Heir is a fantasy novel focused on the lives and adventures of Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil.

The complex characters and their stories made for an interesting read. However, being a mood reader, I felt I was not able to get into the book and therefore was not able to finish reading it completely. Apart from this, I felt that the story was engaging and the world-building was detailed.

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“There is beauty in the dark, and strength.”

Heir is the first book in a new duology by Sabaa Tahir that takes place in the same universe as Ember in the Ashes, however this can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read Ember in the Ashes yet but it’s been on my TBR for a while.

The book follows 3 POVs that are all interconnected in different parts of the same story. While this is YA there is a great romance subplot to this book that has angst, longing, and sacrifice that comes with being duty bound to something else.

Overall, I really loved the story. There are a lot of plot, twists and intense things going on. Sabaa has created a world of dark and intricate magic that is fascinating to follow along with very complex relationships and friendships. I will definitely be continuing the series and preorder the special edition from BN.

My only reason for 4⭐️ is that at times I found one of the main plot twists a bit difficult to follow at first and thought I somehow missed a major piece of information. It was more of a “trust the process” moment and all worked out in the end but I did have to go back to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the arc. All opinions are my own.

A vengeful orphan. A determined outcast. A shadowed prince. And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

What a joy to read another Sabaa book in the world of An Ember in the Ashes, one of my favorite series of all time.

Some 20 years after the concluding events of A Sky Beyond the Storm, a new cast of characters takes center stage as the Empire is under threat of attack. There are three primary POVs in Heir: Aiz, an orphan from the Dafra slum of Kegar on the southern continent (a place we barely saw in Ember). Sirsha, a Jaduna sorceress cast out from her people and in search of a killer, and Quil, heir to the Martial Empire and nephew of mommy Empress Helene Aquilla. All of these characters have unique motivations, personalities, abilities, and arcs. The magic of the world takes center-stage maybe more than ever before. The sexual tension does too. Boy, are these teenagers horny. And, in true Sabaa fashion, hearts are broken and, quite literally, ripped out of chests and devoured for pleasure, our hearts included.

I love this take on expanding an established universe. Sabaa takes us to a different time and a lot of different places with a lot of different characters. We, of course, get some cameos from our beloved favorites out of Ember, but they aren't the focus of this story. We also spend a lot of time on an entirely different continent, with different people and cultures that we didn't even know existed until now. Sabaa excelled with telling a fresh story in an established world, and I wish more authors would attempt something like this.

If I had to offer any criticism, I would point out two things: The first is Sabaa's handling of Aiz. This character's arc is something that I imagine is incredibly challenging to do right. And, don't get me wrong, Sabaa does an excellent job with the character, but Aiz's behaviors and conclusions didn't always feel right in the moment. She's a complex character, for sure. And that came out. Some things just felt a little disjointed at times. The second bit of criticism would have to do with the pacing. I felt that some important events were just zoomed through. There were epic battles that were over in a page. There were major moments that were simply summarized. And then there was the climactic events near the end of the book that just seemed a bit garbled and maybe even "easily" solved.

While it's not mandatory that you read Ember before Heir, I would strongly suggest you do. Not only will it clue you in to all the cameos and Easter Eggs and rich lore and history, they are great reads and will only serve to increase your enjoyment of Heir when you get to it.

The ending of Heir is clearly not the ending. Sabaa has some big things planned for the second half of the story and I'm certainly here for it. She continues to be one of my favorite worldbuilders and storytellers and I can't wait to read more.

Wow! I have missed this world so much and have been so excited to return. It introduced new characters, while seeing the return of a few old ones. This book follows Sirsha, Quil, and Aiz all with their own reasons and motivations to be in the Empire. Sabaa expands the world into other territories, introducing their own unique magic, and governments. The pacing for the book is perfect for the events that are taking place in the book. It gives you enough details that you don’t feel you are missing anything or creating plot holes. Heir, I feel can stand on its own without the original AEITA series (although, I still think it’s a must read) It gives enough details to understand that the Empire has a dark history. (That being said, does poor Helene ever catch a break?). Heir is the perfect follow up to the original series.

Sirsha, I absolutely enjoyed reading from her perspective. After, being approached for a dangerous job that could put her life at risk, she embarks on a journey that intersects with others, leading to friendship, love, and loyalty—even when her life is in jeopardy. Her growth throughout her journey was my favorite part to read. Sirsha’s loyalty was always present, she just didn’t have anyone to be loyal to until she found this family.

Quil, battles with becoming the king of the Empire and his past, including his family history. Afraid to end up like his father, who once ruled the Empire in a cruel and unjust way. He loves hard, and cares deeply for his family and friends. Battling with the events of the past year and struggling to come to terms of his soon to be king ship, he discovers new unexpected battles. The Empire in jeopardy once again, Quil takes it head on especially because it will save the ones he loves. Quil is such a strong character, and it was wonderful to see him come terms being the crown prince, duty, and love. His feelings towards Sirsha were so pure and heartfelt.

Aiz is a character that will catch you off guard, and you won’t realize it till it’s too late. Her changes throughout the book are subtle but come together at the end. Aiz’s character reflected the environment she grew up in, with her dreams and desires being amplified by certain being whispering in her ear. I found Aiz as character I found to be the most complex character in the storyline, embodying the transformation of rightful anger into unjust actions.

Overall, Heir is a strong start in this duology and furthermore a strong book to add to the AEITA universe. Expanding the world and its magic beyond what was discussed in the predecessors. I’ve been waiting for a book to scratch my fantasy it and this was just it! I am beyond excited to see where this story goes in the next book.

There are those stories that sink into your heart and stay with you long after you've put down the book.
Another masterpiece by a master storyteller. Left me destroyed, in awe, heartbroken, raging and wanting more.
Heir by Saba Tahir is one of those books for me. The whole Ember series really. In Heir we are taken twenty years after the events of Ember. Quil is about to inherit the empire his aunt ruled until he came of age. Sirsha is a tracker exiled from her people and recently hired for her most dangerous job yet. Aiz is an orphan used to suffering, but fueled by revenge. Their lives will interweave in heartbreaking ways as they navigate corrupting power, love, friendship, grief, and violence.
Tahir weaves a tale so masterfully that I'm left in awe. Each character is infused with life. Quil was an endearing reluctant heir. Frightened by the ghosts of his father's legacy. With his knowledge of his father's brutal reign and the corrupting influence of power Quil has a lot to come to terms with. Can he be a good leader and escape his father's shadow? I think I love him as much as Elias! He was strong, capable, and full of love for his family.
Being inside Sirsha's head was so great! She's funny, but she's also dealing with the loss of her family and her home. Her relationship with her sister was so heartbreaking, but refreshing to see. We don't always get along with our biological family. It was nice to see this compliment family dynamic. I think I also love her as much as Laia. Her journey as she hunted down a killer that had murdered children throughout the empire was exhilarating.
Aiz was I think the most tragic character to read. Her life has been filled with violence. A violence derived from hunger, poverty, and oppression. Her love for her people was vast which made her character so interesting. You can compare and contrast her with Helene for a fun thought experiment.
I always think about an interview I read once where Sabaa Tahir speaks on her inspiration for Ember. She speaks about her work as a journalist and how she started to think about the children that lived under bombardment. (I'm paraphrasing.) I think about it as I read her novels with Heir it was even more apparent how much she has to say about war and its effects on the young. Her focus on the youth it affects is what makes her writing so brilliant. Through it all though the characters or at least for the most part keep their humanity. It's a struggle to keep hate from their hearts, but they try. Seeing the enemies humanity leads them to better deal with the threat.
How Tahir creates multidimensional villains will always be another thing I absolutely admire about her. Evil is never simple in her books. It's always so tragic. Here she poses the question of how far will someone go to save their people? Will that heroic journey turn into the ends justify the means?
Love is very much a theme woven in the story. There's familial love, a chosen family, and of course romantic love. The romance was sizzling!! It was so satisfying with a dash of tension to make it worth the payoff.
If you've never picked up a Sabaa Tahir book pick this one up! If you like fantasy read it. I definitely recommend putting this one in your tbr. It comes out in October.

Sabaa Tahir has not disappointed me yet. This book will easily be in my top favorites of the year. Following the success of the Ember quartet was a tall task and Tahir rose higher. I enjoyed everything from the characters to the plot. I felt all the emotions from dread to happiness. The characters are worthy successors to the og three and I enjoyed them very much, despite the way that one of the main three perspective’s storyline went. It is very apparent how much the climate of today’s world heavily inspired Tahir and I commend her for writing the story the way she did.

Quil is the heir to the Martial Empire. He doesn’t want the job. When the Empire is attacked, he must flee, and go for help. Sirsha is a young woman who uses magic for tracking, who has been exiled from her home. She is tracking someone, or something, that has been killing children across multiple countries. In a third POV, we meet Aiz, an orphan from the Kegari slums, who has wind magic. She is on a passionate quest to find the origin of a story about her long-gone religious leader. They all have secrets and when they meet and meet again, shocking and terrible things can and will happen.

A gripping and deeply thoughtful fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this DRC.
#Heir #NetGalley

I loved this book so much! It was so nostalgic seeing the characters we know and love grow so much since we last saw them. The new characters were wonderful and I can’t wait to see more of their character development. The storyline was intriguing from the start and kept me engaged the whole time. This is a must read if you are a fan of the ember in the ashes series. I can’t wait for the next book!

Sabaa Tahir NEVER misses. She definitely knows how to draw you in to her stories and keep you engaged the entire time. Fans of the Embers series will go crazy for this new installment.

Sabaa Tahir once again delivers a world-shattering epic with Heir. This high-stakes fantasy weaves together the lives of three extraordinary individuals, each carrying the weight of their past and the promise of a tumultuous future.

Aiz, the fierce and resilient survivor, embodies the spirit of the oppressed, her journey a testament to the indomitable human will. Sirsha, the enigmatic tracker, is a captivating enigma, her skills and secrets promising a thrilling arc. And Quil, the reluctant prince, grapples with the burden of legacy, his character a complex tapestry of duty and desire.

Tahir's masterful storytelling pulls readers into a world of political intrigue, heart-stopping action, and forbidden love. The promise of a clash between these compelling characters and the looming threat to the empire create a narrative that is both intimate and epic in scale. With her signature blend of lyrical prose and brutal honesty, Tahir has crafted another unforgettable masterpiece that will leave readers breathless and yearning for the next installment.

Holy cow, this book! I was nervous going into this one sense. I never finished the original series, but I still absolutely loved it. First off, I absolutely LOVE the writing. The flow just goes, so naturally, it never felt disjointed or clunky. I loved the different POVs and seeing each character develop differently. I hope in book 2 we get to learn more of Sirsha's past. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or what the twist would be, I was wrong, or at least incomplete. The last few chapters had me practically raging that I couldn't just go right into book 2! I love everything about this book. I laughed, I cried, and my adrenaline was pumping! I'm so excited for book 2 but also excited I can revisit and finally finish the original series. I have so much more, I could say, but I don't want to give anything away. This is one I think would be more enjoyable without knowing any spoilers.

The storytelling through multiple perspectives was truly remarkable. One character took me on an emotional rollercoaster filled with unexpected twists and significant character growth, shifting my feelings from "I am cheering for you" to "I wish you would just disappear." The execution was exquisite. Just when I thought the situation couldn't worsen, more challenges arose, perfectly capturing the essence of Sabaa's style. This narrative stands independently and is accessible to any reader, yet its seamless connection to the Ember series and the integration of familiar characters is impressive. We encounter Helene, Laia, Elias (with a nod to Daddy Elias), and even supporting characters like Tas and Musa, but notably, one of the perspectives belongs to Quil, Helene's nephew. Overall, quite enjoyable!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

1,000 times YES. Sabaa Tahir somehow managed to exceed my expectations, and I am not mad about it!

This story is a close tie-in to the Ember Quartet and follows the next generation on their journey. Do you *have* to read the Ember quartet first? No… but why would you skip a phenomenal 5 star series and miss all the connections? Go read it, then pick up Heir when it releases October 1st!

I laughed, I squealed, I despaired, I cheered, and I cried - all the things I look for in my favorite books and the roller coaster I’ve come to expect from Ms Tahir. Heir was actually a bit more romantic than I was expecting and man, I am HERE FOR IT!!

Please send good vibes as I work through this book hangover. It was so, so worth it.

★★★.75
𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 (𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊) 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Finally, I finished this after pausing it for 30 days 😭😭😭 just because I wasn’t in the mood lol.

Okay, first of all, I know this book is part of a companion duology to the AEITA series, but you really need to read the whole series first. The world-building is a huge part that might unsettle some people because it explains some of the lands explored in the previous series. Also, some key points in this storyline take some pieces from the first series, which might confuse readers who start with this book.

Now, back to my review of this new generation story from AEITA's family. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it a lot because, honestly, I spent much of the time irritated by specific characters. The plot involving journeys, betrayals, and magic is interesting, and the past POV is surprisingly unique—I didn’t even realize it until I finally got it. However, I found the characters lacking depth. Although I know their backstories, I couldn’t connect with any of them. Despite being 500 pages long, this book felt too short. The romance wasn’t really my favorite. I liked the banter but felt it was missing some chemistry. I hope to see more of it in the next book, though.

So, this book turned out to be not as good as the AEITA series. It provided an acceptable amount of enjoyment but lacked in many areas. I still want to read book 2 since it’s just a duology, and I’m waiting for more arcs and a more amazing journey.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Oh my lord oh my lord. Ms. Sabaa Tahir has done it AGAIN. I was very recently introduced to the Ember in the Ashes universe when Penguin hosted the read-along, and it was perfectttt going from reading those, right into this one. I feel like I had a great understanding of the world already, and that set the scene nicely, but on the same hand, I could have walked into this book without any previous knowledge and been just as invested. The writing style feels identical (if not a bit nostalgic) and the slowburn was burningggg. I'm obsessed and need to desperately get my hands on a physical copy! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

It was a delight to return to the world from An Ember in the Ashes, one of my favorite fantasy series. I loved getting to know Sirsha, Quil and company and to see how beloved characters from Ember have fared after two decades.

As usual, Sabaa Tahir’s writing style draws you into the story and weaves an intricate storyline with lots of twists. It seems they are almost there and then the rug is pulled out from under them.

Can’t wait for the sequel as this does leave the story unresolved.

I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!) and all opinions are my own.

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!!!

⭐️=4.5-4.75? 5? | 😘=3 | 🤬=2 | ⚔️=5 | 15/16+

summary: An Ember in the Ashes (talented brilliant incredible) spinoff! this prince and this thief girl and this orphan and alternating timeline POVs and I can’t explain but it’s really good

thoughts: this is fantastic! it’s really good!! because, like, Sabaa Tahir is a genius et cetera. I read it in, like, two days or something. great pacing. the structure was very interesting, and there were lots of twists, but imo they weren’t created equal?? like some were better/more surprising/more interesting than others but I really really liked the characters and I need the next book but it probably won’t be out for like two years lol. anyway! I recommend this, but I don’t recommend reading it without having read the OG series bc knowing all the lore makes it so much better!!

Sabaa Tahir is an amazing story teller. Heir is brings the story of three unlikely people together. Murder, magic, and sacrifice encompas their adventure.

Quil a reluctant prince who doesn't want to take the throne.

Sirsha an outcast tracker who wants to get away and finds an offer she can't refuse.

Aiz who wants to help her people and take them to their promised land.

The characters and side characters were all well written and you wanted each of them to succeed until their motives changed. I cannot wait for the next book.

This was such a fun read. The story takes you along with the characters as they experience heartbreak, loss, and learn what it means to love your people-the found family, the ones you choose. This book has a villain origin story entwined in the most beautiful way! I can't wait for what happens next in this story. The only thing I didn't love was understanding the chronology of events as they were laid out. The transitions between chapters didn't feel smooth and I always felt like I was scrambling to figure out where I was in the timeline.

If you loved the Ember quartet, you MUST read this book! And if you haven’t read the Ember quartet, you can still read this book! But I highly recommend reading the Ember quartet first for the MOST epic experience.
But reading Heir will be epic, nonetheless.

It has been such a pleasure revisiting the rich world that Sabaa Tahir has created and getting to know these new characters, some of which have descended from our favorite original crew. Each storyline was gripping, and I couldn’t read the pages fast enough. This was my most anticipated read of the year, and it did not let me down, further solidifying Tahir as one of my favorite authors.

If I had to give one small critique, it would be that I wished the timelines had been a little bit more clear from the beginning, but that may have been something I personally missed while reading. However, even with that small complaint (and I mean very small), the book was 5 stars, and I cannot wait for the next one!