Legacy of the Heirs

The Lost Kingdom Saga #2

by Laura Carter

A Vala Queen dealing with the consequences of her Commander’s actions
A Keres Queen uncovering secrets of their heritage
A Nerida Queen stuck between her past and present
A Garridon King looking over his shoulder
A Fallen Princess finding solace in a forced betrothal
A Fallen Queen set on revenge


Now crowned and ruling their realms, the heirs of Novisia are tasked with piecing together the prophecy that was left for them. Untrusting but powerful, the rulers must find a way to avoid the downfall of their Kingdom.

Faced with the threat of darkness, the challenge of working together and a betrayal none of them expect, the heirs must navigate their legacy through heartbreak, passion and revelations. But as they learn there is more to the journey of how their Kingdom came to be, no one can begin to imagine what kind of legacy they will leave.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Laura grew up in rural Scotland before moving to London to study for her degree in English Literature, where she lived for ten years before moving back to the countryside with her Romanian rescue dog, Rez. She grew up constantly immersed in different worlds through reading and always dreamed of becoming an author. When her love of fantasy and romance was re-ignited after three years of only ever critically analysing work, her dream of creating her own worlds returned. She now balances working full time for a cancer charity with writing her debut series, The Lost Kingdom Saga.

Reviews

[Ethan Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series that got me into reading’s second book is hereee!

A must read for all fantasy lovers. And also a great series for new comers to fantasy, as it’s easy to follow compared to a lot of other fantasies I’ve read.

Need the third book asap

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Meg Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I lo-“
"I know," He said, planting a final kiss on her forehead. "Tell me when this is over."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
💔💔💔💔💔/5

I just got done violently sobbing for 30 mins, hbu? 😭 not really sure how I’m supposed to move on from this. Wow. Laura has crafted such an intricately woven story that I truly am just speechless. We got so many answers in this book, but I also have double the amount of new questions!!!! I love this story and these characters so so so much. The character work between this book and the previous one is nothing short of phenomenal. My heart will never recover, thank god I have the arc of the third book on my kindle 🥲 I’m excited to see the world expanded and learn more about the bigger secrets and plot that this book and Secrets of the Dead have been building toward. Highly recommend if you love fantasy books, but definitely bring the tissues and have your therapist on speed dial.

[Caitlin Hoddinott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Book 1 had big potential and book 2 said here you go girl.

Elisara you are the moment and I sincerely hope things start looking up for you queen. In the trenches for real.

[Courtney ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If I am your world, then you are my sun, my moon, my stars. I exist only because of you.”

This book follows on from where Book 1 (Secrets of the Dead) ends. We dive back into the POV’s from our heirs as well as some additional POV’s from characters we met in Book 1. We journey with our characters as they try and understand the prophecy alongside dealing with the threat of darkness. The plot twists were twisting and the heartbreak was devastating.

I have really struggled with fantasy since finishing TOG, however this book filled the void and it’s personally up there on the same level for me.

I was obsessed, addicted and heartbroken. I think I was threatening to DNF at like 91% into the book because my heart couldn’t take anymore. I was crying at one chapter and a couple chapters later I was kicking my legs in excitement.

I absolutely loved how much we got from each character and I personally loved each and every POV. Even from someone I wasn’t fond of in Book 1 (iykyk).

I wish I could go into so much detail on this review, however as it’s the second book I don’t want to spoil it for everyone.

But just know, if you start this series, your heart will be torn to pieces and mended back together. You will love and hate each of the characters but you’ll absolutely get lost in the world of Novisia.

I am truly grateful to have been chosen to be an ARC reader for Book 3 (Return of the Darkness) and I have dived straight into it, completely preparing myself for the heartbreak I will endure.

This is Laura’s second novel, however it’s so easy to forget that she is new to writing books because her writing is truly beautiful and magical. The riddles and the prophecy in the book is something that completely shocked me, how on earth did you come up with those Laura? You’re an absolute genius and I’m so thankful I was introduced to you and your books. <3

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is absolutely more 4.75 stars for me. I love the way we pick up from the first book and are very much thrown into the thick of things.

There’s so much going on and the multi POV helps to breakdown what each heir is tasked with and where their path individually leads them. This book had big unexpected twists and my heart absolutely wasn’t ready for the ending. There are betrayals upon betrayals throughout so book 2 heightened my trust issues for sure.

Onto the more cheerful sides of the story, we get more developments with the prophecy which unlocks some key details into what the threat is and why it is down to them to face it. We also get some new romantic dynamics and the spice is upped, I thoroughly enjoyed the build up in book 1 leading us to the moments we get in book 2.

Absolutely can’t wait for the next book!!!

[Jennie (jennieisreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is worth a rating way more than 5 stars. I can’t even put into words what I have just read. Laura Carter. I am in awe. The BEST book I have ever read 😭

[elentiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh please. the ending. that. just. no. i'm still in shock. i can't do anything about it. i hate it, i hate it, i hate it. - a more detailed review now, i suppose.

elisara - gods. may you give the world mercy. i can't, i thought but no. that's not possible. it hurts, it hurts me too. her character development is great, i love the way her character develops, the ending making me numb. i can't. talia too?

nyzaia - gods. i feel for you. i have no idea.. but gods, may your tie be good.

larelle - honestly, i feel like she is the most grounded. someone that keeps my feet on the ground. her way of things - i respect. because i wish i could have that much self control.

caellum - you moved on way too fast. but no. you have my respect, everything you've done is for the better of your kingdom.

sadira - a true queen. may you become one.

soren - i understand you, more than i'd like to admit. but it's okay. some things you have done is a huge mistake but i understand you.

crazy - i have no idea how i managed to forget so much and remember so little. i don't think the war hit me the same way it first did but there were so many different things that hit me different. lowkey again, not a huge fan of c and s's relationship but you know, they're good together, i think i've just become less into romance than when i last read it. i'm glad that larelle was there - i love them all.

[Kristin Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the Lost Kingdom saga and picks up right where Secrets of the Dead left off. Our favorite heirs and their respective companions are still trying to decipher the many secrets left behind by family members with a new threat on the horizon. The story is packed with love, action, and mystery.

I am in awe every time I read something that Laura has written. The way she describes her characters and settings is just unreal. Imagining myself in that world is one of the easiest things I've ever done. Good banter between friends is something that I love to have in the books that I read and Laura did not disappoint on that front. The spice scenes are exquisite and add a level of emotion and connection between those characters.

I am very much a reading-for-comfort kind of girl; I don't mind angst as long as it comes with a heavy dose of comfort. Legacy of the Heirs might be a little heavy on the angst at times but it also made me treasure those moments of happiness and comfort. Even though this book brought me to tears several times, I loved every moment and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Hayley Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! This book is amazing and absolutely destroyed me emotionally. I didn't think Laura could beat secrets of the dead but boy she did! She really is a mastermind when she writes. She must plan so far ahead with all the intricate details including the prophercy, the world building and the character development, it is amazing . The only thing that has got me down bad is the fact I now have to wait ages for book 3 although I don't think I will ever be ready for it... I really hope our characters survive the great war and Laura isn't to mean in book 3.

Please everyone read this book it deserves so much love. I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers !!

The first was brilliant…. This one is EPIC!!!

Laura Carter’s writing is magic and I am already craving book 3… which isn’t even written yet!

Please if you love fantasy, go a purchase Secrets of the Dead (Book 1) and pre order Legacy of the Heirs, out on 6th August!

You will not regret it!

[Grace McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Laura for the ARC read of this book. I rated the first book a 5 stars and if there was a possibility to rate LOTH with 6 or more I would do that in a heartbeat. I adore these characters like they are my own friends and family. You made me swoon, gasp, cry and smile during this journey. I cannot wait for others to read this story and am already begging for more!!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series does have interesting bones, but unfortunately this installment was overshadowed by a lack of editing. There were typos galore that took me out of the story and some aspects, like the rise of the villain and his interactions with the characters, weren't developed enough for them to be impactful.

There were also scenes, particularly the romance ones, that went beyond including tropes and felt like copy paste of action and dialogue I've read many times over. Kazaar's pet name for Elisara was also insanely overused, I don't love "Angel" as a nickname to begin with but if I had to read it one more time I was gonna chuck my phone across the room.

Overall it's good enough for me to read the next one, but also because I'm cursed to feel compelled to finish series unless they become truly unbearable (looking at you, FBAA)

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I am going to recover from this.

Again, another review where I don't think my words could do the story justice.

Everything was brilliant, and how the stories for each character are so well intertwined, just amazing.

And that ending!!

More people need to read this. I need more people to feel this pain and excitement.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Laura knows how to keep you wanting more, I can’t believe I need to wait for book three!!!

[Carmen Capurro · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending?! Review comjng asap

[Kirstie Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

4.5

Laura has only gone and done it again with the second book in the Lost Kingdom Saga, once again I was lucky to receive this as an ARC read, and I could not put this book down!
Not only did we get more character development throughout this book to help us understand how each heir was dealing with the fallout of book one, and where they needed to take their collective journey in order to understand why they were all chosen to succeed each realm, and what they are going to do moving forward.

The way Laura writes is so beautiful and easy to follow as the story just flows. I cannot wait to read more of the Lost Kingdom Saga and to see where Laura is going to take this story, I'm sure there will be lots of heartache along the way, but lots of great found family and romance to sweeten the sad parts too.

Basically, if you're a fantasy fan, then you definitely need to go and read the Lost Kingdom Saga, and what better way than supporting an indie fantasy author as you do it :)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAURA LAURA LAURA! What have you done?! I absolutely loved this, the drama the plot twists the information! The freaking ending!!!!!!!! I need book 3 tomorrow thank you! Your mind amazes me 😱 favourite book I’ve read this year by far!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was phenomenal, but she better bring Kazaar back from the dead in book three because he and Elisara were my favorite couple. And also the twist that Elisara is the one with all four powers and the shadow’s I love a good girl power moment.

[Alexa Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like an empty pit of nothingness. I am broken. This book has broken me.

Laura has done it again and it did not disappoint. It exceeded any expectations I might have had and multiplied it by a thousand. I’ve been waiting since September to go back to Novisia and boy have I missed it. I was so fortunate to have been given an uncorrected proof advanced advanced readers copy of the book to help Laura spot little copy edits and help build the playlist. Laura I love you so much and I am forever grateful for you. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to be apart of this journey right alongside you. I am also grateful to a handful of lovely people who I wouldn’t have wanted to go through this book with. Thank you for putting up with my uncontrollable sobbing and dramatics. 

Despite hours of theorizing with the girlies, I was still gobsmacked by the story Laura has written. She has got a way with words that I cannot even describe. Her thought into every little plot detail and the most beautiful descriptions I have ever read. Everything is intentional and so thoughtful. As a reader this is so appreciated!!!! 

I was crying 4 chapters in and didn’t stop until the end (let’s be real I’m still recovering). I was also on the edge of my seat, kicking my feet like a school girl, and jaw on the floor. So except to go through the craziest rollercoaster. What made it even better was that I could see everything happening so vividly in my mind, I felt like I was there. I need to see it on the big screen asap and i need to be in that writers room. I felt the anger, the pain, the love, the betrayal, the tension, the passion, the power, EVERYTHING. 

I want to take another moment to talk about the characters, because holy moly I feel like ive known them my whole life. Some feel like a childhood best friend, others feel like that ex best friend from high school that know you are in college and have grown up more you are unsure of how you feel. When bad things happen to my babies, it’s like a personal vendetta. And when good things happen, I feel like the proudest mother. And these character arcs. Omg. Like the level of development is the furthest from 2 dimensional. I feel like I could reach into the book and grab onto someone’s arm or something - WOW. 

I loved diving into the lore of the world more and making new discoveries along with the characters. One of my favorite parts of the book was watching relationships develop and grow and change and the personal effects on the characters that from present and past events. I loveddd the baddie power moments. Getting to meet new faces and getting to know familiar ones more was so lovely - those new POVs were definitely a highlight!!!

I cannot believe that there are only 3 books left in the Lost Kingdom Saga :(( i am both itching for them and terrified of their existences. i want it to last forever but i only want to read more of the many many stories laura’s got in store!!! But, in Laura Carter we trust. Until next time… happy grieving until book 3 besties!! ;))

[_aimsreads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re thinking of starting this, make sure you’ve got tissues near you. I wasn’t sure whether i should rate this 4 stars or 5, i just wasn’t fully invested and felt bored but honestly i really don’t think it was caused by the book but instead my mood. The author has really listened and taken advice from past reviews, because we got so much more from all characters and didn’t just solely focus on one. Like in the first book, i wished we had more of Nyzaia and i have fallen in love with her so much now. I’ve begun to like characters i didn’t like im the first book - like Soren for example. There is so much character depth it’s hard not to emphasise and relate to them all. Not to mention, overall Laura Carter’s writing is just absolutely so beautiful and i don’t think i could say it enough. There were so many plot twists and betrayals i didn’t see coming. The ending has left me absolutely devastated and i have no clue if **spoilers** Kazaar will miraculously come alive again because i cannot deal with him being gone forever. Honestly, how could you do this to me? Elisara and him are my favourite characters.
**no spoilers** Right towards the end there was a change in Elisara’s character that i’m so here for and i cannot wait to see more of it in the next book.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked this book a lot more than the first one, so actually kinda regret giving the first one 3 stars as well, because this one amped everything up.
the story picks up immediately from where book 1 ended, and i was glad to get into the nitty gritty immediately. the book is incredibly fast paced and the short chapters help move the story along.

the characters were good and i enjoyed getting POVs from both Soren and Sadira. Whilst they added a lot more to the story, like in book one, i wish we had more from Larelle (and her story with Alvan- although i appreciate romance isn’t the forefront of this story) and i actually wish we had a bit more from Caellum. It seemed a shame to lose focus on him, particularly when we gained insight into Soren and Sadira.

the relationships in this story were a big feature and whilst i liked the majority, they were all in love a bit too quickly for me. i knew that Elisara and Caellum were supposed to move on from one another after the first book, but it was incredibly quick and almost felt a bit too unrealistic imo. i know people do move on but come on, you guys were meant to get married! i also didn’t really think Elisara and Kazaar would get together so quickly but i suppose it made sense. some of their moments together were great but i wish we’d had a longer arc of them being enemies! (also sorry not sorry but Elisara was starting to wind me up by the end)

some of the plot lines were a bit predictable however the twists at the end were really good and i was in shock!! i found myself not wanting the book to end and was gutted when i reached the final page.

overall, a good sequel. there were a few grammatical errors (and unfortunately once i’ve noticed one, i notice them all) and some of the story fell a bit flat for me and took me out of it which is why it isn’t higher than 3 stars; but i am looking forward to reading book 3!

[clems.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

a dramatic fantasy sequel with complex relationship dynamics and chaos?? absolutely.

we really see an expansion of the world, the magic system and the characters within this which i absolutely loved!! also the new pov’s added so much and i enjoyed reading from different people so much (although i still hate that one character but she is so interesting to read from) and i found that the group dynamic grew as we had new characters introduced as well as new relationships.

honestly i will always enjoy political fantasy and this leans into it but as the book progresses there is a larger focus placed on the military side, which was cool to see everyone in the same setting and being forced the work together to come to their goal

the twists in this. crazy. i was not expecting that jesus and the last few chapters have left me so excited to see where this series keeps going!

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy pre-publication!

[Fran Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ thanks very much to Laura for kindly providing me with an arc.

We return exactly where we left off with the heirs keeping secrets from one another. I enjoyed calleum and Sadiras romance arc, but did feel as though he would pine a bit more for Elisara.

Nzyaria is my favourite a strong character who has gone through a lot. To now lose her brother I wonder if she will truly be broken in book 3.

Overall the book did feel a slower pace and at times I struggled, but I always do feel this way with any multiple povs. The mystery and puzzle solving is well thought out, but the climax felt slightly rushed as Elisara got all her answers at once with the talisman. Whereas it was 4 chapters to get all the other talismans that only really opened up to speak for 5 minutes to the gods that told them nothing.

A lot more action than book 1 though which I enjoyed.

[Millie Whitfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CLIFFHANGER!!!! Honestly had me reading with my mouth OPEN for the last 100 pages. The trauma I went through throughout this book is wild. I NEED the next one asap honestly.

🚨🚨SPOILER🚨🚨🚨
If _ is actually gone and not in a different realm or something I stg I won’t be able to cope. Like elisara has been through it.
And the historian!!! Kinda saw it coming but what a shock

[Jenny Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Laura for the ARC of this wonderful story!

This was one of those books where you just have to sit in silence and stare at the wall afterwards because wow! An incredibly good sequel to Secrets of the Dead full of action packed drama, emotion, wonderful relationship dynamics and jaw dropping twists. I love how each main character is highlighted as such an integral part of the story and seeing more of the dynamic between them all was wonderful to read. Laura’s writing is so beautiful, I found myself highlighting countless lines throughout the story. Tears were also definitely shed.

It’s going to be a hard wait for the next book to come out, but I’m excited for this one to be out in the world and for everyone to read it!

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta reader…… 5 STARS….. will say no more till its fully out but WOW YOU GUYS

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Laura Carter for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, I’m so grateful for this opportunity to keep supporting you.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
«Enjoyed is a way too simple word to descrive the beautiful, heartbreaking and captivating experience reading this book was» is what I wrote to Laura after finishing this book, and I start with it here to let you know that I’m really struggling with putting together the words to describe how much I love this book.

Legacy of the Heirs is the second book in the Lost Kingdom Saga, and it did not disappoint! In this fantasy book we have elemental magic, prophecies, romance, rivalries, tension, betrayals and many different POVs.

Secrets of the Dead seems slow compared to this prequel, so actionpacked I many times simply couldn’t put it down. The way the story and backstory unravels within the pages, from the beginning to the end with new revelations and secrets throughout the book, makes it a incredible captivating read.

We follow the four heirs of the four different realms within Novisia, plus the fallen princesses and the commander of Vala. All these POVs seem confusing, but all of them are so different with strong characters, so it is no problem to keep track of everything.

I was not prepared for the way the story developed, without giving anything away, there were some shocking revelations and some wtf plot twists. So many heartbreaking moments, as well as inspiring and empowering ones. The balance between drama, information and more calming scenes were perfect.

Laura writes so beautifully, and the world she has created with the Kingdom of Novisia feels so real and magical. The way she describes places, action, emotions and everything shows the incredible ways she has with words. I annotated this book so freaking much because of the way it is written. The way all the different relationships evolved was so beautiful to witness, both friends, family and lovers.

Laura has made a universe I wanna live in with a story that fills me with all the feelings and characters I want to have in my life. Sje really is one of the most talented new authors.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series, but at the same time I’m not ready at all. If you haven’t read the first book (Secrets of the Dead) this is your sign to read it, and if you have read it you should buy Legacy of the Heirs right away.

[BooksWithBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: E-Arc Legacy of Heirs by Laura Carter. My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Oh my goodness! First of all I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Laura for allowing me to be an arc reader for the second time. This opportunity has been special and I cannot thank you enough! Second of all I would like to say HAPPY RELEASE DAY 😍❤️ Legacy of Heirs is now available on Amazon and Waterstones! Now where do I even start with this masterpiece! What a fantastic read this has been. The twists and turns had me with whiplash. I have never read anything like this and honestly if you haven’t already YOU 👏NEED👏 TO👏READ👏THIS👏SAGA👏. The love that burns through this book between characters is something phenomenal and I really felt I was there with them experiencing everything, the betrayal, the heart break, the bitterness, the raw feelings of love blossoming! My jaw was on the FLOOR the whole time. This book has been written beautifully and If I could I would give this book a 15/5 stars. Girl you had me in tears, laughing, giggling, kicking my feet everything! Please go and give some love to Laura and celebrate release day with her ❤️ show her support by giving her Lost kingdom Saga a go! Secrets of the Dead and Legacy of heirs will forever have top spot in my top 5 fantasy reads! You have outdone yourself with this one Laura and they are only going to get better!! Side note: I need book 3 immediately this better not just be it for a certain someone 👀 you know who I’m talking about 😭

[Loran Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5⭐️

Woooooooooooow

I literally went straight from reading Secrets of the Dead which I thought was amazing. But this book… This book is on a complete other level. I devoured this book in just under two days

THE PLOT TWISTS, THE HEARTBREAK, THE ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS

At first I thought (at Chapter 21) that I was about to lose my mind… but then to get near to the end of the book (at Chapter 62) my heart just completely shattered. Laura you have broke me 🥲

This is a book filled with love, laughter and loyalty but yet on the complete other hand secrecy, betrayal and just complete heartache

I have loved the character development throughout the book and the trust that is growing between the inner circle is slowly but surely surfacing and I can’t wait to see where book 3 is going to lead them all

In regards to characters:

We all love a strong FMC…
Larelle and Elisara are still top for me
Sadira and Nyzaia are growing on me
Kazaar I just love him so much 🥺😭
Caellum just needs to hand over his throne to Sadira at this point 🤣

And last but not least… Soren - I have no words, I don’t even know if I want redemption at this point 😂

Laura, I am just in complete and utter awe over your writing and I just can’t get over the fact this is a debut series when the writing standard is just at such a high level and is just at this point honestly phenomenal. You should be so proud 🫶

Bring on book 3!!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Legacy of the Heirs the other evening (and I mean I stayed up very late to finish it, and may have spent some time just staring at a wall afterwards) and it was wonderful (I don’t want to say too much in case I spoil something).

Legacy of the Heirs starts straight after Secrets of the Dead, and is filled with action and twists - which will keep you hooked and keep you guessing. The story is also full of so many amazing moments!

The cast of characters is diverse and wonderful, who feel realistic and are really well developed, and their development continues throughout this installation of the story. Carter adds in some new POVs in Legacy of the Heirs too, which creates some interesting perspectives and continues to add to the character development.

One thing I’ve found with a lot of second books is that they just aren’t as good as the first - and this isn’t the case here. In my opinion, The Legacy of the Heirs doesn’t suffer with second book syndrome (in fact, I think it’s just gotten better).

I need to start the third instalment of the series IMMEDIATELY. (and if you haven’t read The Lost Kingdom Saga and are a fan of Fantasy and Romantasy, please add it to your TBR)