Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Fans of fantasies centered on elemental powers, royal intrigue, and romantic drama will love this magical, emotionally charged series with a lushly described world, a fierce heroine, and nonstop tension. Blaze, the first Rain Singer in generations, inadvertently unleashed a catastrophic flood when she was born into a prestigious fire-wielding family. They view her gifts as a curse and treat her like a walking omen. But she’s done with hiding, so she enters the Choosing Rite, a dangerous competition in which gifted teens fight for elemental thrones. There, she’s torn between a charismatic crown prince and a dark, mysterious newcomer. While the novel engages in many familiar tropes, it feels fresh, thanks to the characters’ realistic issues related to trust, the depiction of stress in a highly competitive environment, and lively banter—especially between Blaze and her twin brother—that breaks up the mounting drama. Strong world building and complications of political intrigue in the royal court add lots of tension as the narrative rushes toward a surprising ending. Fans of romance and fantasy will appreciate this compelling series starter from a debut author.

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 9 Up—Instead of being born with fire magic as expected, Blaze almost drowned the world at birth and has been widely despised ever since. Now almost an adult, she is shocked to find herself chosen to compete for a royal title. To win the title, Blaze must pass several trials by using magic she has never learned. She also must contend with new friends, foes, and a pair of love interests along the way. Comprised of all the requisite pieces of a tournament or trials-based fantasy novel, the transitions between those pieces are often awkward or disjointed; several times, information presented as plot-vital is introduced, but never mentioned again. There is an abundance of named characters, largely lacking depth, and unexplained world-specific terms are also prolific. However, the plot does move quickly and is chock-full of popular fantasy tropes. Notably, the romance subplot remains tame thus far. VERDICT Ultimately underwhelming and overwrought, purchase only where early 2010s-era fantasy is seeing a comeback.

Publishers Weekly
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

When 17-year-old Blaze Harglade was born, she summoned a storm that ravaged the kingdom and marked her as a Rain Singer, one of a rare group of water wielders. She’s also an outlier in her family’s long line of fire manipulators, which includes her twin brother, Flint. Now, despite her powers being dormant and unable to conjure more than a drizzle, the gods select Blaze to compete in the Choosing Rite, a contest to determine the ruler of each elemental throne. But living at the Golden Palace with her fellow competitors proves even more treacherous than the life she’s had thus far as a social pariah. If she wants a shot at the throne and survival, she must balance magical training with vengeful opponents and rival suitors, including handsome crown prince Haldyn Castellion and his mysterious earth-wielding half brother Fox Calloway. While the plucky, self-doubting protagonist; fast-paced twists; and tantalizing undercurrents of romance and danger are standard for the genre, debut author Murray’s lush, confident prose distinguishes this impressive series opener. The fully fledged worldbuilding and complex magic system provide an intriguing backdrop against which Blaze’s journey toward self-actualization unfolds. The twins have olive skin; the supporting cast is intersectionally diverse. Ages 14–up. Agent: Catherine Cho, Paper Literary. (June)

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A notorious young woman must learn to fully accept her powers. Blaze, the last surviving Rain Singer, has spent 17 years locked away. Her birth brought on a devastating storm, and she’s been known ever since as the Storm Weaver. Her twin brother, Flint, is expected to win the throne of Ignitia in the dangerous Choosing Rite. The twins, who have olive skin and curly dark hair, differ in one significant way: Flint’s Flameborn power is strong, while Blaze’s own abilities seem to be gone. So it’s shocking when Blaze’s gifts make a resurgence at her Name Day ball. Chosen by the Gods as an Heir, Blaze must strengthen her gifts by finally letting herself feel her emotions—all while competing in the Choosing Rite for the Aquatori throne. This trilogy opener brings to life a gorgeous world with thoughtfully designed customs and laws. Hamilton Murray demonstrates her narrative prowess through her intentional use of foreshadowing and complex characterization. Fox, the golden-skinned Terrathian Heir known as the Earth Cleaver, is the perfect contrast to Blaze, who’s embarking on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Together, they prove that labels only have power if you let them, and that self-perception matters more than how others see you. The narrative balances lyricism and drama as the Heirs work through the trials to assume their rightful places. An impressive debut that highlights the importance of fully embracing one’s true self. (map)(Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.