He caught her wrist. "Behave," he whispered. "I never have," she said, her lips a breath away from his. "Why would I start now?"

3.5 stars. whew! what a page turner!

✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-multiple pov
-elemental magic
-political intrigue: abdication & regicide
-freedom from tyranny
-a place of unending death
-ope! fake engagement
-chapter cliff hangers!!!
-oh no! you’re wounded (hurt/comfort)
-found family
-the spirit world
-touch her & die
-sacrifice & betrayal
-#IsThisAKissingBook: ftb. “His dimple flashed as he brought her wrist to his lips in a swift kiss”

thank you penguin teen for an advanced copy!

I received this acr several weeks before I read it. Why did I wait? I was scared. The Ember in the Ashes series is still absolute perfection in my mind. I should not have worried. Heir takes place two decades later. Elias, Laia, and Helene are secondary characters. Quil, Aiz, and Sirsha are our main characters. I loved this book as much as the previous quarter. I felt all the things, love, hate, disgust , humor, horror. A certain characters choices made me so angry but through Tahir’s writing, I actually felt bad for this character at the same time. Knowing I have to wait for the conclusion is just about killing me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book.

I was incredibly excited about this ARC, though it took me awhile to get into it. I really didn't like Aiz and her POV at first, but once her path crossed with the others, I could not put this book down! I felt like the character development was really well done and I ended up loving all of the characters. I liked getting to see more of the surrounding countries and people, and I appreciated the glimpses into the future of the characters from the Ember Quartet. They weren't the main focus though, and you can absolutely understand Heir without reading Ember first. However, there are obviously major spoilers about how the Ember Quartet ends, so I would still recommend reading Heir after. I can't wait for the next book!

P. S. Without giving too much away, there is a fake engagement trope for those of you who like that!

I was extremely happy to dive back into the "An Ember in the Ashes" universe and it did not disappoint!

The story picks up after a time lapse from where "AEITA" left off. We meet the main characters: Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil. I enjoyed most of the new characters, but one of the POVs was a bit challenging for me. I appreciated what Sabaa was trying to achieve with that character arc, which is something we don’t often see but should have more of.

I was quite invested in the other POVs and eagerly anticipated their storylines. Quil and Sirsha were amazing characters to follow, and their interactions with others were engaging. I particularly enjoyed Sirsha's POV and how she evolved throughout the book.

The ending, as expected from Sabaa, left me wondering what on earth will happen next. Can’t wait for the next one!

Sabaa Tahir has done it again. I came into this book as a huge fan of Ember in the Ashes so I had high expectations, and Tahir delivered. I wasn’t expecting Heir to be so closely attached to the Ember series, so I was surprised that all of the characters reappeared and had important roles in the story. This is definitely a book that should be read after having read Ember because so much of the world building is done in that series. This allowed us to jump into action pretty quickly without having too much backstory to the realms - though Tahir did a good job of adding in refreshers for people like me with memories like a sieve.
Without spoiling anything, Tahir does something in this book that I didn’t see coming at all and just as it started to unfold is when I realized what was happening and my jaw was on the floor. Truly excellent storytelling and a wonderful first book in a new series. I was connected to each character, even the most complicated ones, and appreciated the nuance that went into showcasing war, conflict, and power.
My only complaint is that I know have to wait more than a year for the next book.

sabaa tahir is a genius. she manages to create immersive worlds with complex and loveable characters that simultaneously deal with similar problems as our world while still being magical and transportive. I loved seeing laia and elias and their children, although honestly I could have done with less suffering for them, especially after the original ember quartet. I did see the twist coming at like the 30% mark, but I still really enjoyed seeing the story unfold. thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was a book that once I finished I couldn’t wait for the next in the series, and since it’s an ARC this book hasn’t even come out yet (Oct 2024), I’m all out of sorts! I NEED to know where we go from here.

An orphan, a crown prince and a castaway witch all share their different POVs making up this book. They each are on their own missions that make up this story set in an epic fantasy world. I became hooked very quickly and while I wasn’t a huge fan of one character (I won’t share who), all of the stories came together in such a beautiful and surprising way.

I have not read the authors other books, but apparently this story is an extension of that world, so I would definitely consider going back to read that. It’s been 2.5 years since her last book and the wait is definitely worth it!! Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

As someone who never read An Ember in the Ashes, this book wasn’t nearly as confusing as others would lead you to believe. I didn’t find myself wanting for more information by any means. That said, I’m sure you should read the original series first if it’s on your list. This book had its slow moments, but I enjoyed the action sequences when they did occur. I never really connected with any of the characters however, even though this is quite a long book.

So. Many. Thoughts! First, Ilar! Uh I did not see that one coming and when I was hit upside the head with it I yelled, wait WHAT?! Twist of all twists. When I finished the Embers quartet I always say that Sabaa Tahir has zero respect for her characters. What do I mean by that? She likes to kill them off and hurt your feelings. That didn’t stop in Heir. I’d say don’t get overly attached to characters, but she makes it impossible not to. Just accept that you will be hurt and love the book all at once. Also understand she will give you trust issues, but you’ll always come back for more. The trust issues will make sense when you read this book.

All that said, I highly recommend reading the Embers quartet before starting this because it will help in understanding some things. They’re also some of my favorite books ever and so worth the read. This book will be join them as an all time favorite as well. In this story you get to revisit some of the OG characters and see what they’ve become while meeting the next generation along with the others in this new crew. Ruh will steal your heart just so it can be shattered. Sirsha and Quil are the ones you will root for in every way. Sufiyan, Aurelia, and even Tas will bring the bit of comedic relief. Then Aiz, well you’ll have to determine your own feelings towards her.

This book is the perfect example as to why too much power should never happen. How it corrupts and turns people away from the greater good and the goals they initially had, but also how the good can overpower it. If you want an action packed, murderous, romantasy that will make you cry this is the book for you. I know I say Sabaa gives me trust issues, but nobody brings pain more beautifully than her. If she writes it, I will always read it and recommend it!

What would you do if you had a holy mission that could also destroy the world? Or if you were a prince just looking for a purpose in life? Or perhaps someone who was expelled from their family and banned from using their magic? These are all questions that go answered in Heir. A gripping, milti-pov tale set in a time where kingdoms brokered a tenuous peace, a people go forgotten, and a girl from the gutters of her land tried to save them. Set in Sabaa Tahir’s believed world, Aiz, Quil and Sirsha will look not only within themselves, but within those they love most to not only save the world, but themselves. A killer is on the loose, and the mystery surrounding who and what they are will have reader’s heads spinning as they try to figure it out.

This marvel of a book gives us so many views and timelines that add to the richness of the story. While normally this can be distracting, the way Tahir has written this story brings all of them together in one poignant, climatic moment that will have you gasping. The breadcrumbs are dropped, the secrets unravelled slowly, and the mystery doesn’t end. A compelling fantasy that will want you reading more, this story ends on a cliffhanger, making the wait for book 2 that much better. Readers will get to know the characters intimately, and Tahir gives the ability for the audience to feel their emotions through her writing. The return to the Ember in the Ashes Universe did not disappoint, and I highly recommend this book to anyone, even if you have not read the first series. Heir truly stands on it’s own, and it really was spectacular.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and Sabaa Tahir for the advanced digital copy to review!

AMAZING! I just love Sabaa Tahir and the stories she creates!

Ok this is actually a 4.5 star read, but the connections it has to the An Ember in the Ashes series bumped it to a full 5 stars. I am thrilled to be back in this world and these new characters are so interesting. The plot after a certain point was a smidge predictable, but in a way that I was totally fine with and that made me want to keep reading so I could get to all those major plot points that tied the book together. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book. Quite literally might read it again once I do.

Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A solid fantasy adventure story featuring a handful of young people with varying secrets, traumas, desires, and goals. I liked the diversity of the characters and the pacing was good. It didn't compel me to go read the books that came before it in the series, but I'd probably read a sequel.

I was lucky enough to receive this arc through NetGalley and was so excited to jump back into Sabaa Tahir’s writing. An Ember in the Ashes is one of my all time favorite series and I really loved Heir. I love that we didn’t need as much of the world building because we’re already familiar with the settings in Heir. This was from three different POV’s and each character, in my opinion, is wonderful and flawed and frustrating and exciting.

The story follows Aiz - who grew up in the slums of Kegari, fueled by her lust for vengeance; Sirsha - a down on her luck tracker who takes on a job that may be more than she bargained for; and Quil - the Crown Prince of the Empire. Sabaa Tahir has this way of weaving stories through multiple POVs that just sucks you in. She writes villains so well. Like I LOVE to hate her villains.

I think people who appreciated or loved the Ember in the Ashes series will also love Heir because her writing is just so immersive and beautifully written. I can’t wait for this to come out and share it and discuss with my friends!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group and Sabaa Tahir for the complimentary digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

My favorite book of 2024.

The AEITA series means so much to me. I was not sure how that bias would affect my reading of this spin-off series. I reread the original series entirely before starting Heir, and it was the perfect choice. If you take anything away from my review, reread the original books or merely read them if it is your first time. The lore is immense and paramount, especially in the casual/small scenes. You'll miss out on key hints if you don't, and that experience alone made me love this book to infinity.

Sirsha is my favorite character. I could read about her making a bed or folding laundry and still would not grow bored. She's witty and fierce, humorous and genuine. Every time I came to a stop at her chapters, I actually proceeded to KEEP reading until after her chapter was done because I adored her chapters. I couldn't get enough. She kept me up many nights till 1am. I think many readers will agree that's she a gem of a lead. Also, I love the Irish name Saoirse, so I was already incredibly biased towards Sirsha for her gorgeous name from the get-go.

Quil, on the other hand, is a blend of Helene and Elias. I never thought I'd see the day where a character embodies both of them so much, but I was wrong. He's truly a blend of the Empire, and I loved his unique perspective and drive to make the Empire its best. His romantic scenes with a certain character also melted my heart and soul. He's been surrounded by love his whole life, particularly from the AEITA cast, but it was those scenes with his lover that I think we see his truest self. Also, the fact that Sabaa solidified a romance within the first book of a series BLEW ME AWAY. I was fully expecting characters to pine for multiple books, so it was refreshing and a wonderful surprise to see characters come together so soon.

All I have to say about Aiz is the meme "Ricky! When I catch you Ricky!"

Finally, the cameos. While I could talk for ages about the world building towards the Southern Continent and how much I loved it, the world building difference between Heir and the AEITA books stole my attention. There's a 20 year gap between the books, and the world building shown starkly when we saw cameos of the previous cast. I kept having to remind myself that Helene, Elias, and Laia have now experienced another young adult lifetime since we last saw them. They are not the same characters as before because 20 years have passed, and I was wowed by their growth in knowledge and skill. Sabaa doesn't spend too much time on them, but the key details we receive made Heir feel even more real and expansive. It felt like the Empire had grown immensely, and I appreciated that. And the lesson I was reminded of was to never disregard Elias's instincts. Never ever.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the eARC. I have MANY more thoughts, but they involve spoilers. I'm so excited that Heir exceeded my wildest hopes and expectations. It was perfect, and now I must begin the treacherous wait for the sequel.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sabaa Tahir is a genius. I was so excited to get back into the Ember in the Ashes world with all new characters and stakes. To no one's surprise, Sirsha was my favorite character. Elemental magic is always a soft spot for me, and the way it's woven into this story took my breath away. I loved the worldbuilding despite already knowing some of it, and I was here for all the developments in the characters, story, and tension. I need the next one ASAP! If you're a Tahir fan, or have never picked one of her books up but enjoy a seriously well done fantasy, I can't recommend this enough. Though it does take place in the same world as one of her previous series, this can be read as a standalone.

The story resumes with a time jump from the original series, introducing Aiz, who seeks revenge against the tyrant Trial while grappling with betrayal and imprisonment. Quil, the heir to the Martial Empire, struggles with his own legacy and leadership responsibilities. Sirsha, a skilled tracker with magical abilities, embarks on a dangerous mission involving a killer targeting children.

Their intertwined journeys create a thrilling and fast-paced narrative. I would say its a nearly perfect YA fantasy book, I was on the edge of my seat while reading and cannot wait to read the sequel.

I would suggest reading amber of the ashesh before going onto this as the world building is much more enjoyable that way.

Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the digital arc <3

This book was okay, but did not live up to the online hype or the previous books. It is very clear what the author is trying to do and convey, but I think the world as a whole would have been better off without this addition.

Sabaa Tahir has done it again! Immersed in the same world as An Ember in the Ashes quarter, Heir is everything I hoped it would be. Filled with incredible prose, lush world-building, and a high-stakes plot, this book told in three POVs captures the heart of YA high fantasy and creates something new and fresh.

I was so pleased to see some of my favorite characters from the quartet join the cast in this book, even if just for a little while, as it really did feel like a full circle moment.

I’m super excited to read the next book (ah, that ending!!) and all of Sabaa’s future works.

The long awaited book that brings me back to AEITA world 🥹

There are primarily three POVs we follow in the series. It's so interesting to see where they go, how or if they'd tie into each other, and the very different lives they had.

We get insight into our favorite characters from AEITA series which I absolutely adore. But my favorite part was the twists, drama, and character arcs that happened and in which Sabaa Tahir is known for.

My only downside was that I feel like it took me a while to get into. It could be because I didn't reread the series and likely forgot a lot of the history, but the world building felt slower here. Either way, by the time I was halfway through, I didn't want to put it down. I won't say more because I'd risk spoiling but I can't wait for this book to be in the hands of more readers who loved her first series.

This is a new to me author. I enjoyed the book. However, it reads like I'm missing something. It seems like this book is a sequel but it says Book 1. That kep throwing me off and I don't think I enjoyed the book as much as I could or would have because I kept feeling like I was missing something.
I loved the characters and romantasy of the story.