Heir

Heir was an ambitious and intriguing fantasy book, and while it didn't completely pull me in, I still found myself curious about the characters and where the story was heading.One important note: I haven't read An Ember in the Ashes, even though I knew Heir takes place twenty years later and is recommended to be read after the original series. I simply wasn't ready to commit to four books before starting this one. I do think Heir can be followed on its own, but I also recognize that I was missing some of the history and emotional context that likely would have made the experience stronger. This was my own mistake!I enjoyed Sirsha and Quil's storylines. Sirsha was probably my favorite of the three POV characters—she's capable, intelligent, sarcastic, and easy to root for. Quil is a sweet man; I enjoyed seeing the contrast between his gentle personality and his abilities as a fighter. Aiz's storyline was the one I connected with least, which made the story slower to me whenever the perspective shifted back to her.The multiple POVs and dual timelines were probably my biggest challenges. I often struggled to keep track of the history and timeline, and there were moments when I felt like I was missing pieces of the worldbuilding or magic system. The pacing also felt slower in the first half as the different storylines gradually began to connect.I was a bit surprised by how much the romance takes a back seat to the larger fantasy and political storyline. There is definitely yearning, tension, and complicated attraction, but readers looking for a romance-forward fantasy/romantasy may find the balance different from what they expect.That said, once the larger picture started coming together, I could really appreciate what Sabaa Tahir was building. The story explores interesting themes around power, revenge, family, loyalty, and the consequences of the choices people make, and there is clearly a lot of depth behind this world.I eventually landed at 3.5 stars, which I've rounded up to 4 because I genuinely enjoyed the story and think some of my disconnect came from entering this world without the foundation of the original series.If you're planning to read Heir, my biggest recommendation would be to read An Ember in the Ashes first. I assume you'll have a much richer and more emotionally connected experience that way!

The beginning took me a little to get into, but then I was hooked! I did really enjoy reading about the next generation.

I love this book. It was my introduction to Sabaa Tahir, and I was immediately hooked. The hardback book is gorgeous and well-made.

I LOVE this book! Interesting characters, tragedy, a mystery, shocking revelations, a little romance, lots of action, and magic! And not necessarily in that order. I didn't realize before I started reading HEIR who exactly the book was about, or that it wasn't a stand alone. So, I was most pleasantly surprised about whom I was reading when I realized it, but frustrated when I finally saw that this story would require another book. I had fallen into the continuing saga trap again! After finding out that the sequel, EMPIRE, would be out in September, I calmed down a little and continued reading. LOL I love this story, the intricacies of every twist and turn, the emotions and complications that tie into the past, and the connections with the characters. The story isn't predictable, and it doesn't stop moving. I was shocked, surprised, and I cried and laughed. It grabs hold of your HEART, and you can't stop reading.

Told in three main voices with one minor voice - Quil - the prince, Aiz - the orphan, Sirsha - the outcast and occasionally Cero - Aiz’s best friend.Aiz seeks the salvation of her people in Div - but finds a killer.Sirsha is a tracker and is hired to find the killer - unknown to her is the killer is a magic user which means death to her if she continues to track the killer.Quil is the prince and he doesn’t want the throne but when a killer targets the Empire he needs to step up.Cero just wants to protect his friend Aiz and usually he is trying to protect her from herself.The viewpoints change every chapter which can be confusing. Also some chapters occur in the past but you don’t realize this until later in the book. There are some scenes in the book that are not what I would call suitable for YA readers.It took me a while to get invested in this book and even towards the end it didn’t really hold my interest.