Review of Heir by Sabaa Tahir

Airship behind a photo of the Heir ARC

“Heir” (available on October 1st) is set in the same world as Sabaa Tahir’s highly popular four book YA fantasy series, “An Ember in the Ashes.” Since readers are still in the same world, and a few of the main characters from that series are integral to the plot, “Heir” can feel like it’s simply the fifth book in the series.

Could you start with “Heir” and be able to understand what is going on and also love the characters? Absolutely YES.

Would you be spoiled for surprises and outcomes if you jump into “Heir” knowing you might want to read Tahir’s previous books set in this world? Absolutely YES.

If however, you don’t want to commit to reading the [now] five books of the entire series and just want to start with “Heir” it would be a worthwhile decision.  I enjoyed “Heir” immensely and could not put it down.

Just note that “Heir” is not a stand alone novel as it ends on a cliffhanger for what appears to be planned as a duology (which could turn into another huge series, thought, right?).

Also, be aware that there are content warnings as “Heir” is not appropriate for a young audience. The Young Adult rating typically means appropriate for teens but I would not be comfortable with giving this to my young teen to read. There is a heavy amount of general gore, specifically violence against children and pedicide. This colonized society is at war, and people are perpetually facing genocide. This means, however, that “Heir” does not read like a typical YA novel. While the bulk of the characters are in their early 20s, this book is mature in its themes and can be appreciated by any adult.

With all that said, Tahir is masterful at intricate world building and creative character development, and she has woven together the lives of Aiz (a master storyteller herself), Quil (crown prince of the empire), and Sirsha (a tracker who can understand and communicate with the wind, earth, and water) with that of supporting characters, as well as Laia, Elias, and Helene from the original “An Ember in the Ashes” series.

While Tahir gives her characters special skills as plot devices and in a manner that seems surprisingly convenient (especially within the four original “An Ember in the Ashes” books), Tahir’s growth as a writer is evident as she fleshes out the characters in “Heir” . Tahir has intentionally made all plot and writing structure choices, which makes a midway reveal all the more intriguing.

Additional content warnings include familial abuse and mild spice.

Thank you to Sabaa Tahir, Putnam Books for Young Readers, and Neutrally for the advanced reader copy.