I got a copy through NetGalley. This story has the centers around a girl, Blaze, who cause a major storm on the day of her birth. Years later, she along with several others are competing for a throne of the different elements. This story reminds me of Avatar The Last Airbender and The Hunger Games.

I was lucky enough to receive an eARC, thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early access to this amazing book!

5 ⭐️

Heir of Storms is a debut YA book by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, and let me just say—this absolutely delivers! If you’re a fan of sweeping fantasy worlds, elemental magic, slow-burn romance, and powerful female leads, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR immediately.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the fantasy world through the elemental magic—whether it was the vivid world-building or the courts, the tension between the FMC and like EVERYONE, or the high-stakes political intrigue, this book had me hooked.

What I loved:
– The World-Building: Murray crafts an immersive world that balances danger, beauty, and magic. The elemental system, especially, felt simple yet well-thought-out. I definitely ran to the quiz to see what court I would be a part of!
– The FMC: Our heroine is struggles with who she is and focuses on what others think about her a lot (and who if us don’t??). But as we follow her story, she becomes fierce, and utterly compelling. I found myself rooting for her through every twist and challenge.
– The Romance: Definitely a YA romance, so if you’re a romantasy die-hard, you might not enjoy it in this book. A slow-burn that doesn’t rush, with emotional depth and excellent banter. And OMG the end will shock you!
– The Writing: Murray’s prose is lyrical without being overdone, and her pacing kept the tension high. I found myself flying through chapters because I yearned for more of the magic, the history of it and the politics (I’m shocked by that last one !).

Standout Moment:
Without giving away spoilers, the ending will have you asking “did I really just read that?!?!” and have you wondering how much you’ll need to wait for the sequel!

Final Thoughts:
Heir of Storms is the kind of debut that feels like the beginning of something big. It's rich, emotional, and full of heart. I can't wait for others to experience it so I have someone to talk to about it .

The very first sentence was so gripping! This book was wonderful. It is predictable, but it's still a must-read. I think the love triangle was written very well, and she finally understood that her magic is connected to emotion. I think the cover is gorgeous, and I love the purple pages. It is fast-paced, but I I personally in some books think it works better as it did in this one. Lauryn Murray should be very proud of this book, and I think it will be a major hit!

Rating rounded up from 3.5 stars.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this series and I liked the author’s writing style. I really liked most of the characters, and there was some great banter throughout. The author did a nice job of taking us along on Blaze’s emotional journey from shut-in to outcast to <spoiler redacted 😉>. I feel her awkwardness, her loneliness, her insecurity as she was feeling it. I think the story, while definitely formulaic at times, was unique and interesting, and I would definitely read the next installment.

While I liked the idea of the elemental magical system, I found that the powers stemming from that magic weren’t fully thought through or developed. I also thought the use of elemental names (Blaze and Flint for the flame house, Marina and Hydra for water, etc) to be pretty juvenile and unrealistic. There were certainly glimmers of unique world building, but it didn’t totally come together for me. I am definitely a reader that needs a map to help visually, and I very much missed that it wasn’t available in the ARC (it seems like one will be available in the final copy, though.) I also have to say that while I appreciate a good trope as much as the next person, I REALLY hated that the author played up the catty-female-rival trope so much and leaned so heavily on Blaze needing to be saved by a man whenever she encountered a problem. I would much rather have seen Blaze forge more solid relationships with other women instead of being so concerned with the male gaze, and be more able to take care of herself when facing challenges, especially as her confidence in herself grows. For a book aimed specifically at younger women, it’s disappointing that we are sending these messages.

I would say that most of my mild gripes, some of which are below, made more sense upon learning how young the author is. It’s very impressive that she’s built this story and world this early in her career, and I am certain she will hone some of the stylistic issues over time. I look forward to her growth, and I hope she continues to work on building strong female characters.

OMG! I could not put this book down . It captivated me right from the start and I loved everything about it. From the badass FMC to the courts and their different powers. I engulfed this story. I don’t think I can wait for the second book to come out! I need to know what happens now!! This book had wonderful prose,beautiful writing and beautiful world building I would give this book 10 stars if possible!! Highly recommend for everyone who reads to pick up this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early arc and thank you to the author Lauryn Hamilton Murray for writing such a great book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion!

The blurb that drew me in:
"RED QUEEN meets SHADOW AND BONE in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited -- they're won."

Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone?!?!? HELLO!!! Sometimes reading the start of a series is painful......it's even more painful when you're reading the arc and you know you're going to have to wait at least a year to read the next part. Blaze, you have my whole heart. Grief and feelings of inadequacy have shaped her so much, seeing her quiet strength grow and grow throughout this book fed my soul. I adore the romance, the characters, the word-building....it's all incredible! Lauryn Hamilton Murray, have mercy on us and release book two soon!!

This was such a good book and a very exciting start to a new YA fantasy series! The world and the magic system are unique, the storyline captured my attention from the beginning, and there are lots of plot twists. I also really liked the wide range of characters. The main character is an underdog that finds herself faced with many challenges and the main male character is misunderstood and full of surprises. There is also a great mix of side characters that keep things interesting. I’m excited for the next book and to see how the series progresses.

I am thankful to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group| Roaring Book Press for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.

Heir of Storms was a great read. I truly enjoyed it. It has a slight academy and hunger games trial for thrones and two love interests. I really pet there is a second book because a few things are left unresolved mainly what happens often the winners take rule over their kingdoms. I o want to see if one of the possible love interests. Continued to flourish or thr author just chooses to give glimpses of each ruler and what they do as they take power over the kingdoms they have won. I also want to see if they can catch a certain caddy and stop him from getting all the talismans. Definitely plenty more to explore and I hope I get to be along for the ride.

Blazes birth had summoned a terrible storm. She’s been hidden away ever since with a dark secret.
She’s back out in the world when she receives an invitation to compete as future rule of the empire, along with her brother.

Will Blaze have the courage to write her own story?

Blaze was definitely my favorite character. I loved seeing her confidence grow and really come into her powers! I really enjoyed this book! Perfect amount of twists, with some adventure, suspense and romance!

Thank you NetGalley, Lauryn, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC!

Rating: ✨✨✨
Publication Date: June 3 2025

What a pleasant surprise this book was! I could not put it down. I loved all of the characters especially Blaze and her brother Flint. I would have liked to see more of Fox but hoping that will happen in book 2.

The pacing of this book was spot on. There’s nothing that I hate more than hitting a lull in a book and finding it dragging on. That did not happen here. This left me wanting more and more.

Thank you for the ARC and cannot wait for book 2

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Children's Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray.

Heir of Storms offers a compelling premise and a heroine with genuine emotional depth, but it doesn't quite rise above the inreasingly crowded YA fantasy landscape. Blaze's origin - marked by cataclysmic power and deep personal trauma - sets the stage for a high-stakes tale of magic, idenity, and ambition. Her internal conflict about reclaiming her lost abilities is one of the novel's stronger points, adding welcome nuance to her character.

The political competition at the Golden Palace provides a classic setup, and fans of court intrigue will find plenty to enjoy. However, the love triangle between Blaze, the charming Crown Prince, and the mysterious newcomer feels formulaic and often distracts from the more interesting aspects of Blaze's personal journey and magical exploration. Similarly, while the elemental magic system has promise, ti lacks the depth and originality needed to truly captivate.

The pacing is uneven at times, with early chapters dragging before the plot gains traction in the second half. Still, the writing is fluid, and there are enough twists and emotional beats to keep engaged.

The novel certainly doesn't break new ground, but it delievers a readable, if predictable, fantasy adventure with a protagonis worth rooting for.

3.5 stars

After a slow start, I ended up having a pretty good time with this book! I was immediately intrigued by the plot, but by the 40-50% mark (when Fox was introduced) is when the story really started to pick up.

Blaze was a likable main character and it was fun to see her grow in confidence and come into her powers. Speaking of powers, I’m definitely a fan of elemental magic and loved seeing the duals. Would have even liked to have seen more displays of power.

The sibling dynamic between Blaze and Flint was the best part of this book for me. Any time Flint was on page, I knew I could expect some expert bantering.

There is a slight love triangle… I’m usually not a big fan of these but I could see where things were headed and I was completely fine with waiting to see it play out.

The plot twists towards the end… well done!

The pacing did feel a little off for me at times. There was more telling over showing, which is a negative for me.

But overall, Heir of Storms has a lot of redeeming qualities and I can see the potential to be even better in the sequel!
The fact that this is the authors debut novel is impressive in itself, but I can’t wait to see how the writing continues to grow in the future.

Elemental magic, courtly intrigue, and a competition featuring multiple trials: Heir of Storms is reminiscent of 2010s YA fantasy in all of the best ways. The world is well-crafted, the magic system well-developed, and the familial relationships at the heart of the story give this book a strong foundation from which to spin its plot. I absolutely adore the way the romance is handled here as the "love triangle" turned out to be not quite what I expected. There are some solid twists as well and fulfilling character development--and even some hints that the seemingly-cliche-mean-girls may yet have more depth than the narration originally gives them. All in all, an enjoyable page turner that explores the stories the world tells about us and the stories we tell ourselves.

I love how this book reminds me of Hunger Games, but make it magical.

The way the trials were and the way there was always something going on between made it more entertaining.

I loved almost all people, expect the bad ones of course. Fox probably has to be my favorite.

Thank you netgalley for the arc!

wow. just wow. i absolutely could not put this down and this is coming from a pure romance reader. every chapter had something happening and the plot twists were actually jaw dropping. ive never been more on the edge of my seat for a book than this one.

This was an engaging read full of lots of standard YA fantasy elements: a main character who controls storms, trials held in an arena, and a love triangle. I wouldn't say there was anything that really set this book apart from other YA fantasy fare, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit! The plot was interesting, the romance was less overdone than in many YA books (and even included a twist I didn't see coming), and there was plenty of politics, especially toward the end. And I'm pretty sure the next book will be full of both adventuring and politics, which is right up my alley!

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Thrilling and heartfelt entry into YA fantasy, with a romance that smolders and a heroine readers will root for.

Blaze’s story is packed with high stakes, fierce ambition, and a magical world that feels both fresh and vividly real. The romance is perfectly set up, offering a slow burn connection to watch. Every stolen moment adds real emotional weight, making the romantic tension as gripping as the competition for the throne.

This is a richly imagined fantasy that honors the traditions of the genre while carving out bold new territory. Fans of sweeping magical battles, court intrigue, and complicated, aching love stories will find much to love here. Blaze is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey is just beginning.

A powerful start to a new series that promises even greater things to come.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

WOW! 🤯 This book far exceeded my expectations and I am so glad for it. From the get go, we have a very interesting plot and fascinating world building. It’s never overdone or convoluted but gives us enough to understand the world we’re in. I love the elemental aspect to their magic system - reminded me of Avatar the Airbender. 😂 And honestly it was also extremely well done and while elemental based, it also had some unique aspects to it.

The characters were also really interesting: our main girl is a Storm Weaver, as per the title, born to the family of Fire heirs. She is resourceful and intelligent, even having been cooped up her whole life. I genuinely also just liked her, as a person. And once Fox showed up? Oooh I was allllll in for him. Give me that sweet sweet “Darkling energy” except in an earth heir??? Yes please! 🙏 He was so fascinating and I really wanted more of him.

I honestly wanted more of the whole book! For this being 416 pages, it never felt that long. We had movement the entire time. Even when there wasn’t a trial, we were learning and seeking and developing characters. It was all so stinking good.

For a debut author to write this? 👏 BRAVO. This is better than some veteran writers can do. I’m so incredibly impressed.

I’d recommend this to YA fantasy readers looking for a new Shadow and Bone comp. I think this one will be a series to watch!

“As one thing ends, another begins. She knows this well, I think. She who has seen both. She who is both. The begining that brought the end”

The release of “Heir of Storms” is quite possibly driving at the perfect time. For those that have Blazed (ha get it?) through the back list of Magical Trial filled fantasy novels…heres something to help quench that thirst.

From the first page I was hooked. The sort of fantasy read that sweeps you away without over complicating things. More specfically from 70% on i completly disengaed from reality and found it impossible to come up for air. I was more than happy to drown.

The imagery was so enjoyable. I found countless scenes easy to envision. Some notebale moments burned in to my imagination ( with out spoiling much) Id like to sing praise to:

glasses shattering
green tree filled rooms
visitors in arm chairs
a tapestry

I’m in love with all the characters, the magic system, the world and the over all ambiance. I couldnt be more on the edge of my seat to find out where this journey with Blaze takes us.

June 3rd can not get here soon enough, the fantasy lovers world is not ready for this exciting series to begin, just as I was not ready for it to end.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, Netgalley and Lauryn Hamilton Murray for the ebook Advanced Readers Copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review!
2.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
0/5 🌶️

Heir of Storms is perfect for young teens that are lovers of Throne of Glass and Hunger Games. Unfortunately this book was not for me.

What I enjoyed:
⭐️Easy to understand fantasy system
⭐️Mysterious morally grey love interest

What I did not enjoy:
❌While this is marketed as YA, the writing is very juvenile and repetitive making this feel closer to middle grade and not YA
❌The naming convention of characters makes me think the author had no faith in the reader to remember key facts (all names are synonyms for their power - fire wielders are named Blaze, Flint, Ember, etc.)
❌This book was very predictable, and a lot of the tropes are taken directly from other hit series
❌The main character is incredibly self deprecating, the entire book is one big pity party. Would have loved to see at least some character development. Reading the entire book with that point of view was an icky feeling, and would not love young girls thinking that way about themselves without learning from the FMC how to get out of that cycle
❌The overall loathing for the FMC is not at all believable. Also, can authors stop using the catty girl trope? In a fantasy world with so many more worthy villains, why were catty girls chosen and better yet why are we even teaching this behaviour to the next generation of girls...
❌The logic is not there. Why would a government every 25 years replace their seasoned leaders in role for 25 years with a group of teens that have no experience all at once based on a tournament, you would be ripe for invasion with their inexperience and no transition period 🙄