The Unexpected Heir

De: L. L. Diamond, C. S. Bowes - editor

Narrado por: Ann Young

Elizabeth Bennet has a secret that will shock the magical world.

While most ladies in her world have talents, a singular ability, and hold no other power, Elizabeth is the first female since Niniane, the Lady of the Lake, to wield magic as freely as any male heir. Many would covet her power, which is why her father and his friend forged a magical contract to protect Elizabeth even she comes of marriageable age. Elizabeth, however, has no wish for an arranged marriage, yet could she truly be in as much danger as her father has implied? All she wants is to wander with her white stag, Herne, in Oakham Forest and visit the stone circle in its midst, but the altar within the circle vibrates in a manner it has never done before. Surely, the behaviour of the altar is altered for a reason, yet what could it be? Could the visitors at Netherfield be the cause by changing the balance of magic in Meryton or could the vibration be a warning of what is to come?

When Fitzwilliam Darcy journeys to Hertfordshire before the autumn equinox, his intention is not only to visit his friend Charles Bingley, but to also see his betrothed, Elizabeth, for the first time with his own eyes. Even though he has seen visions of her over the years and is certain of their future together, he offers her a choice in whether to marry him or not. After all, he does not desire an unwilling bride.

Meanwhile, a vision in the stone circle’s altar gives a glimpse of their shared future as well as an evil bent on destroying the descendent of Merlin. As Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth race to learn as much as they can about this mage, will they discover how to defeat this foe before it can carry forth its scheme or will the mysterious evil somehow defeat the unexpected heir?

©2025 L. L. Diamond (P)2025 L. L. Diamond

Lovely book

I read the book when it came out and decided to buy the audiobook. I really like the book. The narration was pretty good, however my personal preference would have been for a voice actor with a deeper voice, male or female. It got a little too screechy for me in places.

Unique magical P&P

Love this story!! I had read it before the audiobook was out and narrator Ann Young does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. This one will definitely be a frequent relisten!!!

Unexpected magical surprise

This first part was from me reading the book but then the audiobook was released, so that part is included below:

I love LL Diamond’s stories! My favorite one of hers is “Undoing”, but this one is right up there with it for me. I completely enjoyed this blending of Arthurian Legend with Pride and Prejudice.

You find out at the beginning that magical families exist in this time period but they are dwindling as people forget about the magic and become “normal“. There are still several strong magical families and the Bennet family is one of the strongest, but they are kept quiet from modern society. The strength of the magic is passed down through the family heir, which has a distinctive birthmark. Until Elizabeth‘s birth, it was thought to be only via a male child. Because of this complete shock and uniqueness, Elizabeth is betrothed as a newborn.

All of the siblings have some talent but Elizabeth’s true ability is kept secret. The talent for each sister really fits their character. I had to chuckle when we learned what Caroline’s talent was. Bingley’s history had a little twist that I thought was appropriate.

I absolutely loved that we have a great amount of on page time with Elizabeth and Darcy, so those that are looking for that, you will be happy. Also, for those that need the warning this does have open door content between a married couple.

Darcy & Elizabeth find out about a deadly threat that will be coming. They discover that they are stronger together and practice to thwart that enemy. The villain in the story makes sense when it is revealed but has you wondering who it is until then.

So, if you are ready for a magical fantasy with a white stag along with Elizabeth and Darcy, you will want to read this. I borrowed this on KU but it is one that I will be buying.

Audiobook: This is a fairly new to me narrator, I think I have only listened to one of their other works. Overall the narrator did well. This is a story that I will read and or listen to again.

A United Darcy and Elizabeth

A United Darcy and Elizabeth
Fantasy and magic are not usually my first choice, but occasionally I make an exception for a favourite author. L.L. Diamond is one I trust, and with The Unexpected Heir, she proved why once more.

This is an arranged-marriage scenario done exactly the way I would wish to enjoy them: no unnecessary animosity between Elizabeth and Darcy, no prolonged misunderstandings, and no manufactured conflict between the couple. And arranged for a good reason. Darcy is all sincerity and devotion from the beginning, having had visions and dreams of Elizabeth for years, while Elizabeth takes a little longer to understand her feelings, because the arrangement has only recently become known to her as an adult.

The fantasy plot is inventive without becoming overwhelming with all sorts of magical language and making the narrative difficult to follow, as some novels do. A looming threat keeps the tension steady, and ODC, along with a very supportive Mr Bennet, work as a team to strengthen their knowledge and skills. I did not see the eventual reveal/villain coming.

I believe the epilogue deserves a particular mention. Not only is it a lovely look into their young family, but it left me thinking this could very easily support a sequel or even a series. I could happily return to it.

On audio, Ann Young’s performance was excellent. Her delivery suited the fantasy elements and action, as well as the emotional moments, very well. This is the second L.L. Diamond book I have listened to with her narration, after A Novel Christmas, and I thought her performance here was even stronger. It was nice to see her used again, and I would happily listen to more from her.

Recommended.

Mature content with open-door scenes after marriage.