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A review by shesgotstories
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
"Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength."
This book easily has some of the best worldbuilding I have ever read. It followed the "show don't tell" rule well and it was perfectly paced. I was never bored and I was so invested from the start to the end. This YA fantasy has just about everything you could want in a book, including mysterious magic and fantastic characters.
I do want to note that this book is darker than you might expect, so check the trigger warnings. It leaves you angry and uncomfortable quite a bit and has lots of violence. But one could easily argue that it's these kinds of books that make for the most empathetic readers. One of the main antagonists in this book is easily one of my all-time most hated book villains and it takes a lot for me to hate a character.
The main protagonists are a mix of morally gray and extremely strong. Laia will stop at nothing to help those she loves, even if it means putting herself into situations that almost surely mean death. Elias is the perfect morally gray character due to his violent upbringing yet he still strives to do what is ethical even when he knows the repercussions could be detrimental. Helene is a character of mystery who despite being unflinchingly loyal to the empire has her soft spots hidden beneath the tough armor. I absolutely loved each of these characters and can't wait to see how their character arcs further develop.
I love the dual POV and how it follows along with two characters and their side of the violence and chaos. The plot is rock solid and I love a good rebellion where you don't know who to trust as it keeps me as a reader on my toes. I cannot say enough good things about this book!
Overall, I'm disappointed in myself for not reading this book sooner and I will certainly be continuing this series as I can't wait to see what direction it goes in!
This book easily has some of the best worldbuilding I have ever read. It followed the "show don't tell" rule well and it was perfectly paced. I was never bored and I was so invested from the start to the end. This YA fantasy has just about everything you could want in a book, including mysterious magic and fantastic characters.
I do want to note that this book is darker than you might expect, so check the trigger warnings. It leaves you angry and uncomfortable quite a bit and has lots of violence. But one could easily argue that it's these kinds of books that make for the most empathetic readers. One of the main antagonists in this book is easily one of my all-time most hated book villains and it takes a lot for me to hate a character.
The main protagonists are a mix of morally gray and extremely strong. Laia will stop at nothing to help those she loves, even if it means putting herself into situations that almost surely mean death. Elias is the perfect morally gray character due to his violent upbringing yet he still strives to do what is ethical even when he knows the repercussions could be detrimental. Helene is a character of mystery who despite being unflinchingly loyal to the empire has her soft spots hidden beneath the tough armor. I absolutely loved each of these characters and can't wait to see how their character arcs further develop.
I love the dual POV and how it follows along with two characters and their side of the violence and chaos. The plot is rock solid and I love a good rebellion where you don't know who to trust as it keeps me as a reader on my toes. I cannot say enough good things about this book!
Overall, I'm disappointed in myself for not reading this book sooner and I will certainly be continuing this series as I can't wait to see what direction it goes in!