Scan barcode
A review by pnutbutterprincess
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
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? No
4.0
Laia is a Scholar, one of the people who have been conquered and subdued by the militant Martials. When as Martial soldier kills her grandparents and takes her brother from her, leaving her alone, Laia is faced with overcoming her fears in order to save her only remaining family.
She goes undercover as a slave in the military academy, where Elias, a soldier nearing his graduation, is planning his escape to seek a life where he won't have to kill any longer.
I was caught up quickly in the vivid world of the story, finding myself quickly invested in the lives of both Laia and Elias in their struggles against almost inevitable failure. The worldbuilding is well done, it being clear that there is much more than the scope of what is seen in the story, and small glimpses are given of some mythical and magical element to the world, expanding it beyond a warring land of countries and states. Romance and friendship and adventure twist the story into an exciting tale, as Elias and Laia find their paths crossing as should-be enemies but finding no reason to hate each other, rather their goals begin to align as the tension escalates and both are finding themselves in increasing danger in a political state of upheaval and looming conflict.
I hope to see more of the mythical elements coming in the later books, and look forward to seeing more of the diverse and lifelike characters which I really came to like in this first book.
She goes undercover as a slave in the military academy, where Elias, a soldier nearing his graduation, is planning his escape to seek a life where he won't have to kill any longer.
I was caught up quickly in the vivid world of the story, finding myself quickly invested in the lives of both Laia and Elias in their struggles against almost inevitable failure. The worldbuilding is well done, it being clear that there is much more than the scope of what is seen in the story, and small glimpses are given of some mythical and magical element to the world, expanding it beyond a warring land of countries and states. Romance and friendship and adventure twist the story into an exciting tale, as Elias and Laia find their paths crossing as should-be enemies but finding no reason to hate each other, rather their goals begin to align as the tension escalates and both are finding themselves in increasing danger in a political state of upheaval and looming conflict.
I hope to see more of the mythical elements coming in the later books, and look forward to seeing more of the diverse and lifelike characters which I really came to like in this first book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Genocide, Sexual assault, and Death of parent