An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir (Start date: August 06 2018)

[Lara]

ShoSho wrote: "Chapter 32 Gaahhhh"

:-) I know. So much angst getting in the way.

[Lara]

I finished last night. There are so many things that happen in the last few chapters, and so many questions answered (though not all). And I don't think that Elias interprets the Augur's statements about his freedom correctly. (view spoiler)[Overall, I think a lot of this book is a setup to force Elias and Laia to gain the skills and support to become what will be needed to remake the country. But, what about all the other nations? What is their role with the supernatural? Are they being affected, too, or is this something that is only located in this one land? So many questions, and so little information, sigh. (hide spoiler)]

[Lara]

By the end I'm starting to see how the title is relevant, but don't think it was fully justified, yet. Well, maybe... (view spoiler)[Each has developed friendship and support that could be called on later. And each has started creating a reputation that could become legendary. (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Lara wrote: "Although, the fact that there is only and always one was not explained.
"

Yes I'd love to know why.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Lara wrote: "I finished last night. There are so many things that happen in the last few chapters, and so many questions answered (though not all). And I don't think that Elias interprets the Augur's statements..."

It became another whole book after chapter 38. I loved the last few chapters more than the rest of the book.

As you said so many questions!
(view spoiler)[
I'm really curious about the cook and why she stutters every time she speaks of her parents. It's as if a curse was put on her to prevent a from talking about it.

I didn't see the result of the trial coming at all! Marcus winning the trial was a big surprise. Mostly because I was sure whoever loses would die.
I was thinking Elias/Helen would become the emperor and make things better for people. (hide spoiler)]

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Is this a trilogy or do we have to wait for the 4th one?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

ShoSho wrote: "Is this a trilogy or do we have to wait for the 4th one?"

No. There is a 4th book due in April 2019. And book #3 ends in quite a cliffhanger. **sigh**

[Lara]

I just hope that the series wraps up in the 4th book. I don't think it is necessary to drag it out even that long, given the minimal world building that was done in this book. I had that issue with the Shadowhunters books, where I felt like most of them had the main characters running around with little to no movement in the plot.

[Gisela, Moderator]

I’m on Ch. 17 (view spoiler)[

-Laia’s “voice” gets on my nerves. She always sounds like she’s about to cry.
- I agree with Lara that the world building is lacking. I get that it’s based on Ancient Rome but we need more details. Why are the Scholars so abhorrent to the Empire?
-If Augurs are immortals that can read minds, are there any other paranormal beings? Efrits? Jinn?
-If Helene can compete to be Emperor then why can’t any of the Emperor’s daughters inherit the throne? (hide spoiler)]

[Gisela, Moderator]

ShoSho wrote: "Lara wrote: "ShoSho wrote: "chapter 11

I agree that something else is going on related to the mission, [spoilers removed].

As for who is and isn't going to make it, I suspect it will be much more..."

While knowing she is inexperienced!

[Gisela, Moderator]

Ch. 32 is so frustrating!!!

[Gisela, Moderator]

Are the Augurs (view spoiler)[the Coven that trapped the Jinn? (hide spoiler)]

[Gisela, Moderator]

I can’t believe they are so willing to throw away so many people for a series of tests!!!!!

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Gisela wrote: "Are the Augurs [spoilers removed]"

I don't think they are.(view spoiler)[
Wasn't the Coven destroyed? (hide spoiler)]

[Lara]

Gisela wrote: "I can’t believe they are so willing to throw away so many people for a series of tests!!!!!"

I agree! While it may be that the "tests" are only truly meaningful if people they know and care about are at risk, the purpose is crap. Testing someone to see if they are willing to put a friend to death is not the same as seeing if they are willing to do so when they find out the friend has actually done something wrong. This is just cruelty and nastiness. It really makes me wonder about the augurs and their role.

[Gisela, Moderator]

They definitely have an agenda. Maybe war against the Nightbringer?

[Gisela, Moderator]

ShoSho wrote: "Gisela wrote: "Are the Augurs [spoilers removed]"

I don't think they are.
Wasn't the Coven destroyed?"

I don't think they were the book only says that they created a weapon, the Star, that was destroyed when they imprisoned the Jinn. Do you think it possible that (view spoiler)[>they took/absorbed the Jinn into themselves and that's why they can't die and have those abilities?

I'm also curious about Cook's identity... (hide spoiler)]

[Lara]

My guess is that Cook is really (view spoiler)[ Laia's sister. Since their mother was willing to sacrifice anything and everyone for the rebellion. Who would be more bitter than her daughter, who felt betrayed by her own mother? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Gisela wrote: "Do you think it possible that..."

Ah! I'm liking this theory, G.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Gisela , Lisa Kay, how far are you?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I finished, although, I have to confess, I skimmed some of it.

[ShoSho , Moderator]

Lisa Kay wrote: "I finished, although, I have to confess, I skimmed some of it."

You didn't like it?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I liked it... I think the author is a very good writer. I'm just not a big fan of Fantasy...

[Phoenix (Online Elf), Moderator]

Discussion thread for is posted here