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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
I had read this book before, but coming back after hundreds more books has helped me realize just how special this series is. For a debut novel, for a YA novel, it accomplishes so much and, having read at least the first three before, I know that there are greater things to come.
Also, the audiobook cast is unparalleled, with Steve West and Fiona Hardingham as Elias and Laia respectively. They bring to life the emotion, the intensity, and the heart of these characters.
This book doesn't pull punches. And while I'm usually the first to go "ugh a competition" the Trials are much less of a competition and more of a testament to Elias and Helene's characters, their growth, their loyalty, their understanding. And then there's Laia, a slave to a vicious master, forced to confront her mortality again and again, fighting through it out of hope and loyalty and desperation.
These are characters who can reach right out of the page and grab you. I cannot wait to see where Tahir goes after this series.
Also, the audiobook cast is unparalleled, with Steve West and Fiona Hardingham as Elias and Laia respectively. They bring to life the emotion, the intensity, and the heart of these characters.
This book doesn't pull punches. And while I'm usually the first to go "ugh a competition" the Trials are much less of a competition and more of a testament to Elias and Helene's characters, their growth, their loyalty, their understanding. And then there's Laia, a slave to a vicious master, forced to confront her mortality again and again, fighting through it out of hope and loyalty and desperation.
These are characters who can reach right out of the page and grab you. I cannot wait to see where Tahir goes after this series.
Oh. My. God! I have to say this was on of those unputdownable books. I just can't wait for the nect one! Please come soon!!!
Maybe worth a second read, but lets see after the next book
Albums
- Beautiful Lies by Birdy
Maybe worth a second read, but lets see after the next book
Albums
- Beautiful Lies by Birdy
*leans against the wall nonchalantly* hello there laia
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have been struggling to get past the first 50 pages of a fantasy series, so I decided to try An Ember in the Ashes after really enjoying All My Rage. I found the characters and plot easy to follow, and I would be itching to pick the book back up whenever I had to pause my reading. However, I didn't fully understand the elements of the world building and didn't have my questions answered within this book. I don't know whether to attribute that to being a fantasy newbie or needing to read the rest of the series. I am willing to try the next book to see if it provides further clarity! I'm hoping the Commandment's backstory will be eventually revealed, as she was a fascinating character. Overall, I thought the characters had repetitive traits and showed limited growth in this first book. I would prefer the elimination of the stupid insta-lust romance for more insights into the characters, as I thought Tahir created a wonderful ensemble. My last critique involves the portrayal of women and the use of rape to drive the plot. If this society is modeled after one that oppresses women, this would make a lot more sense, but, since it wasn't clear, it left a sick feeling in my stomach, especially from a female author.
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don’t think I’ll be getting over this book any time soon and I plan to immediately dive into book two.
An Ember in the Ashes is such a captivating book that left me eager to return every single time I had to put it down. Sabaa Tahir’s writing will have you feeling the full range of emotions both *for* the main characters as well as *with* them.
Also, a special mention as an audiobook rec, the narrators bring the story alive so well.
An Ember in the Ashes is such a captivating book that left me eager to return every single time I had to put it down. Sabaa Tahir’s writing will have you feeling the full range of emotions both *for* the main characters as well as *with* them.
Also, a special mention as an audiobook rec, the narrators bring the story alive so well.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, War
Minor: Rape
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No