were so enthralling and detailed that I found myself laughing, raging, crying, and being confused and lost (as a character) right along with Bea. The story was actually well written in terms of word use, cliff hangers, and the MOST important, character development. And after giving all of this praise, you know why I couldn't give this book a 3 star rating, but I couldn't give it a perfect 5 out of 5 either.
I wonder if the idea of this story was inspired by Kristin Cashore's Fire. The description of Bea reminded me so much of her. The enthralling beauty, the fact that people start by hating her and fearing her, but she is such a lost and scared person that she can't help but draw people in... I loved it. I loved it in Fire and I loved it here.
As for the romantic aspect, I am so torn between Joseph (aka Harbringer as he is more commonly referred to) and Hazen. I feel that on a practical level, things with Hazen could never work out. He is a little judgy, he is moral, and he pries into Bea's mind constantly and doesn't always like what he sees...then goes all scowly. But, he is always there for her, and obviously loves her. But I am definitely leaning toward team Joseph. He is bad ass, able to handle her powers (aka compulsion so he isn't madly gah gah over her) and no so judgy. But he an older man.... who am I kidding, I think thats hot! I hope I get to see more interaction between the two in the next book!
I want to start off by saying that the premise of this book was fantastic. The ideas —outstanding. The writing— intriguing. The plot— all the main ingredients for perfection... the execution—ehh, a little lacking.
Lets start from the beginning. Everything was extremely rushed. Bea going to school, learning about Force and about her impending birthday, making friends, trusting said friends... it all seemed to just happen without much of a transition. This was a common theme throughout the novel that lead to a bit of whip lash. It seemed new information, or events, or battles, or people would just pop up out of no where without any signal or foretelling. In fact, this story lacked in foretelling plot wise that ultimately hindered the story over all. I would normally only give a 3 star rating to a book like this... however, the actual story more than made up for transition issues.
Where the story lacking in transition, it made up for in mystery and intrigue. I was constantly at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The descriptions were so enthralling and detailed that I found myself laughing, raging, crying, and being confused and lost (as a character) right along with Bea. The story was actually well written in terms of word use, cliff hangers, and the MOST important, character development. And after giving all of this praise, you know why I couldn't give this book a 3 star rating, but I couldn't give it a perfect 5 out of 5 either.
I wonder if the idea of this story was inspired by Kristin Cashore's Fire. The description of Bea reminded me so much of her. The enthralling beauty, the fact that people start by hating her and fearing her, but she is such a lost and scared person that she can't help but draw people in... I loved it. I loved it in Fire and I loved it here.
As for the romantic aspect, I am so torn between Joseph (aka Harbringer as he is more commonly referred to) and Hazen. I feel that on a practical level, things with Hazen could never work out. He is a little judgy, he is moral, and he pries into Bea's mind constantly and doesn't always like what he sees...then goes all scowly. But, he is always there for her, and obviously loves her. But I am definitely leaning toward team Joseph. He is bad ass, able to handle her powers (aka compulsion so he isn't madly gah gah over her) and no so judgy. But he an older man.... who am I kidding, I think thats hot! I hope I get to see more interaction between the two in the next book!
November 5, 2018
🌟 Read for the Clean that TBR Already! 2018 Challenge over at the MacHalos 🌟
Enjoyed this a lot, unexpected if I am to be honest. It did drive me mental as romance goes! They were flying out of nowhere at alarming speeds. It gave me a Harem vibe and this wasn't a RH. Surprisingly enough and in true mental fashion that fact "made" this book.
Before I go: Jane Washington I will never forgive you for what you did to my ship baby a.k.a Nareon. Never.
• Quotes:
Enjoyed this a lot, unexpected if I am to be honest. It did drive me mental as romance goes! They were flying out of nowhere at alarming speeds. It gave me a Harem vibe and this wasn't a RH. Surprisingly enough and in true mental fashion that fact "made" this book.
Before I go: Jane Washington I will never forgive you for what you did to my ship baby a.k.a Nareon. Never.
• Quotes:
February 25, 2019
DNF at 30%. Boring and really slow moving plot. Unlikable bland characters
March 15, 2015
If you’re looking for a fast paced book which keeps you biting your fingernails throughout, brimming full of twists and turns, perplexing the reader as to where the heroine is headed in this land awash with the supernatural, this book is for you. Admittedly hard to follow at times, thanks to Washington’s breathtaking pace in Beatrice Harrow’s world full of change, the book breaks out from the norm with multiple love interests and a painting of a heroine, who starts out as a very sheltered, protected girl, only to find greater strength within through her riveting sequence of life experiences as she enters adulthood.
I am so relieved to come across a piece of Young Adult literature which is not based on a love at first sight encounter or the likes. It portrays very natural feelings such a gorgeous young girl as Bea may have not just for one but multiple interests and how she is prone to them and at times vulnerable, as a result of her sheltered upbringing being a Synfee - a creature which feeds of desire. This puts her human love interests directly at risk of attack from her own desire of them. Thrown in the mix their sensational beauty, explosive lust and diverse love interests from the seemingly evil Nareon to the very genuine, sincere Cale, one is left at a gnawing loss of what direction to expect Bea’s love life to take by the end of the book. Seriously perplexing. What’s worse is the author takes well over another year and a half to quell our desire to find out in the sequel. The book moves from one intense life changing, death defying scene to the next, full of the sensual, the intrigue and the emotion of a thriller made real with crisp, vivid imagery.
A central theme I can clearly see to Washington’s book is some serious character development in Beatrice as she grows from the very sheltered girl she originally was into a much stronger individual – a character one can relate with a lot more than the typical female protagonist in Young Adult Fantasy, who is either already the superwoman we all expect her to be, or the opposite, the misfit girl who one feels for through sympathy. Falling short of such expectations, along with the unusually complicated central personalities, we have a gripping story which only leaves us gasping for more.
I must note there were a few grammatical mistakes here and there, which would rank her unfavourably amongst other authors in her league, a bit of a setback for Washington, though I don’t judge my favourite authors based on that if they are as few as witnessed in her book. It is good to see the author has come out of her incredibly long hibernation and addressed the feedback with a professionally edited re-released edition along with her equally gripping sequel, The Soulstoy Inheritance, which I am yearning to place a review for tomorrow!
I am so relieved to come across a piece of Young Adult literature which is not based on a love at first sight encounter or the likes. It portrays very natural feelings such a gorgeous young girl as Bea may have not just for one but multiple interests and how she is prone to them and at times vulnerable, as a result of her sheltered upbringing being a Synfee - a creature which feeds of desire. This puts her human love interests directly at risk of attack from her own desire of them. Thrown in the mix their sensational beauty, explosive lust and diverse love interests from the seemingly evil Nareon to the very genuine, sincere Cale, one is left at a gnawing loss of what direction to expect Bea’s love life to take by the end of the book. Seriously perplexing. What’s worse is the author takes well over another year and a half to quell our desire to find out in the sequel. The book moves from one intense life changing, death defying scene to the next, full of the sensual, the intrigue and the emotion of a thriller made real with crisp, vivid imagery.
A central theme I can clearly see to Washington’s book is some serious character development in Beatrice as she grows from the very sheltered girl she originally was into a much stronger individual – a character one can relate with a lot more than the typical female protagonist in Young Adult Fantasy, who is either already the superwoman we all expect her to be, or the opposite, the misfit girl who one feels for through sympathy. Falling short of such expectations, along with the unusually complicated central personalities, we have a gripping story which only leaves us gasping for more.
I must note there were a few grammatical mistakes here and there, which would rank her unfavourably amongst other authors in her league, a bit of a setback for Washington, though I don’t judge my favourite authors based on that if they are as few as witnessed in her book. It is good to see the author has come out of her incredibly long hibernation and addressed the feedback with a professionally edited re-released edition along with her equally gripping sequel, The Soulstoy Inheritance, which I am yearning to place a review for tomorrow!
April 5, 2016
I am so pleased with this book!! It has been on my recommended reading list VIA Amazon Kindle Unlimited for like 6 months but for whatever reason I kept scanning past it. Yesterday I finally buckled down to read it and couldn't stop! Ended up curled on the couch all night binging until it was done.
Plot Summary:
Bea is a Synfee - basically a land siren whose entire power stems from attracting people to herself and then feeding off their desire until they die. Creepy Right?
She is forced to enroll in the Academy for magically gifted students where she makes her first friends (since basically she has been a pariah her whole life). She becomes friends with Cale first, the enigmatic son of her father's rival, who has a special ability of his own (he can see through Glamours). Before becoming friends with Prince Hazen, who can read minds, and his sister Rose - who is just plain Fae. Together they all end up roped in on Bea's life drama where she is tied to the King of Synfees through her deceased mother, the most renowned soldier of their time Harbringer through their death connection, and to destrcution which seems to follo wher wherever she goes.
Pros:
1. Bea is awesome. She really grows throughout the book and you feel for her. She doesn't want her power - she just wants to be liked for who she is.
2. The love drama - Cale likes her but she doesn't like him. The King of the Synfees lusts her but for a weird reason. She is totally in love with Hazen (its obvious even if she doesn't know it) but he is off sleeping with Kaylee to distract himself from his growing attraction to her. And Harbringer can't seem to control himself around her.
3. Her friends are excellent
4. the Queen. Enough Said.
5. it's quick moving and captivating
Cons
1. I'm still not sure who the love interest is of this book. its between Hazen and Harbringer but I'm not sure which.
2. Bea is a little whiny at the start of things (but she gets better)
Basically I really loved it. Not quite 5 stars loved it but enough that I downloaded book 2 first thing this morning.
Book type: YA Paranormal Romance (maybe?)
Book rating: 4.3/5
Read time: 3 hours
For more reviews check out my blog: www.booksandchai.com
With love, parchment, and freshly mowed grass,
Kendall
September 1, 2017
A bit slow with disconnects. Also no real resolution. Not quite the cliffhanger that many indie authors use to keep ppl reading their books, but no real resolution or answers re: political intrigue. Still lots of unanswered questions about history/ backstory of mother.
weird, up in the air romance situations- Cale, Joseph, Nareon, the Prince? She kisses a lot of ppl for there to be no real honest discussion or internal monologue about how she actually feels for each.
The world-building definitely needs work. I don't feel as if I understand who all the different groups/races are, or what their powers are. No real explanation as to why Bea can't find an elf or some other non-human to feed from on a reg basis so she can avoid "evil" king with dubious intentions.
I have more questions, but this gives you the gist of my issues.
weird, up in the air romance situations- Cale, Joseph, Nareon, the Prince? She kisses a lot of ppl for there to be no real honest discussion or internal monologue about how she actually feels for each.
The world-building definitely needs work. I don't feel as if I understand who all the different groups/races are, or what their powers are. No real explanation as to why Bea can't find an elf or some other non-human to feed from on a reg basis so she can avoid "evil" king with dubious intentions.
I have more questions, but this gives you the gist of my issues.
February 3, 2019
This was a bit all over the place & incredibly over dramatic & poetic in places but still quite enjoyable. I quite liked the complexity of all the different relationships Bea has, especially with Hazen and Joseph. I understand this was Jane Washington’s debut novel so considering that it’s pretty damn good.
December 14, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. I bought it during the audible half price sale and I thought it was a RH book. That was my bad. I just assumed since Jane Washington has RH books that I have read and that's 100% my mistake. Besides that though.. the characters were half finished almost. I don't know how else to explain it. Just underdeveloped. I like the idea of the story though and I really liked the world.
There is one thing that put me off.. Something terrible happens to Beatrice. I won't say what because spoilers suck but I mean it's awful... But she is so focused on how it's affecting the people around her when she should be worried solely on herself. I don't like that she pushed her feelings aside so the people around her wouldn't be affected. I don't like that at all. I actually almost stopped reading the book, it bothered me that much. People deal with things differently and I understand that. I can see how maybe we were suppose to see her as a strong person because she was able to be like f*** you feelings and move on, but I feel like she cried for a couple days and then noticed how everyone else was feeling and then it was never mentioned again. I'm sorry but that shit is traumatic. Personal preference I guess.. It just bugged me.
I also don't like that I have no idea who the romantic interest is suppose to be.. I thought this book was RH until I read some reviews and now it's bothering me. I don't know who I am suppose to be rooting for! I read way too much RH. But in a one on one romance book, I would like to know who the heck the guy is.
I will read the next book because I want to know who she ends up with and I want to know what happens. But I am honestly not too excited about it.
There is one thing that put me off.. Something terrible happens to Beatrice. I won't say what because spoilers suck but I mean it's awful... But she is so focused on how it's affecting the people around her when she should be worried solely on herself. I don't like that she pushed her feelings aside so the people around her wouldn't be affected. I don't like that at all. I actually almost stopped reading the book, it bothered me that much. People deal with things differently and I understand that. I can see how maybe we were suppose to see her as a strong person because she was able to be like f*** you feelings and move on, but I feel like she cried for a couple days and then noticed how everyone else was feeling and then it was never mentioned again. I'm sorry but that shit is traumatic. Personal preference I guess.. It just bugged me.
I also don't like that I have no idea who the romantic interest is suppose to be.. I thought this book was RH until I read some reviews and now it's bothering me. I don't know who I am suppose to be rooting for! I read way too much RH. But in a one on one romance book, I would like to know who the heck the guy is.
I will read the next book because I want to know who she ends up with and I want to know what happens. But I am honestly not too excited about it.
January 9, 2019
I loved this book. It was fast paced and constantly had my attention. I have read Jane Washington's Seraph Black series (which I loved) before so I was familiar with her writing style. While reading this book, I could definitely see some trademarks of hers. I just love how she writes and whenever I read her books, I find myself not wanting to stop. This book was no different and I was totally enthralled with the story.
I loved Beatrice. I think that she is incredibly strong and brave. She had been ridiculed her whole life, simply because her mom was a synfee. No one got to know her before they judged her and that made me incredibly sad. Some of the things she went through during this book are enough to break a person completely and for her to come back from it all and remain strong is a miracle. I extremely admire Beatrice and I hope that she gets a happy ending because she deserves it.
I liked all of Beatrice's potential love interests. I will admit, some of them surprised me and I wasn't expecting them to become one. I like all of them for different reasons and I hope that we get to see more of each of them in the future. I am very interested in where their relationships are going to go with Beatrice and I am excited to find out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were a few times that I cried at the injustice of Beatrice's situation and some of the stuff that happened to her. I think that was the hardest part of this book. Watching all of that stuff happen and not being able to do anything about it. I will be reading the next book and I hope it is just as enthralling as this one was.
I loved Beatrice. I think that she is incredibly strong and brave. She had been ridiculed her whole life, simply because her mom was a synfee. No one got to know her before they judged her and that made me incredibly sad. Some of the things she went through during this book are enough to break a person completely and for her to come back from it all and remain strong is a miracle. I extremely admire Beatrice and I hope that she gets a happy ending because she deserves it.
I liked all of Beatrice's potential love interests. I will admit, some of them surprised me and I wasn't expecting them to become one. I like all of them for different reasons and I hope that we get to see more of each of them in the future. I am very interested in where their relationships are going to go with Beatrice and I am excited to find out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were a few times that I cried at the injustice of Beatrice's situation and some of the stuff that happened to her. I think that was the hardest part of this book. Watching all of that stuff happen and not being able to do anything about it. I will be reading the next book and I hope it is just as enthralling as this one was.
September 10, 2014
Bea is a seventeen year old half human, half synfee which makes her an outcast in her world. This story follows her struggle to find both herself and her place in a society which fears her very existence.
This wasn’t your typical ‘girl doesn’t fit in’ tale, but an exciting thriller, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The world Jane Washington creates is so vivid, I find myself recalling the book as though I’ve seen a movie version! Strong complex characters are a central feature throughout and the dialogue flows very naturally.
I laughed, rolled my eyes, squirmed and ached with Bea as she adjusted to her life in the Academy and beyond.
While not absolutely central to the story, there is plenty of romance littered throughout. Some might complain that there are too many potential love interests, but for me, this was a refreshing break from the classic love at first sight angle that so many YA books take. All of Bea’s interactions felt real - sometimes flirty, sometimes friendly, sometimes just confusing!
There were some spelling and grammar mistakes but I can honestly say that they didn't bother me at all and it should be noted that Jane has employed an editor for the sequel, something which I am anxiously waiting for.
If you’re a fan of realistic fantasy thrillers with ample romantic encounters, told through the eyes of someone who could be your friend, then this is the book for you! And if that isn't your usual thing, try this anyway and you might be converted!
This wasn’t your typical ‘girl doesn’t fit in’ tale, but an exciting thriller, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The world Jane Washington creates is so vivid, I find myself recalling the book as though I’ve seen a movie version! Strong complex characters are a central feature throughout and the dialogue flows very naturally.
I laughed, rolled my eyes, squirmed and ached with Bea as she adjusted to her life in the Academy and beyond.
While not absolutely central to the story, there is plenty of romance littered throughout. Some might complain that there are too many potential love interests, but for me, this was a refreshing break from the classic love at first sight angle that so many YA books take. All of Bea’s interactions felt real - sometimes flirty, sometimes friendly, sometimes just confusing!
There were some spelling and grammar mistakes but I can honestly say that they didn't bother me at all and it should be noted that Jane has employed an editor for the sequel, something which I am anxiously waiting for.
If you’re a fan of realistic fantasy thrillers with ample romantic encounters, told through the eyes of someone who could be your friend, then this is the book for you! And if that isn't your usual thing, try this anyway and you might be converted!
December 12, 2013
Unknown author, YA fantasy crossed with romance, debut novel. Wow, what a recipe for disaster, and how impressively Washington overcame it. Rest assured, this book was not at all the underdeveloped girly daydream I expected to suffer through. The world-building was impressive, the characters completely unique, and the lead (while admittedly a little slow to come into her own) shows some real potential as a kick-ass heroine! I actually found myself quite liking the fact that she did not start out an instant superhero, but was instead somewhat shy and almost pathetic. It was relate-able, and realistic. And very empowering to watch her grow!
There is a bad guy who might be good, but is probably bad, but still might be good. I found myself equally confused and amused by him, but it seemed a deliberate portrayal. Either way, I enjoyed it, and he actually ended up being my favorite character. Washington certainly seems to know how to appeal to her audience, with the love triangles (with a few extra apexes?), and the characterization of her main, but being a little older myself, I was relieved that the love story didn't carry the plot. In fact, it was hard to pin-point exactly who Washington has lined up. Each time I thought I could predict it, she would throw another one into the mix!
Very, very, very impressed. Book 2 CANNOT come soon enough.
There is a bad guy who might be good, but is probably bad, but still might be good. I found myself equally confused and amused by him, but it seemed a deliberate portrayal. Either way, I enjoyed it, and he actually ended up being my favorite character. Washington certainly seems to know how to appeal to her audience, with the love triangles (with a few extra apexes?), and the characterization of her main, but being a little older myself, I was relieved that the love story didn't carry the plot. In fact, it was hard to pin-point exactly who Washington has lined up. Each time I thought I could predict it, she would throw another one into the mix!
Very, very, very impressed. Book 2 CANNOT come soon enough.
Want to read
September 2, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2018)!💝
Blurb:
“What is the most powerful force in the world?”
Beatrice Harrow was raised in seclusion, separated from the Read Kingdom and protected from the mysterious mechanisms of the other four races, but they are not as blind to her as she is to them. Even before she steps foot inside the Academy, they know her name and they know the truth about her birth. She is one of the Tainted: a mixed-breed creature with the blood of a monster, clinging to legitimacy by the genes of her human father. She is more beautiful, more powerful, and more despised than any other being in the Read Kingdom.
Her life was never going to be easy, but when fate throws her together with Cale, the troublemaking son of her father’s sworn enemy, and Hazen, the intimidating crown prince of the Read Kingdom, she quickly discovers that her problems haven��t even begun.
In a world built on status, there are lines that can never be crossed.
In a time of peace, it is inevitable that war will whisper on the wind once again.
In a land of mixed blood, a Tainted Creature can either be killed … or they can be recruited.
Blurb:
“What is the most powerful force in the world?”
Beatrice Harrow was raised in seclusion, separated from the Read Kingdom and protected from the mysterious mechanisms of the other four races, but they are not as blind to her as she is to them. Even before she steps foot inside the Academy, they know her name and they know the truth about her birth. She is one of the Tainted: a mixed-breed creature with the blood of a monster, clinging to legitimacy by the genes of her human father. She is more beautiful, more powerful, and more despised than any other being in the Read Kingdom.
Her life was never going to be easy, but when fate throws her together with Cale, the troublemaking son of her father’s sworn enemy, and Hazen, the intimidating crown prince of the Read Kingdom, she quickly discovers that her problems haven��t even begun.
In a world built on status, there are lines that can never be crossed.
In a time of peace, it is inevitable that war will whisper on the wind once again.
In a land of mixed blood, a Tainted Creature can either be killed … or they can be recruited.
May 23, 2016
This is new. This is FRESH!!
Beatrice is a loveable selfless character who's coming into her powers and quite frankly doesn't really know what she wants.
What I didn't enjoy: the pacing. It was far too rushed and I felt like I had missed things at certain points.
What I did enjoy: the plot, the characters, the fact that we got more interaction with the "villain" than the main love interest, who is sorta a dick. Not gonna lie.
Can't wait till the next book comes out!!
I was kind of rooting for the villain and Bea to get together, but then well.
Hazen is definitely the most boring character in this book, despite being the main love interest. he is a dry character, but his love for Bea is clear and quiet, so I'd like to see where that goes!
If you enjoyed this review, do me a favor and check it out on my blog here along with a lot of my other reviews!! They're all first in series!
Beatrice is a loveable selfless character who's coming into her powers and quite frankly doesn't really know what she wants.
What I didn't enjoy: the pacing. It was far too rushed and I felt like I had missed things at certain points.
What I did enjoy: the plot, the characters, the fact that we got more interaction with the "villain" than the main love interest, who is sorta a dick. Not gonna lie.
Can't wait till the next book comes out!!
I was kind of rooting for the villain and Bea to get together, but then well.
Hazen is definitely the most boring character in this book, despite being the main love interest. he is a dry character, but his love for Bea is clear and quiet, so I'd like to see where that goes!
If you enjoyed this review, do me a favor and check it out on my blog here along with a lot of my other reviews!! They're all first in series!
January 18, 2014
I loved this book, it had everything I enjoy in stories: hot guys, a dangerous chick who wants nothing to do with the negativity it brings, the 'old world' of knights and guards... it was so fun, too! Bea is a synfee, but with her birthday coming up, she'll soon come into her power, and that power is dangerous enough to kill her, if she isn't careful. She meets all these hot guys along the way and although they all like to to a degree, she doesn't choose any one of them, which kept the story line uncomplicated and fairly refreshing. Bea wasn't annoying, and if anything, she goes through quite a lot in this.
I recommend to New Adult fans and some YA peeps who don't mind the swearing and not-so-PG-13 scenes, though I thought them to be tame. Overall, this was a great book, and I really like that it's only 0.99!
I recommend to New Adult fans and some YA peeps who don't mind the swearing and not-so-PG-13 scenes, though I thought them to be tame. Overall, this was a great book, and I really like that it's only 0.99!
August 28, 2014
I loved this book. It was so intriguing and different then a lot of the other books I've read. I like how the relationships developed and grew. I'm intrigued by all the different characters and want to know more about their plans and thoughts. There is so much going on in this world. Unfortunately the 2nd books isn't out yet. The only date I've found says it was to be released in January of 2014, which got bumped to just 2014. The author is pretty silent on social media, so I have no clue how long I"ll have to wait. However, I will purchase the next book the second it comes out.
February 15, 2014
I thought this book was really good, I loved it. I was not sure at first because it just got right into it without describing or naming the main character. However, as the story went on I could not stop reading hence me finishing the book in less than 24hrs. For me reading that fast even if it was only 230 pages it definitely held my interest which is not an easy thing when it comes to me. I cannot wait to read the next book.
September 7, 2015
Wow did I love this book! It was by no means perfect, but it was one of the most enjoyable books I've read recently.
World building was effortless and amazing and the plot felt fresh and original. I'm honestly surprised this book isn't more popular.
Beatrice is a strong and likable heroine and I'm excited for her development. I never thought I would say this, but I totally loved her harem. I ship allthe ships,
World building was effortless and amazing and the plot felt fresh and original. I'm honestly surprised this book isn't more popular.
Beatrice is a strong and likable heroine and I'm excited for her development. I never thought I would say this, but I totally loved her harem. I ship allthe ships,
February 25, 2018
I laughed, I cried and everything in between. It was great till about the last 20% where everything felt rushed and scattered. I liked the characters and the whole world was built well. I love a book that I can picture in my mind, just enough description to get me into it but, not too much that I can't use my own imagination. There were a couple things I could have enjoyed more but, overall a solid 4 star read.
July 19, 2014
Absolutely mesmerizing, captivating and wonderful. I could not put this book down once i started reading it. It's one of the best books that i have ever come across or read. Love the characters, love the fantasy and really love the story.
CanNOT wait for the next book. It better be smashing, like this was!!
Torally recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy.
CanNOT wait for the next book. It better be smashing, like this was!!
Torally recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy.
June 6, 2016
Wow. This book was a pleasant surprise. It is YA fantasy but with some heavy content. Stayed up until 1 AM finishing this and diving right into the second one! :)
Paranormal = Fae + Elves + Succubi/Incubi + Vampires + Magic
Fantasy = medieval society
Heavy Content = political betrayal + lots of male suitors + rape + murder
Paranormal = Fae + Elves + Succubi/Incubi + Vampires + Magic
Fantasy = medieval society
Heavy Content = political betrayal + lots of male suitors + rape + murder
d-n-f
August 16, 2021dnf @ 20%
I am extremely disappointed with this series and book. Jane Washington is usually a good author, but this series didn't catch me or interest me, despite the fun-sounding blurb. I was quite bored and I put down the book long before finishing it.
I am extremely disappointed with this series and book. Jane Washington is usually a good author, but this series didn't catch me or interest me, despite the fun-sounding blurb. I was quite bored and I put down the book long before finishing it.
November 23, 2018
Hereditary (Beatrice Harrow #1) was actually a darker read in some parts than what I was expecting - overall I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I'll be interested to see how the plot develops in the next book for Bea with Hazen, Cale and Harbringer.
December 24, 2015
Well. That was far better than I expected. And I didn't wanna put the book down once- pretty impressive if you ask me. Kudos to the author and I'll be giving this one four stars.
August 3, 2017
Warning: rape- cliffhanger ending
August 15, 2016
I'm a little up in the air about this one.
On one hand I was pretty addicted to the story. Its sort of set in an olde world place, no real mention of technology but unlike many books similar I don't feel like it suffocates it. Its sort of natural and I don't miss it even when I'm reading this book on my kindle... On the other its just a little bit samey, instead of a classic YA love triangle we have a square, or a different sort of square.
We have Naeron, the king of synfee who seems evil but not evil? Like a misunderstood vampire. *side eyeing Edward* Next is Cale who is like the classic easy go lucky boy we seem to always have, the one that harbors a secret crush but doesn't do anything about it because his brooding friend is on the side lines making more head way than he is... Which brings me onto the fae prince boy Hazen. Who I am routing for as he seems to be the best out of a bad bunch. Lastly and not really least but I guess unwillingly we have Harbringer (Joseph) who I don't get. But hey I guess we needed another love interest to prove she is irresistible right?
Aside from the weird as heck square/triangle/thing, we do have some female characters I would like to point out, these are Rose (fae princess/Hazen's sister) and their mother (Queen Fae herself) Miriam, these two take up a big portion of the book dressing her up. Not as big as a portion as she spends unconscious, but a fair chunk. I don't really mind this, its sort of a loveable way of you realising that these characters are pretty soft and its again another way to cement that she is irresistible to pretty much everyone who meets her.
The whole book which is enjoyable is overshadowed by how 'wonderful' she is. I get shes pretty special I just don't know why or really how? We're told she is special and super powerful but most of the time she is struggling to get a handle of her power and/or is laid up in bed from some sort of wound. I BTW did not see the coming on. Not sure it was needed but we'll move on.
Pros
1. Bea (I swear I don't remember her name I keep checking it in the book or refering to her as 'she/her') is likable. I do get annoyed with the 'special-ness' but I can overlook this.
2. The queen & rose. Could potentially become my favourites in this series already.
3. Hezan, that will happen or I'll riot and by riot I mean cry.
4. The setting, the author does a fantastic job of throwing you in and you not realising you've read this book in three hours.
5. I love her friendship with everyone and even her father.
Not so Pros
1. The love triangle/square/I DON'T KNOW SHAPES OK - I just dislike that. like pick one, and make the rest friends. I swear young girls can be friends with the opposite sex, its possible.
2. How much she spends in bed being ill. Coma, the other thing, being shot. Think I've missed some, but the point is made.
3. I wasn't sold on Beatrice at first. She has to be eased into it.
4. I also felt like she was at the academy for like 3 pages and then BAM unconscious.
As you can see the unconsciousness really weighed on me. I will be continuing it on, its an interesting start to a series I hope I'll like, also its free thanks to kindle unlimited..
On one hand I was pretty addicted to the story. Its sort of set in an olde world place, no real mention of technology but unlike many books similar I don't feel like it suffocates it. Its sort of natural and I don't miss it even when I'm reading this book on my kindle... On the other its just a little bit samey, instead of a classic YA love triangle we have a square, or a different sort of square.
We have Naeron, the king of synfee who seems evil but not evil? Like a misunderstood vampire. *side eyeing Edward* Next is Cale who is like the classic easy go lucky boy we seem to always have, the one that harbors a secret crush but doesn't do anything about it because his brooding friend is on the side lines making more head way than he is... Which brings me onto the fae prince boy Hazen. Who I am routing for as he seems to be the best out of a bad bunch. Lastly and not really least but I guess unwillingly we have Harbringer (Joseph) who I don't get. But hey I guess we needed another love interest to prove she is irresistible right?
Aside from the weird as heck square/triangle/thing, we do have some female characters I would like to point out, these are Rose (fae princess/Hazen's sister) and their mother (Queen Fae herself) Miriam, these two take up a big portion of the book dressing her up. Not as big as a portion as she spends unconscious, but a fair chunk. I don't really mind this, its sort of a loveable way of you realising that these characters are pretty soft and its again another way to cement that she is irresistible to pretty much everyone who meets her.
The whole book which is enjoyable is overshadowed by how 'wonderful' she is. I get shes pretty special I just don't know why or really how? We're told she is special and super powerful but most of the time she is struggling to get a handle of her power and/or is laid up in bed from some sort of wound. I BTW did not see the coming on. Not sure it was needed but we'll move on.
Pros
1. Bea (I swear I don't remember her name I keep checking it in the book or refering to her as 'she/her') is likable. I do get annoyed with the 'special-ness' but I can overlook this.
2. The queen & rose. Could potentially become my favourites in this series already.
3. Hezan, that will happen or I'll riot and by riot I mean cry.
4. The setting, the author does a fantastic job of throwing you in and you not realising you've read this book in three hours.
5. I love her friendship with everyone and even her father.
Not so Pros
1. The love triangle/square/I DON'T KNOW SHAPES OK - I just dislike that. like pick one, and make the rest friends. I swear young girls can be friends with the opposite sex, its possible.
2. How much she spends in bed being ill. Coma, the other thing, being shot. Think I've missed some, but the point is made.
3. I wasn't sold on Beatrice at first. She has to be eased into it.
4. I also felt like she was at the academy for like 3 pages and then BAM unconscious.
As you can see the unconsciousness really weighed on me. I will be continuing it on, its an interesting start to a series I hope I'll like, also its free thanks to kindle unlimited..
December 30, 2015
Let me preface by saying that I love strong female characters, especially ones that possess the inner strength to become stronger and who fight for themselves. So in that sense this book is headed in the right direction. The main character Bea has a quiet kind of strength and as the book progresses you can see that strength begin to flourish.
This book had everything going for it. The plot is so amazing and had me excited at all times to see what happens next. The characters are amazing too and you will find yourself invested in all of them, regardless of where their moral compass points. I like that a lot of characters are neither all good or all bad, they all have grey area as they try to figure out what to do in the face of adversity.
What is preventing me from giving this the full five stars is that the execution and delivery of this book felt rushed and at times just expected the reader to be on board with sudden major plot changes. All that being said I am definitely diving into the next one ASAP.
--------------------------------------------------------
Now to more interesting things AKA her love life. I AM TEAM JOSEPH ALL THE WAY <3 <3 <3
I do not care that he is older, he is just too awesome of a character not to love. I mean his last name is HARBRINGER, that alone had me sold. Hopefully in the next one there is a lot more Joseph.
One last thing on the side, this book has given me some serious cover envy! Jesus, that is one flawless cover.
This book had everything going for it. The plot is so amazing and had me excited at all times to see what happens next. The characters are amazing too and you will find yourself invested in all of them, regardless of where their moral compass points. I like that a lot of characters are neither all good or all bad, they all have grey area as they try to figure out what to do in the face of adversity.
What is preventing me from giving this the full five stars is that the execution and delivery of this book felt rushed and at times just expected the reader to be on board with sudden major plot changes. All that being said I am definitely diving into the next one ASAP.
--------------------------------------------------------
Now to more interesting things AKA her love life. I AM TEAM JOSEPH ALL THE WAY <3 <3 <3
I do not care that he is older, he is just too awesome of a character not to love. I mean his last name is HARBRINGER, that alone had me sold. Hopefully in the next one there is a lot more Joseph.
One last thing on the side, this book has given me some serious cover envy! Jesus, that is one flawless cover.
August 3, 2018
Pretty disappointed.... I really liked this authors other books but this one was just Ugh.....
There were lots of little things that just ruined it for me. Beatrice being half human, half some sort of seduction monster is a big part of the plot and you'd think it would be mentioned somewhere how her father got together with her mother but no, nowhere does it even mention it.
Another thing that annoyed me was that Beatrice has no hobbies or pastime whatsoever, it her going to school, eating and sleeping, it's only later when she gets friends that she hangs with them. She has no dreams, no career or direction in which she wants to take her life except for having someone like her and not be scared of her.
When "Cade" starts liking her and is also not scared of her, she pushes him away. Why? No reason. Isn't that her main goal in life?
And then when her father realises that Cade is her friend and is also the son of his enemy he does... Nothing. That's right. The description specifically describes Cade as being the son of Beatrice's fathers worst enemy but it adds nothing to the story. There was no point in even mentioning it as it plays no part in the plot.
I really wanted to love it, it had everything I usually love in a book but... *sigh
There were lots of little things that just ruined it for me. Beatrice being half human, half some sort of seduction monster is a big part of the plot and you'd think it would be mentioned somewhere how her father got together with her mother but no, nowhere does it even mention it.
Another thing that annoyed me was that Beatrice has no hobbies or pastime whatsoever, it her going to school, eating and sleeping, it's only later when she gets friends that she hangs with them. She has no dreams, no career or direction in which she wants to take her life except for having someone like her and not be scared of her.
When "Cade" starts liking her and is also not scared of her, she pushes him away. Why? No reason. Isn't that her main goal in life?
And then when her father realises that Cade is her friend and is also the son of his enemy he does... Nothing. That's right. The description specifically describes Cade as being the son of Beatrice's fathers worst enemy but it adds nothing to the story. There was no point in even mentioning it as it plays no part in the plot.
I really wanted to love it, it had everything I usually love in a book but... *sigh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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