What We're Reading-An Ember in the Ashes

This book was read by Courtney Bippley, a Reference Librarian at the Main Campus Library.

[caption id="attachment_2317" align="aligncenter" width="317"] An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir[/caption]

Laia is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution.

Why did you choose to read this book?

It sounded interesting and a book reviewer I follow said good things about it.

What did you like about it?

All the characters are very human, despite all of them being in very dehumanizing circumstances. I was able to understand the motivation behind each character’s actions even when the actions were terrible. The pacing was great as well. I devoured this book very quickly because I had to know what happened next.

What feeling did the book leave you with?

An urge to read the next book, which comes out on August 30^th. It feels too far away! Also, I enjoyed that the book managed to stay hopeful even through the oppressive atmosphere of the assassin school.

Who would you recommend the book to?

Anyone who likes fantasy books with good world building and a nice blend of action, political, and interpersonal plots. Fans of The Hunger Games in particular.

Did it remind you of any other book, or a movie?

The assassin training school reminded me of the academy in F.M. Busby’s Star Rebel. They are both comprehensively brutal.

What would you pair this book with?

I would pair this book with its sequel. Because I need it. Right now. Get in my eyeballs!

Interested in reading An Ember in the Ashes for yourself? Check it out from the library! Want to read A Torch Against the Night, the second book in the series that will be coming out August 30th? Use the book request form to ask the Durham Tech Library to buy it.