I love a good love triangle, and Heir of Storms does not disappoint. Lauryn Hamilton Murray has not disappointed, and I highly recommend this read!

This book reminded me a lot of 2010s YA fantasy, complete with chosen ones, a half-hearted loved triangle, and girls hating other girls for seemingly no reason. I generally enjoyed the book while I was actively reading it, but it fell apart for me as soon as I finished and spent some time thinking about it.

This book has quite a few… problematic… elements, for lack of a better words. There are some ableist comments that are never really addressed, along with your good ol’ fashioned slut shaming. Several of the girls seem to hate each other (including calling one girl a bitch with no real reason to have started introducing her that way) for petty jealousy reasons and nothing else. But the worst is the surface-level and troubling elements of the slavery. The enslaved people being somewhat indigenous coded and considered savage. There’s a decent amount of white saviorism vibes to it too. A lot of this is very surface level and isn’t particularly well handled, although I wonder if it may be better addressed in the next book.

I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be thinking with the romance. It’s a little bit of a love triangle, but also mostly not. There isn’t much to root for in either relationship. We see Fox being abusive and he literally enslave people, but… we’re supposed to like the idea of them getting together? And the prince just seems so enamored with her for no reason at all (even before we find out why) that it never feels like something worth getting excited about. The only real thing we get from either guy is “bad boy trope” and “prince charming trope.”

I was a little frustrated too about Blaze and Fox. You’d think she’d feel some kind of connection to him considering she’s labeled as a murderer for when her powers went out of control. I’d expect her to have some more curiosity or interest in him, or him to express more connection to her because of that. But all of that is mostly ignored. I guess the reader was just supposed to assume that was why he was interested in her, but we’re never told that on the page. Are we supposed to just like him because he gave Blaze a kitten even though he’s genuinely awful to everyone all the time and, again, someone who enslaves people?

Then… the trials. We’re deciding who should be the ruler based on… who can solve riddles and handle insults? I’m not convinced this is really the great system designed by the gods to get the best rulers. We obviously don’t always have the best rulers, but I expected a little more from the trials for something with such high stakes. I’d also expect more lead up to each trial instead of them being randomly dumped in somewhere between Blaze wandering around thinking about boys or whatever.

And finally… the names. Why. Why are we all named after fire or water or whatever. You CANNOT tell me that everybody in the whole kingdom is having the same variations of aquatic or earthly or whatever name. Please.

Again, I had a decently fun time while I was actually reading it. I’ll be interested in the sequel because the ending intrigued me. However, the next book has a lot to make up for in characterization, romance, worldbuilding, and addressing those problematic elements. This book had a lot of potential and I think the sequel could possibly make up for this one’s flaws. I hope?

Thanks to netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
Yeah, since I am a little late with this review I listened to the audiobook.
This review is solely based on the main character, let me tell you, that I don't think I have read a book that depressed me so much as this book did. The main character, was so miserable all the time, feeling so sorry for herself, she was so negative, always whining for what happened when she was born when wasn't even her fault. Sounded like she was about to cry any moment. I did not enjoy it at all, I don't like sad characters, she also had no personality. I listened for 5 hours and 27 minutes, but I could not take feeling all this negativity from Blaze.

Blaze is born into a powerful family - the most powerful, flame-wielding family in the realm. But when her power manifests it is something more than power; it is completely devastating. She is the last Rain Singer, and upon her birth she unleashed a flood that resulted in the deaths of thousands of citizens. She's spent her life hidden away, afraid of her power, mysteriously unable to access more than the barest drizzle. But then she and her twin brother, Flint, are both chosen to compete as heirs to the throne, and she finds herself forced into the limelight. She will be forced to compete for her life against other competitors for the Aquatori throne, and she fears what will happen when they learn she is basically powerless. But as she endures training with the other competitors, she finds herself in the midst of new friends, possible romance, and an unlocking of the power she has shied away from for so long. Perhaps the throne isn't as far out of reach as she believed.

This was my cup of tea 100%. The characters - the friend group was great, the sibling moments were precious - the magic, the settings, the mythology, the romance?? I can't think of a single thing that I didn't enjoy about this. It was precisely what high-school!me would have devoured (and today we all learn that high-school!me and now!me have the same taste. Maturity is overrated, bla bla bla).

And can I just say? Fantastic resolution to the love triangle. The romance wasn't too intense either, which I super appreciated; this was a proper YA romance, the likes of which I haven't read in literally years.
I am so looking forward to the sequel to this, and to see where Murray goes from here! Her writing is enticing and lovely, and her character work is fantastic. Highly reccommend, especially for fans of THE SELECTION, SHADOW AND BONE, or THRONE OF GLASS.

I buddy-read this one with my friend who also got an ARC and it was so fun!

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a fierce, addictive romantasy brimming with elemental magic, deadly trials, and intoxicating romance. Blaze, the Rain Singer born into a fire-wielding dynasty, has spent her life an outcast—until she’s thrust into a brutal competition where crowns aren’t inherited, but won. With two princes pulling at her heart, court intrigue threatening her every step, and a storm inside her waiting to break free, Blaze must claim her power before it consumes her. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Shadow and Bone, this is a thrilling start to a series you won’t want to put down.

Heir of Storms will probably end up being one of my top reads for this year and I've had the pleasure of reading a lot of good books this year.

2.5 rounded up. This is a difficult one to write a review for because I don't really have any strong feelings about the book.

Positive:
1. I liked the twist relating to the romance because I REALLY didn't see that coming at all. That actually had me shocked and was really well plotted out throughout the book. I also liked that that happened because that means there wasn't really a true love triangle, which I am known to hate.
2. The ending of the book. I really liked how the book wrapped up and set up the next book. The last 70 pages were the best of the entire book and really put everything together.
3. Fox and Flint. These two were the highlight of the book for me. They had the most personality in the entire book and I was the most interested in the book when they were on page. (More Flint and Sheen pleaaaaaase)

Negatives:
1. The FMC had little to no personality, which made it incredibly difficult to believe that she had two highly eligible bachelors chasing after her (obviously the end fixed this a little bit, but the lack of personality still hindered it)
2. The magic system. I honestly was confused about the magic for a long time. It seemed to have no rules and was really difficult to grasp. It got even more wishy washy during the final battle with our FMC and the other Heir. Supposedly Blaze has to use her emotions for her powers, but that wasn't evident in that intense fight with Mariana.
3. Cole? What the heck? His heel turn was absolutely bizarre and definitely made no sense in context of what was happening earlier in the book. It was wholly unnecessary.
4. Besides the romantic twist, everything else was incredibly obvious. Especially who the old man in the library was.
5. Most of the book felt very meandery. A whole lot of nothing happened in over 400 pages. This book promised trials and delivered on nothing.

Overall it was just a very middle-ground fantasy that had difficulty keeping my attention for the duration of the story. I will be picking up the second book if I'm still interested in it when it comes out, but I am worried I won't remember much that happened in this generic book.

➸ 5 stars

“Here, crowns are not inherited—they are won.”

𓈀 𓄹𓂃 thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced readers copy!!

🌊 elemental magic
⚡️ a competition for the throne with trials
🌊 love triangle
⚡️ court intrigue and lore
🌊 secrets and twists

“But every trial, whatever form it may take, is designed to target weakness. To trick you. Break you. Victory is hard-fought. Play to win, by all means. But make no mistake, the real game begins when the winners take their thrones.”

okay wow, i LOVED this!!! this story had me hooked from the very beginning and enjoyed every second!!! the elemental magic system was so fun to read about and the entire trials and competitions had me utterly entertained!!! they’re definitely one of my favorite plot lines in young adult fantasy’s and i just had so much fun reading!!! the twists and turns were jaw dropping yet predictable at the same time and sue me but i ate it up!!!!

“To feel is to be alive, Blaze. And I swear to you that no matter what, it is better to feel everything than to feel nothing.”

i will say the characters were my FAVORITE. blaze’s development was AMAZING!!!! seeing her find and grasp a hold of her power, leads to control it (find herself after everything) was perfect!!! i also have to mention her relationship with flint; truly one of my favorite sibling dynamics i’ve read about!! i also have to put it out there that i ship flint and sheen THE HATE TO LOVE POTENTIAL IS SOOOO THERE!!!!

𓈀 𓄹𓂃

the love triangle was done SO WELL!!!! usually this trope has me pounding my head of the fucking table but this one was just different and i really like how it turned out!!

full review is posted on my goodreads!

I had such a fun time with this book. I think this book had so many elements i loved liked elemental magic, competiton and also siblings dynamics I also thought this book had a unique plot and i kept wanting to read it. I would only say this book had some minor pacing issues but i overally loved this book and am excited for book 2!!

I enjoyed the story immensely. The story is a great fantasy tale by the way. Blaze is a terrific character who doesn’t seem to realize how special that she really is. I love that this a easy page turner. I like that readers can relate with certain characters over certain topics. This I feel gives that real element effect. The plot is outstanding. It is an outstanding outline for such a special story. The dialogue is clear precise among the characters. Nothing was to wordy flamboyant with any of the words. I found so easy for the characters to lead me through their story. What a terrific story. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

I have not had a YA fantasy grasp my attention this much since I read the Legendborn trilogy two years ago. Avatar the Last Airbender meets the Crowns of Nyaxia Novels by Carissa Broadbent. it is beautiful. please read.

Yes! I enjoyed this book so much. Once I was into it I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next by author!

A classic YA fantasy book that hits a lot of familiar tropes; girl who wants to fit in but doesn’t, boy who is her opposite and catches her eye, family that’s overprotective, etc.

I started the book with high hopes & very intrigued by the description, but it didn’t keep my attention and I didn’t end up finishing it

Rating 3 stars for what I did read because I do think that there are readers that will enjoy the story more than me!

“I am the girl who wove the storm that shook the world. And I’m coming for my crown.” “Never doubt the tides of Fortune whether they break or bind.“ “It wasn’t a question of your possessing power, but of unlocking it. The answer was always inside of you. You just had to find it.” A puppet master. A rain singer. An earth cleaver. And a deadly game for ultimate power. In this breathtaking debut YA romantasy— perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Red Queen, and Shadow & Bone, readers are swept into a vividly wrought world where elemental magic rules, bloodlines bind, and betrayal runs as deep as desire. At the center of it all is our fierce and unforgettable heroine Blaze, the last of her kind and an unlikely hero, thrust into a brutal series of trials where the stakes are nothing short of survival— and power. With secrets stitched into every alliance, and enemies lurking behind charming smiles, she must navigate a perilous game of politics, pretend romance, and personal reckoning. Fake dating? Check. Backstabbing? Absolutely. A soul-deep journey of empowerment wrapped in magic and heartbreak? Prepare yourself. And the ending? A ruthless, breath-stealing cliffhanger that will leave you clawing for the next book in the tantalizing Storm Weaver trilogy. Though marketed as YA, this novel transcends the category. As a notoriously selective reader (snob, because let’s call a spade… a spade) of the genre, I was wholly captivated, nay, SPELLBOUND by a fresh & original storyline and a cast of characters that feel heartbreakingly real. The elemental caste system is haunting, the world-building bloody and bold, and the romance, while age-appropriate, pulses with tension and longing that that you feel in your bones (and toes 🤭). For those who crave immersive magic, high-stakes intrigue, and raw, romantic ache— this is the start of a journey you won’t want to miss. Fans of the Ahriman series? You’ll feel right at home. Hamilton Murray has really set this trilogy off with a BLAZE-ing start. And I for one cannot wait to see what she delivers next. Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan publishers, and the author for a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

DNF @5%.
I'm struggling to connect with the story and adapt to the writing style. Despite several attempts, I just can't get into it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, which I think is obvious since I read it in three days 😅. I really liked the ending and now I NEED the sequel. There are a couple things I want to talk about though:

1. I felt like the story could be a bit slow at some points. There wasn’t really a big “mystery” that was introduced in the beginning, which is fine as we learn what that is later in the book, and it was definitely more focused on the trials aspect. I’m not complaining about the trials though either.

2. I also felt like some of the characters blended together. I knew each of them, but they all seemed very similar. I’m not too sure if that’s something that everyone will have a problem with, or if it’s just me though.

Overall, this was an amazing debut book and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out next year!

Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me an eARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this, it was exciting from start to finish. The story is layered and combines elements of mystery, family dynamics, grief, romance and adventure with an enchanting magic system and world.

This one will speak to those who have struggled to belong and feel comfortable in their own skins. To the outcasts and oddballs that don’t seem to fit the mold, this one’s for you.

This book is phenomenal!! From the lush, immersive world-building to the intricate character arcs, it had everything I love: magic, trials, romance, betrayal, grief, found family, and plot twists that got me good. I was absolutely hooked!

I loved the magic system. It’s not just about flashy elemental powers. It’s about emotional discipline and mental strength. That kind of depth makes the world feel real and rich, and it adds so much to Blaze’s journey. Speaking of Blaze… I loved her so much! Born into a house of fire, a twin no less, and yet she wields water? That alone made her compelling, but the way she rises to her power, choosing who she wants to be rather than being defined by what others say, is truly powerful.

The character introductions were so well done. There’s a perfect blend of court intrigue and dangerous alliances, with just the right dash of romance. Both love interests were captivating in their own way—one royal, one mysterious—and I am here for the tension!

Blaze’s interactions with the side characters were such a highlight. She connects, evolves, and builds bonds with the right people—but it never feels easy or forced. Her strength isn’t just in her power but in her vulnerability, in the way she learns not to let one moment define her entire identity.

The ending was absolutely gripping. I am desperate for book two already. I need to know what happens next!

Lauryn Hamilton Murray has crafted something unforgettable here. Heir of Storms is emotionally resonant, thrilling, and beautifully written—I honestly wish I could read it again for the first time. Highly, highly recommend!

My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've had a lot of misses lately with the books I've been approved for on Netgalley, but oh boy, did Heir of Storms take me out of the reading slump I had been in. It was everything I wanted and had more that I didn't even know I needed. The world was immersive, the magic and political system felt fresh, the characters were perfectly imperfect and didn't feel like they were checkboxes for tropes, and the plot was gripping. I adored every moment of this book.

I am all for worlds based on elemental magic, and Heir of Storms did a great job of doing so. The four elements have their kingdoms, but they're not traditional kingdoms since their rulers are chosen through a trial to determine the strongest magic user at the time of an eclipse. They hold the titles of King and Queen, ruling their respective kingdoms while also serving as advisors to the Emperor. This position is the only one that is hereditary, as the Emperor's firstborn is the only one who can wield light magic. Does that sound intriguing? I hope so, because it was an absolute blast to read about.

Competitions and trials as a theme in books have become popular in recent years, so it's sometimes hard to find one that feels original, but this did. The competition is a part of their world, and it was integrated so well. It didn't feel like they were competing just for a plot device. I'll compare it to the trials in The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton, which is another book I've read recently that has a great twist on trials.

The characters were phenomenal. The way Blaze transformed from someone scared of powers she thought she had lost to someone confident in herself was done fantastically. I feel that nearly all the characters underwent a personal journey throughout the story, which was great to see. None of the side characters felt like they were there just to further the plot. They all had purpose and their own lives to live. They felt alive, which is so hard to do. And the love triangle? I didn't hate it. I actually kind of enjoyed it. I'm gasping at myself here because I never thought I would say that about a love triangle, but here we are. I doubt I will ever be able to say that again.

Was the plot a bit predictable? Sure. But I didn't care. Not once was I upset that I knew the outcome of things, because I was so invested in how we were going to get to that point. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about Heir of Storms. If you're looking for a great YA fantasy read, this absolutely should be on your radar.

I received an advanced copy of Heir of Storms from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Atmospheric, emotional, and full of magic. Heir of Storms delivers a powerful coming-of-age journey with elemental magic, court intrigue, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Blaze’s growth from outcast to storm-wielder is beautifully written, and the slow-burn romance adds just the right touch. A strong debut that left me wanting more!