“Fate has many faces, my darling one. Make sure you look them all in the eye.”

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely won me over.

The premise itself had me intrigued—a cutthroat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns aren’t inherited, they’re won. That alone set the stage for high-stakes conflict, and combined with elemental magic? I was sold. I've been craving a fantasy book with elemental magic for a while, so imagine my excitement when I found out that this book is centered around it. Elemental magic always has a special place in my heart, and this book did a great job bringing it to life.

Right from the start, the prologue set a strong tone. The writing drew me in immediately, and the immersive world-building combined with the unfolding mystery kept me invested. At one point, I was worried there would be a love triangle—something I can’t stand—but thankfully, that wasn't the case. Just trust the process, because everything falls into place as the story unfolds.

The protagonist, Blaze, the storm weaver, the last rain singer. She had the depth I was looking for. I appreciated her growth throughout the book as she became stronger and more mature. At first, she seemed naive, but considering her past and lack of close friends, it made sense.

<spoiler>Then there’s Crown Prince Haldyn. From the beginning, I had a feeling something was off about him. I was convinced he was hiding something, and I never believed he would be the love interest. Honestly, I was relieved because the chemistry between him and Blaze wasn’t convincing enough. That said, his actions still frustrated me. The way he used her was just cruel, and I think Blaze was far too forgiving. Still, I didn’t expect the forbidden romance twist, which was an interesting surprise. I only wish it had been explored more.</spoiler>

Then we have Fox, Haldyn’s half-brother, the boy who broke the world, the earth cleaver. Unlike Haldyn, he had that darker, more mysterious edge that immediately made him stand out. The way he was introduced was just right, not too soon and not too late, building up intrigue before he entered the picture. I wanted more of his backstory, more moments with him, because he completely stole the spotlight for me. And the fact that he’s a healer? That was such a refreshing touch. Male love interests in fantasy books rarely take on that role, and I loved seeing it. His dynamic with Blaze was another highlight. Their chemistry was strong, and their romance was perfectly balanced, never overshadowing the main plot.

Beyond the romance, what stood out the most for me was the sibling bond between Blaze and her brothers, Flint and Renly. Their relationship felt so genuine, and I loved how much they cared for each other. The side characters also had solid development, whether they were Blaze’s friends from the trials or her enemies.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. The plot kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the second half more than the first. The trials were intriguing, though I wish they had been longer with higher stakes. There were plenty of twists, some I saw coming, others completely caught me off guard. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. This is definitely a series I’ll be continuing.

“Make no mistake, the real game begins when the winners take their thrones.”

Heir of Storms is the author's debut fantasy novel following Blaze, a girl with powers of wielding a storm, as she is thrust into a series of trials for the fight to the throne. The book builds upon some popular, already established tropes of similar fantasy novels, but what sets the novel apart is that the book is that there is some unique world building, interesting character development with Blaze as she learns how to control her magic, and the writing is rich with good prose. Readers will find comfort in the familiarity of the setting as they follow Blaze as she is thrown into this new world of political intrigue, friends she cannot trust, and powers that she is afraid of.

Blaze is an outcast: a water magician born to a family known for being powerful fire magicians. When the Gods declare a time to choose new rulers theough a selection of trials, Blaze and her twin brother Flint both travel to the capital as contestants. In the Golden Palace they must train their magic to the highest levels to compete for thwir lives and crowns, while doging politics from their fellow contestants and the king’s eyes. But Blaze finds herself distracted bu the handome Prince Hal, and his alluring but forbidden bastard brother Fox, the boy who broke the world.

The world building here is amazing, but I found that it was the characters who were the best part. The action and magic cenes really fluah out their motives and personalities. Sadly, because of their ages (they’re teenagers), most of that personality is drama and privledge (because they are also rhe children of the royal/noble class). Blaze does a really good job, as an outsider herself, of acknowledging what’s inherently wrong with the court and its practices.

The romance here is based on a love triangle between the two brothers, Hal and Fox, the son of the queen and the son of the king’s mistress. Not going to lie, this made me want to DNF immediately because I absolutely HATE love triangles. Thankfully Hal’s awkward courting never really goes anywhere so the love triangle dissolves rather quickly. Atypically, Blaze just sort of gets mad for a day and then forgives him, which tells me she wasn’t very invested in him either. Fox is a little bit harder since he loves to manipulate and enrage people for fun. I should have realized when we were first introduced to him that that was the real Fox and the rest was armor protecting himself from the courtiers and their children who always looked down on him for the circumstances of his birth.

Overall a richly built world with some interesting sub plots that swiftly come to fruition at the ending (it was a cliffhanger!). I would definitely pick up the next book.

Seeing the blurb "Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone" made me click "Request" on NetGalley faster than than I could blink. Red Queen and Victoria Aveyard are pure perfection! Lauryn Hamilton Murray and her DEBUT fantasy novel is NYT bestseller material! This story was immersive and deep! The characters had depth (and were hilarious at times) the world building was so spot on I could literally picture myself there, and the elemental magic system is the best I've read in a very long time. This isn't just another generic "girl born powerless in a magical world" book like so many that have come before. Blaze was an FMC that I just couldn't get enough of, and her and her twin bro Flint had so much chemistry! The author must have a sibling who doubles as a best friend! This has LGBTQ representation as well. That gives MAJOR brownie points for me! I'm hoping that Fairyloot or Illumicrate or some one makes some special editions for this book and its following books. I will buy every edition, hardcover, paperback, audiobook, kindle, EVERYTHING. I preordered Heir Of Storms before I even finished it! I can't wait till June to get my paws on this baby! It's going to be so pretty sitting up top on my bookshelf. Isn't the cover absolutely stunning!? Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishing company for the honor of receiving the ARC of this masterpiece!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

Gorgeous book is gorgeous. I love a good tournament book, and this one has a very cool take on it what with the rain magic!

A fantasy-forward YA romantasy with elemental powers, power trials to win positions on a royal court, siblings that are not rivals, mysterious magical objects, a charming prince whom the protagonist has eyes for, and a potentially morally grey character that may be getting under the protagonist's skin when he isn't getting on her last nerve all combine for this first book in a promising series. There were certainly predictable aspects to the story, but it was still an amusing read. Blaze is a likeable character who grows up in seclusion as punishment for something that occurred at her birth but is suddenly thrust into a competition that elevates her to prominence and perhaps royalty. Of course, she needs to master her magic first. Her party boy brother is among the other competitors as is the prince's enigmatic half brother. Parties, training, and challenges keep the story to a good pace up to the ending that opens up a bigger quest that points to the next book in the series. I'm excited to continue with Blaze on her ongoing adventures.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group -Roaring Brook Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I love a good deadly trials book and this book was just that. A magic system that was intriguing and captivating, enemies to lovers, and banter. Everything i want in a good romantasy. This is definite must read!

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬

This is the perfect proof of why I love YA books the most!! From the very first page, 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 had me hooked with its unforgettable characters, intricate worldbuilding, and just the right amount of mystery and tension. This book delivers everything I adore about the genre while setting up a story that promises even more to come.

The story itself revolves around Blaze, born into a prestigious fire-wielding family but cursed (or blessed) with water powers. Her birth caused destruction and tragedy, making her an outcast in her own home. When she and her brothers are called to the Choosing Rite—a series of deadly trials to decide the empire’s next rulers—everything changes. The trials are brutal and bring alliances, rivalries, and betrayals into sharp focus. They force Blaze to push past her limits, discover the truth about her powers, and uncover mysteries that hint at even greater challenges to come.

That said, I’ll admit the plot itself didn’t hold my full attention—not because it wasn’t good, but because I was so enthralled by the cast of characters. Blaze’s relationships and interactions stole the show for me.
Blaze and her twin brother Flint are the absolute heart of this story. Their bond is so strong and full of love, teasing, and unshakable loyalty that it’s impossible not to root for them. Beyond her bond with her brothers, the friends Blaze makes during the trials, Elaith and Kai, are fantastic additions. Spinner and Sheen—two enigmatic “Eyes” of the Emperor, also stood out as did Elva —a seemingly powerless servant with a haunting past. (I have a soft spot for quiet characters that are usually being overlooked).
These characters felt so rich and real, each with their own personalities and histories that made me desperate to learn more about them.
Even the rival or enemy characters, like Ember and Marina, had layers of potential. Whether they’ll become more wicked or evolve into allies (or perhaps even get redemption arcs!), I’m eager to see where their stories lead.

The two main male characters in Blaze’s life, Crown Prince Haldyn and his half-brother Fox, are as different as night and day, yet both are captivating in their own ways. Haldyn is charming and honorable, the picture-perfect prince, while Fox is darker, mysterious, and undeniably alluring. Blaze finds herself caught between them, and it seems like a classic love triangle at first, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that it’s something much deeper—and far from predictable.
Both characters have unique and individual connections with Blaze, and while there are subtle hints of romance, it’s never the main focus of the plot. The romance in this book is subtle, mature, and deeply rewarding. It doesn’t rely on easy resolutions or quick declarations, but rather on growth, understanding, and chemistry that simmers just below the surface.

What I truly appreciated was how maturely these relationships are handled. Blaze’s initial feelings for one character are rooted in her yearning for kindness and connection, but what begins as potential romance evolves into a genuine and respectful bond. It’s not a story of heartbreak or bitterness, but rather a transition that feels natural and healthy—more like a meaningful shift from one kind of relationship to another.
The best part is that Blaze’s journey isn’t about falling quickly or easily; it’s about exploring her emotions thoughtfully, leaving plenty of room for her relationships to develop naturally over time.

But once again, it’s the side characters and their relationships that had my whole heart. From sibling bonds to rivals-turned-friends to friends-turned-enemies, the connections between the characters felt raw and real.
What really blew me away was the reveal of a forbidden romance I didn’t see coming but absolutely adored. These two characters seemed so unassuming at first, but their story is sweet, bittersweet even, with one of them making heartbreaking decisions to protect the other. It’s such a tender subplot that added so much depth to the narrative.

The book ends with so much promise for the future. You can feel it—that this is just the beginning for Blaze, her friends, and even her rivals. The characters are poised for incredible growth, and the story is ready to explode into something even bigger. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us, because if this cast of characters was this good already, I can only imagine how much more we’ll get in the sequels.

4.75/5 stars for me—while the trials were well-written, they’re not my favorite trope, which made me connect less with parts of the plot. The risk didn’t always feel high enough, so at times the trials came across more like an intense training camp than genuinely dangerous challenges. I also found myself wishing Blaze’s journey to master her powers had been stretched out a bit more across the series. There’s so much potential in her struggle and growth, and while I understand that book two will bring new challenges and obstacles, I would have loved to see her journey of self-mastery take a little more time to unfold.

That being said, the incredible characters and relationships more than made up for it. With the promise of what’s to come, I’m absolutely desperate to continue this series!
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 has left me ready for the storm ahead, and I can’t wait to dive back in.


Thank you SO much for the ARC!

I have a feeling "Heir of Storms" is going to be THE romantasy of 2025. This book has it all: enemies-to-lovers romance, deadly trials, elemental magic, and witty banter that left me wheezing. I'm OBSESSED with this book. 5/5 stars!

It's official: "Heir of Storms" is among my top three favorite books of the year (and as someone who reads over 175 books a year, that's saying something). I LOVE how this book takes famous tropes and uses them to create something new. "Heir of Storms" follows Blaze, one of four people with water magic chosen to compete for the crown. The trials help raise the stakes, but more than that, they highlight Blaze's personal growth. The trials aren't a marketing ploy to attract fans of "The Hunger Games" and "Powerless"—they actually matter to this story.

And speaking of the story, there are sooo many plot twists that I didn't see coming! The way everything ties together for an explosive ending is nothing short of a masterpiece. I want to reread this book again and again to see if I can pick up on the clues leading to the grand reveal. It makes me appreciate how incredible Lauryn Hamilton Murray's writing is for her to pull everything off.

I also really like the characters. Writing a strong female character can be tricky—nobody likes a passive character, but you also don't want someone so powerful that their success feels unearned (I'm looking at you, Captain Marvel). "Heir of Storms" has multiple powerful women, and they're written so well! I also like how this book focuses on different types of strength. Some of the trials involve riddles, while others challenge the characters to overcome their inner demons. It makes for a more complex (and compelling!) story.

Finally, I have to talk about the romance. THE ROMANCE! "Heir of Storms" has two love interests—a golden prince and his mysterious half-brother. I'm usually not a fan of love triangles, but this one had me hooked! I don't know what sorcery the author used to make me root for BOTH love interests, but I was invested! I laughed at the witty banter, gasped during a grand reveal, and had a minor heart attack during the coronation scene. This book kept me guessing until the end, and I can't wait to see how the relationships progress in book two.

In case it isn't clear... I LOVE this book. It's my new YA romantasy obsession and one of my favorite books of the year. I can't wait for "Heir of Storms" to come out on May 6th so I can share it with my friends and fellow bookworms. 5/5 stars and a shiny recommendation. Run, don't walk, to get your copy!

I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher; all opinions are my own.

this book was a powerless copycat in the worst way. the writing was terrible, 10/10 would not recommend