Sabaa Tahir’s new fantasy book, Heir, is officially on shelves — and its connection to the author’s Ember in the Ashes series may raise questions about what to read first. Tahir’s four-book Ember in the Ashes story started in 2015, and it became a much-loved addition to the genre. Laia and Elias’ narratives came to a close with A Sky Beyond the Storm in 2020, but Tahir released another novel in this world in fall 2024. It’s proving to be one of September 2024’s biggest fantasy releases, but Heir‘s connection to An Ember in the Ashes may not be immediately obvious.
This could prevent some readers from picking up Heir, especially if they’re worried about needing knowledge of Tahir’s former fantasy books to understand it. As Heir is one of 2024’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 her Ember in the Ashes series, the answer is complicated.
You Don’t Need To Read An Ember In The Ashes Before Heir (But You May Want To)
Heir Is A Separate Story But Contains Nods To The Earlier Series
Technically, readers don’t need to read An Ember in the Ashes prior to picking up Heir. Tahir told TODAY.com as much, though she did reveal that there are Easter eggs scattered throughout her 2024 novel. So, while it’s possible to understand Heir‘s story without knowledge of her previous series, it sounds like readers may get more out of it if they’re up-to-date. Early Goodreads reviews seem to agree, as they indicate that Heir builds on the world-building and character foundations established in An Ember in the Ashes.
The first book in Tahir’s new duology will also spoil certain elements of An 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 reading Heir can do so without digging into Tahir’s other books. However, those who are interested in picking up both series might want to start with An 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
Heir is set in the same world as An 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 to An Ember in the Ashes, the book is a next-generation sequel of sorts.
One of the leads from
Heir
is 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 from Heir is 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 of An Ember in the Ashes, but it does serve as a continuation. With that in mind, readers may want to hold off on diving into this fantasy duology — at least until they’ve caught up on the other one first.
