R E V I E W

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

☆☆☆☆.5

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Penguin Random House UK Children's via Netgalley

For a young adult fantasy, I found this book surprisingly gripping. For this author's debut novel, I found this book quite remarkable. Evocative of Throne of Glass, The Hunger Games, and with a bit of The Wind Weaver thrown in for good measure, Heir of Storms is a thoroughly addictive fantasy read and has successfully delivered a new literary world that I can't wait to return to.

After her birth caused a cataclysmic event, 17-year-old storm wielder Blaze Harglade has been kept secluded from the world; a world that both fears and hates her in equal measure for the devastation she unknowingly wrought. But when an eclipse heralds a change in the ruling leadership, Blaze is surprised to learn that she is an heir, one of four potentials chosen to battle it out for the water throne. Alongside her fire-wielding twin brother, heir to the flame throne, Blaze is thrust into a perilous competition she is ill prepared for. Forced to navigate the insidious imperial court, Blaze begins to realise the only way out is through and that the power she once cursed, the power she hasn't been able to claim since the storm that nearly drowned the world, may not be gone after all.

Despite the familiarity of this narrative, which is very reminiscent of early Sarah J Maas, there were still surprises in store in this twisting tale of elemental magic. I enjoyed watching Blaze come out of her shell, though I would have liked to see her struggle more initially in the pursuit of her magic. I appreciated the friendships that developed amongst Blaze and the other champions, though the 180 degree switch in those that lost their place in the competition seemed a little unrealistic considering the bonds that existed for some of them before.

All in all, a fantastic fantasy debut that will leave many people eager to get their hands on the sequel.

I absolutely loved this book! It scratched a Sarah J Maas itch. The characters, the pacing, the backstory - all fantastic. I can't wait for the sequel!

“A strong opener to a magical world”
The writing in this caught me from the first, it's so descriptive and full of emotion that I just couldn't put it down until I was a good chunk of the way through. Blaze is an engaging main character with a deep guilt to her just for being alive, but she builds her courage and tenacity throughout the trials. This is truly Hunger Games meets Throne of Glass with a world that is so intricate. I can't wait for the next installment.

Elemental magic and a set of competitive trials for the crown? Sign me up 👑
I had a great time reading this book! I absolutely love elemental magic in fantasy, and I haven't read a book containing it in ages so I found this really refreshing, especially because I found the magic system to be well thought out.
I loved how Blaze's training at the palace was as much of a character growth journey as it was learning about her magical power potential. Overall, this was an action-packed YA fantasy with a few surprises along the way, and I am very much looking forward to reading more from this series 🩷

Wow what a book I need book 2 like now this second!
Lets begin with the magic system in this book & what a magic system it is! the 4 elements fire, water, air & earth are the magic system & long lines of generations have held these powers & every 25 years on the eclipse 4 teenagers are chosen from each elemental family to go head to head in 3 trials to see who will be the king or queen of their element & have a seat on the council so now lets talk about the story!
The moment blaze came into the world a deadly storm appeared that caused death & mass destruction & this storm only stopped when Blaze mother took her into the storm & held her tiny hand up to the sky & with that the storm weaver was born, however, Blaze was not meant to be born with this power she was meant to have the power of fire like the rest of her family & her twin brother flint,so she has been hidden away from the rest of the world. Fast forward 17 years & its Blaze & flints nameday & their grandma has thrown them a massive ball with the most important people in the kingdom in attendance, Blaze is dreading it as shes lived in isolation & managed to block her powers & while at the ball she does everything she can to escape however, something happens that ignites her powers & then later that evening the eclipse happens & both Blaze & flint are summoned to take part in the trials, flint for the heir of fire & Blaze for the heir of water. We see Blaze come out of her shell once she arrives at the golden castle especially when she forms a relationship with Prince Hal, the sweet future king, she also forms an unlikely friendship with Hals half brother & badboy Fox but is there more to Hal & Fox? Soon the trials begin & these trials are so good they are like a mix of the triwizard tournament from harry potter & the hunger games & each trial has you on the edge of your seat. However, in between the trials other things are happening & secrets are been revealed that you dont see coming & this all leads to an ending that makes you gasp & go omg!!
The writing in this book was easy to follow which made it an easy read & all the characters were likeable even the bad ones, I loved the sibling relationship between Blaze & flint & the banter between the different characters. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a fantasy that has you gripped from the prologue & is easy to read!

Loved this book. It had a slow start but picked up quickly. I was hooked. Can’t wait for the next one!!

This book was heavily nostalgic for me, it reminded me of the great fantasy stories I read during my teenage years. As such I think it’s a wonderful example of young adult romantasy.
Despite seeing a few of the twists coming, I greatly enjoyed the flow of the story, of Blaze finding herself and growing into a strong young woman. The balance between action, romance, and respite was wonderfully construed, with the story ebbing and flowing beautifully. I cannot wait for the next instalment of this trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

HEIR OF STORMS BY LAURYN HAMILTON MURRAY: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I decided to sign up for NetGalley and I do not regret it. This was so captivating and entertaining with lovable characters, a mysterious yet well developed magic system, and a cliffhanger that thrust a knife in my chest. I love the family dynamic between Blaze, Flint and Renly, and need more of the legitimate/illegitimate dynamic between Haldyn and Fox.

Heir of Storms is a lush and emotionally resonant YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of classic romantasy while still offering a fresh and compelling voice all its own. With echoes of the beloved 2010s fantasy era, this story feels like a comforting return to the genre, but with a modern twist that’s both thoughtful and invigorating. At its heart is Blaze, a seventeen-year-old Rain Singer born into a powerful fire-wielding family, whose life has been shaped by a devastating surge of power she unleashed at birth. After years in hiding, she’s unexpectedly drawn back into the empire’s spotlight through a deadly magical competition, the Choosing Rite, where young Etheri must compete for elemental thrones. What follows is a fast-paced, emotionally layered journey that explores power, identity, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to rise after being broken.

Blaze is a standout protagonist. She's fierce yet vulnerable, determined yet uncertain. Her struggle to understand her power, her place in the world, and the weight of her past mistakes is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. This isn’t a story of instant transformation or flawless heroism; instead, it’s a slow-burning arc of resilience, where emotional depth is just as important as magical prowess. The narrative embraces feminine rage and grief without sensationalizing it, allowing Blaze’s emotions to be a source of strength rather than a liability. Her relationships bring a grounded warmth to the story, balancing out the higher-stakes intrigue of the trials and court politics.

The worldbuilding is immersive and richly developed, with an elegant elemental magic system and a political structure that adds tension and complexity. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the trials are cleverly designed to challenge the characters' values and vulnerabilities, offering satisfying conflict even for readers who tend to shy away from tournament-style storylines. While the romantic subplot, featuring a love triangle between a noble prince and a mysterious outsider draws from familiar tropes, it’s handled with enough intrigue, emotional stakes, and character chemistry to feel engaging rather than formulaic. The romance adds sparks to the story without overwhelming the central narrative of growth, legacy, and self-discovery.

There are moments where the plot follows expected paths, and some secondary character dynamics fall into recognizable YA patterns. However, these familiar beats are elevated by strong writing, great pacing, and moments of genuine emotional impact. The story’s portrayal of female relationships is also worth noting offering several meaningful and supportive female dynamics that provide balance and depth.

The audiobook narration is exceptional and deserves special praise. The narrator brings a believable teen voice to Blaze, capturing both the vulnerability and determination of the character with natural inflection and emotional clarity. Distinct character voices and well-paced delivery make the listening experience immersive and thoroughly enjoyable.

In all, Heir of Storms is a confident, heartfelt debut that hits all the right beats for YA fantasy fans. It weaves together action, emotion, elemental magic, political intrigue, and complex character arcs into a story that feels both familiar and original. Readers who enjoy slow-burn character growth, morally gray decisions, and richly imagined worlds will find a lot to love here. While it may not completely rewrite the genre, it contributes something meaningful and memorable to it and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Blaze’s journey. A strong recommendation for romantasy lovers and fans of emotionally driven fantasy narratives alike.

Elemental Magic! Trials for the Crown! and a power thought long extinct! I am sold! This book gripped me from the first chapter and anyone that is a fans of the above as well as amazingly crafted character development will love this book! Honestly I cannot wait for the next one!

While the plot of this book is really well balanced and the pacing is consistent the entirety of the story, the main stand out for me was in fact the characters and their internal journeys.This book explores themes of grief, insecurities, managing and learning to truly accept your emotions and that true confidence comes from within. Each of these themes are so seamlessly integrated into the story line and the characters development that it makes for such a beautiful and meaningful narrative throughout.

This story starts of bursting with tension and the pace of the story is very gripping, it has the perfect balance of high points and softer points to help fill in the world building all of which was very easy to pick up without any major world building dumps. Sure in the beginning there were a few terms I was unfamiliar with the but they are quickly explained without the irritating telling and now showing that can be quite jarring in a story.

While the concept of a throne that is earned through trials and not inherited is something we have seen before I thought the added twist of the thrones having to be given up due to keeping the monarchs young created a really nice addition and added to the driving of the story. We are faced with character dilemmas such as kings and queens that don’t want to relinquish their power vs those that do and this added a very interesting tension. It also enabled the build of generational stories and experiences that I enjoyed.

I feel like Blaze is the perfect example of what I really want from an FMC in terms of character growth. It was really refreshing not to have an inherently ‘strong’ or ‘cocky’ FMC even though she is considered to be one of the most powerful wielders to exist in centuries. Her fear of her abilities and her hesitation to lean into them feel very real when you think that she has spent her life atoning for a moment that she had no control over.

I loved that the way we saw her emerge from this state to becoming someone that trusted her abilities and her emotions as well as the confidence she begins to gain where paced perfectly and felt like a realistic time frame. unlike so many books she didn’t complete one trainman session and suddenly feel that she had mastered all her abilities and would be able to defeat people that had been training there entire life.

The supporting characters where also perfectly written to accompany the growth we saw in Blaze. Similarly the romance in this story was supporting, and while there were parts of it that helped Blaze to grow into her confidence, it was never the central aspect and therefore Blaze and her belief in herself and overcoming her own internal conflict was a journey that she took alone.

As for the plot while in some ways you could argue that it is a little bit predictable and there were ‘twists’ that I saw coming from a mile off, it didn’t take away from the narrative or pacing of the story at all in fact I feel like the author expertly wove in really important world building discoveries or other character discoveries at the same moment that these twists were revealed, creating a unique sense of discovery even if the twist itself had been anticpated. I also have to admit that I don’t have any issues with a book being predictable. In fact, as long as the ‘twist’ is revealing at the right time in the correct way, I am all for really well done foreshadowing.

Highly highly recommend this book in fact I think that it will become a very popular book! and I honestly cannot wait for the second one!

Thank you so much to Puffin Books an NetGalley for the eARC! I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book!

Heir of Storms is the first book in a fun and interesting YA fantasy series. It follows Blaze who was responsible for a devastating storm when she was a baby and has since been sheltered from the world and from using her powers. We follow as she discovers her power and also a coming of age story as she learns more about herself and finds her confidence. This was a fun and enjoyable YA. I liked the characters and the set up of the intriguing plot and world building, I will definitely be picking up book 2 when it is released!

Hooked from page one! The voice of the FMC is strong, Blaze is powerful and flawed and already infamous for a ruthless storm she caused at birth. There’s romance, but it’s her growth and the politics of the court that really steer the story.

There are familiar tropes—elemental magic, a dangerous magical trial, a reluctant chosen one, and a love triangle—but the story still makes them feel new and compelling.

The elemental magic system is unique and beautifully woven into the story, and the tension between the fire-wielding nobility and Blaze’s water-aligned power is a great backdrop to the conflict.

If you love the tropes and themes in Powerless and Red Queen or the tone and pace of Throne of Glass and Twin Crowns you will absolutely love Heir of Storms!

There are a few things you can always cheer me up with. And books about people wielding water powers is one of them. When I discovered this book I had to pre-order a copy and when I stumbled upon it on Netgalley I had to request a digital copy. I was very happy when Penguin granted me one!

From the very start of this book I was sucked into it. The writing style was perfect! Not too flowery, not too simple and just flowing nicely. The chapters were relatively short, which helped to just squeeze in one more chapter. On top of that, the heroine of this story is amazing. She's easy to relate to, easy to cheer for, easy to care about and easy to root for. Her life was far from easy and I just wanted her to get the world.

Although the book is marked as a romantasy, I think the book in the end focuses more on the fantasy part of the story than on the romance. The romance is there and it's exciting and there are a few very nice twists throughout the book, it's just not the main focus of both the book and the heroine. Even the trials are not the main focus. The main focus is learning, growing, mastering your powers and becoming the person you can be.

And watching our heroine grow during the story is amazing. Especially because the author did an amazing job using the character growth for world building and having the growth happen gradually and naturally. It takes time. It takes failure. It takes heartbreak. But she gets there! And the more she learns, and the more we learn, the more interesting the story gets. The finale already makes me long for the next book in the series!

I have been following Lauryn since I saw the announcement of her book deal and could not wait to get to read Heir of Storms and it was definitely worth the wait. I could not put this book down and was desperate to keep reading and following the characters.

Heir of Storms follows Blaze who was born into a fire-wielding family, who when she was born summoned a devastating storm that killed thousands meaning she has spent her life as an outsider. When she and her brother, Flint, are selected to compete in the choosing rite to select the future rulers, Blaze is suddenly thrust into the spotlight in front of all the Empire.

So many parts of this book were things that I loved, the magic system was really cool and the characters were either people I loved to follow or loved to hate.

In this world the magic is based on the elements which I love, I found it really interesting to read about. Seeing how the magic worked and was able to be used by those who have the magic along with how having this magic can impact the characters and their lives. It was particularly interesting to read about Blaze’s magic as the only rain singer and how she was limited by her magic as the only rain singer left so not having anyone there to teach her how to use her magic. Because of this Blaze originally really struggles with her magic however as the book goes on that changes which was really powerful to watch as the reader.

I also loved so many of the characters throughout this book and watching the relationships between the characters. Blaze was a character who went on a journey as she learned more about herself that I really liked watching and I loved her relationships with her brothers, Flint and Renly. There were some really special scenes with her brothers that I loved as someone with siblings. Blaze had some great friends and allies throughout the book that I loved and am hoping we see more of in the rest of the series including Fox and Elaith.

I don’t always love trials in books, however I really enjoyed the trials in this book. I kept waiting to see the next trial and how Blaze would be tested and have to use her magic. I also liked seeing how the behaviour of the other heirs changed after each trial as less people were left in the competition. There were some characters who I loved throughout and some who I loved but as their behaviour changed my opinion of them changed which I loved.

I am so glad that this one didn’t disappoint me. I cannot wait to read more from Lauryn Hamilton Murray because this was such a strong debut and I cannot wait to continue this series and find out what will happen. I have seen this one compared to Twin Crowns which I definitely think is true.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Children's for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliantly written and what am i supposed to do without book 2 out?

This is how i feel after i finished reading Heir of Storms
Since the moment i started this book until the end i was HOOKED. My attention span hates to see prologues coming but this one???? That’s the moment i knew im going to end up loving this book.
The elemental magic woven into trials and the whole story of how one golden kingdom was made?? Absolutely brilliant

I loved Blaze’s character and how we can see her discover herself and her power, grow as a person and accepting herself.
I loved seeing the undertones of found family and how funny some of the side characters were, i love when we see more of the side characters, they were very much a big part of the story.

And for a character that is still a mystery and totally fascinated me?? Yeah you guessed right, i adore Fox, I NEED TO SEE MORE OF HIM AND I NEED HIM TO BE ENDGAME. The chemistry, the unknown elements of his story, i’ll be his defender for life. I NEED TO SEE MORE OF HIM IN BOOK 2

Regarding Hal?? I love his storyline, the whole thing made me more excited to read about him and how this will play out.

“Heir of Storms”, the first book in Lauren Hamilton Murray’s “Storm Weaver” trilogy, is a breathtaking debut that effortlessly blends magic, political intrigue, and self-discovery into a gripping Young Adult Romantasy. From the very first pages, I was captivated by Blaze—a rain singer born into a dynasty of fire wielders—and her isolated existence, shaped by the extraordinary circumstances of her birth. Shunned and feared for her rare abilities, she has spent seventeen years locked away, only to be thrust into the dazzling yet treacherous world of the Golden Palace as a designated heir. Now, she must compete for power in a realm where her very existence defies tradition.

Lauren Hamilton Murray’s world-building is nothing short of masterful. She crafts a vivid, intricate society governed by a unique system of magic, power, and political hierarchy—all seamlessly woven through the eyes of her compelling characters. Blaze is a refreshing protagonist: complex, vulnerable, and far from the typical chosen one. Her journey is as much about mastering her abilities as it is about overcoming self-doubt and embracing her worth. The dynamic between Blaze and her twin brother, Flint, adds further depth, their contrasting natures are never a hindrance to their close bond.

The supporting cast is equally vibrant, each character leaving a lasting impression. Through them, Blaze navigates the highs and lows of friendship, love, and betrayal, all while uncovering the strength within herself. The author’s prose is immersive, balancing heart-pounding action with moments of quiet introspection, making Blaze’s evolution feel earned and deeply satisfying.

“Heir of Storms” is a stellar introduction to what promises to be an epic trilogy. With its lush world, intricate magic, and a heroine whose growth is as compelling as the dangers she faces, this book sets the stage for an even grander adventure ahead. I cannot wait to follow Blaze as she steps beyond her old life, confronting both external threats and the untapped potential within herself. If you love fantasy with rich lore, fierce character dynamics, and a dash of romance, this is a must-read!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Lauryn for the ARC!

We follow our FMC (Blaze) as she navigates court politics, and as the time has come for a new emperor to take his throne and assemble a new court, the contending heirs of each of the four elements are poised to battle their way to power in the form of three trials.

I absolutely loved this book and its magical system. I really enjoy elemental magic, and I loved reading about Blaze learning how to use her powers and how she slowly began unravelling some of the preconceived notions she had and started questioning what was happening around her. Although she COULD have been a bit less of an idiot about a certain male character and her preconceived ideas of him!

I can not wait for everyone else to fall in love with this AND for book 2, why is it so far away!

4.5/5
Truly I couldn't be more thankful that I was able to receive and arc of this book - it really intrigued me from the cover alone so as you can imagine, when the book itself was even better than anticipated!
This is the pinnacle of whatever you could want or need from a YA fantasy book and despite now being a fully grown adult, there was so much joy that I found when reading this book. I found myself instantly attached to the characters from the very first paragraph even though I hadn't the slightest clue where we would be taken with them.

I can confidently say that I will be on the look out for any further works by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, especially any continuation of the storm weaver book! I find it pretty intimidating to pick up a new author but I haven't a single regret at all about picking this arc to spend my time reading!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC - it's greatly appreciated!!

Heir of Storms is a brilliant new YA fantasy which makes a fantastic start to the series.

Bursting with trials, romance and elemental magic, I absolutely couldn't put it down. I devoured the book in a day.

Blaze is a fantastic main character, the plot is well-paced and I also really enjoyed the world-building.

This is a YA romantasy you won't want to miss!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Spellbinding Debut! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

From the very first page, this YA fantasy had me utterly captivated. The debut author has crafted a breathtaking world filled with magic, secrets, and high-stakes tension. At the heart of the story is an underdog girl who’s been isolated in her family home for 17 years—until a series of trials forces her to step into the wider world she’s never known.

As the tale unfolds, it weaves together elements of love triangles, betrayals, and shocking twists. The characters are wonderfully complex; one moment they’re allies, and the next, they’re turning on each other in ways that will make your jaw drop. The emotional depth and pacing keep you turning pages late into the night.

This is just the start of what promises to be an epic series. It’s a story about resilience, courage, and finding strength in unexpected places. If you’re a fan of thrilling fantasy with a compelling heroine, heart-pounding romance, and twists that leave you gasping, don’t miss this one. I can’t wait for the next installment!