THE ENCHANTER HEIR by Cinda Williams Chima

Rating: A
Synopsis:
They called it the Thorn Hill Massacre—the brutal attack on a once-thriving Weir community. Though Jonah Kinlock lived through it, he did not emerge unscathed: like the other survivors, Jonah possesses unique magical gifts that set him apart from members of the mainline guilds. At seventeen, Jonah has become the deadliest assassin in Nightshade, a global network that hunts the undead. He is being groomed to succeed Gabriel Mandrake, the sorcerer, philanthropist, and ruthless music promoter who established the Thorn Hill Foundation, the public face of Nightshade. More and more, Jonah’s at odds with Gabriel’s tactics and choice of targets. Desperate to help his dying brother Kenzie, Jonah opens doors that Gabriel prefers to keep closed.

Emma Claire Greenwood grew up worlds away, raised by a grandfather who taught her music rather than magic. An unschooled wild child, she runs the streets until the night she finds her grandfather dying, gripping a note warning Emma that she might be in danger. The clue he leaves behind leads Emma into Jonah’s life—and a shared legacy of secrets and lingering questions.

Was Thorn Hill really a peaceful commune? Or was it, as the Wizard Guild claims, a hotbed of underguild terrorists? The Wizards’ suspicions grow when members of the mainline guilds start turning up dead. They blame Madison Moss and the Interguild Council, threatening the fragile peace brokered at Trinity.

Racing against time, Jonah and Emma work to uncover the truth about Thorn Hill, amid growing suspicion that whoever planned the Thorn Hill Massacre might strike again.

My thoughts on the book:
The Enchanter Heir is by far the best book in this series. I loved the previous three books, but this novel just blew me out of the water. This installment is full of action and adventure, betrayals and alliances. The character-development is top-notch, and the world continues to grow. Chima is a fantastic author, and the writing is spectacular. This is one book you don't want to miss. 

I really love Emma. She's a great character. Sometimes she comes across as a little bratty and brash, but overall, she's very likable. She is real, flawed, and full of heart. You couldn't ask for a better leading lady. Jonah is a terrific leading man, too. He's brave and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences he may suffer after he learns it. I really respected him. Both Emma and Jonah grew throughout the novel at a believable pace. The characterization is extremely well done. 

The plot is action-packed and full of adventure. I couldn't believe some of the stuff that happened! The mystery is intense and will keep you guessing until the very end. I didn't figure out a lot before I was supposed to, and I enjoyed that. The world-building is well-done, and even though Chima has already established this world, she doesn't let the reader forget where they are. The pacing is perfect, and the ending is fantastic. I can't wait for the next installment. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. Give this series a try. You won't be sorry. 

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