Helpful Score: 5
It's always great to stumble upon a new, great book. But happening upon a new great series? That's even better.
I can't say enough good things about The Warrior Heir, the first of a three-book series by Cinda Williams Chima. It's a story that, like Harry Potter, does an excellent job of straddling the "real" modern world and a fantastic second reality filled with wizards, warriors, enchanters, sorcerers and other magical folk.
The story follows Jack Swift, a 16-year-old boy from Ohio that has lived an uneventful life since recovering from a heart defect as a baby. He takes medication every day, but other than that, he's normal as can be. Until he misses a dose one day and finds himself stronger, faster and more aggressive than ever before, able to outperform his friends on the soccer field and full of unexplained power. That little slip of mind opens the door to an epic tale that spans continents and generations, as Jack struggles to define his role as warrior or wizard while still working on just being a teenage boy.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series, The Wizard Heir. I had never heard of Chima before, and I'm so glad I discovered her books. She writes with a strong and distinct voice, and the characters she develops are very easy to care about. It sounds like the biggest players from this book also have a role in the rest of the series, so I can't wait to see what lies in store for Jack and the rest of the gang in the future. [close]
I can't say enough good things about The Warrior Heir, the first of a three-book series by Cinda Williams Chima. It's a story that, like Harry Potter, does an excellent job of straddling the "real" modern world and a fantastic second reality filled with wizards, warriors, enchanters, sorcerers and other magical folk.
The story follows Jack Swift, a 16-year-old boy from Ohio that has lived an uneventful life since recovering from a heart defect as a baby. He takes medication every day, but other than that, he's normal as can be. Until he misses a dose one day and finds himself stronger, faster and more aggressive than ever before, able to outperform his friends on the soccer field and full of unexplained power. That little slip of mind opens the door to an epic tale that spans continents and generations, as Jack struggles to define his role as warrior or wizard while still working on just being a teenage boy.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series, The Wizard Heir. I had never heard of Chima before, and I'm so glad I discovered her books. She writes with a strong and distinct voice, and the characters she develops are very easy to care about. It sounds like the biggest players from this book also have a role in the rest of the series, so I can't wait to see what lies in store for Jack and the rest of the gang in the future. [close]
Helpful Score: 2
This was a pretty good YA story. It wasn't complicated and it was an easy read. The first half of the story was a little slow going, but things really picked up during the second half. I thought Jack was a likable character. He was thrown into his situation unaware of his magical abilities, but he did a great job handling it. He showed signs of maturity without becoming a brat, which was refreshing. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed The Warrior Heir (Heir Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have had this book on my to be read pile forever and was excited to finally get to read it. It was a quick read and a decent story. I had some trouble engaging with the characters and thought the plot was okay but not great.
This was a decent story about a modern day teen, Jack, who finds out he is the heir to magical warrior powers. He ends up drawn into the political machinations of modern day wizards and enchanters.
This is very much one of those classic types of fantasy where a character in a modern day world finds out they have magical powers that tie back to centuries old magic. It wasn't all that unique but it was decently done. The story was fairly engaging and it was interesting to watch Jack unravel the mysteries of his power.
I personally don't plan on reading more of this series, I just didn't find the setting or idea all that engaging and I had some trouble relating to the characters as well.
This story is self-contained and wraps up nicely. I think middle grade/teen boys might enjoy this series a bit more than I did.
Overall a decent fantasy story. The storyline is pretty typical of a number of middle grade/YA books where a young person in our world finds out they have strange powers and get embroiled in ancient politics. I think middle grade/YA boys who love fantasy will enjoy this more than I did. I don't plan on reading future books in this series.
This was a decent story about a modern day teen, Jack, who finds out he is the heir to magical warrior powers. He ends up drawn into the political machinations of modern day wizards and enchanters.
This is very much one of those classic types of fantasy where a character in a modern day world finds out they have magical powers that tie back to centuries old magic. It wasn't all that unique but it was decently done. The story was fairly engaging and it was interesting to watch Jack unravel the mysteries of his power.
I personally don't plan on reading more of this series, I just didn't find the setting or idea all that engaging and I had some trouble relating to the characters as well.
This story is self-contained and wraps up nicely. I think middle grade/teen boys might enjoy this series a bit more than I did.
Overall a decent fantasy story. The storyline is pretty typical of a number of middle grade/YA books where a young person in our world finds out they have strange powers and get embroiled in ancient politics. I think middle grade/YA boys who love fantasy will enjoy this more than I did. I don't plan on reading future books in this series.
This is a great book. I won it at a library bingo night and postponed reading it for a while. When I eventually read it, the book was amazing. It was so great I ran out and got the second book and I am currently reading it.
an amazing book filled with adventure and discovery, that any fantasy action lover will like.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed The Warrior Heir (Heir Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Jack enjoys his normal life in Trinity, Ohio. He spends time with his best friends, goes to school, and is extremely excited about soccer tryouts. Jack is very healthy, despite the thick scar that resides above his heart and the medicine he has to take every day. Life is ordinary - until he forgets to take his medicine.
Soccer tryouts are a breeze. Jack has never felt so alive, and when his nemesis, Lobeck, gets in his way, Jack slams him into the goal - without touching him. Jack doesn't realize he is Weirlind, part of an underground society of magical people, and when he sent Lobeck flying into the soccer net, the magic he released acted as a signal to others around him.
Jack, destined to be a wizard but born without his stone, was saved by a leader of the White Rose. The moment Jack's life was saved, his destiny changed. Now, with a warrior stone behind his heart, he is meant to fight for the White Rose in a magical tournament - if he survives until his magic fully manifests.
Jack is one of the last warriors and both the Red and the White houses want him to fight for them. Whichever house wins the fight-to-the-death tournament has the power to control the magical community.
In a world full of wizards, warriors, seers, sorcerers, and enchanters, Jack doesn't know who to trust. Nothing around him is as it seemed.
THE WARRIOR HEIR is the first in a trilogy by Cinda Williams Chima. The story contains many lovable characters, including Jack's two Anaweir (non-magical) best friends. Even though Fitch and Will don't have magical powers, they find a way to be instrumental in Jack's struggle for survival.
THE WARRIOR HEIR is a delightful fantasy. You'll definitely want to read the next two in the series, THE WIZARD HEIR and THE DRAGON HEIR.
Jack enjoys his normal life in Trinity, Ohio. He spends time with his best friends, goes to school, and is extremely excited about soccer tryouts. Jack is very healthy, despite the thick scar that resides above his heart and the medicine he has to take every day. Life is ordinary - until he forgets to take his medicine.
Soccer tryouts are a breeze. Jack has never felt so alive, and when his nemesis, Lobeck, gets in his way, Jack slams him into the goal - without touching him. Jack doesn't realize he is Weirlind, part of an underground society of magical people, and when he sent Lobeck flying into the soccer net, the magic he released acted as a signal to others around him.
Jack, destined to be a wizard but born without his stone, was saved by a leader of the White Rose. The moment Jack's life was saved, his destiny changed. Now, with a warrior stone behind his heart, he is meant to fight for the White Rose in a magical tournament - if he survives until his magic fully manifests.
Jack is one of the last warriors and both the Red and the White houses want him to fight for them. Whichever house wins the fight-to-the-death tournament has the power to control the magical community.
In a world full of wizards, warriors, seers, sorcerers, and enchanters, Jack doesn't know who to trust. Nothing around him is as it seemed.
THE WARRIOR HEIR is the first in a trilogy by Cinda Williams Chima. The story contains many lovable characters, including Jack's two Anaweir (non-magical) best friends. Even though Fitch and Will don't have magical powers, they find a way to be instrumental in Jack's struggle for survival.
THE WARRIOR HEIR is a delightful fantasy. You'll definitely want to read the next two in the series, THE WIZARD HEIR and THE DRAGON HEIR.
A solid fantasy/adventure book. I liked it a lot, though I wish it had more of a female presence. I suppose this book is geared more towards male readers as the main character is a boy, and his friends are boys. I prefer books that have an equal presence, i.e. male and female characters. Still, this was an enjoyable read. I plan to read the next installment and would recommend this to others.
Young adult (though adults can enjoy it, too!) fantasy series. Nowhere near as detailed as Harry Potter but a bit more mature-sounding (no silly wordplay). I liked the backstory/history of wizards/warriors/witches through the ages. My only question is where the author is taking this as a series; her little excerpt of Book 2 appears to be about a totally different character and story.
Great book...great series! Both my son (13yo) and myself have read and enjoyed it. My neice who is a middle school english/reading teacher recommened the author to us. Read it!
Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games! Great story, I had a hard time putting it down! I find the characters believable and likable and the storyline pulls you in, you really want to know how it ends. I would recommend it for all Harry Potter or Hunger Game fans!
Not her best book, but a decent time passer. It got a little slow at times.
I haven't read yet but I will read the book. :)
This adventure mixes Medeival swordplay, magic, mystery, and modern day high school students to create a marvelous story full of intrigue and high risk. Awesome series! Read it!
If you liked Harry Potter, than I think you will also like this book. The magical world described by Chima is completely different from the one described in Harry Potter, but the writing and story telling is equally compelling.
This is not bad for a book aimed at teens and young adults. It has enough twists in the plot to keep you entertained and unlike a lot of young adult novels the ending is a surprise. The characters are not deeply developed (as per YA novels) but give enough background to make the story line easy to read and easy to follow. I have no hesitations about getting the second in the series and reading it.
