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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
adventurous
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:
Yes
(re-read)
this series makes me feel so alive even though it's devastating and I'm usually crying for 80% of it. first book is amazing, but not quite 5 stars simply because I know the series just gets better and better and also because we have no helene POV in ember. I LOVE THIS SERIESSSS
(original review)
4 stars.
I really needed a good fantasy that would pull me in and grip me from the very beginning, and An Ember in the Ashes truly delivered. Oh my god.
I loved Elias and his struggle with violence and I especially loved his commentary on his friends, Helene in particular, about whether her being able to stand by and watch as violence takes place makes her just as much a monster as the Commandant or the other horrid people he's surrounded by. I think it's a fairly unique take on a warrior in book that takes place in such a brutal world and this aspect of war and brutality isn't often explored. Also, I have indeed fallen for yet another tall, dark, handsome book boyfriend and I am not upset about it.
I also loved Laia and her journey of becoming a strong, independent girl who can save herself. I was really cheering for her when she decided to take things into her own hands and face the fight head-on.
I devoured this book and honestly I am barely managing to form cohesive thoughts about it because I just want to immediately move onto the rest of the series!! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a gripping fantasy read.
this series makes me feel so alive even though it's devastating and I'm usually crying for 80% of it. first book is amazing, but not quite 5 stars simply because I know the series just gets better and better and also because we have no helene POV in ember. I LOVE THIS SERIESSSS
(original review)
4 stars.
I really needed a good fantasy that would pull me in and grip me from the very beginning, and An Ember in the Ashes truly delivered. Oh my god.
I loved Elias and his struggle with violence and I especially loved his commentary on his friends, Helene in particular, about whether her being able to stand by and watch as violence takes place makes her just as much a monster as the Commandant or the other horrid people he's surrounded by. I think it's a fairly unique take on a warrior in book that takes place in such a brutal world and this aspect of war and brutality isn't often explored. Also, I have indeed fallen for yet another tall, dark, handsome book boyfriend and I am not upset about it.
I also loved Laia and her journey of becoming a strong, independent girl who can save herself. I was really cheering for her when she decided to take things into her own hands and face the fight head-on.
I devoured this book and honestly I am barely managing to form cohesive thoughts about it because I just want to immediately move onto the rest of the series!! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a gripping fantasy read.
Not a huge fan of the weird love triangle/square but the world building and conflict is great
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Even being rather formulaic YA with all its familiar tropes and premise, the setting, characters, and quite grimdark backdrop stood out among the myriad of similar books. Fun read, great potential.
“The best lies come from the truth.”
It has been sitting in my table for quite some time now because, you know, life happened. I have to put it aside and face the reality of going back to being an employed member of the society. It is a great distraction for every day hustle at work, a stress reliever of some sort.
Full review to follow for this gorgeous little book, once the calm has finally arrived in my life. :p :D
I reread this last night, and it’s still the best YA romantasy I’ve ever read. It’s got everything you could want: enemies to lovers, betrayal, political intrigue, and the tension of a war college setting. The world-building is rich, with an immersive blend of magic and fae lore that keeps you hooked from the start. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own struggles, and their growth is woven beautifully into the story.
I typically don’t enjoy YA because the romance often feels immature, and the lack of spice can be frustrating. But this book does none of that. The romance is mature, well-paced, and doesn’t fall into the usual YA traps. In fact, adding spicy scenes wouldn’t have added any depth to the story, unlike what you often see with other YA novels. Every twist keeps you guessing, and the slow-burn romance adds tension without overtaking the plot. Whether you’re in it for the battles or the relationships, this book delivers on every front. It’s a must-read for romantasy lovers who want a story that doesn’t let up until the very end!
I typically don’t enjoy YA because the romance often feels immature, and the lack of spice can be frustrating. But this book does none of that. The romance is mature, well-paced, and doesn’t fall into the usual YA traps. In fact, adding spicy scenes wouldn’t have added any depth to the story, unlike what you often see with other YA novels. Every twist keeps you guessing, and the slow-burn romance adds tension without overtaking the plot. Whether you’re in it for the battles or the relationships, this book delivers on every front. It’s a must-read for romantasy lovers who want a story that doesn’t let up until the very end!