“No one can manipulate those with faith like a person who has none.”

As a huge Ember in the Ashes fan, I adored this book! It reminded me of why I’m a big Sabaa Tahir fan. This was such a good continuation of the original series that wove together new and old characters in a whole new adventure. I had a hard time getting into this at first, but was hooked before I hit the middle. The twists just keep coming after that! I also love how Tahir uses multiple points of view to show all sides and give readers empathy for each character.

I did think it was odd that the description didn’t explicitly say it was in the same universe and a continuation of An Ember in the Ashes. I think it could be read as a standalone, but adds more when you have read the other books.

Reading this made me want to go back and reread the entire Ember in the Ashes series because it reminded me how much I freaking love this world. Also Sabaa has once again been so cruel to so many characters that I've become obsessed with and what do you mean you're torturing my babies like this?!?!?!

Sabaa Tahir is a phenomenal writer. She knows how to have your emotions going up and down while reading, and that's one of my favorite aspects of her books. So much emotional turmoil but in the best way. Can't wait to see what's next because this was incredible!!

Heir is set in the same world as An Ember in the Ashes - this story takes place 20 years after AEITA and while it's not required to read AEITA, it will only help understand the world better and there's some spoilers in this one for AEITA if you haven't finished that one yet.

We follow “the second generation” of sorts, including Helene’s nephew and Laia and Elias’ son, this is a twisty and gripping, dual timeline story of fighting for your people and your family, no matter the cost.

the storytelling and plot were ace, with brutal and painful themes that are all too relevant today, for example, as we pray Palestine is freed. Mind your triggers: Genocide, colonisation, war, death, poverty/suffering/classism, child death, mentioned family violence and abuse.

Furthermore, I never felt bogged down by info dumps or suffocated by action scenes (which are plentiful). You can truly see how much Tahir has leveled up as a writer from her debut to this book. It’s classified as YA, but it didn’t feel overly young. There’s some mild fade-to-black spice, and the characters are aged around 20, so it strikes a good balance.

If you love high fantasy with incredible characters, you may need Sabaa Tahir in your life. Consider this my highest recommendation.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early cop. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sabaa, if nothing else, knows how to tear at your heartstrings, and this is not new in Heir. It was great coming back to the Ember in the Ashes world and honestly, now that the dust has settled, so to speak, it was high time we got another dose of problems coming through some several years later.

Another excellent addition to the fold, and can't wait to read the next!

Heir by Sabaa Tahir
5/5 Stars

I will read everything that Sabaa Tahir writes, always. This was one of my top books of 2024, hands down, no contest.

Heir is a bit of a sequel to An Ember in the Ashes series, as it is set in the same world and some characters make an appearance, but with a time jump of 20 years and focused on the next generation. It definitely could be read without the background, but I wouldn't recommend it. The world-building, information, and incredible storytelling of AEITA only make Heir that much richer, as it builds upon the world we first saw in that series. I loved being back in that world with familiar characters and new ones, and her trademark world-building, character development, and plot with twists and turns will keep you on your toes the whole time.

This book literally had me gasping out loud and texting my friends in all caps. I don't want to spoil it, but I'll just say it is a must-read for readers of high fantasy, who like good writing, incredible world-building, and political intrigue, plot twists, romance and friendships, and diversity of characters, cultures, and beliefs

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Teen, for the eArc!

I didn't read the other series from this author 'An Ember in the Ashes', and it took me a bit longer to get into the world building and everything, but it wasn't confusing or lacking anything in my opinion. It felt like a new fantasy series for me and was really good! So I'm definitely going to have to read the previous series now! It was quite the emotional rollercoaster, every chapter just had me immersed more and more until I found myself at the end! I'm glad it's only a duo logy because I can't wait forever for the next book!

HEIR WAS THE BEST BOOK OF 2024 ! IT HAD THE BEST TWISTS AND MOST LUSH WRITING, WHAT A JOY TO BE BACK INTO THE AEITA WORLD. THE NEW CHARACTERS WERE PEREFECT, ALL SO WELL WRITTEN AND INTERESTING, THE EASTER EGGS FOR AEITA READERS SO GOOD, DEFINITELY A MUST READ

DO NOT read this before you've read Ember in the Ashes, you will miss caring for so many of the side characters/the world/context!

As Ember is one of my favorite series of all time, I was beyond excited. I saw some reviews not loving it and I got a bit scared, but honestly I kicking my feet, screaming internally and externally. It took a bit to get to know the characters, but how Sabaa has expanded the world and brought back so many parts of it I love.... I want more. Every generation spawning for years to come... Loved it....sequel tomorrow, please?

I want to thank NetGalley for providing an ARC of *Heir* by Sabaa Tahir in exchange for an honest review.

*Heir* is a gripping, fast-paced novel that you won’t want to put down. The world-building is stunning, immersing you in a richly detailed and complex environment. The characters are multi-dimensional, shaped by their surroundings, and their growth is both intriguing and compelling. While I had some issues with Aiz—particularly her reckless decision-making—the book’s other characters, like Sirsha and Quil, more than made up for it. They were incredibly entertaining, bringing humor and warmth to balance Aiz’s darker tendencies. Aiz’s transformation into a villainous figure was shocking, though it felt somewhat sudden. Despite this, the book kept me hooked, and I couldn’t stop reading. That ending—what the heck was that?! All I can think about is the next book, and I will gladly devour every page of it.

While writing this review, I read other people’s thoughts, and some mentioned that it helps to read Sabaa Tahir’s *An Ember in the Ashes* before *Heir*. I agree—especially if you want to understand the more technical components of the book. However, I didn’t realize this until I was about 50% through. Personally, I think you can read *Heir* without the previous books, but only if you have strong reading comprehension skills. Since this is a fantasy novel with heavy world-building, the extra context would definitely help.

### **Spoilers Ahead:**

Aiz was a major source of frustration for me. Her actions, especially as the plot unfolded, felt increasingly out of place for someone who was supposed to be seeking help and grew up in the lower class. Her recklessness didn’t fully reflect the struggles of someone in her position, which made her character feel inconsistent. Her POVs also became dull until about 70% through the book, making it difficult to stay invested in her journey.

The relationship between Aiz and Mother Div was another issue. While I understand that Mother Div was meant to be controlling and manipulative, the lack of explanation surrounding Aiz’s mission as the "Chosen One" made the intended manipulation feel *off*. I get that she’s a deity, but if you need someone to fulfill a grand destiny, shouldn’t you provide more guidance than just *Shut up, free my people, and do my bidding*? Aiz’s descent into villainy felt abrupt, and I wish the author had provided more subtle hints earlier on—whether through the book Aiz was constantly reading or her conversations with Mother Div—to better show how she was being influenced.

Despite these frustrations, Sirsha and Quil were absolute standouts. Their interactions were funny, engaging, and provided much-needed balance to the heavier themes of the book. I loved their dynamic, and they made up for the weaker parts of the story.

Overall, I loved *Heir* and rated it 4.5 stars. The world-building, character depth, and emotional impact made it a fantastic read, even with some flaws in Aiz’s arc. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for the next book!

Sabaa Tahir forever. (crying emoji) I absolutely love the worlds she builds; it was so great to be back here, even tangentially. I absolutely loved her Ember series, so I IMMEDIATELY wanted this. Heir is such a good combination of plot and character driven -- I loved this crew so much & cannot wait for book 2!

Heir, is a compelling story set in the (An Ember in the Ashes) universe, expanding the world. I enjoyed the rich world building and can’t wait to read more from Sabaa Tahir.

What elevates "Heir" beyond typical fantasy fare is Tahir's unflinching examination of themes like class disparity, the cyclical nature of violence, and the corrupting influence of power. These weightier elements are balanced by moments of unexpected tenderness and the possibility of redemption, creating a reading experience that is as emotionally engaging as it is intellectually stimulating.
The novel's pacing deserves special mention, as Tahir skillfully builds tension while developing her characters. As the three protagonists' paths inevitably converge, readers will find themselves invested in each of their fates and the larger conflicts engulfing the empire.
For fans of character-driven fantasy with political depth and emotional resonance, "Heir" stands as another testament to Tahir's storytelling prowess and her ability to craft narratives that speak to both the mind and heart.

RATING: 4 out of 5 Enchanted Roses

ONE-WORD REVIEW: Thrilling

TAG LINE: An orphan.
An outcast.
A prince.
And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

OPENING LINE: Aiz wished she didn’t hate her enemies with such fervor, for it gave them power over her.

REVIEW:

Huge thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇 in exchange for a review!

First of all, Sabaa Tahir, you never miss.

𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇 is a gritty, emotional, and utterly gripping addition to her already legendary storytelling. If you thought she couldn’t twist the knife any deeper after 𝒜𝓃 𝐸𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓈, think again—because this book does not hold back. It’s brutal, beautifully written, and packed with the kind of high-stakes tension that makes your heart race and your soul hurt in the best way.

"𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉𝒽"

𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇 is set in the well-known, beloved world of 𝒜𝓃 𝐸𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓈, but 20 years later with a fresh set of characters—that includes Helene’s nephew and Laia and Elias’ son. The worldbuilding? Exquisitely vicious. The prose? Lyrical yet razor-sharp. The pacing? I flipped through the pages! The political intrigue with a power-hungry deity, heartwrenching betrayals, and power struggles had me fully invested. And let’s talk about the characters—because Sabaa does what she does best: crafting morally complex, deeply human characters that you ache for, even when they’re making questionable choices.

𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 ... 𝒲𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂. 𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓌𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒽. 𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓊𝓅. 𝒟𝑒𝓈𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓇 𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽.

And while the romance between Quil and Sirsha is minimal, it is angsty and intense, but never overshadows the ruthless game of survival that 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇 demands of its characters. Every chapter had me on edge, wondering who would break, who would rise, and who wouldn’t make it out at all.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I need the next book right now. The ending? Sabaa, how dare you.

𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑒 𝒶 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂, 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.

𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:

🔥 High-stakes power struggles

🔥 Betrayal, ambition, and vengeance

🔥 Gorgeous worldbuilding

🔥 Gut-punching emotions

🔥 A romance that hurts so good

𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉: 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇 is Sabaa Tahir at her finest—dark, poetic, and absolutely unforgettable. If you love books that break you and leave you begging for more, this one’s for you.

Happy Reading!

Ashley

3 Stars
I hard a hard time getting into this one and found it a little hard to follow. I have not read Ember in the Ashes yet. I think I will give it another try after I read those.

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Tahir’s writing is still vivid and compelling, drawing readers into a world where loyalty and survival are constantly tested. Heir will appeal to fans of epic fantasy who enjoy complex politics and layered characters, though it might not be as fast-paced or satisfying as the first book for some.

This is just fantastic. I need to read her first series immediately. The story is so well done and I felt like all of the information was given at just the right time. I need the next book right now. They all need to make it out alive or I'm gonna do something drastic.

3.5 stars
I was so excited to return to the Ember universe! It definitely helped to have read those four books before Heir, so the world building continuation made more sense. I enjoyed our 3 main protagonists’ journeys until their stories converged, and then I enjoyed it even more! There was so much to unpack with this book. And so much more left to experience with the next, concluding book. I’m impatiently waiting for it!
*Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the review copy

his book was a thrilling continuation with three new protagonists, each bringing unique perspectives. The world expands with new lands, cultures, and conflicts that feel natural in the world Sabaa Tahir has created. The themes are timely and thought-provoking, and the book builds to an intense cliffhanger. If you loved the original quartet, this is a must-read, though be prepared for intense content.

Excellent story. I think I should have read previous books and series for full effects but it was a fun read I think lovers of YA will enjoy.