When Blaze came into the world, she almost drowned it.

Blaze is a Rain Singer who was born into a powerful fire-wielding family but gifted with water magic that's feared across the empire. Her birth caused a storm so destructive it killed thousands, and she's spent her whole life being treated like a curse. Feared. Hated. Always on the outside looking in.

But when she and her twin brother, Flint, are chosen to compete in the Choosing Rite. Blaze is suddenly at the center of everything.

Now, onto the review part: I never start a series that isn't finished. Like, ever. I haven't even read Fourth Wing yet because of that. But the moment I read the summary for Heir of Storms, I knew I had to break my rule, and I'm honestly so glad I did.

The world-building is incredibly vivid and interesting, yet not overwhelming. It gave me just enough to feel immersed without needing a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. I loved the whole vibe of the palace competition, the elemental magic system, and the way Blaze's inner conflict felt really personal and real. Sure, she has a few angsty teen moments, but she is a teen, and those scenes actually made her feel more authentic, not annoying.

Also, if you're like me and hate cliffhanger endings, don't worry. It wraps up in a way that feels complete, but still leaves room for more in the next book. No major emotional whiplash, no screaming into the void, just a satisfying "okay, I'm ready for more" feeling. And for those wondering: no spice in this one, so it's very character- and plot-focused without anything explicit.

Highly recommend if you're into elemental magic, palace drama, and underdog heroines with something to prove.

This book completely 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. I ended up staying up until 2am (def past my bedtime) because I had to know what happened next! The world building and magic system were rich and immersive. The characters were so easy to love and relate to. Lauryn Hamilton Murray nailed it with this debut! It’s packed with deadly trials, political intrigue, elemental magic, secrets that unravel at just the right moments, and a romance that keeps you on your toes (in the best way). I especially loved how the story emphasizes the power of feeling your emotions instead of hiding them. Watching Blaze, the FMC, grow and lean into her power was so satisfying.

I had so much fun reading this, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book (and hoping it gives us more time with the side characters) because there’s so much potential here! If you love YA fantasy that delivers heart, high stakes, and magic, definitely add this to your TBR.

MORE MORE I want MORE!! Absolutely devoured this book, could not put it down. If anything, this world and characters have so much potential I wish it could be adult instead of YA; because it’s YA there are parts that are simplified or explained easily/predictably instead of earned but that is the only critique I have. So invested, so good- I need book two immediately. 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I really wanted to be blown away by this book, but unfortunately, the spark just wasn't there. (Hehe, see what I did there?) It just felt like there was something missing, though I'm not sure I could put my finger on exactly what it was. The plot itself was very predictable. I normally love a magical competition, but this just felt rote and just like any other book with a similar premise.

Blaze unfortunately also didn't stand out to me. And her treatment of Fox seemed to incongruous to how she herself was treated growing up, it just felt as though there was conflict for the sake of conflict even if it didn't make sense in the characters' lives or personalities.

I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, as everything just felt very sub par to me. I can see where there would be an audience for the book, but unfortunately it just did not work the magic on me.

Blaze is a Rain Singer - born with the ability to control water. Her birth was heralded by a storm that killed a great many people, and then her power just... fizzled. Now 17 years old, Blaze has spent most of her life cloistered in her grandmother's home, where she and her brothers moved after the death of their mother. Her twin brother is a fire wielder, like all of their family except Blaze, and she expects that he'll be the one to uphold the honor of the family, until the eclipse comes, and they are both marked as Heirs. In each generation, 4 members of each House of ability - fire, water, air, and earth - are marked as Heirs, with the winner in each House becoming a king or queen, advisors to the emperor, an honor, and a burden, that Blaze, at least, never expected.

This is a novel of growth and personal discovery. Some people will look at the interactions between the female Heirs and note that they are full of negative interactions - and they are - but if the same actions were made by male characters in competition for a crown, I don't think it would trigger most people's radar. Still, the interactions are rather stereotypical of teenage girl interactions, the kind one sees as the "typical" high school female interactions, which is too bad. The interactions between Blaze and other female characters are of a different quality and tone, which helps balance things out a bit. Blaze is an interesting character, and her growth over the course of the novel bodes well for the next volume in the series. Recommended for older teens and adults.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Heir of Storms has an intriguing premise—elemental magic, a deadly competition, and a heroine with a complicated past—but overall, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Blaze is a compelling main character, and I appreciated the internal struggle she faces trying to reconcile who she is with who others expect her to be. The writing is smooth and the pacing is quick, which made for an easy read. That said, the story felt a little too focused on Blaze without enough development of the broader world or supporting characters. The elemental courts and political setup had so much potential, but I found myself wanting more complexity and nuance.

While some readers might enjoy the familiar YA romantasy tropes (secret powers, high-stakes trials, love triangle), I hoped for a few more surprises. It’s a solid debut, and I think fans newer to the genre will enjoy it more. I’m curious to see where the series goes, but I'm not rushing to pick up the sequel just yet.

I have to start by saying I really loved the writing style and the smooth flow of this book. The storyline felt very character driven, and the development of the main characters, especially Blaze, was beautifully done. That said, I found myself wanting more. More depth, more world building, more complexity beyond the central plot.
The story primarily focuses on Blaze, a character both feared and hated, who is suddenly thrust into a battle to become a future ruler. While her journey to harness her powers is compelling, the lack of subplots or broader world development made the story feel a bit one dimensional for me.
Overall, it’s an engaging read with strong character focus, and I think it would especially resonate with younger readers or those new to fantasy.

*Thank you to Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Heir of Storms is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure. When Blaze was born, disaster struck her people. Years later, she is forced to compete in a competition to prove that she has her magic under control and that she is a contender for a crown. But keeping magic locked away and using it with intention are very different and Blaze must rely on a wide cast of characters to help her master her magic once and for all.

I enjoyed Heir of Storms! There is good magical world-building and once that was established, the story flowed smoothly. I enjoyed the side characters and look forward to seeing how the romance plays out. Readers who seek magical competitions, elemental magic, and YA romantasy should check out Heir of Storms. I’m excited to see what happens next in the sequel!

Thank you to Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

Heir of Storms was a solid start to a new romantasy series!

- Elemental magical powers
- Court intrigue and politics
- Morally gray love interest

The story centers around Blaze, who was born with special powers no one has had in half a century (of course). Shortly after her seventeenth birthday, she is called into competition by the Gods themselves to vie for one of four crowns (one per affinity element - earth, air, fire, water). Despite her name, Blaze has water powers - apparently you can be born into one type of house but manifest entirely different powers.

The world building was good, although definitely on the complex side - thanks to the four elemental courts plus the emperor’s court, it was a LOT of characters to keep track of! But once the action got going and the structure of the courts came together there were fewer major players and it was easier to follow. The trials for the crown with eliminations each round kept the suspense up and I thought it was cool how they did kind of the same thing except tailored to their particular elemental skill set, it was fun to imagine. It did give Shadow and Bone vibes a bit, but didn’t feel like a copycat.

First in a series so it didn’t fully conclude, but it also didn’t end on a cliffhanger that left me wrecked. Looking forward to the next!

Thank you NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for sending this DRC for review consideration.

A YA novel that is very much within its correct genre. Don’t expect a TON of romance, but I would still call it a romantasy within the young adult confines. This book has a wonderful message of never underestimating your own power and believing in yourself. There was wonderful progression of character all throughout, that was very clear and well timed. I would recommend this book to just about anyone for an enjoyable read with strong underlying themes. I can’t wait for the next book!

Heir of Storms was an amazing YA romantasy with morally complex characters, political intrigue, elemental magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne. Blaze is born into the most powerful fire wielding family in the empire. But she’s a Rain Singer, able to control and summon water. On the day she was born, she summoned a terrible storm that left thousands dead, and she’s hated for it. She hasn’t been able to use her power ever since, and she’s been hidden away her entire life.

On the night of their eighteenth birthday, Blaze and her twin brother Flint are chosen to compete as future rulers of the empire. Each of the four courts has four potential heirs and they must battle each other in three challenges. The victor of each element becomes that court’s king or queen and serves directly under the emperor. Blaze moves into the palace and is thrust into a vicious battle for power, and as she learns to use and summon her forgotten gifts, she finds her own strength and the will to become who she wants.

Isis Hainsworth does an excellent with the narration, and I adored her accent! It made listening to the audiobook so engaging and she truly brought the character of Blaze to life!

This was a such a great debut! It had everything I could have asked for in a YA romantasy. The world was vibrant and well developed, the plot was fast-paced and filled with high-stakes action, threats, political maneuvering, and betrayals, and the romance was completely swoon-worthy. Blaze has two suitors, and I definitely had a clear favorite, but I don’t want to give anything away. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what happens next in the trilogy!

Thank you to Fierce Reads, Macmillan, Macmillan Audio, BookSparks, Lauryn Hamilton Murray, and NetGalley for the ARC, ALC, and finished copy.

📔 Heir of Storms
✏️ Lauryn Hamilton Murray
📆 June 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

READ IF YOU LIKE:
🌊 YA romantasy
🌊 elemental magic
🌊 deadly competition for the crown
🌊 court politics
🌊 morally complex characters
🌊 forbidden love

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! Really cool series that I’m excited to continue, wasn’t sure if I’d like the competition aspect as overdone in similar books but the elemental magic had me interested throughout.

4.25⭐️. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing Group for the ARC of this great story!

Really enjoyed this book. I will definitely be continuing on into the next two books. I loved the two MMC and FMC. I loved their backgrounds, the secrets, the elemental magic system, the trials, and overall the story. It was a lot of fun and couldn’t stop reading it!

Content Warnings: grief, death, murder, secrets, fighting/trials, substance abuse/alcohol consumption, slavery, child loss
Spice: 🫑 (kissing only)
Tropes: YA, YA Fantasy, enemies to lovers, Enemies to friends, Romantasy, trials, competition, elemental powers, heirs to the throne

Thank you to Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Roaring Book Press, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Okay, this book was fire (pun intended). It had all the classics of fantasy I’ve always loved (challenges! Magic! A morally gray character with unclear intentions! A big ol twist at the end) and I barely wanted to stop to sleep before getting back to it. This would be perfect for another who loved Throne of Glass or the Red Queen series, or is in the mood for some mystery and magic and intrigue with dynamic characters!

POV: single first person

You can expect: magic, competition for the throne, found family, friendship, mystery.

Rep: queer side characters

Spice: 0

CW: murder, violence

On the day Blaze was born, a storm brewed over the empire, killing thousands across the land. Despite being a member of a family who has wielded fire magic for centuries, she was born with water magic and a danger to the safety of those around her. Seventeen years later, she has gotten used to feeling invisible, abandoned, and reviled as her family works to protect her and the world hopes to forget the destruction of the Storm Weaver. When she is chosen by the gods to participate in the next competition for a position as Queen of the Aquatori, she is thrown into the spotlight and must fight for her independence and a life she chooses on her own.

I spent the first 30% of this book note sure I liked it. There was a lot of information front loaded at the beginning and there were a few too many tropes to make it enjoyable from the start.

But hear me out.

When the conflict begins broadening beyond Blaze's inner conflict with her identity, and the reader gets a glimpse of what this series will turn out to be, I was hooked. And despite feeling frustrated about the earlier predictability, I felt affirmed and excited to have been able to identify the subtle hints left by the author at the start. There were even a few plot points that shocked me by the end, which was refreshing.

While it isn't the most original fantasy novel I've read in recent years, it was delightful to read, and I'll definitely be picking up book two when it's released.

Heir of Storms is a young adult fantasy debut that’s both captivating and emotionally engaging. Fans of the romantacy genre will love it! It’s got some familiar tropes, but it puts its own spin on them, especially through Blaze’s journey throughout the book. The writing is beautiful, the plot is engaging, and the characters are interesting, leaving me wanting to know more. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.


I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group and Roaring Brook Press, for providing this book for review consideration thyrough NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own

📖arc review: heir of storms by lauryn hamilton murray
⭐️rating: 4/5
🌿genre: ya fantasy

💌my thoughts: thank you so much to roaring book press & lauryn hamilton murray for this ARC via netgalley!

i really enjoyed this one!! it was such a solid ya fantasy & sucked me in immediately! the worldbuilding was so intriguing and easy to understand but always kept me on my toes.

i loved our fmc and how she continued to find herself and become more confident. i love the feminine rage!!!

i normally don’t like a love triangle but this one was very well done and i didn’t find myself dreading it which is a big plus. there is also a lot of found family and just great side characters which i really appreciate!

overall if you want a fun ya romantasy with feminine rage & elemental magic give heir of storms a try as it is OUT NOW!!!

🏷️ #bookstagram #books #bookreview #booklover #bookaddict #booknerd #bookworm #readmorebooks #readersofig #read

It reminded me a lot of Throne of Glass, but I enjoyed it. The twist at the end was a little expected, but I’ve been reading fantasy for awhile. I think it’s a great edition to the young adult fantasy genre.

Blaze is a Rain Singer and when she came into the world, she almost drowned it. Born into a powerful fire-wielding family, Blaze has been isolated and ostracized her entire life. When she’s chosen by the Gods to compete in the Choosing Rite to decide who will be the next rulers in the realm, she is brought to the palace along with her twin brother, Flint, and the games begin.

Absolutely loved it. Elemental magic, found family, trials, a good prince, a bad prince and a secret history? Sign me up. It was a page turner from start to finish. Relationships were well developed and I love interesting side characters with personality! My favorite YA fantasy I’ve read this year. Excited for the next book!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC of what I think will become one of the best fantasy books of the year. All opinion are my own.

I have been in the mood for YA fantasy recently and this just really hit the spot!! It is the first of a trilogy and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books! It was very easy to read and had an intriguing storyline that caught me early on!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC