House of Bastiion (The Haidren Legacy Book 1) by K.L. Kolarich
We received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Published: January 19th 2021 by Rogue Kite Publishing
5 Questions with K.L. Kolarich
Review:
Myth: 4/5
We learn about Orynthia’s politics primarily through the eyes of Luscia, the al’Haidren to Boreal. The story begins as she journeys from the remote northern Boreal territory to the heart of the House of Bastiion where she is to take her place as part of the prince’s quadren. The Orythian political world is rich and complex, it feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of the uneasy peace in book one.
Luscia is the last of the prince’s quadren to assume her place in the city. This also makes her the most steeped in mystery, not just because she’s been hidden away in the north for her upbringing, but also because the House of Boreal has a rumored legacy of witchcraft. Luscia is compelling as she wars internally between the control and restraint she’s been taught and her desire to right wrongs. And, of course, when her attempts to right wrongs don’t go as planned, she’s weighed down even further by self doubt.
No one hates the unknown of the House of Boreal more than Zaethan, the al’Haidren to Darakai. He and Luscia quickly clash at court as he freely voices his mistrust of the “ice witch.” Zaethan’s character is pure alpha, he wears his emotions on his sleeve and makes decisions on instinct (right or wrong). Zaethan’s brashness stands in stark contrast to Luscia’s self control and creates electric chemistry between the two characters.
The story wouldn’t be a story if it didn’t throw the two together in something resembling an uneasy alliance. While each character has their own objectives, when innocents turn up dead in the streets, they find ways to benefit from each other’s secret investigations. Switching between the Luscia and Zaethan’s perspectives throughout the book always left you wanting more of their clashes.
Magic: 4/5
The magic system, though only briefly introduced in book one, is intriguing. The quadren and courtesans call the Boreal y’siti, dirty ice witch. While we see Alora and Luscia show more than proficiency in healing arts, we don’t get a lot of insight into the source of their magic.
We get a combination of lumin-enhanced remedies, the power of the mysterious power of Boreal blood and Luscia’s inopportune attacks of the Sight that leave us waiting impatiently for the next book to uncover more.
Overall: 4/5
The House of Bastiion is the perfect introduction to the stunning world of Orynthia. A world steeped in uneasy political alliances, court secrets and hidden magic.
Other books in the series:
