Title: Heritage Mountain

Author: Karen Black

Genre: Fantasy

 

Heritage Mountain by Karen Black follows Anita and Marco, as well as Chase and Maria, on a search in the Adirondack Mountains for artifacts, only they’re hidden among the fae people. Anita and Maria are both witches with the ability to communicate with the fae folk, and Chase and Marco come to learn more about this supernatural world that exists alongside theirs. When gold hunters set off explosives, Chase and Maria are trapped in a cave, relying on Anita, Marco, and several different magical beings, including stargazers, elves, and goliaths, to rescue them.

The author has created a wonderful blend of an adventure in archaeology alongside a fantastical world that is rich with details and draws the reader in. The novel begins simple enough: an expedition by archaeologists seeking evidence of long-forgotten Indigenous civilizations in the Adirondack Mountains. A few pages in, the narrative evolves into a deep dive into the world of magical beings, including elves, who have lived on and protected these mountains for a long time. The author’s choice of a fantasy novel’s setting being within the real world nicely balances its accessibility and its enchantment.

The characters are memorable and well-developed. Marco is especially believable, as his journey feels relatable to how anyone would feel when learning that the fae people are real. He starts his journey as a skeptic who is falling in love with a witch, Anita, and remains unaware of why she seems to have certain quirks. Their romance is handled well, not too fast or too slow. It unfolds naturally with the plot. When Marco is finally a believer in fairies, it comes with a great cost and even challenges his relationship with Anita, but the careful manner in which the author handles their resolution feels authentic. Meanwhile, Chase and Maria are married, with her also being a witch and Chase being a regular human. Their relationship is a positive example to the others of how such a romantic relationship can work and even flourish.

In addition to human characters, the author has crafted fun fairy characters with Galen and Maricana, two elves who are mischievous, hilarious, and endearingly cute. The stargazers provide a compelling backstory regarding the elves. The mysterious goliaths, including their protector, Patronus, bring a more serious tone to the story but also serve the greater good. Each faction serves a different purpose that’s clearly defined without feeling overbearing.

With so many varied characters, Black manages to keep the pacing just right throughout. Most of the chapters are short, making it easy to turn the page, curious what happens next. The cave-in is the most urgent part of the narrative, which serves as a solid literary device for bringing human and fae characters together for the rescue and also raises the stakes. The subplot with the gold hunters, brothers Russell and Tim, could have used more chapters to develop the characters more, especially their backstories and why they’re a threat to the mountain’s magical folk, but it creates strong conflict and shows very serious consequences for their actions.

Heritage Mountain is an engaging, page-turning fantasy with strong themes of environmental protection, acceptance, and friendship. Karen Black’s third installment in the series continues her ability to balance romance, fantasy, and action. For lovers of the popular “romantasy,” Heritage Mountain is a fun romp in the genre.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.