[BWF] [Steeplechase] An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1) – Sabaa Tahir - 5 stars

[Linda C]

A raid of Laia’s home ends in the death of her grandparents and the capture of her brother, Darin by the Martial forces, for interrogation. Laia escapes and heads to the underground catacombs to find the Resistance, hoping to get them to help free her brother. Her parents were leaders in the group before their deaths. They say they will help if she spies for them as a slave in the cruel Commandant’s home.

In alternating chapters, Elias, a senior in the Blackcliff Academy is planning his escape after graduation. He is not going to pledge his life to violence for the Emperor. But before he can leave the Augers (immortal seers) predict the downfall of the Emperor and schedule 4 graduates for participation in The Trials to determine the new Emperor and Elias is one of them. Over the course of the book their lives cross and they learn each other’s secrets, danger increases, and violence is everywhere.

A high action-packed book, first of a series with an interesting premise and good world building. I look for the next volume.

[Jen K]

Nice review! I've almost picked this up a few months this year and really hope to manage this month. Glad to see a great rating!

[KateNZ]

I’ve also come close to reading it a couple of times this year Jen - maybe we should both make this the month to do it!!

[Jen K]

KateNZ wrote: "I’ve also come close to reading it a couple of times this year Jen - maybe we should both make this the month to do it!!"

I would love to read this together!! I got completely distracted/ detoured by the Olympics mini challenge after finding every fantasy series that fits BWF and 5 stars (side note: most fantasy settings do not participate in the Olympics).

I do really aim to read this in the second half of August. I'm motivated by Linda's review.

[NancyJ]

Great review Linda! I keep seeing this title too, but it sounds like it’s finally time.

I’m up for a buddy read too, assuming I can get it in time.

[KateNZ]

I’m on whenever you’d like to start. I own it, so it’s ready on the shelf for me.

Thanks so much for prompting us with your great review, Linda!

[Joanne]

I also have had this on my TBR forever-and I have it down as one to read this month if I can fit it in. I will pick it up at the library when I next go and try to join you all

[Jen K]

Awesome. I also own a Kindle copy so I can start once I finish up some library borrows. I can set up a BR thread. Thanks Linda!

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

I want to read this with someone too.

[NancyJ]

@jen k - That sounds great Jen. I’m in too. I was able to get the audio book from the library, but I have to finish up some others before they expire.

@ Linda c - I’m loving the Nalini Singh books you recommended in Dandelions too.


Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I want to read this with someone too."

@Dosha - perfect. This will be your first buddy read with us! The discussion will be posted in the Footnotes folder by Jen K sometime in the next week, for a discussion midmonth. Our buddy reads are more informal than group reads in other groups, and everyone is welcome to join in. They pop up just like this.

[Olivermagnus]

I really liked this and keep saying I'll read the next book but just haven't gotten to it yet.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

Dystopian fantasy is not generally my genre and I never read YA, but I was so desperate to be active in this group, I joined this buddy read. From the very beginning I am completely absorbed in this book! Very well written story. I have it on audio and on my kindle. I am up to page 85 already.

[NancyJ]

Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Dystopian fantasy is not generally my genre and I never read YA, but I was so desperate to be active in this group, I joined this buddy read. From the very beginning I am completely absorbed in thi..."

Haha that’s what happens around here! It will get you out of genre ruts. Even if I don’t think I like a genre, I end up finding something great. I think there are great books in every genre. Even horror, sports, and other genres I tend to avoid.