Content levels
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
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.
Is Heir (a Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick) appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This YA epic fantasy features violence including murder of children (plot driver, not graphic on-page), themes of vengeance and political corruption, and romantic tension between characters across class divides. The story explores darker themes with meaningful stakes and consequences.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include child harm, murder, death of child, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be gripped by this sweeping fantasy featuring three richly drawn characters navigating empire politics, forbidden attraction, and high-stakes quests for justice.