I am amazed that Tahir has managed to create an incredible sequel to a beloved series without relying on the main characters from the first installment. The new characters are impressive and memorable in their own right. I can't wait for the sequel to see what Tahir has in store for us with this series.

4 stars

I love Tahir's writing style and I'm so happy I could dive into a new series of hers! I think this book was great, even though it felt a bit like a prequel to the story, so I cannot wait for the next one!

4.5 stars rounded up.

I loved Heir far beyond my expectations. Sabaa Tahir delivers an absolute masterclass in how to use different points of view in a story. I enjoyed all of them, and the careful unveiling of the layers of the story. It is always a good sign when I need to tell someone else about a book when I am only partway through. However, it’s not just a clever plot - these characters have depth and emotion and understandable motivations.

I don’t think it is entirely clear from the description, but maybe it is just me - I had not realised this was set in the same world as Ember in the Ashes. I think you would be absolutely fine to read this without reading the previous series, but it was perhaps a little frustrating for those, like me, who had only read half. Still it has inspired me to go back and finish it.

I will definitely be looking out for the sequel, and I so hope it lives up to this brilliant book., which is definitely one of my favourite reads this year, possibly even the very best.

Thank-you very much to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the opportunity to read an eArc of this book. These opinions are my own.

I read it obsessively. it’s so good that even my work-tired brain couldn’t resist it. Told in three different character arcs, this epic fantasy creates an unforgettable & vivid world with characters you can't help caring for. They all seem unrelated, parallel narratives but the moment they all met, it blew my mind away. I fell in love with how cleverly the story is structured..

If you like high-stakes fantasies, then this is a must-read for you.

ahhh it took me so long to finish this that i actually forgot what i wanted to write in the review! 😅

the plot was engaging but it was also very predictable for a fantasy novel. the beginning was confusing but it got interesting in the middle.

the characters, except for the Aiz, were likeable. especially when they were together. they made a good team. Aiz, however, was very selfish. in the 'Mother Div' part of the novel, the way she played the victim was so annoying.

as for the ending, it felt rushed and disappointed me too. <spoiler> now, Div got hold of Sirsha and it looks like we will be having Aiz-and-Div 2.0 in the sequel. </spoiler>

thanks to publishers and the netgalley for the copy!

This book was so beautiful and previously, I didn't read any of this author's other books but I fell in love with her writing and it was such a wild ride!!! Thank you so much Negalley!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I haven't read any of Tahir's other books, and I'm now massively regretting that, because I loved this. The prose wasn't fussy but still lyrical in places, and the narrative rocketed along at an enviable pace. The only slight 'Oh!' moments were where new POVs were added late in the book, but they are justified by the narrative. I loved the time switcheroo and, even though I predicted the big twist, I'm completely invested in the story. Next one please!

Heir is a spin-off from The Ember Quartet. The story is set 20 years after the events of the last book. While it can probably be read on its own, you will understand more if you’ve read the other series first. I also highly recommend doing so. This book contains major spoilers for The Ember Quartet.

I had high expectations for this book since I really enjoy Sabaa Tahir’s writing, and I did like it, but I didn’t have the same emotional impact as I did with many of her other books. At one point, I was so confused that I had to stop reading and try to figure out what was happening. That being said, there was a reason for my confusion, and I had a suspicion that I later found out was correct. I feel like I might have had a better experience if it hadn’t been as confusing, but I also understand why it was written this way.

All in all, I did really enjoy the book. The setup for the next one was great, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Atom for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review*

She's done it again. This was an EPIC book and I found myself missing the AEITA world so much that I almost cried. Sabaa Tahir has done it again. Immerse us into a whirlwind of emotions and quests! I loved it!

Set 20 years after An Ember in the Ashes, Heir was an enjoyable return to the world. I had reread the AEITA just before starting this and, while having read the previous series isn't essential, I definitely think having the background prior to starting Heir is really helpful.
It took me a little while to get into this one but once I did the pages flew past. The characters were generally very likeable and distinct from those in the previous series which I appreciated. As with AEITA, Sabaa Tahir doesn't shy away from slightly darker themes so you're never quite sure how things are going to go. With a few twists and turns along the way, Heir definitely kept my interest throughout and after that ending I'm very curious to see what happens next

Heir is the first part in a new duology set in the same world as the Ember quartet, but 20 years later. The story follows 3 new characters - Aiz, Quill and Sirsha - although some familiar faces also make an appearance too!

Heir was a book that felt very different to the Ember series, but in a really good way. Sabaa Tahir’s strength (in my opinion) is her characters and Heir is no exception. Aiz, Quill and Sirsha (as well as a host of new side characters) are well written and fleshed out so well. Unsurprisingly, they had me feeling all the emotions!

Another thing I absolutely loved about Heir was how much this book expanded on the world building. The Ember series takes place in a tiny corner of the map, whereas Heir takes us into new territory. With that expansion comes new characters, cultures, magic systems and all the good stuff that comes with fantasy world building. It did take me a minute to get used to it, but I really appreciated the expansion and how the Martial Empire is just a tiny cog in a much bigger machine.

Much like the Ember series, Heir tackles its fair share of big questions. I’ve always loved explorations of power, what would motivate a character to take it and what they would do when they had it. I loved how this was addressed in Heir through the different characters and I’m hoping the sequel will continue to explore this theme.

I cannot wait for the sequel - I’ve loved meeting these new characters and exploring the world more. I’m equal parts excited and terrified to see how the story ends!

I LOVE this. I’m always worried when we return to beloved worlds but this was a great addition. The world got bigger and more interesting, the plot twists were expertly hinted at throughout the narrative, the villain is awful, the hero’s are fun. It was just a great engaging time! Can’t wait for book 2

As someone who hasn't read Sabaa Tahir's Ember in the Ashes series, I feel like some of the backdrop was lost on me, as were some of the characters that make an appearance. With that being said, it's just made me want to go and pick up the series and read it in the interim between Heir and the next book in the series!

Heir by Sabaa Tahir, the first book in a new series, is set 20 years after An Ember in the Ashes and revisits its universe with an intense, character-driven plot. The story follows Aiz, an orphan motivated by vengeance, Sirsha, a banished tracker on a mission to hunt down a child killer, and Quil, a reluctant crown prince burdened by his family’s dark legacy. Each character’s perspective is essential to understanding the full story, especially Sirsha and Quil, whose chapters shine with well-paced tension and strong development.

The book is fast-paced, with graphic scenes that add intensity and moments that might call for a pause. Tahir weaves in familiar Ember characters in supporting roles, adding depth to this world, though prior knowledge of the Ember series is helpful to fully grasp the backstory and references. While some twists were anticipated, others arrived unexpectedly, keeping the narrative engaging. Aiz’s storyline felt a bit predictable, though it added necessary context.

Ending on a cliffhanger, Heir is both satisfying and leaves readers eager for more. If you enjoy high fantasy and character-focused storytelling, this novel is a worthy follow-up to Ember and a gripping start to a new adventure.

Really enjoyed being back in this world again, and getting to see some of my favourite characters from ember in the ashes.

I really like the bond that all these characters had with each other and will continue with this story as I am interested in seeing how this story develops.

I am a big fan of the Ember in the Ash series and I was so excited to read another book from this amazing author! And even better - Heir is set in the same world as Ember in the Ash and we even get to meet some of the original characters again and not just as a funny easter egg but as secondary characters.

It's hard for me to judge this book and don't compare it to the original series, but I think it's overall a little bit slower. The story takes a bit more time to unfold, but when it does - you better hold on to your seats and make yourself ready for a whole world of heartbreak and pain. And I loved every second of those emotions. There are some authors in the world that will give you serious trust issues, but yet you can't stay away - Sabaa tahir is one of them.

Get a tissue ready for this action packed, emotional Romantasy and dive into this multilayered and complex story - you won't regret it.

From my read, i understood, Saba knows how to play with her readers, loves to keep them on edge. As i haven’t read any of her other books, i don't know if this world is related to any of her other books, but yummmm!!!sorry, i just couldn’t find any other word to describe it. Though it did seemed a bit confusing at 1st, (i blame me) it all came together slowly.
I was really excited to get this arc and it was worth it!

I have strongly mixed feelings and will preface this by saying that I have read Sabaa’s earlier books (An Ember in the Ashes). I loved the first two books but DNFed the third of that series. That didn’t stop me from wanting to pick this book up, and I had high expectations. Sabaa delivered.

I found myself mildly confused at times, what with difficult character/location names to remember (hell, Quil’s name?!?) but once I was over the initial hurdle this was an excellent read.

I think this is my favourite of Sabaa’s books. It had a depth and complexity that felt older than Ember. Characters were excellent, even if I initially struggled to keep up.

The language used was beautiful though out the story, with great dialogue and really descriptive scene setting. World building was good too, but I was very confused at the beginning.. hence the 4 stars.

After the triumph that is the Ember in the Ashes quartet, Sabaa Tahir returns to the lush world with the first installment in a new duology, full of electrifying tension, intrigue, and twists and turns. Told from multiple POVs, it is a fantastic addition to the incredible world Tahir has created, and will be much loved by her fans.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK , Atom, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

This is one incredible book! It has taken me on such a wild ride and I'm obsessed with it. The three different narratives, the conflict and deception, the heartbreak, power struggles... everything. There are surprises woven into the story and plenty of 'oh no' moments, and I loved how Sabaa Tahir has woven together three distinct stories into one plot and interwoven the characters so beautifully. There are breadcrumbs throughout the book leading you to answers and as I understood more and more I didn't know how to react - I think I was screaming on the inside! The writing is fantastic, and the complexity of this story such a credit to Sabaa Tahir's writing. I could have kept reading and reading but all good things must come to an end and it's certainly left me wanting more. I can't wait to pick up with Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil when the next book comes out. These are three incredibly interesting characters with intricate backstories which brought plenty of intrigue and a rollercoaster of emotions. This book takes you on a physical and an emotional journey and I'm totally here for it - thank you Sabaa Tahir for crafting this gem of a book!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.