Review: Ties of Legacy

Ties of Legacy by Melanie Cellier is the fifth book I read from the Tethered Hearts multi-author series. It serves as an introduction to Melanie's Kingdoms of Legacy series, in which the characters live in a world governed by a complex system of rules that binds them to their kingdoms and forces them to relive classic stories for generations. Although this book is not based on a fairy tale, it serves as a loose retelling of "Aladdin," or more specifically, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, because it focuses on a man who is bound to a lamp that is possessed by a woman he must travel with and develops feelings for. The book's pacing occasionally lags, but it culminates in a thrilling climax.

Avery is a traveling merchant who lives in a world that prevents many people from leaving their homes and values her freedom. Elliot wishes he could settle down, but the magical laws that govern their world bound him to always be near a specific candelabra. When his precious candelabra is melted down and refashioned into a lamp that Avery needs to stop a war with another kingdom, Elliot has no choice but to accompany her. From there, the book follows a traditional "road trip" format as the two travel from kingdom to kingdom, encountering people from their pasts and growing closer along the way.

The first half of the book is a bit slow, as Elliot and Avery spend time in various towns, getting to know each other and talking about the unusual magical laws that govern their lands. Avery promises to use her connections to find a way to free Elliot from the lamp and learns more about his curse with each place they travel to. Although their bond grows throughout the book, they don't have much in common, making their relationship feel a bit rushed after only a few days of travel. Everything comes together at the end, when it is revealed that perhaps the magic that forced Elliot to follow Avery to her destination knew what it was doing after all.

The book has an overall light-hearted tone, though things get hairy when the villains reveal themselves. The true identity of the antagonist is not revealed until the end of the book, but he poses a worthy threat to the reluctant couple and tests their bond by forcing them to work together. Furthering the "Aladdin" metaphors, there is a wise-cracking parrot sidekick that lightens the mood when necessary and provides invaluable aid when Avery and Elliot are placed in unexpected peril. It's a fast-paced easy read that provides a pleasant escape from reality.

Ties of Legacy is a fitting entry in the Tethered Hearts series about couples bound together by magic. It is an original story that people who enjoy the road trip formula will love. It contains some loose elements of "Aladdin" and serves as a viable introduction for Melanie Cellier's Kingdoms of Legacy series. If you enjoy detailed descriptions of medieval-inspired kingdoms and characters reuniting with people from their past, this book is a good option for your next romantasy.