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Severyn Blanche survived the Serpent Academy, but what waits beyond those walls might be worse.

Now exiled to Malvoria—a guard institute built to break the strongest wielders, Severyn must keep her power buried. Magic is stripped from the body. Loyalty is earned in pain. And trust? That gets you killed.

If anyone discovers the truth, she won’t just lose her power. She’ll lose everything.

But the power inside of her is only part of the problem. Her homeland is on the brink of collapse. Her family’s past is built on lies. And the one person she’s forbidden to love, may be the only thing holding her together as everything else begins to fall apart.

When she’s sent on a mission that could cost her everything, Severyn must choose what to protect: the title she never wanted, the love she cannot have, or the future of a realm already starting to burn.

Malvoria doesn’t want survivors. It wants silence.

And Severyn may be the one weapon it should have destroyed.

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2025

105 people are currently reading
438 people want to read

About the author

Kelsey Forster

4 books58 followers
Hi! My names Kelsey and I am the author of Burning Heir and Soul Splinter! Thanks for the follow!

Growing up I was the girl with the books, and it's always been a dream to write one! I love all things fantasy and romance!

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5 stars
87 (32%)
4 stars
101 (38%)
3 stars
63 (23%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mollie VanCamp.
80 reviews
July 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book. It was such a happy surprise in my inbox.

Don’t sleep on this series. It is so underrated. Severyn and Archer are 🔥😍

251 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2025
4⭐️
3 🌶️

Thank you to the author for an e-arc copy of this second installment!

I enjoyed book 1’s plot and characters and have been eagerly anticipating book 2 of the series!

I did feel book 2 had a similar problem that book 1 had for me, which it took a few chapters for the writing style and plot to get more clear and focused. I felt lost at times before kind of figuring out my way.

Book 2 begins where book 1 left us off and takes the reader on quite the rollercoaster ride! There are so many twists and turns to the characters and story, you never know what’s going to hit you next! It kept you on your toes! Family and bloodlines are crucial in this world and that becomes super prevalent even more in this book. Pretty soon, you’re just trying to keep up with the various families.

We also do get a bit more description and detail into the serpent and heir situation and how it all works and the meaning behind various things, such as how quells develop, why Severyn being Archer’s air is viewed badly, and how it can affect powers and bonds. It’s definitely a lot to keep up with and probably would require a reread from me to fully catch and grasp everything.

The spice 🌶️ is kicked up in this book (yay!). Archer and Severyn’s relationship is a very complicated and interesting one that is for sure. We get a lot more background into their connection we didn’t hear about in book 1 but there are still a LOT of questions that need to be answered between them. At one point, they’re both keeping secrets from one another that not only affect them but everyone around them.

The only reason I don’t have this as a 5 star is because I got a little lost at times. It seems we kind of jump from one plot point to the next or it can be hard to understand character’s motivations behind actions (or lack of) at times. Overall, I get the general driving plot but I feel sometimes we take too many twists and turns to get there as a reader, that I just get a bit lost.

I still can’t wait for book 3 (plus a prequel following Severyn’s mother’s years at the academy, which may help a ton with the plot of the main series)! I’m thankful again to the author for an arc of this. I really do like Severyn and her growth and development over the books so far and hope to see not only more of that, but even more from her and Archer, because there dynamic is an interesting one for me.
Profile Image for Skylar Hagerman.
139 reviews
July 29, 2025
BUY IT.

Have you ever finished a book and just sat there, blankly staring at a wall like you're trying to process a lifetime’s worth of emotions? That was me after reading this book—but in the best possible way. It’s a wild ride that hits you with so many feels, you’ll need a few breaks to catch your breath (and maybe calm your anxiety a bit).

But honestly, what’s the point of reading a book if it doesn’t make you feel something? And this book? It gave me the full emotional buffet. I laughed, I raged, I teared up, I sighed in frustration, and I came dangerously close to throwing my Kindle across the room in frustration. It was one of those stories that digs under your skin and doesn’t let go.

Let me tell you, the true title of this series should be Secrets and Lies—because that's basically all it is. So many secrets. So many lies. But not in a predictable, ho-hum way. No, these twists and turns kept me reading at breakneck speed, devouring every page, desperate to know what would happen next.

Severyn, our main character, has finally found her spark again (see what I did there?). And the truly awful characters? Oh, they’re so easy to spot. Then there’s Archer, who despite making some deeply flawed decisions, still manages to capture your heart. His intentions, though sometimes misguided, shine through, making you almost forgive him for putting us all through the emotional wringer.

But guess what? It’s not over. There’s a third book on the way. So buckle up and maybe stock up on Xanax, because the ride isn’t over yet.
60 reviews
July 5, 2025
WHOA. What. A. Ride.

This book was sooooo good! The plot thickened and twisted and turned and all of the other verbs.

Book 2 picked up right where we left off in book 1 and took off from there. It was so hard to put this book down, but I did need to sleep at some point.

Severyn is such a badass. Her growth in book 2 was beautiful, even though at times she came off as extremely naive still. She literally went from “omg NO ONE can know my secret” to spilling said secret with like five people in the next few pages. She was up and down for me in this book, but I still really enjoyed her because she is just so sassy and has no filter even when facing hell.

Archer…ugh. Brother…just why. It’s like he was TRYING to make us hate him and get the ick. His motive was always Severyn but the consequences just made little to no sense. He seemed just so weak in the book and I wasn’t the biggest fan of that. We go from this mysterious, badass, powerful ruler to this man who is making VERY questionable decisions because he’s “protecting” Severyn. I just wanted to throttle him at times.

I won’t give spoilers, but iykyk I was SO mad about it. Didn’t trust them then, still don’t know. Comes off as SUPER selfish and entitled.

The TWISTS in this book were twisting! This book kept you on the edge of your seat page after page. And I’m really interested to see where we’re taken in book 3!
Profile Image for Rachelle Threadgate.
23 reviews
August 3, 2025
5 ⭐️
I devoured this book in under 24 hours because it was so good!! I needed a good series to read to cure my reading slump, Burning Heir & Severed Heir did just that. I thoroughly had a fantastic time reading this series Severyn and Archer as top tier … I can’t wait for the next books because I know how good they’ll be … I can’t wait to see what happens.

If you want a good series to read go and read The Serpent Heir Series it is 🔥

“Find Severyn,” Klaus whispered. “Protect her. And tell her… tell her I forgive you—for loving her. And she’ll forgive you… for hurting her.”

- I’m sorry what! I knew he could see the Future but…. My heart and Archer has to wait years to talk to her… his a lot stronger than I would be that’s for damn site
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Khadija Salman.
160 reviews
July 23, 2025
This was so so so so so so SO much better than the first book. The pacing felt adequate, the story loosely made sense, the characters were way more tolerable. It definitely felt like the sequel was edited significantly more than the first. I'm still not a fan of the writing style - it's messy. The dialogue is largely modern but the setting and society isn't? The magic system makes more sense at times but is still overall confusing, since the first book did a mediocre job of setting up the story and explaining it. Its very hunger games/quarter quell-ish - which i don't mind.
Profile Image for My_Books_In_Nooks.
290 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2025
ARC Review of ‘Severed Heir’ by Kelsey Forster.
The second book in this saga.
We continue where we left off in book 1.
Severyn finds out more about her past, twists and turns follow suit. Dramatic bomb shells that make you smh and have whuuttt moments, and want to kick some characters.
I really hoped Severyn would finally grow that backbone I was looking for, but one step forward and two steps back it seems. She still gets herself into situations where I was like seriously?! How could you not think of that?!
Tbh one of the reasons I give a 4⭐️ is due to this. I guess I am looking for a growing, strong FMC.
Asher, is not as strong as he pretends to be.
Revelations made me realize why he is the way he is with Severyn. But still, as a Serpent I expected more.
Their 🌶️ is leveled up a notch in regards of more scenes, but Asher has the same routine, would have loved to see some scenes with shadows, like a second pair of hands maybe? 🫣
The side characters balance everything out nicely, even the villains.

As for storyline, so much is going on, and you really have to keep a focused read, cause you might miss important revelations. World building is still beautifully done.
The scene of Kian and the Forgotten, didn’t feel finished.
What was his reason? I would have loved to see that worked out more on the how and why.
I didn’t notice many of their animals in this book tho. Maybe in book 3 again?

I hope that book 3 will bring closure to some open endings, more exciting diverse 🌶️🫣
That Severyn becomes the bad#ss woman she deserves to be, Archer too for that matter.
Looking forward to the conclusion of Severyn and Asher’s story.
A 4/5⭐️
#arc #arcreview #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecs #booktok #bookgram #book #books #booklover #fantasy #romantasy #fyp #severedheir #kelseyforster @Kelsey Forster 📚🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leah Desjardins.
394 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2026
I need that next book to be released ASAP. We need answers!!

This has everything I love in a book:
- shadow daddy (ummm Archer is top tier)
- academy setting
- enemies to lovers (sort of)
- dragons
- great banter
- solid friendships

This mixes all of that together flawlessly and has a great plot. I still have no idea what people’s intentions actually are? You question basically everyone as new information constantly comes to light.

The only way that this would be better is if we had multiple POVs more frequently, but this is likely done the way it is so that we don’t see the twists and turns coming.

Archer is giving Xaden vibes and I’m so here for it, it’s not even funny. The more accurate description would be if Xaden had golden retriever vibes but still has that strong touch her and 💀vibes. The amount of stuff he has given up out of love for our FMC is actually wild and we learn more and more about him as the events unfold. He is the perfect mix of bad boy and good guy - he isn’t boring but he still mostly treats her well and looks out for her all the time.

The FMC is well written. She has been kept in the dark about so many things and as more and more facts come to light she takes everything in stride. She has been through a lot in these two books but has only gotten physically, magically and emotionally stronger. I’m interested to see how things unfold for her in the coming books.

Damien is just giving the strongest fboy vibes, red flag bouquets and not in a good way. He’s basically the equivalent of if you mixed Dain Aetos from fourth wing in books 1 & 2 and Henry from spark of the everflame together. Yes, he is that insufferable. He lies so much he may as well be a freaking rug.

4.25⭐️
2🌶️
Profile Image for Meagan.
79 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2025
4.5/5

I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC after loving the first book.

I love that book two picked up right where book one left off, but it would be great if authors could put a character list in the books. A few months in between the books, and I struggled a bit remembered who everyone was.

This is turning out to be a great series. It's super easy to read, and I find myself being sucked right now the story. Archer is 😍😍, the world is amazing, and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series takes us. Hopefully, she doesnt make us wait too long to release the next book. 🤞🏻
Profile Image for Marya hubbard.
2 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2025
This book actually was very annoying. I almost didn’t finish it, but I had gotten so far in I couldn’t give up…..I read the entire book thinking this will be the chapter Sev stops being the “I’m not worthy” weak character. But she never did. Like she could be such a bad ass character and she constantly just felt whiny to me. I hope if there is a new book the author finally makes her the MFC she’s meant to be and doesn’t make us read an entire book to see that. Also can we break the stupid bond with Damien already!!! We don’t need him and we don’t like him.
Profile Image for lindsay.
22 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2025
again… all over the place. there was so much going on here that i couldn’t keep track. so many loose ends that weren’t tied up by the end of the book. i see what the author was trying to do but there was so many twists and turns that it just felt messy and confusing. the idea of the book is cool and it would be nice to see it done justice. there’s too much going on for two 400-500 page books to the point where i felt like i was almost reading a different book every chapter. idk it was obviously okay enough for me to finish it but i am disappointed
1 review
July 8, 2025
I was so excited to receive the ARC for this book. These characters have been living rent free in my head since I finished the first book. The world Kelsey Forster has created is wonderful.

Everytime I thought I knew what was coming another twist, I could not put this book down. My only complaint is there are so many questions left unanswered. I cannot wait for the next book so I can find out where all these twist will lead.
34 reviews
July 11, 2025
This is a 6⭐️ book for me.
The storyline was perfect. The love and heartache from the characters were on point.
I absolutely LOVED all the twists thrown in and how they took the book in a whole new direction to what I had thought would happen.

It’s difficult to write this without spoilers but my jaw in on the floor.

Thank you for allowing me to have this ARC copy. I can not wait for book 3 to be released!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
1 review
July 12, 2025
I've been very lucky that I got this book as an ARC reader. I loved this book even more, then the first one.

The characters have more depth, storyline and actions explained. There're some typos in the book, but overall I've loved that I could get lost in the world of Severyn.

The mysteries and little clues that'll make you want to devour this book. I've loved, hated and grieved while reading this book.

I can't wait for the next book in this series 🤍
2 reviews
July 20, 2025
I had the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book and holy crap, this book did not disappoint. The first book was a ride, with all the twists and turns but I felt like it did cause some confusion, I felt it jumped around and brushed over major events/details. This book flowed well and continued to build on the main characters and I was blown away. I really enjoyed the first one but I loved this one. HIGHLY recommend!
18 reviews
July 30, 2025
I love this series and can’t wait for the next book! It’s fast paced, with plot twists I never saw coming! I swear every chapter had me gasping with a new twist. I hate reviews that give spoilers and ruin books so all I’m going to say is I can’t wait for where the story is going to take us. I love Severyn and Archer and I can’t wait for their HEA! I’m also excited to see how everyone else ends up at the end.
Profile Image for Jess.
59 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2025
"You were never part of the plan, Blanche.
But if I could rewrite the stars, I'd burn the whole sky just to make sure you were."

I absolutely adore this series!! I love the world, the characters and most importantly: literally every chapter is full of twists and turns and you just never know what’s coming. I could not put this book down, because it had me in an absolute chokehold full of emotions that went from laughing to crying.

This series could absolutely be 5 stars if there was just a little bit more world building and detail. Sometimes it‘s hard to follow as one plot jumps to the next one without proper explanation, which is kind of confusing at times.

I will forever have a soft spot for Archer and Severyn is just a badass, even though she still has some character development to go through. And I LOVE the dragons, so what‘s new.

Can‘t wait for book 3!!!!

Some more quotes (can contain spoilers):
- „I'll burn kingdoms if I have to. But I won't risk your life on a battle I can't win. Not yet."
- "Love," he said softly, "is perhaps our greatest weakness. and our most dangerous weapon."
- Love wasn't pain. It was yearning, and giving everything you had without knowing if it would ever be enough.
- I pulled him toward me and kissed him— hard, desperate, like I was falling apart and he was the only thing keeping me together. A breath. A fire. A plea pressed against his mouth, begging him to take what was never truly mine.
- Still, I hoped tonight was the beginning of her unraveling. Because if I was the villain in her story, at least I'd be written into every page. I'd be the shadow at her back, the fire in her blood, the name she could never quite forget.
Profile Image for Catalina.
226 reviews
January 3, 2026
3 stars

Honestly, I’m not sure if I want to keep reading this series. Like I said about the first book, this one is all over the place. I don’t really understand the plot because there are too many elements, and it’s hard to keep track of and understand them all.

I also don’t understand why Severyn was exiled to Malvoria when she only stayed there for a week. What was the point of that?

Anyway, when book 3 comes out and if I notice it, I’ll decide then whether I want to read it or not.
Profile Image for Tessa King.
1 review2 followers
July 13, 2025
I had the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book and Kelsey did not disappoint. While I found the first book caused some confusion as a reader jumping around a little and brushing over major events/details; Severed Heir flows nicely and continues to build on the main characters. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for the next book to find out how Severyn’s story ends.
Profile Image for KRYSTEL & ELIZABETH TRAN.
20 reviews
July 20, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an arc for the second book, it’s a new series that is refreshing to read after a slump, book 2 finally gave me answers after that crazy cliffhanger of ending in book 1.

Like all series, you start to piece together things and get closer to the main characters which you’ll love.

I highly suggest starting before Severed Heir releases! ❤️
1 review
July 28, 2025
I love this series, can’t wait for the third book. I’m obsessed with Archer and Sev. Cannot get enough of them! The spice is spicier in this book 🌶️.

I do have to say I got lost at some parts and had to reread, so make sure you pay attention to the details.
I do get why it’s called Severed Heir after reading it.
I hope we get all the answers we need in the third book.
Profile Image for Gracie Rogers.
12 reviews
July 2, 2025
So in love! Absolutely devoured this book, could not put it down. I feel like I still don’t know who we can trust and I just pray Archer is not betraying her. This is a book that I will be obsessing over for a while!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4 reviews
July 7, 2025
So thankful to get an ARC for Severed Heir. Absolutely loved the 2nd book in this series. I was enamored with the first and the second was just as amazing. I can't wait to read the third book with Sevryn's journey.
Profile Image for Taylah Thompson.
23 reviews
October 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book loved the mmc so feeling a little disheartened that I dnf’d the second book. Nothing was happening and I honestly just had no idea what was going on. Ended up skimming through the chapters hoping it would pick up but gave up in the end and dnf’d it.
1 review
June 30, 2025
Love love love! Kindly was sent by the author to be an arc reader and i fell inlove with the characters all over again!
13 reviews
July 27, 2025
Love this book. Book 2 continues to follow Severyn and her challenges. I can’t wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Jackie Decker.
32 reviews
November 5, 2025
Solid read, was happy to see Severyn start to grow up a little from book 1. Lots of twists and turns, I need to know what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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