Inferno's heir by Tiffany Wang

Inferno's heir is American author Tiffany Wang's debut novel. Enough of a story has been built in this novel and there is enough interest in the side characters to warrant a sequel.  This is a fantasy novel but it is also steeped in more than a little European folklore coupled with a dash of Asiatic exoticism, a touch of magical power and royal court drama that is reminiscent of the medieval era. It is an action/adventure story with action being fast-paced often accompanied by violence and bloodshed.

The novel is set in the fantasy kingdom of Erysia. A tale of kings fallen and princes and princesses rising, of rebellion against the monarchy, of court machinations, dastardly plans and rebel groups ensues. The action is based around the palace, within the secret walls within the palace and in the surrounding town and its notorious prison.

The main female character, Teia, has learnt from a young age how to bribe, extort, blackmail etc in order to manipulate people. Wang builds Teia's character layer by layer as she traces her trajectory from a young halfling child princess who has to learn to fight for her very survival against constant attempts on her life by assassins sent by her sadistic brother. What Teia and her brother have in common is a lust for power and a lack of kindness - a ruthlessness. However, Teia is distinguishable from her brother in that she, early on, shows some care for the wellbeing of the common people. Teia also has a magical affinity with two elements (water and fire) which she is learning to control.

Inferno's heir is about lust for power. It is about monarchy, cruel governance and the uprising of organised rebellion. Teia infiltrates and gains the trust of the rebel group (the Dawnbreakers). Power structures, morality and purpose become quite fluid. Teia changes as she works with the rebels seemingly against her own royal family and discovers a closeness to some of the rebels - in particular Tobias. Important friendships are formed.  Other characters are well developed. (This reader particularly looks forward to seeing further adventures of the intrepid and mouthy Enna, a thief of the highest calibre). Teia is tested and demonstrates her valiant, gritty and heroic attributes aswell as her magical powers as she executes a dangerous heist. Not all characters are as they seem and danger is not only where it has always been (within the palace walls). There is unexpected betrayal and political treachery in the mix. There is failure, success and unfinished business.  

Hilarious, whip-smart repartee between the characters accompanies the plot. 

Inferno's heir, with its morally grey and feisty Teia is a fantasy book that manages to avoid the over-complicated world building (familial, political and social structuring) of many fantasy novels. It is easy for the reader to navigate the court and rebel intrigue so that the story can be enjoyed without confusion. The storyline is well plotted and the heroes/villains' interaction is compelling making the book unputdownable - one that you want to read in one sitting. Similar to A court of thorns and roses by Sarah Maas and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, Inferno's heir is an accessible fantasy read with the palace world being not overcomplicated.

Inferno's heir is a great recommendation for those readers who are new to fantasy as it is somewhat of a hybrid book-combining action, adventure, magic and a brief wisp of romance as well as being a fantasy. Bring on the sequel.

Themes: Political fantasy, Adventure, Blackmail, Murder, Betrayal, Morality, Governance.

Wendy Jeffrey