An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
Elias has been trained his whole life to be a ruthless "Mask," the soldiers in Serra and Blackcliff that have spent years oppressing the "Scholars"...scholars like Laia.
When Laia's brother is taken in the middle of the night, she finds the rebels and begs them for help. And they agree--IF Laia becomes the slave to the most ruthless Mask of all. Fearing for her life, and being brutally beaten and burned on a daily basis, Laia works to find information to help the resistance so they will, in turn, find her brother.
But when Elias and Laia meet, sparks fly, of course. Elias doesn't believe in the oppression of the Scholars...or anyone, for that matter. Elias vows to help Laia, but neither of them can really tell the other the truth about who they are.
When the Trials arrive to name a new Emperor, Elias is one of the chosen 4, and he must fight for his life, the throne, and his allegiance. He must choose between life and the life of those he loves.
This is an incredibly solidly woven tale. Tahir is a master storyteller, and this book may be my favorite of 2015. Elias and Laia clearly have feelings for one another, but their stations in life prohibit that from ever coming to fruition, so the romantic tension is painfully sweet!
At the same time, trust is challenged, and the reader is left trying to figure out who is telling the truth, and if Laia can trust the rebellion, the master swordsman, Elias, or her fellow slaves. Everyone is looking out for one person--themselves.
This story has legend and lore, love, mystery, revolution, evil forces, and the strength and will to do the right thing--In a nutshell--you MUST read this!
Book #2 comes out next August! SQUEEE!!!
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