A review by _forestofpages
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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

This is one of my new favorite books. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read it. This incredible gem just sitting on my shelf for years! 

It was thrilling and heart-rending and mysterious the entire way through. I loved both lead characters from start to finish and couldn't say which is my favorite. It was darker than I expected and with such amazing commentary and world building surrounding a fascist autocracy. 

What a ride. So unpredictable too, it just kept surprising me. I can't wait to have book 2 in my hands and continue this, what I hope, will be an incredible series.

The only parts I disliked were around the beginning. The trope of a YA protagonist losing their parents/family etc is something I have seen so often it's disappointing. The love square which was tolerable but still something I didn't personally enjoy, especially since it was obvious who the leads were going to choose, or will later in the series. And how stupid Elias was at times with saying things that were considered treason outlook, like he should have known better. Oh and Laia being such a bad spy and apparently the Commandant knew the whole time but did nothing to her?? Why would she not kill her?


My complaints were few compared to my enjoyment. I read this in two days and was never bored or contemplating consistency. It was so well done. 

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