The best fantasy that ends up being my favorite is when I have no idea what’s going on, and this was just exactly that!

I kept meticulous notes on characters, places, and events through the first half of this book. When the plot finally revealed itself, I couldn’t finish it fast enough.

Fantastic storytelling and world building. I really liked Sirsha and Aiz from the start. Quil’s history had an emotional impact and I loved putting all the clues together. There’s some political intrigue woven into the story but it really takes on another theme in the second half. The tension had a slow build and was really neat overall. The romance felt very natural and I appreciated the connection I was able to make. I got very invested in these characters and cannot wait to see where the story will go next.

Although I’ve read Ember in the Ashes, I do not have recollection and might go back to that series and see if I’ll enjoy it more now. For anyone familiar, you may see some characters you’ll recognize from that series here.

I received an ARC for this book but my review represents my free and honest opinion.

I've heard about this author and she's been on my TBR list, but until this showed up on Netgalley, I didn't give her a try. Now I'm determined to go back and read her previous series. I loved this book. I love how the characters are sympathetic, and yet held accountable, and how the author shows the ease in which people can go down terrible paths. The secondary characters are compelling and it just feels like I need to read more about everyone and figure out how they got to the battle.

I also liked that I don't feel like I've read a cliffhanger. There's much more to this story, and I'm excited to read it, but I don't feel like I've read half a book.

This is the kind of writing that has me coming back for more. It's a wonderful story and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Thank you Netgalley for this amazing ARC!

Ahh! I was so excited to be back in this world and it did not disappoint. I did not see that ending coming… are you kidding me?! And the love story was so swoony and perfect. I highly recommend!

Oh, how fun it was to return to the world of An Ember in the Ashes! Sabaa has expanded the world and created such a wonderful, frightening, magical-filled story. We meet new characters and get glimpses of old. I really love how this feels a bit like EMBER with its darkness, war, and blood, but still like EMBER in that's it's hopeful, with love tucked between the crevasses. I absolutely adored getting to learn about the vast world outside of the Empire, along with each country's customs.

Let me tell you one thing, I wasn't sure what to make of Aiz, but as the story progresses and you have the realization that there's something not quite there... Oh, how heartbreaking. You have Sirsha and Quil as well, and along with Aiz, are all lost and somewhat broken characters. Sirsha and Quil are both searching for something different than what is expected of them. I think, in the end, they both realized perhaps what they initially wanted...isn't what they want after all. Quil is an incredibly loyal character, who displays over and over again how much he loves his friends and family, and how well-rounded of a person he is.

There is a storyline here about the origin of the Martials' masks and gosh, I'm simply so intrigued by it and I'm eager to see how Sabaa expands this storyline. I wasn't expecting the ending either, and I can't figure out if I sympathize with Aiz after everything that happened. Leaving things the way Sabaa did with Sirsha... I'm shocked????? I also desperately need Quil to be reunited with his Aunt Helene because I feel like he (and she, tbh) have some very choice words to say to one another.

Needless to say I really enjoyed this book, and I can't believe I have to wait an unknown about of time for any hint about Book 2.

I thought that I'd enjoy this book more, but in the end, I had to settle with simple indifference. Sabaa Tahir's fans will be glad to come back to this world -- this time, with new players. The twists and heartbreak and her signature style are all there. Unfortunately, this is just not a book for me.

set 20 years later in the same world as ember, we follow three new perspectives: Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil. they are on seemingly different journeys, but their lives all intertwine in the wildest ways. we get dashes of humor (sirsha, i'm looking at you), romance, and lots of new lore and culture from the new region we’re exploring!

this story does such a great job of introducing our new leading, dynamic characters, while tying their stories to the characters we already know and love from the original ember quartet. which is why i say that while it can technically be read as a standalone, i highly recommend reading ember first! it really ups the stakes of everything happening in heir, knowing how the journey our main cast from ember went on.

the plot twists and fast pacing immediately draws you in, and you really never know what is coming next. there were a few parts where i had to double back because i was like wtf just happened!

this was just so good and the themes are super relevant to everything going on in the world now, which is something i feel like sabaa is always really great at incorporating. i’m truly on the edge of my seat for book two!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for this early release copy.

I have had An Ember in the Ashes on my bookshelf for years waiting to read it, and I have never gotten around to it. I've heard amazing things about the series and Sabaa Tahir's books. When I saw this and that it was a new duology, I jumped on reading it. I loved it from beginning to end. It takes you on an amazing journey and tells such a fantastic story. I finished the book so excited to read the next book when it comes out, only to discover the connection to An Ember in the Ashes! I am now incredibly motivated to finally start reading that series while I wait for the next book in this duology! The great thing about this is that I didn't need to read the other series to fully enjoy or understand this book, I had no idea until I finished that they were in any way related. It's definitely a great standalone new series on its own.

Ohhhhh my! Sabaa! Why! My heart!

Heir is wonderful. It will tear you apart - you should read it!

Sabaa has a real gift for storytelling. I would recommend Heir to my family and friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

This story picks up a while after An Ember in the Ashes series ends, and takes place in the same world.. You don't HAVE to read that series first, but it definitely adds depth to the story I would have missed otherwise.

This story follows three characters whose storylines slowly entwine with one another. I absolutely loved watching all of the pieces fall into place. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I can't wait for the second book in this duology comes out to see how it all wraps up in the end!

Bleeding, burning skies! This book was my most anticipated read of 2024, and it did not disappoint. An Ember in the Ashes is one of my favorite series and I was beyond excited to return to this world with The Heir.

We see the next generation of Gens Veturius and Gens Aquilla, along with some old friends and several new faces. We revisit familiar places in the Empire, but there is a focus on the mysterious Southern Continent this time around. The continued world building enhances a setting already rich with detail. The writing is intricately descriptive without being overwhelming. The images are still crystal clear in my mind days later.
This story is masterfully written across multiple perspectives. The timelines are interwoven in such a way that I was completely surprised more than once. I lost count of the number of times I audibly gasped when something unexpected happened.

Quil, Sirsha and Aiz are the main characters, but I cannot go into detail about anything without spoilers. I will say that I am completely invested in their stories and desperate for the next book. Love and treachery abounds, and the big bad in this one is worse than the Nightbringer!

*I relistened to the AITA series before starting this book and it enhanced my reading experience immensely. I highly recommend revisiting that series, if you can.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved HEIR so much! I couldn't put it down! I loved all the different POV characters and, as usual, Sabaa Tahir used the format brilliantly. And I still cannot get over that ending!! I need the second book immediately! Sabaa also brilliantly wove in so much from the previous series yet also made it so that this could be a standalone—not an easy feat! Fans are going to LOVE this. I can't wait for this book to be out in the world so we can all talk about it! One of my favorite reads!

I need to start this review by stating I have not read the Ember quartet. That being said, I’ve already budgeted my tbr to get myself to Ember as soon as possible given the ARCs I have rn because Heir was SO good I need to return to that world and Tahir’s writing immediately. Btw there are spoilers, yes it can be read and fully understood without reading Ember but I definitely hit some major plot points, although that hasn’t deterred me, just made me more interested.

Tahir’s writing style is brilliant. Every single chapter ended and had me craving the next. I can’t tell you the last time I felt that way while reading, or feel the way I do post reading this book. I was entranced. Completely immersed in this world. Obsessed with every character. The fabric of my soul ripped at the tension this book caused and I don’t believe I will ever heal. I am counting down the days until book 2 is released (completely unknown) because this book is all I have thought about for weeks.

I truly want to say nothing of the plot itself, other than how incredible it was and how interesting this world is and how brilliant the character development and storytelling is. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader.

I cannot thank Penguin Teen enough for providing me with this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book. This book has my whole heart. I absolutely adored this! From the incredible characters, to the plot, to falling in love with everything so quickly- I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend this! It really just sucks you in and makes you never want to leave. In my opinion, those are the best books and I couldn't get enough. Sabaa is a GENIUS!

3.5 stars

I had high hopes for this one because I heard so many good things but I just could not get into it. The pacing was SO. SLOW. There was so little action and it felt like nothing was happening until almost 50% into the book. There were so many character and pov’s and I could never remember who was who and how they knew each other.
I also found that I kept getting lost in the politics and world building and just couldn’t orient myself in this world. It felt like there were several different plot lines and none of them were fleshed out enough for me. I was always trying to figure out what was going on. It did get more interesting around 50-85% into the book but the ending felt rushed and confusing and didn’t make me want to read the next book

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!

I'm not going to lie, I went into this not realizing it was connected to the "An Ember in the Ashes" books so as soon as characters from that were mentioned I *knew* I would love this book. Sabaa Tahir has a talent for writing characters that capture my attention right away. I was so deeply invested in these characters and the plot right off the bat.

I will admit I am notorious for not being able to guess plot twists but this one really got me! I had to put down the book for a second and be like "oh my god..." I loved the fact we got multiple main POVs as well as a few short chapters from other side character's POVs as well. Although, there was a character I wished we got some POVs from.

It was really exciting to see Elias and Laia and see what their life is like after the original books and their kids! The scenes with them made me feel very nostalgic which was nice. This book was full of heartbreaking moments as well and I definitely shed a few tears while reading some of these scenes. The romantic relationships also have me veryyyy invested and excited to see where they go in the next book.

Overall, I loved this book so much! Not at all a surprise. If you loved "An Ember in the Ashes" I would definitely recommend picking up this book too!

🦇 Heir Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite fantasy book?❓

🦇 An orphan. An outcast. A prince. And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.
An old tragedy fuels Aiz's need for vengeance, while love of her people that propels her. Sirsha agrees to use her magic to hunt a killer who is murdering children across the Martial Empire. And Quil is the Empire's crown prince, though he's loath to take the throne. Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of these three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives—and their hearts. Literally.

💜 *Insert a plethora of creative curses here* For fig's sake. I can't even begin to describe the pure AWE I have, not only for this story, but for Sabaa Tahir, fantasy and Muslim-American literary goddess, in general. I honestly can't think of a story I've read that was so well intertwined, so fully conceptualized, while respecting roots of the series that came before it. Earlier this year, I had the fortune to read The Fragile Threads of Power by VE Schwab, which continued her Shades of Magic series. Reading Heir sparked that same feeling; the sensation of returning home after a long journey through other vast worlds. I'm grateful that Penguin Teen hosted the Ember in the Ashes read-along this summer. While Heir introduces us to new characters, 20 years after the Ember in the Ashes series ends, each mention and emergence of a familiar character provided a sweet taste of nostalgia I didn't know I needed. These books have seeped themselves deep within my marrow since 2015, and Sabaa Tahir has been on my favorite/auto-buy author for just as long. She's the first Muslim-American to win the National Book Award for Young People's Literature; a feat that gives me hope and inspiration as a Muslim-American writer.

💜 Reading Heir, you can see how much Tahir's prose has flourished over the past decade. Despite stepping back into this familiar world, it's richer, more vivid. The action is just as intense and ruthless, the characters undeniably unique. The underlying themes resonate deeply. I loved every nod to South Asian, Pakistani, and Islamic culture. It's always the five-star book reviews I struggle with the most. I could talk about this story for hours, but I'd spoil so much that I want you to experience for yourself.

💙 Don't worry: if you haven't read the An Ember in the Ashes quartet, you can still enjoy Heir. The three main characters have their own vivid story to tell, and while there are mentions of many beloved characters from the original series, they're supporting cast to Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil. I will say that the first part of the story took a moment to adjust to, and there's the lingering question of HOW these characters are connected, but once you realize how the breadcrumbs were laid out for you, you'll realize the execution is FLAWLESS. The fast pace keeps you on your toes, the ever-growing tension driving you to the last page. As for the underlying romantic story, AH! It was perfectly built, the sass and chemistry playful without stealing from the main plot, yet heart-wrenching; that kind of painful that keeps you invested long-term. OH! And can we talk about our villain? That BUILD?! I love a villain with reason--a character who doesn't realize they're the villain at all, someone with a mission that goes about it in all the wrong ways. This story had EVERYTHING and then some. I'll be recommending it for the next 20 years.

🦇 Recommended for fans of The Red Queen series, The Lunar Chronicle series, and The Throne of Glass series.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🫀First in a Duology
✨ Young Adult High Fantasy/Romantasy
👑 Political Intrigue
⛏ Enemies to Lovers
💓 Found Family
👁 Multi POV

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #Heir

💬 Quotes
❝ Get what you need. Forget the rest. ❞
❝ "You are a daughter of the evening star. You are not meant to be caged." ❞
❝ “I give my heart unto her keeping, a gift with no compare.” ❞
❝ "The past will distract you from the now. And it’s the now that matters.” ❞
❝ “You seek to understand the fibers that make the world,” Loli Temba said, “but not your own pain, nor that of others. You’d be better served understanding the latter.” ❞
❝ He looked at her like her secrets were the sea, and he was at home in dark water. ❞
❝ “Quil—” His name rolled off her tongue, a prayer. “Please—” “Mmm,” he said. “You should say that more, Sirsha. I’d give you whatever you wanted.” ❞
❝ “Care about yourself as much as you care about those you love. As much as— as we care about you.” ❞
❝ Sirsha grabbed his hand, wishing she could articulate the desire suffusing her, something more than I need you and I wish I didn’t. ❞

I really enjoyed the An Ember in the Ashes series and it was great to jump back into that world! I look forward to reading more from Sabaa Tahir.

As a writer, I tend to keep Sabaa Tahir's work on a special shelf: my toolbox shelf.
Every writer has one. It's full of books we love, books that have great uses of craft, books that might even be craft books themselves.
I think HEIR will fit nicely next to the other books I love to learn from.
In HEIR we follow the stories of Quil, Sirscha, and Aiz as we return to the world of EMBER IN THE ASHES, 20 years after the events of the original quartet.
As usual, Sabaa Tahir's world building is perfection. But if you read the original quartet, you might find the opening sort of slowly paced as you are already familiar with the world and the fallout of Nightbringer's actions. I admit, I struggled to get through the first few chapters, but I promise you it is rewarding to do so.
From here on, there will be spoilers and craft discussions:
Once we get to the invasion we've been firmly introduced to Aiz, a devout follower of Mother Div from Kegar, a country that is so poor and broken that it must raid the countries nearby in order to feed its people. Aiz fails to assassinate the tyrant leading her country further into ruin and finds herself, and her friends, in jail for some time.
Aiz has a WHOLE journey in prison, and this is before we've even jumped into the main problem of the book proper.
We get to see Aiz fall, find her faith, and rise again. But I think astute readers will be immediately suspicious of Mother Div's sudden interest in Aiz. I know I was. Mother Div has some incredibly strong Keenan vibes.
Something about Div's voice reminds me of the Nightbringer, smooth, desperate, determined, hungry. When Aiz escapes prison and finds her way to the tribal lands, I think Div really begins to come off the page (which is funny, because she's been bound to a book). Aiz asks Laia, who is now Kehanni of Tribe Saif and mother to Elias's children, to find the missing 9th Sacred Tale of Mother Div, but it takes time.
And in this time, Div's impatience seeps out into Aiz. We really get to watch as the emotions overwhelm Aiz and confuse her as she fights down something she believes is coming from her. But we also get to witness some amazing characterizations in that Aiz twists her own personality to justify stealing and sacrificing in order to achieve her goals.
Then we have Sirscha, banished from the Jaduna for an unspeakable act and forbidden from using her tracking magic. Elias comes to her and makes her swear a sacred Jaduna oath to track down a killer, which forces her to begin using her magic in a way that might alert her tribe.
Sirscha has a great character journey as well. She battles with her past mistakes, her own family, and evolving feelings for Quil, the Prince of the Empire. She has secrets to keep for good reasons and learns to trust in others as much as in herself.
I really loved learning about the Jaduna through Sirscha's points of view. It all gets shown through memories and trinkets rather than encyclopedic entries and it helped to connect to the Sirscha’s emotions more than a few diary like lines at the beginning of the chapters could have.
Quil has less of a change, I feel. His story is grand, involving losing love, finding it again, and working through his trauma, and it is a solidly presented tale, but he undergoes less of a change than the other main viewpoint characters. At the end, he is still the crown prince and still wants revenge for the fall of the Empire and the murder of his loved ones. Something we'll hopefully get to see him achieve in the next book.
The world building was mixed for me. I am familiar with the world from the EMBER IN THE ASHES QUARTET and so some of the information felt repetitive, but if this is your first dive into the world then buckle up because you are in for some solid understanding and visuals.
Once the ball got rolling it never felt like it stopped. There was a lot to follow: Quil and Sirscha's budding relationship, Sirscha's friendship with Quil, Sufiyan, and Arelia, Quil and Sufiyan's joint trauma at the death of Ruh, Aiz's determinations n to save her people, Aiz's relationship with Mother Div, the traps, the ambushes, the plans.
And almost all of it gets wrapped up. Almost. Add it to your TBR now, readers. And you too, writers. You’re going to love this.

Note: book finished, reviewing in progress and incoming. I appreciate the patience and the opportunity!

I am currently very physically ill and not able to read very much or some days even at all. I apologise to anyone this review might inconvenience, but I thought I might do a placeholder until I am well and can finish reading and write a proper review. I didn’t want it to potentially expire before I could post something. I will edit this when I am well enough to read again. Again I am sorry and hope this doesn’t affect my standing.

Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Heir on October 1, 2024.

WOW. What an absolutely fantastic story, both as its own entry and as a continuation of the Ember in the Ashes quartet. I absolutely loved how Sabaa Tahir expanded this world, incorporated new magic systems, and introduced us to new characters who I was equally invested in. Admittedly, in a multi-POV book, it's easy to feel tempted to skip certain POVs because you're more invested in other storylines. But I was HOOKED on Aiz, Quil, and Sirsha for the entire book.

I haven't had an audible, gasp-out-loud moment in a book in AGES, but Heir had me screaming and theorizing and doing the most when I figured out a major plot twist halfway through. It's truly a testament to Sabaa's writing how I didn't see it coming but it still made sense in the broader context of the story.

I loved (and mourned) the cameos from the previous series, and I do think that reading the quartet set me up for more emotional damage in Heir. But this story can also absolutely be read on its own, and I'm just to unbelievably excited to see where Sabaa takes it next.

10/10 fantasy story, and will recommend to anyone and everyone I know.