The book "Heir", written by Sabaa Tahir explores the themes of power, vengeance, and betrayal. The book includes many complex characters with different powers, such as Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil. Aiz, who is an orphan living in the nation of Kegar, and an air squadron commander, fights for vengeance. Sirsha, is a skilled tracker with magical abilities, whose job is to kill a child murderer threatening their empire, while facing many challenges along the way. Finally, Quil, who is the crown prince of the Empire, but reluctant to ascend to the throne, steps up to be the heir for his people in a time of devastation. Since the beginning, Aiz had a rough backstory and wanted to seek revenge, until she gets stuck in the Tohr prison and discovers a new purpose while inside. She eventually escapes and realizes that Mother Div isn’t who she thought she was. Mother Div is a mythic figure amongst the Kegari people, but actually misguided Aiz into a series of new challenges. Sirsha, is a banished tracker who is hired to murder the killer threatening their empire. During her mission she encounters new people who test her. Overall, the book "Heir" written by Sabaa Tahir encompasses many powerful themes, and once you understand the beginning, the rest of the story flows smoothly, captivating the reader. I would also definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy, since I was never a fantasy lover until I read this book. The only reason why I gave this book 3 stars is because it is a little confusing and hard to follow in the beginning. I would also recommend reading the book "An Ember in the Ashes" before reading "Heir" since the setting is in the same place, and it might be easier to follow along with the book if you know the backstory.
About This Book
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.
