Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Synopsis:

''Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.''

About the author: 

Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Bookdepository: http://www.bookdepository.com/searchsearchTerm=an+ember+in+the+ashes&search=Find+book

Find more information on:

 http://anemberintheashesbook.com/

Book trailer:

Review: 

''From among the battle-hardened youth there shall rise the Foretold, the Greatest Emperor, scourge of our enemies , commander of a host most devastating. And the Empire shall me made whole''

 This book swaps form Laias' point of view to Elias'. Although I find it quite annoying sometime, especially when something really exciting is happening to someone and the chapter ends, forcing me to read another one before I can comeback to the one that I'm interested one. But I like it, both stories were so fascinating. So complex and well built... The back of the book says something about game of thrones's fans enjoying the story and it normally annoys me, it did annoy me, BUT, IT'S SO TRUE. I like game of thrones and just like it, this book is all about punches, knives, killing, trying not to be killed. There's slightly less rape, but just slightly, honestly. Characters: I have to start by saying I absolutely hate weak characters, not just females, but people in general, I think it's because it goes against my nature so I'm just unable to like them, to understand them. But with Laia is different, she's not strong, she obeys and does not flinch when doubt arises but she also learns how to be strong, page by page we see her grow and become someone stronger and clear-minded. I really really liked her, and the way she grew and become independent. I loved when she finally kicked some ass and became her own person.

''All evil here. She whisperers 'Monsters. Little monsters and then big ones.''

I also, and obviously, feel in love with Elias and the whole plot of the Masks, the Emperor's demise and the Forsake. And Gods! How clever that was! Honestly I was not expecting that! It was awesome! Elias is a great character there's really not much I can say without giving way I spoilers, you just have to read to understand his story and learn how he came to be what he is. But I love him. He's so complex and intriguing and strong ans you just don't want to stop reading and knowing more about it.

''This life is not always what we think it will be.' Cain said. 'You're an amber in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. You cannot change it. You cannot stop it.''

I just have one problem with this book. I don't know who to ship Laia with! Because I love, love, love Elias. But I also love Kennan. And the chemistry!! Dear Gods don't do this to me!!! 

I only talked about these to characters because you see and know this world through their eyes but there are so many other who are absolutely brilliant and incredibly real in a way that's heart-breaking. If you like things that are strong and incredible. Please, do yourself a favour and read ''An amber in the ashes''

Rate: 5/5

Have you read this book?
If so, tell me what you think in the comments!

Never stop dreaming

- Tânia