Heir of Prophecy: A new romantasy from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lore of the Wilds

by Analeigh Sbrana

The first thrilling novel in a new adult romantasy duology following a young woman who finds herself the Chosen One to two conflicting prophecies—from the author of Lore of the Wilds.

Magic has always been something at the periphery of Audra’s life. As a human, she knows that magic exists, but it is something that is beyond the mist. Until one day the mist comes to shore, bringing with it the all too real Fae and upending Audra’s life entirely.

She is kidnapped from her home and taken to a school to be trained as a soldier by the Priestesses, Fae beings who are an ominous presence with a cult-like mentality. Audra must band together with a group of other prisoners to survive their new world filled with guilds, magic, and danger. The Priestesses are searching for the mythical Heir of Prophecy who will save them from an eternal winter. They know the Heir is among the student prisoners at the school and are getting more and more desperate to flush out him or her.

What Audra needs to know is what exactly it means to be the Heir... because she’s pretty sure it’s her. Her magic is wonky in exactly the way it was foretold. As she tries to hide her true nature, something strange keeps happening. A vision, a very hot and very underwordly vision comes to her. And what he has to say will put her life in even more danger and force her to make a decision that puts the fate of the entire world at risk.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Adult, Dark Academia, Fantasy Romance, Magic

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 30, 2026

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot]

Chosen one trope? Say less.

[Analeigh Sbrana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so unbelievably lucky to have been given the opportunity to tell Audra and Zhaire’s story. Thank you for joining me on their journey.

[angie]

seated like never before

[michelle ✧]

i need this NOW

[Lilyin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I’m incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it early. Thank you to Analeigh Sbrana, NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

I initially had a hard time getting into the story and staying immersed, but once I got into it? I had a great time. Analeigh, the woman that you AREEE! The 3 tiered world, high stakes dark academia setting, lore, and the magic system are written SO well. Analeigh did what needed to be done 😭. The politics and the cultish indoctrination aspects of the priestesses and fae beliefs is intense, heavy, and truly unhinged in the best way. When I tell you my skin was CRAWLINGGGG? One of my favorite things was seeing how both the students and acolytes adapted differently, whether it was good or bad.

I adore just how human Audra is, and how complex and multifaceted her emotions and motivations are. She’s gritty, headstrong, determined as hell, but still battling self doubt and navigating being comfortable doing things for herself whilst worrying for her family and tryna figure out what is what. Like she really do be staying running and gunning; I felt that reaaall heavy. AND my girl stays with some fresh braids? Love her downnnnnn!

This is another one where I feel like talking too much about the MMC from what we HAVE seen will give away too much, so I may come back and edit this later once the book is officially out. I will say I love and need Zhaire REAL BAD I fear. We love a charismatic demon that’s all about consent and will surely talk you out ya drawls 🫣🤪
His character is complex, heavy, and chaotic in its own ways and I love every second of it.

The side characters were integrated in a way that made me feel as if we should’ve gotten just a liiiil bit more background on and time with them, so I hope to see more of that in the next installment. I’m incredibly obsessed with Wilder and I NEED her, do you hear me?! I’m also thinking that we did not get enough time in Zhaire’s perspective. We learned a lot about Audra but not enough about Zhaire, so the way their relationship has progressed to the spot we’re at now falls a little short for me. Having said that though I do enjoy the way they’ve been interacting. The banter, the slow burn, and the tension is DOIIIINGGG ITTTTT and I’m certain ima get exactly what I’m seeking in the next book.

Now THE ENDING? I was screaming for the entirety of the last 5 chapters. The way Audra did what she did gave me so much catharsis, you don’t understand. Then it ended just when we got to what I am itching to see?! Ferally screeching into the ether. I’m invested and I need the next installment STAT chile! Heir of Prophecy is a true dark academia with a proper world so if that’s your thing please gon’ head and put it in your want to read list NEOWWWW.

[Izzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

harry potter but make it more fantasy

to summarize this entire review: i liked it. it was decent. read it if you have time.

PLOT:
It was predictable as hell but the execution of it was good enough to make up for it. Think of it as a simple puzzle., just interesting enough to hold your attention even though it's pretty obvious where everything goes. You can't go into this book expecting some groundbreaking shit: You WILL get something you've read over and over and over again but it still hasn't gotten old yet. One thing I will say about it is that the insta-love is kind of terrible in this book. I think they had maybe seven interactions in total? Maybe less? But hey! If it works it works amiright (more on this later!)? Okay but the love is actually kind of important, so I really do wish the author really focused on expanding it a bit more. The romance didn't really need to be that necessary, but ig it's fine??
Also they never talked about the trauma. that lwk pissed me off, like wdym you get kidnapped and you just go "oh yeah lets just completely ignore whats been told to us for the past twenty years and do everything thats thrown at us!!!". nobody tried to escape???

CHARACTERS:
AUDRA: I really liked Audra. (i feel like i keep saying "like") She is, for ONCE in a long time, NOT A WARRIOR. No, she's SMART! It's so refreshing to have a character make decently relatable decisions even though... yeah in reality im not going to be surviving that swim but it is CLOSE ENOUGH after the shit that usually happens in these books. She is NOT that girl that somehow learns to fight in like three months, no, she's the girl that learns to use her damn brain.
ZHAIRE: He doesn't even do anything. No personality, kind of boring. His uses began and ended at plot device/suppose to be a hot shadow daddy/makes flirty comments that fall horribly flat. I think this book could've ended the exact same way if Audra was talking to Mort the talking door knocker if Mort could get better at explaining. Again, romance not that necessary!
FOUND FAMILY: Like most found families, it's kind of just thrown at you. I understand that bonding through trauma might bring about a found family, but I don't see how she would just find a friend group and never leave. And they... just showed up (im looking at u lottie). Very convenient, needs more explaining and expanding (wow i sound like my high school english teacher).

So yeah! I might read the next book if I can somehow get my hands on it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a honest and unbiased review

[TendaiisNarrative · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐ I can struggle sometimes with dark academia, I don't always have the patience to read about their day-to-day and class materials, no matter how interested I am in them, but Heir of Prophecy was able to pull me right back from the edge and grip me to the end of the book. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the eARC for an honest review. I also received the manuscript from the publisher, as this book was read in consideration for the Satisfiction Book Box.

I love Audra as a main character! I've been reading a lot of books recently where the FMC is very easily manipulated, and it was starting to grate on my nerves, so this was like a breath of fresh air. Audra is incredibly strong-willed, a very critical thinker, and determined to succeed, but she is also a victim of her own insecurities and self-doubt, which makes it easy to connect with her.

"If Audra possessed enough courage to follow her dreams, she would have been a murderer by now.

I loved the world-building, the plot, and the atmosphere created. My only real qualm is that the connection between Audra and Zhaire at the end of the book felt a bit unearned. We didn't get as many scenes of them interacting throughout the book as I had expected, and their meetings in the second half of the book were quick and often with true relationship-building moments. The connection and chemistry didn't feel forced, and it's not like it's not believable, but the depth of it felt a but ubrupt.

I can't wait to see her learning to master her powers in the next book and find out what became of her friends after the fiasco at the end of this one, and I'm looking forward to seeing the relationship between Audra and Zhaire develop.

[Dom’s Lit Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the magical academy vibes of Harry Potter, stories filled with fae, humans, and demons, and a heroine who rises to the challenge instead of falling, and a yearning demon prince — have a seat bestie and let me tell you all about Heir of Prophecy.

Audra, our FMC, is human. Or so she thinks she is. One day, the fae kidnap her and take her to Holyvere Academy, where she’s forced to train while they determine if she’s the prophesied heir destined to restore the fae realm’s magic and end the endless winter. As she navigates classes, trials, and new friendships, Audra begins to question the prophecy and the truth about the world around her.

Audra is a very much a strong and fierce FMC. Where others would typically “go with the flow”, she refuses to blindly accept her fate. Instead, she chooses to question everything and fight for the truth. Her growth feels relatable, and realistic.

The story balances both the concept of an impending war and environmental collapse. It also tackles Audra’s personal fight for control, in her magic, in herself, and in her destiny. There’s also a slow-burn connection with a certain demon prince that is sure to make you giggle into the pages of your book.

If any of this appeals to you, please add it to your TBR! With vivid world-building and a passionate and powerful leading lady, Heir of Prophecy is wonderful start for why is sure to be an amazing series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for an advanced reader copy of Heir of Prophecy (publishing August 25, 2026).

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has some promise but I wouldn't say it completely won me over. I appreciated having the three worlds (human/fae/demon) and the political corruption. It makes you question everyone's intentions or motives. Which can make for a compelling read.

I liked that Audra was tough and could hold her own. That ending was something else when you get to see how tough she really is.

Here are some things that I am not sure about...

-Pacing, this story seemed to drag in a few spots and we don't get nearly enough time with the MMC. Because of that, I didn't feel like we really got to feel the tension between Audra and Zhaire. I also felt like the beginning dragged on when clearly the bulk of the story takes place at the school. It could be that we needed all the setup to build the story for what is still to come but for this book it just felt unnecessary.

- Character development - The character development seemed inconsistent. People show up but we don't get to go too deep on anyone. There are people who you think are going to play a more interesting role in the story but they end up sort of fading into the background. I think this was also hard to understand given the pacing and that it felt like we spent a lot of time going nowhere.

I feel like there are some great pieces here that could benefit from a little more revision. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Just D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Sat Down and Didn’t Get Back Up
Do you have an author you read no questions asked? That’s Analeigh Sbrana for me. She says she has a new one coming and I’m showing up. I don’t need convincing. I’m already in. I picked this up thinking I’d read a few chapters, finish ina couple of day and ended up finishing it in one sitting. It takes its time building the world. The magic has structure. There are rules, power dynamics, and real consequences.
The academy setting worked. It doesn’t feel cozy or romanticized. It feels tense. The Priestesses hold real control, and the students aren’t just learning spells. They’re navigating pressure, fear, expectation, and politics. There’s a sense that everyone is being measured for something bigger, and that adds weight to every decision Audra makes.
The political layer underneath the prophecy adds depth too. It’s not just about destiny. It’s about who benefits from it, who controls it, and who gets sacrificed for it. That kept me invested beyond the romance.
The romantic tension builds slowly, which I prefer. It supports the story instead of taking over. The light steam was just right.
The last few chapters sealed it for me. I closed the book still thinking about where this is headed. The groundwork feels solid, and now I want to see how it all pays off.

[Brittni Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is what I mean when I say I want world building. This world was so beautifully mapped out and developed I couldn't be anywhere else but exactly where I was supposed to be and doing exactly what the FMC was doing. This is a true academy setting where we have a literal spelled watch that makes us go to classes. This gives off the same vibes of the series in which we dont speak of anymore but in a more grown up way with the lessons, trials, and friendships. The FMC Audra is also hella unintentionally funny. The way she thinks so matter of factly kept sending me into the aether. I'm really trying not to give spoilers but she is a no nonsense queen and I love her so much. Life is full of lemons for her but boy does she make lemonade! I adore her spirit and work ethic and her drive for truth over flowery words. Now our MMC. First off his scent, DROOOOOLLLL. Do you know how sick I am of hearing the same scent indicators over and over? So Zhaire's spiced pear, amber, and fresh woodsy scent, chefs kiss, its the exact notes I look for in a cologne. I'm absolutely obsessed with them as a couple and I'm going to pass away from the wait of seeing these two spend more time together. This slow burn is burning for sure.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc

[Erin Angradi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so lucky to be able to receive an advanced copy. Huge thank you for allowing me to take a walk through this world over the last few days!

I really wanted to take my time reading this book because the world building and character development is so immersive you almost feel like you’re physically there experiencing the story alongside the characters. The level of detail in her storytelling are truly a joy to read.

I started to really love the storyline past the halfway point (mostly because the first several chapters of the book were a totally different book and I don’t really understand why there was THAT much detail needed) but I anticipate the need to include that level of detail will come to light in the next book so I’m stoked to see where the story goes.

There were a lot of unique elements to this book I haven’t seen in other fantasy romance books and I’m stoked to see more about how the magic system continues to develop. I also loved the representation of these characters - I love, love seeing POC in fantasy books and especially be such strong and kickass characters for other fantasy readers to admire.

[Nikita Francois · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Where do I even begin! What a delightful journey into both the Khaveah and Veridian realms. Analeigh Sbrana has created an interesting world of humans and faes, along with an easy to follow magic system. The concept of different seasons, and their duration was incredibly fascinating.

Our FMC Audra is strong and fierce, but also possesses a beautiful sense of love and loyalty to her friends and family. The yearning and tension brewing between her and Zhaire was a treat to read as it unfolded. Holyvere Academy provided the perfect backdrop for both Audra’s training and the inevitable conflicts that took place on the grounds. We are treated to a wonderful mix of supporting characters that both support and challenge Audra in her journey of stepping fully into her destiny.

Now comes the painstaking duty of waiting to see what happens next in the Veiled Realm. Congratulations to Analeigh Sbrana on her third novel. I truly cannot wait to see the expansion of the saga!

At just under 500 pages, this took me 6 hours to read at a moderately fast pace. This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Avon Books. All thoughts are my own and I received no compensation for sharing them.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

Analeigh did an amazing job building this world! You got Harry Potter vibes but make it with Fae, Demons, Humans and Magic. She gave us not just one prophecy but 2! This book had everything, you got a hidden identity, prophecies, Guilds, and Guild trials at Holyvere Academy. I read this book only knowing some information but this back came packed! So packed that the weight of everything falls on Audra.

I love the how Audra is headstrong and thinks before she acts stupidly. She's a FMC that isn't weak and just listens to what she is told. She dissects it and thinks for herself. Especially when she is given the prophecies she takes her time to decide since the weight of the decision is on her.

Zhaire, I enjoy his character as well but there wasn't too much. This is a slow burn so I bet we would get more in the next book . But just from this book, he is morally grey trained to kill not like his brother. He craves the bloodshed and violence. I want more of him!!

Will definitely read the next book in the series!

[Arica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to receive an advance copy of Heir of Prophecy. I found this book through the author’s promotion on threads.

I went into it without any expectations and I was immediately impressed with the world building and the political aspects early on. I appreciated the pace of the story and could really picture myself wherever Audra was along the way. The overall story and the way the prophecy ties into the political conflict in this world kept me engaged and wanting more.

Where I felt this book was lacking was in the relationships. The side character relationships were very surface level, and I didn’t really feel a connection with them. I liked the multi POV, but the chemistry between Audra and Zhaire was not developed throughout the story at all. It was mistrust, avoidance, denial and then very rushed towards the end.

All in all I enjoyed this story, I’m looking forward to reading it again when editing is complete, and I’m definitely excited to see what happens in book 2!

[Alex Drzewiecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

I thought this was decent. The setting, I think, was my favorite part. As was the MC, but in the first half of the book. She seemed like a completely different person by the second half. Which was a bummer, because she was truly a fun character to follow in the beginning.

I also liked the introduction to the side characters, but felt they were very under utilized after the initial introductions. Which kind of sucked, as I think fleshing them out more would have brought more life and intrigue to the story as a whole. Especially since I felt zero chemistry between the MC and love interest. They seemed to have gone zero to 100 in the blink of an eye with no proper build up. So having relationships built with those side characters would have really helped with connecting more to the story and the MC.

But again, the setting was awesome. I was also solidly invested plotwise for the most part. I'm just a very charavter based reader.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

I liked this book, but I didn't love it.
What I liked:
*headstrong FMC - Audra doesn't follow blindly. She questions, she delves, she accepts nothing at face value. She's a force to reckon with. I appreciate strong FMCs and I appreciate Audra.
*vivid world building, show not tell. The author is incredible in immersing the reader in the world around the characters. I was able to picture actions and places.

What didn't work for me:
*even though the characters are in their 20s, their behavior was more believable as if they were in their late teens.
*Cersha was, I felt, a constant side character. I thought she was glossed over by the main group toward the end at a major point.

I'm debating on doing a re-read, but I'll likely wait until the book is officially released. Am I going to read the series. Yes.

[Jess Kellick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute “Wow” book for me.
Anytime I see anything written by Analeigh, I immediately read it.
Heir of Prophecy was so immersive, the world building was thorough and I felt as though I was “in the thick of it” right along side the FMC “Audra”. The magic system was interesting, and honestly refreshing to read as is was different from typical “Fae” magic systems I’ve read in the past.
The hint of “spice” felt organically written into the plot vs just being thrown in for the sake of adding intimacy between the main characters.
Also, huge YES on the MMC Khaire- a sprinkle of yearning AND actually wants her consent instead of forcing her to go along with what he wants? Chefs kiss.

All in all, I look forward to this book being published so I can share it with anyone and everyone I know that reads.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me sat from the start! I started it and I swear I only blinked once and I was a third of the way through it - it was so difficult to put down. There are so many incredible elements woven together here, and the suspense throughout kept my heart rate up. It really felt like no one was safe and that added so many layers to the book and made it that much more enjoyable.
The details were so easy to envision, and the world setting was especially something I enjoyed.
And friends, we WORK for the slowburn in this 😍 It is so exquisitely done. One of the best I've read in a long time! I loved the dynamic between our leads 🙌 a demon prince?! Yes please!

I desperately need book two, and will absolutely be thinking about this book until we get it! 🤩
Heir of Prophecy will be out August 25th ❤️

Thank you so much Harper Voyager for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.

[Kelly E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow – what a fantastic read! Thanks so much to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
Audra is our FMC, who’s independent, strong, and very sharp. I loved her character, I loved the dark academia setting, and I loved the magic system. Audra’s power in claiming her magic was delightfully and perfectly written
I enjoyed the tension between Zhaire and Audra. I only wish that there was a tiny bit more of a buildup, but it honestly didn’t bother me too much. I also thought their scenes together were well written.
The worldbuilding and the supporting characters were a lot of fun, and I hope to see more of them in the next book – which I cannot wait to read!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Analeigh, Avon and Harper Voyage as well as NetGalley for this gifted arc.

HOP is a dark academia fantasy slow burn that follows a dual POV. When Audra is kidnapped by the fae and deposited into a school where she will be either revealed as the Heir or sent to the front lines of a war. As she undergoes trials and tribulations throughout her training and classes, there is also the mysterious Demon Prince to content with.

HOP was intriguing and intricate in its lore. The pacing was pretty slow but had lovely sound family.

Tropes you may find in HOP hidden identities, magic academy setting, fae x humans, slow burn, no spice, and chosen one.

[Earth Is Ghetto I Wanna Read Aliah Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is how you start a series! 5 stars! I can't wait for the sequel .

This book had everything I need in a dark academia . The character development is so well paced . Had me crying about characters and everything.

I almost hate that I read it so fast because now I have to wait for the next one .

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the lyrical way Analeigh Sbrana writes her worldbuiding. You can absolutely envision yourself in the story. Audra is full of depth and emotion and I cannot wait for her to come into her power with the next book. There's so much I want to know and im greedy for more. Also, yes to more altar scenes lol. This book was absolutely intriguing and tethered me into devouring every word.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a couple chapters to get into but once I did I didn't put the book down.

If you want a slow burn with an academy setting, this is for you. The magic is easy to understand as well as the world building.

4.75 stars
1 chili pepper

[Marion Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with vivid worldbuilding, fierce magic, and a heroine you cannot help rooting for, sweeping you straight into a destiny fueled by heart, power, and nonstop adventure.

[Catrina]

July 2026

[Kamilah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so lucky to be alive at the same time that Analeigh Sbrana is writing books, because every single one is a banger.

[ky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[BookishKB]

🖤 Heir of Prophecy

Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy. ✨ I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026

[Marie Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

an amazing start to a duopoly! I loved the MCs and the world building ! can't wait for book 2