Cover image for An ember in the ashes : a novelAn Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Children’s Department

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is the book about?: 

The Martial Empire rules the land with an iron fist. Separated into classes, the Scholars are the lowest of the low. Leia and her family are Scholars, with her parents being killed by the Empire for being part of the Resistance. When her brother is arrested, Leia takes it upon herself to join the Resistance in an attempt to save him. It is on a special mission for them that she encounters Elias. Elias couldn’t be more of her polar opposite. Trained in the school for the Empire’s soldiers, he’s one of the best students and one of the most unwilling. Together, along with several other characters, they will discover things about both the Empire and the Resistance that could change everything.

My Review: Admittedly, I went into this a little hesitantly. It sounded like a million other YA and dystopian fantasy novels that are currently on store and library shelves. I am glad I read it, though, because I really would have missed out! Laia isn’t your typical Mary Sue character that has every power to right all the wrongs and make everything end happily ever after. She’s a girl like any other, living in fear of the Empire she lives under and trying to keep what’s left of her family together (and alive). Both perspectives the story is told in, from Laia’s point of view and Elias’s, are well written and engaging. Major scenes and action kept me wanting more when I had to take a break from reading. Even though this was originally meant to be a standalone novel, I’m glad the author has written a sequel and am really looking forward to further adventures in the world she has built.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Compelling, Fast-Paced, Brutal

Give This a Try if You Like…  Dystopian fantasy, Political Unrest, A Bit of Violence in your Fantasy

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!