An Ember in the Ashes November 2020 Discussion

[[deleted user]]

Hello members!
Our High Fantasy with a Diverse Setting themed BOTM for November is...
An Ember in the Ashes!!!

Discuss characters, settings, have debates, ask questions, make predictions, or just discuss your favorite/least favorite parts of the book.

If you have previously read this book, are currently reading it, or plan to read it during November, share your thoughts with the group. We would love to hear what you think!

**Also make sure you go check out the November color challenge led by our wonderful mod ReLiz! It is going to be super fun!!!
(Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)

[Tessa]

I loved this book! The last one comes out in December!

[Tessa]

there's 2 more out right now

[sahrai]

I just checked and thank god I don’t have to wait for this book since my library has it ready!

[bookishcarli]

I read this book at the end of October, and i loved it!

[⚘ Itz Lia the Bibliophile ⚘]

AnnabethChase wrote: "I read this book at the end of October, and i loved it!"

Nice! I have the book but am scared I won't like it. I will give it a try!

[Darcey]

ahh i know i'm late but i'm going to try and read this during november! can't wait!

[Abigael |]

Great political fantasy series incorporating Middle Eastern and Roman culture! Islam is referenced throughout this novel (and series) but I'm not sure to what extent, since I'm not Muslim. Also, trigger warnings: attempted rape, sexual assault & harassment, and violence are HEAVILY described throughout this novel, so FYI for those of you who didn't know

[Caitlin]

This book is absolutely amazing! I fell in love with the diverse world fairly quickly, and it’s full of tension that kept me turning the page.

[Darcey]

A City Girl's Thoughts wrote: "Great political fantasy series incorporating Middle Eastern and Roman culture! Islam is referenced throughout this novel (and series) but I'm not sure to what extent, since I'm not Muslim. Also, tr..."

thanks for the trigger warnings :))

[Darcey]

I don’t want to spoil so I’ll mark my spoilers :))
chapter 3
(view spoiler)[ ahhh what a dramatic start to the book! Poor Laia, she’s clearly living a damn hard life, and I don’t blame her for running. Sometimes I find it ridiculous how brave and strong and determined the protagonists of books are, they never seem to be scared, and I’m really glad I’ve finally found a protagonist that isn’t super brave! I know that I probably would’ve run as well, no matter how much I loved my family, and I feel like so would most people - despite what they say ahah. However, I do find it a bit naive of her to believe that the Resistance will just be happy to have her and won’t be angry that she gave up the journal.... despite their ‘ancient code of honour’, I doubt they’ll accept her with open arms. I guess we’ll see!
I haven’t gotten much of the dude yet (sorry - name blank) but he seems interesting, I wonder why he hates the empire or whatever so much, especially given he’s a soldier.... (hide spoiler)]

[Necmi]

I started to read it yesterday.

[Abigael |]

Darce wrote: "A City Girl's Thoughts wrote: "Great political fantasy series incorporating Middle Eastern and Roman culture! Islam is referenced throughout this novel (and series) but I'm not sure to what extent,..."

You're welcome!

[Necmi]

I finished reading it a few minutes ago.

[Darcey]

Necmi wrote: "I finished reading it a few minutes ago."

what did you think?! i'm just over 20% through but i'm enjoying it so far :))

[Necmi]

Darce wrote: "Necmi wrote: "I finished reading it a few minutes ago."

what did you think?! i'm just over 20% through but i'm enjoying it so far :))"

The book is not bad but not as good as a 5-star book. Laia is such a person far from the real world. However, you can read the book with fun.

[Necmi]

A City Girl's Thoughts wrote: "Great political fantasy series incorporating Middle Eastern and Roman culture! Islam is referenced throughout this novel (and series) but I'm not sure to what extent, since I'm not Muslim. Also, tr..."

No islamic references except for the character names.

[Darcey]

Necmi wrote: "Darce wrote: "Necmi wrote: "I finished reading it a few minutes ago."

what did you think?! i'm just over 20% through but i'm enjoying it so far :))"

The book is not bad but not as good as a 5-sta..."

glad it was still fun :))

[Caitlin]

Darce wrote: "I don’t want to spoil so I’ll mark my spoilers :))
chapter 3
ahhh what a dramatic start to the book! Poor Laia, she’s clearly living a damn hard life, and I don’t blame her for running. Sometime..."

I think the early on character arcs of Laia and Elias are well written, because it shows characters as they are from a first look, rather than a fantasy outlook on a character. Laia's naivety is what allows the resistance to use her, but in a way, it gives her strength as well to push on and keep doing what she does. Elias' resistance against Empire teachings is what makes him a loved and flawed character that made me root for him to overcome what he knows is evil to be able to do the right thing, even if it costs him.

[Darcey]

Caitlin wrote: "Darce wrote: "I don’t want to spoil so I’ll mark my spoilers :))
chapter 3
ahhh what a dramatic start to the book! Poor Laia, she’s clearly living a damn hard life, and I don’t blame her for run..."

i'm around half way through the book now, and i can definitely see how these characters arcs could be truly amazing. so far i'm a little irritated by the mild insta-love between the two MCs, but i love everything else!

[Kimi]

I absolutely love this book series!!! I can’t wait for the last book to come out. I really appreciate the character development of the two MCs in the book and how the story unfolded.

[Darcey]

i just finished this! sorry it took so long, exams got in the way :/ but i really enjoyed this. it was good fun! not 100% sure if i love the love triangles with helen and keenan and such, but i don't mind them. it's pretty clear that elias and laia will be end game. anyway yeah this was pretty good!

[Elizabeth]

This book was fast-paced and exciting! I don’t like Laia and Elias together as a couple, though.