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The Scorched Throne #1
The Jasad Heir
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romantasy (2023)Ten years ago, the kingdom of Jasad burned. Its magic outlawed; its royal family murdered down to the last child. At least, that’s what Sylvia wants people to believe.
The lost Heir of Jasad, Sylvia never wants to be found. She can’t think about how Nizahl’s armies laid waste to her kingdom and continue to hunt its people—not if she wants to stay alive. But when Arin, the Nizahl Heir, tracks a group of Jasadi rebels to her village, staying one step ahead of death gets trickier.
In a moment of anger Sylvia’s magic is exposed, capturing Arin’s attention. Now, to save her life, Sylvia will have to make a deal with her greatest enemy. If she helps him lure the rebels, she’ll escape persecution.
A deadly game begins. Sylvia can’t let Arin discover her identity even as hatred shifts into something more. Soon, Sylvia will have to choose between the life she wants and the one she left behind. The scorched kingdom is rising, and it needs a queen.
In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, a fugitive queen strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy and finds herself embroiled in a complex game that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever.
The lost Heir of Jasad, Sylvia never wants to be found. She can’t think about how Nizahl’s armies laid waste to her kingdom and continue to hunt its people—not if she wants to stay alive. But when Arin, the Nizahl Heir, tracks a group of Jasadi rebels to her village, staying one step ahead of death gets trickier.
In a moment of anger Sylvia’s magic is exposed, capturing Arin’s attention. Now, to save her life, Sylvia will have to make a deal with her greatest enemy. If she helps him lure the rebels, she’ll escape persecution.
A deadly game begins. Sylvia can’t let Arin discover her identity even as hatred shifts into something more. Soon, Sylvia will have to choose between the life she wants and the one she left behind. The scorched kingdom is rising, and it needs a queen.
In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, a fugitive queen strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy and finds herself embroiled in a complex game that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever.
523 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2023
3170 people are currently reading
149047 people want to read
About the author
Sara Hashem
3 books2,002 followersSara Hashem is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Jasad Heir. An American-Egyptian writer from Southern California, she spent many sunny days holed up indoors with a book. Sara’s love for fantasy and magical realms emerged during the two years her family lived in Egypt. When she isn’t busy naming stray cats in her neighborhood after her favorite authors, Sara can be found buried under coffee-ringed notebooks.
You can find Sara on Instagram and TikTok under @shashemwrites!
You can find Sara on Instagram and TikTok under @shashemwrites!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,519 reviews
May 18, 2025
this was my third time attempting to read and i DID in fact finish it. everybody clap.
June 28, 2023
a very promising debut!
it follows a tried and true format for political fantasy stories, which most readers will find familiar and enjoyable. with tropes like a queen in hiding, the tension of enemies to lovers, a competition of champions, and scheming kingdom rulers, this ticks a lot of boxes. and the egyptian inspiration is also a really nice touch and creates a very vibrant atmosphere.
but the things that kept me from loving this were the unnecessary long length and inconsistent pacing, some weak editing, and awkward writing. not deal breakers but definitely things i would want to see improved before publication and/or as the series continues.
so again, a lot of promising components to this story and im looking forward to seeing how the next book progresses!
thank you, orbit books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
it follows a tried and true format for political fantasy stories, which most readers will find familiar and enjoyable. with tropes like a queen in hiding, the tension of enemies to lovers, a competition of champions, and scheming kingdom rulers, this ticks a lot of boxes. and the egyptian inspiration is also a really nice touch and creates a very vibrant atmosphere.
but the things that kept me from loving this were the unnecessary long length and inconsistent pacing, some weak editing, and awkward writing. not deal breakers but definitely things i would want to see improved before publication and/or as the series continues.
so again, a lot of promising components to this story and im looking forward to seeing how the next book progresses!
thank you, orbit books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
August 30, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
WAIT… this is the author’s debut novel??? Be fr rn. I’m actually so impressed 😭🫶 Like??? The talent??? INSANE.
When I heard it was a REAL enemies-to-lovers??? I was already sold 🤭 But then I got scared like, what if it’s just marketing lies? BUT NOOOO, it’s the real deal 😭💅 And the slow-burn??? HELLOOOO??? That thing was burning in slow motion and I was eating it upppp 👀🔥 Me, every chapter: “Kiss?? No? Okay. I’ll wait.” 🙂↕️
I def enjoyed this a lot but like… idk… something felt a lil off? Can’t explain it 😩 Like it was giving but not GIVINGGG yk?
If you’re into Egyptian vibes, you’ll probs eat this up tbh 🇪🇬✨ Some ppl might call it mid and honestly, I get it, but personally?? I was vibing 😌💛
The FMC??? Baddie. Doesn’t need saving. Love that for her 💅 The MMC??? Ughhh he’s just so good 🥲 Like pls sir, ruin me (respectfully) 🫠
Y’ALL. The way they literally hated each other at first 💀 I was like, “ain’t no way THESE two are endgame??” But then… PLOT TWIST. It works. It works SO WELL 🤭
Not the best fantasy I’ve ever read, it has its flaws 😭 BUT I’m definitely picking up book 2 cuz I need answers 👀📚 The plot has me in a chokehold, okay???
Anyways. That’s it. Love y’all. 🫶💛
————————————
𖤍 pre-read 𖤍
Heard that this is ACTUALLY enemies-to-lovers 👀 so ofc, I’m gonna give it a try 🙂↕️
WAIT… this is the author’s debut novel??? Be fr rn. I’m actually so impressed 😭🫶 Like??? The talent??? INSANE.
When I heard it was a REAL enemies-to-lovers??? I was already sold 🤭 But then I got scared like, what if it’s just marketing lies? BUT NOOOO, it’s the real deal 😭💅 And the slow-burn??? HELLOOOO??? That thing was burning in slow motion and I was eating it upppp 👀🔥 Me, every chapter: “Kiss?? No? Okay. I’ll wait.” 🙂↕️
I def enjoyed this a lot but like… idk… something felt a lil off? Can’t explain it 😩 Like it was giving but not GIVINGGG yk?
If you’re into Egyptian vibes, you’ll probs eat this up tbh 🇪🇬✨ Some ppl might call it mid and honestly, I get it, but personally?? I was vibing 😌💛
The FMC??? Baddie. Doesn’t need saving. Love that for her 💅 The MMC??? Ughhh he’s just so good 🥲 Like pls sir, ruin me (respectfully) 🫠
Y’ALL. The way they literally hated each other at first 💀 I was like, “ain’t no way THESE two are endgame??” But then… PLOT TWIST. It works. It works SO WELL 🤭
Not the best fantasy I’ve ever read, it has its flaws 😭 BUT I’m definitely picking up book 2 cuz I need answers 👀📚 The plot has me in a chokehold, okay???
Anyways. That’s it. Love y’all. 🫶💛
————————————
𖤍 pre-read 𖤍
Heard that this is ACTUALLY enemies-to-lovers 👀 so ofc, I’m gonna give it a try 🙂↕️
Read
March 24, 2023The Jasad Heir takes familiar fantasy plot elements—a destroyed kingdom; a hidden heir to the lost throne—and gives them a thrilling extra layer of political complexity. The epic slow burn between protagonist and antagonist will have you frantically turning pages to find out if they’ll kiss—or finally successfully kill—each other.
July 27, 2025
Oh welcome, new favorite—if there's one book you'll preorder, make it this one. Addictive and exciting, this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy takes well-known Fantasy tropes and makes them *flourish* :
✔ the chosen one (who doesn't want to be chosen) and the overwhelming burden of other people’s expectations;
✔ a will they/ won't they (kill or kiss each other) slow-burn that WILL alter your brain chemistry;
✔ deadly trials filled with monstrous creatures and magic;
✔ war between political factions —their allure and their lies.
Set in an Egyptian-inspired world filled with myths, The Jasad Heir explores the themes of family, loyalty, finding oneself after being shaped by others all one's life, resilience, betrayal(s) and power, but it’s also about trauma—how it shapes us, and how we crave to raise above it anyway. I was hooked from the first page and in the rare moments I had to stop reading—because real life exists, rude—I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters I fell in love with:
✔ Sylvia, of course, our fierce and relatable heroine I came to adore—I loved her humour and her tenacity so much, and above everything, let it be known that I root for *her*;
✔ Arin, her enemy/reluctant ally/something-more-please-and-thank-you, is rigid, lonely, manipulative, brilliant, maybe evil, but oh-so-loyal… What's not to love, I’m asking?
✔ I also need to mention the supportive cast of characters because their interactions with our main characters were everything: from Sefa & Marek, Silvia's friends (she'll have you know that she didn't ask for that!!!!) to Beru and Wes, Arin's guards—their scenes often made me smile so big and I’d protect Effa with my life, okay?
The last chapters kept me on the edge of my seat and now I have to ask: how am I supposed to wait for the sequel? Huh?
CW:
Thanks orbit books uk for the arc!
✔ the chosen one (who doesn't want to be chosen) and the overwhelming burden of other people’s expectations;
✔ a will they/ won't they (kill or kiss each other) slow-burn that WILL alter your brain chemistry;
✔ deadly trials filled with monstrous creatures and magic;
✔ war between political factions —their allure and their lies.
Set in an Egyptian-inspired world filled with myths, The Jasad Heir explores the themes of family, loyalty, finding oneself after being shaped by others all one's life, resilience, betrayal(s) and power, but it’s also about trauma—how it shapes us, and how we crave to raise above it anyway. I was hooked from the first page and in the rare moments I had to stop reading—because real life exists, rude—I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters I fell in love with:
✔ Sylvia, of course, our fierce and relatable heroine I came to adore—I loved her humour and her tenacity so much, and above everything, let it be known that I root for *her*;
✔ Arin, her enemy/reluctant ally/something-more-please-and-thank-you, is rigid, lonely, manipulative, brilliant, maybe evil, but oh-so-loyal… What's not to love, I’m asking?
✔ I also need to mention the supportive cast of characters because their interactions with our main characters were everything: from Sefa & Marek, Silvia's friends (she'll have you know that she didn't ask for that!!!!) to Beru and Wes, Arin's guards—their scenes often made me smile so big and I’d protect Effa with my life, okay?
The last chapters kept me on the edge of my seat and now I have to ask: how am I supposed to wait for the sequel? Huh?
CW:
Thanks orbit books uk for the arc!
July 23, 2023
“What appeal can reason have in the face of your tears?”
I have been waiting for this book for a year and around four months at least. I've been so exited for it, so sure I'd love it, and there's no better feeling than proving yourself right when it comes to a book, I think.
The Jasad Heir is one of those brilliant books that sucks you in so fast and doesn't give you time to breathe until it's over and you're left in a puddle of your own tears.
THAT'S RIGHT FRIENDS, I CRIED. I have been HURT by this book to extreme levels that I'm wondering how I'm even writing this now. But it's a good kind of pain, the best, caused by the best book in the universe. I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
If I could give this 10 billion stars I would, but not even 10 billion would be enough. Sara Hashem, you have ruined me for all future books. I've said this once before, but NOW I am well and truly ruined.
I just love everything about this, the writing, the story, the characters, the setting, the magic the romance. How is it possible that everything was so perfect???
Sylvia is our main character, a Jasadi queen hiding in a village until her past catches up with her. Hers is the main PoV we follow throughout the book. The other PoV is that of Arin, the heir to another kingdom and the villain.
I have loved both of them from the moment they were introduced on page, and I kept wondering if we'd get Arin's PoV at some point. Lo and behold, we did!! I think it's only around three chapters, but I adored reading them. I hope the next book will have even more of him.
Both Sylvia and Arin developed from start to finish, I'm of the firm belief that it wouldn't have been possible if they didn't have each other.
They start off as enemies and become lovers while still wanting to end the other person, naturally. It's so delicious to read, and the fact that it's a slow burn too makes it even better. I was SUFFERING, waiting to see if they'll kiss or not. And you know what? My suffering paid off, that's all I'll say.
I also loved Sefa, Marek, Fairel, Rory, Dawoud, Wes, Jeru, Diya, all the Jasadis (even the not-so-nice ones)...
Speaking of Sefa and Marek, their relationship is unclear until a certain point where we learn that it's a relationship on the ace spectrum which is so cool!!! I was not expecting ace rep at all, if I didn't already love this book, then this would make me love it for sure.
Now let me complain about the ending and by complain I mean scream at the sky in frustration because the second book isn't available yet. Of course, we get a cliffhanger that's perfectly designed to make you frantically flip the pages hoping there's more and that it's not truly the end.
SADLY, it is the end. For now. I am not okay. I need another box of tissues and a hug. Many hugs.
If you trust my taste in fantasy books, and want to read something that's proper enemies to lovers, full of politics and magic then READ THE JASAD HEIR!!!!! You won't be disappointed.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I have been waiting for this book for a year and around four months at least. I've been so exited for it, so sure I'd love it, and there's no better feeling than proving yourself right when it comes to a book, I think.
The Jasad Heir is one of those brilliant books that sucks you in so fast and doesn't give you time to breathe until it's over and you're left in a puddle of your own tears.
THAT'S RIGHT FRIENDS, I CRIED. I have been HURT by this book to extreme levels that I'm wondering how I'm even writing this now. But it's a good kind of pain, the best, caused by the best book in the universe. I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
If I could give this 10 billion stars I would, but not even 10 billion would be enough. Sara Hashem, you have ruined me for all future books. I've said this once before, but NOW I am well and truly ruined.
I just love everything about this, the writing, the story, the characters, the setting, the magic the romance. How is it possible that everything was so perfect???
Sylvia is our main character, a Jasadi queen hiding in a village until her past catches up with her. Hers is the main PoV we follow throughout the book. The other PoV is that of Arin, the heir to another kingdom and the villain.
I have loved both of them from the moment they were introduced on page, and I kept wondering if we'd get Arin's PoV at some point. Lo and behold, we did!! I think it's only around three chapters, but I adored reading them. I hope the next book will have even more of him.
Both Sylvia and Arin developed from start to finish, I'm of the firm belief that it wouldn't have been possible if they didn't have each other.
They start off as enemies and become lovers while still wanting to end the other person, naturally. It's so delicious to read, and the fact that it's a slow burn too makes it even better. I was SUFFERING, waiting to see if they'll kiss or not. And you know what? My suffering paid off, that's all I'll say.
I also loved Sefa, Marek, Fairel, Rory, Dawoud, Wes, Jeru, Diya, all the Jasadis (even the not-so-nice ones)...
Speaking of Sefa and Marek, their relationship is unclear until a certain point where we learn that it's a relationship on the ace spectrum which is so cool!!! I was not expecting ace rep at all, if I didn't already love this book, then this would make me love it for sure.
Now let me complain about the ending and by complain I mean scream at the sky in frustration because the second book isn't available yet. Of course, we get a cliffhanger that's perfectly designed to make you frantically flip the pages hoping there's more and that it's not truly the end.
SADLY, it is the end. For now. I am not okay. I need another box of tissues and a hug. Many hugs.
If you trust my taste in fantasy books, and want to read something that's proper enemies to lovers, full of politics and magic then READ THE JASAD HEIR!!!!! You won't be disappointed.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
November 21, 2023
Overview:
💋 Enemies to Lovers
💋 Super slow burn
🤯 Twists Twists Twists
🤯 Betrayal from multiple sides
♥️ Vast expansive world
♥️ Morally grey characters
🤔 Political intrigue
⭐⭐ Read more of my reviews and get tips on the best Enemies to Lovers books by checking out my Blog, Enemies to Lovers Source ⭐⭐
I DNFed this book when I first read it, and it my opinion, it is a 5 star read and one of the most unique and fun fantasy books I've picked up this year. Let's talk about what changed.
10 years ago, Sylvia fled her homeland and went into hiding after the Nizahl kingdom invaded and laid waste to the land. As the heir to the Jasad throne, the last kingdom with dangerous magic, she and her kind are hunted to the ends of the earth, put into sham trials, and executed. She lived a life of peace until the Nizahl Heir Arin finds her in her village and chooses her to be his champion in a deadly game between kingdoms. As Sylvia trains for this competition, she must keep her identity hidden, or face death.
I will start with the book's flaw; this is a debut novel, and the first 100 pages are a tad slow with quite a bit of exposition and info dumping. Not so much that it is unreadable, but its clear the author really wants to connect you to the world but struggles to find natural places to put the information. Sara Hashem clearly has planned out every inch of her world and there is a lot of information to keep track of- yet I also found that this information is naturally expanded on as the book progresses. Moreso, you can tell that she is plotting out a massive world expansion in books following. This is a fantastic series if you like a big fantasy universe with a lot of thought put into the intricacies.
Sylvia is one of the most beautifully written main characters I've spent time with in awhile. She is a deeply conflicted person wrestling with a troubled past and the crushing guilt she feels in collaborating with the kingdom that slaughtered every person she has ever loved. Her adventure slowly begins to reveal dark details about Jasad that force her to reconcile with the past of her own people. Her story asks the reader to examine their ideas about perfect victimhood- and whether nations that perpetuate atrocities deserve to experience those atrocities inflicted on them. Why would every nation want the Jasad gone, and what does one do when an enemy is vanquished?
Sylvia herself is a survivor, and it's established early on that she does not have a lot of moral hangups when It comes to protecting herself and those she loves. She is not an "everyman" main character; but a woman plagued with a troubled past who is not afraid of using violence
Arin is the secondary main character worth talking about- the Nizahl Heir. Hia character is written strictly as a villain for a major portion of the book. Arin is an icy shrewd warlord able to swiftly sniff out secrets and lies. he is emotionally distant from his allies and brutal on his enemies- willing to kill or torture to achieve his goals.
The books is written in first person, so the characters are seen though Sylvia's point of view, thus many remain relatively mysterious. There are some fun side characters here, but they don't have a lot going on in terms of independent storylines. This actually worked for me because there are many characters that all have plot threads connected to Sylvia, and her relationships with all of them range from warm and emotional to devastating. I was particularly affected by her relationships with certain characters from her past that show up a bit later in the story. The other characters of note appear in the back half of the story: the nobles of the kingdoms and their selected champions. This includes a manipulative and fearsome sultena, an axe wielding brute, and a whole cast of interesting characters.
But how is the enemies to lovers promise?
The romance in the book is easily one of the best I've read in fantasy fullstop. This is the slowest burn possible. every single moment between these characters is earned. Arin and Sylvia start out as enemies when she is captured. He isn't seen as a handsome rogue- she truly sees him as a detestable monster who is beyond humanity. Because both characters are deeply broken, romance and attraction is not on their minds. Instead, the two slowly grow to trust each other as reluctant allies and then friends. Feelings play a part only towards the end of the book.
If you like romance where the leads attempt to kill each other and don't feel shy about harming each other, this one is for you. Sara Hashem creates a truly national progression to romance that starts with bitter enemies from different factions carrying prejudice and hate with them. She carefully plans a story where each plot points brings the characters closer to each other against their will.
Sometimes there is banter, but the book strays away from "two quick witted people shooting off Joss Whedon lines at each other" focusing on darker conflicts between the two. Namely, Arin is predudice against Sylvia's people. His father destroyed her lands. He genuinely fears the power that magic has and carries the generational trauma of that; motivating what he does and how he treats others. The pair struggle to feel safe under normal circumstances, but working together to achieve a goal puts the mistrust both of them have to the test.
This is NOT a romance where the main character's heart flutters right away, or the villain love interest does something shockingly sweet early in the book. Arin and Sylvia are ice cold, and their adventures with each other thaw years of trauma and social conditioning. The Jasad Heir truly is the story of two broken people harming and hating each other because they can't fathom a world where love and companionship is possible for them.
The Jasad Heir sometimes demands work from you. Its not always an easy read, but it works to reward you at every turn with shocking twists, excellent character development, and a 5 star romance.
💋 Enemies to Lovers
💋 Super slow burn
🤯 Twists Twists Twists
🤯 Betrayal from multiple sides
♥️ Vast expansive world
♥️ Morally grey characters
🤔 Political intrigue
⭐⭐ Read more of my reviews and get tips on the best Enemies to Lovers books by checking out my Blog, Enemies to Lovers Source ⭐⭐
I DNFed this book when I first read it, and it my opinion, it is a 5 star read and one of the most unique and fun fantasy books I've picked up this year. Let's talk about what changed.
10 years ago, Sylvia fled her homeland and went into hiding after the Nizahl kingdom invaded and laid waste to the land. As the heir to the Jasad throne, the last kingdom with dangerous magic, she and her kind are hunted to the ends of the earth, put into sham trials, and executed. She lived a life of peace until the Nizahl Heir Arin finds her in her village and chooses her to be his champion in a deadly game between kingdoms. As Sylvia trains for this competition, she must keep her identity hidden, or face death.
I will start with the book's flaw; this is a debut novel, and the first 100 pages are a tad slow with quite a bit of exposition and info dumping. Not so much that it is unreadable, but its clear the author really wants to connect you to the world but struggles to find natural places to put the information. Sara Hashem clearly has planned out every inch of her world and there is a lot of information to keep track of- yet I also found that this information is naturally expanded on as the book progresses. Moreso, you can tell that she is plotting out a massive world expansion in books following. This is a fantastic series if you like a big fantasy universe with a lot of thought put into the intricacies.
Sylvia is one of the most beautifully written main characters I've spent time with in awhile. She is a deeply conflicted person wrestling with a troubled past and the crushing guilt she feels in collaborating with the kingdom that slaughtered every person she has ever loved. Her adventure slowly begins to reveal dark details about Jasad that force her to reconcile with the past of her own people. Her story asks the reader to examine their ideas about perfect victimhood- and whether nations that perpetuate atrocities deserve to experience those atrocities inflicted on them. Why would every nation want the Jasad gone, and what does one do when an enemy is vanquished?
Sylvia herself is a survivor, and it's established early on that she does not have a lot of moral hangups when It comes to protecting herself and those she loves. She is not an "everyman" main character; but a woman plagued with a troubled past who is not afraid of using violence
Arin is the secondary main character worth talking about- the Nizahl Heir. Hia character is written strictly as a villain for a major portion of the book. Arin is an icy shrewd warlord able to swiftly sniff out secrets and lies. he is emotionally distant from his allies and brutal on his enemies- willing to kill or torture to achieve his goals.
The books is written in first person, so the characters are seen though Sylvia's point of view, thus many remain relatively mysterious. There are some fun side characters here, but they don't have a lot going on in terms of independent storylines. This actually worked for me because there are many characters that all have plot threads connected to Sylvia, and her relationships with all of them range from warm and emotional to devastating. I was particularly affected by her relationships with certain characters from her past that show up a bit later in the story. The other characters of note appear in the back half of the story: the nobles of the kingdoms and their selected champions. This includes a manipulative and fearsome sultena, an axe wielding brute, and a whole cast of interesting characters.
But how is the enemies to lovers promise?
The romance in the book is easily one of the best I've read in fantasy fullstop. This is the slowest burn possible. every single moment between these characters is earned. Arin and Sylvia start out as enemies when she is captured. He isn't seen as a handsome rogue- she truly sees him as a detestable monster who is beyond humanity. Because both characters are deeply broken, romance and attraction is not on their minds. Instead, the two slowly grow to trust each other as reluctant allies and then friends. Feelings play a part only towards the end of the book.
If you like romance where the leads attempt to kill each other and don't feel shy about harming each other, this one is for you. Sara Hashem creates a truly national progression to romance that starts with bitter enemies from different factions carrying prejudice and hate with them. She carefully plans a story where each plot points brings the characters closer to each other against their will.
Sometimes there is banter, but the book strays away from "two quick witted people shooting off Joss Whedon lines at each other" focusing on darker conflicts between the two. Namely, Arin is predudice against Sylvia's people. His father destroyed her lands. He genuinely fears the power that magic has and carries the generational trauma of that; motivating what he does and how he treats others. The pair struggle to feel safe under normal circumstances, but working together to achieve a goal puts the mistrust both of them have to the test.
This is NOT a romance where the main character's heart flutters right away, or the villain love interest does something shockingly sweet early in the book. Arin and Sylvia are ice cold, and their adventures with each other thaw years of trauma and social conditioning. The Jasad Heir truly is the story of two broken people harming and hating each other because they can't fathom a world where love and companionship is possible for them.
The Jasad Heir sometimes demands work from you. Its not always an easy read, but it works to reward you at every turn with shocking twists, excellent character development, and a 5 star romance.
August 29, 2023
I finally finished this! Whew what a struggle
It started off so well and I was so invested and intrigued but towards the middle it started to drag, I was promised a deadly tournament however that didn’t even start until 3/4 of the book.
My main issue with this story was the fact the main character has cuffs on her wrist that prohibits her from using her magic, she was held hostage for 5 years and tortured and still her magic didn’t work. However as the story progressed she was able to not only use her magic with the cuffs but use it whenever she wanted… how??
Unfortunately I didn’t buy the romance either, it was once again a promising start with true enemies to lovers vibes but to me there was no slow build it was 300+ pages of enemies then the next minute there in love…when did this happen!
I was going to give it a 3⭐️ but as I read through the ending I just realised I’m not enjoying this at all its taken me all month to even read it even accompanied with the audiobook I just couldn’t bring myself to care for these characters or plot
It started off so well and I was so invested and intrigued but towards the middle it started to drag, I was promised a deadly tournament however that didn’t even start until 3/4 of the book.
My main issue with this story was the fact the main character has cuffs on her wrist that prohibits her from using her magic, she was held hostage for 5 years and tortured and still her magic didn’t work. However as the story progressed she was able to not only use her magic with the cuffs but use it whenever she wanted… how??
Unfortunately I didn’t buy the romance either, it was once again a promising start with true enemies to lovers vibes but to me there was no slow build it was 300+ pages of enemies then the next minute there in love…when did this happen!
I was going to give it a 3⭐️ but as I read through the ending I just realised I’m not enjoying this at all its taken me all month to even read it even accompanied with the audiobook I just couldn’t bring myself to care for these characters or plot
August 23, 2025
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 4.2 - 4.4 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ㅤ I have really struggled to find the most suitable way to describe this book, and I think I have found a description that seems to do it at least SOME justice: this book is cultural opulence wrapped in a slow-burning romance. I ventured in hoping for political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a spark of forbidden romance that would entirely take my breath away—and while I got all of that beautifully wrapped in this book, I also found myself exhilarated and exasperated in equal measure.
ㅤ ㅤ “She had the temperament of a deranged goose. Every interaction he’d shared with her had thoroughly convinced him he was not dealing with a stable woman.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ The Jasad Heir drops you into a world where secrets are practically a currency and the characters guard theirs like dragon hoards. Our elusive heir is a master of speaking in loaded half-sentences and conveying entire arguments through a single, well-timed glare. Emotional openness? That’s for lesser mortals.
ㅤ Beneath all the frost lies a slow-burn tangle of lineage, betrayal, and shifting loyalties, where every alliance feels as fragile as porcelain. You’ll spend much of the book deciphering glances and pauses, but when the emotional armour finally cracks it’s enough to make the whole guarded journey worth it.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The world-building in this book is absolutely and utterly mesmerising. The world feels alive, with a rich mythology, cuisine, language, and ritual. The Egyptian influence dominates every scene, from the whispered legends of magic to the clink of ceremonial blades. I was so immersed that I felt like I'd walked into a live tapestry rather than just a collection of pages.
ㅤ But—and this is the big but that also made me slightly reduce the rating of this book—when your world is rooted in a real culture, you must bring your readers into it. I’m really thankful for Google's existence, because being dropped into dozens of cultural elements and rituals without a single guide or explanation for 100+ pages is exhausting. A glossary is something that this book urgently needed and I would be really grateful if authors started considering adding one to their books when they plan to create an imaginary world of such cultural richness and influence. I only finally managed to start understanding the terms and the things I was reading about around the 30% mark; readers shouldn’t need such patience and extra research as a prerequisite for reading a book.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't particularly find myself compelled to say anything of utter importance concerning the writing in this book. Not spellbinding, but quietly elegant. The simplicity was a gift, given how info-heavy the setting is. The author's voice never distracts from the world, but rather, it times the load of history with clarity.
ㅤ The only issue I found myself having while reading this book is that sometimes it was simply hard for me to understand what was happening. I was only realising what was going on about halfway through the action itself. Probably smoother transitions and a better description would’ve helped.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I am unsure whether the following statement I found myself thinking about this book is something bad or good in this situation: the narrative resembles a cultural immersion rather than a fast-paced plot progression.. There are trials, tension, and secrets, of course, but for nearly 200 pages, the action simmers rather than erupts. I wanted more moments of friendship and camaraderie—not romance, but rather a connection rooted in shared struggle meant to bring the characters closer and build something between them.
ㅤ Sylvia’s inner world is intoxicating and fascinating (maybe because I saw glimpses of myself reflected in her character), but I craved external bonding; something beyond the looming war and conspiracies.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ You know I live for slow-burn romance, and this delivered real slooooow burn with two incredibly complex characters who barely tolerate each other. Sylvia and Arin are viciously honest, sharp-tongued, cold, and distrustful and then… something shifts. The first glimpse of a spark arrives even later than halfway through the book, and everything thereafter tingles with very discreet “Will they? Won’t they?” moments.
ㅤ There’s no insta-lust, no sudden thought of “she’s so gorgeous” or “he’s so handsome”, and this was honestly a breath of fresh air in this sea of fake enemies-to-lovers/slow-burn romance books that have been dominating the market lately. This book reminds everyone what enemies-to-lovers should look like. Just carefully guarded walls and tiny gestures that threaten to crack them. It’s brilliant. But if you’re here for rainbows and grand declarations, dim those romantic expectations. It’s subtle, nuanced, and utterly, deeply rewarding.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The Ending? Heart-ripping and perfect. It lands fast, with all the emotional consequences swirling around the characters and the reader. Felt a bit rushed, yes, but the gut-punch of misunderstanding, revelation, and sudden heartbreak was worth every slow-building second.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ These characters wield potentials, secrets, and snark, some more effectively than others, and I was entirely here for any moment of it.
ㅤ 𓇼 Sylvia/Essiya – The lost Heir of Jasad, shaped by genocide, exile, and dangerous magic. For years, she suppresses her identity with both invisible cuffs and icy emotional walls. Her survival instincts are razor-sharp and she calculates, hides, and lashes out first, asks questions later at any given chance. Sounds exactly like my ideal type of character, right?
ㅤ Yet this is both her strength and her curse. Sylvia’s trauma is real, but Christ, it bottlenecks her arc. She’s compelling in a flash, but she reflexively recoils from connection, from hope, from anything. She gradually learns to lean into buried identity and draw power from it, yes, but slow burn doesn't excuse emotional stiffness. I deserved more moments of vulnerability that weren’t fear-driven.
ㅤ 𓇼 Arin – Frosty. Strategic. Brooding; and a bit creepy when you remember he plans to hunt Sylvia’s entire people. But over time, his rigid armour reveals cracks: small acts of mercy, political restraint, and an increasingly empathic gaze toward the very person he should arrest. The slow burn of respect turning into something more; it's that perfectly flavoured slow torture I never knew I craved. Still, at times, he reads like a textbook brooding hero, except slightly more interesting.
ㅤ He reminded me, at times, of a much more intriguing and captivating Aaron Warner, and he reminded me even more of myself; which is probably why I found myself completely addicted to him as a character. I simply cannot wait for more of his POVs in the second book...
ㅤ 𓇼 Marek & Sefa – Ride-or-die allies with secrets and scars. Marek is heartfelt steadfastness personified; Sefa is the fiercely loyal protector. They care for Sylvia in invisible ways—sharing favourite treats, watering magical plants, and walking dangerous paths for her without hesitation. They grounded the narrative’s emotional core like anchors of humanity in Sylvia’s isolated life.
ㅤ 𓇼 Wes & Jeru – Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I really need to see more of these characters in the second book. It felt like they are for Arin what Sefa and Marek are for Sylvia, and I truly want to see this loyalty bloom even more beautifully in the second book.
ㅤ 𓇼 The Jasadi Rebels – Dearest faceless ghosts of Jasad, pulsing with rage and longing. They're Sylvia’s potential redemption—not just politically, but emotionally. She sees them as symbols, not people. They push her toward the crown she’s evading, but we see so little of them as individuals that they remain atmospheric rather than essential.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Yes— especially if you hunger for immersive fantasy, cultural depth, enemies-to-lovers simmer, and morally grey characters. Otherwise, proceed with caution if you're after adrenaline, immediate friendships, or openly romantic arcs; this will test your patience in all possible ways.
Verdict? Rich, patient, hauntingly tender. Just bring a glossary and a friend to talk it through with.
ㅤ I’m already into the second book as I am finishing writing this, and I can say that I am completely addicted. The Jasad Heir is definitely a lush debut that both challenges and enchants—and, when digested properly, stays with you long after the last page.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆09-August-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ happy "Book Lovers" day to everyone! And what better way to celebrate it than finally starting the duology I've been dying to read for a long time now!
Hope this is as good as you all convinced me it will be 👀
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ㅤ I have really struggled to find the most suitable way to describe this book, and I think I have found a description that seems to do it at least SOME justice: this book is cultural opulence wrapped in a slow-burning romance. I ventured in hoping for political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a spark of forbidden romance that would entirely take my breath away—and while I got all of that beautifully wrapped in this book, I also found myself exhilarated and exasperated in equal measure.
ㅤ ㅤ “She had the temperament of a deranged goose. Every interaction he’d shared with her had thoroughly convinced him he was not dealing with a stable woman.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ The Jasad Heir drops you into a world where secrets are practically a currency and the characters guard theirs like dragon hoards. Our elusive heir is a master of speaking in loaded half-sentences and conveying entire arguments through a single, well-timed glare. Emotional openness? That’s for lesser mortals.
ㅤ Beneath all the frost lies a slow-burn tangle of lineage, betrayal, and shifting loyalties, where every alliance feels as fragile as porcelain. You’ll spend much of the book deciphering glances and pauses, but when the emotional armour finally cracks it’s enough to make the whole guarded journey worth it.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The world-building in this book is absolutely and utterly mesmerising. The world feels alive, with a rich mythology, cuisine, language, and ritual. The Egyptian influence dominates every scene, from the whispered legends of magic to the clink of ceremonial blades. I was so immersed that I felt like I'd walked into a live tapestry rather than just a collection of pages.
ㅤ But—and this is the big but that also made me slightly reduce the rating of this book—when your world is rooted in a real culture, you must bring your readers into it. I’m really thankful for Google's existence, because being dropped into dozens of cultural elements and rituals without a single guide or explanation for 100+ pages is exhausting. A glossary is something that this book urgently needed and I would be really grateful if authors started considering adding one to their books when they plan to create an imaginary world of such cultural richness and influence. I only finally managed to start understanding the terms and the things I was reading about around the 30% mark; readers shouldn’t need such patience and extra research as a prerequisite for reading a book.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't particularly find myself compelled to say anything of utter importance concerning the writing in this book. Not spellbinding, but quietly elegant. The simplicity was a gift, given how info-heavy the setting is. The author's voice never distracts from the world, but rather, it times the load of history with clarity.
ㅤ The only issue I found myself having while reading this book is that sometimes it was simply hard for me to understand what was happening. I was only realising what was going on about halfway through the action itself. Probably smoother transitions and a better description would’ve helped.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I am unsure whether the following statement I found myself thinking about this book is something bad or good in this situation: the narrative resembles a cultural immersion rather than a fast-paced plot progression.. There are trials, tension, and secrets, of course, but for nearly 200 pages, the action simmers rather than erupts. I wanted more moments of friendship and camaraderie—not romance, but rather a connection rooted in shared struggle meant to bring the characters closer and build something between them.
ㅤ Sylvia’s inner world is intoxicating and fascinating (maybe because I saw glimpses of myself reflected in her character), but I craved external bonding; something beyond the looming war and conspiracies.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ You know I live for slow-burn romance, and this delivered real slooooow burn with two incredibly complex characters who barely tolerate each other. Sylvia and Arin are viciously honest, sharp-tongued, cold, and distrustful and then… something shifts. The first glimpse of a spark arrives even later than halfway through the book, and everything thereafter tingles with very discreet “Will they? Won’t they?” moments.
ㅤ There’s no insta-lust, no sudden thought of “she’s so gorgeous” or “he’s so handsome”, and this was honestly a breath of fresh air in this sea of fake enemies-to-lovers/slow-burn romance books that have been dominating the market lately. This book reminds everyone what enemies-to-lovers should look like. Just carefully guarded walls and tiny gestures that threaten to crack them. It’s brilliant. But if you’re here for rainbows and grand declarations, dim those romantic expectations. It’s subtle, nuanced, and utterly, deeply rewarding.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The Ending? Heart-ripping and perfect. It lands fast, with all the emotional consequences swirling around the characters and the reader. Felt a bit rushed, yes, but the gut-punch of misunderstanding, revelation, and sudden heartbreak was worth every slow-building second.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ These characters wield potentials, secrets, and snark, some more effectively than others, and I was entirely here for any moment of it.
ㅤ 𓇼 Sylvia/Essiya – The lost Heir of Jasad, shaped by genocide, exile, and dangerous magic. For years, she suppresses her identity with both invisible cuffs and icy emotional walls. Her survival instincts are razor-sharp and she calculates, hides, and lashes out first, asks questions later at any given chance. Sounds exactly like my ideal type of character, right?
ㅤ Yet this is both her strength and her curse. Sylvia’s trauma is real, but Christ, it bottlenecks her arc. She’s compelling in a flash, but she reflexively recoils from connection, from hope, from anything. She gradually learns to lean into buried identity and draw power from it, yes, but slow burn doesn't excuse emotional stiffness. I deserved more moments of vulnerability that weren’t fear-driven.
ㅤ 𓇼 Arin – Frosty. Strategic. Brooding; and a bit creepy when you remember he plans to hunt Sylvia’s entire people. But over time, his rigid armour reveals cracks: small acts of mercy, political restraint, and an increasingly empathic gaze toward the very person he should arrest. The slow burn of respect turning into something more; it's that perfectly flavoured slow torture I never knew I craved. Still, at times, he reads like a textbook brooding hero, except slightly more interesting.
ㅤ He reminded me, at times, of a much more intriguing and captivating Aaron Warner, and he reminded me even more of myself; which is probably why I found myself completely addicted to him as a character. I simply cannot wait for more of his POVs in the second book...
ㅤ 𓇼 Marek & Sefa – Ride-or-die allies with secrets and scars. Marek is heartfelt steadfastness personified; Sefa is the fiercely loyal protector. They care for Sylvia in invisible ways—sharing favourite treats, watering magical plants, and walking dangerous paths for her without hesitation. They grounded the narrative’s emotional core like anchors of humanity in Sylvia’s isolated life.
ㅤ 𓇼 Wes & Jeru – Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I really need to see more of these characters in the second book. It felt like they are for Arin what Sefa and Marek are for Sylvia, and I truly want to see this loyalty bloom even more beautifully in the second book.
ㅤ 𓇼 The Jasadi Rebels – Dearest faceless ghosts of Jasad, pulsing with rage and longing. They're Sylvia’s potential redemption—not just politically, but emotionally. She sees them as symbols, not people. They push her toward the crown she’s evading, but we see so little of them as individuals that they remain atmospheric rather than essential.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Yes— especially if you hunger for immersive fantasy, cultural depth, enemies-to-lovers simmer, and morally grey characters. Otherwise, proceed with caution if you're after adrenaline, immediate friendships, or openly romantic arcs; this will test your patience in all possible ways.
Verdict? Rich, patient, hauntingly tender. Just bring a glossary and a friend to talk it through with.
ㅤ I’m already into the second book as I am finishing writing this, and I can say that I am completely addicted. The Jasad Heir is definitely a lush debut that both challenges and enchants—and, when digested properly, stays with you long after the last page.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆09-August-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ happy "Book Lovers" day to everyone! And what better way to celebrate it than finally starting the duology I've been dying to read for a long time now!
Hope this is as good as you all convinced me it will be 👀
March 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Whilst I loved the premise and the plot and the characters, it all felt kinda surface level. I got confused at certain points (especially in the second half) as the plot seemed to move along but with no explanations of what was happening. There were so many characters and places it was kinda hard to keep track of them all too.
(Side note - these issues could just be a me problem as I only managed to read a chapter, or a few, at a time so it was probably interrupting the flow of the story.
Also another side note as I feel it’s important - I read it so slowly but that wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy the book I was just in a slump).
But overall I love the whole world and storyline so I’m hoping the next book is better! One thing that was done really well though was the romance subplot!! This is true enemies to lovers 🤌🏻
—————————
been in a bit of a slump lately so I chose this at random, fingers crossed it helps 🤞🏻
Whilst I loved the premise and the plot and the characters, it all felt kinda surface level. I got confused at certain points (especially in the second half) as the plot seemed to move along but with no explanations of what was happening. There were so many characters and places it was kinda hard to keep track of them all too.
(Side note - these issues could just be a me problem as I only managed to read a chapter, or a few, at a time so it was probably interrupting the flow of the story.
Also another side note as I feel it’s important - I read it so slowly but that wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy the book I was just in a slump).
But overall I love the whole world and storyline so I’m hoping the next book is better! One thing that was done really well though was the romance subplot!! This is true enemies to lovers 🤌🏻
—————————
been in a bit of a slump lately so I chose this at random, fingers crossed it helps 🤞🏻
August 23, 2025
“Oh, my sweet Sylvia.. the way most men love is so boring. Arin would love to obsession. To madness. If asked, he would get on his knees and let it kill him.”
you know who else was on their knees? ME 🧎♀️
i really enjoyed this one, Arin was 100% the highlight of the book. i also loved that there were trials involved. Sylvia has these cuffs on her wrists that restrain her magic and keeps it hidden, while she also has to never reveal her true name either. Arin is the Nizahl heir, which makes him the enemy of Sylvia and puts them on opposing sides. until Arin decides to choose Sylvia to be his champion for the trials, slowly making them grow closer in the process. i loved Arin.. he’s so intentional and the slow burn was killing me. there were some reveals in the plot that i found predictable but it didnt hinder my enjoyment at all. i kept seeing people say they found the second half confusing and i didn’t have that problem? the only thing I’d say was that there were some names and terms that kind of went over my head.
you know who else was on their knees? ME 🧎♀️
i really enjoyed this one, Arin was 100% the highlight of the book. i also loved that there were trials involved. Sylvia has these cuffs on her wrists that restrain her magic and keeps it hidden, while she also has to never reveal her true name either. Arin is the Nizahl heir, which makes him the enemy of Sylvia and puts them on opposing sides. until Arin decides to choose Sylvia to be his champion for the trials, slowly making them grow closer in the process. i loved Arin.. he’s so intentional and the slow burn was killing me. there were some reveals in the plot that i found predictable but it didnt hinder my enjoyment at all. i kept seeing people say they found the second half confusing and i didn’t have that problem? the only thing I’d say was that there were some names and terms that kind of went over my head.
August 28, 2025
⁀ ⊹ ₊ Shame is a dangerous feeling to manipulate. Pull at the string too many times, and it will eventually snap into apathy.
i gotta set the scene: i was so beyond hyped for this book, it's not even funny. i'm talking full-on biased from the jump. the character fanarts had me in a chokehold and all that. it had been a literal eon since i read a proper high fantasy, so my expectations were through the roof. what could go wrong, right? well we'll get to that.
but let's start with the absolute slay factor, because the characters were chef's kiss. sara hashem understood the assignment and then some. essiya and arin are, without a doubt, the main highlight of this entire book, and i am OBSESSED. their character designs in my head were just as good as the fanart, which is rare. they are both ridiculously hot, and the vibe they bring had me screaming.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ I wanted to cut him open and compare our bones to understand why his gave him grace and mine gave me back pain.
now, about their dynamic, this isn't "oh no, i hate him but he's so fucking hot" enemies-to-lovers. they loved to play stabby stabbg game, and it's iconic. essiya is the presumed dead jasad heir, basically a legend everyone thinks is gone for good. arin, on the other hand, is the heir of nyzhal, whose whole entire deal is hunting down and eliminating every single jasadi he can find. this setup added so much delicious mouth watering, coochie trobbing tension and depth to every single interaction. every moment they were forced to be in the same space i was giggling.
okay, now for the part where things got a bit messy. real talk, for a significant portion of this book, i'm talking past the 50% mark, it just kept dragging. and dragging. and dragging some more. there was so much unnecessary information, so many repetitive scenes, and nothing really felt like it was happening. i'm usually pretty chill when it comes to pacing, but even my attention span was struggling. there were multiple points where i seriously considered dnfing it. and finally what felt like a thousand years, i was able to finish this book.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ You want to be hunted?” A branch snapped somewhere below me. “Then I will gladly grant your wish."
as someone who saw the huge potential floating beneath the surface, primarily because of essiya and arin, i somehow managed to stick with it. and glad i did, because the ending was actually done really well. it finally picked up the pace, delivered some much needed action, and left me on a cliffhanger that actually made me gasp.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ All your choices require sacrifice. The question is, what are you willing to lose?
i will absolutely be picking up the second book. my heart needs to know what happens next with my faves.
July 15, 2023
"Your soldiers cannot take me to your kingdom and put me before a court, because I do not exist. According to your history texts, I died almost eleven years ago. I burned to death alongside my grandparents and a dozen others. I believe my crown was taken for display in a war monument. Tell me, how can the dead stand trial for the living?"
A kingdom in ruin, the royalty massacred, a race hunted and persecuted, magic outlawed. Welcome to The Jasad Heir, the stunningly fiery debut by Sara Hashem.
Jasad was once a powerful kingdom, rich with culture, prosperity and magic. Jasadi’s thrived and lived freely until the fateful events which lead the Nizahl armies to burn their lands, kill their people, prohibit magic and annihilate every last royal. Or so they thought. Sylvia is the Jasad Heir, the sole survivor after her entire ruling family were brutally murdered at the Blood Summit. In the aftermath across the four kingdoms of Omal, Lukub, Orban and Nizahl, formerly known as Jasad, the Jasadi race are hunted by Nizahl soldiers and put to trial for any illegal use of magic. No Jasadi can live openly and no Jasadi is shown mercy by Supreme Rawain. Sylvia, now living in a quiet village in Omal spending her days apprenticed to a chemist, has mastered the art of concealing her true identity and has little desire to be found. Yet underneath her magic burns with rage. When the Nizahl Heir, Arin, visits the village of Mahair in Omal for the traditional Waleema celebration, Sylvia unwittingly captures her most feared enemy’s attention. What follows from then is a game of high stakes, for Sylvia must become the Nizahl Champion in the Alcahal, a game of three deadly trials where the winner receives much wealth and ultimate freedom, and she must also enter a bargain with Arin and aid him in the capture of two Jasadi rebel factions. As the chains that bind Sylvia tighten from all sides she must choose whether to seek freedom for herself or to free her people.
In the opening chapters we learn a great deal about the four kingdoms as Sylvia reluctantly remembers her past. This did take some time for me to fully comprehend and to visualise where all these places were in relation to one another. My ARC didn’t include a map and so I was struggling, but fortunately I was able to message the author and Hashem was kind enough to send me a digital copy. Immediately the detailed map clarified everything and I was able to immerse myself into the story, which kicks events into action rather rapidly. Readers are delved into a world that is filled with much political strife dating back many centuries ago before the Nizahl armies were even formed. Here is where Hashem seamlessly blends together history, politics and mythology. The roots to the downfall and suppression of Jasad began when the Jasad Awal, a godlike figure of pure magic, lost control and burnt his own followers. From then each kingdom’s Awal began their slumber and as a result each kingdom began to lose their magic—except Jasad which still thrived and thus remained powerful. We all know power breeds corruption but it also breeds jealousy. As the novel progresses we discover how far the Nizahl strayed from their original purpose, how much was lost and the blood that had been spilt, and how history became distorted. Buried or suppressed truths is a key theme throughout, it is a concept we are familiar with even today, and I feel Hashem explores this superbly as she shows that all political sides of this war, in various ways, are at fault. No one’s hands are entirely clean.
"There is much you don't know about me, but understand this: I will fight for my freedom until my last breath. You took it away, and you cannot fault how ardently I choose to take it back. Until you have felt hunted, less than human, rejected from the moment you were born for something you did not ask for and cannot control—until then, do not speak to me of martyrs and mercenaries."
Speaking of dirty hands, this leads me to discuss our cast of wilful characters. My favourite kind of characters are those that are morally grey, that have goodness and darkness within them, that have a complicated, often traumatic backstory. Well Sylvia and Arin fulfilled all of this. Sylvia’s questionable actions throughout show she holds many dark secrets—she does not shy away from violence, her mind is always two steps ahead predicting the outcome of a situation before it happens and it is clear she has been shaped to think this way. Sylvia has been trained to survive knowing exactly when to fight and when to be submissive, to bide her time and plan her escape. Yet for all her strong, practical demeanour she has also faced much trauma and abuse in her life, which have inevitably left scars. She cannot tolerate anyone to physically touch her, she cannot accept kindness, friendship or love. Hashem uses Sylvia’s first person narration to reveal her true thoughts, her true intentions and though we build a picture of Sylvia being quite selfish in her self preservation, we do come to understand why. In turn I came to love her character all the more for this understanding. Fear, grief and rage consume Sylvia but her character grows slowly, naturally, and by the end she leaves us in awe.
As headstrong as Sylvia is, so too is our Nizahl Heir, Arin. On first appearances Arin seems to live up to his feared reputation as the tyrant Heir, but as we read on we discover that his character is far from what he seems. Piece by piece Arin’s acts of mercy, his code of honour shines through. For example in the poorer regions of Nizahl, Arin’s newly installed laws help those in need, restricting the age of those who could be conscripted into the Nizahl army and ensuring the families of those who are conscripted are provided for. We cannot mistake his character as any less dangerous though, as shown when those around him betray or cross his path, but Arin is certainly not a character prone to unnecessary acts of cruelty. What I loved most was his fiery connection towards Sylvia. The fantasy genre has seen a resurgence of the enemies to lovers trope, and whilst I’ve read a few of these myself recently, none have been as subtlety developed as Hashem does here. Sylvia has the ability to get under Arin’s skin, to rile him up, to make him blush. As he so eloquently puts it, Sylvia has the temperament of a “deranged goose” and he’s not wrong! Yet slowly she breaks through Arin’s hard exterior and they begin to understand one another. Their relationship maturely blossoms yet also retains its element of fun with their witty banter!
Romance, however, is not at the forefront of this novel, I believe the friendships hold a much more prominent part. Once again, Hashem shows herself to be the master of slow-burn, mature relationships. Marek and Sefa were two characters I adored right from the onset, they both show their love for Sylvia in the most tender ways given that Sylvia is a somewhat difficult person to become close to. Then again, once you find friends that will help you dispose of a dead body with no questions asked, you should never let those people go and this is something that Sylvia comes to realise! However what impressed me was the way, given Sylvia’s aversion to affection, they both respect her wishes and keep their physical contact minimal showing affection in other ways by gifting her favourite sesame seed candies or by caring for her plants or even, later on, by plotting to rescue even when it risks their own lives. They love her even though she tells them she doesn’t deserve it, they often do what she would not in return. In my eyes, that is true friendship.
“You entered a world where magic is corrosive and Jasadis are inherently evil. I entered one where turning a shoe into a dove made my mother laugh. Have you considered, in that infinite mind of yours, that the truly brilliant people are the ones who understand the realities we build were already built for us?"
Hashem often takes many fantasy tropes and portrays them in impressive ways. The most significant ones being the lost heir and the reluctant hero which is at the heart of this novel. However, I’ve always loved the forbidden magic trope and Hashem explores this fantastically too. Though magic has been outlawed there are remnants of its existence throughout the world. Certain monsters, inspired from Egyptian mythology, still persist and are drawn by magic, and the Jasadi rebels, the Mufsids and the Urabi, use it in their uprising. During these scenes I loved visualising the powers that the world once inhabited. Nevertheless in order for Sylvia’s identity to remain hidden she must keep her magic concealed, not that she can use it much anyway, but also entering a Champions game where her biggest advantage to win is her magic, proves somewhat difficult. Following Sylvia overcoming all the obstacles of her forbidden magic throws at her was deliciously entertaining, particularly in those last few explosive chapters.
Hashem has well and truly grabbed my attention—this first instalment of The Scorched Throne duology absolutely triumphs. The Jasad Heir blazes with rich worldbuilding, compelling characters and magic that will leave you singed.
“One day, I would stand trial before the spirits of my dead. One day, the bodies I never buried would call upon me to answer for my sins. One day, but not today.”
ARC provided by Nazia at Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy! All quotes used are taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
The Jasad Heir is out 20th July 2023
A kingdom in ruin, the royalty massacred, a race hunted and persecuted, magic outlawed. Welcome to The Jasad Heir, the stunningly fiery debut by Sara Hashem.
Jasad was once a powerful kingdom, rich with culture, prosperity and magic. Jasadi’s thrived and lived freely until the fateful events which lead the Nizahl armies to burn their lands, kill their people, prohibit magic and annihilate every last royal. Or so they thought. Sylvia is the Jasad Heir, the sole survivor after her entire ruling family were brutally murdered at the Blood Summit. In the aftermath across the four kingdoms of Omal, Lukub, Orban and Nizahl, formerly known as Jasad, the Jasadi race are hunted by Nizahl soldiers and put to trial for any illegal use of magic. No Jasadi can live openly and no Jasadi is shown mercy by Supreme Rawain. Sylvia, now living in a quiet village in Omal spending her days apprenticed to a chemist, has mastered the art of concealing her true identity and has little desire to be found. Yet underneath her magic burns with rage. When the Nizahl Heir, Arin, visits the village of Mahair in Omal for the traditional Waleema celebration, Sylvia unwittingly captures her most feared enemy’s attention. What follows from then is a game of high stakes, for Sylvia must become the Nizahl Champion in the Alcahal, a game of three deadly trials where the winner receives much wealth and ultimate freedom, and she must also enter a bargain with Arin and aid him in the capture of two Jasadi rebel factions. As the chains that bind Sylvia tighten from all sides she must choose whether to seek freedom for herself or to free her people.
In the opening chapters we learn a great deal about the four kingdoms as Sylvia reluctantly remembers her past. This did take some time for me to fully comprehend and to visualise where all these places were in relation to one another. My ARC didn’t include a map and so I was struggling, but fortunately I was able to message the author and Hashem was kind enough to send me a digital copy. Immediately the detailed map clarified everything and I was able to immerse myself into the story, which kicks events into action rather rapidly. Readers are delved into a world that is filled with much political strife dating back many centuries ago before the Nizahl armies were even formed. Here is where Hashem seamlessly blends together history, politics and mythology. The roots to the downfall and suppression of Jasad began when the Jasad Awal, a godlike figure of pure magic, lost control and burnt his own followers. From then each kingdom’s Awal began their slumber and as a result each kingdom began to lose their magic—except Jasad which still thrived and thus remained powerful. We all know power breeds corruption but it also breeds jealousy. As the novel progresses we discover how far the Nizahl strayed from their original purpose, how much was lost and the blood that had been spilt, and how history became distorted. Buried or suppressed truths is a key theme throughout, it is a concept we are familiar with even today, and I feel Hashem explores this superbly as she shows that all political sides of this war, in various ways, are at fault. No one’s hands are entirely clean.
"There is much you don't know about me, but understand this: I will fight for my freedom until my last breath. You took it away, and you cannot fault how ardently I choose to take it back. Until you have felt hunted, less than human, rejected from the moment you were born for something you did not ask for and cannot control—until then, do not speak to me of martyrs and mercenaries."
Speaking of dirty hands, this leads me to discuss our cast of wilful characters. My favourite kind of characters are those that are morally grey, that have goodness and darkness within them, that have a complicated, often traumatic backstory. Well Sylvia and Arin fulfilled all of this. Sylvia’s questionable actions throughout show she holds many dark secrets—she does not shy away from violence, her mind is always two steps ahead predicting the outcome of a situation before it happens and it is clear she has been shaped to think this way. Sylvia has been trained to survive knowing exactly when to fight and when to be submissive, to bide her time and plan her escape. Yet for all her strong, practical demeanour she has also faced much trauma and abuse in her life, which have inevitably left scars. She cannot tolerate anyone to physically touch her, she cannot accept kindness, friendship or love. Hashem uses Sylvia’s first person narration to reveal her true thoughts, her true intentions and though we build a picture of Sylvia being quite selfish in her self preservation, we do come to understand why. In turn I came to love her character all the more for this understanding. Fear, grief and rage consume Sylvia but her character grows slowly, naturally, and by the end she leaves us in awe.
As headstrong as Sylvia is, so too is our Nizahl Heir, Arin. On first appearances Arin seems to live up to his feared reputation as the tyrant Heir, but as we read on we discover that his character is far from what he seems. Piece by piece Arin’s acts of mercy, his code of honour shines through. For example in the poorer regions of Nizahl, Arin’s newly installed laws help those in need, restricting the age of those who could be conscripted into the Nizahl army and ensuring the families of those who are conscripted are provided for. We cannot mistake his character as any less dangerous though, as shown when those around him betray or cross his path, but Arin is certainly not a character prone to unnecessary acts of cruelty. What I loved most was his fiery connection towards Sylvia. The fantasy genre has seen a resurgence of the enemies to lovers trope, and whilst I’ve read a few of these myself recently, none have been as subtlety developed as Hashem does here. Sylvia has the ability to get under Arin’s skin, to rile him up, to make him blush. As he so eloquently puts it, Sylvia has the temperament of a “deranged goose” and he’s not wrong! Yet slowly she breaks through Arin’s hard exterior and they begin to understand one another. Their relationship maturely blossoms yet also retains its element of fun with their witty banter!
Romance, however, is not at the forefront of this novel, I believe the friendships hold a much more prominent part. Once again, Hashem shows herself to be the master of slow-burn, mature relationships. Marek and Sefa were two characters I adored right from the onset, they both show their love for Sylvia in the most tender ways given that Sylvia is a somewhat difficult person to become close to. Then again, once you find friends that will help you dispose of a dead body with no questions asked, you should never let those people go and this is something that Sylvia comes to realise! However what impressed me was the way, given Sylvia’s aversion to affection, they both respect her wishes and keep their physical contact minimal showing affection in other ways by gifting her favourite sesame seed candies or by caring for her plants or even, later on, by plotting to rescue even when it risks their own lives. They love her even though she tells them she doesn’t deserve it, they often do what she would not in return. In my eyes, that is true friendship.
“You entered a world where magic is corrosive and Jasadis are inherently evil. I entered one where turning a shoe into a dove made my mother laugh. Have you considered, in that infinite mind of yours, that the truly brilliant people are the ones who understand the realities we build were already built for us?"
Hashem often takes many fantasy tropes and portrays them in impressive ways. The most significant ones being the lost heir and the reluctant hero which is at the heart of this novel. However, I’ve always loved the forbidden magic trope and Hashem explores this fantastically too. Though magic has been outlawed there are remnants of its existence throughout the world. Certain monsters, inspired from Egyptian mythology, still persist and are drawn by magic, and the Jasadi rebels, the Mufsids and the Urabi, use it in their uprising. During these scenes I loved visualising the powers that the world once inhabited. Nevertheless in order for Sylvia’s identity to remain hidden she must keep her magic concealed, not that she can use it much anyway, but also entering a Champions game where her biggest advantage to win is her magic, proves somewhat difficult. Following Sylvia overcoming all the obstacles of her forbidden magic throws at her was deliciously entertaining, particularly in those last few explosive chapters.
Hashem has well and truly grabbed my attention—this first instalment of The Scorched Throne duology absolutely triumphs. The Jasad Heir blazes with rich worldbuilding, compelling characters and magic that will leave you singed.
“One day, I would stand trial before the spirits of my dead. One day, the bodies I never buried would call upon me to answer for my sins. One day, but not today.”
ARC provided by Nazia at Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy! All quotes used are taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
The Jasad Heir is out 20th July 2023
Currently reading
March 24, 2025
When I gonna finish this book, my dear? lol! 🤣🤣
Is on the cover Apep and Horus? I'm not sure.
June 14, 2025
2nd read [June 13, 2025]: 5⭐
arin & sylvia own my heart and soul😭 they better get a HEA in TJC or i will be beyond devastated
1st read [March 18, 2024]: 5⭐
the way my heart is beating so fast because um THAT ENDING??? im both excited and absolutely *terrified* for book 2. i need some news ANY NEWS PLEASE on a release date, how am i expected to wait?? you cannot make these characters and story have such a hold on me and expect me to be okay without book 2 in my hands right now. i am broken.
from the very first chapter, The Jasad Heir immediately gripped me and caught me in its thralls. (like come on, how is it not hot for Sylvia to break a man's back in such a brutal way?? yes you read that right. girls covering up their murders!!! we love to see it and what a way to get someone hooked!!) but truly not one moment was i bored and was completely at these characters' mercy, your honor i am OBSESSED. the writing, the plot, the magic, the characters, the romance--literally everything about this story was so compelling and beautifully written, there is no doubt that this book has put me in a slump and i eagerly welcome this for once because i do not want to move on anytime soon. this is 100% an all time favourite book of mine. i mean i loved this so much that even before finishing it as i neared the end, i immediately ordered the Illumicrate edition because i absolutely need a SE of this masterpiece. i will most certainly be rereading The Jasad Heir so many times, which makes it all the more perfect because its THAT kind of book: one that can be reread over and over and you never get tired of it. if this doesnt tell you how loved this book is to me, then don't worry im not done.
it's impossible to write this review and not speak of the characters. Sylvia, my fierce, ruthless, gorgeous queen. i would lay down my life for her in a heartbeat, i just love every part of her. her strengths, her weaknesses, how she copes by rambling or making jokes, how she loves so fiercely despite trying not to show it, how she longs for a peaceful life where there are no expectations of her, how even when she tries to not feel the guilt it claws at her like it would any human, how hard she tries to build walls around feeling any sort or attachment for anything or anyone but really she feels so alone and theres so many layers of trauma and distrust to unpack my heart breaks for her. it's how she's so strong and cool and even in the face of her fear she fights. its how she has the temper of a deranged goose and its really such another lovable quality of her😂❤ and how her dry sarcasm and jokes are actually FUNNY?? the amount of times I laughed bye I dont think I've read about a FMC that's made me laugh this many times, really what's not to love about her? i'm probably missing many other beautiful qualities in Sylvia, but truly her character is such a delight and feels so real, I just want to give her a big hug. It's no wonder Sefa and Marek were so willing to lay down their lives for her I mean who wouldn't?? and no surprise that a *certain* heir fell for Sylvia completely👀
which brings me to the other new love of my life: Arin of Nizhal!! From the moment he stabbed Sylvia in the leg and arm standing atop a horse saddle near the edge of a cliff... i knew it was true love. i too would happily be stabbed by Arin. and then when he caught her before she fell into the river, shielding her from any further damage, i was absolutely even more sure🥰
IM NOT BEING SARCASTIC BTW I LOVE HIM SO WHOLEHEARTEDLY. if that makes me completely unhinged, i welcome that. but truly his character is so!!! his need for organization, his attention to detail, his politeness, his brilliant mind, his bluntness, the dangerous air surrounding him,how hot he is--im completely at his mercy. there are so many layers to Arin's character and every time a piece of his guard broke, a new side of him was revealed and i just melted. like Arin's eyes softening?? i stopped breathing. Arin smiling?? i died. Arin laughing?? KILLED ME. Arin BLUSHING?$@#! just rip my heart of my chest already.
and THIS is what I call a true enemies to lovers marketed correctly!! not the "enemies to lovers" that's really hate to love and they're "enemies" but constantly think about how attractive the other is. i need that muderous tension between them!! i need that constant thinking of "oh how i want to kill him/her". the bloodthirstiness!! the electric and dangerous tension!! and it so served here.
Arin and Sylvia's dynamic was absolutely delicious and so so well written, the slowww burn was truly everything and their chemistry (THE ANGST??) was pure perfection. i would change nothing. (in fact please give me more i'm starving for more ArinSylvia scenes, my greedy, hopeless heart is begging for it) the way Arin was caught folding her clothes, handling her belongings with thoughtfulness and care and then Sylvia noticing that when Arin was in a good mood he ate with his right hand, and left when in a bad mood i mean just???🥹 her "Why do I even remember that?" please they are so gone for each other.
also shoutout to the side characters whom i adore!! Sefa and Marek are the best friends a person could have, they're so sweet i love love loveee them and no harm had better come to these two or there will be therapy bills to pay!! Wes and Jeru were also interesting and funny guards, and i cant wait to see more of them, and hopefully less of a *certain* guard although i know that's very unlikely unfortunately.
truly The Jasad Heir is a book i highly HIGHLY recommend to anyone who wants an enriching and true dynamic in enemies to lovers, with well written characters, magic, plot and politics. i still cannot believe that ending, it wrecked me and i knew it was coming but the way it came?? im destroyed, please take me back. i will be suffering in wait for the next 9735972 days on news of book 2's release and will definitely be rereading this book many times. hell, i already am resisting the urge to do a reread right away--another sign of this book's magnificence.
Arin and Sylvia, my OTP <3
10 billion stars⭐
arin & sylvia own my heart and soul😭 they better get a HEA in TJC or i will be beyond devastated
1st read [March 18, 2024]: 5⭐
"His will is strong. It always is, in the self-righteous.”
“But the will of the damned is even stronger.”
the way my heart is beating so fast because um THAT ENDING??? im both excited and absolutely *terrified* for book 2. i need some news ANY NEWS PLEASE on a release date, how am i expected to wait?? you cannot make these characters and story have such a hold on me and expect me to be okay without book 2 in my hands right now. i am broken.
"When you choose who you are willing to fight for, you choose who you are."
from the very first chapter, The Jasad Heir immediately gripped me and caught me in its thralls. (like come on, how is it not hot for Sylvia to break a man's back in such a brutal way?? yes you read that right. girls covering up their murders!!! we love to see it and what a way to get someone hooked!!) but truly not one moment was i bored and was completely at these characters' mercy, your honor i am OBSESSED. the writing, the plot, the magic, the characters, the romance--literally everything about this story was so compelling and beautifully written, there is no doubt that this book has put me in a slump and i eagerly welcome this for once because i do not want to move on anytime soon. this is 100% an all time favourite book of mine. i mean i loved this so much that even before finishing it as i neared the end, i immediately ordered the Illumicrate edition because i absolutely need a SE of this masterpiece. i will most certainly be rereading The Jasad Heir so many times, which makes it all the more perfect because its THAT kind of book: one that can be reread over and over and you never get tired of it. if this doesnt tell you how loved this book is to me, then don't worry im not done.
She had the temperament of a deranged goose. Every interaction he’d shared with her had thoroughly convinced him he was not dealing with a stable woman.
it's impossible to write this review and not speak of the characters. Sylvia, my fierce, ruthless, gorgeous queen. i would lay down my life for her in a heartbeat, i just love every part of her. her strengths, her weaknesses, how she copes by rambling or making jokes, how she loves so fiercely despite trying not to show it, how she longs for a peaceful life where there are no expectations of her, how even when she tries to not feel the guilt it claws at her like it would any human, how hard she tries to build walls around feeling any sort or attachment for anything or anyone but really she feels so alone and theres so many layers of trauma and distrust to unpack my heart breaks for her. it's how she's so strong and cool and even in the face of her fear she fights. its how she has the temper of a deranged goose and its really such another lovable quality of her😂❤ and how her dry sarcasm and jokes are actually FUNNY?? the amount of times I laughed bye I dont think I've read about a FMC that's made me laugh this many times, really what's not to love about her? i'm probably missing many other beautiful qualities in Sylvia, but truly her character is such a delight and feels so real, I just want to give her a big hug. It's no wonder Sefa and Marek were so willing to lay down their lives for her I mean who wouldn't?? and no surprise that a *certain* heir fell for Sylvia completely👀
“Arin is consumed by what he loves. If asked, he would get on his knees and let it kill him. He withholds his heart out of self-preservation."
which brings me to the other new love of my life: Arin of Nizhal!! From the moment he stabbed Sylvia in the leg and arm standing atop a horse saddle near the edge of a cliff... i knew it was true love. i too would happily be stabbed by Arin. and then when he caught her before she fell into the river, shielding her from any further damage, i was absolutely even more sure🥰
IM NOT BEING SARCASTIC BTW I LOVE HIM SO WHOLEHEARTEDLY. if that makes me completely unhinged, i welcome that. but truly his character is so!!! his need for organization, his attention to detail, his politeness, his brilliant mind, his bluntness, the dangerous air surrounding him,
and THIS is what I call a true enemies to lovers marketed correctly!! not the "enemies to lovers" that's really hate to love and they're "enemies" but constantly think about how attractive the other is. i need that muderous tension between them!! i need that constant thinking of "oh how i want to kill him/her". the bloodthirstiness!! the electric and dangerous tension!! and it so served here.
The way he looks you at sometimes. Like you are a cliff with a fatal fall, and each day you move him closer to its edge.
Arin and Sylvia's dynamic was absolutely delicious and so so well written, the slowww burn was truly everything and their chemistry (THE ANGST??) was pure perfection. i would change nothing. (in fact please give me more i'm starving for more ArinSylvia scenes, my greedy, hopeless heart is begging for it) the way Arin was caught folding her clothes, handling her belongings with thoughtfulness and care and then Sylvia noticing that when Arin was in a good mood he ate with his right hand, and left when in a bad mood i mean just???🥹 her "Why do I even remember that?" please they are so gone for each other.
Love was not submission. It was not testing how far I could bend before I broke. Love was Sefa’s hand finding mine in the dark to reassure herself of my presence. Love was Marek entering the kingdom of his nightmares to help me.
also shoutout to the side characters whom i adore!! Sefa and Marek are the best friends a person could have, they're so sweet i love love loveee them and no harm had better come to these two or there will be therapy bills to pay!! Wes and Jeru were also interesting and funny guards, and i cant wait to see more of them, and hopefully less of a *certain* guard although i know that's very unlikely unfortunately.
truly The Jasad Heir is a book i highly HIGHLY recommend to anyone who wants an enriching and true dynamic in enemies to lovers, with well written characters, magic, plot and politics. i still cannot believe that ending, it wrecked me and i knew it was coming but the way it came?? im destroyed, please take me back. i will be suffering in wait for the next 9735972 days on news of book 2's release and will definitely be rereading this book many times. hell, i already am resisting the urge to do a reread right away--another sign of this book's magnificence.
Arin and Sylvia, my OTP <3
10 billion stars⭐
September 3, 2023
ur actually joking. this book was life changing
July 26, 2025
I deserve to be thrown into one of Vaida's wells for waiting so long to read this.
This was PHENOMENAL!
Enemies to lovers, where the MMC fixing her collar has me screaming, giggling, and kicking my feet!
The angst in this is so freaking good.
Whats to love...
- TRUE enemies to lovers
- the ANGST
- the BANTER
- SLOW BURN
- EPIC FOUND FAMILY
- reluctant hero / secret heir
- rich, well-developed world with magic, monsters, gods, and political intrigue
- TALL STRONG AND GENERALLY BADASS FMC
- stoic and uber controlled MMC (those are my favorite)
- well placed dual POVs (you get a sprinkle of the MMCs POV, just enough to satiate, but not so much there isn’t mystery)
- in-depth characters
- a sprinkle of trials/competition (the right amount imo, but might not be a heavy enough plot-point for some)
What’s not to love…
I loved it all - I thought this was so well done! That said, here are some things to consideration.
- imo, this is fantasy with a romantic subplot rather than a true romantasy. The plot of this book would stand on its own without the romance but DAMN does the romance make it SO much better.
- this leans character-driven, but emphasis on the lean. It has plenty of plot and is generally very well paced, but those that crave a plot-driven book might find this book won’t work for them.
- This is the type of fantasy book where the world-building leaves you a little confused at first, rather than info-dumping on you. I personally prefer this, but you have to be comfortable not having all the answers up front to really enjoy this.
- This is book 1 in a duology, so even after all the reveals there are still unanswered questions. Lucky for you Book 2 comes out in July, so you won’t need to wait long.
GO READ THIS BOOK!
Also, I would like to formally apologize to Kriste and Erin for waiting so long when both of you were screaming about how good this is. I am sorry, it won’t happen again.
5⭐️| TikTok | IG |
This was PHENOMENAL!
Enemies to lovers, where the MMC fixing her collar has me screaming, giggling, and kicking my feet!
The angst in this is so freaking good.
Whats to love...
- TRUE enemies to lovers
- the ANGST
- the BANTER
- SLOW BURN
- EPIC FOUND FAMILY
- reluctant hero / secret heir
- rich, well-developed world with magic, monsters, gods, and political intrigue
- TALL STRONG AND GENERALLY BADASS FMC
- stoic and uber controlled MMC (those are my favorite)
- well placed dual POVs (you get a sprinkle of the MMCs POV, just enough to satiate, but not so much there isn’t mystery)
- in-depth characters
- a sprinkle of trials/competition (the right amount imo, but might not be a heavy enough plot-point for some)
What’s not to love…
I loved it all - I thought this was so well done! That said, here are some things to consideration.
- imo, this is fantasy with a romantic subplot rather than a true romantasy. The plot of this book would stand on its own without the romance but DAMN does the romance make it SO much better.
- this leans character-driven, but emphasis on the lean. It has plenty of plot and is generally very well paced, but those that crave a plot-driven book might find this book won’t work for them.
- This is the type of fantasy book where the world-building leaves you a little confused at first, rather than info-dumping on you. I personally prefer this, but you have to be comfortable not having all the answers up front to really enjoy this.
- This is book 1 in a duology, so even after all the reveals there are still unanswered questions. Lucky for you Book 2 comes out in July, so you won’t need to wait long.
GO READ THIS BOOK!
Also, I would like to formally apologize to Kriste and Erin for waiting so long when both of you were screaming about how good this is. I am sorry, it won’t happen again.
5⭐️| TikTok | IG |
August 6, 2025
Did you know that this book actually invented enemies to lovers? Ya it’s true enemies to lovers had actually never been done before until I read this book!!
Of course, I am lightly joking (am I really though) but I want to stress that I am the first to whistle blow at “mild dislike to lovers” or at “one misunderstanding that is actually just miscommunication to lovers.” This book gave me the “how tf”. That is, the “how tf are these two people ever in ANY universe going to become lovers??”
The two people being Arin and Sylvia. Arin and Sylvia’s relationship development in this made me SICK. They caused me physical unwell. They crawled under my skin and actually made me start bitting my nails again because I was so stressed (note: I’m dramatic and prone to overreacting when I like something). Arin is mine you all cannot have him. That’s a proper gentleman right there - unfailingly polite, neurotic attention to detail, hyperfixation tendencies and a mind like a spider’s web. MINE !!! So what if he stabs Sylvia a few times, so what !!!
I will also be the first to say this book is an enjoyment 5 stars. The Jasad Heir is not perfect. The magic system I’m not sure I rly understood, a bit unclear. The trials the whole book works up to? Kinda forgettable. The world building, while SO cool (Egyptian inspired), was occasionally clunky. I will say the atmosphere and prose of middle eastern based fantasy can just not be beat. But there were times I felt like the author forgot to stage the rest of the characters in a scene. Arin and Sylvia would be going off and I was like wait what is everyone else doing at the scene of the crime rn??
There’s probably pacing issues too but I didn’t notice because I was so into the characters. I could read about Arin and Sylvia walking around an empty room together not speaking and I would be into it. That’s my level of down bad. Luckily these two character do speak, often to each other. I’m going to tell you right now this wasn’t banter to me. This was DIALOGUE. The dialogue goes outrageously hard.
My highlight to page ratio? Concerning to feminism. Let nobody doubt that I was picking up with Sara was putting down… I should probably give you a synopsis.
Sylvia (aka Essiya) is the long lost (and presumed dead) heir to the throne of Jasad. The Jasadi were able to use magic (and probably did some bad things with that magic) and thus all the other kingdoms rose up and destroyed the Jasad throne in the infamous “Blood Summit”. This was led by the Nizahl, a kingdom created specifically to arbitrate peace between the other kingdoms. Any living Jasadi / discovered magic users are, shall we say, not treated very well after the fact (they are actively eradicated). I feel like this story is playing and will continue to play a lot with truth and perspective, so this vague set up, I don’t even trust. But back to Sylvia. She’s been in hiding ever since her kingdom was burnt to the ground. She’s accumulated quite some trauma along the way and has tried her very best to separate any responsibility to and feelings towards her people. She has finally settled into a simple village life. But hahaha, no!
Every year the kingdoms pick a champion to compete in a (honestly pointless) series of trials. The Nizahl heir is known to pick his own champion… and he never loses. Do you need me to fill in the blank. Who do you think is going to find herself training to be the Nizahl champion while hiding her identity as the #1 enemy to Nizahl?
This set up feels familiar but where Sara blows this book out of the water was in character work with Sylvia and in the slow (and then earth shattering) thawing of the Arin’s heart. I love when I read a book where it makes SNESE why he’s obsessed with her.
Wrapping it up with food for thought on two tropes:
Touch her and you die is fine but I raise you “if he touches her it actually causes him severe pain and or potential death.” :)))
This also has my ultimate fav trope ever: I hate you = I love you. IYKYK
I think this will be like a ~4 star for most people but I loved the romance subplot (?!?) too much to rate it any lower than a 5.
Of course, I am lightly joking (am I really though) but I want to stress that I am the first to whistle blow at “mild dislike to lovers” or at “one misunderstanding that is actually just miscommunication to lovers.” This book gave me the “how tf”. That is, the “how tf are these two people ever in ANY universe going to become lovers??”
The two people being Arin and Sylvia. Arin and Sylvia’s relationship development in this made me SICK. They caused me physical unwell. They crawled under my skin and actually made me start bitting my nails again because I was so stressed (note: I’m dramatic and prone to overreacting when I like something). Arin is mine you all cannot have him. That’s a proper gentleman right there - unfailingly polite, neurotic attention to detail, hyperfixation tendencies and a mind like a spider’s web. MINE !!! So what if he stabs Sylvia a few times, so what !!!
I will also be the first to say this book is an enjoyment 5 stars. The Jasad Heir is not perfect. The magic system I’m not sure I rly understood, a bit unclear. The trials the whole book works up to? Kinda forgettable. The world building, while SO cool (Egyptian inspired), was occasionally clunky. I will say the atmosphere and prose of middle eastern based fantasy can just not be beat. But there were times I felt like the author forgot to stage the rest of the characters in a scene. Arin and Sylvia would be going off and I was like wait what is everyone else doing at the scene of the crime rn??
There’s probably pacing issues too but I didn’t notice because I was so into the characters. I could read about Arin and Sylvia walking around an empty room together not speaking and I would be into it. That’s my level of down bad. Luckily these two character do speak, often to each other. I’m going to tell you right now this wasn’t banter to me. This was DIALOGUE. The dialogue goes outrageously hard.
My highlight to page ratio? Concerning to feminism. Let nobody doubt that I was picking up with Sara was putting down… I should probably give you a synopsis.
Sylvia (aka Essiya) is the long lost (and presumed dead) heir to the throne of Jasad. The Jasadi were able to use magic (and probably did some bad things with that magic) and thus all the other kingdoms rose up and destroyed the Jasad throne in the infamous “Blood Summit”. This was led by the Nizahl, a kingdom created specifically to arbitrate peace between the other kingdoms. Any living Jasadi / discovered magic users are, shall we say, not treated very well after the fact (they are actively eradicated). I feel like this story is playing and will continue to play a lot with truth and perspective, so this vague set up, I don’t even trust. But back to Sylvia. She’s been in hiding ever since her kingdom was burnt to the ground. She’s accumulated quite some trauma along the way and has tried her very best to separate any responsibility to and feelings towards her people. She has finally settled into a simple village life. But hahaha, no!
Every year the kingdoms pick a champion to compete in a (honestly pointless) series of trials. The Nizahl heir is known to pick his own champion… and he never loses. Do you need me to fill in the blank. Who do you think is going to find herself training to be the Nizahl champion while hiding her identity as the #1 enemy to Nizahl?
This set up feels familiar but where Sara blows this book out of the water was in character work with Sylvia and in the slow (and then earth shattering) thawing of the Arin’s heart. I love when I read a book where it makes SNESE why he’s obsessed with her.
Wrapping it up with food for thought on two tropes:
Touch her and you die is fine but I raise you “if he touches her it actually causes him severe pain and or potential death.” :)))
This also has my ultimate fav trope ever: I hate you = I love you. IYKYK
I think this will be like a ~4 star for most people but I loved the romance subplot (?!?) too much to rate it any lower than a 5.
August 3, 2024
3 stars
i'm very conflicted over this one.
i loved the writing style, even if the pace did feel a bit slow at times, i loved the fmc, sylvia, even if her characterisation didn't completely make sense at times. i loved the setting and the atmosphere, and the way the world was written. however, i really disliked the romance subplot. the romance was cute, but it felt eerily like a coloniser romance story, which just felt very icky to me. i know that this wasn't exactly a romantasy either, but it really did feel like it.
also there were so many similarities to powerless?! bar the love triangle, the plot lowkey felt the same (three trials etc) but i preferred this 10000x more.
thank you to netgalley for an arc <3
꒰ 🧸 ⊹˚. tbr review:
i've heard a lottt about this book (and not all good things) but it's by a hijabi arab author and i have to give it a go + i got an arc and it's part of project 2023 choice awards that i decided to do for some reason
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <33
i'm very conflicted over this one.
i loved the writing style, even if the pace did feel a bit slow at times, i loved the fmc, sylvia, even if her characterisation didn't completely make sense at times. i loved the setting and the atmosphere, and the way the world was written. however, i really disliked the romance subplot. the romance was cute, but it felt eerily like a coloniser romance story, which just felt very icky to me. i know that this wasn't exactly a romantasy either, but it really did feel like it.
also there were so many similarities to powerless?! bar the love triangle, the plot lowkey felt the same (three trials etc) but i preferred this 10000x more.
thank you to netgalley for an arc <3
꒰ 🧸 ⊹˚. tbr review:
i've heard a lottt about this book (and not all good things) but it's by a hijabi arab author and i have to give it a go + i got an arc and it's part of project 2023 choice awards that i decided to do for some reason
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <33
Read
September 5, 2023THIS WAS SO GOOD I NEED BOOK TWO IMMINENTLY 😭
May 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!!
I am feral I have never needed a second book more in my life please
This book was, hands down, one of the absolute best fantasies that I've read this year. The characters were stellar, the enemies to allies to friends to enemies to whatever they ended as was absolutely wild and the tension was insane, the twists gave me whiplash, the world-building was done so well, and the writing was amazing. I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut, it was so good! The fact that I don't have the second book right now is a crime; I cannot wait to see where the author takes the next book, and would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy.
I am feral I have never needed a second book more in my life please
This book was, hands down, one of the absolute best fantasies that I've read this year. The characters were stellar, the enemies to allies to friends to enemies to whatever they ended as was absolutely wild and the tension was insane, the twists gave me whiplash, the world-building was done so well, and the writing was amazing. I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut, it was so good! The fact that I don't have the second book right now is a crime; I cannot wait to see where the author takes the next book, and would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy.
April 16, 2025
Arab American Heritage Month #1
I'm not familiar enough with Egyptian mythology to know who are the colonizers/colonized in this book, but I'm not even offended by that. I'm mostly offended by the side character named Wes. IYKYK
Sylvia, who has at least two other names, is the colonized, and the . Who knew? Possibly everyone.
She and her captor, Arin, fall for each other. This isn't even a spoiler. It's the most obvious thing in the world. I'm not sure if the Arab girlies are as offended by this as I am by every East Asian colonizer romance I've read lately (sadly of which there are many), so I'll let them tell you that, but just know I was more bored than offended. And that's telling.
🥃 Take a shot every time a colonizer romance is categorized as enemies to lovers
🥃 Take a shot every time a character is named after a man you’ve dated
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit
I'm not familiar enough with Egyptian mythology to know who are the colonizers/colonized in this book, but I'm not even offended by that. I'm mostly offended by the side character named Wes. IYKYK
Sylvia, who has at least two other names, is the colonized, and the . Who knew? Possibly everyone.
She and her captor, Arin, fall for each other. This isn't even a spoiler. It's the most obvious thing in the world. I'm not sure if the Arab girlies are as offended by this as I am by every East Asian colonizer romance I've read lately (sadly of which there are many), so I'll let them tell you that, but just know I was more bored than offended. And that's telling.
🥃 Take a shot every time a colonizer romance is categorized as enemies to lovers
🥃 Take a shot every time a character is named after a man you’ve dated
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit
August 20, 2025
A lot of good stuff here, but it feels all over the place. Even after almost 500 pages, I feel like I still have no real understanding of the magic. The trials felt like an afterthought (I also think I’m just exhausted with trials/competitions/etc.), and some of the more pivotal moments didn’t land for me, because I didn’t find the character work engaging enough to make me care.
I loved the politics and the history among the kingdoms and thought those were two of the strongest parts of this book. Overall, this was fine, but I wish it was a little tighter. I’m curious to see how this will end, though, so l look forward to reading the sequel when it releases.
I loved the politics and the history among the kingdoms and thought those were two of the strongest parts of this book. Overall, this was fine, but I wish it was a little tighter. I’m curious to see how this will end, though, so l look forward to reading the sequel when it releases.
July 13, 2023
I thought this was a fantastic debut by Sara Hashem. Exciting, immersive, and full of twists and turns, the novel gripped me from the first pages and didn’t let go until the very end.
This is one of those reviews where I struggled to organize my thoughts. I enjoyed so many elements of the book that I wasn’t sure what to focus on in my review without giving too much away. The characters, the world-building, the fantasy elements, the themes, the plot, the gorgeous writing style – I loved it all! I actually have another post scheduled that spotlights a bunch of my favorite quotes from the book because there were so many poignant and powerful lines.
And the characters! They’re fascinating. Often torn between loyalties, Sylvia, Arin, and so many others have a moral greyness to them. I loved Sylvia. The story is told from her unreliable perspective, and her story is tragic, complicated, and mysterious. This is a young woman with a ton of secrets, many of which would put her life at risk if exposed. I like how we slowly learn more and more about her past and what happened to her that led to the present. There’s also a strong cast of supporting characters, and I particularly like Sylvia’s friends and the found family aspect of the story.
And the romance! Ahh! I, of course, have to talk about the explosive enemies-to-lovers romance because IT. WAS. EVERYTHING. Sylvia and Arin hate each other, and they butt heads through most of the book. Their relationship is slow-building and contentious, and the tension is so thick! Through it all, Sylvia and Arin have an amazing amount of chemistry, and their banter is top-notch. I’m all for an angsty love story, especially when it feels forbidden, which is exactly what Sylvia and Arin’s feels like. Both characters fight their feelings, but how can you fight something so strong? There are so many scenes where I was all but chanting “Kiss already,” and the build-up and constant push and pull between the couple was perfection.
The Jasad Heir has everything I love in a YA romantasy. I’m so glad I buddy read this because I was screaming through most of it. Between the layered and nuanced characters, the twisty plot, the complex world-building and political intrigue, and that fantastic romance, there was a lot to gush and ruminate about! There are also some really thought-provoking messages and questions posed throughout the story about what makes a monster, how people define themselves, and what we owe our country and our culture. This is definitely a strong introduction to the series. And after that ending, I NEED to get the next book ASAP! lol This is definitely going down as one of my top fantasy reads of the year.
Thanks so much to Orbit books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
This is one of those reviews where I struggled to organize my thoughts. I enjoyed so many elements of the book that I wasn’t sure what to focus on in my review without giving too much away. The characters, the world-building, the fantasy elements, the themes, the plot, the gorgeous writing style – I loved it all! I actually have another post scheduled that spotlights a bunch of my favorite quotes from the book because there were so many poignant and powerful lines.
And the characters! They’re fascinating. Often torn between loyalties, Sylvia, Arin, and so many others have a moral greyness to them. I loved Sylvia. The story is told from her unreliable perspective, and her story is tragic, complicated, and mysterious. This is a young woman with a ton of secrets, many of which would put her life at risk if exposed. I like how we slowly learn more and more about her past and what happened to her that led to the present. There’s also a strong cast of supporting characters, and I particularly like Sylvia’s friends and the found family aspect of the story.
And the romance! Ahh! I, of course, have to talk about the explosive enemies-to-lovers romance because IT. WAS. EVERYTHING. Sylvia and Arin hate each other, and they butt heads through most of the book. Their relationship is slow-building and contentious, and the tension is so thick! Through it all, Sylvia and Arin have an amazing amount of chemistry, and their banter is top-notch. I’m all for an angsty love story, especially when it feels forbidden, which is exactly what Sylvia and Arin’s feels like. Both characters fight their feelings, but how can you fight something so strong? There are so many scenes where I was all but chanting “Kiss already,” and the build-up and constant push and pull between the couple was perfection.
The Jasad Heir has everything I love in a YA romantasy. I’m so glad I buddy read this because I was screaming through most of it. Between the layered and nuanced characters, the twisty plot, the complex world-building and political intrigue, and that fantastic romance, there was a lot to gush and ruminate about! There are also some really thought-provoking messages and questions posed throughout the story about what makes a monster, how people define themselves, and what we owe our country and our culture. This is definitely a strong introduction to the series. And after that ending, I NEED to get the next book ASAP! lol This is definitely going down as one of my top fantasy reads of the year.
Thanks so much to Orbit books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
August 22, 2023
I NEED EVERYONE TO DROP THEIR CURRENT READ AND PICK THIS UP. IMMEDIATELY.
I finished this last night, and my jaw is still on the floor. This is HANDS DOWN one of the best debuts I've ever read, and it will absolutely be in my top 3 books of 2023. The Jasad Heir could not have been better. I went into this with zero expectations - I read a few high praised reviews, but pretty much jumped in blind. I was hooked from page one, and there was no turning back.
Sylvia and Arin are two of the best MC's I've read about in years. I will say nothing else about their relationship because it's truly best to experience it by reading it yourself.
The magic, politics, and history are so unique and immersive within this world. I can't wait to reread this and pick up on all the things I missed the first time around.
The ending is brutal in the absolute best way possible. I am in DESPERATE need of book two.
I finished this last night, and my jaw is still on the floor. This is HANDS DOWN one of the best debuts I've ever read, and it will absolutely be in my top 3 books of 2023. The Jasad Heir could not have been better. I went into this with zero expectations - I read a few high praised reviews, but pretty much jumped in blind. I was hooked from page one, and there was no turning back.
Sylvia and Arin are two of the best MC's I've read about in years. I will say nothing else about their relationship because it's truly best to experience it by reading it yourself.
The magic, politics, and history are so unique and immersive within this world. I can't wait to reread this and pick up on all the things I missed the first time around.
The ending is brutal in the absolute best way possible. I am in DESPERATE need of book two.
August 7, 2023
Egyptian inspired political enemies to lovers fantasy by a Muslim author
My favourite quote:
"She had the temperament of a deranged goose. Every interaction he'd shared with her had thoroughly convinced him he was not dealing with a stable woman."
Also not the dedication having my name, never happened to me before
My favourite quote:
"She had the temperament of a deranged goose. Every interaction he'd shared with her had thoroughly convinced him he was not dealing with a stable woman."
Also not the dedication having my name, never happened to me before
October 18, 2023
Initial Reaction: I have… thoughts
Okay, let me get started with one of my favorite parts of this book: the EGYPTIAN REP!! I am an Egyptian American and while I have been fortunate to find Muslim and Arab rep in the books I read, it's been harder to find Egyptian rep. This book nailed it on the head, I was SO happy to see my culture on the page and it was done beautifully. I laughed so hard at the "birds' tongue soup" joke because I had the same exact experience growing up. I can never speak enough about how special it is to read your experiences and feel represented on the page, it's one of the best feelings.
Moving on, I did feel that overall the book needs a little more editing. Like everything just needed to be polished and pulled together. It is a debut and it reads that way. It needed to flow better. I'm hoping to see the writing improve in the next book because the potential to be a 4 or 5 star read is there.
I had heard that this book has a "colonizer romance" and honestly it's what made me delay reading it for so long. I will say it's not as bad as you might think when you hear those words but I'm still super iffy on the romance as a whole. I think nationalities aside, they would make for a great enemies to lovers, but as I'm reading, I can't forget that Arin is the Heir of the kingdom that destroyed Jasad. I'm leaving my opinion on this romance open minded because I can see the potential for a great pairing but I need massive development from Arin (and Sylvia).
Side note: I don't know why we've seen so many colonizer romances this year. Authors, y'all can write tension without this dynamic. Just make them from opposing kingdoms. Why does his kingdom have to be colonizing hers?
Speaking of Sylvia, I'm back and forth on her character. Sometimes I love her, but most of the time she frustrated me. She has a lot of feelings towards Jasad and I don't completely agree with them, neither do I fully understand her motivations. I understand wanting to distance yourself from the past but I wanted more. All that said, with the way the book ended, I could see Sylvia fully embracing herself and her identity in the next book and I hope it goes that way!
Overall, this book was good! I had a decent time and I DO recommend it to everyone looking for an adult fantasy and Egyptian rep!
TW: colonization, grief, murder, violence, mentions of torture, discrimination
I received an arc of this title from Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, let me get started with one of my favorite parts of this book: the EGYPTIAN REP!! I am an Egyptian American and while I have been fortunate to find Muslim and Arab rep in the books I read, it's been harder to find Egyptian rep. This book nailed it on the head, I was SO happy to see my culture on the page and it was done beautifully. I laughed so hard at the "birds' tongue soup" joke because I had the same exact experience growing up. I can never speak enough about how special it is to read your experiences and feel represented on the page, it's one of the best feelings.
Moving on, I did feel that overall the book needs a little more editing. Like everything just needed to be polished and pulled together. It is a debut and it reads that way. It needed to flow better. I'm hoping to see the writing improve in the next book because the potential to be a 4 or 5 star read is there.
I had heard that this book has a "colonizer romance" and honestly it's what made me delay reading it for so long. I will say it's not as bad as you might think when you hear those words but I'm still super iffy on the romance as a whole. I think nationalities aside, they would make for a great enemies to lovers, but as I'm reading, I can't forget that Arin is the Heir of the kingdom that destroyed Jasad. I'm leaving my opinion on this romance open minded because I can see the potential for a great pairing but I need massive development from Arin (and Sylvia).
Side note: I don't know why we've seen so many colonizer romances this year. Authors, y'all can write tension without this dynamic. Just make them from opposing kingdoms. Why does his kingdom have to be colonizing hers?
Speaking of Sylvia, I'm back and forth on her character. Sometimes I love her, but most of the time she frustrated me. She has a lot of feelings towards Jasad and I don't completely agree with them, neither do I fully understand her motivations. I understand wanting to distance yourself from the past but I wanted more. All that said, with the way the book ended, I could see Sylvia fully embracing herself and her identity in the next book and I hope it goes that way!
Overall, this book was good! I had a decent time and I DO recommend it to everyone looking for an adult fantasy and Egyptian rep!
TW: colonization, grief, murder, violence, mentions of torture, discrimination
I received an arc of this title from Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2023
OBSESSED with this fantastic start to a series, which had me hooked from page one. While it dipped a little in the middle, the last 15% more than made up for it. Looking for a real enemies-to-lovers with political intrigue, courtly scheming, forbidden magic, a lost princess and plenty of mortal peril? The Jasad Heir has all that and more. Highly recommend it to everyone who needs a gripping adult fantasy to sink their teeth into.
February 4, 2024
Strong start in the first 25%, but it didn't really feel like it went anywhere. Very YA fantasy coded and as things lingered on as I waited for the trials, it made me think about how a lot of the math for the geopolitics didn't add up
September 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
2023 is truly the year of amazing books, and The Jasad Heir definitely earns its place on my Best Reads list! 🙌📚
Here are my top 3 reasons for this 5-star rating:
✨ The Writing
From the very first page, the writing had me hooked. The way Sara Hashem explains the world-building and seamlessly transitions between different settings, characters, and cultures is simply marvelous. This book takes us to so many different places, each with its own distinct vibe, and we’re immersed in all of them. 🌍
⚡️ The Plot
Absolutely BRILLIANT. There wasn’t a single dull moment in this book. The continuous discovery of new information and the subtle plot twists kept me on my toes—it was exhilarating! The magic system is also intricate and mysterious, revealing itself little by little with each page. And let’s not forget the trial trope in the last third of the book, which I absolutely loved. I would’ve enjoyed it being introduced a bit earlier, but that’s just my personal preference. 🔮💥
❤️ The Characters
Easy to love (and sometimes hate), the characters have multiple layers that unfold as the story progresses.
🗡️ Sylva: The perfect FMC—slightly unhinged at times, she starts off closed-off and selfish but learns to fight for what she loves, with the help of her two (unwanted) best friends and a brooding Commander.
⚔️ Arin: Mysterious, calculating, broody, and ruthless, yet also attentive, caring, and driven.
🌗 I loved the “day and night” contrast between Sylva and Arin. He’s pale, she has dark skin. He’s quiet, she rambles. He’s the Heir of Nizahl, she’s the Heir of Jasad. Such a beautifully crafted dynamic! 😍
The only small note I have is the sheer number of names—at times, I struggled to keep track of who was who. But that aside, this is a stunning book, especially for a debut novel!
Sara Hashem deserves all the hype for this one! 🎉🔥
For more bookish content follow me on instagram at@onetoomanybooks.ac 💫📚
2023 is truly the year of amazing books, and The Jasad Heir definitely earns its place on my Best Reads list! 🙌📚
Here are my top 3 reasons for this 5-star rating:
✨ The Writing
From the very first page, the writing had me hooked. The way Sara Hashem explains the world-building and seamlessly transitions between different settings, characters, and cultures is simply marvelous. This book takes us to so many different places, each with its own distinct vibe, and we’re immersed in all of them. 🌍
⚡️ The Plot
Absolutely BRILLIANT. There wasn’t a single dull moment in this book. The continuous discovery of new information and the subtle plot twists kept me on my toes—it was exhilarating! The magic system is also intricate and mysterious, revealing itself little by little with each page. And let’s not forget the trial trope in the last third of the book, which I absolutely loved. I would’ve enjoyed it being introduced a bit earlier, but that’s just my personal preference. 🔮💥
❤️ The Characters
Easy to love (and sometimes hate), the characters have multiple layers that unfold as the story progresses.
🗡️ Sylva: The perfect FMC—slightly unhinged at times, she starts off closed-off and selfish but learns to fight for what she loves, with the help of her two (unwanted) best friends and a brooding Commander.
⚔️ Arin: Mysterious, calculating, broody, and ruthless, yet also attentive, caring, and driven.
🌗 I loved the “day and night” contrast between Sylva and Arin. He’s pale, she has dark skin. He’s quiet, she rambles. He’s the Heir of Nizahl, she’s the Heir of Jasad. Such a beautifully crafted dynamic! 😍
The only small note I have is the sheer number of names—at times, I struggled to keep track of who was who. But that aside, this is a stunning book, especially for a debut novel!
Sara Hashem deserves all the hype for this one! 🎉🔥
For more bookish content follow me on instagram at@onetoomanybooks.ac 💫📚
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