Heir of Memory and Shadow

Kingdom Legacy #2

by Rachanee Lumayno

The course of true love never did run smooth. Especially because it usually leads to death.

I may be one of the most gifted Seekers in the kingdom of Orchwell, but it’s usually my twin sister who gets the most commissions. Because everyone wants to find their true love. But my side of the family Seeking gift, finding lost loves? Not so much. Because if it ended in heartbreak once, it will probably lead to heartbreak again.

Still, a job’s a job.

So when Lady Adallia hires me to find her own lost love, I say yes, even though I’d like nothing more than to be rid of my ability.

But the noblewoman neglected to leave out some important details about her commission. And now I, Kaernan Asthore, along with my Seeker team and my mysterious noblewoman patron, have to outsmart an infamous gang of bounty hunters and uncover Lady Adallia’s secrets, before her quest to find her lost love causes us to lose our lives.

Journey to the Gifted Lands, a fantasy world of seven kingdoms, each known for their own unique power or ability. Heir of Memory and Shadow is the second book in the Kingdom Legacy series set in this magical world. Each book features a new character from one of the kingdoms, with appearances from beloved characters from previous novels.

340 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

Rachanee Lumayno is an actress, voiceover artist, screenwriter, avid gamer and amateur dodgeball player. She grew up in Michigan, where she spent way too much of her free time reading fantasy novels. So when she decided to try her hand at writing a book, it made sense that it would be in her favorite genre.

Be sure to follow Rachanee on BookBub for the latest on sales - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/racha...

Sign up for the newsletter to get info on newest releases, giveaways, and other goodies! - http://www.rachanee.net

Reviews

[Rodger’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry from Rachanee Lumayno in her Kingdom Legacy series. So if there is any confusion this is “book 2” however this is a series of standalones with appearances/Easter eggs from other books. So there are some mentions of people from Heir of Amber and Fire but nothing that I would consider super spoilery so you could definitely read them in whatever order suits your fancy. I will also note these books read somewhere between YA and middle grade. If you’re looking for a more complex plot while maintaining the whimsy of middle grade, while also avoiding the angst of YA look no further!!

Where Heir of Amber and Fire was more epic in scope with a strong independent magical princess going on a quest to save her kingdom from an evil sorcerer, Heir of Memory and Shadow is a more contained tale of Kaernon Asthore coming to terms with his powers, and going on a quest to find himself and his independence. He comes from a long line of Seekers (people who have the magical ability to track people or things) who specialize in helping people find their one true love, but his power is unique and he can help you find your lost love instead. He struggles to deal with all of the negative emotions that can come along with lost love, and a commission that he gets leads him on a journey that ends with him finding himself.

If you like adventures, a ragtag cast of characters that become found family, strong family ties, all set against the backdrop of a magical quest to find someone’s lost love…then this book is FOR YOU!! There will be fun twists and turns, and evil sorcerers, and a young man learning to come into his own. You will not regret picking up the Kingdom Legacy books so what are you waiting for?!

[Tabitha Tomala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Memory and Shadow

Kaernan Asthore’s seeker ability allows him to find lost loves. But not every love story ends happily. Guilt plagues Kaernan after a seeking assignment turns deadly, and wishes nothing more than to be rid of his ability. When his father signs him up for a commission to help Lady Adallia Pahame find her lost love, he finds himself hard pressed to say no. Accepting the mission he hopes it will be simple, but as he and his companions begin their journey, they will quickly realize there is more at hand than one lost love.

Heir of Memory and Shadow expands on the world introduced to readers in the first novel Heir of Amber and Fire. Readers will be immersed in a kingdom filled with magic and mystery. Kaernan’s ability is vastly different from tracking down dragons, but the journey is no less enjoyable. There will also be a few returning characters from the previous novel who will provide a balanced mix of humor and seriousness to the team dynamics. As they embark on their journey to find Adallia’s lost love, the group will keep readers entertained as they encounter magical challenges and formidable foes. There will be a few unexpected turns along the way that will make readers rethink what they have encountered along the way.

Kaernan is one of my favorite character types, complicated with a good heart. He does all he can to make the right decisions for his companions, but he is a reluctant leader. Kaernan doubts his choices due to the tragedy of his last commission. However, as the story progresses and he gains trust in his travel companions and abilities, Kaernan’s personality and confidence grow. Witnessing a character come into their own and begin to believe in themselves is a wonderful journey.

The amount of tension in this novel is just enough to draw the reader in, but there’s also this sense of camaraderie and positive intentions among the characters that help ease any situation. Heir of Memory and Shadow can be read as a standalone novel, though it does bring a bit of a spoiler to light from book one, honestly the first book will be just as fun to read knowing what happens. I encourage readers who enjoy fantasy novels to give this one a try!

[Rachanee Lumayno]

Hello dear readers!

What?! Another one? Who would have thought a pandemic baby (Heir of Amber and Fire) would turn into a series? But here we are!

I'll share a secret with you: I love reading. I do. But I don't read books in a series as much as I used to, unless I can catch the series right at the beginning of its publishing run.

So when I started writing the Kingdom Legacy series, I wanted to write books that had things in common with each other, but could be read out of order. (Although, as of this writing - *slight spoiler* - I think Books 1, 4, and 5 could be read together. I'm currently working on 4, and know what will happen in 5.)

You'll also notice, when Book 3 comes out (April 2023!) that there's a pattern to the series as well. Go check out the cover and synopsis of Book 3, Heir of Magic and Mischance, to see if you can pick it up. No worries, I'll wait.

...

Figure it out? :)

If you did, then any guesses on who Books 4 and 5 will be about?

In other news, if you sign up for my newsletter, then you can get a FREE TTRPG one-shot campaign set in the Gifted Lands (the backdrop for the Kingdom Legacy series). Check it out at https://www.rachanee.net/newsletter. Happy reading and happy gaming!

And thank you for giving my books a chance.

Rachanee

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about Kaernan Asthore. He is a gifted seeker who can find lost loves. He is hired by Lady Adallia Pahame and they journey to a distant city along with her daughter and two other travelling companions. Adallia’s daughter is kidnapped along the journey and now they need to find both her and Adallia’s lost love.

This was a fun adventure story. I liked the characters and the fantasy world the author created. This is the second book in the series but you don’t need to read the first as they are stand-alone stories.

The pace of the book is good. There is a lot of world building but the book never gets bogged down with too much exposition. I liked that Kaernan learns to appreciate and understand his gift better over the course of the book.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book to read and worth checking out if you like fantasy books.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her now sightless eyes are still fixed on me. Accusing me, forever, that I could have prevented this needless death. Couldn't I?"

From the very beginning of Heir of Memory and Shadow (Book 2 of the Kingdom Legacy) by multi talented author and actress Rachanee Lumayno we feel Kaernan's pain, confusion, doubt and utter heartache though he is one of the most gifted seekers in the kingdom.

Just as in Book 1, Heir Of Amber and Fire, this is a fantasy adventure story looking for lost love which is Kaernan's special seeking gift. The problem is that after seeing so much heart break when the found love doesn't always have a happy ending he has no desire to continue his work. However he can literally die if he doesn't use his powers.

When Lady Adallia hires him to seek out her lost love he goes into it with no heart but soon has no choice to fight, not just bounty hunters, but the elements to save his friends, himself and true love.

Once again this writer brings her world building into brilliant light that gives the reader a panoramic view of a full scale kingdom filled with royalty, magic, and mystical creatures. Our leading "man" Kaernan is a troubled soul with a conscious and a heart. A powerful entity filled with angst that makes for amazing storytelling.

This novel can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the first book which was also a five star review for me.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚? 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪?

That’s how Kaernan Asthore feels. After a tragic event, due his last commission, he doesn’t want to use his powers. Anymore.

But, as fate wants, his father - Lord Julian Asthore - accepts Lady Adallia Pahame's assignment to find her lost love. What Adallia omitted to say is who will join the search and how, this event, will lead to a tragic sequence of events, for all of them.

I really enjoyed the story! The MC, our poor and kind Seeker, wants to forget about the past, but the householder doesn’t want to hear his son still whining about it. Here comes the task, “to solve” some of his problems and that’s here we meet again Farrah – half human and fae – and Rhyss to help him with the search. During the course of the tale, Kaernan learns new information about the people who hired him, and it is this development that will wreak bustle within the group. Our seekers will have to divert their search in order to save someone dear to them; it is thanks to this change of course that they will find who they are looking for, and a big surprise awaits them when they arrive...
In some ways I knew Lady Pahame’s lost love was related to our MC, but I didn’t expect the role that would have in the events!

✨A story of love, mysteries and exciting escapes✨

[Tom Loveman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun revisiting the world Rachanee created in "Heir of Amber and Fire." Although, don't worry if you haven't read the first book, the story is self-contained. Unlike most series, Book 2 of Kingdom Legacy introduces brand new main characters by expanding on the world of Book 1. There are a couple characters and many tidbits from the first book that make for smooth continuity.

The seekers are turning out to be a dynamic and important part of the series. In book 2, we meet an entire family of seekers all whose ability focuses on finding love, of various natures, making the series a procedural, of sorts, where we meet seekers of different abilities helping new and varied clients on their commissions.

One other interesting connection is that seekers all seem to have issues with their unchosen vocation, which is genetic, and, if unused, can drive you insane. Hence seekers aren't always happy about their innate abilities. It's like if you had a superpower but didn't want it, or it came with unsavory conditions attached.

These unique personal stories make for layered, rich storytelling as our heroes fight both internal and external foes.

It's got murder and subterfuge, magic and courtroom drama. Plus, Rhyss and Farrah are back!

[Marie Sinadjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: suicide, attempted rape, murder/accidental murder, kidnapping

I listened to the audiobook and I have to start by saying that Rachanee is an amazing AMAZING narrator. She has a crisp and clear narrator's voice, and she does every other character so well! You can really tell she's an actress and voiceover artist since she's able to capture even the small nuances, bringing so much life to the scenes.

Plus I'm so proud because 🇵🇭 represent! 😍

Despite the warnings above, the book isn't really as dire as it sounds. The Kingdom Legacy novels have a "feel good" vibe to them which is quite refreshing. Not that I mind dark and gritty — in fact that's more of the sort I write — but Rachanee manages to balance things so well that the story still has real stakes and doesn't come off "cheesy."

I also love the interconnectedness of the world, its lore and the characters. Those who've read Heir of Amber and Fire will be happy to find familiar faces! 🥰

RECOMMENDED LISTENING: "Memory" by Nicole Scherzinger

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA Clean Fantasy with Seeker Magic

Parents- PG - this is acceptable for preteens and up
Language- none that I remember - no f-bombs
Violence- PG13- normal to genre nothing very detailed
Sexual Content- PG- alluded to relationships but no described interactions, mention of an attempted rape but no details given, flirtation and kissing - nothing really to warn of

This book is very different from the first book in this series, while it still deals with magic and fantasy - this one takes a very different path of seeker magic- lost love seeker and true love seeker primarily. I really enjoyed the twists and turns, backstory and the characters where well developed and relatable. It was a very entertaining read with more intrigue and hunting than fighting and action.

Narrator- (3.5⭐) Pleasant voice, good differentiations, and I preferred listening at 1.2x speed.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW

Book: Heir Of Memory and Shadow
Series: Kingdom Legacy Book 2
Author: Rachanee Lumayno
Format: EBook
Pages: 289
Published: May 3, 2022

TW: suicide, attempted rape, murder/accidental murder, kidnapping

Review:
This was an interesting book. I loved the ideas of the seekers and trying to find lost loves. But man, this book added more and more as they tried to find Lady Adallia's past lover. I felt bad for the daughter through out the whole story. Something happens early on that escalates it all. Kind of convenient but it also worked with the story. All I know is I would probably have smacked Lord so many times throughout the story. I did feel for Kaernan, he has had many issues and clearly his father not being the best, but watching how he held his own as the story went on, he was wonderful. Truly a joy to read.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachanee Lumaybo returns the reader to the Gifted Lands to a tale involving new characters as well as pulling in characters from the previous book. Kaernan Asthore is a Seeker from Orchwell, one that specializes in finding lost loves. Haunted by his talents, he is forced by his father into accepting a commission from Lady Adallia Pahame to find her lost love. On the day that they get ready to leave, her daughter Delphine joins them, adding a twist to the commission.

Duo Rhyss and Farrah join Kaernan on this journey as well (familiar faces and banter from the previous book). The twists were wonderful, and I loved seeing this world further developed.

You do not have to read the books in order, but it does offer some good background information about the world and its characters if you do. I'm looking forward to picking up book 3.

[Erin Remaklus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachanee Lumayno's Heir of Memory and Shadow was a quick, fun, read for me. The books in her Kingdom Legacy series are technically standalones but it is helpful if you've read the prior book as some of the characters overlap as well as an understanding of the world and some of the dynamics.

In this book, we get to know a lot more about the Seeker's. Seeing a bit more about how they work, their ruling body, and the consequences of both doing what they're supposed to and what happens when they don't. You also get to see how different politics can come into play and the effect a found vs. born family can have on a person.

Overall, her books are entertaining and fun to read. I would highly recommend them to others!

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series - I would highly recommend reading in order, however, you could maybe read this as a standalone.

What impressed me most about this book is the world-building. I can honestly say that I am new to the fantasy genre - like as in I started reading it after the birth of my tenth child, in my early 40's (a year ago) and world building is precisely why I avoided this genre in the first place. There are some authors that are talented enough to bring you into a world without overwhelming you - this author does just that - beautiful!!

This book, as with the first in this series is very much worth the time to read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed book 2 of the "Kingdom Legacy" series as much as the first one. Kaernan Asthore had the gift of a seeker of lost loves which often led to a tragic outcome. Lady Adallia hired Kaernan to find her lost love, and this latest job just might be his last one. The worldbuilding was intricate. The characters were complicated and personable. There were some surprising moments and some flashes of humor. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Rachanee Lumayno's narration was fine as her diction was clear and her voice was pleasant. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't pursue series but I liked the first book a lot and after a friend loaned me her copy and assured me it was worth the time, I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did. It's not HEAVY but has a great pace and excellent characters with enough crossover from the first that I didn't feel like I was missing anything from having so much time pass between the first and the second books. Good characters, enough action but not too much violence if you've got a younger YA reader just getting into the genre.

[Amena · Rating 5 out of 5]

as lovely as book one!

I read this book in one night, as soon as I finished the first book. The magic was intriguing, and I found myself immersed in the story of the Seeker struggling to deal with a talent he didn’t want. I enjoyed how the author shaped all the different elements into creating joy where I least expected it — this is definitely one of those books where I *wanted* everything to be tied up deeply because I was invested in the characters’ journey. The book ties so well with the title and the character’s talent that I’m really wanting the next book in the series!

[Mybookmemories · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story to continue this amazing series. It is a great tale of adventure with amazing characters who have found family vibes. I enjoyed the twists in this book and how we saw the characters develop throughout. This was an engaging read and I can’t wait to start the next in these series. They can be read as standalone books but I recommend reading them all because they’re so good!

[carliereadsstuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is centred around a young Seeker, who has inherited his extraordinary ability to find a person's true love from his family, but - after a mission that has catastrophically gone wrong - doesn't know whether he wants to be a Seeker anymore. Until his father sends him out to help a family friend and he has to gather a new team around him.

Though I wish the characters had been more fleshed out, I especially enjoyed the cosy fantasy aspects of the book. 4.5 stars.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Kingdom Legacy series (you can find my review of the first book on my booksgram and Goodreads). This book can be read as a standalone, but to get the little Easter eggs that are peppered in the book you will have to read the first book. This book falls under young adult. I loved the expansion of world building that added on to the world we saw in book one.

[Matthew Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir of Memory and Shadow, by Rachanee Lumayno is a neat, cozy fantasy story. The characters are fun and have chemistry, and it is an absolute joy, every bit as delightful as its predecessor, Heir of Ember and Fire. A reader wouldn’t need to read the previous tale in the series, or really remember much of what happened in the world before to enjoy Heir of Memory and Shadow. And it is a great story for all ages.

Kaernan Astore is a Seeker from a prestigious line, but his ability to find love is sadly twisted—his gift is especially useful in finding lost love. And a successful mission often ends in heartache and disappointment. That has been an embarrassment in the past, and maybe… maybe it will all go away if he could find a way to forfeit his ability. But a mysterious commission from an unlikely matron sends him once again on a quest to find lost love. Only, the matron’s daughter complicates the commission.

I was unable to carve out time to sit and read the story, but I was able to listen to the audio production narrated by the author who is also a gifted narrator. I can’t recommend enough!

[meera velayutham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read another book where the main character's magical power is to find lost loves, and I loved it! It's so unique and I just really enjoy reading this book! I really liked this over the 1st book.

[Whitney K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author and narrator tells the story of a seeker, his hardships and happy moments, the use of his gifts and the outcome of his adventures at a rapid pace and sometimes even quickly spoken
The story is told in an exciting and interesting way that is both vivid and captivating