The Preparations

The Legacy, Book 1

By: Danielle N. McDonough

Narrated by: Anna Chadderdon

At sixteen years old, Myra has devoted herself to learning her people’s way of life and following every rule. Having a Clan Leader for a parent and growing up in the most prestigious village, she has always been told that The Clan is perfect.

The normal rhythm in which she lives her life changes quite suddenly when it is announced that the trials will be taking place in less than a year. Having little to no knowledge about this traditional challenge, which will determine the next Clan Leaders, Myra and the other potentials are given only six months to prepare themselves for an unknown future.

As the priorities in Myra’s life begin to shift, she finds herself losing friends and breaking rules in order to gain an advantage over the competition. Myra starts to question her ideal image of The Clan when she meets a mysterious girl named Astra. Living far in the north, Astra has a very different view of the society in which they have both grown up. She asks questions to which Myra cannot even fathom the answers and holds secrets Myra can only guess at.

With the trials growing closer and closer every day, Myra starts to wonder if everything she’s believed about her people is true or if there are dark secrets buried beneath the well-ordered exterior of The Clan.

©2017 Danielle N. McDonough (P)2025 Danielle N. McDonough

Characters that get you hooked

One of my favorite things about this book is the way the characters feel genuine with their imperfections and convictions. It's balanced enough to make you annoyed yet sympathetic. The world is skillfully constructed with enough detail to feel submerged in its settings without being bored and confused with a large build up that loses the reader. Can't wait until the next book!!!

Great setup for a grand adventure!

The title says it all. This book reads like the first act of a mysterious and daunting adventure. The narration is well done and breaths life into the world and its people. The characters introduced are diverse, each with a depth and purpose. Given that this book is YA they are flawed, with room for personal improvement. Yet, trials lay ahead which will surely test their character. The story has just begun…