Relic by Bronwyn Eley

ebook, 1, 496 pages

Expected publication: September 12th 2019

ISBN: 9780648534

https://geni.us/relic-bl

4/5 books

I received an arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

*******

In the city of Edriast, there is no deadlier duty than to serve as the Shadow.

As the personal servant of the powerful Lord Rennard, the Shadow’s life is all but forfeit. Rennard possesses one of five rare and dangerous Relics – a jewel that protects his bloodline, but slowly poisons everyone else in its proximity. When the current Shadow succumbs to its magic, nineteen-year-old blacksmith Kaylan is summoned to take his place.

It’s an appointment that will kill her.

As the time Kaylan has left ebbs away, hope begins to fade… That is, until she discovers a plot to destroy all five bloodlines in possession of the Relics.

A rebel force plans to put an end to Rennard’s rule and Kaylan suddenly finds herself embroiled in a cause that might just be worth fighting for. But no cause is without its costs…

As her life hangs in the balance and rebellion bears down on Edriast, Kaylan must decide where her loyalties lie – and how she’ll leave her mark on the world.

Relic is the absorbing first novel in The Relic Trilogy, a thrillingly dark YA fantasy series.

Relic is the first novel in the dark YA fantasy series, The Relic Trilogy.

Set in the fictional city of Edriast, teenager Kaylan is selected as the new Shadow — a cursed role serving Lord Rennard, that guarantees imminent death.

Kaylan is the main character who is forced into becoming the new shadow, done on a lottery-based system for anyone that is over the age of 10.  She is now under the “employment” of Lord Rennard.  Rennard is the owner of a powerful magical jewel know at the Relic, which protects its owner, but slowly poisons those around him.  Which is why there is always a “need” for a shadow.

Kaylan started out as a blacksmith before becoming the shadow.  She loves her family very much; she is very protective of them.  When she becomes the shadow, it is promised that her family will be well taken care of.  Even when she is working as the shadow she still thinks and worries about her mother and brothers. 

There are a few other key characters that we are introduced to.  Markus who is the Master of the Hunt and lover of dogs.  Who when he first meets Kaylan he assumes that she is the Queen’s lady in waiting.  Kaylan lets this lie go on for as log as she can since she doesn’t want pity from Markus.

Jepser who is Rennads wife, who takes a liking to Kaylan, and tries to shield Kayaln as much as she can, despite being poisoned by the relic herself. 

Both are strong points in Kaylan’s life while living at the castle, their friendships are strengths that Kaylan strongly relies on.

Then there is the rebellion that Kaylan is somewhat forced into, under the direction of Rennard she is sent to gather information on and report back to him.  As she learns more about this, she stats to question which side is right.  There wasn’t a whole lot about the actual rebellion, outside of Rennard wanting to put a stop to it. 

The main thing I had an issue with was about being the shadow itself, Kaylan was told to be at the Lords side at all times, but yes she seems to have plenty of time to wander the grounds and befriend a number of people that live there. 

The tension between Markus and Kaylan was fun to see also, since they both seem to be guarded and aware of their positions in the manor.  They do have a wonderful bond after some time, and I hope to see it grow some more in the next books

I think this is a wonderful debut with wonderful characters and world building, and the way that the book ended leave me eager to see what happens to Kaylan and the choice she made.  I also hope we find out more about the rebellion and if Kaylan will choose a side.