At the beginning, I had difficulties to get into the story but after around 100 pages I started to really like this book. The author switches between the POVs of the three main characters. So at the beginning it took some time to get to know each of the characters and build an understanding of their circumstances. Since they are from different parts of their world, there are different political circumstances and different cultures and customs mentioned. It is super interesting to see how everything connects the further you read. I didn’t really like Aiz (one of the protagonists) from the beginning. I felt like there was something off and well, I was not wrong. But I loved Quil‘s and Sirsha‘s POVs. I also liked how the author intertwined the stories of the characters. There were some unexpected turns in the story which had me hooked so that I couldn’t put the book down anymore. I‘m excited for the second book to be published and see how the story continues since this one kind of ends with a cliffhanger. BTW: I didn’t read the „An ember in the ashes“-series. Even though the story takes place in the same world and there are reoccurring characters apparently, I didn’t feel like I lacked information to read „Heir“. But now I really want to read those books as well!

This is one of those books that reminds you why you love reading so much. You’ll love the characters straight away. The story is cleverly structured and well executed. And let me circle back to the characters real quick, because they are that good! Complex, persuasive and the banter is incredible. Sabaa Tahir delivers strong female protagonists effortlessly and makes you wonder why that many authors still struggle so hard with it.

Every time I read high fantasy I feel like I’m coming home to a beloved group of friends I haven’t seen in a long time and with this book it was no different. It will always be my favorite genre. This is one of those books that reminds you why you love reading so much. You’ll love the characters straight away. The story is cleverly structured and well executed. And let me circle back to the characters real quick, because they are that good! Complex, persuasive and the banter is incredible. Sabaa Tahir delivers strong female protagonists effortlessly and makes you wonder why that many authors still struggle so hard with it. It takes about a hundred pages to get into the story. But once it picks up speed, you won’t be able to put it down. It is possible to read this book as a standalone, but I strongly recommend to read the Amber in the Ashes series first. I wish I had.