Storm Weaver #1
by Lauryn Hamilton Murray
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.
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.
"While the plucky, self-doubting protagonist; fast-paced twists; and tantalizing undercurrents of romance and danger are standard for the genre, debut author Murray's lush, confident prose distinguishes this impressive series opener. The fully fledged worldbuilding and complex magic system provide an intriguing backdrop against which Blaze's journey toward self-actualization unfolds." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"An impressive debut that highlights the importance of fully embracing one's true self." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"There is an abundance of named characters, largely lacking depth, and unexplained world-specific terms are also prolific. However, the plot does move quickly and is chock-full of popular fantasy tropes. Notably, the romance subplot remains tame thus far. Ultimately underwhelming and overwrought, purchase only where early 2010s-era fantasy is seeing a comeback." —Library Journal
"Bears all the hallmarks of addictive YA fantasy―perilous trials, elemental magic, court intrigue, epic twists, and an electrifying romance―with a stepping-into-your-power character arc that'll make readers stand up and cheer. Fans of Stephanie Garber have found their new obsession―this is going to be huge." ―Laura Steven, author of Our Infinite Fates
"Heir of Storms is everything I've been craving in a YA fantasy, executed with impeccable skill and tremendous heart. An original spin on timeless tropes, between its thrilling trials, delicious romance and addictive cast of characters, this is the must-read book of the year." ―Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl Goddess Queen
This information about Heir of Storms was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Lauryn Hamilton Murray grew up in Scotland writing stories about sad girls, secrets, and storms. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature from the University of Stirling and a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh. She is happiest when reading in the sun and hiking with her dogs, Huxley and Ziggy.
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