Heir

By: Sabaa Tahir

Narrated by: Vidish Athavale, Esme Lonsdale, Joe Pitts, Marco Young, Rachel Petladwala

**A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick**

"Heir is a tour de force of fantasy that will leave readers breathless and boneless and aching for more."–Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon A Broken Heart

Prepare for a ruthless and romantic new fantasy from #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award winning author Sabaa Tahir that introduces a new generation of characters set in the same world as the unforgettable An Ember in the Ashes series.

An orphan.

An outcast.

A prince.

And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she’s willing to give up.

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives—and their hearts. Literally.

©2024 Sabaa Tahir (P)2024 Listening Library

Critic reviews

★"The stakes are higher than ever in this enrapturing spin-off series, which builds on established lore and adds layers of complexity, culminating in an expansive and brutal adventure ideal for longtime followers and newcomers alike."—PW (starred review)

★"Sabaa Tahir is an expert storyteller and Heir is another feather in her cap. This is a book that will linger with readers long after the final pages—enjoy the ride."—Booklist (starred review)

★"A welcome blend of mystique and weightiness—plus a dollop of romance—that will delight anyone seeking more complexity in young adult fantasy.”—BookPage (starred review)

A little bit of a let down

I was a huge fan of her other books in this series but I had to listen to this twice just to be sure I understood the characters it was very hard to follow but it was a great story

A promising start for a new series

A promising start to a new series, set in an exotic yet familiar fantasy world. While the twist is foreshadowed, a sickening certainty of the betrayal and the corruption of power twists in your guts.

The ending is not quite a cliffhanger, but it promises another series of adventures and more heartbreak to come.

Looking forward to the next in the series, and more on the mysteries hinted at in the story.

Perfect spin off of the first series

Loved the An ember in the ashes series so this was one I’ve been waiting for. Love Quil and Sirsha and the plot is great.

Love Sabaa Tahir

Such a good story and continuation from An Ember in the Ashes. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Bloody Incredible

10000/10, loved the cultural aspects deeply imbedded into every page. The story was so well thought out and perfectly crafted, I am patiently awaiting the next book!

Captivating and thrilling read!

Yet another gem from Sabaa Tahir! This book takes you on a mesmerizing journey, bringing back beloved characters and introducing you to ones that you’ll love and hate as much as you did with the Ember series! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

At first I was confused..

But 😮‍💨 once I figured it out, I couldn’t get enough. Is there a date for part 2? I need more and I need it now. I love a good puzzle and this was like the joy of all the pieces falling into place. Bravo!

💜

This book lays a solid foundation from several points of view, for what is quite obviously not the end of this fascinating story. All of the main characters come together in the end for twists that have left me googling when the next is set to come out. I hope soon!!

It was also fun reading this story that takes place 20 years after An Ember in the Ashes. I adored that series of hers and purchased this book the day it came out. She is one of those authors that you just automatically read whatever they write.

Tahir does it again!

Incredible storytelling. Nonstop action throughout. Characters were charming and believable—even the villains—and once again, Tahir showcases her mastery of fantasy.

So glad to have a follow up!

Loved that Sabaa made a continuation to this universe. There is still so much to tell and the characters were like old friends.