You are an ember in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy.
Title: An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Page Count: 448
Rating: 5/5 stars
Ten burning hell’s, where do I start? I mostly picked up this book because it had a very pretty cover (I know, I’m a terrible person). I finally got around to reading it after a super busy year of studying and working. I thankfully now remember what a day off feels like and also have reading time!
You know when you read the line in a book that reveals where the title stems from and you Just. Can’t. Breathe. That’s this book.
An Ember in the Ashes follows two young people living polar opposite lives, both under the shadow of The Empire. One, an elite soldier training to become a Mask at Blackcliff Academy and the other a lowly scholar who stumbles across a rebellion.
One thing that really sets this book apart from many other fantasy young adult reads is its world building. Its incredible. And I don’t just mean the places, but the people: the cultures, communities, traditions and histories that all have their place in building layer upon layer of this fantasy setting.
Character development gets another massive tick (yes- I just qualified as a primary school teacher, a tick is a big deal). This story has it all – love able heroes, truly hate worthy villains and side characters that are woven into the story just enough to make you really care. Also did I mention that Elias Veturius is my new book boyfriend?
The sequel, ‘A Torch Against the Night’ will be released this year so now is the perfect time to dive into this book if your looking for a new fantasy world to escape to. And lets be honest, who isn’t looking for exactly that?
To Infinity and the Bookshop 