Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods series does not have one single official family tree published by the author; instead, the family connections are revealed gradually across the seven interconnected romance novels. The core family tree centers on the wealthy, powerful, and often morally gray families of the students at the exclusive Delcour and Cambridge universities, with the main characters being the children of the heroes and heroines from Kent’s earlier Royal Elite series. The primary families are the Iliescu, King, Cole, and Volkov clans, whose members are linked through marriages, affairs, and deep-seated rivalries that drive the plot of each book.
The Foundation: The Royal Elite Connection
To understand the Legacy of Gods family tree, you first need to know the Royal Elite series, which follows a group of teenagers at the elite Royal Elite School. Those characters grow up and become the parents in Legacy of Gods. The key couples from Royal Elite who have children in Legacy of Gods are:
- Aiden and Elsa King – Their son, Xander, is a main character in Legacy of Gods (paired with Ava in God of Malice).
- Cole and Silver Cole – Their son, Killian, appears as a side character and is a friend of the main group.
- Ron and Astrid – Their son, Kai, is a prominent figure in the series, often seen as the leader of the group.
- Ethan and Ava – Their daughter, Ava, is the female lead in God of Malice (though she is adopted, her adoptive father is Ethan).
These connections are explicitly referenced in the books, with characters often mentioning their parents’ pasts. The series is a second-generation romance, so the family tree is a direct continuation of the earlier books.
The Main Families in Legacy of Gods
The Legacy of Gods series focuses on a new generation of students at Delcour University (and later Cambridge). The main families are:
- The Iliescu Family – Headed by the powerful and dangerous Iliescu brothers, this family is central to the series. Nikolai and Dmitri are the patriarchs, and their children – Rina (the author’s namesake, but not a character), Kai, Mika, and Yelena – are the main protagonists. The Iliescus are of Romanian-Russian descent and are involved in organized crime.
- The King Family – Aiden and Elsa King’s son, Xander, is a main character. The Kings are wealthy and influential, with a history of psychological manipulation.
- The Cole Family – Cole and Silver’s son, Killian, is a friend and ally. The Coles are known for their intelligence and strategic thinking.
- The Volkov Family – This Russian family is introduced in God of Ruin (Mika’s book) and is connected to the Iliescus through marriage and business.
Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, and the family tree expands as new characters are introduced.
How the Family Tree Works in the Series
The family tree is not presented as a chart or appendix; instead, it is revealed through dialogue, internal monologue, and character interactions. Readers learn about the connections through:
- References to parents – Characters often mention their parents’ names, and readers of Royal Elite will recognize them.
- Social dynamics – The characters are all part of the same elite social circle, so they know each other’s families.
- Plot points – Family secrets, betrayals, and alliances drive the conflicts in each book.
For example, in God of Malice, Ava is revealed to be the adopted daughter of Ethan and Ava (from Royal Elite), which creates a connection to the King family. In God of Ruin, Mika’s relationship with Landon is complicated by the fact that Landon’s family has a history with the Iliescus.
Common Misconceptions About the Family Tree
One common misconception is that all the characters are blood relatives. While they are all part of the same social circle, they are not all related. The series includes step-siblings, adopted siblings, and in-laws, but the main couples are not related by blood. Another misconception is that the family tree is static; in reality, it grows with each book as new characters are introduced and marriages occur.
Some readers also assume that the Legacy of Gods characters are the direct children of the Royal Elite couples in a straightforward manner. However, some characters are adopted (like Ava), and others have half-siblings from affairs (as hinted in the books). The author has not released an official family tree, so fans have created their own based on textual clues, but these are fan-made and not canon.
How to Keep Track While Reading
If you are reading the series, here are some tips to keep the family tree straight:
- Read the Royal Elite series first – This gives you the background on the parents and their relationships.
- Take notes on character mentions – When a character mentions a parent or sibling, jot it down.
- Use fan-made charts – Many fans have created detailed family trees on platforms like Tumblr and Reddit, but remember they are not official.
- Pay attention to last names – The last names often indicate the family, but marriages can change them.
For example, in God of Pain (Kai’s book), the heroine is Annika, who is the daughter of a politician. Her family is not connected to the original Royal Elite group, but her marriage to Kai ties her to the Iliescu tree.
Comparisons to Other Second-Generation Romances
The Legacy of Gods series is often compared to other second-generation romance series, such as Twisted by Ana Huang or All for the Game by Nora Sakavic. The key difference is that Legacy of Gods is directly connected to a previous series, so the family tree is more complex. In contrast, Twisted features characters who are not related to previous books. The Legacy of Gods series also has a darker, more psychological tone, with characters who are morally gray and often involved in criminal activities.
Why the Family Tree Matters to the Plot
The family tree is not just a fun detail; it is integral to the plot. The characters’ actions are often motivated by family loyalty, revenge, or the desire to break free from family expectations. For example, in God of Malice, Killian’s hatred for Ava is rooted in his family’s history with hers. In God of Ruin, Mika’s relationship with Landon is complicated by the fact that Landon’s father was responsible for a tragedy in the Iliescu family. Understanding the family tree helps readers understand these motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read the Royal Elite series first?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The Legacy of Gods characters are the children of the Royal Elite characters, and the books reference events and relationships from the earlier series. While you can follow the plot without reading Royal Elite, you will miss many nuances and character motivations.
Are all the Legacy of Gods characters related to each other?
No, they are not all blood relatives. They are all part of the same elite social circle, and some are connected through marriage or adoption, but the main couples are not related by blood. For example, Ava is adopted, and Killian is not related to the Iliescus by blood.
Is there an official family tree from Rina Kent?
As of this writing, Rina Kent has not published an official family tree for the Legacy of Gods series. The connections are revealed in the books themselves. Fan-made charts exist, but they are not canon.
Will there be more books in the Legacy of Gods series?
Yes, the series is ongoing. As of 2024, six books have been published, with more planned. Each new book adds to the family tree, so it is likely to expand further.
What is the reading order for the Legacy of Gods series?
The recommended reading order is: God of Malice (Killian and Ava), God of Pain (Kai and Annika), God of Wrath (Xander and Lena), God of Ruin (Mika and Landon), God of Hate (Dmitri and Nikolai’s story, though it is a prequel), and God of War (which focuses on a new character). However, the author has stated that the books can be read as standalones, but for the best experience, follow the publication order.
Are the parents from Royal Elite still alive in Legacy of Gods?
Yes, most of the parents are alive and appear in the series, though they are in the background. They are often mentioned as being powerful figures who still influence their children’s lives. Some parents, like Aiden King, are portrayed as protective and sometimes overbearing.
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