So apparently, I'm allergic to realizing when series are spinoff series, and I might have gone into this one unprepared again.

Heir returns readers to the world of An Ember in the Ashes through three main, intertwined POVs. It's been probably 4 or 5 years since I read the original series, so I'll be honest and say that I probably missed a LOT of easter eggs and familiar characters, but I think this book was enjoyable on its own, too.
The story follows three "different" plot lines and characters. Aiz wants to free a "goddess" of sorts; Quil must defend his empire from a new threat without becoming the monster that was his father; and Sirsha is on the hunt for an assassin who murders children by ripping out their hearts. I really enjoyed the plot twists because they were delivered so nonchalantly (meanwhile, my annotations are in all caps), and while I did call a lot of them, I was super excited to see my theories confirmed. I also loved how the 3 narratives tied together by then, and I can't say too much without spoilers, but there's a plot line that gave major Immortal Longings vibes, and I was so excited for it.
Of the POV characters, I think Sirsha was my least favorite. Her backstory was intriguing, and I still liked her a lot, but I didn't connect with her. I thought Aiz was super interesting, and her character arc was incredibly well done. Quil's POV was my favorite, mostly because Sufiyan was my favorite character overall, and I wanted every chance to see him that I could. I also really liked Arelia and Cero as side characters. My only issue character-wise was that I didn't love the romance. I think it's just a me thing because Sirsha and Quil match a lot of popular tropes; it just felt a bit insta-lovey and yet still lacked a little chemistry?
Heir is the first novel in Sabaa Tahir's new fantasy duology and it promises beautiful writing and exciting plot twists to create a wonderfully woven story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.25/5