The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
pumpkincore's review against another edition
There's an audience out there, and I've recommended it to several friends who I think would enjoy it more than me. I read the first half and then skimmed the second half for book club. Nothing caught my interest enough to make me slow down, so I'm not considering it "Read."
I am also desperately exhausted by the constant rape allusions, especially in a YA book. This book should have the characters aged up 3 years and thrown into adult fantasy. The plot doesn't fit the ages. I threw all of the CWs in graphic because they come up a lot and are intrinsic to the plot, regardless of how they're described.
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, War, Racism, Police brutality, Torture, Slavery, Trafficking, and Suicide
deannereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, War, Misogyny, Rape, and Death of parent
starsandscarsbookclub's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Genocide, Death of parent, Murder, Death, Kidnapping, Torture, and War
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
"An Ember in the Ashes" is the first book in a high stakes fantasy series, and stars Laia and Elias. Laia is a slave, and after witnessing the brutal murder of her family, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get her brother back. Laia's brother was arrested and placed into prison after being accused of treason, so, Laia seeks help from the only group she believes can assist her: the rebels. Elias is a solider, but he is not in a much better place than Laia. Elias dreams of his own freedom and is planning to leave his oppressive life as soon as he graduates. When the pair meets, they quickly realize they have much more in common than they initially thought, and they may be able to help one another.
I was not expecting to be so captivated by this story, but I was! I devoured this book, and I cannot wait to pick up the sequel. Laia is such a strong character, and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. Her love for her brother is admirable, and even when she continued to learn things about her family that she had no idea about, she remained fearless and focused on her mission to free her brother.
Elias was an equally interesting character to read from. He could have so easily fallen into his life and accepted his fate, but he did not believe in the Empire's mission, so he planned to escape. He is so intelligent and good-hearted.
I loved the scenes with Elias and Laia together. Two strong characters who feed off of each other so well was captivating, and their chemistry really comes off of the page. I am dying to see where their story goes in the next book!
This was my first book from Sabaa Tahir, but I have heard for years how talented a writer she is. I am thoroughly impressed with her talent, and I was shocked to see that this book was a debut. Sabaa has immense talent for storytelling, but more importantly, world building. This world felt so real to me, but I never felt like the book was info dumping.
I HIGHLY recommend starting this series if you have not!Â
Graphic: Physical abuse, Classism, Violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, War, Murder, Blood, Grief, Death, Slavery, and Death of parent
mar1333's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Child death, Sexual violence, Death, Torture, and Slavery
Moderate: Blood and Sexism
Minor: Abandonment, War, Suicide, and Death of parent
marionrosa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Murder, War, Torture, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Rape, Death of parent, Child death, and Physical abuse
Minor: Emotional abuse
theintrovertsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Abandonment, Death, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Torture, Murder, Sexual violence, Rape, Confinement, Toxic relationship, War, Police brutality, Colonisation, Abortion, Sexual assault, Gore, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Minor: Kidnapping, Trafficking, Pregnancy, and Cursing
kitsunasaur's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Slavery and Sexual assault
Moderate: War, Torture, Murder, Violence, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, and Death
Minor: Suicide, Vomit, Death of parent, Child death, Rape, Pregnancy, and Murder
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Child death, Blood, War, Torture, Slavery, Child abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Vomit and Rape
nayomschwen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Slavery, and Xenophobia
Moderate: War, Death, and Death of parent