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A review by iwasalilacsky
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
4.25 Stars
Thoughts:
An Ember in the Ashes is a book that doesn't stop or really give you a chance to catch your breath. Immediately from the beginning you are captured and pulled into the main characters' complicated and tragic lives and then it's go, go, go. You will find yourself not knowing whether it's okay to bookmark and get back to your daily life as it feels that even when you are at the end of a chapter that you are still in the middle of the crisis as it doesn't pause - it only changes point-of-view. How Sabaa Tahir manages to keep your enthralled the entire time is magically.
Part one of this series brings into question freedom and all of it's meanings while tying in fate and dynasty and its role for both Elias and Laia. There are twists I wouldn't have expected. Just when I thought I had it figured out or knew how I felt about a character, Sabaa changes it up on you. This book is dark and intense, and sometimes I questioned it being YA. This is to be enjoyed by all ages.
I truly shouldn't have to give my recommendation as this book has won two Goodreads awards: Nominee for Best Debut Goodreads Author (2015), Nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2015)
Only reason I knocked off .75 stars is because of my struggle with the supporting characters at times and their reasoning and complexity for things. I wish I was more attached to them. I'm sure more is to be explained in the future books, and I'll get to know them better, but some things irked me. Do not let this dissuade you!
Thrilled for the journey of this series!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Those interested in a different take to fantasy. With the hundreds out there is it amazing to find this one has an original take and freshness to it.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Paperback
How did I discover this:
Sister recommendation, Used book store
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
Love both the old and new cover. Currently have the old cover as I purchased this at a used bookstore. Hoping to now find all the old covers for my set.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi
Quotes:
"Tomorrow, I'm the one who will be set free. Not you.
'Death is coming for me. Death is nearly here. I am ready for him.
"Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be."
Triggers: *Possible Spoilers*
Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Slavery, Death, Harassment, Injury, Genocide, War, Grief, Abandonment, Speak of Abortion, Torture, Sexism, Illness, Kidnapping, Trafficking, Suicidal thoughts, etc.
Thoughts:
An Ember in the Ashes is a book that doesn't stop or really give you a chance to catch your breath. Immediately from the beginning you are captured and pulled into the main characters' complicated and tragic lives and then it's go, go, go. You will find yourself not knowing whether it's okay to bookmark and get back to your daily life as it feels that even when you are at the end of a chapter that you are still in the middle of the crisis as it doesn't pause - it only changes point-of-view. How Sabaa Tahir manages to keep your enthralled the entire time is magically.
Part one of this series brings into question freedom and all of it's meanings while tying in fate and dynasty and its role for both Elias and Laia. There are twists I wouldn't have expected. Just when I thought I had it figured out or knew how I felt about a character, Sabaa changes it up on you. This book is dark and intense, and sometimes I questioned it being YA. This is to be enjoyed by all ages.
I truly shouldn't have to give my recommendation as this book has won two Goodreads awards: Nominee for Best Debut Goodreads Author (2015), Nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2015)
Only reason I knocked off .75 stars is because of my struggle with the supporting characters at times and their reasoning and complexity for things. I wish I was more attached to them. I'm sure more is to be explained in the future books, and I'll get to know them better, but some things irked me. Do not let this dissuade you!
Thrilled for the journey of this series!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Those interested in a different take to fantasy. With the hundreds out there is it amazing to find this one has an original take and freshness to it.
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Paperback
How did I discover this:
Sister recommendation, Used book store
Pace:
Medium
Cover thoughts:
Love both the old and new cover. Currently have the old cover as I purchased this at a used bookstore. Hoping to now find all the old covers for my set.
POV: (single or multi)
Multi
Quotes:
"Tomorrow, I'm the one who will be set free. Not you.
'Death is coming for me. Death is nearly here. I am ready for him.
"Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be."
Triggers: *Possible Spoilers*
Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Slavery, Death, Harassment, Injury, Genocide, War, Grief, Abandonment, Speak of Abortion, Torture, Sexism, Illness, Kidnapping, Trafficking, Suicidal thoughts, etc.