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Heirs of Destiny #5

Ascension of Death

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Surrounded and trapped, no help in sight. The end of their mission…or the path to destiny?

Shalandra has fallen. Monsters of legend have risen from their graves to claim the City of the Dead.
Kodyn and Evren have only one hope of stopping the evil Iron Warlord: break into the holiest, most secure stronghold in the city and steal ancient relics imbued with world-shattering magics.
Issa joins the ranks of Shalandra’s elite warriors in a desperate clash against the nightmare hordes flooding the streets and slaughtering every man, woman, and child.
Aisha will face her greatest challenge yet, harnessing her mystical abilities to not only turn the tide of battle, but stop the prophesied Final Destruction.
In the epic struggle to save their city, these young heroes will give their all to win the impossible battle—one that could decide the fate of the world!

Dive into the breathtaking, action-packed finale now! Perfect for fans of A.C. Cobble, Sabaa Tahir, and Sarah J. Maas— epic young adult fantasy at its finest…

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2019

104 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Andy Peloquin

94 books1,315 followers
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.

Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!

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5 stars
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56 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Davies.
23 reviews
July 22, 2022
This review is about the series Heir’s of Destiny, a 5 book addition to previous series.

So, for those who don’t know Andy’s writing, especially the ‘Darkblade’ and ‘Queen of Thieves’ books this is a sort of ‘next generation’ book bringing together younger characters from each of the other two series with the addition of some new and interesting characters. For all that it doesn’t suffer from repetition or inertia; indeed it builds brilliantly on those original series with fresh outlooks and new stories, yet remaining faithful to the universe in which this series.

The characters, both new and from previous books, have their own independence and it isn’t necessary to read them after the other series. That being said you should, read them that is! These five books are more human than the others developing the relationships between the main characters in a slightly different way to the previous. This is refreshing and keeps the reader well entertained.

The five book series fairly skipped along, and whilst there were few real surprises in the conclusion, the journey was exciting an gripping. With a genuine feel for the troubles facing the city and the people within it.

The final outcome we discover at the end of the final book offers some interesting potential future stories, both linking back to the previous two and looking forward. The group that has formed during the series must surely have more stories to tell, even if they have all gone in different directions at the conclusion.

Andy doesn’t hide from the human issues that can be somewhat sugar coated in similar stories within the genre so I would suggest that these are books for a mature (in attitude, rather than simply age) reader.

I for one can’t wait for the next instalments from each of the series.

Profile Image for Lana.
2,808 reviews60 followers
July 14, 2020
The war for Shalandra is full on and now our heroes not only battle the necroseti and the syndicate and the thugs rioting all over the streets and turning the city's street into rivers of blood but a new kind of monster has been unleashed and these have escaped from Groebus's laboratory and they come in their thousands. Our heroes strengths are all tested to their limits, many a time they are all fighting the different factions, separate from one another. Aisha's spirit whispering powers become very powerful as she harnesses these to do her bidding yet giving to the dead the wish fulfilment which allows them to travel to pharadisi. Many secrets are divulged in this book, both on a personal level and on a more critical level when our heroes have to admit their real reasons why they are in Shalandra at the cost of losing the trust of those who held their lives in their hands. Briana and Hailen had come close to unravelling the mystery behind the destiny foretold and the serenii artefacts still in their possession. They'd done things everyone considered impossible, now all they had to do was unlock the final secret to hopefully win the battle! They all had a part to play but the serenii riddles did not make things easy at all. This book brings this amazing adventure to it's end and phew what a great ending it is! Exciting, scary, full of very tense and sad moments yet full of love and greatness too. A real epic fantasy saga where the fight of good against evil never faltered.
Profile Image for Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.
Author 54 books59 followers
August 12, 2019
In its breadth and scope, the Einan saga can rival anything any fantasy writer has yet produced. This latest book in the Heirs of Destiny series is proof of that. The weave of elements, from the first book published, Blade of the Destroyer, onwards, is just staggering and one cannot but marvel at how Peloquin produces such quality work with such frequency.

It's not all swords and sorcery, either. Peloquin's solid ability as a writer reveals itself in the character stories more than anything. The little romance threads on the side, and above all the character development, showcase the ability of the true novelist, not just a genre fiction writer. I'm utterly addicted to this world, and I read this latest work slowly, rationing it out so that it wouldn't be over too soon, and only finished it in a final binge because the next one is on the way. HIGHLY recommended.
Profile Image for TheCandlelitScribe.
258 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2026
This was an absolutely wild ride. non stop action with the PERFECT amount of world building reveal, romance, and hints at what's to come for all these characters. Knowing most of the "Heirs" in this series from the Darkblade and Night Guild series I was thrilled to see them get their own story with so much growth. From family secrets to ancient prophecies this book tied everything in a big beautiful bow with so many different paths on the horizon that I just know will lead them all back to each other at some point. However, if I know one thing about the amazing Andy Peloquin It's that he never gives you JUST a happily ever after situation...there is still a storm that is Karna and the other evils coming for this world they all share. I can't wait to see where their stories go <3
Profile Image for Steve Thomas.
18 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2019
What an Incredible End To The Series

Only one word can some up how good this was:

WOW.

I cried at the end of the book to be honest. It's such a fulfilling end to such a fantastic series and I would recommend this one highly to anyone, even if it's aimed at the younger adult.

If you haven't read the previous four books, you honestly should. This book is incredible and I simply cannot find any other words for it.

It flew under my rader after book four as I missed the release dates for them but I've never caught up on a series so fast in my life.

Do me, the author and yourself a favour and pick this up. You honestly won't regret it!
1,352 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2023
Wow, what a great book. I'm devastated that this series is over. Again it has all of the action, great characters and story that you could want.
Even though this has been classed as YA it is not for the young, there is a lot of graphic violence that fits in perfectly. And although the characters are only teenagers unless it's specifically mentioned you never think of it.
I'm not a good reviewer but the three series that I have read by Andy Peloquin are among the best I've ever read - Queen of Thieves, Hero of Darkness and Heirs of Destiny. I would have rated these at 4 1/2 if I could and that's the highest I go.
Definitely a must read in a grimdark world.
72 reviews
June 7, 2019
An ending

I am gutted this series has come to an end for now. Andy Peloquin is an amazing writer his ability to intertwine the storylines,character histories, storylines and the intrigue is one of the best I've read. His characters are believeable the description creates the world's and so much time and energy must have been spent in creating all three of the series based around the same core. The heirs of Destiny finally defeats the evils of the city and learn lessons about themselves along the way. Definitely not a series to miss.
86 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2019
This entire series was a page turner that Andy couldn't get out fast enough! I was highly expecting the Hunter after book 4, and knew I'd see him in this one. His training with Evren and Hailen's knowledge from traveling with him was evident. There are so many places Andy can go after this ending. Kodyn and Aisha can have their thing and Evren, Briana, and Issa can have their own thing. Not to mention where the Hero of Darkness left off... The possibilities are endless. I can't wait for more on Einan!
Profile Image for sarah.
171 reviews
February 24, 2026
ahhhhh so amazing! sad this series is over but i’m definitely reading the other series that take place in this world! (kind of wish i’d read the darkblade series and queen of thieves first, but i’m reading those next!) it was action packed with lots of twists! i’m only mad that we didn’t get a kiss between hykos and issa, but i absolutely adored how her relationship with lady callista grew! this series overall is a solid 10/10 im not gonna lie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
937 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2019
Another excellent series 😁

Again I found myself getting lost in a fantastical world of action, intrigue and demons.
This series has it all. Characters that you can care about, a storyline to lose yourself in and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I look forward to more from this author.😀
Profile Image for Ann.
154 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2020
A great ending to a very good series. I definitely want to see what happens with these characters next. I also want to read when the Hunter finally is able to destroy the devour. All in all, very good series.
Profile Image for MrG LikesBooks&Booze.
148 reviews
December 4, 2023
This is the final installment in the Heirs of Destiny series, and it does an amazing job of wrapping things up.
Things come to a violent and poetic conclusion, while setting things up for future works.
Mr. Peloquin did an amazing job with the entire series.
274 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2019
Sadly our story comes to an end. What a ride. A great read, Thrilling, brutal, questions answered. We've seen our characters grow and expand.
Profile Image for River George.
8 reviews
October 2, 2019
Stunning

Fantastic ...an epic story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loved it.
4 reviews
October 22, 2024
Wow, what a delight

Definitely a can't put it down Series of books. Intense fast and action packed. My new favorite author. Keep.the stories coming sir.
Profile Image for Erika.
1,159 reviews19 followers
August 11, 2023
All the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. We finally understand what is going on and how everything connects.

Revelations hit the characters as they find their purpose and role in the Final Destruction prophesy. Their world is shaken, and they have to fight incredible odds to do what is needed to save their loved ones.

It was a great ending to the series, an excellent example of how a saga should end. Everything was explained, the main characters had happy endings, and everything was in its place.
Profile Image for Bertha Alicia .
659 reviews57 followers
March 27, 2019
Is the series finished? Seriously? It can not be true! I need to know more! I thought there would be a cameo by The Hunter and/or Ilanna...
It has been an excellent adventure, full of action and those dramatic moments that the author has accustomed us, but there have also been situations that have made me laugh, cry and keep stuck with the book, praying that our characters find a way out with life of the war against the Stumblers and the Iron Warlord.
I especially love the way in which Mr. Peloquin chains his books and keeps perfectly the thread of the story throughout all his series, without having to waste chapters explaining what, how and why a specific situation has been reached.
I hope the author will soon give us another of his magnificent series. I highly recommend this and all the author's books.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
419 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2019
Awesome! Absolutely amazing conclusion to a fabulous series! The action, the twists, the tie-ins to other series, the doing-of-the-impossibles, the gut wrenching & heartwarming actions of beloved characters, will leave you breathless, have you exclaim “didn’t see that one coming,” and make you weep in sorrow & yell with joy. Woe to anyone who interrupts your reading! Loved this story and can’t wait to read more about these characters and the story of Einan in future books! Spectacular!
776 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2019
Wow, what an ending to a cracking series. If you loved the previous ones you absolutely adore this. I just hope this isn’t the end and we will see more from this author, much more. Highly recommended must read.
201 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2019
This an excellent book. Love it. Great characters, page turner , full of action & adrenaline, you just can’t stop reading. Good job.
227 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2019
This author writes what I like to read !!
When I start a story, I'm reading it to the end.
I can't put it down !!
Well done !!

Phyllis S.
Profile Image for Frank Geimer.
508 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2019
What a story! This conclusion to a great series is outstanding, you will feel like a character in the story! I can't wait to see what Andy comes up with next.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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