This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Hayley is an award-winning author, mechanical engineer, Air Force Reserve officer, four-time All-American fencer, ex-ultramarathoner, avid traveler, book inhaler and super nerd with three older sisters who are way cooler than her.
Since beginning her writing journey, Hayley’s microfiction has won an honorable mention in the NYC Midnight Challenge and her books have won the 2020 YA Florida Author Project, a Readers' Favorite silver medal, and a Wishing Shelf Book Award bronze medal.
She wrote the Odriel's Heirs series because she wanted to capture a story of chosen ones who struggled with the fear, loneliness, and pressure of their responsibilities, especially in the face of a horrifying odds.
Hayley currently lives in Florida with two small wild boys, her long-suffering husband, and her miniature ragehound.
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Time's Orphan by Hayley Chow is a YA fantasy that tells the story of Emara, who lives in Okarria, a land destroyed by war and overrun by cannibals and the undead doing the bidding of the Dead King. A mage and a necromancer have resurrected Idriel, or the Dead King as he is known, but they need a Time Heir, blessed with a healing gift, to heal Idriel's broken body. Emara has hidden her gift of healing all her life and only uses it to help ease pain and heal minor wounds. When the city of Faveno falls to the enemy, she is captured and taken to Austerden, where the Dead King rules. On her way there, she is joined by a talking black cat and reunited with the Shadow Heir and Dragon Heir. Together, they can kill the Dead King and save their beloved Okaria. But just as all seems lost, something miraculous happens, and Emara is sent back in time with the order to find Bellaphia, a Magus who can help her with her gift as the Time Heir. In the past, she makes friends with a street rat and the second in line Time Heir. Together, they travel to the deadlands, face death, and find Bellaphia. As Emara's gift grows, she learns how to overcome the enemies waiting for her back in her own time. If only she could save her friends from the death she saw claim them. Only when she returns will she know what happened and if she can save her friends and her country.
Time's Orphan by Hayley Chow is a riveting YA fantasy with immersive world-building and intriguing characters. The story develops fast, and continuous action drives the plot and creates a feeling of urgency within the reader. The book touches on themes like betrayal, loyalty, fate, and bravery. The effects of war on people and the environment in which they live are highlighted by juxtaposing the war-ravaged Okaria with the peaceful and prosperous Okaria to which Emara is sent back. The characters are authentic and show growth and development throughout the events. There is a sweet element of romance. What I liked about this book is that, although it is the third in the series, you don't need to have read the previous books as it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a series I recommend to avid YA fantasy readers of all ages.
