An Ember In The Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir - Reading from 'A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2)' from July 20th 2019

[Tati]

"AN EMBER IN THE ASHES is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding read. Set in a rich, high-fantasy world with echoes of ancient Rome, it tells the story of a slave fighting for her family and a young soldier fighting for his freedom.

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."

Bri and I will be reading this! Feel free to join!

[Amphitrite]

Just finished Part 1 Chapter 4: Elias (view spoiler)[So I've already picked up that the Empire is similar to the Roman Empire, and the Scholar Empire reminds me of the Greeks somewhat. I can't comment a lot about the characters yet, but they interest me because both of them are different. Elias is unwillingly a Mask, a soldier for the Empire, but right away we see he doesn't want to be there. Laia, on the other hand is just a Scholar girl and we really don't know much about her at this point. I think the mask that the Mask soldiers wear are both weird and intriguing, I wonder how they work. (hide spoiler)]

[Tati]

Part I Chapter I

(view spoiler)[ if the grandparents die, I'm going to be pissed. (hide spoiler)]

[Tati]

8%

(view spoiler)[ yep, the grandparents were killed... not pleased with that... And it'snalready clear, after the boy been flogged to death and the grandparents' deaths that this is going to be bloody... ANd Elias' mother is the Commander? That's bound to be interesting (hide spoiler)]

[Tati]

Done!

GOsh, (view spoiler)[ the Commandant is a bitch! I wonder what happened to her to make her so hateful. And I want to know who is Elias' father. (hide spoiler)]

What really frustrates me is that there is no word yet on a sequel, as Penguin only bought the rights for one book...

[Rachmi]

Hi Tati and Bri, mind if I join you guys? I just started it :)

[Tati]

Of course not! I've finished already, but I'll discuss it with you

[Rachmi]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[I hope that means there is no love triangle between Laia, Keenan and Elias or between Elias, Helene and Laia or is it mean a love quartet, then? lol But if there is that kind of love, I wish it's a good one.

Btw, I like that it's clear from the beginning that Elias doesn't like the Empire and considering to desert. It means his hate for the Empire doesn't have anything to do with Laia. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

What do you think of the book, Tati? I'm on my phone so I cannot see how many stars you give it.

[Rachmi]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[Why she doesn't tell them that her parents were one of them? And it's interesting the Scholars names sound like Middle Easterns (Arabic)/Indian/Spanish names while the Martials names are like Roman names. The way they act are also remain me of Romans while Scholars are like Greek. (hide spoiler)]

[Tati]

I gave it 5 stars, Rachmi, I think my first 5 stars rating this year.

As for what you said about chapter 7, I agree with you! In fact, I thought there several similarities between the world building and Ancient Rome and Greece

[Rachmi]

Whoa 5 stars! This book is one of my 2015 most antisipated books, so I have high hope with it. I'm counting on you with this one :D I've already had 2 5-stars worthy so far, The Ocean at the End of the Land by Neil Gaiman and Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor, but they aren't 2015 books. You can say I haven't read 5-stars book of 2015 :)

I just realize that Tahir was inspired with Ancient Rome, I think that's why we that that feeling.

[Rachmi]

*we have that feeling (sorry typo :D)

[Tati]

I really enjoyed it! And it's tough for a book to get 5 stars from me LOL

Thankfully, Penguin ended buying the next book, so this is going to have a sequel!

[Rachmi]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[is it really only her imagination? that creature? I don't think so. They seem real to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Tati wrote: "I really enjoyed it! And it's tough for a book to get 5 stars from me LOL

Thankfully, Penguin ended buying the next book, so this is going to have a sequel!"

Haha, I usually don't give 5 stars easily too! But then if come from my favorite authors, I tend to be bias lol. And Neil Gaiman and Laini Taylor are among my favorite authors.

[Rachmi]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[I wonder hy the Commandant hates Scholars so much, aside they are the ruler of the Empire? And if Elias's father is a Scholar, maybe? that's why she hates them so much. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Chapter 36 (view spoiler)[I think Helene makes a deal with Marcus. That's why she seems helpless whenever he's threatening her. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Beginning of chapter 41 (view spoiler)[could it be Augurs have already known Laia's role in the future, just like they know about the war. So they make her as Elias's prize? (hide spoiler)]

[Tati]

Rachmi wrote: "Beginning of chapter 41 [spoilers removed]"

Those Augurs are a creepy lot!

[Rachmi]

Chapter 41 (view spoiler)[oh gosh, I really really really hope Laia won't tell Mazen about the secret tunnel in Elias's room, because if she does it and Mazen use it for his agenda, it'll ruin Laia and Elias relationship. Elias will mostly accused her for using and spying on him. I don't want their relationship gets worse when it even hasn't begin yet! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Tatiiiiiii, I'm in love with the book! Just finished it and now I'm dizzy from this book hangover. It's already pass 2 am while I have to wake up at 5.15 am, I guess it makes me dizzy too lol.

[Tati]

Hah!! See? I was the same, this book just left me empty...

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Tati wrote: "8%

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ It was sad that her grandparents were killed. the poor girl has no-one left. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

up to chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ Elias' mother is just evil! she gets worse as the book goes along! and Marcus is awful to Helene! talking about raping her is not nice! (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Sarah wrote: "up to chapter 25 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[There are lots of raping talking here, and it's just surprising the students don't do anything at all about it. But then they rape the slave, so it must be nothing to them. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Rachmi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "up to chapter 25 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ it does seem that way. Got to feel sorry for those poor slaves, they are really mistreated. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachmi]

Sarah wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "up to chapter 25 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Indeed, it was kinda break my heart when I read what the Commandant did to Izzi's eye or Cook's face and not to mention all she did to Laia. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Rachmi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Rachmi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "up to chapter 25 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ she's realy harsh! I mean she doesn't even like her own son! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

chapter 32 (view spoiler)[I so badly wanted them to kiss right then!! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

89% (view spoiler)[ Oh dear. that was not supposed to happen. Elias has made major errors now. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

91% (view spoiler)[ So Mazen has been playing her all along. not surprising really. (hide spoiler)]

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥]

Sorry guys for joining late .. I was intrigued by all the positive feedback for this and decided to get it :)

Part 1: chapter 2 (view spoiler)[so Elias doesn't want to be part of the Masked<? I need details (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥ wrote: "Sorry guys for joining late .. I was intrigued by all the positive feedback for this and decided to get it :)

Part 1: chapter 2 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ yep, he really didn't want to be one of them! (hide spoiler)]

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥]

Chapter XXI: Laia (view spoiler)[when Elias carried her >> i had instant feels .. I am glad Helen is not dead.. And Elias's mom is cruel and terrible.. The Cook knowing Laia's mom and how she betrayed her was interesting and the warning she gave Laia from the resistance is ominous (hide spoiler)]

Things are getting really interesting and I don't want to stop reading

[Sarah Elizabeth]

ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥ wrote: "Chapter XXI: Laia [spoilers removed]

Things are getting really interesting and I don't want to stop reading"

(view spoiler)[ Elias's mother is awful! (hide spoiler)]

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥]

Chapter 30: Elias (view spoiler)[There so many love interests and all of them have potential UGH! What Elias did for Laia in front of his mom was gutsy and I can't wait to know who will win the trials (hide spoiler)]

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥]

Ending (view spoiler)[i loved how Laia managed to get back to Elias .. And I am sad for Helene .. She is a very complicated character but J really like her.. Her promise to protect Elias is making it hard for Elias.. I hoped they'd kiss one time at least.. (hide spoiler)]

I am really glad the publishers went for a sequel :)

[Sarah Elizabeth]

I'm glad there's going to be a sequel too. (view spoiler)[ Very worried about the new emporer! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting June 15th 2014. Happy Reading ☺

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[Sibil]

Can I join this one? :)

[Ashley]

Sibil wrote: "Can I join this one? :)"

Of course!

[Ashley]

Chapters 1-13: (view spoiler)[ I find the creation of this world quite interesting, although sometimes I find myself confused about things like the names of places or the politics. I'm interested in what Elias is going to have to do for the trials, and I'm wondering when Elias and Laia are going to meet. I'm looking forward to what life is going to be like for Laia while she's the commandant's slave. I just finished Throne of Glass not long ago and The Trial's for Elias sounds kind of similar to the competition Celaena was in. So far the story has drawn me in, but nothing has really popped out to me as extraordinary. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Thank you! :) I'm so excited about this book! I'll get started this evening! *__*

[Ashley]

Chapters 14-26: (view spoiler)[ Things haven't really progressed much with Laia, but she's finally found something that she can report. I kinda expected that it would be difficult for her to report something once she found it. The Trials are certainly interesting, and I'm excited to see what the next one is. How is Elias going to do in The Trials without Helene by his side? I think that Elias is going to find out Laia is working with the rebels and maybe assist her since he feels no loyalty to the Empire. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapters 27-39: (view spoiler)[ Things are still getting more interesting, but I can't help wondering when all hell is going to break loose. I'm a bit upset that both main characters are in some sort of love triangle. I mean, there's nothing worse than a love triangle besides two love triangles. Why did the augors take Laia? I'm assuming that she is going to be a part of The Trials because the augors read Elias' mind and found out he cared about for. I think I'll finish this today since I'm pretty eager to find out what happens. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapters 40-end: (view spoiler)[ I liked how it ended, but I can't say that I didn't expect it. I knew the author wouldn't just kill off one of the two main characters, at least in just the first book when a second book was confirmed. I expected Laia to be a part of the fourth trial. I was hoping Helene would be named Empress, but unfortunately she wasn't. I'm curious at to what will happen in the next book. They have to make it to Kauf somehow, and I'll be pretty disappointed if it's a book where half of it is made up of travelling. I'll definitely be reading the next one. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

chapters 1-7 (view spoiler)[When I first heard of this book I wasn't very intrigued because the world building. I don't know why but it didn't interresed me. But now that I started it I think I was mistaken. It seems good. It's too early to say if I like Laia and also the Resistance, but I like Elias for now.
But it's strange that Helena is the only female Masks trainee, and yet the Commandant is a woman. Maybe later the author would explain.
And I wasn't expecting that the Commandant is also Elias' mother!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Ashley wrote: "Chapters 1-13: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ The first meeting between Laia and Elias was intriguing, at least for me, but now I'm a little scared for Laia, it's seems a very bad thing to become commandant's slave! (hide spoiler)]

chapter 8-15 (view spoiler)[ Blackcliff history was intersting, but the Augurs are really creepy! And I dislike the resistance, expecially the leader. I understand that it's difficult for them and that the things are not easy for Scholars in general, but he's very very cruel! (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

chapter 16-21 (view spoiler)[ I understand that the Commandant is a villain and so she can't be cute and sweet and so on, but she's far too cruel! What's wrong with her?! I think she is the "worst" villain ever (ok, I'm not too sure, but she make it in the top 5!). And Marcus is really sneaky and I despise him. He's an awful human being!!!!! Instead, I pity Zack and I hope that in the end something good will come for him... but it seems that two of the Aspirants have to die... and I really hope that Helene will survive it, so I hope that, in the end, Zack and Helene and Elias can live. Marcus not. I'm bloodthirsty, I know! (hide spoiler)]