3.5 ⭐️ - overall the book was enjoyable and I will probably continue with the series but in the middle the pacing was off and felt like it wasn’t going to amount to much, the plot very predictive but still enjoyable to read. The last 20% pulled it back for me, the writing was suspenseful and fast paced - I just wish the rest of the book had that same feel to it

I have been yapping about this book to anyone who will listen. I have read a lot of romantasy and it feels that some seem to blend together, not this book!!! This is how competitions for the throne should be written, with masterful world building, a writing style that completely transported me, and an fmc I instantly loved. Blaze's character development is simply beautiful, and she has such a quiet strength which I think is so important in YA romantasy. I'm not usually a fan of the 'Chosen One' trope, but I absolutely love how it was handled, with Blaze making such relatable decisions and the writing only helped this. Oh and also the love triangle is simply divine. I cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review! Here we go:

So imagine being born into a powerful fire-wielding family… and your magic says, “Nah, I’m bringing the storm instead.” Blaze Harglade did not exactly ask to be the empire’s biggest magical oopsie, but here we are.

Heir of Storms completely swept me off my feet (pun absolutely intended). From elemental chaos to palace intrigue and just the right amount of romantic tension, this book is like a YA fantasy cocktail with just enough bite to keep you coming back for more. Blaze is sharp-tongued, stubborn, and gloriously flawed. Watching her unravel her past while navigating the ruthless Choosing Rite made for such a compelling ride!

The other characters? Absolutely interesting across the board! I loved the subtle complexities in the sibling dynamic between Blaze and Flint. The not-quite-trustable allies relationship with Fox, and the hints of deeper motivations simmering beneath everyone’s fancy robes. There’s court politics, magical training, cryptic prophecies… basically, if it’s dramatic and dangerous, it’s probably happening this week at the Golden Palace!

But I do wish the book dove deeper into the history of the mages and the slavery subplot. There were powerful threads there (especially around legacy, oppression, and being silenced) that were so close to being something truly profound, but didn’t get quite the narrative weight they deserved.

Still, Murray’s prose knows how to land a punch. My favorite quote?
“I commit this moment to memory. For they can laugh all they like when I lose. They won’t be laughing when I win.”

Oh I can see Blaze entering her villain era and I am so here for it! Heir of Storms is a high-voltage debut with lush worldbuilding, strong emotional undercurrents, and a heroine who refuses to go quietly. I can’t wait to see where Blaze’s storm leads next!

3.5 rounded up

When starting Heir of Storms I wasn't overally keen as it felt on the younger side of YA in the first few chapters, however my concerns were quickly quelled, leaving a truly enjoyable fantasy adventure in the vein of Hunger Games/The Selection. High on elemental magic, politics, and family drama, there wasn't much that didn't work in book one of this trilogy, and I genuinly want to find out what happens next.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is such a good book. 5 star read for me. Loved this story. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good.

4.0 ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK Children’s for this eARC

I’m in two minds about this book. On the one hand, I was thoroughly entertained, literally devouring it over the course of a few days, on the other, it did feel like something I’ve read before. That is not to take anything away from the book or the author, it’s very well written and well worth anyone looking for a solid YA Romantasy to give a go, but it does have the same sort of plot points and story structure as a lot of what’s already popular.
I think if you’re into the genre and looking for an easy, enjoyable read, it’s worth giving a go, and I will definitely be looking out for book two in the series.

A compelling YA fantasy debut with rich worldbuilding, emotional depth, and a fierce, unforgettable heroine.

Heir of Storms draws readers into a vivid elemental world where power, family, and identity collide. Blaze’s journey — from isolated outcast to reluctant contender for the throne — is both heart-wrenching and empowering. The story balances political intrigue, emotional stakes, and magic effortlessly, with pacing that keeps the pages turning.

The worldbuilding stands out, particularly the thoughtful use of maps and geography in shaping culture and conflict. Themes of grief, belonging, and self-discovery are woven beautifully into the narrative. There’s even a love triangle, but it’s nuanced and far from formulaic.

I’d recommend this to fans of Shadow and Bone or A Darker Shade of Magic. A strong start to a series I’ll definitely be continuing.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and the author for the ARC!

Great worldbuilding and fantastic characters in this. The storm abilities were explored well and i loved the buildup of the plot, it was well paced which built excitement. The main character was interesting and had good characterisation which ended really well for the story.

A YA fantasy with trials? That's all I needed to know, and this book gave me exactly what I wanted.
In the world of Heir of Storms, those born with powers have either powers of fire, air, water or earth, with these powers passed down through families. Enter our main character, Blaze, born to a powerful family of fire welders... except that she is born with water powers, and her birth brings a devastating storm to the country, earning her the hatred of her nation. So, she hides away from the world, until it is time to decide the new rulers of their country, and Blaze is selected as one of the candidates for the water throne
After being summoned to the castle, Blaze has to learn to control her long-suppressed powers, while making allies and enemies among the other candidates (and, of course, some romantic connections too...).

The world, the characters, the story, the writing... This book was an excellent debut, and I'm already excited to read the rest of the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this eArc!

This had everything I loved in a YA fantasy! Non stop twists and turns, I devoured it in a couple of sittings.

The world building was incredible, the plot was superbly paced and it had just the right amount of romance.

Elemental magic is always my favourite and the system in this was really well done.

Can’t wait for more from this author.

I devoured this. Heir of Storms kicks off with Blaze who’s been hidden away for 17 years after a wild surge of elemental power,suddenly being named as one of the heirs to the Aquatori throne. In this world, thrones aren’t handed down, they’re earned through deadly magical trials between four elemental heirs, including Blaze and her twin brother.

The stakes? Literal life or death. She’s thrown into a brutal competition, surrounded by enemies, political games, and secrets that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew. Blaze’s story grabbed me right from the start and didn’t let go. She’s been through hell, honestly and watching her go from overlooked and underestimated to someone who steps into her own power? Obsessed.

Tropes and themes I loved:
🌊Trials! One of my fave tropes lately
🌊Elemental magic
🌊Twin Dynamics
🌊The Chosen One
🌊Love triangle (this was done SO well)
🌊Political scheming

The world is so easy to sink into, the pacing never drags, and some of the twists? Didn’t see them coming at all. Blaze isn’t the loudest or flashiest heroine, but she feels real. She’s soft and emotional and still manages to be strong as hell. That balance was everything.

Some of the side characters completely stole the show and I love that for me. I cannot believe this was a debut. Heir of Storms absolutely slapped, and book 2 can’t come fast enough.✨

This book had me hooked from being to end.
I loved the world building and elemental magic system. I really enjoyed the trial aspect of the story it reminded me of divergent but with magic.
The relationship between Blaze and her brothers is sweet and wholesome and their love for each other never wavers.
The story is full of twists and turns that keep you gripped and wanting more.
I can’t wait for the next book and hope we get to visit more of the other lands and see certain relationships develop.

This was entertaining from start to end. Although elemental magic isnt exactly new, the world still felt unique and the characters felt real. I loved Blaze and her brothers and I was rooting for her the whole time. The plot was plotting from start to end but I couldn't guess where all of it was going. The end left me really excited to read the sequel. I really hope we get more of Fox and the other countries in the sequel.

Thank you to Netgally and Penguin Random House UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so blown away by this book! The world building is vivid and original, especially the elemental magic system, which feels fresh and really well thought out. Blaze is such a compelling lead - strong, flawed and easy to root for - and the emotional depth of her journey really pulled me in.
The story balances action, love, and twists so well, and I loved how the stakes kept building without ever feeling overwhelming. It's one of those reads thats hard to put down and even harder to forget. A fantastic debut!

This was a goood YA book! It’s got the formula to be the book of the summer. Fast-paced, strong romance and enjoyable plot!

I was sucked into the story almost immediately, the world building is thought out and put together very well.
Were reading about or MC as she enters tournaments to compete for the status of ruler.

We’re watching as she experiences turbulence, enemies, treats, power training, and romance whilst struggling with her power and identity at times.

I felt like some parts were very cliche and predictable, there’s training scenes that just screamed fourth wing x divergent time.

I loved the banter and growth between characters, especially the romantic interest.

Despite feeling too familiar with the story as it’s really nothing original (sorry!) that can work in its favour, I think anyone can enjoy this as a new or experienced YA romantasy reader. Tropes are executed well and still feel fresh.

4 ⭐ thank you Netgalley for an eArc
Now time to wait for book

If you like the Hunger Games and anything elemental, then this book is for you!

I was gripped and pulled into this book, beautifully written and at times made cry. The main female character Blaze, is very relatable for me, as someone who has faced a lot of criticism, judgement and many trying/difficult times and situations.
You join Blaze through the trials of the Choosing Rite, Where crowns are earned not inherited. Blaze is the 'odd' one out in her powerful family who are known for their fire. Blaze is a Rain Singer and one of the four heirs to the Aquatori throne, she's thrust into the view and claws of many people who hate her and want her dead. Blaze is a fierce, lovable main character who just wants to be accepted for who she is.

This book has a great magic system, a trial system that is immersive, emotionally raw and vulnerable moments, found family, plot twists, betrayal and jaw dropping moments...

If you have ever been the odd one out, the outcast, struggled to express your feelings/emotions properly, have faced the cruelness and unfair judgement from other poeople for things that aren't in your control. Then drop everything and read Heir of Storms!
The pure emotions you'll have reading this, brings forth the determination to not let those kind of people bring you down and have power over you and your life. Hate does not win.

Bring on book two!!!!

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 🩷