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About the Book
As a dark rivalry between two kingdoms threatens to erupt into war, a willful princess must decide between duty and desire.
Obligated to wed her father's choice in successor to the throne, seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates - a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered Steldor. When the attractive and mysterious Narian arrives from enemy lands bearing secrets and different ideas about women's roles in the world, Alera's private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. The discovery of Narian's shocking past plunges Alera into a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, leaving her unsure of what to believe in, or whom to trust.
Legacy introduces novelist Cayla Kluver. Marked by sharp dialogue and dramatic complexity that belie the writer's age, this memorable page-turner brings a
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fresh, new sensibility to age-old questions of duty and inheritance, and a young heroine's quest to find her own voice.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
- Bronze medalist in the 2008 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards for Young Adult Fiction
- Finalist in two categories in the National Best Books Awards 2008 sponsored by USA Book News
- First place winner (reviewer's choice) in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2008 for Young Adult Fiction
- Young Voices Foundation book of the month for January 2009
Miami Herald
"Legacy follows the joys and dramas of a young girl navigating her way out of the safe harbors of childhood and into the uncertain and difficult waters of adulthood. Only Alera is a princess and heir to the throne of her homeland, so while some of her difficulties are commonplace (having to deal with amorous young boys) others are exclusively princess problems (facing the threat of an arranged political marriage). ... The first in a trilogy, Legacy is simple but effective, succeeding largely on the author's ability to craft a sympathetic and human character in Alera. ... A thoroughly entertaining read, Legacy shows a lot of promise, for Kluver and her princess."
Booklist Online
"Alera's sensitivity and willfulness will win readers over who will sympathize as her choices dwindle. A looming war, characters with intriguingly hidden pasts, and a sad ending set things up nicely for a sequel."
Cleveland Literature Examiner
"Anyone who says teens can't write should meet 16-year-old Cayla Kluver. ... Far from being another one of the over-wrought epic fantasy novels of most young writers, Legacy is a smoothly written, easily read piece of fiction. ... Kluver's writing is impressive, fluid and focuses heavily on social customs and deep, complex characters; the skill of the writing and the resulting story make Legacy one book that any fantasy fan should pick up at the earliest opportunity."
Curled Up With a Good Kid's Book, Five Stars
"If you're looking for a richly painted tapestry of words, a fantasy sort of book written as if Jane Austen were still alive and had decided to write fantasies involving princesses, then you're sure to love Legacy."
Bookideas.com, Perfect 10
"I enthusiastically encourage readers young and old alike to sample the nuanced richness of Cayla Kluver's Legacy -- it is both humbling and heartening for this reviewer to encounter tale-craft and youth blended so well in a debut novel."
TeensReadToo.com, Five Stars
"This brilliant story by a young new author captured my heart and I am eager to read the tale's conclusion in the following book."
Reader Views Kids, Child's Review, Five Stars
"Legacy by Cayla Kluver is an amazing book and I don't think I have enough adjectives to describe how much I loved it. ... You can't read it without wanting more."
BookLover (lizdoglover.blogspot.com), 5.0 - The Best EVER!
"I swear, once you start reading this book, you can't stop. It's SO good. The book ended with me wanting more! I can't wait 'til Allegiance comes out!"
ForeWord Clarion Reviews, Five Stars
"Well-paced and well-written, Legacy has passages of idyllic prose, tensions between lovers, and a powerful narrative in the description of a tournament battle. ... But there are enough story threads left hanging to ensure that book two, Allegiance, will be a fitting sequel and to ensure Cayla Kluver's legacy as a stellar author and storyteller."
Renaissance Magazine, January/February 2009 Issue:
"With likeable characters and vivid details, this is an engrossing story for young adults. ... Kluver's grasp of language, dialogue and character development shows that she is as promising as her heroine."
Bobbi Carducci for About Families, Recommended Rating
"Legacy is the first novel written by a talented young writer I believe will have a long writing career. ... Cayla Kluver has created a fantasy adventure story that will appeal to readers of all ages."
The Blogger Girlz (thebloggergirlz.blogspot.com)
"Not only are the characters in Legacy amazing, deeply layered, and totally relatable despite the time-period, but the language and dialogue were also beautiful and easy to understand and you as a reader were able to experience every emotion that Alera felt just as strongly as if you were feeling it yourself. I was completely engrossed in the story and the world and was on the edge of my seat more than once during some particularly intense fight scenes. I was breathless and totally caught up in Alera and Narian's passion for one another, and heartbroken whenever they were forced apart."
Chick Lit Teens (www.chicklitteens.com)
"Legacy is a breathtakingly beautiful story about one girl's struggle to overcome the expectations of a kingdom and find her own happiness. ... Full of political struggle, duty, legends, brilliant characters, and beautiful prose, Legacy will leave readers wanting more. I look forward to reading many more gorgeous novels from Kluver."
La Femme Readers (lafemmereaders.blogspot.com)
"First let me just say wow. I am in love with this book and with Cayla's beautiful writing. ... I am so impressed with the storyline, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the descriptive details which helped me imagine the life of Princess Alera. ... Legacy is a mix of King Arthur and Romeo and Juliet in a way. I honestly will say it's now on my top 5 favorite books with Twilight and The Hunger Games."
Families Matter (familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com)
"Cayla Kluver, the sixteen-year-old author of Legacy, is truly brilliant. Her eloquent dialogue and cleverly plotted tale of kings and queens, romance and deceit will keep you turning the pages and wanting more."
Brimful Curiosities (www.brimfulcuriosities.com)
"How truly refreshing to find a book with well-written teen characters depicted through the eyes of a teen author! Through the use of appropriate mannerisms and expressions, Kluver created endearing characters with just the right sense of naivete. ... During my teen years I tended to gravitate toward romantic suspense novelists like Eleanor Hibbert (a.k.a Victoria Holt/Jean Plaidy). I know for a fact I would have enjoyed escaping in the story of Legacy then, just as much as I enjoyed reading it now, as an adult."
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What Readers Are Saying
These are comments I have received personally from people who have read Legacy. All have been quoted anonymously except in certain cases. Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed!
"I really really loved your book and I was wondering when I could expect the next book to come out. I am eager to read more of your writing. Your books keep me on the edge of my seat!"
"I just finished Legacy about an hour ago, and I loved it, and cannot wait for the next one!"
"Just wanted to tell you how much I liked your book (read it in two days) and am looking forward to book two. Your characters are well thought-out and your descriptions are like a picture of what is there without being too wordy. Keep at it because I love to read and will keep looking for new books by such an interesting author."
"I'm a total bookworm and kind of snobby about what I read... lol. I have to tell you... I finished Legacy in three days. Couldn't put it down! It completely distracted me from work! I almost had a heart attack when I was done and I realized that there is a second book!"
"I just wanted to write to let you know that I finished Legacy today and absolutely LOVED IT. It was fantastic and I cannot wait to find out what happens with Steldor, Alera, and Narian. Thank you for such a wonderful book. I recommended this book to many people before I even finished it."
"I thought your book, Legacy, was one of the most fantastic books I have ever read."
"I just wanted to let you know that I read Legacy in about 3 days, and am dying without the sequel!!! If it is at all possible (no pressure here...) could you possibly write faster? I am wasting away without Allegiance. Thank you again for being brave enough to take on the world of publishing."
"I wanted to tell you that Legacy is now one of my favorite books! Thanks for writing a clean, mature book. Lots of books start good, then get started mentioning 'dirty' things. And you made a book with romance (clean, yet sweet), battles (interesting, yet not gory) mysterious, and funny. Thanks again!!" -- Katie
"I just wanted to say that I've read Legacy and I'm anxious for Allegiance to come out! I can't wait to find out what happens between Alera, Steldor and Narian next!"
"I loved your book and I'm really excited to read Allegiance. My friends and I talk about it all the time."
"I have been in a book lull for the past several months (nothing has quite been up to my standards) and reading Legacy was a treat. Thank you for putting out a good, clean book."
"I just finished reading your book Legacy. I'm far from a youth, but I enjoyed reading your book very much. I've suggested it to a few of my friends who also enjoy a good read. This is the first time I've ever written an author to let them know how much I enjoyed their story, and I look forward to reading the next book. Take it from someone who has been reading for many years, and has read an insane number of books... you have talent. Thank you for taking my mind on a wonderful journey."
"I would just like to say that you inspired me to try to get a book published. Me and my friend are trying to write a novel."
"I cannot believe how wonderful your book is! After hearing about your book I picked it up and read it. The minute I was done I was amazed. I am an avid reader and I have read my share of books but I can truthfully say that Legacy is on the top of my favorites. The only book I have ever reread is Harry Potter and now Legacy. It is a wonderful book." -- Betsy
"I have just finished Legacy, and I loved it!!!! I have to admit, the book ranks up there with my other favorites (Twilight, Hunger Games, This Lullaby, The Host, etc.). Congrats on writing an excellent novel, and I look forward to Allegiance." -- Pearlita
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