Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.25

A YA romantasy done well and keeps you wanting to turn the pages as quickly as possible to see what happens next! This book is centered around the four elements, with Blaze being a part of the fire power family of the empire. When she was born, she was deemed as a Rain Singer as her birth brought on a terrible storm, resulting in numerous drowning deaths and destruction of the empire. She has been hidden away for her entire life and then is chosen to participate in the Choosing Rite, which is a dangerous competition where the competitors battle for the four thrones.

There are two love interests in the book, and it leaves you wondering who she will pick. The characters were all great, including the side characters. The banter was great throughout as well and definitely helped with character building and likeability. The competition itself was adrenaline inducing, making you feel like you are there with Blaze and fighting for your life and playing mental gymnastics. There is a twist at the end, which I figured they might be leaning towards for the next book.

This was a great read, and I definitely will be picking up the special edition when it comes out and will be eagerly awaiting the sequel!

OMG IM SO OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!!

In a world where there are magical powers; fire, water, air, earth, and light, the story follows Blaze a "Storm Weaver" that is chosen as a Heir that must go through trials to obtain the throne.

Murray's writing is amazing not only did she create an intricate world, but I could NOT see any of the plot twists coming. One of the plot twists at the end of the book, oh man, it was so good I had to put the book down!!!

Thank you NetgGalley for providing the free ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion.
(Im running to the store to purchase my own copy, thats how good it was!!!!)

This is a strong YA debut. The plot is fast-moving, the romance is engaging, and the world is fascinating. Once I started this, it was hard for me to put it down.

While the story was a bit predictable at some points, I found the way the author handled Blaze's magic and the world-building unique and super interesting. I also loved how grief and all the messy feelings that accompany it are dealt with in this book.

I didn't feel a particularly strong connection to any of the characters, but this book has enormous potential to grow with its characters and plot as the series continues. I will definitely be on the lookout for the sequel and read it as soon as I can.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts and opinions!

Okay, this book absolutely delivered on the “Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone” promise! Blaze is such a compelling heroine—flawed, fierce, and burdened with a past that’s literally drenched in destruction. The magic system was unique (Rain Singer born to fire-wielders? YES), and the competition for the throne added so much juicy tension.

There’s political intrigue, forbidden romance, and two swoon-worthy love interests (I’m firmly on Team ✨Dark & Brooding✨), and the stakes kept rising with every chapter. Blaze’s journey of reclaiming her power and rewriting her narrative was empowering to read. This is definitely a YA romantasy series to watch!

Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC honestly.

This book caught my attention from the very first few chapters and didn’t let go. The world felt rich with tension and beauty—like something big was always simmering under the surface. There’s a lot of magic in these pages, not just the actual powers, but the way the setting and plot pull you into this complicated empire and the secrets buried in its past.

The main character is strong in a very real way, not perfect or overpowered, which I really appreciated. The pacing was great for most of the book, though I’ll admit it dipped just a bit in the middle—it took a second to feel like things were moving forward again. I also think a couple of the side characters could’ve used more depth or clarity, especially when the plot started adding more layers. But none of it took away from how much I enjoyed the overall story.

I was hooked on the atmosphere and the dangerous political game happening behind the scenes. The magical elements felt fresh and not too complicated to follow, which I always love. Romance was in there too, and while it wasn’t overbearing, it added just the right amount of emotional tension. I found myself wanting to know more about everything—especially the power dynamics and the hints of a bigger conflict to come.

Overall, this one surprised me in a good way. It’s not just another YA romantasy—it has heart, mystery, and a sharp edge to it. With a bit more polish in the character department, this easily could’ve been a full 5 stars for me. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next book in the series.

This book was reminiscent of similar fantasy novels but still in a way that was new and entertaining. Blaze storyline grew stronger as the book went in and it was fun to see how she learned new skills within her element. If you are a fan of the feelings of 2010 fantasy books, This is for you.

3.5 Stars

This was such a strong young adult debut! I kept checking Goodreads and kept being surprised this was this authors first book as it is really well done.

The overall premise of this book was maybe not unique, but it was interesting none the less. It did have the classic chosen one and only she can save the world, but she doesn't believe in her self yet vibes. However, one thing I did find unique was the start of the book when we learned two babies came into the world and both had catastrophic events that killed many people. Magic they had no control of as they were babies, yet people growing up hate them for it. Finding them evil and worried they'll do it again. I thought that put a different twist on the book and made me as a reader understand why she may not believe in herself. Why she has a lot to overcome, not just because she finds herself weak.

So far the romance in this book is going slow and I am hoping in the next book there will be some more tension. This is no fault to the book, but its evident this is YA and some of the issues these couples are dealing with I think older teens and young 20s will be able to connect to. Although, I couldn't quite relate I did appreciate the characters and the romantic drama they found themselves in.

I liked the magic in this book and how they each have an element such as earth, water, fire. This was interesting seeing how they each wielded their magic. The trials themselves however left alot to be desired and I found them to be the least interesting parts of this book. It was really unclear to me how the trials were won and what the goals were. It wasn't clear to me either how they determine who would be king and queen. This was all really confusing.

Overall I did really enjoy the book. It was not perfect, but overall it kept my attention and I did enjoy the characters. I think this author shows a lot of potential for future books. I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with.

Thank you to Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own,.

I received an ARC copy of this via NetGalley, and I will now be hunting and hoping for special editions of this book. Wow is the only way I can come up with to describe how I’m feeling after finishing.

Heir of Storms follows Blaze and other heirs through a series of three trials to determine who will be the next King/Queen of an elemental group.

Heir of Storms, to me, felt very much as if Divergent met Avatar: The Last Air Bender. I was sucked in from the beginning, and found myself audibly gasping (in good ways) throughout the story.

The characters were great, and I would love a prequel to get more history of some (iykyk). The magic system was a lot of fun and very avatar-esque.

My only complaint about this is some stuff that occurred felt too convenient to feel organic towards the first 25-50% of the story. This did not take away any enjoyment for me.

This is a book that I would easily recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

A heavy romantasy with a few nice twists!

Thank you to Roaring Book Press and NetGalley for an eARC!

Blaze is born into a highly prestigious and powerful fire elemental family... except when she was born, she flooded the world with a storm, making her a Rain Singer - a rare, water elemental.

She and her brother Flint are called upon as Heirs to compete to win the crown of their element to rule. Alongside earth and wind elementals, Blaze struggles to prove to both everyone and herself who she truly is and vows to write her own story.


Interesting take on an elements-focused story where each elemental can affect their element in various ways (for example, water has simmering, wave control, and ice creation). The four elemental kings/queens are ruled by an emperor of Light.

There's romance between the main protagonist Blaze and other main characters as well as fierce rivalry with some of the other competing Heirs.

What I Loved:
- strong familial relationships including between brother and sister
- portrayal of handling grief
- slightly unique take on fantasy with element-based powers
- world-building with how the magic works and its restrictions
- interesting ending twists leaving me ready for book #2


Definitely recommend for fans of survival tournaments and main female protagonist growing into her own powers and emotions

3.75⭐️
First, I would like to extend a thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and author, Lauryn Hamilton Murray for providing me with an early copy of this book.

~ Blaze, the last Storm Weaver has spent her life hidden away. Hated by all for gifts she once possessed, she has always felt like she doesn’t belong. When the Gods choose her as a potential heir to a throne to compete in a dangerous competition, Blaze must not only face those she has been hiding from her entire life but search within and strive to become who she was always meant to be.~

Although this book did have its fun and unique moments that I enjoyed- at times, it also felt like I was reading other books all rolled into one. It had a Hunger Games, Last Airbender, even a Powerless feel that I couldn’t help but draw from and visualize while reading this story. The writing itself was cohesive, it was well paced and I had no trouble following along. It had a good world and magic system and the author is very talented, especially for such a young age.

The characters were likable, easy to root for but I would have loved to see more development for both the main and secondary characters and to have learned more about the FMC’s backstory, her powers and just how strong she actually was. There had been so much talk about her being dangerous but this side was never shown and felt somewhat anticlimactic.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read with all of the potential to grow into a unique and wonderful series. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing where the story goes!

This is an ARC from NetGalley. This gives a strong Shadow of Bones/Hunger Game with a mix of Game of Thrones vibes, but brought its own spin. This fantasy is definitely YA with trails, love triangles, and magic factions. Overall, this was entertaining and kept great pacing. It didn't over complicate the storyline and set itself up for a nice for a series. I would continue with the next book. #netgalley #heirofstorms #ya #fantasy #trails #magic

The cover is what pulled me in to start with and why I asked for the ARC.
Then I read the prologue and it sucked me in- I had to know what was going to happen.
It got to a point in the book where I did not want to put it down and that's when I know its a good book! I truly enjoyed this book and I have to know what happens next! This is on my list of favorite books of 2025!!!!

3✨ for an heir of storms. This one missed the mark for me a bit. I didn’t connect with the characters and I felt like the story was very predictable. I was very hung up on a few things that seemed so impractical, such as the idea of electing teenagers to be rulers of regions based on their special elemental skills (which they were still learning) and not on anything else. Blaze as an FMC was very meek and always needed saving and I was hoping for some major character growth but it was minor at best. Overall, I think it’s unlikely I’ll be continuing the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s publishing group for the ARC!

On the day Blaze Harglade was born, she brought with her a devastating storm that left thousands in the realm dead. Blaze is born a Rain Singer into a long line of fire-wielders. In order to protect Blaze from those who lost loved ones and would see her dead, she has been hidden away for the last seventeen years. Following her 17th name day, Blaze and her twin brother Flint, are required to come to the palace to be a part of the trials that are carried out to choose future rulers of the realm. Unfortunately for Blaze, she hasn’t been able to manifest her powers after that fateful storm. Now Blaze must try to find a way to summon her Rain Singer power, deal with being at court, watch out for enemies on all sides, and navigate the feelings she has for Prince Hal.

Heir of Storms is a fun, addictive YA Romantasy and the first book in a trilogy series. I love books that deal with elemental magic, and Heir of Storms has an intriguing take on it. The fact that Blaze was born into a fire-wielding family, with a completely different type of magic was a great twist. And I enjoyed the reveal of how her connection to her power is different from that of the other wielders.

Blaze’s character follows the path that most fantasy FMC characters follow, but I think she had a lot of personal growth throughout the story. I liked that Murray gave her a wide range of emotions, and a touch of vindictiveness toward some of the more unsavory characters, once she started getting a stronger hold on her powers. I also felt like most of the side characters worked well in the story, with Flint and Fox being my favorite.

I am always up for any book that has trials, and I thought this was a great take on it. Having the different courts compete in trials for the chance to be the next to wear the crown, instead of being born into inheriting the crown, was the perfect way to bring drama, rivalries, and political intrigue to the story.

The end of the book is done really well, and even though I knew what was coming, it was the perfect cliffhanger to lead into the second book. I am excited to see where the story goes, and how Murray continues to reveal more about Blaze’s Rain Singer powers.

I would highly recommend Heir of Storms if you are a fan of YA Fantasy with elemental magic, emerging powers, complicated love interests, court intrigue, and plots for power and control.

I absolutely loved this book, I could not set it down I enjoyed it so much.

I have already personally pre ordered the book and plan on buying a few of my friends the book along with recommending it to a few other people I know

Seriously if you have the chance to read this book do it.

Thank you Netgalley Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the arc

Thank you, NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press, for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was a very enjoyable book, though it was fairly predictable it was still satisfying.

I liked most of the characters, not just the mains, but the side characters as well. The author did a really good job of making everyone stand out in some way or another. I thought the worldbuilding tied in effortlessly to the story, and the pacing was fairly even. I did get a lot of beats from Red Queen, not 1:1, but you could definitely see the inspiration.

I have nitpicks, but overall, it's a solid book. 3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! Wow I could not put this book down, I haven’t had a fantasy consume me this much in a while! I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. The magic system and world building is unique. I love a good trial in a fantasy read and this book did not disappoint. The characters have a lot of depth and unique qualities. I can’t wait to see where this series goes with the romance, the tension is so good in this book already. The only reason this book is 4 stars is because at some points I felt like it was pretty predictable. The cliff hanger at the end has me itching for the next book release in this trilogy!

Almost gave 3 stars due to my anger of it being a unfinished series but I know that's not fair but omg 😭

Thank you net galley.

Thank you NetGalley, publishers, and Author for this e-ARC to review.

I had many different thoughts reading this novel. The beginning plot was awkwardly paced. The first chapter it went right into the party of the Heirs but getting there felt tedious. I had a hard time getting through the first few chapters. After that, the book heavily slowed down and was a little boring. I was hoping the training would be more exciting or more action but it was talked about very quick and suddenly she had somewhat of a grip of each new power she discovered when she read one book about her powers. I wish I saw more of the background characters. The (fake) "romance" between Hal and Blaze for me personally, was a bad plot point. It felt random and I did not like how that played out. Things started getting better once Fox came in and the plot started moving quickly. I did enjoy the tension and romance between them. The mean girls, Ember and Marina, I wish we saw more of. I liked her brother Blaze, and his loss was tragic. There was little movement of Blaze's character development, I hope to see more in the next book. I started liking it more towards the end and I am looking forward to the next one.

I’m glad I was able to read this book as I haven’t read any fantasy books that weren’t previously recommended to me, or already popular on the internet. This book was good in my opinion, especially for being a debut novel. The world building was very cohesive and I was able to understand the setting of the story. The central mystery was also intriguing and implemented in a more unique way than other similar books I’ve read. That being said, the concepts as a whole weren’t entirely original, though they definitely didn’t claim to be as the description compared it to both Red Queen and Shadow and Bone. I think the inspiration was definitely used appropriately, because nothing felt entirely recycled. The trials, in my opinion, felt like they were put there for plot purposes and that was it. They didn’t feel super high stakes and didn’t add much to the core idea of the story. The romance was also non-existent in my opinion. I liked the characters enough to keep reading and stay engaged but if I was reading this solely for it having romance, it wouldn’t have stuck out to me at all. I do plan on continuing the series as the books are released, and I definitely see this author improving with time (she’s only 23!) so I hope to see her gain the same traction as other young YA authors.