Butterflies That Never Die: 1 (Legend of the Heirs)

Sometimes first books are weak. Sometimes they’re well-intentioned, but simply lack some kind of je ne sais quoi. Sometimes they’re okay, but nothing to write home about. And sometimes… Sometimes you come across high-quality debuts, like miss Aldara Thomas’s “Butterflies That Never Die”, and have a hard time believing they are debuts at all.In BTND we meet Hannah, who lost her parents and her memory at the age of seven. Lonely as orphan life can be at times, she can always rely on her friends Jessica and Margaret, at the Stone House boarding school. Not for long, though. Things are starting to look dreadful as Hannah approaches her coming of age… But when Jessica gives her a magical necklace that sends her to a completely different world, Hannah's birthday becomes the least of her concerns. Since Queen Arabella’s pyrrhic victory in the bloody civil war for the Throne of Bones, the Leirianensi have been living in a perpetual state of civil unrest and tension, which has catalyzed a few assassination attempts already. And, although all Hannah wants is to return to her world, to her friends, soon enough her path crosses with Queen Arabella’s. The next chapter in the history of Leirianon is already written—and has Hannah’s name in it.BTND was as whimsical as its cover promised. Aldara’s Other World is brimming with magic and wonder. I found myself mesmerized by the Legend of the Heirs, the story about the Twelve Gods and Goddesses of Leirianon, and the magic inside each and every Leirianensi. In the Other World, everyone is born with a natural bond to an animal species, from which they obtain unique powers and into which they can shift thanks to their pendants. Fearsome Queen Arabella, for example, is better known as the Ice Serpent; whereas my mighty crush Henry Bengal can shift into a tiger.The plot was quite enjoyable and addictive. Right this morning, I started reading the book and only five seconds later—or so it seemed to me—I had already flown through 40 pages! WOW. Anyone able to get me so absorbed, taking into account my non-existent attention span, is definitely good! Some of the plot-twists made me scream and drop the Kindle, whereas some others made me tear up from all the feels. The characters were also awesome. Although this isn't a character-driven story, and thus some of them aren't developed as much, they all have their own personality, and mean something in the story.All in all, BTND was an incredible fantasy read. With a powerful (pun absolutely intended) cast of characters, a compelling worldbuilding, and breathtaking plot-twists, this novel is a strong first installment in the Legend Of The Heirs series—as well as a portal to another world. Readers, gather your belongings, wish your loved ones well, and open this book! Leirianor awaits you.

I think this was such a beautifully written novel!!Hannah, Jessica, and Margaret have such an amazing bond. In the end, it is found out why the bond is so close (huge spoiler). I think the author did an amazing job at unveiling exactly how each character piece fits into one huge story.Henry is literally the cutest, sweetest, most caring, sensitive, and brave character!! He sacrifices himself. I am so happy for the romance that blooms at the very end of the novel with….. (read and find out).Arabella is strong and feisty. This is not always a benefit to her. I hope so much that her family bond will be brought together instead of torn apart more.There are beautifully written supporting characters, Derek, Hector, Katherine for example.- Shapeshifters- Found Family- Royalty- Elemental Magic- World Building- 0/5 🔥Definitely a great set up novel to the series!

“The Other World might have raised her, but she didn’t belong to it. How could she be from somewhere she didn’t belong to?”Jessica’s stories were supposed to be fantasy. At least, that’s what our main character, Hannah, believed. During her seventeen years as an orphan, she grew up hearing her best friend’s stories about a magical world of shapeshifters called Leirianor. It was all a fantasy, an escape from the harsh realities of being an orphan living in the crude Stone House. However, Jessica’s disappearance might just lead Hannah into a very tangible Leirianor, and into a very tangible conspiracy to overthrow the ruling Queen, Arabella.Aldara Thomas takes the concept of the Other World story and plays it expertly with nuance and depth. I was initially drawn to “Butterflies That Never Die” for the childlike wonder it invoked. A magical world of animal shapeshifters that exists only in a girl’s stories. It’s comfortable and beautiful in its’ own way. Yet this book is different, it shakes up the floorboards beneath you, and shocks you at every turn.Aldara blows such creativity into this trope, making you feel you are reading one of these stories for the first time. The childlike awe I mentioned is expertly weaved in between crude and cunning themes. Aldara crafts an incredible political intrigue, full of darkness, ambition and power.Every chapter grips you more intensely, and there’s always a twist thrown your way. Aldara knows how to draw you in further. She takes you on a rollercoaster of reveals, conspiracies and gorgeous dynamics. It is a book that keeps you guessing and wondering. Thomas’ ability to craft such a wonderful mystery is masterful. You may believe you understand where the story is heading, but she flips tables at every turn. You’re never safe!Leirianor beams with life and light! The characters were memorable! Hannah as a protagonist carried such strong messages of agency and autonomy. She’s more than your known YA protagonist, and more than the vessel for the story. Arabella is stunning as an antagonistic force. Their clashing is masterfully done. Also, might I just say, that Aldara Thomas is an excellent writer! Her prose is poignant, thought-out and on-key throughout the whole story. Never disappoints.“The world is plagued by monsters, my dear. Don’t let fear of them take hold of you, for they can do you no harm. You are the moon, and all the beasts prowl at night.”

When I started reading "Butterflies That Never Die" I didn't know what to expect. The stunning cover instantly caught my attention and the synopsis promised me an interesting plot, set in a magical world parallel to Earth (Leirianor) with shapeshifter magic. But I got so much more: a fantastically well crafted worldbuilding, weaved with political intrigues, lies, prophecies and Gods. I have always loved books that feature a world beyond our own so it's not a surprise that I couldn't put the book down.The strongest asset of this book is, in my opinion, the meticulous worldbuilding Aldara has created and how it is weaved into the plot in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. It is difficult to introduce a new world without infodumping all the information at first but she has managed this perfectly. Some people might find it confusing at first but just keep reading because everything will make sense at the end.We are also presented with a big cast of characters. The main MC, Hannah, strong headed but full of insecurities and longing for a family, and her two best friends, Jessica and Margaret. But my favourite was Henry (sweet and lovely Henry). Derek and Arabella also won my heart because of their complexity and all the weight they carried on their shoulders. On this note, it is true I would have liked to see a little bit more of how they were coping with the trauma of surviving and winning a war and losing so many loved ones.About the plot, it was very dynamic with the right dosis of action scenes (Aldara is really good writing these) and slower, more emotional moments. The last 40 pages were non stop and the plot twists at the end promise a really interesting sequel!Butterflies That Never Die is a beautiful well written story about lost and found family, and friendship. Whereas I would have liked a little  bit more character development, it is definitely a good strong start for the trilogy and I can't wait to read the sequel. Highly recommended!!

4.5☆In the world where Hannah is an orphan and passing school and avoiding detentions to get to her dream of the theater, her best friend Jessica's stories were never meant to sprout or hold any truth.Aldara builds a very indepth fantasy world with all different creatures/shifter and magical powers. Throughout the story, we see Hannah grow and slowly learn who she truly is and what she is capable of. We see action, love, danger, death, friendship and betrayal.This story is truly an artwork with a painted world in your mind, emotion provoking scenes, and a found family to die for. The plot twists and surprises will catch you off guard but make you more invested in the MCs.