Book Review: Heirs of the Promise

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

A fun fantasy novel with intricate magic systems and stunning action sequences

Langdon Franz’s Heirs of the Promise certainly delivers! If a fantasy novel newbie needed a book recommendation without some of the more difficult aspects of the genre, this book would be one of the top on my list. But it can thrive with fantasy aficionados too.

Kilal, the hero in Franz’s story, is in big trouble. After 10 years of torture without his precious daughter, he needs to gather a great team to return to the Ashen Lands from the Sunlight Domain to get her back. There’s also a mysterious group, “The Heirs of the Promise,” that he has to deal with,as they are worsening things in the Sunlight Domain. 

Kilal is an Arbiter. He can wield magic based on the carvings he creates on his body. There are many like him around the Domain with many fascinating and unique skills, and they are sworn to protect the innocent. Since Kilal’s escape from the Ashen Lands, many Arbiters have changed thanks to the Heirs. The Arbiters nowadays care more about themselves than the true noble causes of a real Arbiter. Kilal must get through these jaded Arbiters, find his old friends (if any are alive), and find his daughter before it’s all too late. Beings from a different world are making their way into Kilal’s world. Their arrival will spell humanity’s doom. 

Franz makes it easy for readers to understand the world’s magic and lore without turning it into a dry magical history textbook. As readers follow Kilal’s journey, they gather pieces here and there, which is much better than info dumping into one big chapter. 

I can’t get enough of the Arbiters’ history. Arbiters have a lengthy history, and many historical documents are still being discovered about them. So it’s really special to follow Kilal, who is one of the rare immortal Arbiters. He has managed to live over 200 years by carving magic into his body to live so long. The action is obviously worth the price of admission in this one, but it’s the minute details about the world and its people that help it stand out the most.

Readers will get upset with the end of this first book, but only because it’s so much fun. The book is full of fast-paced storytelling, compelling characters, interesting magic and lore, and intense fighting sequences. Franz should give himself a pat on the back. Heirs of the Promise is one heck of a start to a fantasy series.

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