I enjoyed this but I am unhappy about coming back for seconds because the ending frustrated me a LOT. It just felt like we spent a good chunk of the book trying to wrest a certain character from the metaphorical rock and hard place they wedged themselves into only to find a different character in the same spot, more or less? More annoying than enticing to me.

I also struggled with enjoying the romance(s) properly as there's a lot of instalove/attraction and because it was Quil with both Aiz and Sirsha (at different times) it made it hard not to compare the two. Though I definitely can see a lot more real connection in the latter relationship, Sirsha is constantly noting Quil's sexy appearance, which does in fact get old after a while.

I liked that this was part of Ember's world, I liked seeing old familiar characters and how the new characters relate to the old ones. There are a lot of layers to so many of the characters, which is interesting to see play out. A number of twists kept the story interesting and engaging. I just didn't love the ending so much, but because it is only more book, I know I'll finish out the series.

Heir by Sabaa Tahir, is hands down one of the best books I’ve read this year! I believe fans of the original Ember Quartet will devour this book. I loved this one even more than the original series. For some reason I just felt more invested in these characters and I did not want to put this book down.

Heir has three main points of view that follow Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil. Aiz is an orphan from the Kegari slums, and you find out right away that she is on a mission of vengeance. Sirsha, an outcast from her people, is an expert tracker that uses magic to do so. Quil is the reluctant crown prince of the Empire, that feels more and more that it’s not the life he wants for himself. These three characters stories become intertwined, and with that it brings unexpected love, treachery and so much loss.

Sirsha was my favorite character because I’m a sucker for a smart ass. Quil was my next favorite character because he just felt so real. I also loved the relationship that bloomed between him and Sirsha. Aiz has the most tragic story of the three main characters, and you can’t help but feel sorry for her.

I cannot recommend this book enough! I believe you could read this book without reading the first series and still be okay. It was nice seeing some of the original characters make appearances in this book as adults. For some reason this book just felt like the stakes were higher and the characters were just more engaging. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

**Spoiler free mini review**
Thank You Sabaa Tahir and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read the ARC.
These are my own opinions on the story.

This is my first read from Sabaa Tahir and I wasnt sure what to expect. Heir had all the components I usually go for a fantasy book. An intriguing story with multiple characters essential to the plot. A small romance in the corners and likeable characters. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. I had fun reading it and getting to know the characters. My biggest complaint about the book was that sometimes, jumping from one pov to another took me out of the story and I had to slowly immerse myself again. I felt as if we had a few chapters back to back of the same pov, it wouldve helped better but that is a me problem.
Other than that, I enjoyed the journey our characters went through.

4.5/5 ———

My my, it felt so good to be back in this world, with these characters old and new. I love how Sabaa continued to expand on this world in a refreshing way. Sometimes when authors decide to revisit one of their worlds, it can be a gamble because you never know how readers are going to receive it. But it was definitely worth the risk here!

I really enjoyed our primary characters: Aiz, Quil, and Sirsha. They each brought their own unique elements to the story that made it rich and worthwhile. I also loved many of the side characters such as Sufyin (I hope we get a full Sufyin POV in book 2), Arelia, Tas, and precious Ruh

The SCREAM that I SCRUMPT when I realized what Sabaa was doing with the story. I was kicking and punching the air. My only gripe about it is that it was fairly early on when this revelation happens, therefore, you have this anticipation for how the rest of the story is inevitably going to pan out. I just wish that that headcanon came a little later.

Sabaa also delivers us a PIPING HOT ROMANCE I nearly burnt myself. Phew…. The only thing with this is that I wish it developed more slowly. It progressed really quickly in my opinion. However, I think that will aid in some weighty longing in book 2.

In a way, this book kind of read as a standalone (to me), but based on the ending, it’s unmistakable that it’s not (I know that this is confirmed as a duology). Like, I felt like the door was open to end the story with a single book if she wanted to, but hey. I’m not complaining. Sabaa Tahir is one of my favorite authors and I will always be begging for more.

Sanaa’s writing continues to be top notch. There were so many great quotes and moments that I tabbed that I ran out of tabs before the book was even 75% done

Lastly, it made my heart so happy seeing Laia and Elias and their family present in this story. My heart also aches for losses they’ve faced post the conclusion of A Sky Beyond the Storm. They are my fave forever.

Im putting a placeholder review here as I did not have time to get to this one and after talking with friends I’m going to read the ember in the ashes series first before I read this one! I am hopeful this book will be incredible!

Thank you Penguin Young Readers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sabaa Tahir has done it again! AEITA is one of my favorite Young Adult fantasy series of all time. I didn’t think Sabaa could get any better but here we are. Heir is an excellent expansion of the AEITA universe. Sabaa gave us more worldbuilding to devour and new characters to obsess over. Heir’s pacing kept me on the edge of my seat.

You could technically read Heir as a standalone series separate from the original, but your reading experience will be much more rewarding if you’ve already dived into the Ember series. The callbacks and relived moments from the original series are so worth it! I can’t wait for the conclusion of this duology!

I’ve really liked what I’ve read of this book so far but I stopped reading. So many completed reviews say that the reading experience is much better if you’ve already ready Ember in the Ashes! So now I’m on hold at the library for Ember. I can’t wait to immerse myself more into this world.

Unfortunately for me I did not realize that this was set in the same world as her previous series, An Ember in the Ashes. I have not read this other series (however I do plan to). I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had previous knowledge of the setting and the other characters. Overall I did enjoy this book and will continue reading this series and the previous series.

This was outSTANDING! I absolutely adore An Ember in the Ashes, and have for years, it is one of my all time favourite series. Getting back into a world that I love so much was an absolute treat, I loved this read so much. The story within was phenomenal, when I figured out some of the twists that were happening my jaw literally dropped. The pacing of this was incredible, and the ending had me on my toes!! I cannot wait for book two!!

These Aquillas sure do have a rough go of it. If you are familiar with Sabaa Trauma™️ then you know what you're going to get. In that way, I found it a bit predictable. But I love the new characters and the AEITA callbacks.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to return to this world! I absolutely love that Sabaa wrote a second generation story that could be read as a standalone. However, having loved the Ember in Ashes series I highly recommend reading that series first before Heir. I think having the knowledge of the world and the characters made the story of Heir all the more powerful.

hadn’t read the other series by this author so unfortunately i do feel like there was some things i’m missing out on but other than that its fine!

3.5 stars. This is partially my fault, I did not realize this was set in the same world as the Ember in the Ashes series, so I was expecting something totally new, so I wasn't prepared. I would go back and forth between listening and reading. I think this may be a book that is better to read than listen to. It is a little clearer who is speaking in the physical book. In any case, I think I wasn't really invested until toward the end when I was a little more familiar with all the characters.

This was my first book by Sabaa and most definitely won’t be my last!!! This book instantly drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. I will say h wished I had read an Ember in the Ashes before Heir because I didn’t realize that they were connected and would therefore spoil the other series. I still plan on going back though and reading that series because I need more of her writing. This story was just so incredible!! I genuinely have nothing bad to say about it. By far one of my favorite books this year.

Heir is the first book I've read by Tahir, and while it takes place in the same universe as her critically acclaimed series, it's not required that you read it first. However, I wish I had because while this is independent of that series, I feel like there were some details and subtleties I missed out on because I hadn't read it. And that made Heir confusing at times!

The world building? Stunning. Tahir is truly gifted on this front because not only could I perfectly imagine everything, I wanted to be there! The magic was compelling and fun. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I would have liked, but I somewhat attribute that to my disconnect from the series because some of the characters from the series are present. The pacing and romantic subplot flowed well and didn't feel rushed. Something overall was just missing and keeping this from being a 5 star read. I plan to reread it after finishing the series!

4.25 ⭐️s

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP, Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the e-book copy!

Rating: 3.5 stars

An Ember in the Ashes is one of my favorite series ever. So of course, I was excited when Sabaa Tahir announced she would return to the world with new characters and villains. Heir follows three characters, Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil as they embark on a perilous journey that will test their hearts and may cost them their lives. Right off the bat, I can say this book was alright. I went into this very much trying to divorce my love for the first series so I could enjoy the new characters and story. I just felt the pacing of this novel was off and the characters did not develop well. Since this is a duology, I can understand likely rushing to set things up so that the second book can end conclusively. However, I think what I enjoy most about Tahir's writing is her characterization. I found each character's journeys were not entirely their own nor did they make it their own by the end of this book. The romance was very weak and felt too trivial for the overall plot. The plot was probably one of the best things about this book but I did feel like the twists and turns became predictable halfway through. Despite not enjoying this as much, I am going to read the sequel as I think there is room for improvement. If you are a fan of AEITA, this book will work for you. Although, if you haven't read the original series, I implore you to check it out, especially before reading this.

Well that was totally enthralling! 🗡️🔥💔 My first Tahir book and I immediately knew that I’d found myself another fav fantasy author 🌟 Some authors just nail it, and this is one of those!!! Can’t wait to pick up her other books, and read the next one of these, which we need asap😆 📚 Eeek! I’m a little too excited to read more Tahir! #bookseasonishere #wait #itsalwaysbookseason ♥️♥️♥️📚📚📚

FOR THE LOVE -- HOW DOES SABAA KEEP GETTING BETTER WITH EVERY BOOK?!

HEIR IS NOTHING SHORT OF MAGIC.

The Ember in the Ashes quartet walked so Heir could freaking RUN...and run it does. This story takes us across desert sands, the high seas, to the deepest of jungles and crumbling courts. The three POV's in the book were all equally important, and crafted with the utmost care and finesse.

QUILL: a tortured prince
SIRCHA: an outcast assassin
AIZ: a wayward orphan

If you have read AEITA...you will settle into this story effortlessly. The setting, the magic and the old characters felt like coming home and this is a world that has deeply settled into my bones. The new characters are just as emotionally impactful and exciting but seeing the old ones made me GIDDY.

The pacing never let up and I was left breathless on multiple occasions. The romance built in a natural way and I couldn't get enough of it. With a new evil on the rise, this book always felt fresh and I just love the way Sabaa makes us love characters one moment and hate them the next. The characters have ample depth, and the themes of how far would you go to save your people...no matter the cost are STRONG.

PERFECTION. A book I could have immediately flipped to page one and read again.

PLEASE...read An Ember in the Ashes quartet before this one. For me...there is no other way.

I always love Sabaa Tahir's writing style and story telling and this book is no exception. The plot was captivating from the start. I was a liiittle bit difficult to keep all the POV straight right away, but it was worth the pay off. I think each POV contributed something significant to enrich the story. The world building and twists and turns were very fun and I look forward to more books from Sabaa Tahir. Recommend!

This story is gripping from the very first page. The characters are dynamic and interesting and the story is extremely engaging. The fantasy elements and world building were wonderful- all around, very enjoyable!