Heir by Sabaa Tahir

Orphan Aiz has seen suffering for too long, in her orphanage, in the streets, and has finally found a way she can end it for everyone – she just has to be brave enough to take the risk. But an error in judgement lands her in prison, where her wrath grows. No one will escape from her wrath… Sirsha, banished from her people years ago, uses her magic to track people – but stays away from her homeland. A rule of her banishment, though technically she also shouldn’t be using magic… Stuck in a bad situation, she agrees to track down a killer – a killer who is murdering children across the Martial Empire, half payment upfront, the rest when she delivers the murderer. Simple enough. Until she gets thrown in with an unexpected group… Crown prince Quil has lived away from the spotlight and his aunty, Helene, the feared ex-Mask, who is regent Empress in his place until he takes the leadership role, though he is loath to do so, wishing for a quieter life. When their lands are under attack, he seeks answers in the neighbouring land, meeting new people along the way.

Go back to the world of Laia, Elias and Helene – the Empire 20 years later, Helene’s nephew has grown up and it is his story now. Sabaa Tahir has continued the story begun in the Ember in the Ashes series with a new generation through Quil, Sirsha and Aiz. Brilliantly written, excellently paced, readers will keep up with the story, full of heartache, treachery, power, greed, battles and in true Sabaa Tahir style, loss and love. While Heir is technically a new story, the start of a duology, readers will be better off having read the Ember in the Ashes series first, as this sets the scene, and references are made to characters and events. Perfect for fans of fantasy, dystopians, and authors such as C.S. Pacat and Lynette Noni.

Themes: YA, Fantasy, Loss, Love, Dystopia, Relationships, Revenge, Friendship, Family.

Melanie Pages