Thank you to Roaring Brook Press for sending a copy of Heir of Storms in exchange for an honest review.
Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is the first volume in the Storm Weaver trilogy, a new young adult romantasy story. The page-turning book provides a classic romantic love triangle set in a well-designed fantasy world. For those who can’t get enough of the romantasy, Heir of Storms is sure to pour more fuel on the fire.
Earth, Wind & Fire (and Water)
Heir of Storms is the story of Blaze Harglade, a young woman on the verge of uncovering her destiny. As her given name suggests, she was born into a family whose talents typically fall on the fire spectrum. Her twin brother, Flint, inherits these magical abilities, as expected. But things work out a little differently for Blaze. Instead of fire, her skills lay along the water axis. This is revealed by the magical (and devastating) storm that accompanies her birth. She subsequently earns the name “Storm Weaver.” And she is also viewed with distaste and distrust by almost every other resident of the realm.
In addition to the bloodlines that traditionally foster water and fire magics, there are also two other elemental houses. They are, of course, earth and wind. While Blaze is the “Storm Weaver,” the earth house produces an heir whose powers earn him equal infamy: the “Earth Cleaver.”
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Each of the four elemental houses is led by a king or queen. However, these authoritative positions are not down to heredity. When a solar eclipse takes place, it is a signal that three chosen heirs from each of the four houses must compete to take over their house’s leadership. Meanwhile, a fifth house rules over the four elemental houses, headed by the emperor. This position is hereditary.
Naturally, Blaze is among the heirs who are chosen to compete for her house’s crown. After being largely confined for the first seventeen years of her life, she travels to the Golden Palace, where the Choosing Rite takes place. Thus, she is thrust into a world of intrigue, competition and — of course — romance.
Heir of Storms
I’ll admit, at first I was a bit skeptical of Heir of Storms. But after just a few chapters, that skepticism fell away as I became embroiled in the story. Heir of Storms is an escapist-type genre tale, which is done competently and in a welcoming way. I swiftly found myself becoming wrapped up in the world and its idiosyncrasies. The exposition for the world-building is done well, with a good balance of detail and action.
And, of course, Blaze inevitably ends up embroiled in a romantic love triangle. This is pretty well-trodden ground for the romantasy genre. But there’s a reason that the trope is utilized so often. Who doesn’t love a good love triangle?
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Without going into too much detail, Heir of Storms also includes a few twists. This is true for the romantic subplot, Blaze’s participation in the Choosing Rite, and the discoveries she makes about the history of the empire.
However, readers may want to know ahead of time: Heir of Storms has only the barest of narrative resolution. This isn’t surprising; it is, after all, only book one of a trilogy. Some stories may include a sense of resolution at the closing of their first acts. However, this is decidedly not one of them.
Arriving This Summer
Heir of Storms is scheduled to be released on June 3, 2025. That’s ideal timing, as this book will make for fun and breezy beach and poolside reading. Will you be picking up a copy when it arrives? Be sure to let us know in the comment section or over on our Bluesky social media page.
Heir of Storms will be available at your local bookstore and/or public library beginning on June 3, 2025.
