Scan barcode
an_alaskan_fairy_tale's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Slavery, Sexism, and Colonisation
brooketreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book. This was my second read.
The first time, I would have said no flaws. I feel like it’s fantasy light, more focused on politics. I loved the duel POV. I loved both the main characters. Laia was just a complete badass in my eyes. Elias was just everything, tortured soul vibes just leaving me like 🥺. There wasa double love triangle going on with both MCs being involved in their own love triangle , but I loved that the romance angle took a backseat to the plot. It made the romantic-ish scenes all the more sweet in my eyes.
This second read through I did feel a little bit more critical. Laia was still an extremely strong person for what she endured through this book, butshe kind of acted like an assassin near the end, she had absolutely zero training. I was constantly frustrated with Elias, because he seemed to constantly be encouraging Helene’s feelings and even reciprocating her feelings and then completely throwing it into her face later. This time around he felt like so much more of a guy, objectifying both Laia and Helene. I think the first time around I was so focused on the potential romance between Laia and Elias and all there interactions and when that would be, that everything else seemed secondary. This time around I felt like I had my focus so much more on everything else all the other people and especially the Augurs.
I’m excited to continue the series (I’ve only read book 1).
The first time, I would have said no flaws. I feel like it’s fantasy light, more focused on politics. I loved the duel POV. I loved both the main characters. Laia was just a complete badass in my eyes. Elias was just everything, tortured soul vibes just leaving me like 🥺. There was
This second read through I did feel a little bit more critical. Laia was still an extremely strong person for what she endured through this book, but
I’m excited to continue the series (I’ve only read book 1).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Torture, Murder, and Slavery
Minor: Death of parent, Rape, Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Child death
lswan's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Slavery, Murder, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Sexual assault, and Torture
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Abortion
cemmalyn12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Racism, Colonisation, Death, Murder, War, Hate crime, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Rape, and Genocide
pumpkincore's review against another edition
I liked a couple of the side characters, but couldn't get into the main perspectives enough to wait for their appearances. The writing was fine, if a little lazy and predictable. The world building was lazier. Do it or don't.
There's an audience out there, and I've recommended it to several friends who I think would enjoy it more than me. I read the first half and then skimmed the second half for book club. Nothing caught my interest enough to make me slow down, so I'm not considering it "Read."
I am also desperately exhausted by the constant rape allusions, especially in a YA book. This book should have the characters aged up 3 years and thrown into adult fantasy. The plot doesn't fit the ages. I threw all of the CWs in graphic because they come up a lot and are intrinsic to the plot, regardless of how they're described.
There's an audience out there, and I've recommended it to several friends who I think would enjoy it more than me. I read the first half and then skimmed the second half for book club. Nothing caught my interest enough to make me slow down, so I'm not considering it "Read."
I am also desperately exhausted by the constant rape allusions, especially in a YA book. This book should have the characters aged up 3 years and thrown into adult fantasy. The plot doesn't fit the ages. I threw all of the CWs in graphic because they come up a lot and are intrinsic to the plot, regardless of how they're described.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, War, Racism, Police brutality, Torture, Slavery, Trafficking, and Suicide
sahramahtab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
Sabaa Tahir's "An Ember in the Ashes" is a poignant journey that managed to draw tears — something that very few books manage to achieve. The story is a tapestry of characters, with Laia and Elias at the forefront, each layering complexity to the narrative. Their authenticity makes it impossible not to invest emotionally, and I found myself eagerly rooting for their struggles and triumphs. The desire for interactions between them kept me turning page after page. The supporting characters add depth to the story, although Helene's actions left me perplexed, creating a sense of frustration. Keenan's intentions remain shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer that begs further exploration. Yet, the unresolved mysteries have me hooked, and without a doubt, I'm sprinting to grab the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Blood, Confinement, Murder, Torture, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Violence, and Slavery
Moderate: Rape, Abandonment, Child abuse, Grief, and Emotional abuse
annaszell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
EASY 4.5 stars, it was close to perfection.
I was reading it as part of a book club, and I must say... I did not expect to love it this much! I think besides The Empyrean books, this was the big surprise of the year, and I immediately want to continue the series. Thankfully, it's a finished one as far as I know, so I can binge-read it during my holiday break.
I really liked that the FMC & MMC chapters are one after the other, so we get both POVs for important events but still, it's not a duplication if that makes sense. Since it's YA, I expected the characters to be immature, and while they definitely started out that way, I think there was character growth for both of them, especially for Laia.
I think it was an interesting twist that both main characters had other "love interests", it kept me on edge a bit, but it wasn't like a Feyre and Tamlin type of situation. Also, I kind of like the Augurs, I really hope we learn more about them in later books, they are one of the most fascinating elements of the world that Tahir built.
And last but not least, I hate the Commandant. I can't decide whether I hope or not there will be a redemption arc for her.
I was reading it as part of a book club, and I must say... I did not expect to love it this much! I think besides The Empyrean books, this was the big surprise of the year, and I immediately want to continue the series. Thankfully, it's a finished one as far as I know, so I can binge-read it during my holiday break.
I really liked that the FMC & MMC chapters are one after the other, so we get both POVs for important events but still, it's not a duplication if that makes sense. Since it's YA, I expected the characters to be immature, and while they definitely started out that way, I think there was character growth for both of them, especially for Laia.
And last but not least, I hate the Commandant. I can't decide whether I hope or not there will be a redemption arc for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Slavery, Murder, Death, Violence, Physical abuse, and Blood
starsandscarsbookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Death of parent, Murder, Death, Kidnapping, Torture, and War
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
I have had this book on my shelves for years, and finally made the time to read it.
"An Ember in the Ashes" is the first book in a high stakes fantasy series, and stars Laia and Elias. Laia is a slave, and after witnessing the brutal murder of her family, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get her brother back. Laia's brother was arrested and placed into prison after being accused of treason, so, Laia seeks help from the only group she believes can assist her: the rebels. Elias is a solider, but he is not in a much better place than Laia. Elias dreams of his own freedom and is planning to leave his oppressive life as soon as he graduates. When the pair meets, they quickly realize they have much more in common than they initially thought, and they may be able to help one another.
I was not expecting to be so captivated by this story, but I was! I devoured this book, and I cannot wait to pick up the sequel. Laia is such a strong character, and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. Her love for her brother is admirable, and even when she continued to learn things about her family that she had no idea about, she remained fearless and focused on her mission to free her brother.
Elias was an equally interesting character to read from. He could have so easily fallen into his life and accepted his fate, but he did not believe in the Empire's mission, so he planned to escape. He is so intelligent and good-hearted.
I loved the scenes with Elias and Laia together. Two strong characters who feed off of each other so well was captivating, and their chemistry really comes off of the page. I am dying to see where their story goes in the next book!
This was my first book from Sabaa Tahir, but I have heard for years how talented a writer she is. I am thoroughly impressed with her talent, and I was shocked to see that this book was a debut. Sabaa has immense talent for storytelling, but more importantly, world building. This world felt so real to me, but I never felt like the book was info dumping.
I HIGHLY recommend starting this series if you have not!
"An Ember in the Ashes" is the first book in a high stakes fantasy series, and stars Laia and Elias. Laia is a slave, and after witnessing the brutal murder of her family, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get her brother back. Laia's brother was arrested and placed into prison after being accused of treason, so, Laia seeks help from the only group she believes can assist her: the rebels. Elias is a solider, but he is not in a much better place than Laia. Elias dreams of his own freedom and is planning to leave his oppressive life as soon as he graduates. When the pair meets, they quickly realize they have much more in common than they initially thought, and they may be able to help one another.
I was not expecting to be so captivated by this story, but I was! I devoured this book, and I cannot wait to pick up the sequel. Laia is such a strong character, and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. Her love for her brother is admirable, and even when she continued to learn things about her family that she had no idea about, she remained fearless and focused on her mission to free her brother.
Elias was an equally interesting character to read from. He could have so easily fallen into his life and accepted his fate, but he did not believe in the Empire's mission, so he planned to escape. He is so intelligent and good-hearted.
I loved the scenes with Elias and Laia together. Two strong characters who feed off of each other so well was captivating, and their chemistry really comes off of the page. I am dying to see where their story goes in the next book!
This was my first book from Sabaa Tahir, but I have heard for years how talented a writer she is. I am thoroughly impressed with her talent, and I was shocked to see that this book was a debut. Sabaa has immense talent for storytelling, but more importantly, world building. This world felt so real to me, but I never felt like the book was info dumping.
I HIGHLY recommend starting this series if you have not!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Classism, Violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, War, Murder, Blood, Grief, Death, Slavery, and Death of parent
emjen16's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Slavery, Blood, Torture, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Rape