Idriel's Children (Odriel's Heirs Book 2) and Burning Shadows (Odriel's Heirs Book 1.5) by Hayley Reese Chow

Idriel's Children is the second book in the YA fantasy series Odriel's Heirs series. This book, as well as book 1.5, Burning Shadows, was sent to me by the author. Over 20 years after Kaia and Klaus, the Dragon and Shadow Heirs, defeat Idriel, they have children together. Aza inherits Klaus' gift for the shadows and invisibility, while her brother inherits their mother's fire. Aza has been warned repeatedly by her father to not cross into the Shadow Plane, the world between life and death, but she cannot resist the whispers calling for her aid. In following them, she faces shocking revelations about not only herself, but the world she thought she has known.

Aza faces some heavy internal conflict and learns some tough lessons. The shadow heir is also known as an assassin, having the strength of mind to kill without the devastating moral toll. As such, it comes with a burden of a curse of being destined to be alone. Despite having those who deeply care about her by her side, Aza believes that and the incapacity for her to have friends. In the end, she truly learns that being alone is a fate perhaps worse than death. Seeing her open up to emotion and the resulting heartbreak was tear-jerking. 

I read Idriel's Children out of order. I should have read Burning Shadows first! As a result, I did not realize that Kaia was Ava's mother and was slightly confused. Looking back now, many small moments in Idriel's Children are clearer. I am normally a bit weary of short stories, as some I've read don't have a significant amount of detail or plot development. This was not the case, and I was pleasantly surprised. Burning Shadows focuses on the emergence of the Rastgol and one particularly brutal fight that challenges and strengthens Kaia and Klaus' relationship. It's a touching story of partnership and loyalty. It does contain some disturbing images and torture tactics, and Kaia struggled with her morals on how to fight with mercy despite them not deserving it.

I highly recommend these books! Chow has promised for there to be another full book in the Ordriel's Heirs series, Time's Orphan, and a book 2.5 that she is hoping to publish late 2022. I can't wait to read them!

Read my review of the first book, Odriel's Heirs, here.  Also see my review of the author's middle grade fantasy book The Gatekeeper of Pericael here.

Title: Idriel's Children and Burning Shadows 
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Publisher: Hayley Reese Chow
Pages: 203 and 68
Series: Yes, Book 2 and 1.5
Rating: Both 5 Stars
Book 2 Goodreads

Book 1.5 Goodreads