An Ember in the Ashes - Tahir [Jan 20, 2022]

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir

January 20, 2022.
Requested by Nirkatze & Em Lost in Books.

Sorry for the delay on posting this!

[Nirkatze]

Thank you Jenna! We're going to use this for the whole series. :)

[celia]

Wait I love this series! Let me know if you want to talk about it!

[Nirkatze]

Way cool! Join us in the conversation!

We read the first book a few weeks ago and talked about it in House of Chains. Starting book two on 2/5 Saturday. Join us!

[marybee]

Ohh, I hope you have fun! I read the entire series last year and couldn't put it down, it's one of my favourites :)

[Nirkatze]

Em & I had fun with the first one! Would love to hear your thoughts as we move through the second and onwards. :)

[Em Lost In Books]

Nirkatze wrote: "Em & I had fun with the first one! Would love to hear your thoughts as we move through the second and onwards. :)"

+1.

Am around 80% in one of my current read. If i wrap it up early then i might start second book tomorrow. :)

[Nirkatze]

lol, you're moving faster than me this time then. :) I'm almost ready to start Cytonic--then I when I finish that I'm picking up Torch.

[Nirkatze]

Whoo, just finished last BR and am finally cracking open Torch! Already in the Chapter 1 I've got questions! (view spoiler)[That thump was awfully convenient wasn't it? Was it the efrit? And if so, why is it helping and then hindering them? What is with Silver? Is the "he"--"He wants it. He'll reward us if we bring it to him." Is that the Nightbringer, who the Commandant is working with--king of the efrits, right? (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter IV. (view spoiler)[The Commandant letting them go is definitely suspect. Some force (forces?) is working to help Elias escape--I can see the Augurs meddling, but I can't see the Commandant helping with that. She wants him dead--what use can letting him go serve? Unless her ally, the Nightbringer, has further plans that involve him somehow? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter V. (view spoiler)[Man, poor Helene. Still my favorite character. Who should she be loyal to indeed? The Empire, her friends, her heart? Certainly not Marcus. Elias doesn't deserve her. She better get mega kharmic rewards in her future. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Nirkatze wrote: "Whoo, just finished last BR and am finally cracking open Torch! Already in the Chapter 1 I've got questions! [spoilers removed]"

I have the same questions!(view spoiler)[ "He" could be Nightbringer and what is this Silver? is it money or something else? I don't think Nightbringer will ask his cronies to go look for money. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ it was all very suspicious but perhaps she had some other plans, a grand scheme and this was a necessary step?

Also, Laia's disappearance act! hope there would be more about this ability of hers. She seems to be oblivious of this. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Helene got a POV!! Hurray!

[Em Lost In Books]

Nirkatze wrote: "Chapter IV. [spoilers removed]

Chapter V. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[She is going to be loyal to Elias, because somehow she in her heart know that he was right. Also, I think somewhere involvement of Nightbringer will be revealed and it will make her resolution concrete...

and I think she is going to die... (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Silver (view spoiler)[I wonder if it is any silver, or if there is something special about Laia's specific piece of silver? (hide spoiler)]

Disappearing act (view spoiler)[She did this in the very beginning of the first book two--when she was hiding from the Masks invading her home. I'm not sure if she used enslaved to the commander. But it's nice to finally see this from another character's perspective, and have it really confirmed as some sort of magic! Helen can heal, Laia can turn invisible--I wonder what Elias can do? Has to be something right? And is Laia's ability only invisibility? Is it linked to the silver? questions questions... (hide spoiler)]

Helene (view spoiler)[Nooo! She can't die! She has to show all those people who looked down on her that she is stronger and better than them! Helene for Emperor!

I feel like Helene is in a lot of ways the opposite of the Commandant--what the Commandant could have been if she had chosen the compassion path instead of ambition path. The line about Helene being the only one to never underestimate the Commandant struck me especially. (hide spoiler)]

[marybee]

Ahh, I love seeing other people enjoy this! In book 2 Helene was definitely my favourite character!

[Nirkatze]

Helene for president!

[Nirkatze]

Chapter VIII: (view spoiler)[Seeing that Helene has sisters, I have to wonder if they're not part of the alliance that Helene's father had to secure with Marcus. I can't see just him visibly politically allying with him being enough to sway plebian dislike--especially since his daughter is already Blood Shrike so he'd kinda have to do so anyway. Though him + Augurs could do it.

I also like how perceptive Helene is. She instantly sees the parallel between Markus & Zak, her and Elias.

The Nightbringer--so Laia is important somehow to him or his plans! Maybe her silver is special after all. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter XI: (view spoiler)[Cook! Wicked to see Cook show up like that in Helene's chapter! And she's causing trouble for the Commandant too--way to go Cook! I like the idea of her being some sort of shadowy creature of vengeance. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XIII (view spoiler)[And Izzi! So glad she made it out okay. But with her health... I can't help but worry that she's going to be a sacrifice to literary heartstring tugs. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XIV: (view spoiler)[Hannah's a piece of work. But brave too. What she's willing to do for her own ambition, is part of the very thing that Helene fears--give herself to Marcus. It's sad how much she seems to hate Helene, when Helene loves her enough anyway that her presence at Marcus' side is powerful enough to potentially rein her in. Again, what loyalty will claim her in the end?

I think it's pretty obvious that Helene is going to clash with Elias at some point in this book. And I don't see either of them succeeding at killing each other plotwise. So, then the question becomes--how does this resolve? Unstoppable force meets immovable object. I have to think that some sort of magic to make it look like she captures and kills Elias would be the best thing, but I don't know if it'll be that easy. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XVII: (view spoiler)[And I still don't trust or like Keenan. Smarmy bastard. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XIX: (view spoiler)[All the garrisons were understaffed? That's awfully suspicious. I smell the Commandant--what's she using the extra troops for?

And I'm not as sure as Helene that Hunter is the informant. I think the Commandant might get her information through the Nightbringer...and I kind of like Hunter, for all he's a torturer. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter XXV: (view spoiler)[So the Soul Catcher was a girl once, and a djinn, and is now cursed to live forever. Sounds kinda like the Augurs. I wonder if her crime is caught up with their fate? Didn't the Augurs say in book 1 that they are trying to right an ancient wrong? I think I posted in book one the theory that this was linked to the story of the djinn and the Nightbringer.

And then she says: "I need you to help your friend." Elias think she is lying, but Laia (or her sliver armband) seem caught up in this somehow. What is the connection?

That the Waiting Place is an actually physical place on the map is a different idea. I can't think of any specific religion that has similar physical geographical ties to their lands of the dead. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXVI: (view spoiler)[Cook keeps showing up in Helene's chapters. Maybe she'll assassinate Marcus for us.

And how does she know about Helene's singing ability? Was she present? (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter XXXI: (view spoiler)[Hah! Helene gets this title! She's the "Torch in the Night"! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXXIV: (view spoiler)[I've been thinking about who Cook could be. She said she got her gut wound from an old friend before she killed him. I'm guessing that's the Resistance leader dude (forgot name) that was mentioned in the earlier in the Nightbringer/Commandant conversation about her. We know that she is former resistance, high up, that she recognized Laia on sight, and that she hates the Lioness with a fervent passion. We know that she is willing to reveal herself and threaten/blackmail Helene to protect Laia's life--though she hasn't been doing the same for Izzi.

Aside--how DARE they kill Izzi! The bastards! Even though I could sense it coming, I'm still pissed off.

Back to Cook--what if she is Laia's mother, the Lioness? Who would hate the Lioness more than her own self--especially if she was responsible for the deaths of those she loved (like she says the Commandant does) after being tortured? Wasn't Laia's mother, father, and daughter captured at the same time? If her husband and daughter were used against her in torture, that would break anyone. How else would she recognize Laia on sight--when no one knew Laia existed? That would explain her protectiveness of Laia and her fervent hatred for the Lioness she used to be and the farce the resistance has become. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter XXVII: (view spoiler)[Oh Laia, really? Keenan? Did you have to?

Though I like the way she seems a little unsure afterwards. Not just 'cuz I still don't like or trust Keenan, but I think it's a realistic depiction of a naive person jumping into a physical relationship when they're not sure of how they feel. In essence, she was using him for comfort. And she's not sure if she is capable of giving more, or what he might have been using her for. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[there's really something fishy about that alliance. And there's some other threat too, I don't think her father would have gave in so easily just for Helene even if she's the Blood Shrike. In family pride terms, didn't she behaved badly when she let Elias escape from the death sentence? Or her father was in for all what Augurs said to Helene or perhaps it's the Augurs who are behind all this? things are so meddled up right now, at least in this chapter.

I really sympathize with her character I don't like her being this weak when it comes to Elias and I know I also wouldn't like her turn into a cold hearted person to let go of her weakness.

Looks like Laia is important to everyone. Is that ability to disappear is called silver or does she has more magical powers... ? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ how the hell is she alive? and that too acting like a trained assassin!

And the little tale she sang, who is the silver-skinned she devil? Commandant or Helene?

Also, in Elias's chapters, I am confused with his about to die arc. Surely, he is not going to die or if he does I think he's coming back with some magical powers..

for a fantasy this book does not have a good magic system... or perhaps am too spoiled by Sanderson. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 13(view spoiler)[glad to meet Izzi again! Masks are really incompetent. >_< how come Izzi, Elias, Laia, and cook survived the explosion and successfully managed not to get caught. And author just spend the first book how dangerous and competent they are. hmpf! Am sure at this rate they will successfully invade the prison and evacuate the brother. :/:/

Also, are we going to suffer through Elias constant restraining himself from confessing to Laia because he is about to die and get mad over Keenan as he is in love with her... I am not ready for this angsty love triangle. It better be good or I will be mad.

The last bit about Soul Catcher hurting Elias, is it her way to give him strength to survive? (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ there's always a backstabber in the family who hates our hero/heroine, they have to pay for their actions and our protagonists have to move heaven and earth to correct those misdeeds. Its Karris and Hannah here, at least Hannah hasn't done anything vile against Helene yet except being ambitious but I know its Helene who would go to lengths to save her stupid sister. :/ (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ and it has started, the tug of war between Elias and Keenan with Laia in the middle. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 17 - I loved this. that sly fox Elias!!

[Nirkatze]

Sanderson spoils everyone on magic systems. lol

re: Chapter 8 & 11: (view spoiler)[Does Helene's father know that she let Elias escape? The public line is that the Scholar rebels blew up the stadium just as she was about to execute him. She might not have been super competent (though how anyone could see that coming), but she didn't "let" him escape--publicly. You make a good point about the Augurs though--I wouldn't put it past them to be manipulating further here too.

Her attachment to Elias doesn't bother me as much as you I think--not like Laia's attachment to Keenan. But I don't like how it makes her stupid sometimes--same as Elias' empathy made him stupid in the first book. They're supposed to be the Empire's elite, but they act like high school teenagers. I like that her love for Elias gives her internal conflict--but I also like how Cain points out “Because the Empire is filled with homes like this. With lives like these. Do you think that Darien’s or Siyyad’s lives matter less, somehow, than Elias’s? They do not.” If there's one thing that Helene needs to do to grow, it's to stop being so callous toward the lives of those she doesn't care for as much, like the conversations she had with Elias about slaves and Scholars. She wants to improve conditions for them, but she doesn't really care if they get slaughtered or not. Elias cares too much, it makes him stupid. But if Helene can learn to treat those other lives as important, I think she'd be a worthy leader. I still hope she assassinates Marcus and takes the throne.

We know Cook used to be resistance--I bet she picked up her ninja skills there. Pretty sure the silver-skinned she-devil here was Commandant, since she was talking to Helene--and there's only two of them.

I was seeing the Elias-die ultimately forcing him and Helene toward each other. The only way he could survive this poison is through Helene's magic--so what is going to cause her to heal him, when she's so dedicated (now) to fulfilling her mission? I think I have a better idea now, but I'll put it in my next chapter spoiler tag. :) And he's got to get some magical powers already! Or maybe only the women get it?

And yeah, what's up with Laia? I really do think the "silver" is her armband, and not her magic, but what's the deal? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13--(view spoiler)[Masks definitely aren't living up to their reputation. Stormtroopers, every one of them.

Ugh, emo love triangles. I think she has toned it down a little since the first book though--or maybe I'm just moving through fast enough that it doesn't bother me a quite as much as before.

No idea about the Soul Catcher. What's her deal with Elias? She said she doesn't watch folks in the living world much, but she's been watching him? Now he's important too? But if she's connected to the Augurs somehow...maybe she's drawn to Elias for the same reason the Augurs are? So does she also watch Laia and Helene? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 & 15--(view spoiler)[true that. Backstabby family members are the worst. It's interesting to see how the pull puts another dimension on Helene though.

And I love how you described the triangle as a tug-of-war. Going to enjoy that imagery every time it gets annoying. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17--(view spoiler)[Is it the slave trader thing? I've already forgotten what happens in specific chapters. :) I did find that quite clever! Wish he'd tugged more on Keenan's chain though. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter XXXVIII (38) (view spoiler)[So Darin is alive. But will he stay that way? For all that this whole book has been about getting him out, I don't think they're going to succeed. Gotta have more despair than hope going into book 3 of 4.

Shaeva talks of the Nightbringer--how he "seeks the scattered pieces of the weapon that locked them away here so long ago."--maybe Laia's armband is one of those pieces? Are they all silver? What other pieces of silver might they be? Hm--Masks are made of silver! Could that be part of the Nightbringer's deal with the Commandant? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXXIX (39) (view spoiler)[The Commandant's plan (more or less) fully revealed. I can see how she'd want to leave Elias alive, not only to distract Helene, but also to force her Mirror and her Bane to take each other out. To the Commandant, Elias stole everything from her. And Helene--she is a mirror to everything the Commandant was, and everything that she hates about herself. Especially in that she loves Elias. I wonder if Elias' father was also a Mask? That would make her even more like Helene. To force these two into conflict must be the ultimate justice and revenge to the Commandant. Many birds, one stone.

I still don't think that Harper is her only spy though. If she only had one source of information on Helene I would see that as one of the first times she slipped up.

And I'm starting to see why Helene might be forced to heal Elias--she's going to have to heal him to transport him for execution. She can justify it by saying that she can't have him die en route. Then he'll escape somehow. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XLI (41)--(view spoiler)[Thank you Izzi! About time someone pokes Elias in his overbloated guilt sense.

“Stop.” Izzi’s eye flashes. “You always think everyone is your responsibility, Elias. But we’re not. We’re our own people, and we deserve to make our own decisions.” Her voice trembles with an uncharacteristic anger. “I didn’t die because of you. I died because I wanted to save someone else. Don’t you dare take that away from me.”

Darin's questioning--I wonder if the Warden is also allied with the Nightbringer? Or someone else? Why does he want information on Laia? Her "specialness" is coming up again...

Huh oh... "enough honey in it to choke a bear"--is the traitor inside the Resistance Keenan all along? Or is he something worse? I never liked him. Maybe he's the Nightbringer! We never see the Nightbringer's face, and Keenan always talks about how he knows loss, and has spent a long time grieving...

Elias thinks Keenan is a tool of the Warden--but if the questions "weren't his own" as Darin thinks--it's probably the other way around! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XLII (42) (view spoiler)[Ah, so that's where the missing garrisons went. But what does the Commandant plan with them? Maybe she'll assassinate Marcus and take the throne! Or is the army due to the Nightbringer's influence? What're they planning?

Hah! Both Keris & Warden serve the same master. It is the Nightbringer! What has he promised them, I wonder?

Excellent! Please kill Marcus for us, Commandant. It'd make everything else so much easier. At least we wouldn't have to worry about Helene's loyalty anymore.

I don't think it'll go that quickly though. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 11 & 13 (view spoiler)[I guess they revealed to the father what Helene did as making her a traitor would give Marcus or Commandant or the Augurs better leverage over him. I don't think he'd be that helpful if they tell him that his daughter was incompetent to catch Elias.

You are so right about that high school teenage part. I know that author tries to tell us that these highly trained assassins are after all humans with all the emotions that sooner or later catch up with them but when she does it repeatedly it does grate on nerves. We're still in initial chapters, can't she save these moments till the end of the book...

And how cleverly Cain didn't mention that it was Laia's home... I agree with you about Helene and her attitude towards the slaves but I think author did that intentionally to show us the contrast between her and Elias. While Elias did start rough but they were trained at the same place, got drilled with same moral values simultaneously. Whereas Elias did the school part as a mean to survive, Helene reveled in it. It was an honor for her to become a Blood Shrike. She at times feel the pain of the slaves but helps only when she is pushed to it. Remember when she helped Laia.,it was only because of Elias and not her intention.

Hope Helene would not be that silver haired devil in the end.

oh! love in heart will make her heal Elias. Even now she doesn't want to kill Elias, she just want to catch him and hand him to Commandant or Marcus to do the dirty deed. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14-17 (view spoiler)[ of course he is important!! he is our hero, one half or one third of the savior of human life on earth. ;)

I think he is going to get his magic from Soul Catcher. And the Soul Catcher does not like Agurus... perhaps that's the reason she picked Elias for her work..

lolss... the misery. he does not want her to fall in love with her and yet can't let her go with another man. >_<

Yeah, his duping Afya into helping her. Hope it didn't come to bite him in next few chapters. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 19 -23 (view spoiler)[ I love Mamie!! so glad that Elias has her.

I think the masks are shifted to prison for if Elias & do get there. I am neutral on Hunter.

Poor Mamie. Hope she is gone for good and not captured to be tortured.

I want to know about the bad blood between Augurs and Soul Catcher.

Were you expecting him to go on his own? that surely surprised me. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ that was some big reveal. I think its because of the Augurs that Soul Catcher is stuck in this in between space. and I really curious now how Elias and Laia are significant to all this.

She seems very helpful for now. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[ I think Helene and Cook will become good friends later in the story. And it will be Helene who murders Marcus. If it would be Cook, Marcus would already be dead.

I think Cook too has some hidden magical powers. (hide spoiler)]

and Laia's chapters are plain boring in this book.

[Em Lost In Books]

Helene is fantastic in dealing that Sergius!! :D

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[finally some action in Laia's arc. Good to see that she realized the disappearing act, will be helpful to her in future. Poor Izzi. :( (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ Darin can't be dead!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31(view spoiler)[am scared to think about the price that Helene has to pay for this unmaking. >_< Why is Cain playing with her? Why not give a little hint and Marcus will be dead but no they have to play all these riddles. :/:\ (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 34 (view spoiler)[ Is cook Laia's mom? else why would she care about her this much?

Just read your spoiler for this chapter and I agree with every word you said. the protectiveness, and still going leaps and bound to save Laia. Even threaten Helene. She is the Lioness. And the question why she is still alive? perhaps a trophy for the Commandant? And perhaps she's the reason that Commandant is hellbent on killing every scholar she could catch, not even sparing the kids. Thinking all that bloodshed will lure out Cook from her hiding. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books]

Nirkatze wrote: "Chapter XXVII: Oh Laia, really? ..."

Lolss... Of all the things I didn't think this would happen. ;)

[Nirkatze]

Finished! I had lots of thoughts I had typed up but didn't submit them before I went to sleep, and my stupid computer decided to restart without telling me. So I'm going to have to type them up again--but after work. >.< Looking forward to clicking through your spoiler tags!

[Em Lost In Books]

My thoughts on this book

Laia’s chapters were really dull in here, if I remove 2 key moments like (view spoiler)[Nightbringer connection, her using her disappearing ability (hide spoiler)] this book could have done without her in my opinion. I know she’s the reason that Elias went to north but she herself didn’t do much for this story here.

Elias, I really liked him from start to finish. Right from(view spoiler)[his encounter with his mother, his poisoning to the last act (hide spoiler)] I think he was fantastic. But most significant is his interactions with Soul Catcher and the history there made it even more fascinating for me. Somehow I was expecting this in Laia’s arc because of his mother. I am very curious about what will happen in next book.

Helene, star of the book. Her every chapter was fantastic. She sacrificed the most and suffered the most. (view spoiler)[Is Marcus talking to Nightbringer over his shoulder? I don’t think anyone else to be this manipulative. Karis helped him in trials and Nightbringer directly working with him. Feeding Marcus his insecurity and making him do his bidding? (hide spoiler)]

Also, all three main characters now have powers of their own. While Laia and Elias’s magic are explained to some extent, nothing much is said about Helene’s powers, why she was chosen or was it really that bad as everyone say?

[Nirkatze]

Waaa! So sorry it's taken me so long to get around to replying! Had a bad work week of 4 hour hour nights and took Saturday to just veg.

Whoo! Here I go!

re: Chapter 11-13: (view spoiler)[Was the house that Cain showed Helene Laia's? The story he told was of a Martial family that had Scholar slaves... though I wouldn't put it past him to lie... Also Laia's family was dead and gone months before the rebellion set fire to the city...

As for the Silver-skinned she-devil, the cook says: “Once upon a time,” the strange voice says, “a girl and a boy tried to escape a city of flame and terror. In this city, they found salvation half-touched by shadow. And there waited a silver-skinned she-demon with a heart as black as her home. They fought the demon beneath a sleepless spire of suffering. They brought the demon low and escaped victorious. A pretty tale, is it not?” and then later, Helene reflects that there are only two "silver-skinned she demons...and one of them was getting tortured by Avitas Harper that night.” So I'm pretty sure this bit wasn't prophecy, but rather the Cook's retelling of Elias & Laia's flight from the city. Or were you referring to another part? (hide spoiler)]

re: 14-17 (view spoiler)[Nice call on the Soul Catcher & Elias! I suppose he wouldn't have magic on his own or else he would have manifested by now, since he's already been exposed to several efrit, and magic seems to be catalyzed by their touch...though I do think that Laia showed signs of invisibility power before the encounter in the desert. (hide spoiler)]

re: 19-23 (view spoiler)[Yes, Mamie! I didn't even comment on her. But it is nice to see that Elias had (and still has) real loving parents, considering what else he has had to put up with. Though, really, the parents (except for the obvious) haven't been that bad in this series. I'm counting Laia's grandparents, not her dead parents.

re: Elias leaving--I wasn't expecting it, but it didn't really surprise me either. Seems in line his horrible self-sacrifice vein. (hide spoiler)]

re: Chapter 25 & 26: (view spoiler)[I really want the Soul Catcher's story more in depth. We know that she somehow is responsible for the djinn's imprisonment, but we don't get the details--the why or the how. And I definitely still think the Augurs are the Scholars who trapped them, cursed with eternal life by what they did.

I like your ideas for the Cook! I'd like to see her and Helen get chummy. Or at least, I really like Cook as an ally for Helen--poor Hels needs some allies here, and the stupid Augurs don't count. As much as I'd love to see her kill Marcus, I don't think that's in the cards--unless for some reason he ordered her to. She's too committed to her Blood Shrike role to go against his orders. If she didn't do it for what Marcus did later on, she's not going to do it at all.

What powers does Cook have, do you think? I still think (spoilering this 'cuz I don't remember when I had this brainstorm) (view spoiler)[that Cook is in high running to be Laia's mother, the Lionness (hide spoiler)], so maybe she has the same magic as Laia, and can disappear? (hide spoiler)]

And I did love Helene Blood Shriking Sergius into submission!

Laia is fairly bland. Thank goodness Elias picked up, and we got Helene!

[Nirkatze]

Re: Chapter 29-35 (view spoiler)[Izzi still makes me sad. I was glad that Elias at least got to say goodbye, and take a message for her. Izzi was a really nice levelheaded smart character too. She was untouched by the emo guilt-blinding that characterizes Elias and Laia. I'm so glad that the words she had to Elias, about not trivializing her choices, is actually getting through to him.

re: Darin--I was actually more surprised (view spoiler)[that he turned out to be alive and survived to the end of the book (hide spoiler)] than that he was reported dead. I was expecting them to get to the prison and find out that they had hung their hope on a rusty nail, putting them (and the rebellion) back to square one.

re: Cook--I totally think the Commandant kept her as a trophy. Silver-skinned she-devil as she is, that seems directly in line with her way of thinking. Crush her enemies, make them suffer where she can see and enjoy it. Much like poisoning Elias instead of killing him outright--she likes to play with her prey, and extract maximum mental anguish from them. But what will this mean for Helene now? (hide spoiler)]

Would love to see Helene take out the Commandant. Preferably after the Commandant kills Marcus for her.

[Nirkatze]

End of book thoughts--I liked all the reveals in this book. (view spoiler)[Elias's father, Nightbringer, Commandant's plans, Soul Catcher...lots of reveals. And juicy tidbits about the history with the Augurs/Soul Catcher/Djinn, and potential Cook backstory too. (hide spoiler)]

I agree that my fav character ranking goes Helene, Elias, Laia. Elias is showing some character growth thanks to Izzi and the Soul Catcher, and his future path is bound to be even more intriguing. I also was not expecting the Soul Catcher twist in healing. Helene had the most growth, and the most torment. Heart goes out to her.

re: Magical powers--I think Helene's was pretty well explained actually--I think it was Nightbringer who said that contact with the efrit awaken magical powers in humans. Second Trial is when Helene started being able to heal. Laia would be the same, except I swear she could use hers earlier than Elias thinks. So maybe there's some nascent ability, that is then fully awoken upon contact? And what do you think Elias will be able to do with his new job? Besides cheat death?

re: Marcus & the voice--(view spoiler)[I'm like 90% certain he's seeing Zak's ghost over his shoulder. That's what's keeping him from just assaulting Helene on the spot. I don't think Nightbringer has approached Marcus directly--for one thing, during Helene's chapters, Nightbringer was busy pretending to be Keenan--which is also why neither Keris nor the Warden had heard from him in months. He was busy trying to get Laia's silver. (hide spoiler)]

Man, Nightbringer. (view spoiler)[Twisted, insane path for a character. He literally has to actually come to love, and then betray, every single person who has inherited a piece of the weapon. Over millennia. That has...well, we already know it actually has done serious damage to his psyche. Him and his poor djinn, all insane. Is there a good path out of here?

And I knew I had a good reason to dislike Keenan. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I think I enjoyed this book more than book one (thank you Helene!) though the thumbscrews are definitely tightened and the fire is tickling the feet. Heroes in a tough place now!

[Nirkatze]

I am so overblown with BRs right now (but loving it)! No idea when I can fit in book three. Do you want to check in around the Feb 25th or so and see where things are? I've got about 7 BRs between now and Feb 21st, but then just one on the 28th and then it starts all over again in March.

[Em Lost In Books]

Shall we go for 02/26 for the third book?

[Nirkatze]

Sure! Penciling it in!

[Em Lost In Books]

About Torch Against the Night - Some really good deductions there(view spoiler)[I didn't connected Cook's story to Elias & Laia's escape. I thought she was weaving a tale about future.

Darin - As important as he was I am still surprised that the warden decided to keep him alive. Was he aware of the relationship between Darin and Laia, perhaps hoping that she would come to rescue and he'd have his sweet torture time with her..

Marcus & Zak - I forgot about Zak. the shadow could be Zak but then how come Marcus knew about the rebellion? Does he has his own network of spies?

the magical powers - Cheating death is the best magical power, imo. ;) And him being in that in between place is going to take on a toll on him, him being called at times, I think this is going to play some crucial role in the coming books.

Helene's powers are called curse and not many people know about them and I don't know I have a hunch that her power will fail her when she need it the most like if her sister is in mortal danger or something like that.

Elias and Helene being trained as Masks, I can see them utilizing their powers but Laia and her disappearing act, I don't know I am not impressed. And the siblings are really gifted I think, is it because of them being Lioness's kids?

Elias's father, Nightbringer, Commandant's plans, Soul Catcher...lots of reveals. And juicy tidbits about the history with the Augurs/Soul Catcher/Djinn, and potential Cook backstory too.

those revelation really made the book worth reading for me. its good that we're reading when the series is complete, I would be on tenterhooks had I read it as they were published.

And I am sure that Cook is Lioness... (hide spoiler)]

And did you check the covers of next two books? next has Elias, Laia, and Helene on the cover while finale has only Elias & Laia. :(

[Nirkatze]

Whaaaaat? No Helene on last cover? Ominous!!!! >.<

Re: Darin & Warden--(view spoiler)[I totally agree! Only thing I can think of is that the Warden is a scientist first, Nightbringer ally second, and Imperial subject third. The first two would have him keep Darin alive, and only the third would have him dead.

Also, as with the Warden & Elias--maybe the choice wasn't actually the Warden's at all. Nightbringer was feeding Warden questions for Elias--he was probably feeding him questions for Darin as well. In fact, we know he was, since Keenan was using the information mined from Darin to get close to Laia--things like "tea should be sweet enough to kill a bear." Nightbringer only succeeded about a day before the escape--same time Keris arrived, so Warden would have been busy.

Though also, Warden & Commandant say that Nightbringer has been out of contact for a few months. Then how was Keenan getting the info extracted from Keenan? Was it all gathered before Elias and Laia escaped, and he just left standing orders with the Warden to get answers to certain questions and not let Darin die? (hide spoiler)]

re: Marcus & Zak--(view spoiler)[Good question about Marcus knowing about the rebellion! Maybe the Augurs? Or maybe, just from how deeply he's worked with Keris, he knew her well enough to set his own spies in motion? After all, with all the garrisons stripped of soldiers, it isn't that much of a leap to figure something is up. Marcus isn't stupid, just a brute. Maybe Zak even told him?

I don't think he's on the Nightbringer bandwagon--if he was, I don't think Keris would be allowed to plot to bring Marcus down. Though Nightbringer might not know about it either--he's been busy with Laia the past few months. (hide spoiler)]

re: Magical Powers--(view spoiler)[lol, very true on cheating death! I wonder how far that works though? Like, is he essentially unkillable once becoming Soul Catcher? Infinite rebirths?

Laia's disappearing act--well, she can disappear while Elias fights. :) And occasionally hurl a rock from concealment.

I think Helene's "curse" is that, whenever she uses her power, it takes from her. If she tries to heal too much, too far, it could kill her.

So ironic, that the Blood Shrike, essentially a hitman on call, would have the power to heal. I wonder if she can only heal others, or if she can heal herself too? I want to think not--if she has to drain herself to heal, I can't see how she'd be able to turn the ability on herself.

I feel like her ability to heal has a connection to her deep-set empathy--but it is that very empathy which she has to kill in herself to fulfill the duties of Blood Shrike. Her empathy too is her curse.

But what was the reason she had to keep the magic hidden again? Is there some sort of stigma against magic? I already don't remember--except I do remember Elias using that knowledge as blackmail to get her to heal Laia.

As for Darin & Laia being gifted--I wonder if Darin will have a magical ability as well, if exposed to efrits? And if that's the case, and it's connected to the Lionness--does the Cook have magic too? Maybe she can disappear like Laia. Now she would use that to become a Ninja Assassin.

Total ditto on thank goodness the series is complete! Would not want to have to wait in agony.
(hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Just read an article talking about 10 fantasy series that haven't been adapted for TV but should be, and the top one on the list was this series. :) It also had a link to a youtube preview for the book, which was a fun little snippet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbvyC...

[Em Lost In Books]

Started this yesterday. this started with a bang.

about Helene's magical powers (view spoiler)[ I think it binds her with whoever she heals? She feels the pain when she hurt Laia. (hide spoiler)]

But what was the reason she had to keep the magic hidden again? Is there some sort of stigma against magic? I already don't remember--except I do remember Elias using that knowledge as blackmail to get her to heal Laia.

(view spoiler)[it was said that her magic was associated with demons and hence not accepted. And come to think of it, no other person has magical powers except our leads and Nightbringers. So it could be that magic is considered wrong in the society. I didn't find anyone showing off if they have any magical power. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Em, is it OK if I buddy read it with you? I think about starting it tomorrow...

[Em Lost In Books]

More the merrier but we are on the third book. You will start with 1?

just hop in. :D

[Choko]

I will start with one, if that is OK... I will catch up fast:)