4.07 AVERAGE

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.
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
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

๐™Ž๐™ฉ๐™ค๐™ง๐™ข ๐™’๐™š๐™–๐™ซ๐™š๐™ง. ๐™๐™๐™–๐™ฉ ๐™ž๐™จ ๐™ฌ๐™๐™–๐™ฉ ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š๐™ฎ ๐™˜๐™–๐™ก๐™ก ๐™ข๐™š. ๐™๐™๐™š ๐™œ๐™ž๐™ง๐™ก ๐™ฌ๐™๐™ค ๐™ฌ๐™ค๐™ซ๐™š ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™จ๐™ฉ๐™ค๐™ง๐™ข ๐™ฉ๐™๐™–๐™ฉ ๐™จ๐™๐™ค๐™ค๐™  ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ฌ๐™ค๐™ง๐™ก๐™™.

This book completely ๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ธ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜บ. 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! Itโ€™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 canโ€™t wait to learn more about him.

I had so much fun reading this, and Iโ€™m already eagerly anticipating the next book (and hoping it gives us more time with the side characters) because thereโ€™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 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, itโ€™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.


adventurous mysterious 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: No
adventurous tense medium-paced
adventurous 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

I really enjoyed this book, it did give hunger games vibes with trials just with magic and no death so thats why I gave 4 stars. The plot could have been more unique. I loved the magical elements and different lands within the story and the love triangle. You are left looking forward to a second book which I would definitely read. There are plenty of twists and turns which I thoughrly enjoyed. 
adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

MORE MORE I want MORE!! Absolutely devoured this book, could not put it down. If anything, this world and characters have so much potential I wish it could be adult instead of YA; because itโ€™s YA there are parts that are simplified or explained easily/predictably instead of earned but that is the only critique I have. So invested, so good- I need book two immediately.

*uncorrected ARC from NetGalley