An Ember in the Ashes

 

A friend gave me An Ember in the Ashes and said she thought I would like it. She was right and she was wrong to an extent. The sheer amount of violence and torture really turned me off from the story. I would get into the story and read several chapters then the violence would make me stop. I really wish this was not classified as young adult since I feel it is too violent for that age group.

The story is told from duel points of view between Laia, a scholar in the empire is seen as no better then chattel. Her life is nothing to brag about but at least she has her grandparents and elder brother to help guide her in a dangerous world. All that changes when her brother is accused of treason and Laia harsh life becomes even worse. With no where to go and unsure what to do Laia turns to The Resistance, a band of rebels who do not want anything to do with her. 

Elias hates his life and what he is forced to do as a mask, the number one student at Blackrock he has learned over the years how to kill and be efficient in killing. Horrified at what he has become Elias wishes nothing more then to flee and run from the monster he has been trained to be. All his plans change though when his fate becomes intertwined with Laia's. 

The characters are amazing, I love seeing how much each of them grew. Even the side characters had a feel to them that made them have depth. Oddly enough Cook was one of my favorite characters and I do hope she will make an appearance in future books. 

Again my only flaw with the story is the violence it gets super intense in parts and made me feel queasy. However that does show the level or writing ability that Sabaa Tahir posses. Since I have the whole series I do plan on continuing the story but I need a break before I pick up A Torch in the Night.