publisher: Harlequin Teen
date of publication: February 28, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 490
source: Netgalley
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository
From Goodreads:
Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.
An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return...
Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.
Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn...
What I Thought
When sitting down to read Allegiance, I did so with the knowledge of how wonderful the previous book, Legacy, had been. Little did I know, I was in for a treat. Not only is Allegiance a likewise wonderful book, I am happy to say that it is even better! Cayla Kluver's historically-inspired fantasy world was about to push the bounds of everything I thought I knew of the atmosphere in which this series takes place. This novel, detailing the conflict of duty vs. love and good vs. evil, provides a smooth plot progression that makes it so very easy to sink into the story, thus allowing hours to pass by before coming up for air. This well-written, descriptive novel is everything a fan of fantasy fiction could want.
Alera, Steldor, Narian, and Hytanica all come into their own within the pages of Allegiance. Alera begins to leave behind childhood and develops an inner strength that will get her through many struggles and allow her to become a ruler that even the patriarchal, misogynistic society of Hytanica will respect; Steldor, the reprehensible, egotistical young man whom Alera now finds herself shackled to by the bonds of duty reveals some surprising character traits; and Narian finds himself trying to balance allegiance by way of love and allegiance by way of coercion. These characters, as well as others scattered throughout the story, have developed so much past what they were in Legacy. Each has newly found strengths and weaknesses that make them such well-rounded characters. I couldn't help but question with whom my sympathies lay the most. I was absolutely blown away by the time the last chapter was complete that I immediately wanted the next book to read. It was just that phenomenal.
If you, yourself, enjoyed Legacy, don't hesitate. You will want to read Allegiance as soon as possible. If you haven't yet begun to read this series, I must urge you to do so. Cayla Kluver's books will not leave you wanting. With its smooth plot progression and propensity for detail, Allegiance will leave you stunned and craving more. Fans of both historical fiction and fantasy can find enjoyment in this series due to its historically-inspired world-building and the presence of a mysterious Cokyrian magic. I can not wait to house this entire series on my shelves.
Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
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