The characters in this book all are distinct and memorable, and you truly do feel for them and relate. There are so many beautiful quotes I can pull from this book. Tahir’s elegant and descriptive writing style also helps establish the fascinating setting and keep the pace moving. However, the plot does feel a little slow at the start as you jump into the Empire. Much of the world isn’t explored in this book, leaving a lot for the sequels to dive into, and also making the world building not overwhelming like it can get in many fantasy novels. There are a lot of mentions of sexual assault, violence, and death (God, a lot of death).

I really appreciated how Sabaa Tahir doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, and the constant danger that certain characters are forced to live in. The Ancient Rome inspiration is clear, but the world still feels original. When he is forced to partake in a competition to become the next Emporer, he must decide what he is willing to do to be free. Elias is a soldier, and a great one, but all he wants is freedom. Laia, desperate to save her brother, has become a spy for the rebels, taking on the dangerous job of getting information by being the slave to the ruthless Commandant. “Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.”Īn Ember in the Ashes follows two characters in very different circumstances. Review in a Nutshell: An Ember in the Ashes will astound you with its amazing worldbuilding, lovable yet flawed characters, and gorgeous writing. trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault and rape//

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