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

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.
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