aharmsworth's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 idk why but this last one took me such a long time to actually get through. I think the book 3-4 together kind of dragged on more than the first 2 books did but the plot itself was still good! The first half at times seemed to be a lot more talking versus doing but really picked up more at the end. Overall I enjoyed and would recommend this series but I don’t think it fully lived up to my expectations.
darknyx13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
tnewcomb30's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
mmelvin4's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-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
5.0
cherrybabie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cassbelka's review against another edition
5.0
I would give this book 10/5 stars if I could. I loved it so much. I hardly have the words. This series is just.....
teaganmorris27's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
laura_likes_lit7's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe this spectacular series is over. I remember reading the first book and immediately being hooked. After a long wait, the finale has finally come to bring me some emotional resolve from the maelstrom shit storm that was [b:A Reaper at the Gates|30809786|A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes, #3)|Sabaa Tahir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507476834l/30809786._SY75_.jpg|51397188].
I just have to talk about the main characters because WHEW my feelings on Helene and Laia took a full 180.
*(spoilers ahead)*
Helene. . . I FUCKING LOVE HER
Contrary to the general consensus, I hated Helene. She condoned slavery and rape, ruined friendships and relationships because of her ego and jealousy and dedication to the Empire who didn't care about her. But she did undergo slow progression and realization of her mistakes, and I am fairly convinced that she has changed for the better.
I must say though, I was NOT expecting her ending. She and Musa? Odd but I'm here. for. it.
Although she was often driven by emotion and did some heinous things, I understood her motives. My one wish for her is I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY WITH HARPER- IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK
Next up we have. . . . a disappointment!
Laia, why are you so stupid?
I never disliked Laia nor did I like her. She was just. . . there. But I've decided that I strongly am annoyed by her (I won't say dislike) because almost all of the group's mishaps could have been avoided if Laia wasn't so stubborn and impulsive. *sigh* at least she makes Elias happy.
Another thing that irks me is that Darin could've lived if he didn't run directly towards the Nightbringer to save Laia. Sir, he's the king of jinn. What did you think you were gonna do?
His death didn't have much of an impact since he isn't a primary character, but it was for the sole reason of killing off characters that weren't Laia or Elias- even though it would've made more sense for Harper and Elias to die.
Elias. I have and always will love Elias, and that's all I really need to say.
(please enjoy this amazing piece of fan art by @luminacrest on instagram because all Elias fan art is *chef's kiss*)
Plot and Writing
As for the plot, it was fairly fast-paced and action-packed. It wasn't astounding- I prefer the Reaper plot line- but it had a fitting ending and was still entertaining.
The writing was stunning, as always. My favorite quotes had to be from conversations between Elias and Laia.
Elia, please stop. you're setting the bar too high. ugh.
And of course, the final words.
Final Thoughts
Was this my favorite book in the whole series?
Eh. Torch and Ember are hard to beat. Reaper was stunning but I didn't like Helene then so my reading experience wasn't the best.
Do I love this series unconditionally because it got me back into reading, the brutality and angst are ~immaculate~, and Elias is my boy? Absolutely.
Sabaa Tahir, I just want to say that I hate you but also love you for making me cry. It was not pleasant but also pleasant.
I just have to talk about the main characters because WHEW my feelings on Helene and Laia took a full 180.
*(spoilers ahead)*
Helene. . . I FUCKING LOVE HER
Contrary to the general consensus, I hated Helene. She condoned slavery and rape, ruined friendships and relationships because of her ego and jealousy and dedication to the Empire who didn't care about her. But she did undergo slow progression and realization of her mistakes, and I am fairly convinced that she has changed for the better.
I must say though, I was NOT expecting her ending. She and Musa? Odd but I'm here. for. it.
Although she was often driven by emotion and did some heinous things, I understood her motives. My one wish for her is I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY WITH HARPER- IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK
Next up we have. . . . a disappointment!
Laia, why are you so stupid?
I never disliked Laia nor did I like her. She was just. . . there. But I've decided that I strongly am annoyed by her (I won't say dislike) because almost all of the group's mishaps could have been avoided if Laia wasn't so stubborn and impulsive. *sigh* at least she makes Elias happy.
Another thing that irks me is that Darin could've lived if he didn't run directly towards the Nightbringer to save Laia. Sir, he's the king of jinn. What did you think you were gonna do?
His death didn't have much of an impact since he isn't a primary character, but it was for the sole reason of killing off characters that weren't Laia or Elias- even though it would've made more sense for Harper and Elias to die.
Elias. I have and always will love Elias, and that's all I really need to say.
(please enjoy this amazing piece of fan art by @luminacrest on instagram because all Elias fan art is *chef's kiss*)
Plot and Writing
As for the plot, it was fairly fast-paced and action-packed. It wasn't astounding- I prefer the Reaper plot line- but it had a fitting ending and was still entertaining.
The writing was stunning, as always. My favorite quotes had to be from conversations between Elias and Laia.
"I wish I could live a thousand lives so I could fall in love with you a thousand times"
Elia, please stop. you're setting the bar too high. ugh.
And of course, the final words.
What a small thing it seems, to walk with the one you love. To look forward to a day with them. I marvel at the simplicity of this moment. And I thank the skies for the miracle of it.
Final Thoughts
Was this my favorite book in the whole series?
Eh. Torch and Ember are hard to beat. Reaper was stunning but I didn't like Helene then so my reading experience wasn't the best.
Do I love this series unconditionally because it got me back into reading, the brutality and angst are ~immaculate~, and Elias is my boy? Absolutely.
Sabaa Tahir, I just want to say that I hate you but also love you for making me cry. It was not pleasant but also pleasant.