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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
**Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Posted to: NetGalley and The StoryGraph
Posted on: 11 June 2025
2 out of 5 stars.
(Okay I know I’m mildly late posting this, I’m sorry. Life happens and then illness happens, sometimes all at once. Anyways, here is my belated review.)
I’m not gonna lie, I struggled to rate this. I had lots of issues with this and upon finishing it, I looked at other reviews and saw others noticed similar things. I wanted to enjoy this though, because lots of others did too! There was just so much I couldn’t overlook when reading it. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t DNF it, which is probably the only reason it gets 2 stars over 1. It has potential, but it could’ve gone further if certain things were addressed better or even just left out? I really just think it could’ve used more eyes on it to not make it seem so… out of touch.
Immediately, I knew I would like the writing. Not one of my favorites, however, but it was still enjoyable. There’s a few choice quotes that do stick and a very powerful opening that hooked me almost immediately. I enjoy a good magic system and I think ‘Heir of Storms’ had one-albeit a bit familiar, but as I’ve said before in other reviews, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Sometimes familiar tropes scratch a nice itch in the brain. However, I also feel like some of these tropes were just that to characters. The love interests are literally just good boy with a secret/bad boy with a secret and I feel like that’s all that’s lent to them sometimes. Or some characters were mean to be mean or nice to be a voice of reason- very singularly built ya know?
To slowly stray from the positives, I want to talk about the character portrayals throughout the novel. I feel like I’ll never be able to eloquently describe my feelings like some people do, so stay with me as I try to explain my thoughts.
One of the love interests is Prince Haldyn Castellion whom is described with pale skin and dark eyes. The other love interest is Fox Calloway Castellion, who is described with golden skin and green eyes. I’m gonna let you guess who is the bad boy and who is the good boy…. Got your guesses? The painted out good guy is the pale love interest while the world renowned bad boy is the love interest with golden skin…. I dunno, just doesn’t sit right with me? Not to mention that Fox is also depicted as dressing with more revealing clothes in that he has low-cut tops/tunics or low rise bottoms that show more stomach/hip… like okay, let the more POC-coded character be the promiscuously dressed one…
Banking off that idea of promiscuousness, while he isn’t specifically stated as being bisexual, there is another character who is queer coded (having been, in-text, stated to be romantic somehow with both male and female guests at the galas) and is given a very stereotypical party-goer, flirty, and multiple flings sort of presence. He’s often seen at these parties just having a good time, unbothered by the coming events of trials and such, and making out with one person and another while having his own potential romantic love interest. Polyamorous people exist, yes, and I don’t mean to speak over them when I say this, but it feels almost… like a harmful and/or stereotypical depiction of the lgbt+ community because you have this queer boy (they’re like- 17 iirc) who is just an amalgamation of ideals that people have spoken up about before? There’s another character who almost fits this similar image and she is this character’s love interest too! Oh- she’s also another dark skinned character.. Like I dunno, just very stereotypical? This second character isn’t as flirty with many people though, just the love interest she has iirc, but I still just find a lot of themes involved here… wrong?
There’s also the topic of slaves brought up quite a few times in the book that overall felt gross for the fact that literally nobody else seems to have an issue with slaves (sorry, ‘serfs’ as they’re known here) being used as attendants despite actual attendants being around (as in- there’s people forced here as some crude form of ‘freedom’ from the war their ancestors lost years and years ago vs people who get paid at least with a few coins here and there or a roof over their heads…). Nobody but the main character seems to care. The MC also is one of the only ones who treats her own assigned serf ‘kindly’ and tries to befriend her in some very loose feeling white savior-esque energy scenes… I dunno, maybe I just read too much into it. I feel like you can’t look at this enslaved girl and feel bad for her, but also suddenly think that she’s a good well of information about the Otherlands though (because, I dunno, the library filled with books couldn’t tell you more without prying into this poor girl’s life who could get in serious trouble if she’s found out to be talking about her home with you?) Like… wow, go off girl, pretend to care about the serfs until their presence suits your needs??
Two more things I didn’t enjoy and I’m done, I swear. I’m a professional hater though, what can I say. Anyways, the first is the usage of the term ‘savages’ and how it’s describing more indigenous seeming people… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s not my place at all to say yay or nay to this term considering I am not Native American, but I have seen Native Americans disagree with the usage of this word and how its harmful stereotype and term towards them. Seeing it in 2025 still is jarring to me (yet it’s not the first 2025 book I’ve seen it in) and it’s just… tiring that people have said before to please stop using this word yet its so causally tossed in here when talking about very Indigenous-esque peoples of the Otherlands.
There’s also a scene towards the end where a character receives an injury that impairs their vision. The MC, when monologuing about it, calls this person ‘damaged’ and like… how did that terminology slip by editors?? I really wanna ask if there were any sensitivity readers used for this. I feel like it’s such a minor mention too, but it just made me feel icky reading the way this disabled character is described? That’s such a harmful view of disability and people with disabilities, the act of calling them ‘damaged’ as if they are suddenly flawed and broken? I dunno, I didn’t enjoy any of it at all. Even if the MC is supposed to be naive to the world, I feel like she shouldn’t look at this injured person and think about how she is ‘horrified’ and ‘unsettled’ to see this other person ‘damaged’…
I think this about sums up a lot of what I felt about the book. I really wanted to love it, but there were multiple times where I wanted to drop it. I was hoping for character development somehow too, though. Maybe that’s why I ended up finishing it. I wanted, so badly, to believe that it would get better but alas… I’ve seen other people compare it to 2010s YA novels and… yeah, I see it. I just think that a lot of these issues could’ve been avoided somehow? I dunno. I was left disappointed. So many people were hyping this read up, yet I feel like it fell short. Either I thought too much into this or y’all are lying to yourselves about enjoying it (or you’re glossing over issues with the narrative). But anyways, to each their own, I suppose. I was just left wanting and wondering.
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Past war mention, slavery, enslavement, blood, fighting, injury, derogatory words towards characters (namely ‘bitch’ used multiple times), bullying, death of a parent, death, strangling (done so by vines down the throat, described on page but not overly detailed), vomit, alcohol, inebriation, violence due to inebriation, fire, fire injury, near-drowning, death of a child by asphyxiation (not really detailed, more-so mentioned on page and alluded to)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Slavery, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Vomit
adventurous
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was so good. SO good.
I have to be honest, it did take me a minute to get into the story but once I was in, I was well in.
The world building is great and the premise reminded me of Lightlark but with the Triwizard Tournament, the vibe made it feel more like the OUABH series.
Blaze is not an innovative character in how she's framed, yet I found myself particularly intrigued and immediately invested in her journey and development. Especially when interactions with other characters increased.
She generally has a lot of progress to make and I love that while plot wise the focus is on her abilities and strength, it isn't terribly drawn out and allows for the natural development of her social persona.
Between her family and the new acquaintances, her view on people is so tainted with trauma that it's difficult to discern who is actually in her corner and who isn't. Her mistrust and doubt are so strong and it makes watching her grow in these dynamics even more interesting.
The insecurity also heavily influences the romantic tension in the book and it's so well written!
There might have been bits that felt predictable, then there were those that I did not. see. coming. At all. To me, it was perfectly balanced: surprising and keeping me on edge, yet comfortable enough to not have me anxious.
As for the romance arc, I will not say much as not to spoiler anything. Except that I loved it so, so much! The banter, the confusion, the plot twists. So many secrets and layers and I feel like we only just got started.
It kept me on my toes and oh I am so in love although we don't know everything yet.
One thing that took a bit of warming up for me was the narrator but this is so subjective. They are totally doing a good job, this was very much just a me thing!
The writing is good and the author hit the spot with the pace in my opinion. The trial arc can easily feel either drawn out or rushed but was perfectly timed and had just the right amount of attention. Lauryn Hamilton Murray generally did such a great job at structuring the plot and crafting the web of characters.
Heir of Storms is a really good romantasy read and comes with some of my favourite tropes and I cannot wait for book two!
Tropes:
- masquerade ball
- Magic maze
- Triwizard tournament
- She lost her power
- Banter
- Mysterious bad boy
- Feminie ragę
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Lauryn Hamilton Murray for an ALC of this book.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Heir of Storms is the start of a YA romantasy series, and it was such a fun read! The magic system is unique, and there’s a solid amount of world-building that really helps you understand the setting and lore. I really enjoyed the main characters—while it’s categorized as YA, they didn’t feel overly young or immature. A lot happens in the first book, but it never feels overwhelming; the pacing flows nicely throughout. If this isn’t already on your TBR, you should definitely add it. I can’t wait for the next book!
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The premise of this book was intriguing, and it did not disappoint!
I was sucked into this world, amazed by everything that happened in it.
The only thing that brought this down from a five was the romance.
I don't like how I was led on. I knew that Hal and Blaze didn't click, but I don't like how he was basically cheating on her so he could be with Elva. I HATE HIM.
I do really like Blaze's character. I love how she found her own strength, after being treated so horribly. Especially by Ember. Why does she hate Blaze so much? I know that Blaze accidentally summoned a storm when she was a baby, BUT SHE WAS A BABY. HOW CAN A BABY CONTROL WHAT IT DOES? You are all horrible people. *sobs*
Can't wait for the sequel.
I was sucked into this world, amazed by everything that happened in it.
The only thing that brought this down from a five was the romance.
I do really like Blaze's character. I love how she found her own strength, after being treated so horribly. Especially by Ember. Why does she hate Blaze so much? I know that Blaze accidentally summoned a storm when she was a baby, BUT SHE WAS A BABY. HOW CAN A BABY CONTROL WHAT IT DOES? You are all horrible people. *sobs*
Can't wait for the sequel.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredible new young adult series, which will be perfect for romantasy readers of all ages and will really appeal to fans of the early SJM titles!
I loved all of the characters and truly felt like I didn't know where the plot was going next at basically every point. Trials and training seriously make for some of my favourite moments in these reluctant chosen one stories and Heir of Storms does it perfectly! I can't wait for the next book in the series and will definitely be keeping this one up my sleeve as a recommendation for the future, even beyond its life as book of the month
I loved all of the characters and truly felt like I didn't know where the plot was going next at basically every point. Trials and training seriously make for some of my favourite moments in these reluctant chosen one stories and Heir of Storms does it perfectly! I can't wait for the next book in the series and will definitely be keeping this one up my sleeve as a recommendation for the future, even beyond its life as book of the month
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙.
This book completely 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. I ended up staying up until 2am (def past my bedtime) because I had to know what happened next! The world building and magic system were rich and immersive. The characters were so easy to love and relate to. Lauryn Hamilton Murray nailed it with this debut! It’s packed with deadly trials, political intrigue, elemental magic, secrets that unravel at just the right moments, and a romance that keeps you on your toes (in the best way). I especially loved how the story emphasizes the power of feeling your emotions instead of hiding them. Watching Blaze, the FMC, grow and lean into her power was so satisfying. Even though Fox is such a mystery he has me in a chokehold already and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
I had so much fun reading this, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book (and hoping it gives us more time with the side characters) because there’s so much potential here! If you love YA fantasy that delivers heart, high stakes, and magic, definitely add this to your TBR.
This book completely 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. I ended up staying up until 2am (def past my bedtime) because I had to know what happened next! The world building and magic system were rich and immersive. The characters were so easy to love and relate to. Lauryn Hamilton Murray nailed it with this debut! It’s packed with deadly trials, political intrigue, elemental magic, secrets that unravel at just the right moments, and a romance that keeps you on your toes (in the best way). I especially loved how the story emphasizes the power of feeling your emotions instead of hiding them. Watching Blaze, the FMC, grow and lean into her power was so satisfying. Even though Fox is such a mystery he has me in a chokehold already and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
I had so much fun reading this, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book (and hoping it gives us more time with the side characters) because there’s so much potential here! If you love YA fantasy that delivers heart, high stakes, and magic, definitely add this to your TBR.
adventurous
medium-paced
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!
I really wanted to be blown away by this book, but unfortunately, the spark just wasn't there. (Hehe, see what I did there?) It just felt like there was something missing, though I'm not sure I could put my finger on exactly what it was. The plot itself was very predictable. I normally love a magical competition, but this just felt rote and just like any other book with a similar premise.
Blaze unfortunately also didn't stand out to me. And her treatment of Fox seemed to incongruous to how she herself was treated growing up, it just felt as though there was conflict for the sake of conflict even if it didn't make sense in the characters' lives or personalities.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, as everything just felt very sub par to me. I can see where there would be an audience for the book, but unfortunately it just did not work the magic on me.
I really wanted to be blown away by this book, but unfortunately, the spark just wasn't there. (Hehe, see what I did there?) It just felt like there was something missing, though I'm not sure I could put my finger on exactly what it was. The plot itself was very predictable. I normally love a magical competition, but this just felt rote and just like any other book with a similar premise.
Blaze unfortunately also didn't stand out to me. And her treatment of Fox seemed to incongruous to how she herself was treated growing up, it just felt as though there was conflict for the sake of conflict even if it didn't make sense in the characters' lives or personalities.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, as everything just felt very sub par to me. I can see where there would be an audience for the book, but unfortunately it just did not work the magic on me.
I have to start by saying I really loved the writing style and the smooth flow of this book. The storyline felt very character driven, and the development of the main characters, especially Blaze, was beautifully done. That said, I found myself wanting more. More depth, more world building, more complexity beyond the central plot.
The story primarily focuses on Blaze, a character both feared and hated, who is suddenly thrust into a battle to become a future ruler. While her journey to harness her powers is compelling, the lack of subplots or broader world development made the story feel a bit one dimensional for me.
Overall, it’s an engaging read with strong character focus, and I think it would especially resonate with younger readers or those new to fantasy.
*Thank you to Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.