21 February 2025
An Ember In The Ashes Review And Book Club Questions
Reviewed by: Melissa Ng
Quick Facts
Book Publication Date: 28 April 2015
How I Read It: Borrowed from my local library
Where You Can Find An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: Amazon Australia* | Kobo US* | Kobo Canada*
Trope: Enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, love triangle
Content & Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, slavery, torture
An Ember In The Ashes Summary
Laia is a Scholar — part of an oppressed people living under the brutal rule of the Empire.
After her grandparents are killed and her brother is arrested for treason, she’s left with only one option: join the rebellion and spy on the Empire’s military academy in exchange for their help in rescuing her brother.
At Blackcliff Military Academy, Laia is assigned as a slave to the ruthless Commandant, where she faces unimaginable cruelty.
But her mission is clear: survive, gather intel, and save her brother.
Elias is the Empire’s top soldier and the son of the Commandant, though he wants nothing to do with the tyranny he’s been trained to uphold.
He’s secretly planning to desert after graduation — until the Augurs (mysterious figures who seem to know everything) select him as one of four students to compete in a deadly series of trials to determine the next Emperor.
Suddenly, escape isn’t an option.
As Laia and Elias cross paths, their fates intertwine in a world of rebellion, magic, and impossible choices.
The only question is: who will survive long enough to change the Empire?
An Ember In The Ashes Review
Yes, I know. This book came out in 2015, and I’m just reading it now.
But it’s been making the rounds on BookTube again, so I finally picked it up. And wow — it still holds up even 10 years later.
If you love high-stakes fantasy with trials, secret missions, and a rebellion brewing in the background, this book delivers on all fronts.
Although it’s classified as young adult, I would still recommend this for readers 18 and over as there is a fair amount of violence and torture in the book.
What I Loved:
- Dual POV: The alternating perspectives between Laia and Elias kept the pacing fresh and engaging. Plus, each chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger, so good luck putting it down.
- Fast-paced & action-packed: There’s never a dull moment. Between brutal trials and life-or-death missions, the tension stays high.
- Magic as a lurking mystery: The Augurs, Helene’s unexplained abilities, and the legend of the Nightbringer hint at a much bigger magical world.
What Could Be Better:
- The love triangle (or square?): There’s a lot of romantic tension — Laia and Elias, Laia and Keenan, Elias and Helene — and while I don’t mind love triangles, this was a lot!
- The world-building is solid but not overly unique. It pulls from Roman Empire influences, which works well, but if you read a lot of fantasy, you’ve likely seen similar settings before.
Final verdict?
5/5 stars.
It’s an excellent mix of action, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
An Ember In The Ashes Quotes
This life is not always what we think it will be.
You are an ember in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. You cannot change it. You cannot stop it.
It’s unbearable, this knowledge of me from someone who isn’t me.
You are full, Laia. Full of life and dark and strength and spirit. You are in our dreams. You will burn, for you are an ember in the ashes. That is your destiny. Being a Resistance spy – that is the smallest part of you. That is nothing.
I am the Lioness’s daughter, and I have the Lioness’s strength.
Books Like An Ember In The Ashes
If you enjoyed An Ember In The Ashes, I recommend:
- Fourth Wing* by Rebecca Yarros – For military academy training, trials, political tension, and a tense parent-child relationship.
- Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland – If you liked the quest aspect.
- One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig – For slow-burn romance and hidden magic.
- Heartless Hunter / The Crimson Moth* by Kristen Ciccarelli – If you enjoyed the rebellion and enemies-to-lovers elements.
An Ember In The Ashes Book Club Questions
- What were your favourite and least favourite moments in the book?
- Did you enjoy the slow burn romance between Laia and Elias? Or did you prefer her dynamics with Keenan?
- What did you think of Elias and Helene’s relationship? Do you think they would have worked as a couple?
- Who was your favourite side character, and why?
- What do you think of the Commandant as a villain?
- Who do you think betrayed Laia’s parents?
- What role do you think Cook played in the previous rebellion?
- Why do you think Helene is so loyal to the Empire?
- If you lived in this world, would you side with the Martials or the Scholars?
- What do you think the Augurs are trying to achieve? Are they friend or foe?
- What role do you think magic plays in this world, and do you expect to see more of it in later books?
- Were there any reveals that shocked you?
- What do you predict will happen between Laia and Elias in A Torch Against The Night (book 2)?
- Will you be continuing An Ember In The Ashes series? Why or why not?
- If An Ember In The Ashes was adapted into a movie or TV series, which actors would you cast for each character?
Disclaimer
Links marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, where you can support thereadingnook.com.au by clicking through to the featured item.
Click here to read my full disclaimer on affiliate links.
