An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir - Restarting April 7th 2022

[min sung ellie]

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.

[min sung ellie]

I am finishing up my book right now, so I am hopefully going to start this book in about a day or two!

[min sung ellie]

Feel free to go at your own pace!

[Mara]

Will do! Think I will start today as I have nothing going on as of now.

[Mara]

Start today turned into 4 days later, but I finally started! (I hope it's detailed enough, I put it behind spoilers just in case).

27% [Part I] (view spoiler)[ I'm not quite there yet concerning loving the book, but I like it up until now. I'm... surprised? with how the two characters their story-lines will intertwine, I expected it to be different, like they would meet when Elias actually fled the academy. Concerning the characters, I'm intrigued. I like them both, which is a good thing (I'm not always in love with female characters, they are often hit or miss for me). I'm curious how the two main characters will interact, and how it will pan out concerning romantic relationships (because I have the feeling the two mains will end up together, yet I feel like there are other characters out there who will suit them). But I feel like Part I was an introduction arc, and that now the story will pick up and flesh out the plot a bit more (because I feel like Elias' escape and Laia finding her brother can't be all of the plots, especially since there are three more books to come afterwards). (hide spoiler)]

[min sung ellie]

Part 1: (view spoiler)[I am enjoying the book so far, Sabaa Tahir's writing style is very easy to read and I think that I am going to finish this book quickly. I am really liking the world/empire that this story takes place in and love how we get two stories or perspectives. I cannot wait for the action to pick up because not much has really happened, and I think that the fun is just beginning. I am really loving this book so far! (hide spoiler)]

[min sung ellie]

57% (view spoiler)[I am getting Hunger Games vibes from the Trials! Also, am I the only one shipping Keenan and Laia, and Elias and Hel? I feel like there is going to be more romance between Laia and Elias because they have similar thoughts about rebellion, and espically because they are both in Blackcliff. I really hope Laia’s spy mission succeeds, and I think that maybe Elias will have some part of it. (hide spoiler)]

[Mara]

52% (view spoiler)[ I'm getting pretty pumped for this book! Like, there is plot, which has taken a direction which I didn't quite expect, but don't mind at all (I came into this series pretty unspoiled). I love both characters still -- especially Elias. I love his interaction with his grandpa, with Hel, and his memories of his life in the Tribal Dessert (I hope I got that right). Laia is still growing on me, but I like how she is slowly breaking out of her shell. The multiple revelations makes me wonder about things, like, what exactly did Laia's mother do? What about the resistance in general? Can they trust the blacksmith? Elias' mother is a pile of human dung and god do I want to strangle her. I feel like Izzi is going to play an important part later on.

I love the addition of the paranormal/fantasy creatures, and how Zak is slowly stepping out of Marcus' shadow. (How do 9/10 Marcus I know are evil, cruel or not pleasant?) I'm so excited for the second half of the book! (The only thing I'm not quite sold on the relationship between Laia and Elias, which feels a bit 'damsel-in-distress'. I like the chemistry between Laia and Keenan and Elias and Hel more. Oh well, still half a book to go. (hide spoiler)]

[Mara]

76% (view spoiler)[ I love a lot about how the story processes. How the Empire keeps on being painted in a worse and worse light, how the Resistance isn't entirely trustworthy, the third task that took me by surprise and made me weep without even realising. Like, I have a faint feeling, not all are dead, that it was a simulation or something akin to that, but seriously, the writer knows how to be cruel.

I love the addition of Izzi to the plot, the Moon festival was cute and showed a bit more of world building. Hel is also growing on me, though I feel her character is a bit... inconsistent? Like, one moment she is against the Empire, and the other moment she worships it?

The only thing which I consider a letdown is the romance, which annoys me more than I get joy out of. I feel like Elias and Laia are more pushed together because the author wants it than the characters, as I think Hel and Elias have great chemistry, and there is obvious potential between Keenan (?) and Leia. But oh well, can't have them all. (hide spoiler)]

[min sung ellie]

73% (view spoiler)[Mazen is getting oddly suspicious by the minute. Also, I am starting to think that Elias won’t survive the trials... (hide spoiler)]

[Mara]

100% (view spoiler)[ Holy sh*t, like, give me the next book please. I loved how the book generally was wrapped up, on how things slotted into place and how the prophecy was full-filled. I still a miss loads of the explanations, but that's where the other books are for, I think. Generally enjoyed the book, though I'm conflicted about the romance. (hide spoiler)]

[min sung ellie]

Finished! Read my review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting April 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Shar]

Started! I think I'm just going to update for each part and anytime anything shocking happens :)

[Kelly]

I started the audiobook :)

[Shar]

Kelly wrote: "I started the audiobook :)"

I have both the audio and physical so I may switch between the two to get it done faster :)

[Kelly]

Shar wrote: "Kelly wrote: "I started the audiobook :)"

I have both the audio and physical so I may switch between the two to get it done faster :)"

I tried a long time ago to listen to it at 2x speed but I didn't manage to follow and didn't remember anything so I'm listening to it at 1.5x now and it's great :).

Also, I'm a bit scared of this book because I think I heard the characters are going through a lot in this series? Mmh we'll see. I finished chapter 10 now. (view spoiler)[I'm afraid she'll get beaten and raped :( I hope Elias (I'm not sure how it's written) will help her or something if that happens. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I also started the audio book! 12% done!

[Shar]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[I feel that coming too. I don't even want to know what he whispered in her ear, I really hope Elias will help out if it comes to that too. I'm sure he will though especially with that reaction. On a more positive note, I really love how straightforward and intense this book is. (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Part One: (view spoiler)[I am loving this book so far. I feel as though it may even be a 5 star read for me. I have not come across a single thing I dislike. I love the dual perspectives where we have two different stories going at the same time. I'm curious to know how the two end up meeting and how their story will intertwine. I'm scared for Laia right now, she's in a plan where things are bound to end badly for her. (hide spoiler)]

[Susan]

Restarting this one tonight

[Shar]

Chapter Twenty Two: (view spoiler)[I really love the incorporation of all these mythical creatures. It gives a new feel to the story. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Part One: (view spoiler)[I'm really liking it too. I hope the Commandant will die. The story's intense and makes me a bit nervous so far. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[I'm really not into the 'romance' between Elias and his best friend. Edit: Well shit, she's dying :(

What kind of mother is she... Srsly. Can't wait for her to die. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Shar wrote: "Chapter Twenty Two: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, I really didn't expect them to be in this book though! (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Kelly wrote: "Shar wrote: "Chapter Twenty Two: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I didn't expect it either but I feel like it may be a vital element to the overall series plot maybe. Elias's mother dying will be the best part of the book. I will be so content. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Up to chapter 9, but I am not sure how I feel about it yet. I really like Elias and Laia but nothing to great has happened yet.

[Shar]

Chapter Twenty Six: (view spoiler)[I really did not expect that of Helene. I thought she would show at least a little sympathy but I guess that is what happens when you grow up in a place with a lot of prejudice. That kind of made me mad what she was saying... (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Chapter Thirty Six: (view spoiler)[I am starting to think that the traitor who got Laia's parents killed was Mazen. There is some shady stuff going on in the resistance and at least Laia is finally learning not to trust them slowly. The scene with Laia and Markus was so intense and I am so glad that Helene healed Laia. (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Okay. Wow, Laia can really blow things up. That escape scene was epic. I'll be definitely reading the sequel. I loved everything about this book. It held my attention the entire time which is so rare for me and the character arcs were done so well and I just loved this book. I wish only the best for Laia and Elias and I kinda ship them. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Are you planning on reading the sequel this month Shar?

[Shar]

Not really planned anything at this stage. If you wanna br the sequel with me this month then I’d definitely be down for that. It can be next month too if you want :)

[Shar]

Btw if you are in the monthly challenge I noticed that this book was also first published in april so its +8 bonus points

[Courtney]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ The Commandant is the one who killed Laia's parents! This is going to be good. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Shar wrote: "Btw if you are in the monthly challenge I noticed that this book was also first published in april so its +8 bonus points"

Awesome. I didn't notice before. Thanks !

As for the sequel, it depends on how I feel after I finish it. I'll let you know :)

[Shar]

Kelly wrote: "Shar wrote: "Btw if you are in the monthly challenge I noticed that this book was also first published in april so its +8 bonus points"

Awesome. I didn't notice before. Thanks !

As for the sequel..."

All goods. Just let me know when you're done and if you wanna read the sequel we can sort out a date and if not then I'll be happy to read it on my own hahaha :)

[Courtney]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ These creatures getting added make it creepy. Also The Commandent can just leave now. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Also I plan on reading the next book as well, but probably wont be able to until about the 7th. I am still only at 51% so I need time to finish

[Shar]

Courtney wrote: "Also I plan on reading the next book as well, but probably wont be able to until about the 7th. I am still only at 51% so I need time to finish"

No rush :) We can plan a br anytime for it

[Courtney]

Shar wrote: "Chapter Twenty Six: [spoilers removed]"

Same. I am on chapter 30 and I still cant wrap my head around it.

[Courtney]

Chapter 33 (view spoiler)[ Marcus is so disgusting! (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Shar wrote: "Chapter Thirty Six: [spoilers removed]"

I think so too. (view spoiler)[ Mazen is too fishy. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 34 (view spoiler)[ I really don't like Helene.. Maybe she'll redeem herself someday but I just don't like her character. Also I don't get what Mazen is doing or hiding. Did he have something to do with the betrayal of her parents? (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 38 (view spoiler)[F*ck. I'm crying. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 44 (view spoiler)[ Ugh. Marcus Emperor... I should have seen it coming. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

Kelly wrote: "Chapter 44 [spoilers removed]"

Same, but I was hoping for a different outcome.

[Courtney]

Finished. (view spoiler)[ I am glad Elias and Laia are still alive, and I kind of feel bad for Helene. I understand why she did it, but now she has lost her best friend anyways. (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Kelly wrote: "Chapter 44 [spoilers removed]"

I guessed that but I hoped Helene would have gotten it instead.

[Shar]

Kelly wrote: "Chapter 34 [spoilers removed]"

I think she is almost made to be liked at first and then disliked and then liked again once you understand her reasoning.

[Kelly]

Finished - (view spoiler)[ I agree, I didn't really like Helene but she's not going to have a good time with Marcus... I'm also glad for Elias and Laia. I'm really curious to find out the Cook's history with the resistance. (hide spoiler)]

I'm interested in reading the sequel but I won't be able to start before the 14th I think (I'm limited with Scribd audiobooks :(