Book Review: An Heir Comes to Rise (An Heir Comes to Rise, #1) by Chloe C. Peñaranda
The moment I stumbled upon An Heir Comes to Rise, I was drawn in by the promise of adventure and fantasy, perhaps naively expecting a fresh take in a genre filled with sprawling worlds and intricate plots. However, my excitement quickly turned to skepticism as I delved deeper into Chloe C. Peñaranda’s universe. Delving into this tale felt more like navigating a familiar landscape than embarking on a new journey.
A Plot Overview
An Heir Comes to Rise introduces us to Faythe Ashfyre, a character who might as well have been plucked straight from the pages of Sarah J. Maas’s works. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Peñaranda’s intentions were more about remixing beloved tropes than crafting something original. Faythe’s journey, peppered with echoes of Feyre and Aelin, felt repetitive rather than innovative. As I read, the similarities between characters became glaringly obvious. I mean, come on—Faythe as in Feyre? Really?
The narrative follows Faythe as she grapples with her hidden powers and navigates a treacherous world rife with political intrigue and personal loss. Yet, instead of feeling emotionally invested, I found myself comparing every plot twist and character to existing works. The "mash-up" vibe, featuring not only Faythe but characters reminiscent of Chaol and Dorian, had me shaking my head rather than immersing myself in the story.
Character Depth and Writing Style
Although Faythe had moments of potential, her development came off as flat. Instead of growth, I witnessed a slew of recycled character arcs. The writing itself felt clunky at times; instead of a fluid escape into fantasy, I was often jolted back to reality, reflecting on how similar passages and dialogue seemed to exist in previously beloved texts. The pacing fluctuated, lacking a substantial build-up to climactic moments that would typically stir excitement in readers.
While Peñaranda’s attempts at poetic moments and depth were evident, they fell short—relying too heavily on the emotional beats laid down by her predecessors. The structures and tropes she employed felt like seamless copies rather than narrative choices made with purpose. The world-building also tugged at the familiar strings of other universes, leaving me craving originality.
Reflections and Conclusion
In the end, An Heir Comes to Rise is a testament to the tightrope walk between inspiration and imitation. Though the world may beckon new fans with its captivating cover and intriguing premise, I wonder: who will truly find something satisfying in this narrative? Fans of fantasy might initially be drawn in but could find themselves yearning for the authentic thrill and emotional stakes often found in the works of Maas.
While I appreciate every author’s journey toward crafting their voice, it felt like Peñaranda was using a template rather than weaving her own fabric. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre, this may not be it. But if you enjoy playing "spot the reference" in a book rife with familiar vibes, An Heir Comes to Rise might still entertain you.
For those ready to explore uncharted territories in fantasy—look elsewhere. But if you find joy in retellings wrapped in a new cloak, this might just hit the spot. Regardless of where you land on the spectrum, every reader should embark on their own quest to find what resonates with them. Happy reading!
Discover more about An Heir Comes to Rise (An Heir Comes to Rise, #1) on GoodReads >>