This book was so exciting to read. Sylvia is such a complex character and I loved the gradual revelations she makes about her family. The competition and trials that Sylvia has to go through to win her freedom are the best part of the story. Thank you to Sara Hashem and Orbit for the ARC!

The Jasad Heir is an Egyptian-inspired political fantasy, with a touch of slow burn enemies to lover kind of romance. Read this for the politics, not the romance as it is a very slow burn (my favorite kind!).

Our protagonist, Sylvia, starts off sounding like your typical young fantasy heroine. Long lost heir, presumed to be dead, to a ruined country with untold levels of magic that, of course, have been locked away for some unknown reason, because how else would she have survived all this time in hiding? Where Sylvia differs is that she feels as if she owes nothing to Jasad. Jasad is gone, burn to the ground, and she has spent the majority of her life living in another country. Yes there are Jasad in hiding who are still being hunted down, but she does not feel like it is her responsibility to save them. I really enjoyed this perspective. It was probably my favorite part of the book. A selfish hero. It brings up question of self worth vs duty/loyalty to country. Just because you are nobility to a certain country, do you owe your loyalty to it? Are you supposed to die for its people? I do think Sylvia's growth in this area could have been better explored, but I did enjoy the overall journey of it.

Overall, I liked The Jasad Heir quite a bit. I will definitely be picking up the sequel. The world building and magic are decent, though a bit vague but interesting enough. I do have some issues with certain parts of the book, especially the last 30% or so is very rushed. We're left with a lot of questions that I think could have been answered or at least heavily hinted at. Spoilers: For instances, why was Sylvia's magic cuffed? Its implied that it was out of control, but we're never really given a clear incident or incidents. How did she survive the Blood Summit? Also.. what was the POINT of the trials? Is it simply bragging rights for the winning country?

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Orbit for generously providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Star: 5/5

This book was INCREDIBLE. If you are a fan of Throne of Glass or City of Brass, this is a book you will enjoy. This book had the best slow-burn enemies to lovers, as well as fantastic political machinations reminiscent of City of Brass. Sara Hachem is a master story-teller and I cannot wait to read the finale to this fantastic duology.

The story will tear at the heart of every eldest daughter who has the weight of the world put on their shoulders. This is an incredibly realistic portrayal of someone wishing to have the freedom to do as they please with their life, while battling the call of duty ingrained in them since birth.

The romantic aspects of this story were perfect. Sylvia has the best banter and I love reading how Arin tries and fails to not react when she speaks. Hachem writes an incredible enemies to lovers as I was 100% completely convinced they could never happen due to the animosity in their pasts.

I cannot wait to pick up the sequel!

I am deeply grateful to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with the opportunity to read The Jasad Heir. This book held immense potential, offering a captivating blend of conflict, political intrigue, and a unique setting. I appreciate the author's choice to explore cultures that are less mainstream, which brought a refreshing perspective to the story. Moreover, I have a soft spot for narratives that highlight the beauty of found family and the transformative power of relationships.

Regrettably, I found that this book fell short in several aspects. Firstly, the main premise appeared strikingly similar to a popular YA series released years ago, which left me somewhat disappointed. Additionally, I struggled with the unfamiliar names of people and cities, as they were introduced without sufficient context. While I understand that my lack of familiarity with Arabic or similar languages may have contributed to this challenge, I believe a glossary would have greatly aided in maintaining clarity throughout the narrative. Lastly, the romantic subplot felt somewhat forced and slightly disjointed, which prevented me from fully immersing myself in the book and experiencing the love story I had hoped for.

Despite these shortcomings, The Jasad Heir managed to evoke both laughter and tears, successfully capturing my emotions and often holding my attention. While I may not have been the ideal reader for this book, I genuinely hope that others who pick it up will find enjoyment in its pages.

*Please note that I will be sharing this review on social media as per the publisher's requested timeline*

OH. MY. GOD. Book 1 is not out until the middle of July, and I already need the sequel.
I still cannot believe how amazing this story is. Not often do you get books where you love all the characters, the plot, AND the writing style, but I think the heroine here is one of my all-time favorite female main characters. Arin had me wrapped around his finger from the very start, and even though the story itself felt a bit slow at some points, THE ENDING? Not sure how I'm supposed to wait until book 2.
Anyway, thank you for this woderful ARC,

The Jasad Heir felt like a pretty generic fantasy. Maybe it's because I just read a book with a lost heir of a destroyed nation that ends up training to win a competition and I couldn't help but compare the two.
I liked the world it was in, it was a nice change of pace from the usual. I also enjoyed the side characters but would have liked them fleshed out a little more. I am not a fan of enemies to lovers, however this was subtle enough for most of the book that it could be ignored.
I think I will continue reading this series, and that fans of political fantasies will enjoy it.

WOW! I am completely blown away by how fantastic this book was. There's super intense world-building, magic, political intrigue and plots, incredibly complex characters, tension throughout, and on top of everything else, it was beautifully written. Sylvia is a fascinating character. She turns out to be an unreliable narrator because her own trauma has suppressed her memories. She also struggles with letting anyone get close to her or seeing herself as anything but alone. Arin is so cold, but the fire that lies underneath that exterior could be so devastating. I love their interactions and the push and pull between them. This isn't exactly enemies to lovers, because the little bit of romance there is is at the very back edge. This is more enemies to mutual respect to longing to.....? I CANNOT wait to see where it goes in the next book. Because I just know it's going to be even more devastating than it already was.
I could not put this book down and I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy to review. All opinions are my own.

The last living member of the Jasad royal family, Sylvia is hiding in anonymity in a small village, working as a chemist's apprentice. She is described by one her few friends as mild.. and I felt like this was a pretty apt description. I just couldn't connect with her as a character... she was so very mild.
Yes, she was in hiding and her magic was restricted by the silver cuffs she wore, but the story was being told from her pov and so there should have been more opportunity to know Sylvia as the heir, as the daughter of a destroyed kingdom, as a person.. and I just didn't feel that.
For an adult novel, it felt like another YA trope fest... magical girl rises up to save her people.. facing off against terrible odds... oops I might fall in love with the worst match ever...
Good idea and nice setting, but just not for me

Ok, I have to start with; this book was NOT at all what I was expecting. Even though it was said to be just Egyptian "inspired", I honestly thought it was going to have a bit more Egyptian references than it actually did. (and just LOOK at that GORGEOUS cover, I literally bought it immediately, JUST because of that cover alone) I don't know what I was expecting really, maybe deserts, temples, Anubis popping up in there somewhere but instead, it is more like Trials of the Sun Queen slash Hunger Games, with even a bit of Witcher vibes for me, with all the FANTASTIC monsters and creatures that are in this story.

THE FMC Sylvia/Essiya is 10 years old when she sees her entire family slaughtered. She is cuffed as a child, by her own grandparents, doesn’t realize she has magic and her family and her past, may not be, quite as it seems.

Sylvia is “forced” to compete in these “TRIALS” (although she claims she is not being forced into these trials.) And I have to say, the "Trials" in this story, didn’t seem to last very long and were mainly towards the end of the book. And to be honest, I never fully understood the reason behind them really.

The MMC Arin, well, he thinks he is just the greatest thing ever. He also stands firm, blaming HER people for everything, even till the end of the book. You never know if these two are going to kiss or stab each other. Great tension throughout the book.
This book will keep you guessing, who is right, who is wrong, or if either of them are.

Throughout the book, we are transported back and forth in time, given bits and pieces of Sylvia’s past. Although there are no on page sex scenes, there are sexually explicit scenes, rape (but not in deep detail) murder, death, trauma, abuse, so be sure to check all trigger warnings.

There will definitely be a book 2 and maybe then, we will find out more, about a few things I didn’t quite understand, like what were the Trials for exactly, and why was it so important to win them? And of course, what will happen next, with Arin and Sylvia.

This was one of THE most anticipated books of 2023 for me and although it was not quite what I thought it was going to be, it definitely lived up to my expectations. This was a great debut novel and I will definitely be keeping an eye on Sara Hashem and looking out for book 2 in the future.

This book will not be available until July 18, 2023, so I would like to thank NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this book early. I have never been so excited to receive and ARC!


I will post my review on Waterstones and Amazon on July 18th once the book is released, as well as post more content on TikTok and Instagram, once I receive my actual physical book, that I pre-ordered. Thanks again.

I have read a good amount of Fantasy books this year that I have loved…this is one of my top 3 fantasy reads of this year by far.
Sara Hashem as created a magical masterpiece that I will be thinking about for a long time.
Sylvia is an ophane. She spends her day being an apprentice for chemist named Rory. This is how she chooses to live her life. Never showing the magic she carries inside of her…even if she wanted there is something stopping her. When a Jasadi is found out in her village and slayed in front of her she volunteers to help take him to be carted off and disposed of. While administering the last rites, which she shouldn’t be doing, she is caught…but not by just anyone. The Nizahl heir knows what she is and strikes a bargain with her. Little does he know that she is the Heir of Jasad and the rightful Queen of the nation that he and his family have hunted.
In order for her to gain her freedom she will train and compete in a series of games. Here he hopes to get the groups he believes will come to her to recruit her.

I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to learn even more in the second book and eagerly wait it. It is now one of my most highly anticipated releases!

The Jasad Heir is the story of a royal in disguise who is forced to make an alliance with her greatest enemy after accidentally revealing her magic to him. Arin is the commander from a country that brutally murdered Sylvia's family and destroyed her kingdom. If she agrees to compete as a champion and lure out the rebel groups causing chaos, she can win her freedom. To do so, Sylvia must betray her friends and country one last time. When put to the test, will she choose herself or her country?

The Jasad Heir is such a rich and complex fantasy. I loved the world-building and can’t wait to see it explored more in the sequel. The politics were very multi-layered. I enjoyed seeing the characters deal with the unique challenges that came with being in different kingdoms with manipulative rulers. Hashem's writing is witty and vivid. I especially loved Arin, because he is such a classic villain that thinks he’s a hero. Arin is resolutely convinced that he’s doing the right thing. He views the world in such black and white; I loved how Sylvia challenged all of his preconceptions and beliefs. Arin and Sylvia have incredible chemistry and I was captivated during their charged interactions in the book. Love a good "who did this to you?" moment!

Sylvia is a fantastic morally-gray character who wrestles with finding safety in selfish choices, but not wanting to leave her friends and found family behind. The people who were supposed to keep her safe as a child were unable to and she had to claw her way to survival, making it difficult to trust or remember her country fondly. I can’t wait to see her character arc continue! Sylvia sees her past differently when information that was kept from her as a child is revealed. The information pokes holes in what she has always believed and known to be true, sending her on a journey of excellent character growth. The pacing to get to the competition dragged a little bit, but I appreciated that this time was needed for her to build the relationship with Arin and his guards.

The ending of this book will absolutely leave you wanting more!! I can’t wait to find out in the sequel what happens to Sylvia, Arin, and all of the kingdoms. Readers who enjoyed The Stardust Thief (Chelsea Abdullah), Spice Road (Maiya Ibrahim), and The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart) should check out The Jasad Heir!

Thank you so much to Sara Hashem, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

In a stunning debut, Hashem offers a master class in tension-building and satisfying payoffs. The Jasad Heir is not a painting, it’s a tapestry: intricately woven and heavy. Something to sink your teeth into. The pacing is outstanding. World-building is phenomenal. Political machinations. Palace intrigue. Monsters (of the human and mythological varieties). Mysteries with payoff. The intense philosophical questions and moral implications!

The Jasad Heir follows the unlikely pairing of sworn enemies from warring kingdoms through a fraught set of trials that leave both irrevocably changed. Sylvia is a bound vessel for magic. Arin is the commander of a country determined to extinguish all magic. When Sylvia becomes the chosen champion of her greatest enemy, the unlikely duo must reach a level of trust that will push them to their limits.

Hashem crafts a forbidden romance filled with such tension and longing, it's unbelievable in its believability. The wit and banter between Sylvia and Arin is laced with enough reluctance and very real distrust that every lifted eyebrow or half smirk they drag from the other leaves you giddy.

There’s something so intensely satisfying about reading such a complex book with accessible prose. It’s a difficult balance to strike and The Jasad Heir accomplishes that. There are questions raised that follow throughout the entirety of this amazing story and the answers have the potential to be uncomfortable in the best way — self reflection often is.

The Jasad Heir makes a point of building its mysteries delicately then offering their revelations with a sharp chop that never leaves readers feeling cheated or blindsided. Hashem puts a measure of trust in readers to do some of the heavy lifting in terms of worldbuilding. In a genre that lends itself to being bogged down with physical and geographical descriptions, The Jasad Heir gives just enough to get you going and sets its focus on the complex characters and the stunning political/philosophical drama of a war-haunted world on the brink of ignition.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own

4⭐️

For a debut novel this was great. Sara Hashem is very talented and I look forward to see what else she creates.

This story for the most part is told from one perspective, Sylvia an orphaned woman. Her true identity is a secret to all, heir of the fallen kingdom Jasad. Everyone believes the heir died with all the rest of the family during the blood summit. Jasad people are now in hiding and are persecuted if found.

In a series of events, Sylvia finds herself captured by an heir of another kingdom. He has chosen her to compete in a series of challenges to become the Victor.

The first half of this story was fantastic. I really enjoyed Sylvia and Arin's interactions. It was entertaining and kept me captivated. The pacing was perfect. However the second half got a bit messy. I found the pacing to be a bit all over the place. When we did get to the trials, they ended up being the least thing I enjoyed about the book.

I did really appreciate only getting pieces old Sylvia's story at a time. That it's shared to us in pivotal moments in the book. I thought for was really well done. The romance in the book was ok too. I think it would have been better if it was spread out over a couple books. Arin seemed to have lost his personality as the book moved along.

Even with these items that didn't work for me, I did really enjoy my time with this book. It was very fun and I will be continuing in the series.

Thank you to a netGalley and Orbit books for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.

This book was such a solid start to the series. Some of the best fantasy tropes - enemies to lovers, competitions, hidden magic, and reluctant royalty - were incorporated in this story in a great way. Sylvia has been in hiding since her kingdom, Jasad, was destroyed ten years ago. I really liked Sylvia as the main character. She has struggled so much to keep her past behind her and when it catches up to her, we see how she deals with it and the journey that comes after. I really liked that she is not a perfect person, but someone who is flawed and someone who is working through the trauma of her past while reconciling it with her present as new things are revealed to her. I love a good enemies to lover trope and I loved seeing her relationship evolve with Arin.

Arin is the Nizahl heir, the kingdom that destroyed Jasad, and is known for being a brutal commander, punishing those with magic. When their paths collide, Sylvia has no choice but to compete as Arin's champion to potentially secure her freedom. It's clear that they despise each other from the beginning, but watching them develop feelings for each other was great to read about. It was a slow burn, but I thought that it was done really well. I'm not going to give anything away, but I am very interested in seeing where their story goes in the second book.

It did take me a little bit to get into the story and understand the different kingdoms, but once it got going, I was fully invested in the story. The last quarter of the book went by really fast, but I do think it set up the second book really well. The world building was well done, but I am hoping for a little bit more development of the magic system in the next book. I'm looking forward to reading it! This was a really well done debut and I'm excited to read more from Hashem!

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Oof - what a debut! It's shocking that this is the author's debut novel because the writing is *tight* and impressive! I LOVED this book! Truly one of the absolute best I've read this year, and I've been checking and re-checking the author's Goodreads profile a bit obsessively for news about a sequel, which the book certainly sets itself up for.

What aspects of the book were most enjoyable? To name a few:

- Egyptian-inspired, intricate world-building - not typical in western fantasy, and all the more lovely for it
- Enemies to lovers with aching, palpable, slow-burn tension
- Political maneuvering, betrayal, and twists you absolutely do not see coming
- FMC and MMC both are strong, razor-sharp, and ones you immediately fall in love with and root for

Well done, Sara Hashem. A whole queen.

The Jasad Heir is one of my most anticipated releases of 2023! I am so thankful that I was able to get an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Forbidden Magic
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Found Family

I devoured this book in a day. I started reading and was unable to put it down. The world, the twists and turns, the tension, I just couldn’t get enough.

I absolutely loved the main character, and I enjoyed learning about her past. I enjoyed the trials and the tension between the characters. The side characters were amazing, and I love how they supported the main character, Sylvia.

I totally recommend this to any fantasy reader, and I cannot wait for the next book!!

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem is an absolute gem among fantasy novels. From the moment I delved into its pages, I knew I was in for an extraordinary journey. This book has captivated my heart and imagination, leaving me utterly spellbound from beginning to end.

Let's start with the world-building and the rich tapestry of an Egyptian-inspired setting. Hashem's attention to detail is simply remarkable. The intricate descriptions of the various kingdoms, their distinct cultures, and the political landscape showcase a level of craftsmanship that elevates the story to another level. I was immediately immersed in this vividly portrayed world, with its historical allusions and the ever-present sense of the Nile flowing through the narrative.

But it's the characters who truly steal the show. Sylvia, our resilient and complex protagonist, immediately won me over with her strength and vulnerability. Her journey from a hidden royal heir to a fierce contender in the Alcalah is nothing short of breathtaking. Hashem masterfully crafts Sylvia's growth, making her relatable and deeply empathetic. I felt her struggles, her sacrifices, and her longing for a life she could call her own.

The supporting characters, too, are beautifully fleshed out. Sylvia's loyal friends, Sefa and Marek, bring depth and a sense of unwavering companionship. The relationships in this book, whether they are friendships or the slow-burning, touch-averse romance between Sylvia and Arin, are expertly developed. The chemistry and tension are palpable, and every interaction leaves you yearning for more.

Speaking of romance, the enemies-to-lovers subplot was executed flawlessly. It's a testament to Hashem's writing prowess that she takes her time to build the connection between Sylvia and Arin. The touch aversion and trust issues add layers of complexity, making their eventual bond all the more satisfying. It's a slow burn that sets the pages ablaze with longing and anticipation.

The plot is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. Political machinations, hidden agendas, and a thrilling magical competition, the Alcalah, create an unrelenting tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hashem weaves these elements together with a finesse that keeps the pages turning, eager to uncover the secrets and witness the resolution of the heart-wrenching dilemmas.

I must also commend the author for her meticulous research and the depth of the magical system. The Egyptian inspiration shines through, and even though I might not grasp every nuance, it only deepens my appreciation for the intricacies present throughout the story. Hashem has crafted a world that feels authentic, with details that breathe life into every scene.

In conclusion, The Jasad Heir is a triumph in every sense. Sara Hashem's debut is nothing short of extraordinary. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page, leaving you desperate for more. If you're a fan of fantasy that enthralls, with well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and a dash of romance, then look no further. The Jasad Heir is an absolute must-read that will transport you to a world where magic, betrayal, and the pursuit of one's true destiny collide in a symphony of brilliance.

I really wasn’t sure what I would be getting when I requested this book. On one hand, I was very intrigued by the “Egyptian-inspired” aspect of the story (more on that later). But on the other hand, much of what is described in the summary sounds very familiar. How many books have I read in the last few years where magic is outlawed and some heir to some throne somewhere is on the run only to be called upon to once again take up their crown? However, as I said recently, sometimes popular things are popular for a reason, and I was happy to be wrong with my initial concerns with this one! Indeed, I enjoyed it quite a bit!

First off, let’s get my little note about the inspiration for this book out of the way. Most likely this was a completely personal failing on my part, because I don’t think I know enough about Egyptian culture, religion, or history to truly appreciate the “inspired by” aspects of this story. Instead, I mostly fixated on the fact that there is a large river that is central to the geography of the various kingdoms which was obviously a stand-in for the Nile. I was able to recognize the near-personification of this river as a clear call-back to the relationship the regions surrounding the Nile had/have to that great waterway. But, other than that, I really felt like a lot of the Egyptian aspects were going over my head. Readers who are more familiar may get more out of these aspects of the story than I did. Honestly, if that line hadn’t been right there in the summary of the book, I don’t think I would have made the connection, even with the all-important river.

Even without perhaps fully appreciating these aspects of the story, I really enjoyed this book! Much of this comes down to how much I enjoyed the main character. Here was a truly flawed and complex individual who was also incredibly sympathetic and understandable. Her life has been one of horror, pain, and loneliness. Her memories are scattered and her ability to rely on or trust anyone but herself has been broken many times. Out of this rises a woman who knows that she makes selfish choices, but while she berates herself for this quality, much of the book is spent with her diligently examining why people make heroic choices, even in the face of horrible odds or against their better interest.

Beyond this, she was simply a fun character to spend time with. The dialogue was funny at times and heart-breaking at others. And, best of all, we got to see her in action in a number of bad-ass action set pieces. I also enjoyed her very slow-burn relationship with the man that should be her natural enemy. This was a true “slow burn” in the sense that months pass over the course of this story, and the characters truly do go through the ringer to slowly make their way towards understanding and caring for one another. This is exactly how you pull off this sort of relationship. Anything other than this meticulous and slow build simply reads as unrealistic between characters like these who have no reason to like or trust one another quickly. I also really liked the romantic hero, Arin, on his own. I do have a think for the quiet, meticulously powerful ones, and he checked a lot of boxes for my reading preferences.

There was also a lot put into the world-building and history of this world. And I’ll be honest, even halfway through, I was still struggling to keep straight exactly which gods were connected with which kingdoms, how the various cultures were different from one another, and how exactly this world was laid out. I read this book on my Kindle, so I do think this was one of those situations where having a map would have helped me quite a lot. Especially given the fixation on maps that Arin himself is referenced as having!

The story does end on a fairly substantial cliff hanger. And there are a lot of dangling mysteries to be had, not only about both of our main characters, but about what truly happened in the history of this world, both recent and long ago. But I think it’s well worth the torment, and any fans of detailed, fantasy worlds and compelling heroines should definitely check this one out!

Rating 9: What a wonder! A debut that is rich in world-building and lead by a fantastic, feisty heroine, Hashem checks all the boxes as a SFF author to keep your eyes on!

(Link will go live July 21)

3.5. This book was a generic fantasy, meaning whatever comes to mind when you think of fantasy can and probably be founded in this book. It's alright; it's just been done multiple times before. I did enjoy reading this book. The book's first half had me seated and intrigued, but around the 46% mark, the pacing started to fall off, and the journey to get to the built-up reveal- introduced on the first page- took too long. So, while I enjoyed the premises of the book, I wish the book's pacing in the last half was edited better. All in all, I will be reading book two.

Whew, what a book! Jasad Heir started a little slow with Sylvia, an orphaned chemist's apprentice who lives in a small town. Unfortunately she's also the heir to a magical neighboring nation that was destroyed when she was a child, it's citizens hunted ever since. We follow Sylvia and another dangerous royal, Arin, as they prepare for a tournament, encounter resistance groups, battle their own demons, and fight with/for each other.

This book surprised me several times, made me laugh out loud, made me cry, and made me hope. My only problem is that now I have to wait for the sequel.