I really loved reading another Sabaa Tahir fantasy novel and I look forward to the sequel. It was fun being back in the world of her original series and seeing some of the characters from that one again.

I didn’t bond as quickly to these characters as with the first book and actually had trouble distinguishing between the two female characters for a bit. There is a twist midway through that was a huge surprise, but the way it was revealed was a little clunky and I was really confused at first. But after that was cleared up, I didn’t have any problems knowing where I was and who was narrating after that point.

Heir by Sabaa Tahir is an addictive read that pulls you into a world of power struggles, intense emotions, and unforgettable characters. Tahir’s world-building is vivid and immersive, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The protagonist’s journey is captivating, full of tough choices and moral gray areas that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The relationships, from fierce friendships to complex family bonds, bring a lot of heart to the story. Tahir balances action with emotional depth, and her writing flows effortlessly, making it hard to put the book down. Heir is perfect for anyone craving a gripping fantasy with real depth and feels - just be prepared, you'll feel alongside the characters. Highly recommended!

All the stars for you always, Sabaa.
Sabaa writes complex and very human emotions so beautifully and vividly. I just absolutely adore her new characters and had all the feels revisiting old ones. Just a masterpiece.

4 stars

I love that this is set in the same world as An Ember in the Ashes, but you don't have to have read it in order for this to make sense as it follows different people. There are enough little details added that make it really worth reading beforehand as this take place a number of years after. It did take me a moment to really fall in love with the characters. I thought some of the plot at the end was a bit predictable, but I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy to form opinions off from.

Sabaa Tahir truly never misses, and this book was, of course, no exception.

I consider The Ember Quartet to be the best YA fantasy series I've read, so as you can imagine, I was beyond excited when it was announced that she was releasing another book set in that same world. Even though this book does technically return to the same world we've explored before, everything about it still felt really new and fresh. This book had such an engrossing way of introducing us to new provinces and cultures and backgrounds in a world we already knew and gave us a degree of breadth that wasn't quite as present in the original quartet. This book also leaned into the magic system of the world more than I remembered it doing in the original series, and I really enjoyed the way magic worked more than anything as a tool to help us gain a deeper understanding of the characters.

Speaking of the characters: you know that they are top tier when I never even had a preference for whose POV we were reading in because I loved them all so much. While I think that the characters in this duology felt like they played a bit more into standard YA archetypes than I remember feeling the characters from Ember did, they still all felt unique, dimensional, and were excellent proxies to guide us through this world.

My one main critique with this book was that it gives away information about halfway through that, at least for me, made the final twist at the end immediately obvious, so it got a little bit frustrating to have to sit through another 300 pages of the characters failing to figure out information that I as the reader already knew. While in hindsight I can see the clues that could have still lead the reader to figuring it out before the midpoint twist was revealed, I think that if the book had held its cards closer to its chest longer before fully spelling it out, it could have helped maintain the tension that for me broke a little once I understood where things were going.

However, I still absolutely loved this book and undoubtedly recommend it. These days I have a hard time staying focused on a book unless I can be coreading along to the audiobook, so some of the highest praise I can give this book was that it managed to hold my attention even though the audiobook wasn't released yet for me to listen to at the time.

While I of course love and highly recommend The Ember Quartet and think it will definitely enhance your experience if you've read that series before starting this one, I do think that you can jump straight into this book without too much trouble or without overly spoiling that series for yourself if you just want to get a taste of Sabaa's writing before committing to a 4+2 book series.

Love Sabaa Tahir and she did not disappoint here. I typically do not like altering points of view, but she wove them well, seamlessly developing characters. There was one twist about a third of the way in that I thought was brilliant; it was completely unexpected and added to the excitement of the book. I enjoyed how the characters changed over time and we were able to see both positives and negatives in many. Can't wait of rate next in the series!

I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I loved most of the characters. Quil and Sircha are great dynamic characters to follow I loved Sufiyan and Ariella. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we get more of those two.. . Aiz, well I enjoyed her POV in the beginning. She is angry and vengeful and knows what she wants both for herself and her people. As we get further into the story you can see her doing more and more questionable things and I knew her character was going somewhere that I can't say because of spoilers that had me wanting to reach in and give her a good smack. And once I realized what was happening I wanted to punch her even more.

The story was full of twists and turns, and I didn't want to put it down, especially as we approached the end and the secrets from the past were slowly revealed to the characters. And that ending! OMG, I can't wait to see how this duoogy is going to end!!

Heir is set in the future of the Ember in the Ashes series, which I have long been intrigued by but haven't yet read. And while I'm sure I was spoiled for things that happened in that series I'm going to be reading Ember the Ashes and the rest of the series asap.

Heir by Sabaa Tahir is a beautifully woven dark fantasy that explores the delicate threads connecting its complex characters. Initially, I found it challenging to keep track of the multiple POVs, but once the story revealed how Aiz, Quil, and Sirsha’s paths intertwined, I was completely hooked. Following these characters as they hunt down a creature terrorizing young lives made for a captivating journey, rich with atmosphere and tension.

The character development was one of the highlights, as each protagonist transformed throughout the story, showing raw and vulnerable sides as they faced their inner and outer battles. And that ending—I didn’t see it coming at all! Now, the wait for the sequel feels like an eternity. Luckily, I have The Ember in the Ashes series on deck to dive into while I wait for more. Sabaa Tahir has crafted a world and cast that linger long after the last page.

Look, I KNEW Sabaa was going to destroy me with this. And she DID. And somehow I’m still… a deeper level of moved and devastated that I even imagined I’d be. And that’s saying a lot.

This is an absolute must read if you enjoyed Ember in the Ashes, which is one of my favorite series of all time. Even without, though, this book is really a masterpiece on its own. We have a brand new batch of main characters, all of which feel distinct and lovable and imperfect. They have motivators that change and grow throughout the story, sometimes enough so that they begin to seek unrecognizable. I was lucky enough to meet Sabaa on release day for this, and she talked about it being a story about what happens when you begin with good intentions but lose your way, and good lord did she do this theme justice.

We begin with Quil, the next Heir to the empire; and the empresses nephew. He living with the ghosts of who his family is and was, and has had the benefit of growing up alongside all manner of different cultures and peoples in peace. Regardless, the pain his family has faced still lives in his bones, and it changes him multiple times throughout this story. When his people become the displaced and oppressed, he knows he has to do anything in his power to save them, while also managing to keep from losing himself. We also meet Sirsha, a magical hunter from another land with secrets, a whip-smart humor, a chip on her shoulder and a bottomless well of an heart that she doesn’t anyone to know about. Not to mention, we have a villain that strikes a deeper level of fear in me than I’ve ever really encountered before.

Everything from here is an absolute adventure. It hurts brutally, but it also makes you laugh and scream and swoon. We got to know a whole additional country we knew nothing of before, and the world feels even larger, more fantastical and more exciting.

Sabaa is an absolute master at writing about colonization and oppression, and she’s not afraid to rip your heart and stomp on it (ALWAYS with reason). I come away from every one of her books a changed, better and wiser person, and I couldn’t recommend this book more. It has easily landed in my top 5 of the year, and I think literally EVERYONE should read it.

Thank you so much to Penguin and NetGalley for this eArc!

Sabaa Tahir crafts a spellbinding tale in this captivating fantasy that follows three unforgettable characters: Aiz, a fierce orphan seeking justice; Sirsha, a resilient tracker forced into a deadly pursuit; and Quil, a reluctant prince grappling with his legacy. With vivid world-building and beautifully interwoven fates, Tahir delivers a story brimming with suspense, fierce loyalty, and unexpected connections. I'd only read her contemporary YA, All My Rage, and loved it, but now I need to read her other fantasy books! This thrilling journey of power, sacrifice, and resilience. The book starts slow, building up the world and the characters, but about halfway through, the pace picks up, and you won't be able to put it down.

Take all my money, Sabaa Tahir. Honestly, her story telling skills are just fantastic. The light touch of romance and the constant action plot always keeps my attention. As a reader of the An Ember in the Ashes series I loved how this just picked up where that one let off. It was really neat to see how these former characters were doing. While you do NOT need to read AEITA series to enjoy this book I highly recommend you do. Heir has all new characters, however the plot of AEITA will be spoiled for you.

I was provided an ARC of this book via the publisher and Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

If you are a fan of Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes Quartet, you will love this! This is set in the same world and follows the next generation of the beloved (and hated) characters from that series. I would say you don't have read that series first as the author does a good job giving enough backstory for you to follow along if you haven't. I do recommend reading that series first as it was amazing and it will give you some insight into the empire and into some of the older characters that play supporting roles in this book as they were main characters in the previous series. It isn't necessary though as this has a fresh new plot and new characters to keep up with.

This is told from the perspective of 3 characters with 2 brief perspectives from additional characters that I expect to play major roles in the next book. Aiz is on a quest to save her people and seek vengeance for the wrongs done to them, Sirsha has been contracted to find a murderer, and Quil is the crown prince who wants nothing to do with the throne. They are all connected by by magic and murder.

This was amazing! This has everything you could want from a fantasy story. It has action, magic, great world building, great characters, and a little bit of romance. The pacing starts out slow as we get to know the characters and are introduced to the world, but it picks up as Sirsha and Elias get closer to finding the killer they seek. I really enjoyed the plotline, and while some of it may have been predictable, I didn't mind. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

In full transparency I also listened to the audiobook (borrowed from my library after publication) while I was reading the ARC. It was fantastic. It features a different narrator for each POV, which I always appreciate. It helps me keep track of which character is telling the story. All 5 narrators were excellent, and really brought this story to life for me. If you enjoy a good audiobook, I highly recommend this one!

Tahir’s world-building shines once again in Heir, creating a rich and immersive setting that seamlessly blends the familiar with the new. The story is rooted in the Kegari slums and the Martial Empire, and while it's a continuation of the world introduced in An Ember in the Ashes, it stands on its own with depth and complexity. The magical elements play a crucial role, especially through Sirsha’s tracking abilities, which she has to hide after being exiled from her tribe. Aiz’s chapters are particularly enchanting—her use of magic, gifted by the goddess Mother Div, is both mystical and haunting. Even though Quil’s relationship with magic is less prominent, his role as a crown prince grappling with his lineage and responsibilities adds an essential layer to the story’s depth.

The character development in Heir is where the book truly excels. Aiz's transformation from an orphan driven by a need for revenge to a character whose choices have far-reaching, catastrophic consequences is fascinating to follow. Her journey is full of unexpected twists, especially as her power becomes corrupted by a dark force. Sirsha’s arc, too, is compelling. She starts off on a quest for survival, tracking down a murderer for a payday, but soon realizes that much more is at stake—including the world she thought she understood. Her unexpected romance with Quil adds another layer to her story, bringing personal stakes into play. Quil himself evolves from a reluctant prince, fearful of repeating his father’s mistakes, to someone who understands the weight of leadership. By the end, he recognizes that his duty to the throne is not about wanting power but about serving his people.

While Heir didn’t necessarily need an enemies-to-lovers subplot, the romance between Sirsha and Quil adds emotional depth to their individual arcs. Their relationship emphasizes the stakes of their mission, showing that love can be both a vulnerability and a source of strength. There are a few steamy moments, but overall, the book isn’t focused on romance—it’s there to heighten the tension. Although it felt a bit like a nod to the current romantasy trend, it didn’t come across as forced. Instead, it provided a balance to the darker elements of the plot, giving the characters (and readers) a few moments of reprieve.

Thematically, Heir explores power, vengeance, and the lengths people will go to for their beliefs. Sirsha longs for a peaceful life, free from the need to prove herself to those who wronged her. Quil seeks redemption for the empire’s dark history, struggling to balance his desire for change with the burden of his heritage. Meanwhile, Aiz is driven by a hunger for power, even as it twists into something dangerous. The intertwining of their stories creates a narrative that is tense and sometimes heartbreaking, but always engaging. This isn’t a feel-good fantasy—it's about the cost of survival and the sacrifices each character makes along the way.

One of the most exciting aspects of Heir is how all three main characters’ storylines come together around the halfway point, revealing their connections and the larger stakes at play. This plot twist keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace, leading to a dramatic climax where Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil confront each other in a scene full of action and emotional weight. The build-up is intense, and the payoff is worth it, as each character faces the consequences of their choices.

Heir is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy looking for a story with rich world-building, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing. Sabaa Tahir weaves together themes of power, love, and sacrifice in a way that feels both grand and deeply personal. It’s a book that will keep you turning the pages, even as it challenges you to think about the cost of revenge and the strength it takes to change.

I did not read An Ember in the Ashes before reading this & I think that is the main reason I did not like this book. It is its own story but I feel like I was dropped in this world & had to play catch up.

If I ever get around to reading AEIT I think I will give this another try.

Unfortunately, when I picked up this book I was unaware that it was a part of an already existing universe. While it could stand alone, other readers have informed me that it’s difficult to follow if you haven’t read the other 4 books, and I found that true for me. Others have said that if you want to read the other series you should do that first, and the chapters of Heir that I did read were so great that I want to pick up the author’s other books, so I will be saving Heir for after I finish those books.

Thank you so much for the ARC, Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Wow. Wow. Wow.
Holy Moses, this book is fantastic. This book moves like chess pieces on a board. Each character slowly revealing their significance through the telling, drawing you in and feeling every single ounce of their pain and hope. Sabaa Tahir has crafted a story so captivating and enthralling I could not put it down. I have not read her Ember in the Ashes series but that does not at all detract from the one being told. It was a painful and beautiful dawning realization to connect each piece in this telling. This book was fire. 1000/10 would read a million times over. This is fantasy and romance without being too much. It was such a journey to take through these characters. Love, love, love.

Heir is the first book of a new duology by Sabaa Tahir. It follows three main characters: Aiz (the orphan), Sirsha (the outcast), Quil (the prince). Their fates and stories are intertwined, as their worlds come crashing together. There's romance, political hunger, greed, old magic, greed, and adventure.

Once I started reading Heir, I did NOT want to put it down. The story captures you almost immediately. There was a great mix of world and character building that was paired well with action packed scenes. Though Heir has been advertised as a new series, I would highly suggest readers to read An Ember in Ashes series prior to reading this. Why? The background characters, Eli, Laia, Helene and others, AND the magic/world building will be more clear of how the people and pieces fall together. I did rush to read the series, and I don't regret it at all (very fast read).

Sabaa Tahir's writing and story telling holds true with Heir, but there is a maturity that has shown itself from the original series. I instantly give Heir 5 stars out of 5. I CANNOT wait until book two comes out. I highly recommend this to all.

Thank you Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and Sabaa Tahir for this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting to social media.

Cawpile: 8.43/10

This new series is sure to entice readers with its rich lore and unique magic system. The world felt well developed with different nations of people that have different relationships with magic. There were a few different types of magic including elemental and more abstract magic.

The story follows three main characters - each from different nations as they journey across the lands. I grew to love the characters and felt like they were well developed and dimensional. There is Aiz who is trying to save her people with the help of her god, the prince who doesn’t want the crown and the bounty hunter who is exiled from her people. The characters coming from different parts of the world made for interesting contrasts between POVs.

The book switches points of view each chapter and made many references to the authors first series. I haven’t read the first series yet but could see how it may make the story feel richer in depth and didn’t have any issues following the current story.

I enjoyed seeing the character growth and how the plot thickens and develops. The intrigue was built subtly and did sneak up on me. There were a few good twists here and there and a lot of good hints to things. I thought the ending was great and I am excited for the next book.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter high fantasy read (mostly 3 POVs) who is looking for a book with magic but where magic isn’t the main focus us of the book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me with an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher of this book for this eARC.

I never finished the Ember ion the Ashes quartet, so there were a few context clues missing for me, otherwise, Sabaa is an amazing writer.

4.5 stars

Told between three interwoven perspectives, Heir is an epic fantasy dealing with themes of sacrifice, power, betrayal, and love. There wasn't a single POV I didn't enjoy reading - Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil were all distinct perspectives and I had a great time with all three of them. The first 40% of the book was entertaining, slowly building out the world and our characters, but right around that 40% mark is when the puzzle pieces start clicking into place and I was hooked. I am super looking forward to the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!