This was a solidly written YA fantasy, but nothing more. The story was utterly predictable, filled with well-worn character tropes.

We have our heroine, Blaze, a 17-year-old who’s been hiding away her entire life. Born into a royal family of fire-wielders, she’s the odd one out — a Rain Singer with water-based abilities. In infancy, she accidentally created a devastating storm that drowned the empire and led to many deaths. Riddled with guilt and determined to live a peaceful life when she comes of age, she’s surprisingly chosen to enter the Choosing Rites — a competition between young royals for the empire’s four thrones.

Blaze very much fits the mold of the precocious heroine. Yes, there’s the interesting aspect of her guilt and her overwhelming powers, but that element — along with the hatred people feel toward her as a result — is something the author introduces early on and then largely forgets for a good portion of the plot.

She’s bookish, withdrawn after years of isolation. Unsurprisingly, she’s embroiled in a love triangle between two brothers who follow an all-too-familiar formula in YA fantasy romance.

There’s Hal, the good-looking, respectful, and sweet heir of his kingdom. The instant connection she feels with him felt a little too rushed. There were barely any meaningful scenes developing their relationship before she suddenly declared herself in love with him.

Then there’s Fox, the darker, illegitimate Prince brother, who’s your typical bad boy type. He’s reckless, snarky, and of course, only reveals his softer side to the FMC. I had to suppress laughs at his scenes because he felt like an amalgamation of every “bad boy prince” trope I’ve ever read. There isn’t a hint of originality to him (or Hal, really). If you’ve read Red Queen, you’ll know exactly how this all plays out romantically.

The plot was serviceable — not original, not especially compelling. There’s a vague prophecy Blaze doesn’t believe in, and Fox keeps mysteriously saving her. The trial scenes, which should have been tense or exciting, mostly fell flat.

Where the author shined most was in writing the dynamics between the competitors. The scenes at balls and other gatherings were fun enough, and Blaze’s relationships with her brothers were reasonably well done.

On a format note, I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator was well-cast — she sounded convincingly like a teen heroine and gave a nice range of distinct voices to the other characters. It added a lot of dimension to the story.

All in all, people looking for an easily digestible YA fantasy romance with fun, familiar tropes will find what they’re looking for in Heir of Storms. But readers craving originality or a truly gripping plot may walk away underwhelmed.



Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

4⭐️ audio narration
2⭐️ actual prose

This is a case where I don’t want to be too harsh as I think many will eat this book up but for me it was a struggle.
Part of it could have been the narration which ISOs Hainsworth did a fine job, it’s just that it was the wrong format for me to consume the book especially because I kept falling asleep. I know that sounds really bad but it was just that her voice was so soothing and even that it lulled me to sleep.

As far as the book itself I found it really problematic. It’s 2025 and while I know in fantasy worlds you’re taking liberties and trying to lay ground work and that’s not always shiny and happy but calling indigenous people “savages”, ummm no.
The FMC is not only insufferable she is low key racist and well.. again 2025.

I’m going to leave it at that as I don’t want to let my anger at the prose get the best of me.


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC or eARC from through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Macmillan Young Listeners through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

This gave Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Lightlark. Whilst the premise wasn’t out of this world, I still enjoyed this so much- How can you go wrong w/ elemental magic, political intrigue mixed in w/ deadly games & trials for the crown? I eat it up every time.

And the plot twists 👀 You can kinda suspect some of them, but I was still gagged!! 👀🍿 I would definitely recommend this if you’re just starting to get into Fantasy, but also if you just love an easy to follow story w/ fun elements.

Overall, the premise wasn’t fun, I enjoyed all the characters & plot, & the ending had me gasping!!
‘Cause what- I definitely feel like Book 2 is going to be a 5⭐️ for me & I can’t wait!! Isis Hainsworth did an amazing job!! Her voice gave so much character & made this story so easy to follow 🤍

Heir of storms is a fun YA fantasy read. Blaze has spent her life hidden away from society who fear her magic because she almost flooded the world when she was born.She believes she has lost her magic because she hasn’t been able to use it for years. Then she is chosen by the gods to compete in a competition to be heir to the throne. She discovers she in fact does still have her magic and must now learn how to use her magic and survive the competitions. While most of her competitors have been training their whole life she has not making her the underdog. Of course there are potential love interests and a love triangle. But this is YA so there is no spice in this book. The elemental magic and trials were fun but I would have liked to see more about the trials. There is a fun cast of characters and you do find yourself rooting for Blaze. This is a fun fast paced fantasy book that would be perfect for the teen reader. Thank you net galley for the eARC of this book.

Heir of Storms already had that angsty, magic-laced, high-stakes fantasy vibe I live for, but the audiobook? Took it to another level. The narration gave the main character so much depth—it felt like she was breathing right into my ear (but, like, in a not-creepy, emotionally-destroying kind of way).

I was already intrigued by the world-building and the unraveling secrets, but hearing the story told with that kind of vocal nuance? Game-changer. The narrator captured every ounce of defiance, vulnerability, and raw power in the MC, and I genuinely don’t think I would’ve connected as hard without that performance.

Plot-wise, it’s everything I want in a fantasy with court intrigue, stormy powers (pun intended), and the kind of slow-burn tension that makes you internally scream. But the audio made the emotional beats hit harder. If you’re the kind of person who rewinds dramatic moments just to hear the line delivery again? Yeah. You’re gonna be very happy.

Would’ve been a solid 5 stars, but there were a couple moments that dragged just a tiny bit in the middle—but honestly, the narrator’s delivery carried it through.

Bottom line: Listen to this if you want to feel like your main character just came alive and is dragging you through a storm with her. I regret nothing.

this book was amazing!
I loved the names and the story was decently unique that it didn't feel too similar to other books but still gave the nostalgia feeling

Thanks to Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the gifted copy of this book!

I love both Red Queen and Shadow and Bone, but unforutnately, Heir of Storms didn't grip me quite like either of those. Elemental magic, trials, and a Rain Singer who is somewhat of a black sheep, I loved the elements that set this story up. However, it felt like a lot of other predictable YA fantasy to me.

I did really love the narration by Isis Hainsworth and thought she was a perfect narrator!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review – Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

📖 Synopsis:
In a kingdom gripped by elemental magic, a young heir discovers her powers could change everything—if she can survive long enough to master them. As political tensions rise and ancient secrets are revealed, she’s caught between loyalty, destiny, and the pull of unexpected romance.

💫 Tropes You’ll Find:
🌪️ Elemental Magic
👑 Chosen One
🏰 Hidden Heir
💔 Love Triangle
🗡️ Political Intrigue
🎓 Magical Academy Vibes

📝 Review:
Heir of Storms is a book I know I would’ve absolutely loved in high school—it has that classic YA fantasy energy with an exciting magic system and a heroine coming into her own power. That said, as an adult reader, it felt a bit too young for me to fully connect with. The romance, in particular, didn’t quite land—the love interests felt a little flat and underdeveloped.

The magic system was one of the highlights—creative and immersive—but I struggled to stay engaged overall. I was gifted the audio ALC, and unfortunately, the narration didn’t click for me either, which made it harder to stay invested.

If you love elemental magic, coming-of-age fantasy, and a fast-paced YA plot, this might be a great fit for you—especially if you’re in the younger end of the YA audience or just love a nostalgic, magical read.

Wow! This was such an interesting Fantasy novel/series starter. I was blown away by the world building, the tension built up between characters (romantic and between rivals). The court intrigue built up subtly in some areas and quickly in other areas so I was in my toes constantly. The twist at the end was nothing I saw coming and was great. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the series.
The narrator was great. I felt immersed in the story from the first moment and was never pulled back out.

Heir of Storms has just rocketed to the top of my favorite books of 2025 list! I loved every second of this story and the emotional roller coaster it took me on.
It has games and trials, an antihero, forbidden love, and epic twists.
The audiobook for this was also wonderful. I really enjoyed the narrator, Isis Hainsworth, who is lovely to listen to. It's time to buy my book trophy.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook arc. While the synopsis sounds amazing the execution of the book itself was not for me. The narrator did a great job but unfortunately for me the story just wasn’t for me and kept drifting my affection elsewhere and not paying attention.

Honestly this was just ok. The narrator did a phenomenal job but I just didn’t vibe with our FMC Blaze.