Sabaa Tahir’s newfantasybook,Heir, is officially on shelves — andits connection to the author’sEmber in the Ashesseries may raise questions about what to read first. Tahir’s four-bookEmber in the Ashesstory started in 2015, and it became a much-loved addition to the genre. Laia and Elias' narratives came to a close withA Sky Beyond the Stormin 2020, but Tahir released another novel in this world in fall 2024. It’s proving to be one ofSeptember 2024’s biggest fantasy releases, butHeir’s connection toAn Ember in the Ashesmay not be immediately obvious.
This could prevent some readers from picking upHeir,especially if they’re worried about needing knowledge of Tahir’s former fantasy books to understand it. AsHeiris one of2024’s most-anticipated fantasy books, most fantasy lovers would likely prefer not to put it on the backburner. Unfortunately, for those wondering if they can dig into Tahir’s latest without reading herEmber in the Ashesseries, the answer is complicated.
Heir Is A Separate Story But Contains Nods To The Earlier Series
Technically,readers don’t need to readAn Ember in the Ashesprior to picking upHeir.Tahir toldTODAY.comas much, though she did reveal that there are Easter eggs scattered throughout her 2024 novel. So, while it’s possible to understandHeir’s story without knowledge of her previous series, it sounds like readers may get more out of it if they’re up-to-date. EarlyGoodreadsreviews seem to agree, as they indicate thatHeirbuilds on the world-building and character foundations established inAn Ember in the Ashes.
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The first book in Tahir’s new duology will also spoil certain elements ofAn Ember in the Ashes,like the fates of key characters. While it begins a new narrative overall, it’s connected enough to the first fantasy series to warrant caution. Those only interested in readingHeircan do so without digging into Tahir’s other books. However,those whoareinterested in picking up both series might want to start withAn Ember in the Ashes,even if it means putting off the 2024 release.
How Sabaa Tahir’s New Fantasy Book Is Connected To An Ember In The Ashes
It’s A Next-Generation Sequel Of Sorts
Heiris set in the same world asAn Ember in the Ashes,though it picks up 20 years after Laia and Elias' story. It follows three new main characters: an orphan named Aiz, a tracker named Sirsha, and the crown prince of the Empire, Quil. Each of them faces their own daunting journey in Tahir’s new fantasy book, which leans more into the “romantasy” genre than her previous work. And while their individual narratives aren’t directly tied toAn Ember in the Ashes,the book is a next-generation sequel of sorts.
One of the leads fromHeiris related to characters from Tahir’s previous series, meaning we get a glimpse of some familiar faces in her new novel.
One of the leads fromHeiris related to characters from Tahir’s previous series, meaning we get a glimpse of some familiar faces in her new novel. The central story still sets itself apart from that ofAn Ember in the Ashes,but it does serve as a continuation. With that in mind, readers may want to hold off on diving into thisfantasyduology — at least until they’ve caught up on the other one first.
