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A review by catlandia91
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
4.0
I'm glad I picked this up! Laia and Elias tell the story of a brutal empire from two different perspectives that help flesh out this tale of intrigue and rebellion. I really liked Laia's characterization as a meek, scared, and unsure teen trying to save what's left of her family by risking her life and freedom to right hey wrong. I enjoyed seeing her grow and become more sure of herself.
Elias was also a great character, his internal conflict and subterfuge was compelling in the dangerous and violent setting of Blackcliff Military Academy). Although I thought Helene, Elias's best friend, was a great contrast to Elias, their lack of communication was a little tiresome. I'm not sure where Elias and Laia's chemistry will take them, the immediate, overwhelming attraction between them was a little much for me, but there are quite a few books after this that I hope will develop their relationship further.
One thing in this world that sort of annoyed me was the simplistic names of the factions/people (Martial, Scholar, Tribal, the Empire). They felt like placeholders and an afterthought. A very minor nitpick to an otherwise exciting book.
Elias was also a great character, his internal conflict and subterfuge was compelling in the dangerous and violent setting of Blackcliff Military Academy). Although I thought Helene, Elias's best friend, was a great contrast to Elias, their lack of communication was a little tiresome. I'm not sure where Elias and Laia's chemistry will take them, the immediate, overwhelming attraction between them was a little much for me, but there are quite a few books after this that I hope will develop their relationship further.
One thing in this world that sort of annoyed me was the simplistic names of the factions/people (Martial, Scholar, Tribal, the Empire). They felt like placeholders and an afterthought. A very minor nitpick to an otherwise exciting book.