Reckoning is coming. The promise for war has been forged and sealed by a simple request. Metztli Amos, as her prize for competing in and winning the Tournament of Heirs, is granted her sacred wish for destruction. War has always been inevitable. For the first time in millennia, the god's reign trembles beneath the weight of a promise made by a mortal princess—driven only by her thirst for vengeance and justice. But fury cannot win this war on its own. To stand against the divine and fulfill her brother's last wish, Metztli Amos must forge alliances in the most unlikely of places and gather strength from those who have long since lost hope. Will she dare to follow a path into forbidden territory, where secrets lie buried beneath tradition and blood? Can she find the strength to ignite a rebellion and awaken a war the gods never thought possible? There is only one thing that remains certain for the victor of The Tournament of Heirs. Sacrifices must be made.
༺═────────────═༻ The Reckoning of Heirs is the second book in The Mexica Chronicles, following the events from book one, The Tournament of Heirs. Follow the heirs of Mexica while they wager the price of war, in this New Adult romantasy, filled with action and a sprinkle of romance too!
Amilea Perez is a Mexican-American author and full-time student based in Utah. When she’s not buried in textbooks or conducting research, she enjoys spending time with her family, binge watching TV shows, rewatching her favorite movies, and most of all, crafting stories that celebrate Mexican main characters and cultural pride.
Growing up, Amilea longed to see her heritage reflected in media and higher education. With the guidance of her parents, she learned that change only happens when we take action. Motivated by this belief, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Biological Chemistry and was named Utah’s Young Humanitarian for her work in improving medical access to underserved communities.
While she takes great pride in her academic and humanitarian accomplishments, Amilea’s heart has always belonged to storytelling. She began writing in 2020 as an outlet for artistic expression, and in 2024, she released her debut novel, The Tournament of Heirs. Through her books, she hopes to continue bringing diverse stories to life and to inspire other Latinx writers to embrace their voices and heritage.
Follow Amilea Perez on social media to stay up to date on her latest projects and upcoming releases.
The Reckoning of Heirs picks up immediately in the chaos that ensues after the tournament. Metztli and Necalli are finding themselves having to form alliances on a risky quest, facing challenges and truths they didn't want to.
I love the world-building surrounding this series, and the mythology/history was more in depth this book compared to the first. I also loved the multiple POV's and especially seeing inside Necalli's head. This one was definitely more character-driven, whereas I thought the first book had more action. I did wish there were more intense scenes or action in this one given the dangerous mission they went on and found it lacking during some parts. Overall, I didn't mind it but definitely prefer The Tournament of Heirs!
I loved this book! The Reckoning of Heirs starts where The Tournament of Heir finished, no time jump, exactly where we left off and I loved that! It pulled me in from the very first page!
I loved both Metztli and Necalli, and their character growth in this book was written amazingly!
One of my absolute favourite things in books is when the side characters feel just as real and important as the main cast, and The Reckoning of Heirs delivers.
The found family was my favourite part about this book, and for me it really felt like each character was written in a way where they don't feel like forgotten characters!
I actually enjoyed this one even more than the first book (which I rated 4 ⭐) although, it does read as a second book in a series (I believe this is book two in a trilogy) I feel it sets up the third book amazingly!
And that ending?! It was incredible, I was left reeling and immediately wishing book three was already in my hands.
If you love:
- Political intrigue, tension & secrets and maybe a secret alliance 🤭 - A strong cast including the main characters and side characters - Beautiful writing + a gripping plot - And an ending that leaves you wanting the next book!
Then you need The Tournament of Heirs & The Reckoning of Heirs on your TBR.
I'd like to thank Amilea for the E-ARC to read and review The Reckoning of Heirs.
I guess I can forgive you for what you did in book one now. 😂🤭
This was a great continuation of the Aztec mythology inspired NA fantasy I picked up last year. The angst is cranked up, the romance is going deeper and plots getting thicker. ⚔️
The book basically picks up exactly where the first one left off. Because of this, I won’t go too much into detail in case some are interested in picking this series up, but I will say the mythology is mused a bit more here, but I’m still left wanting more (but this is a personal preference). I thought the plot was better paced than the first book though the ending kind of charged into you out of no where. I’m also a tad bit lost to the inclusion of a new POV, but I’m trusting the process here since this character looks like they’ve got a bigger role to play soon. 🩸
All in all, a solid build-on to the series and I’m definitely excited to see what the third book has in store! Thank you goes to the author, @amilea.writes , for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review! Can’t wait to see what happens next for this interest group of heirs! ❤️
OOOOH idk if yall see those start/finish dates but I gobbled this up in 24 hrs. That is saying a lot with my easily-distracted fish-brain ass OKAY
I was so happy to see that the story picked up right where we left off, and that it took off at a SPRINT. Book 1 really was setting us up for success yall, this is a phenomenal sequel. I can’t wait for book 3! Though as I’m writing this I’m remembering some certain fuckshit that happened that didn’t get answered (yet, obv) and now I am in desperate need for book 3. Omfg. FUCK. 😭
So, so incredibly good though. Amilea knocked it out of the park here; this is such a beautifully crafted story that I never want to see end. <3
I was honestly so honored to receive an ARC for this book. It was such a fun read and I loved seeing how the dynamics developed between different characters, the plot twists, and how each character developed on their own too. If you've already read TTOH then you'll know what some of the things are that hang over Metztli throughout this book and that she has to grow through, or rather, allow life to grow around. And (SPOILER-ISH) she now has a new thing for life to grow around that she'll have to reckon (ba dum tss) with when she returns, and I'm curious to see how she handles it. I look forward to seeing how these characters develop even further in their relationships with one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Even the smallest sliver of hope could be enough to change everything"
I want to first off thank Amilea for sending an ARC my way. This is the second book in the Mexica Chronicles and it picks up immediately after book one. These books are directly connected - so make sure you read book one before reading any further as this review is absolutely going to have spoilers for book one.
Metzli has lost her brother and the grief that comes with that cannot even be properly lived as she is immediately thrown on trial for her actions and declaration of war against the gods. In Acalan's dying breath he made sure she knew what she needed to do. While awaiting her sentence, Metzli is still wondering why she was chosen and is dealing with a lot of survivors guilt. She knows she needs to step up and lead, but how can she when shes still so broken and doubtful.
Book two is much more fast paced than book one and there is a sense of urgency in getting things moving. Metzli forges an alliance with the remaining heirs and some divine help from someone no one expected. Metzli is tasked with finding a god killer. Something to take the gods out of their position of controlling the houses and end their rule. But the road isn't easy and she has to deal with opposing houses, battle, and more than anything else self-doubt.
The Reckoning of Heirs did an excellent job of fleshing out side characters that stuck around long enough for us to get to know them (that's the problem with deadly tournament books). Our boy Necalli is back and he's down bad, but i absolutely ate it up. I have some theories about the ending that I cant wait to discuss with everyone once this book is out in the world.
Overall, Amilea has absolutely grown as an author and if possible, I loved book two even more than book one because of just how much everything has panned out. And yes, I did cry again because this woman is ruthless, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
The Reckoning of Heirs truly wrecked me in the best way possible!!
I really loved this book and how it was a little different from the first being that we get deeper into the story of the heirs and get to see them in a different light. First and foremost my girl Metztli is truly a warrior in every aspect of the world, more than a princess, more than the prophecy. I admired that she finally started to realize her purpose. The way her and Necalli’s relationship progresses was one of my favorite things about the whole book, aside from getting Citlalic’s point of view throughout. One of the most surprising things was the friendships that the heirs ended up forming during their journey to La Playa de los Muertos. Like Metztli and Xochipilli their friendship really melted my heart because he’s in search of his sister and she lost her only brother but in one another they sorta found that sibling hood bond. I enjoyed getting to know the relationship between Necalli and Yohalli as well. There’s no heirs that follow Metztli that didn’t create a bond with one another and even Zuki which truly highlighted “This wasn’t the end of their journey. It was only the beginning.” THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK THOUGH??? The banter all throughout, I laughed, I cried, I was left in awe with something’s and how they played out and I’m really excited to see where the story goes from here. I said it once and I’ll say it again Amilea Perez has become an automatic read/buy author for me. Her ability to world build, introduce us to all the characters that even though they’re more support/side characters we get their backstory and nothing is left to be questioned. I LOVE THAT!! I am so grateful that I got to read this right after finishing The Tournament of Heirs. Obviously this is a 10/10, five star, automatically recommend to read!!!! Definitely my favorite Fantasy fiction read of the year. 🤎
ARC Review – The Reckoning of Heirs by @amilea.writes
New Adult fantasy with a side of romance! Thank you to Amilea for the opportunity to read book two in The Mexica Chronicles!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 🔥 Mainly fade to black. Not overly descriptive. I'd consider it to be much more steamy🔥 than spicy🌶
The moment I finished The Tournament of Heirs, I was desperate for book two, and The Reckoning of Heirs delivers in every way I hoped and then some.
We pick up exactly where book one left off. So it's important to read them in order. Also, before you continue reading, be warned there are spoilers ahead from book one.
In TROH, we pick up after Metztli has won the tournament, claimed her sacred wish, and in doing so, set the stage for war against the gods. Grief over her brother’s death is still raw, but her promise to fulfill his final wish fuels every step forward. Now she must forge alliances in the most unlikely places, navigate political tension, and hunt for something they never thought could exist: a god k!ller.
While book two moves faster, it’s still layered with political intrigue and character-driven moments. It’s a story about grief, loyalty, rebellion, and hope in the face of impossible odds.
What I Loved: ▪︎ Faster pacing than book one. ▪︎ Metztli’s growth. She’s more than just a princess or part of a prophecy. She’s a warrior, a strategist, and a leader in the making, even when self-doubt threatens to unravel her. ▪︎ Metztli and Necalli's relationship. He's so down bad—my favorite kind of MMC, and I ate it all up! Every tender moment of theirs made me audibly awe. 🌳👀 IYKYK ▪︎ Side characters that shine. Their banter, bonds, and heartbreak had me fully invested. ▪︎ That ending! It’s the perfect setup for book three, and I need it immediately.
This is the second book in the Mexica Chronicles and will contain spoilers of book one.
The story picks up immediately after the ending of The Tournament of Heirs and Metztli's declaration of war against the gods. The gods all flee in a panic as do many of the mortals who were there to witness the victors of the Tournament. Necalli and Metztli are immediately arrested by Metztli's father for treason. They are escorted to the dungeons and separated. A few days go by and they are released to attend the funeral for all of the fallen heirs.
Metztli must navigate her now rocky relationship with her parents and her grief over losing her beloved brother, Acalan. Her grief is so deep and so is the guilt she feels toward his death. Her feelings overwhelm her and she flees from the funeral, unable to face the finality of it. She runs until she can't anymore. While she is gone, she is approached by Eztli, Goddess of Blood. The goddess tells Metztli of a weapon that can kill the gods and help the mortals in the upcoming war. Metztli is going to have to find this weapon first, though, and quickly if she wants to help the mortals.
This was such a fantastic sequel and I am obsessed. Metztli is very deep in the trenches of grief and guilt over Acalan's death in the Tournament. The new love that she is experiencing with Necalli, though, is a thing of beauty. Necalli is wholly devoted to Metztli and his support for her while she deals with her intense and complicated feelings is beautiful. He supports her in every decision and in every way that she needs and I am obsessed with them both. I cannot wait for book three to see what else is in store for them!
Thank you to author Amilea Perez for the gifted ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Reckoning of Heirs picks up right where The Tournament of Heirs left us dangling off that cliff, and honestly it wastes no time dragging us right back into the chaos of Mexica. War is looming, alliances are shaky at best, and every heir has something to lose.
What I loved most in this sequel is how the world cracked open even more. The mythology stepped into the spotlight, and it felt layered, haunting, and honestly just so well done. It gave the whole story extra weight, like every choice was echoing through something much bigger than the heirs themselves.
Also the side characters finally got their moment to shine. Deadly tournament books don’t always give us the luxury of getting attached (since… you know… people drop like flies), but here, the survivors actually had room to breathe, grow, and make me care about them.
And then there’s Necalli. Oh, Necalli. My boy is down so bad this book, and I devoured every second of it. His arc was messy in the best way, and I cannot stop theorizing about where that ending is taking him.
Now, let’s talk about that cliffhanger. Do I hate waiting? Yes. Did I slam my book shut dramatically anyway and scream into the void? Also yes. But honestly, that’s what makes me love sequels like this—when the last page leaves me buzzing for the next installment.
Some pacing dips in the middle slowed me down a touch, but overall this was a strong, engaging continuation that raised the stakes beautifully.
If you loved book one, book two is going to wreck you in the best way.
This was a great continuation of an Aztec mythology inspired NA fantasy. It picks up immediately where book one ended. The author immediately sucks you back into the chaotic aftermath of the tournament. There is great character growth shown through processing grief and the circumstances of a looming war with the Gods. I also thoroughly enjoy that the side characters have depth and equally contribute to the story and development of the plot.
Overall, I really enjoyed the continuation of this story, the mythology, and the expansion of the plot. I actually enjoyed book two more than book one. I truly believe this is a great narrative and I cannot wait to see where the author takes us next.
Lastly, I must comment on the level of improvement from the author. There is likely always going to be improvement from book to book as any author progresses in their writing journey. However, there were quite a few very harsh reviews of book one of the series and I truly believe this author did an outstanding job of taking rude reviews constructively.
So well written and very compelling. It was so full of emotion from grief, love, fear, and courage. My favorite thing about this book is the found family that Metztli found in the group that joined her journey. They each had their own stories and I just loved seeing their bond slowly grow. For a long time, it seemed like Metztli only really had her brother so it was nice to see her form relationships with these other heirs.
I am very intrigued by whatever is going on with her and Yohalli. I’m wondering if there might be a bit of a love triangle on the way 👀
I do think we see Metztli in a different light in this book. She is so much more than the unapologetic warrior that we see in the first book. The struggles and emotions that she goes through in book two really show a more vulnerable side of her strength and I think it makes her more relatable. She’s definitely engraved in my heart after this and I can’t wait to read more of her story!
Huge thank you to Amilea Perez for allowing me to join this ARC team!
As I expected, this book was awesome! The Reckoning of Heirs picks up right where book 1 ends and goes full speed ahead. Metztli is struggling to process her grief while also facing an unimaginable task. Calling on the remaining heirs for their help brings the help from someone she didn’t see coming. Can she risk letting her guard down for a chance at love with so much on the line and danger lurking behind every corner?
Amilea has grown so much as an author and that is saying a ton because her debut book was incredible. Reckoning has an incredible pace, political intrigue, vengeance, human connection, and of course, romance. Her characters are so incredible and I loved getting to learn so much more about them in this book. My heart is still recovering from this story while I impatiently wait for book 3. I cannot wait! An absolute must read.
Thank you so much to Amilea and her team for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
This is Book 2 of The Mexica Chronicles & picks right back up where book 1 ends. The story moves at a pace that allows you to learn more about who the side characters are and see how their relationships change over the course of their journey together. Necalli and Metzli’s bond is tested many times and by the end of this book I was absolutely hooked and devoted to every member of their circle.
The PLOT TWISTS hit me hard and I cannot wait to see what @amilea.writes dishes out to us for Book 3.
I’d recommend if you are looking for:
⚡️War Against Gods 📜Fulfilling a Prophecy 🏹Unexpected Alliances ⚔️A Journey
An excellent second installment to this series! I love that it picked right back up where book 1 left off and how it handled the start of the war. I really appreciated the slow, steady pace that it took in terms of everyone's reactions to our FMC's war declaration instead of diving right into it. And I loved how they The found family dynamics on their quest are so sweet. And the author does a fantastic job of building up intrigue! It took me a while to find the time to read this but while I was reading, I was absolutely HOOKED.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC - all opinions are entirely my own.
Read book 1 first of course but you'll love this if you love: - found family - going on a quest - guardian doggo - MMC who is SO smitten - badass FMC - Mexican representation
A breathtaking sequel that delivers on every front.
The Reckoning of Heirs is everything I hoped for after The Tournament of Heirs and more. Amilea Perez masterfully deepens the stakes, weaving a tale of vengeance, divine rebellion, and impossible choices. Metztli Amos is a force of nature, and watching her challenge the gods themselves is nothing short of exhilarating.
The world-building is lush and immersive, the action is relentless, and the emotional weight hits hard. Perez doesn’t shy away from sacrifice, and it makes every victory feel earned. If you love romantasy with grit, heart, and high-stakes drama, this series is a must-read.
I’m already counting down the days for the next installment. The Mexica Chronicles are officially on my favorites shelf.
It was so fun to be back in this Mexican Aztec world! The writing in this series is still strong and I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises along the way. I was definitely more surprised and things were less predictable than the first. This book follows the Hero's Journey trope heavily and the journey is well-paced.
The ending is a completion of the journey, but still a cliffhanger in the sense that I think this book falls into the sequel trap of bridging the action of books 1 and 3. Can't wait to see what's in store for book 3.
Note: content warnings are at the beginning of this book and are accurate. There's at least one open door scene and there are a few violent/graphic scenes.
Ahora mismo estoy confundida, destrozada, anihiquilada..... no puedo formar un solo pensamiento coherente. Necesito el siguiente libro para ayer.
🏹El romance ha mejorado en cuanto al primer libro, y se está dando pie a algo que me tiene chillando.
🏹Que a Metztli se la sude tanto todo y vaya directa a lo que quiere sin importar nada me encanta. No pierde su humanidad pero sigue tirando de los límites. Es una bicha y la amo, veo totalmente justificado todo lo que hace.
🏹Los personajes secundarios están muy bien formados, con pocas palabras hace que le tomes cariño a cualquier tío.
🏹Quizá me ha faltado un poco más de desarrollo en el found family, pero entiendo que el libro vaya a lo que va
This freaking book. THIS FREAKING BOOK!!!! The Reckoning of Heirs picks up where The Tournament of Heirs ended and I’m so thankful that there wasn’t a huge time jump!
I cannot believe the things that happened in TROH! I honestly was not expecting the twists and turns! I’m in complete shock…. If you need something to get you out of a slump I HIGHLY recommend TROH!
I still have so many questions but I’m so scared to see a certain character’s reaction to something that I can’t talk about…. Book 3 is going to kill me in the best way and I know I’m not prepared! Still cant wait for it to be released though!! If I could give this infinity stars I would!
I don't know what is being putting into this series but it is so damn good and addictive! I thought nothing would be able to top The Tournament of Heirs but Amilea has created yet another 5 star worthy read that surpasses book 1.
This book had me SAT from the very first page. I really enjoyed that the book takes places right after the events in the first book. It's filled with amazing world-building, lots of action, fierce and lovable characters, and all the feels. Amilea has such a great writing style and really brings the story to life.
The Reckoning of Heirs was such an exciting read and after that ending, I can't wait to see what book 3 has in store for us!!
3.5, rounded up for GR. Quick-reading middle book quest fantasy with romantic subplot. While the first volume in this series was definitely Hunger Games-inspired, this one is more of the ragtag group of misfits on a quest journey type of story. Our two main POVs are the winners of the tournament from book one (along with their dog), and we're introduced to a few new characters to accompany them on their epic quest. I like the Mesoamerican setting, which is a welcome change from the standard European fantasy fare. The story did drag a bit in the middle, but the action picked up nicely by the end, setting things up for the next (concluding?) volume in the series.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book, I limited myself to a chapter or three a day so that I could make it last longer. I loved how the book picked up exactly where the last one ended, no awkward skipping of time. I also appreciated that I didn’t anticipate everything that was going to happen in the plot. This book dealt with the mythology more and I thought that it was well thought out. I hate waiting for the next book after a cliffhanger but I sure do love to read them.
I’ve been itching to return to the Mexica Chronicles world after that ending!! This was such an addicting read. I couldn’t put this book down! I devoured it in a day. This second installment has multiple POVs, and it did not disappoint. Metztli has been granted her wish for destruction, and now she must carry the weight of everything that comes along with it. She must form alliances with heirs and with an unlikely person. Along the way, she faces many challenges. I found more than I expected in this book. Family, forgiveness, love, and so much more. I loved seeing Necalli and getting into his head to see how he thinks and handles situations. I also adored seeing Xuki again and learning more about this protective and adorable dog. I also enjoyed how the gods played some roles in this installment. We get tidbits of info and I cannot wait to read more in the next one. I cannot wait to see what happens next because the author leaves you on a major hook! I am sure she is doing her evil laugh right now. The rebellion has started, are you ready for it?
Be warned if you have not read the Tournament of Heirs you will be lost as this book picks up right after the first one. More of a YA book. I did love that the side characters stuck around and weren’t killed off as many books do in sequels. I do hate that I have to wait for book 3 now lol. My one complaint is some of the terminology does seem a bit modern for the time frame of this fantasy. But, overall a good quick read
This was the continuation that we needed! Blended beautifully with the found-family trope! The romance unfolded in a deeper.
The character development! I’m glad we got to see more of Metztil! Of course the romance with Necalli 🩵 the attachment to the characters grew more with this book! At least for me!
This was a solid progression in the story! I felt as if all of the characters got a good amount of spotlight, not one was forgotten and the story paced perfectly!
Metztli is still such a badass in book two! 🖤 The emotions and grief hit hard, and I felt it all the way through. The pacing was perfect, kept me hooked and on my toes from start to finish.
I love watching Metztli and Necalli’s relationship grow alongside the action, it adds so much heart to the story. A couple parts had me literally gasping out loud!! I can’t wait to get more of this story!! Thank you Amilea for this ARC 💫
“A woman scorned was a force the world had never learned to contain.”
🗡️ I love the Aztec mythology and culture in this series! I really enjoyed the expansion into the gods and their power, learning more about Metzli’s destiny, and the introduction of new characters.
🛕 I do wish this book had been more action/plot driven. It seemed like a lot of lead-up to what will eventually be book 3. Don’t get me wrong, I am invested in the story and excited to see where Metzli’s journey goes! I just wish book 2 had more action and showing instead of just telling.
⚡️ And how can I write a review of this book without mentioning XUKI?!?! I love that little dog and his loyal heart. 🥹 Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to book 3 to learn the conclusion to Metzli’s saga!
***Special thanks to the author for the gifted PR package and ARC!***
Absolutely devoured this book. I will be impatiently waiting for the next in the series ! Thank you for sharing this story and please continue because I NEED to know what comes next !