Inheritance of Scars - by Crystal Seitz

About the Book

In the depths of Tiveden Forest, home to bloodthirsty monsters, eighteen-year-old Astrid searches for her vanished grandmother, inadvertently awakens the deadly draugr Soren, and forms an unlikely alliance with him as she discovers her family's grim legacy.

Book Synopsis

Belladonna meets Norse mythology in this "sinuous dark fantasy" (School Library Journal) that follows a teen who accidentally awakens an imprisoned draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.

Never go beyond the stave church.

Within Tiveden Forest, bloodthirsty monsters known as draugr lurk behind every tree, and secrets run through the soil like twisted roots. When her grandmother vanishes into the forest, Astrid won't let Crohn's disease get in the way of finding her. But in searching for her lost loved one, Astrid soon uncovers an even greater mystery:

A conflict that's haunted her village and family for generations.
An ancient blood oath her ancestor made to protect them.
A deadly draugr imprisoned for centuries...who Astrid accidentally awakens.

Newly revived, Soren first mistakes Astrid for her ancestor, his ex-lover turned enemy. Astrid can't tell if he would rather kill her or kiss her. But Soren knows the forest better than anyone, and Astrid quickly realizes that she'll need his help to rescue her grandmother.

The deeper they venture into Tiveden, the closer Astrid gets to the cold, alluring Soren and the truth behind her grandmother's disappearance. To save her home, a dark ritual must be performed before Midwinter--and only Astrid can fulfill her ancestor's blood oath...or break it.

That is, if Soren--or the forest--doesn't break Astrid first.

Review Quotes

"Inheritance of Scars is a sweeping, romantic adventure that's as brutal as a cursed winter forest and as tender as a secret kiss."--Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge and Tenderly, I am Devoured

"A solid debut dark fantasy inspired by Norse myth and folklore sure to please the ­intricate ­romantasy reader."--School Library Journal "10/1/24"

"Seitz folds elements of her own experience with chronic illness into Astrid's recurrent worries about her Crohn's diagnosis, and the reimagined Norse folktales and mythical creatures will appeal to fans of classic fairy tales, especially those who like the creepier side of those stories."--Booklist "9/15/24"

"Debut author Seitz intersperses passages narrated by Skaga into Astrid's first-person account, weaving an impressive backstory deeply rooted in pagan beliefs. Astrid's story expertly conveys her pain as she unravels her family's secrets and her own destiny...A bloody love letter to Norse mythology."--Kirkus Reviews "8/15/24"

"Inheritance of Scars is sure to leave its mark on you! This debut is as deeply romantic as it is hauntingly atmospheric. Seitz has intricately woven together dual timelines to craft a tale spanning multiple generations. Readers will find themselves transported into the lush, wintry village of Unden where the small town is just as bloodthirsty and secretive as the monstrous forest surrounding it. And remember, no matter what you do, the blood oath must not be broken."--Skyla Arndt, author of Together We Rot

"A romantic, blood-soaked tale about forging your own path and the shifting lines between love and hate. I was swept away by this journey into the forest of Tiveden, where the cold is unrelenting and your heart can be as treacherous as the creatures that prowl the darkness. Fans of enemies-to-lovers--and vampires!--will adore this one."--Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

"Seitz has crafted a riveting and, at times, gruesome portrayal of legacy and what it means to inherit the ways of your foremothers. Main character Astrid's journey toward self-advocacy is entwined in a heart-pounding quest for her lost grandmother with a dual-timeline look at the world of her ancestors. I felt like I was right there with Astrid and her reluctant (and handsome) guide. I can't wait to read what Seitz cooks up next!"--Rachel Moore, author of The Library of Shadows and Us in Ruins

"Seitz's propulsive prose takes readers on a thrilling journey through terrifying forests filled with monsters, myths and deadly magic. With a seductive silver-haired vampire, ancient blood oaths, and long-buried family secrets, Inheritance of Scars is sure to enchant dark fantasy readers."--Tanvi Berwah, author of Monsters Born and Made and Somewhere in the Deep

About the Author

Crystal Seitz is a young adult contemporary fantasy writer. A Viking at heart, Crystal battles Crohn's disease and raids libraries for all the books on Norse mythology she can find. She works in marketing and web design, but only because she can't be a professional shield-maiden. She has a penchant for mythology, history, and all things creative. When she isn't writing, Crystal can be found doing archery, drawing, or rewatching Game of Thrones.