Heir to the Darkmage
A complete four-book epic fantasy series set in the world of The Mage Chronicles — darker and twistier than the original, with a morally grey heroine, a slow-burn sapphic romance, and a found family worth fighting for.
She is the granddaughter of the Darkmage. And the Mage Council will never let her forget it.
Lira Astor learned long ago that fear is its own kind of power. Orphaned on the streets and hunted for a name she never chose, she’s survived as a thief, a liar, and the best con artist in the business — and now she’s talked her way into the Mage Council’s most elite apprenticeship with no intention of playing by their rules.
Because Lira isn’t there to belong. She’s there to play every side against the other: the Council that fears her, the rebels who want to use her, and the ruthless, magnetic crew leader from her past who knows exactly who Lira really is.
But the deeper she burrows into other people’s secrets, the harder it gets to tell whose game she’s running — and whether the cold, dangerous heir everyone sees is a mask… or the truth.
In a world still scarred by war and stalked by things far worse than mages, Lira must decide what kind of legacy she’ll claim. Her grandfather’s. Or her own.
Heir to the Darkmage is a complete epic fantasy series for readers who love a morally grey heroine, slow-burn sapphic romance, and a found family worth fighting for.
What readers are saying about Heir to the Darkmage
‘Wow! What an ending! With surprises right up to the end, all the story lines came together brilliantly. It was so well written – it grabs you and you don’t want to put it down. Another highly recommended series by Lisa Cassidy.’
‘Well! Lisa has done it again. Another engaging YA novel to start a new series that has all the hallmarks of being at least as good as the other two.It was wonderful to see some consequences of the war and I loved Lira and the rest of the characters. They were each different, battling their own insecurities and trials, and they were relatable which was refreshing. I can’t wait for the next installment to see what Lira gets up to next!’
‘Absolutely amazing series and ending! I read this book as slowly as I could since it is the last in the series and now I will probably go and read them all again – an action not to be taken lightly since I don’t have time to reread books with the “to read” pile I have.As always when I read other fantasy books I cannot help but compare those underdeveloped/uninteresting worlds and dislikable/one dimensional characters to Lisa Cassidy’s books.’
‘Only this time it’s better than ever…what a fabulous end to the saga and I could never have predicted all the twists and turns. Unexpected events for sure! Great story and great writing.’
More info on Heir to the Darkmage…
Is this connected to The Mage Chronicles?
Yes. Heir to the Darkmage is the direct sequel series to The Mage Chronicles. Returning readers will recognise characters, history, and world lore, but this series has a new lead, a new central arc, and can be read as a fresh entry point.
What is Heir to the Darkmage about?
Heir to the Darkmage follows Lira, the grand-daughter of a man the world remembers as a monster. Determined to step out from his shadow, she’s drawn into political rebellion, dangerous magic, and a web of secrets that force her to decide what kind of legacy she’ll claim as her own.
What themes does the series explore?
Legacy and free will, the burden of family history, found family, political rebellion, trauma recovery, and the moral complexities of power. This is my darkest series. Lira is a morally grey heroine in a world of shifting loyalties and hard choices — expect shades of grey rather than clear heroes and villains, with the hope and emotional payoff my readers know me for.
Is there romance?
Yes — including a slow-burn sapphic romance at the heart of Lira’s story — but it stays secondary to her personal journey and the political stakes.
Is the series complete?
Yes — all four books are available now and conclude Lira’s story with a powerful, action-filled finale.
Do I need to read The Mage Chronicles first?
You’ll get maximum emotional payoff if you’ve read The Mage Chronicles, but Heir to the Darkmage is written so that teen and adult readers can start here and still follow and enjoy the story.
Is this young adult or adult fantasy?
Heir to the Darkmage is upper young adult / crossover fantasy, with more mature themes than The Mage Chronicles, but still focused on character growth, hope, and emotional resolution.
What is the suggested reading order
1. Heir to the Darkmage
2. Mark of the Huntress
3. Whisper of the Darksong
4. Rise of the Shadowcouncil