Review: Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

I received this book via the publisher . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray
Series: Storm Weaver #1
on 2025-06-03
Age Range: 14+
Length: 410 pages
Reviewing eARC from the publisher
Rating:
Reading Challenges: #NGEW2025, 2025 New Release Challenge

Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited -- they're won.

"This is going to be huge.” —Laura Steven, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Our Infinite Fates

The very day Blaze came into the world, she almost drowned it. A Rain Singer born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire, Blaze's birth summoned a devastating storm that left thousands dead. She's been hidden away ever since with a dark secret: the same torrential power that branded her an outcast disappeared that fateful day. And she’s not sure she wants it back.

When an unexpected invitation arrives for Blaze and her twin brother, Flint, to compete as future rulers of the empire, she’s suddenly thrust into the limelight again -- and into battle. Threats abound at the Golden Palace, where intrigue and romance await with not one but two handsome suitors: the enchanting Crown Prince and a dangerously alluring newcomer at court.

As Blaze explores her untapped power, she discovers the throne may be within her grasp. But in order to take it, she’ll have to leave behind the stories that others have told about her, and find the courage to write her own.

Fantastic read! Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a YA fantasy with elemental powers and a ruthless tournament to determine the heirs to the respective thrones. Blaze Harglade is the Storm Weaver, hidden away since the day she was born because she conjured a storm that drowned half the continent. Now, she’s 17 and declared a potential heir to Aquatori, the water kingdom. Together with her twin brother, Blaze is sent to the Golden Palace to compete with the other potential heirs to determine who will be crowned.

I devoured this book. I could not read it fast enough. The magic system was easy to follow, and the tournament added some urgency to the plot. Blaze is a fun character to follow. The story is told entirely from her perspective as she navigates a world she is unfamiliar with. Her powers all but disappeared after the storm, and as a daughter of fire wielders, she was never trained to use her water. Now, she has to learn quickly if she hopes to survive the tournament.

In addition to Blaze, we are introduced to her twin Flint, his friend Elaith, the crowned prince, the Earth Cleaver, and several others. I loved all of these characters. They are a great addition to the story and fully fleshed out. The potential heirs are divided into their respective kingdoms, one for each element: earth, wind, fire, and water. There are four heirs for each kingdom, and they will have to beat each challenge in order to be crowned. It’s intense as Blaze is hated by her fellow Aquatori. Her powers do not work like the others, but once she learns more about her powers, it’s fun to watch her use them.

Overall, I highly recommend Heir of Storms. The story is easy to follow, fast-paced, and intriguing. Blaze’s need to learn her magic and quickly adds tension, while the other characters add depth. The whole mythology the author has created is, again, easy to follow but also fascinating. I could read a whole book on the world and not be bored. If you are looking for a new fantasy to dive into, I highly recommend this one.

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