"When you sacrifice other people's children on the alter of your ambition, it's only a matter of time before you'll be willing to sacrifice your own. That's how evil works, [redacted]."

""For the people" was a blood-soaked shield brandished by tyrants everywhere."

Two quotes that stuck with me the most in a book that has left me haunted. And so so so ready for book two. No book by THE Sabaa Tahir has ever left me unscathed and Heir was truly no exception. The way this woman had me constantly looking over my metaphorical shoulder hoping my faves are okay is something that should be studied. Almost 500 pages of discovering new characters, new adventures, new ways to be hurt but also with the familiar background of a series and a world that reminded me how important books truly are. 

Following this second-generation of Sabaa characters who are hunting an enemy both familiar and new, was such a treat. And by treat I mean by like page 100 I was stopping after every chapter to take a calming breath. And the characters! Quil you are such a mix of Elias and Helene it's incredible. Sirsha, you are so strong and stoic but somehow have some of the best one liners ever. Arelia and Sufiyan, the best duo to round out yet another iconic found family. I don't know where I'm going with this but few people can create and cultivate a wonderful found family like Sabaa and she sure showed up in Heir.

But back to those two quotes, and a mention of the synopsis: "the devastating consequences of unchecked greed". If anyone at this point in US exceptionalism believes that any media we consume is created and exists in a vacuum is deluding themselves. Reading about a tyrant who considers the actions of the few reason to punish the many and the corruptive power of greed in between scrolling yet another day of horrifying atrocities being committed for the benefit of an empire is probably what will stick with me the most. When you read Heir (which you must), escape into the story, like every Sabaa book deserves, but do not let yourself gloss over what world Sirsha and Quil and Aiz and Sufiyan are existing in.

Thank you Penguin Teen for my advanced copy and box.