NO SPOILERS Arc review!

The Ember in the Ashes Quartet is my child. That series made me cry, smile, hope, and love reading. The stories of Helene, Elias, and Laia were crafted to perfection and it's my go-to fantasy recommendation. I strongly believed that A Sky Beyond the Storm was the perfect cap to the story and that my imagination could craft the futures of our beloved characters. Yet Sabaa wrote Heir - and I foolishly picked it up.

Sabaa Tahir, I love you. But it is inevitable that I will compare this book with the masterpiece that is the Ember series. And it simply does not compare.

Despite being the same age as the main characters in Ember, our three protagonists feel distinctly younger and more naive. Additionally, they felt almost too similar to the original trio, Quil especially. Grab a snippet of his POV and a snippet of Elias' and I swear I would not be able to differentiate them.

My biggest gripe with Heir is the plot's timeline. I understand the "twist" Sabaa was aiming for but it was written so confusingly that half the time I was texting my friend that I was extremely lost. My attention was not hooked the way it was with Ember, and I was nearly dragging my feet towards the finish line.

The most prevalent thought in my mind while reading was "why was this book even written?!" Again, I loved A Sky Beyond the Storm. I truly don't think Heir was necessary. Sabaa, WHY CAN'T ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS KNOW PEACE?! Every character from Ember went through so, so, so much. Just let them rest, live in peace, and be happy - I beg you. It's inevitable that this book will change my perspective of book 4, and a small part of my heart is saddened by that.

Those are my two cents. My hope is that this review is not TOO harsh or discouraging, as it was fun to see characters old and new, but I do aspire that this review conveys two things: First that I stand firmly against spin-off series. And second, that I love An Ember in the Ashes so very much (so go read it!).

Thank you sincerely to the incredible Sabaa Tahir, the publishing company, and the NetGalley team!

Nobody can write like Sabaa Tahir. Her writing is rich and her characters are well thought out and the plot is extraordinary. I'm looking forward to November when I can purchase a copy and read it again.

Give this all the stars. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Fantasy with different POVs. Tons of adventure and lots of twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes. Super sweet romance with two of the POVs. Ends in a big cliff hanger and I’m dying to know when the second book will come out.

I received an arc from NetGalley and the publisher.

May Sabaa Tahir go down in history as one of the best storytellers of all time. Since I loved her Ember quartet so much, I had to read Heir, and getting an eARC was one of the most exciting things I’ve experienced.

Heir takes place almost 2 decades after the events of A Sky Beyond the Storm. And while there are some familiar faces, the focus is on the next generation of warriors and magic wielders. After a deadly invasion, Quil and his friends Sufiyan and Arelia must find safety, and a way to save the Empire. Along the way they meet Sirsha, a tracker hunting something dangerous. We also meet Aiz, a mysterious orphan from the slums of an impoverished nation.

When all their worlds collide, these young men and women question each other and themselves. Heir is a sweeping story of adventure, magic, and all kinds of love. The pacing was incredible and I thought about the book even when I wasn’t reading it. I can’t wait to read the next in the series and see where Sabaa takes us. Five stars, EASY.

Returning to the world of "An Ember in the Ashes" with Sabaa Tahir’s new book, Heir, was both thrilling and nostalgic. As a devoted fan of the original series, I was eagerly anticipating this continuation, and I must say, it did not disappoint.

The story follows three main characters—Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil—each with their own distinct and captivating storylines. Aiz's arc was, for me, the standout. Her journey, marked by vengeance, magic, and resilience, was mesmerizing. The twists and turns in her narrative left me speechless, and I found myself wanting more of her perspective. Aiz's story alone is worth the read, showcasing Tahir’s skill in crafting complex, unforgettable characters.

Sirsha, a fierce and witty tracker with magical abilities, quickly became another favorite. Her chapters were a joy to read, and I found myself staying up late, unable to put the book down until I’d finished her sections. Sirsha’s development throughout the book was beautifully done, making her a character I could follow endlessly.

Quil, the reluctant heir to the Martial Empire, brings a unique blend of qualities reminiscent of both Helene and Elias from the original series. His internal struggles and his interactions, particularly the romantic ones, added depth to his character. The fact that Sabaa Tahir solidifies a romance early on in the series was a refreshing change from the slow-burn approach we often see in fantasy.

What really impressed me, though, was the seamless world-building. The 20-year gap since An Ember in the Ashes is felt throughout the book, as the world has evolved, and so have the characters we once knew. The cameos of Elias, Laia, and Helene were handled masterfully, showing just enough of their growth without overshadowing the new leads. Their appearances were like a bridge between the past and present, making the world feel richer and more expansive.

While Heir can be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend revisiting the original series before diving in. The lore and intricate details are so intertwined that having a fresh memory of the past events enhances the reading experience tremendously.

In conclusion, Heir exceeded my expectations. Sabaa Tahir has once again proven her prowess in fantasy storytelling. The character development, pacing, and world-building were spot on. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel and highly recommend this book to all fans of the genre. Thank you to Penguin Teen for the ARC, and here's to the agonizing wait for the next installment!

This is from the same world of Ember in the Ashes, so maybe read those first???? Having not have read those, I wish I would have, but this book was really good!

What a masterpiece! 🙌👏 Sabaa Tahir never disappoints!
I did a re-read of "An Ember in the Ashes" series before starting this. I'm so glad I did! This can be a stand-alone, but NOT my recommendation as this story takes place in the same world, but 20 years in the future with different characters POV. 😊 In my personal opinion, you would miss a lot of important background information. I enjoyed everyone's POV. (Only 3). The plot is engaging and well-written. So much adventure and action-packed. I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, & Sabaa Tahir for this ARC.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
#SabaaTahir #Heir #NetGalley
Also posted on my goodreads

SABAA CANNOT BE STOPPED!!!!
She has done it again & will hopefully do it again & again.
I love her writing. There’s always high stakes & fantastic characters to root for.
It was lovely to return to this universe. The way Sabaa writes 3 POV’s and weaves them all together is what draws me in. The character development, word building, & magic system kept me turning each page.
I highly recommend reading AEITA series, but this can be read as a standalone. If you want more depth, definitely consider reading the previous series.
I am so happy to have received an ARC. Thank you to NetGalley, the author & the publisher!

Heir is a fantasy novel focused on the lives and adventures of Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil.

The complex characters and their stories made for an interesting read. However, being a mood reader, I felt I was not able to get into the book and therefore was not able to finish reading it completely. Apart from this, I felt that the story was engaging and the world-building was detailed.

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“There is beauty in the dark, and strength.”

Heir is the first book in a new duology by Sabaa Tahir that takes place in the same universe as Ember in the Ashes, however this can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read Ember in the Ashes yet but it’s been on my TBR for a while.

The book follows 3 POVs that are all interconnected in different parts of the same story. While this is YA there is a great romance subplot to this book that has angst, longing, and sacrifice that comes with being duty bound to something else.

Overall, I really loved the story. There are a lot of plot, twists and intense things going on. Sabaa has created a world of dark and intricate magic that is fascinating to follow along with very complex relationships and friendships. I will definitely be continuing the series and preorder the special edition from BN.

My only reason for 4⭐️ is that at times I found one of the main plot twists a bit difficult to follow at first and thought I somehow missed a major piece of information. It was more of a “trust the process” moment and all worked out in the end but I did have to go back to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the arc. All opinions are my own.

A vengeful orphan. A determined outcast. A shadowed prince. And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

What a joy to read another Sabaa book in the world of An Ember in the Ashes, one of my favorite series of all time.

Some 20 years after the concluding events of A Sky Beyond the Storm, a new cast of characters takes center stage as the Empire is under threat of attack. There are three primary POVs in Heir: Aiz, an orphan from the Dafra slum of Kegar on the southern continent (a place we barely saw in Ember). Sirsha, a Jaduna sorceress cast out from her people and in search of a killer, and Quil, heir to the Martial Empire and nephew of mommy Empress Helene Aquilla. All of these characters have unique motivations, personalities, abilities, and arcs. The magic of the world takes center-stage maybe more than ever before. The sexual tension does too. Boy, are these teenagers horny. And, in true Sabaa fashion, hearts are broken and, quite literally, ripped out of chests and devoured for pleasure, our hearts included.

I love this take on expanding an established universe. Sabaa takes us to a different time and a lot of different places with a lot of different characters. We, of course, get some cameos from our beloved favorites out of Ember, but they aren't the focus of this story. We also spend a lot of time on an entirely different continent, with different people and cultures that we didn't even know existed until now. Sabaa excelled with telling a fresh story in an established world, and I wish more authors would attempt something like this.

If I had to offer any criticism, I would point out two things: The first is Sabaa's handling of Aiz. This character's arc is something that I imagine is incredibly challenging to do right. And, don't get me wrong, Sabaa does an excellent job with the character, but Aiz's behaviors and conclusions didn't always feel right in the moment. She's a complex character, for sure. And that came out. Some things just felt a little disjointed at times. The second bit of criticism would have to do with the pacing. I felt that some important events were just zoomed through. There were epic battles that were over in a page. There were major moments that were simply summarized. And then there was the climactic events near the end of the book that just seemed a bit garbled and maybe even "easily" solved.

While it's not mandatory that you read Ember before Heir, I would strongly suggest you do. Not only will it clue you in to all the cameos and Easter Eggs and rich lore and history, they are great reads and will only serve to increase your enjoyment of Heir when you get to it.

The ending of Heir is clearly not the ending. Sabaa has some big things planned for the second half of the story and I'm certainly here for it. She continues to be one of my favorite worldbuilders and storytellers and I can't wait to read more.

Wow! I have missed this world so much and have been so excited to return. It introduced new characters, while seeing the return of a few old ones. This book follows Sirsha, Quil, and Aiz all with their own reasons and motivations to be in the Empire. Sabaa expands the world into other territories, introducing their own unique magic, and governments. The pacing for the book is perfect for the events that are taking place in the book. It gives you enough details that you don’t feel you are missing anything or creating plot holes. Heir, I feel can stand on its own without the original AEITA series (although, I still think it’s a must read) It gives enough details to understand that the Empire has a dark history. (That being said, does poor Helene ever catch a break?). Heir is the perfect follow up to the original series.

Sirsha, I absolutely enjoyed reading from her perspective. After, being approached for a dangerous job that could put her life at risk, she embarks on a journey that intersects with others, leading to friendship, love, and loyalty—even when her life is in jeopardy. Her growth throughout her journey was my favorite part to read. Sirsha’s loyalty was always present, she just didn’t have anyone to be loyal to until she found this family.

Quil, battles with becoming the king of the Empire and his past, including his family history. Afraid to end up like his father, who once ruled the Empire in a cruel and unjust way. He loves hard, and cares deeply for his family and friends. Battling with the events of the past year and struggling to come to terms of his soon to be king ship, he discovers new unexpected battles. The Empire in jeopardy once again, Quil takes it head on especially because it will save the ones he loves. Quil is such a strong character, and it was wonderful to see him come terms being the crown prince, duty, and love. His feelings towards Sirsha were so pure and heartfelt.

Aiz is a character that will catch you off guard, and you won’t realize it till it’s too late. Her changes throughout the book are subtle but come together at the end. Aiz’s character reflected the environment she grew up in, with her dreams and desires being amplified by certain being whispering in her ear. I found Aiz as character I found to be the most complex character in the storyline, embodying the transformation of rightful anger into unjust actions.

Overall, Heir is a strong start in this duology and furthermore a strong book to add to the AEITA universe. Expanding the world and its magic beyond what was discussed in the predecessors. I’ve been waiting for a book to scratch my fantasy it and this was just it! I am beyond excited to see where this story goes in the next book.

There are those stories that sink into your heart and stay with you long after you've put down the book.
Another masterpiece by a master storyteller. Left me destroyed, in awe, heartbroken, raging and wanting more.
Heir by Saba Tahir is one of those books for me. The whole Ember series really. In Heir we are taken twenty years after the events of Ember. Quil is about to inherit the empire his aunt ruled until he came of age. Sirsha is a tracker exiled from her people and recently hired for her most dangerous job yet. Aiz is an orphan used to suffering, but fueled by revenge. Their lives will interweave in heartbreaking ways as they navigate corrupting power, love, friendship, grief, and violence.
Tahir weaves a tale so masterfully that I'm left in awe. Each character is infused with life. Quil was an endearing reluctant heir. Frightened by the ghosts of his father's legacy. With his knowledge of his father's brutal reign and the corrupting influence of power Quil has a lot to come to terms with. Can he be a good leader and escape his father's shadow? I think I love him as much as Elias! He was strong, capable, and full of love for his family.
Being inside Sirsha's head was so great! She's funny, but she's also dealing with the loss of her family and her home. Her relationship with her sister was so heartbreaking, but refreshing to see. We don't always get along with our biological family. It was nice to see this compliment family dynamic. I think I also love her as much as Laia. Her journey as she hunted down a killer that had murdered children throughout the empire was exhilarating.
Aiz was I think the most tragic character to read. Her life has been filled with violence. A violence derived from hunger, poverty, and oppression. Her love for her people was vast which made her character so interesting. You can compare and contrast her with Helene for a fun thought experiment.
I always think about an interview I read once where Sabaa Tahir speaks on her inspiration for Ember. She speaks about her work as a journalist and how she started to think about the children that lived under bombardment. (I'm paraphrasing.) I think about it as I read her novels with Heir it was even more apparent how much she has to say about war and its effects on the young. Her focus on the youth it affects is what makes her writing so brilliant. Through it all though the characters or at least for the most part keep their humanity. It's a struggle to keep hate from their hearts, but they try. Seeing the enemies humanity leads them to better deal with the threat.
How Tahir creates multidimensional villains will always be another thing I absolutely admire about her. Evil is never simple in her books. It's always so tragic. Here she poses the question of how far will someone go to save their people? Will that heroic journey turn into the ends justify the means?
Love is very much a theme woven in the story. There's familial love, a chosen family, and of course romantic love. The romance was sizzling!! It was so satisfying with a dash of tension to make it worth the payoff.
If you've never picked up a Sabaa Tahir book pick this one up! If you like fantasy read it. I definitely recommend putting this one in your tbr. It comes out in October.

Sabaa Tahir has not disappointed me yet. This book will easily be in my top favorites of the year. Following the success of the Ember quartet was a tall task and Tahir rose higher. I enjoyed everything from the characters to the plot. I felt all the emotions from dread to happiness. The characters are worthy successors to the og three and I enjoyed them very much, despite the way that one of the main three perspective’s storyline went. It is very apparent how much the climate of today’s world heavily inspired Tahir and I commend her for writing the story the way she did.

Quil is the heir to the Martial Empire. He doesn’t want the job. When the Empire is attacked, he must flee, and go for help. Sirsha is a young woman who uses magic for tracking, who has been exiled from her home. She is tracking someone, or something, that has been killing children across multiple countries. In a third POV, we meet Aiz, an orphan from the Kegari slums, who has wind magic. She is on a passionate quest to find the origin of a story about her long-gone religious leader. They all have secrets and when they meet and meet again, shocking and terrible things can and will happen.

A gripping and deeply thoughtful fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this DRC.
#Heir #NetGalley

I loved this book so much! It was so nostalgic seeing the characters we know and love grow so much since we last saw them. The new characters were wonderful and I can’t wait to see more of their character development. The storyline was intriguing from the start and kept me engaged the whole time. This is a must read if you are a fan of the ember in the ashes series. I can’t wait for the next book!

Sabaa Tahir NEVER misses. She definitely knows how to draw you in to her stories and keep you engaged the entire time. Fans of the Embers series will go crazy for this new installment.

Sabaa Tahir once again delivers a world-shattering epic with Heir. This high-stakes fantasy weaves together the lives of three extraordinary individuals, each carrying the weight of their past and the promise of a tumultuous future.

Aiz, the fierce and resilient survivor, embodies the spirit of the oppressed, her journey a testament to the indomitable human will. Sirsha, the enigmatic tracker, is a captivating enigma, her skills and secrets promising a thrilling arc. And Quil, the reluctant prince, grapples with the burden of legacy, his character a complex tapestry of duty and desire.

Tahir's masterful storytelling pulls readers into a world of political intrigue, heart-stopping action, and forbidden love. The promise of a clash between these compelling characters and the looming threat to the empire create a narrative that is both intimate and epic in scale. With her signature blend of lyrical prose and brutal honesty, Tahir has crafted another unforgettable masterpiece that will leave readers breathless and yearning for the next installment.

Holy cow, this book! I was nervous going into this one sense. I never finished the original series, but I still absolutely loved it. First off, I absolutely LOVE the writing. The flow just goes, so naturally, it never felt disjointed or clunky. I loved the different POVs and seeing each character develop differently. I hope in book 2 we get to learn more of Sirsha's past. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or what the twist would be, I was wrong, or at least incomplete. The last few chapters had me practically raging that I couldn't just go right into book 2! I love everything about this book. I laughed, I cried, and my adrenaline was pumping! I'm so excited for book 2 but also excited I can revisit and finally finish the original series. I have so much more, I could say, but I don't want to give anything away. This is one I think would be more enjoyable without knowing any spoilers.

The storytelling through multiple perspectives was truly remarkable. One character took me on an emotional rollercoaster filled with unexpected twists and significant character growth, shifting my feelings from "I am cheering for you" to "I wish you would just disappear." The execution was exquisite. Just when I thought the situation couldn't worsen, more challenges arose, perfectly capturing the essence of Sabaa's style. This narrative stands independently and is accessible to any reader, yet its seamless connection to the Ember series and the integration of familiar characters is impressive. We encounter Helene, Laia, Elias (with a nod to Daddy Elias), and even supporting characters like Tas and Musa, but notably, one of the perspectives belongs to Quil, Helene's nephew. Overall, quite enjoyable!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!