Time's Orphan by Hayley Chow is a YA fantasy that tells the
story of Emara, who lives in Okarria, a land destroyed by war and overrun by
cannibals and undead doing the bidding of the Dead King. A Mage and a
Necromancer have resurrected Idriel, or the Dead King as he is known, but they
need a Time Heir, blessed with a healing gift, to heal Idriel's broken body.
Emara has hidden her gift of healing all her life and only uses it to help ease
pain and heal minor wounds. When the city of Faveno falls to the enemy, she is
captured and taken to Austerden, where the Dead King rules. On her way there,
she is joined by a talking black cat and reunited with the Shadow Heir and
Dragon Heir. Together, they can kill the Dead King and save their beloved
Okaria. But as all seems lost, something miraculous happens, and Emara is sent
back in time with the order to find Bellaphia, a Magus who can help her with
her gift as Time Heir. In the past she makes friends with a street rat and the
second in line Time Heir. Together, they travel to the deadlands, face death,
and find Bellaphia. As Emara's gift grows, she learns how to overcome the
enemies waiting for her back in her own time, if only she could save her
friends from the death she saw claim them. Only when she returns will she know
what happened and if she can save her friends and her country.
Time's Orphan by Hayley Chow is a riveting YA fantasy with
immersive world-building and intriguing characters. The story develops fast,
and continuous action drives the story and creates a feeling of urgency with
the reader. The book touches on themes like betrayal, loyalty, fate, and
bravery. The effects of war on people and the environment in which they live are
highlighted by juxtaposing the war-ravaged Okaria with the peaceful and
prosperous Okaria that Emara is sent back to. The characters are authentic and
show growth and development throughout the book. There is a sweet element of
romance. What I liked about this book is that although it is the third book of
the series, you don't need to have read the previous books as it can be read as
a stand-alone. Definitely a series to recommend to avid YA Fantasy readers of
all ages.
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