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Heir Duology #2
Empire
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
10 days and 23:16:35
20 copies available
U.S. only
The gripping conclusion to the action-packed, ruthless, and romantic fantasy duology that began with HEIR, from the #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning author Sabaa Tahir.
A crumbling empire.
An ancient evil.
A lost homeland.
A lie that could destroy the world.
In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Aquilla and his Aunt Helene are losing a battle against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil’s armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him broken-hearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha’s fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid—from the most treacherous of allies.
Sirsha Westering finds herself tethered to Div, an ancient evil unleashed by a terrible tragedy. Div delights in tormenting Sirsha, hungering for her magical heart. Even as Sirsha fights for control of her own fate, she is desperate to shield Quil from Div’s destructive power. But Div won’t release Sirsha without a fight. To earn her freedom, Sirsha must uncover Div’s past—and face horrors in her own.
Cero bet-Dafra, former right hand of the Kegari leader Aiz, now finds himself pitted against her. As Aiz slips further into violence and delusion, Cero must discover if his people have any hope of a future or if they’re condemned to an unending cycle of violence. His journey will force him to confront hidden truths, ancient secrets and a lie that could destroy the world.
In Empire, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir returns to the expansive world of fury and vengeance of Heir, weaving a story of legacy and rebellion, of loyalty and freedom, and of what it means to confront the monsters that lurk within us all.
A crumbling empire.
An ancient evil.
A lost homeland.
A lie that could destroy the world.
In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Aquilla and his Aunt Helene are losing a battle against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil’s armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him broken-hearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha’s fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid—from the most treacherous of allies.
Sirsha Westering finds herself tethered to Div, an ancient evil unleashed by a terrible tragedy. Div delights in tormenting Sirsha, hungering for her magical heart. Even as Sirsha fights for control of her own fate, she is desperate to shield Quil from Div’s destructive power. But Div won’t release Sirsha without a fight. To earn her freedom, Sirsha must uncover Div’s past—and face horrors in her own.
Cero bet-Dafra, former right hand of the Kegari leader Aiz, now finds himself pitted against her. As Aiz slips further into violence and delusion, Cero must discover if his people have any hope of a future or if they’re condemned to an unending cycle of violence. His journey will force him to confront hidden truths, ancient secrets and a lie that could destroy the world.
In Empire, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir returns to the expansive world of fury and vengeance of Heir, weaving a story of legacy and rebellion, of loyalty and freedom, and of what it means to confront the monsters that lurk within us all.
528 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Sabaa Tahir
28 books37.9k followers**My apologies if I don't respond to emails or friend requests right away! Come find me on Twitter or Instagram @sabaatahir, or on my web site: www.sabaatahir.com
Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Want to Read
June 19, 2026ㅤ ᯓ ᯽ pre-release ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ
I DIDN'T EVEN REALISE WE FINALLY HAVE A RELEASE DATE FOR THIS.
It feels like i have been waiting for ages 🫠
I DIDN'T EVEN REALISE WE FINALLY HAVE A RELEASE DATE FOR THIS.
It feels like i have been waiting for ages 🫠
Want to Read
August 6, 2026✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: I read the sneak peek and honestly wish I didn’t. Went from one cliffhanger straight into another and now I have to wait until SEPTEMBER to know what happens. Why do I do this to myself 😫
Want to Read
March 30, 2026my poor baby Sirsha will be going trough it in this one it seems...
Want to Read
March 12, 20263/12/2026: WE HAVE A COVER! WE HAVE A TITLE!! I have been waiting for FOREVER!! No one bother me on September 22nd...and probably for a week after knowing the heartache that will inevitably follow. Calling off school and everything. Ack, I am so excited!!!!! When can we start seeing multiple editions, Sabaa? I need them all. *book dragon smirk*
Want to Read
March 13, 2026sending prayers up hoping that damage to hel will be minimal because my queen has already been through it sabaa she doesn't need any more pleaseeee
Want to Read
March 13, 2026I’M SOOO EXCITED. Finally the next Sabaa Tahir book!!!!
Want to Read
March 12, 2026mrs. tahir please be kind to my favorite girl helene 😔
Want to Read
July 28, 2026Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the little Sneak Peek...
What do you mean that's all we get?! Sabaa Tahir, thank you so much for this sneak peek and also... How DARE YOU!
After that first chapter alone, my heart is already torn out of my chest. (Sorry, I had to.)
After only four chapters, you leave us on the worst cliffhanger imaginable!! I swear, Ms. Tahir takes classes on how to torture her readers. I NEED the rest of the book!
What do you mean that's all we get?! Sabaa Tahir, thank you so much for this sneak peek and also... How DARE YOU!
After that first chapter alone, my heart is already torn out of my chest. (Sorry, I had to.)
After only four chapters, you leave us on the worst cliffhanger imaginable!! I swear, Ms. Tahir takes classes on how to torture her readers. I NEED the rest of the book!
Want to Read
March 13, 2026I want it and i want to see my Helene getting her overdue happiness
Want to Read
April 12, 2026I need this book more than air
Want to Read
May 21, 2026Cant wait to start reading it! Loved the first one! Hope Helen gets her happy ever after.
Want to Read
May 19, 2026My biggest theory: Helene probably is gonna die.
Currently Reading
July 28, 2026We got a couple chapter sneak and I am dying!!!!
Pulled back in so quick! This sneak peek proves the sequel to Heir is going to have all of us on the edge of our seats.
This teaser was just enough to get us gripped back in, reintroducing Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz throwing us back into the world and then leaving us desperate for more.
Empire is the conclusion of this duology so I am preparing myself for the rollercoaster!!!!
Thank you Penguin Young Reader Group and Sabaa Tahir for the preview of Empire!
Pulled back in so quick! This sneak peek proves the sequel to Heir is going to have all of us on the edge of our seats.
This teaser was just enough to get us gripped back in, reintroducing Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz throwing us back into the world and then leaving us desperate for more.
Empire is the conclusion of this duology so I am preparing myself for the rollercoaster!!!!
Thank you Penguin Young Reader Group and Sabaa Tahir for the preview of Empire!
July 26, 2026
Absolutely no notes. I never want to leave this world Sabaa has created. I’ll be back for a better full review, but just know, this is an emotional ride & all 500+ pages will live rent free in my head.
Want to Read
June 23, 2026YES. GOD YES. YESYESYESYSYGUIAbdXOUIEWGDFHWEU9PHFSOADIXKDSZXHC WEDSJM
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Even though this was only a sneak peek, I already know I need the full book. Sabaa Tahir pulled me straight back into this world with the kind of tension, atmosphere, and emotional intensity that makes it almost impossible to stop reading. I loved getting another glimpse of these characters and seeing the stakes rise even higher after Heir. There is so much happening beneath the surface, power, loyalty, rebellion, love, secrets, and characters struggling with choices that could change everything. The writing has that dark, immersive quality that makes the world feel dangerous without needing to explain every little thing, and the emotional side of the story is just as strong as the action. What really got me was how quickly the sneak peek made me invested in what happens next. It left me with more questions, more theories, and a very strong need to continue immediately. If these pages are any indication of what Empire has in store, I think this is going to be an intense and emotional conclusion to the duology.
Want to Read
July 29, 2026Just read the sneak peek of this on NetGalley and lost my damn mind!
Here is my review of that.
Did I just download and the sneak peek in less than 30 mins? Why yes, YES I DID!
And was that sneak peek EVERYTHING and enough to make me want to invent time travel to land in a bookstore and get Empire by Sabaa Tahir in my greedy hands? Yes! The answer is YES!
Empire picks up exactly where Heir left off and throws us into emotions and off a cliff! My favorite Granny is in the mix, as is my Queen Hel, as well as Elias sigh.
This sneak whet my appetite and now I am even more discombobulated as I await what happens next.
Sabaa Tahir has once again caused me pain with her words, just the way I love it.
Empire is a must buy, must read, must make time spin faster to get to September book.
Thanks for the torture of the sneak peek, will be anxiously and hungrily waiting for the rest!
Here is my review of that.
Did I just download and the sneak peek in less than 30 mins? Why yes, YES I DID!
And was that sneak peek EVERYTHING and enough to make me want to invent time travel to land in a bookstore and get Empire by Sabaa Tahir in my greedy hands? Yes! The answer is YES!
Empire picks up exactly where Heir left off and throws us into emotions and off a cliff! My favorite Granny is in the mix, as is my Queen Hel, as well as Elias sigh.
This sneak whet my appetite and now I am even more discombobulated as I await what happens next.
Sabaa Tahir has once again caused me pain with her words, just the way I love it.
Empire is a must buy, must read, must make time spin faster to get to September book.
Thanks for the torture of the sneak peek, will be anxiously and hungrily waiting for the rest!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sabaa Tahir has completely destroyed me with just a few sample chapters! The Empire sneak peek is everything fans could have hoped for and more, proving that this conclusion to the duology will be an absolute masterpiece. Picking up the threads from Heir, the snippet throws us straight back into the crumbling Martial Empire where the emotional and physical stakes are higher than ever.
Tahir's signature lyrical, sharp prose immediately shines in "Part 1: Loyal". Seeing Quil grappling with his fracturing kingdom and the agonizing loss of Sirsha is heartbreaking, while the threat of the ancient evil, Div, lurking in the shadows is genuinely chilling. Even in this brief glimpse, the pacing is incredibly tight, perfectly setting up the explosive rebellion, secrets, and structural chaos to come. This preview does exactly what a great teaser should do—leaves you breathless, completely desperate for the full story, and counting down the seconds until release day!
Tahir's signature lyrical, sharp prose immediately shines in "Part 1: Loyal". Seeing Quil grappling with his fracturing kingdom and the agonizing loss of Sirsha is heartbreaking, while the threat of the ancient evil, Div, lurking in the shadows is genuinely chilling. Even in this brief glimpse, the pacing is incredibly tight, perfectly setting up the explosive rebellion, secrets, and structural chaos to come. This preview does exactly what a great teaser should do—leaves you breathless, completely desperate for the full story, and counting down the seconds until release day!
August 9, 2026
Review of NetGalley sampler:
This is my most anticipated read of the year, and this sampler showed exactly why! Chapter 1, page 1, and I was already fully sobbing. I’m not going to explain why because of spoilers, of course, but I was not expecting the book to begin with this POV and it shook me to my core.
Sabaa’s storytelling is masterful as always, and each POV has such a distinct, compelling voice that I’m in awe.
The book starts with a thorough and engaging recap and a highly necessary prologue, and picks up speed right from the beginning of chapter two. The pacing is amazing, the emotions are raw and cutting, and the suspense renders this whole thing unputdownable.
I thought Sabaa was the cruel one (I mean it as a compliment) but clearly, the Penguin Teen team wants us to suffer as well because what do you mean the sampler ended with that massive cliffhanger at the end of chapter 4?! Where’s the rest of it? I need it now!!
This is my most anticipated read of the year, and this sampler showed exactly why! Chapter 1, page 1, and I was already fully sobbing. I’m not going to explain why because of spoilers, of course, but I was not expecting the book to begin with this POV and it shook me to my core.
Sabaa’s storytelling is masterful as always, and each POV has such a distinct, compelling voice that I’m in awe.
The book starts with a thorough and engaging recap and a highly necessary prologue, and picks up speed right from the beginning of chapter two. The pacing is amazing, the emotions are raw and cutting, and the suspense renders this whole thing unputdownable.
I thought Sabaa was the cruel one (I mean it as a compliment) but clearly, the Penguin Teen team wants us to suffer as well because what do you mean the sampler ended with that massive cliffhanger at the end of chapter 4?! Where’s the rest of it? I need it now!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books For Young Readers for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After reading the prologue and first few chapters of Empire, I’m left with my jaw on the floor. Sabaa, how could you do that to me?
But I trust her process and she’s never let me down. The sneak peek is just enough of a taste of each of the characters to get you into the story, but leaves you desperately hoping for the next chapter. I keep turning the plot over and over in my brain trying to think of what will happen next to Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz.
Since this is the final book in the series, I look forward to seeing it all play out. I’m glad we will have resolution by the end, but the wait between the sneak peek and the full book might take me out.
That said, let the countdown to September 22nd begin!
After reading the prologue and first few chapters of Empire, I’m left with my jaw on the floor. Sabaa, how could you do that to me?
But I trust her process and she’s never let me down. The sneak peek is just enough of a taste of each of the characters to get you into the story, but leaves you desperately hoping for the next chapter. I keep turning the plot over and over in my brain trying to think of what will happen next to Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz.
Since this is the final book in the series, I look forward to seeing it all play out. I’m glad we will have resolution by the end, but the wait between the sneak peek and the full book might take me out.
That said, let the countdown to September 22nd begin!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a Sneak Peak ARC !!!
These four chapters were such a tease, and I mean that in the best way! Sabaa Tahir has never let me down, and this sneak peek proves the sequel to Heir is going to be just as gripping. Getting a taste of Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz again pulled me right back into this world, and the twist that kicks things off had my jaw on the floor. It's just enough to reintroduce the characters and stakes while leaving you desperate for more. As the final book in the series, I'm relieved we'll get real resolution, but now the wait until September feels brutal. Tahir's writing is as compelling as ever. Counting down the days for the full release!
These four chapters were such a tease, and I mean that in the best way! Sabaa Tahir has never let me down, and this sneak peek proves the sequel to Heir is going to be just as gripping. Getting a taste of Quil, Sirsha, and Aiz again pulled me right back into this world, and the twist that kicks things off had my jaw on the floor. It's just enough to reintroduce the characters and stakes while leaving you desperate for more. As the final book in the series, I'm relieved we'll get real resolution, but now the wait until September feels brutal. Tahir's writing is as compelling as ever. Counting down the days for the full release!
Want to Read
August 7, 2026I cannot wait for book two! I love that the prologue is a recap of book one - every publisher should make that their staple!
SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 AHEAD - SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The first chapter being Ruh's - my heart!!! I love that he's a POV character of book two - I cannot wait to see his story. The fact that Sirsha is now tied to Div instead of Aiz...I still can't fathom it. I'm glad that Sabaa Tahir jumps right back into action - pacing is one of her strongest suits - but I wish I had MORE CHAPTERS. I hope Quil and Sirsha are reunited quickly and get A HAPPY END. Otherwise I'll riot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the excellent sneak preview though!
SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 AHEAD - SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The first chapter being Ruh's - my heart!!! I love that he's a POV character of book two - I cannot wait to see his story. The fact that Sirsha is now tied to Div instead of Aiz...I still can't fathom it. I'm glad that Sabaa Tahir jumps right back into action - pacing is one of her strongest suits - but I wish I had MORE CHAPTERS. I hope Quil and Sirsha are reunited quickly and get A HAPPY END. Otherwise I'll riot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the excellent sneak preview though!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Heir and couldn’t resist reading the first few chapters of Empire in a sneak peek from the publisher and was not disappointed!
The recap of book 1 at the beginning was a nice touch and very useful to catapult right into the start of the story.
Everything from the pacing to setting up the foundation for this book was so engaging. And that cliffhanger of a chapter to end on…diabolical! But would expect no less from Sabaa Tahir.
10/10, no notes for the sneak peek. Can’t wait to read the rest and will update my review after release day!
Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the sneak peek eARC!
The recap of book 1 at the beginning was a nice touch and very useful to catapult right into the start of the story.
Everything from the pacing to setting up the foundation for this book was so engaging. And that cliffhanger of a chapter to end on…diabolical! But would expect no less from Sabaa Tahir.
10/10, no notes for the sneak peek. Can’t wait to read the rest and will update my review after release day!
Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the sneak peek eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book I've read at the beginning of this year that was my first 5 star read of 2026 was Heir by Sabaa Tahir. That book was amazing and I couldn't wait for the next one is this duology.
The second book will be named Empire and will be released at the end of September of this year. I was one of the lucky ones to have access to the preview. Honestly, you roll into the story with such ease and a lot of things will be happening. I can't wait to read the full story!
I think it'll be a solid 5 star.
The second book will be named Empire and will be released at the end of September of this year. I was one of the lucky ones to have access to the preview. Honestly, you roll into the story with such ease and a lot of things will be happening. I can't wait to read the full story!
I think it'll be a solid 5 star.
Read
July 29, 2026Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sabaa Tahir for a sneak peak ARC
The way I IMMEDIATELY requested the sneak peak the second I saw "Sabaa Tahir"...
And now I'm offended because WHY WOULD YOU END IT THERE???
It was only a sneak peek, but that was all Sabaa Tahir needed to get me invested. The writing is as addictive as ever, the setup already has me hooked, and I know this book is about to ruin my life (in the best way)
September needs to hurry up. Like rn!
The way I IMMEDIATELY requested the sneak peak the second I saw "Sabaa Tahir"...
And now I'm offended because WHY WOULD YOU END IT THERE???
It was only a sneak peek, but that was all Sabaa Tahir needed to get me invested. The writing is as addictive as ever, the setup already has me hooked, and I know this book is about to ruin my life (in the best way)
September needs to hurry up. Like rn!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
♾️⭐️ Thank you to the publisher for providing a sneak peak!
I am so beyond excited for Empire! These four chapters in the preview were everything. Heir’s cliffhanger had me shocked, and this is incredible promising.
Also, can we normalize a short summery of the precious book? I finished Heir over a year ago and this instantly got me immersed in the story.
September 22 can’t come fast enough for me!
I am so beyond excited for Empire! These four chapters in the preview were everything. Heir’s cliffhanger had me shocked, and this is incredible promising.
Also, can we normalize a short summery of the precious book? I finished Heir over a year ago and this instantly got me immersed in the story.
September 22 can’t come fast enough for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was lucky to get a sneak peak and read the first 4 chapters of Empire!
I don’t want to say too much, especially because anything I say will include major spoilers for Heir, book 1, but I will say that the first 4 chapters are JAM PACKED with information that completely changes the trajectory of the story!
You aren’t going to want to miss this book!
I am itching to read the book and waiting almost 2 months is going to be pure torture!!
I don’t want to say too much, especially because anything I say will include major spoilers for Heir, book 1, but I will say that the first 4 chapters are JAM PACKED with information that completely changes the trajectory of the story!
You aren’t going to want to miss this book!
I am itching to read the book and waiting almost 2 months is going to be pure torture!!
August 18, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley:
I finished reading Heir and was instantly hooked. The first book ended with a cliff hanger and I needed to find out what happened next. What a nail-biter!
Empire’s sneak peak is four chapters filled with tidbits about the afterlife, magic, mind-smithing, the art of war, Jaduna, the Empire, and blood bonds.
The sneak peak ends on another major cliff hanger and you’ll be left only wanting more.
I finished reading Heir and was instantly hooked. The first book ended with a cliff hanger and I needed to find out what happened next. What a nail-biter!
Empire’s sneak peak is four chapters filled with tidbits about the afterlife, magic, mind-smithing, the art of war, Jaduna, the Empire, and blood bonds.
The sneak peak ends on another major cliff hanger and you’ll be left only wanting more.
Want to Read
August 18, 2026Review of sneak peek sampler from NetGalley
I wish I could put into words the way Sabaa Tahir has wrenched me right back into this world. Heir was a whirlwind of chess moves and breadcrumbs leading down a trail of darkness. This sample of Empire dips you right back into that world of devastation, desperation, and dawning realizations. I cannot wait for this release to be able to read this full story.
I wish I could put into words the way Sabaa Tahir has wrenched me right back into this world. Heir was a whirlwind of chess moves and breadcrumbs leading down a trail of darkness. This sample of Empire dips you right back into that world of devastation, desperation, and dawning realizations. I cannot wait for this release to be able to read this full story.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I’m giving this rating very unwillingly. An Ember in the Ashes is perfect in my opinion, Elias and Laia are of my favourite characters and ship. So of course I exited for this new series. I can’t talk about without reviling the spoilers my frustration with this series. I Sabaa is outstanding author and love everything she writes besides this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews