Review: Heirs to the Kingdom by Michael Tlustos

A classic coming-of-age fantasy, Heirs to the Kingdom by Michael Tlustos is an adventurous tale of destiny with epic existential stakes.

Prince Aramys is the crown prince of Pallisar and destined for greatness, but nagging self-doubt threatens to dethrone his troubled spirit before he has a chance to prove his mettle. After witnessing the prophecy-fulfilling potential of the young prince, an aging magic maker named Symon is determined to become a guide for the future king’s untapped and immense power.

Rolf is the prince’s loyal companion and squire, well-muscled in both body and mind, and fiercely true to his lord, despite his own regal standing. Together with a slowly growing fellowship of allies, this cadre of noble defenders is unknowingly preparing for the greatest challenge to the kingdom in generations.

A sinister force has been rising in The Great Waste beyond the mountains, and the old ways are passing, leaving room for something new to take its place, for better or ill. When an army of invaders slays the king, Aramys and his new friends must reckon with his ascension to the throne, while chaos closes in on them from every side. As the bearer of an ancient legacy and the harbinger of radical change, Aramys may be forced to tread where his stalwart companions won’t be able to follow.

The descriptive world-building is immersive and consistent, letting readers lounge in the summoned visions of feasts, battles, royal courts, sprawling settings, and gritty back alleyways. Omniscient narration, common in this genre, makes for a transportive reading experience, helping to establish the context of the realm, interpersonal dynamics, and the general direction of the storyline. The patient introduction of core characters gives each a chance to breathe and come to life on the page. Symon and Rolf create the perfect balance of influential forces on Aramys’ life, echoing at times the dynamic of Gandalf and Samwise Gamgee in Frodo’s legendary fellowship.

Tlustos aspires to and achieves a similar epic quality, with lines that deepen the immersion in the characters and landscape in equal measure. The incorporation of subtly contemporary themes gives the story another layer of urgency, from the danger of unsubstantiated news and blind patriotism to defiance of gender norms and the vainglory of war. Some of these timely parallels can feel more blunt than necessary, but the thoughtful dissections of these topics between characters – particularly Erik, Pim, Rolf, and Aramys – reflect a curious and compassionate perspective on life writ large, no matter the setting.

While the novel eagerly leans into classic fantasy tradition, certain plot points and revelations can come off as more familiar than surprising, softening the dramatic impact. The prose also relies on telling, rather than showing, especially when it comes to character emotions and motivations; the prose is clear and direct, which makes the interpersonal relationships immediately accessible, but the straightforward style can also rob readers of the chance to draw their own connections and conclusions.

Despite this common storytelling stumble, the novel is a satisfying work of fantasy overall, offering a captivating tale of loyalty, magical maturation, and the complex burden of greatness.