Scan barcode
A review by looseleafellie
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
OH. MY. GOD, I feel FOOLISH for not reading this book earlier! Every ounce of the hype is 100% true. If this book is on your TBR, don’t be like me and put it off — read it immediately!
In this Ancient Rome-inspired fantasy where the brutal Martial regime rules, 17-year-old Laia must team up with rebels to save her brother from prison, while elite soldier Elias plots to escape the army and leave his life as a killer behind. From there spins a tale of a deadly competition, supernatural creatures, and mysterious prophecies coming true!
AEITA is an absolute MASTERCLASS in pacing. Once I started reading, I could hardly put the book down! It’s told in alternating chapters between the two main characters, and every time a chapter ended, I felt disappointed to have to leave the character’s point of view, only to be immediately swept up in whatever the other character was doing.
I enjoyed getting to know Laia and Elias, but the cast of supporting characters was super interesting as well, from the ruthless soldier Helene to the enigmatic Augurs to the grumpy Cook. Even the twisted, evil Commandant had a backstory that intrigued me, despite my horror at her sheer villainy.
The ending felt like a natural breathing spot while still propelling me into the next stage of the adventure. Good thing there are three more books in the series — they will probably stomp on my heart and I am SO READY.
In this Ancient Rome-inspired fantasy where the brutal Martial regime rules, 17-year-old Laia must team up with rebels to save her brother from prison, while elite soldier Elias plots to escape the army and leave his life as a killer behind. From there spins a tale of a deadly competition, supernatural creatures, and mysterious prophecies coming true!
AEITA is an absolute MASTERCLASS in pacing. Once I started reading, I could hardly put the book down! It’s told in alternating chapters between the two main characters, and every time a chapter ended, I felt disappointed to have to leave the character’s point of view, only to be immediately swept up in whatever the other character was doing.
I enjoyed getting to know Laia and Elias, but the cast of supporting characters was super interesting as well, from the ruthless soldier Helene to the enigmatic Augurs to the grumpy Cook. Even the twisted, evil Commandant had a backstory that intrigued me, despite my horror at her sheer villainy.
The ending felt like a natural breathing spot while still propelling me into the next stage of the adventure. Good thing there are three more books in the series — they will probably stomp on my heart and I am SO READY.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, and Torture