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

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 12 (view spoiler)[ Wow I am super loving this again!! I love the narrator already. I'm not sure how I feel about Laia tho. I hope she'll become braver since I'm not really a fan of scared Laia, but she definitely has the makings of a great hero. I love Elias omg--my poor tortured son. I want good things for him plsssssss (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 20 (view spoiler)[ These trials are fucking intense as shit!! Like holy crap. I hate Marcus, he is a damn snake. Zak isn't as bad but I don't care for him much. I wonder if Laia will die by the end of this series since Elias saw her in his graveyard battlefield thing. Cause if she does that was some evil ass foreshadowing Sabaa. I hate the Commadant, I hope she dies at some point. Also, Helene so clearly likes Elias it's kinda painful to watch (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 34 (view spoiler)[ I think I love Helene. I mean she isn't perfect, but I just love her. She needs someone who could love her better than Elias tho. Idk if they'd make a good match. Fucking Marcus needs to die tho and the Commandant. I STILL LOVE ELIAS <3 Also I think Cook is right and that Laia should be more wary about what the rebels are telling her, cause idk if they're trustworthy. Definitely ship Laia more with Elias than Keenan, but overall way more invested in the plot than any romances. I want Elias to find freedom, but idk how he will. He definitely needs to win the next trial!! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Wow that ending was batshit crazy!!! I can't believe I forgot some of it. I am so glad Helene and Elias are alive. Helene will make a good blood shrike, but what will happen to my baby Elias!?! I need good things for my baby plssss (hide spoiler)]


Ch. 20 (view spoiler)[ This has been pretty crazy! I love the addition of Helene's perspective, also gotta say I absolutely love the narrators, they're amazing. I hope Helene will figure out wth the Commandant is up to, she's dangerous af and Marcus is clearly her pawn even if he doesn't realize that. I don't want Elias to die from the NIghtweed poison--Helene needs to heal him PLEASE *sobs* But omg I love Elias's tribe mom, she is the best (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Part 2 (view spoiler)[ Holy fuck Elias got captured!!! NOOOOO This is not allowed. *sobs some more*. I think he made the right decision going by himself as much as I hate it. I'm not sure what to make of Helene's chase on Elias. When did Cook become such a badass!?! I need to know more about her like now!! (hide spoiler)]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[ Tas is adorable and Elias should let him help, pleaseeeeeee. Keris is a damned bitch and I hate her. Helene needs to stop whatever this bitch is planning! What is up with Laia being able to turn invisible like that shit is cool af! ALSO WTF KEENAN WAS THE NIGHTBRINGER HOW DID I FORGET THAT!?! I wish he hadn't gotten Laia's armlet (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I definitely sobbed when Elias died. Also I'm really happy Harper turned against the Commandant and decided to be on Helene's side. I need to know what he told her about his and Elias's father tho!! Like please Sabaa, tell me so I can ship Harper and Helene because I'm sorta starting to. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Part 1 (view spoiler)[ I feel like Helene and Elias are being stupid rn. They're not doing the right stuff. Helene needs to stop thinking Elias is the answer to all of her problems, he's not and she needs to let him go. Elias needs to not be so hung up on Laia. Shaeva told him he had work to do and he didn't treat it the right way. He'll end up paying for that mistake I'm sure. Marcus is so clearly haunted by Zak, I think it's possible the Nightbringer was responsible but who knows. Also Livia is pregnant!?! That poor girl, she doesn't deserve any of the shit that's happened to her (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Part 2 (view spoiler)[ Thank god Helene is starting to figure shit out!! I was so sick and tired of her losing to Keris. Keris needs to die like right the fuck now or I WILL RIOT!! Also, I'm not sure whether the Nightbringer needs to be stopped exactly. It seems like the jinn are needed to help keep balance between the living and dead. Maybe just his revenge scheme needs to be stopped?? Laia is kind of annoying me--girl you don't know everything don't act like you do (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[ FFS CAN SOMETHING GO RIGHT FINALLY!?! I swear this whole book has been basically one thing after another not going right AND KERIS IS STILL FUCKING ALIVE. Why dammit why?? SOMEONE KILL THIS BITCH ALREADY! I'm kind of over Elias and Laia's relationship when they keep putting it in front of the Empire and everything. YOU CAN HOOK UP AFTER YOU SAVE THE DAMN WORLD. Also Laia was a complete bitch to Darin and he was literally fine with it wtf. Things better start looking up for once, or I will be angry!! Jk already angry. ALSO COOK IS LAIAS GD MOTHER ARE YOU SERIOUS JESUS FUCKING CHRIST (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Holy crap that ending!! THE GHOST IS ELIAS'S GRANDMOTHER- I'm calling it now but she is going to be absolutely critical to talking down Keris, I just know it!! Cook did not deserve that ending dammit. I'm glad Elias has finally become the soul catcher but I also feel like we're going to need Elias himself to make sure the Nightbringer doesn't wipe out the scholars. ALSO CAIN IS THE FUCKING SCHOLAR KING HOLY HELL!!!! So many things just blew my mind in the end there. LIKE FUCK HELENE AND LAIA ARE GOING TO WORK TOGETHER SIGN ME UP BITCH. THEN HARPER AND HELENE FINALLY FUCKING KISSED UGH I NEED THEM TO HAPPEN!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Lane]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ I feel like going to work for the Commandant is a terrible person. She sounds like a complete crazy person. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 21 (view spoiler)[ I really want to know why Cook always stutters when she talks about the Resistance. Maybe the Augurs put some kind of spell on her so she can't talk? I agree with her that Maven is sketchy though. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ I really hope Izzi doesn't get killed. She is so sweet and she deserves to live a full life. She's so brave and loyal though. (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[ Okay so Helene wasn't as bad as I thought she would be. I really want Laia to end up with Keenan though, even though I know it will be Elias, who I do like. (hide spoiler)]

[Lane]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I like getting Helene's perspective in this, for her to actually admit out loud, even if just to herself, that she loves Elias. Especially since her role in this book is so complicated since she is tasked to find, torture, and kill him... (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ Mama Rila playing matchmaker and talking up Elias's cheekbones was hilarious. She's actually really cool. I still want Helene to end up with Elias and Laia to end up with Keenan though... (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Ok, I'm a couple of days early for the May 18th restart, but here's what I got:


End of Part 1: (view spoiler)[ Goodness! The Commandant is awful! I wonder if we will find out her backstory. Honestly, if Lia wasn't the FMC, I would doubt her survival. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 29 - (view spoiler)[ Uh oh, Elias is totally going to get caught if he keeps it up. I wonder when Laia will understand that he isn't all bad despite the Mask. And poor Helene - I am still wondering what the Augurs told her about her future. (hide spoiler)]
End of Part 2: (view spoiler)[ I am totally confused about the Augurs now. I thought they wanted Elias as Emperor. If they know all this future stuff, they must know about the Nightbringer too, right? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - wow. Great first book! (view spoiler)[ There is so much to think about for the next one. Obviously, there is room for the attraction between Elias and Laia to grow. And there is foreshadowing between Elias and Helene - clearly, they will have to face off against each other in the future. I think Keenan and Izzi will end up an item. And I think the Augurs are the mystics that entrapped the Nightbringer's people and now they are trying to "right the wrong" they did by bringing all these characters together and forcing them into the fate they need to bring it about. Just my thoughts. Can't wait to get to book 2. (hide spoiler)]

[Krystal]

Starting this tomorrow.

[Dannii]

I'm hoping to start this in the next few days :)

[~T~]

Finishing my current read. Hopefully start this one tomorrow!

[~T~]

Through chapter 4- first thoughts
(view spoiler)[ Well that started off with a bang! The grandparents’ deaths, like whoa, what just happened?? And the way the ten year old deserter was killed? This book is already blooody. Throwing in the fact that Elias, who plans on deserting, is the commandants son? This is gonna be good I can tell. (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Through chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ I’m so curious about these trials. By the looks of things, they’re gonna be brutal. I really like Elias, wondering about the relationship with Helene and where it may be going? Also, I like Laia but she HAS GOT to become stronger/braver/more fierce. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

I'm so sorry I'm so late to this. Hoping to start on the weekend!

[~T~]

That’s okay! I totally understand!

[Krystal]

I’ve started but haven’t gotten very far! Maybe only 3 chapters.

[~T~]

End of Part 2

(view spoiler)[ Oh. My. Gosh. So Laia can’t be dead, I know that. But I’m dying to know what happens next. Marcus just won the trials and I’m sick to my stomach. And Elias is sentenced to death. Holy climax, this book is so good. Elias and Laia, I’m so rooting for them to come out of this together. It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten so completely caught up in a book! Excuse me while I fly through part 3. Eek! (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Ch 11 - (view spoiler)[ I really like having Helene's POV in this book, although, I feel like she will always be struggling with some impossible choice. I wonder if Cook is a supernatural of some kind? (hide spoiler)]
End of Part One, Ch 24 - (view spoiler)[ Could Harper be falling in love with Helene? (hide spoiler)]
End of Part Two, Ch 32 - (view spoiler)[ Uh, but aren't the rebels since compromised by the Commandant's spies? Why would they go off and stay at rebel safehouses? Ugh, and I am really worried that the author hasn't even hinted at an antidote for Elias's poison. He's only got a few more weeks. I'll be sad if he dies. (hide spoiler)]
End of Part Three - Ch 45 - (view spoiler)[ What is she??? And what does it mean now that the Nightbringer has the silver armlet?? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[Whew, good book!!! My first thoughts were that Elias and Laia were the children or at least descendants that resulted from the Nightbringer "loving" all those people that he manipulated into giving them their pieces of silver/star - but that was just gross since I'm also hoping that Elias and Laia will end up together since their songs are in harmony according to Helene. I am thrilled that Elias found a way to beat the poison even if his new job is going to keep him really busy, and I'm wondering if Laia will end up with other powers at some point. I can't wait to read the 3rd book to answer all my questions! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Hi guys. I've been on hols with no internet but finished this book earlier today. Wow, I am so in love! I'll catch back up with all your posts as well as posting my updates tomorrow :)

[Dannii]

First quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - (view spoiler)[I love books that immerse you directly in to the world with no forewarning, and this did exactly that! Laia's story begun in a horrific manner and I immediately rooted for her, aligning again with my dislike for the Masks. This was then cleverly shattered when we were introduced to an actual Mask, whose interior feelings do not match his bloody deeds. The Ancient Roman inspirations began to become more apparent and I loved both how brutal and bloody as well as politically inclined the story line was. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - (view spoiler)[The Masks training is both horrific and fascinating to read about. The amount of years spent training and the number who die because of it makes me so sad for these poor children. They are literally brainwashed to believe in the Martial cause, as they have spent their entire childhood indoctrinated with it. It seems a small number disagree but all do so quietly and in fear, like Elias.

I love his and Helena's camaraderie but his feelings for Laia are starting to confuse things for him. As are the Trilals, held to find the next ruler of the Empire. The Trials are just like the academy training - keeping my glued to the page and eager to find out more but also sickened when I do so. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - (view spoiler)[The Rebellion might not be exactly what they claim and Laia's mission seems more and more doomed to fail, regardless. I can never picture how they plan to free her brother from prison as they have never given Laia any concrete evidence or suggestions. I think she is right to be growing wary of them, despite a certain red-haired boy who keeps reeling her in. I was convince he was a good member and not just playing with her feelings. She is now even more torn, as her attraction for two boys (who are both her enemy in some way) begin to war against each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - (view spoiler)[That ending has me continually teary-eyed. I felt so sick reading of the third trial, when Elias and Helene faced each other. They were forced to murder their friends and Elias' guilt afterwards is both completely justified but I also feel he should forgive himself. The night he spent with Laia was so full of sweetness that I knew it could not last.

The ending had me shook on a number of occasions. I completely thought first Laia was murdered and then Elias. Tahir truly played me well! I'm excited to see what happens when they escape and hopefully start their own rebellion.

I have some theories going forward. There has been no mention of Elias' father and I feel that him and Laia could share the same one. There was been hints at discontent between the Lioness and him and I wonder if he grew close with the Commander somehow. I'm also eager to learn of Cook's true identity and to see more of Kitchen Girl. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Jennifer wrote: "Ok, I'm a couple of days early for the May 18th restart, but here's what I got:


End of Part 1: [spoilers removed]
Ch 29 - [spoilers removed]
End of Part..."

The Augurs are so interesting. I can't wait to discover their secrets in the rest of the series!

[Dannii]

~T~ wrote: "Through chapter 4- first thoughts
[spoilers removed]"

Such a strong (if bloody) start! I flew through the first 100 pages!

[Dannii]

~T~ wrote: "End of Part 2

[spoilers removed]"

I was literally wanting to scream out loud through that entire scene. (view spoiler)[ Marcus will make the WORST ruler. He MUST be stopped! He will also make Helene's life a misery. (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Dannii wrote: "First quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - [spoilers removed]"

LOVED how this book started (however bloody).

[~T~]

Dannii wrote: "Third quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - [spoilers removed]"

Can't help but be totally team Elias on this one!

[~T~]

Dannii wrote: "Fourth quarter of An Ember in the Ashes - That ending has me continually teary-eyed. I felt so sick reading of the third trial, when Elias and Helene faced each other. They were for..."

Cannot wait for the second book, hope it's as crazy good as this one.

[Dannii]

Me too. Are you reading them next month? I run out of time this month :(

[~T~]

Dannii wrote: "Me too. Are you reading them next month? I run out of time this month :("

I just put a request in to see if anyone wants to read it in July. My schedule stays super busy (kids, pregnancy, work, school) so it can be hard for me to commit to a whole series at a time. My nightstand stack is getting ridiculous haha. So many books and so little time!

[Dannii]

I'll definitely carry on with you :) Shall I post on the July thread to let Sarah know we'll be continuing on into this month? And wow, that does sound busy. Congrats on the pregnancy!!

[~T~]

Thank you! And yes, let’s set a date for the second, can we do anytime after the 20th? I have a few before then and I wanna make sure to have time. :)

[~T~]

And thank you! :)

[Dannii]

Sure thing! That works well for me. I'll message and let Sarah know :)

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting July 20th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Dannii]

First quarter of A Torch Against the Night - (view spoiler)[This begun directly as Ember left off. Elias and Laia are attempting to flee and Helene is being tortured into revealing her part in their escape. She somehow keeps quiet and saves Elias and herself in the process. I felt so horrifically sad for her, during these scenes. Her torture was brutal and her aged father somehow saved her from the worst of it, which made me even sadder for them both. It is Helene's love for Elias that kept her quiet and strong. I do love me a good painful, doomed romance! This is also one of the few love triangles that have me genuinely intrigued and rooting for all the sides to it. Helene seems to have consistently drawn the short straw of it, however.

Elias was poisoned by his mother as he escaped and it seems he only has months left to live. I wonder if Helene's healing skill will later save him? I can't see him dying but that would be one hell of a plot twist so my horrible self is low-key rooting for it. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter of A Torch Against the Night - (view spoiler)[It is not only Helene who is doomed in romance. Elias and Laia have been urged to fight against their feelings for one another. Laia has a larger part to play in this kingdom's rebellion and the fantastical creatures who traverse it would see her safe. Poor Elias is repeatedly told what he already feels - that he is a curse to all those who grow close to him.

"Loving you is the worst thing that's ever happened to me." I CRY!! Poor Helene.

Elias' step-mother reminds me of a Mrs Weasley type character. She is fierce and will do anything to protect her children. Another sad scene in this was when the Martials burned their caravans, hand built and decorated, to ashes.

I love the emergence of the creatures. They have taken a minor part in the story-line so far, appearing in the trials and Laia's supposed visions in book one, but their frequency is growing. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter of A Torch Against the Night - (view spoiler)[All of the plot twists in this section! Izzy dies. Izzy visits Elias. Darian is dead. Darian is not dead. Darian reveals that Keenan is a spy and is playing Laia, after she decides she loves him. HOOKED!!! (Apologies if there are any misspellings here. I listened to most of this on audio) (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter of A Torch Against the Night - (view spoiler)[No middle book syndrome here! So much happened and so much was revealed. I loved all of the convoluted relationships and the two love triangles that were exposed.

Of all the perspectives I think Helene's was my favourite. She was raw and full of conflicted emotions and seeing this war inside of her made for teary yet interesting reading. I rooted for all of these characters throughout but she stole a bit more of my heart.

Elias death and then his survival was super hard to read! Poor guy and now poor Laia. They really are a pair of star-crossed lovers. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

First quarter of A Reaper at the Gates - (view spoiler)[ Learning more about Elias' new role was just as hard as first seeing him placed there, at the end of book two. I definitely thought he was dead for good, brought back in this book just to die again, when he was stabbed by Helene.

I feel super conflicted about her character. She is placed in a bad position but is unable to act in any other way as her sister will pay the price for her disobedience. The scene were her fingers were slowly broken was horrific! Ultimately though Helene is good. Marcus needs to die so her sister can be freed from him and so she can be freed from her guilt and bad feelings over her misdeeds. (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Chapters 1-5

(view spoiler)[ Question 1: Why the heck did the Commandant let them go? There’s gotta be a catch. There’s no way she made a complete turnaround that quick. And question 2: What did Helene’s father sacrifice? Oh the torturing of her made me sick to my stomach. Felt so sad for her! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter of A Reaper at the Gates - (view spoiler)[ Helene has all of my pity again! Keris totally used her to take out their entire navy. All this to discredit her and move herself into a more favourable position. We already knew this, but she really does have no morals.

I'm wishing for Laia and Elis to be reunited now, please. I do adore seeing Laia bond with her brother though. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter of A Reaper at the Gates - (view spoiler)[Well, this was a tense few chapters! It finally looked like Helene had learned to play Keris' games but she still has the upper hand. I am so glad that Helene's sister and her baby were healed, even if it means her magical abilities were revealed.

It was horrific to learn of Laia's mothers plight (she murdered her own daughter and husband to save them from what Keris what have continued to do to them, which was worse than their death) but I was literally left open-mouthed when it was revealed Cookwas her mother. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter of A Reaper at the Gates - (view spoiler)[Um, hello!? Can these plot twists halt it, please!? My heart can't cope!! THE GHOST WAS WHO NOW????? I am also so glad Laia and Helene have finally joined their forces!

What another astounding instalment. So many twists and not one of them previously foreseen. There was also enough underhanded scheming, political denseness, star-crossed lovers plight, blood-soaked war scenes, and action-packed adventuring to keep me hooked throughout. Tahir is just a godess! (hide spoiler)]