Heir

Heir is a gripping young adult fantasy novel by bestselling author Sabaa Tahir, set in the same rich world as her acclaimed An Ember in the Ashes series. This standalone entry introduces a new generation of characters: Aiz, an orphan seeking vengeance from the slums; Sirsha, an outcast tracker with magic; and Quil, a reluctant crown prince haunted by his lineage. Their lives intertwine as they confront a ruthless killer, political treachery, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. The narrative explores mature themes of power, justice, love, and identity through multiple perspectives, making it ideal for advanced teen readers who appreciate complex world-building and character-driven plots. Parents should be aware of prominent themes of violence, peril, and character death, as well as a significant romantic subplot.

**A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick** "Heir is a tour de force of fantasy that will leave readers breathless and boneless and aching for more." – Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon A Broken Heart Prepare for a ruthless and romantic new fantasy from #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award winning author Sabaa Tahir that introduces a new generation of characters set in the same world as the unforgettable An Ember in the Ashes series. An orphan. An outcast. A prince. And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees. Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite. Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she’s willing to give up. QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need. Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives—and their hearts. Literally.