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.