2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss An Ember in the Ashes, the first book in the An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir.

Pages: 446 pages

Length: 1 Month (July)

Participants: Dikshita, Irma

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

Happy Buddy Reading!

Excited to hear what you think! I did take notes because I read it for a buddy read a couple months ago so I can still join in the discussion. I'll join for the second book also next month

It is so great to hear your thoughts Ruthie. Please do be a part of the discussions here. Really excited to read this one considering it has been on my TBR since forever.

I've started this in June, hope to finish it by the end of the month. Will pop back to discuss.

Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[

At this early on when I was reading I thought the world-building was a bit jagged and I was wishing it was flowier instead of it being in their internal thoughts. and It was taking me out of the story a bit (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17

(view spoiler)[

I thought it was a cool part when the ghouls pretended to be her brother. I think this was the turning point when I got more interested in the book (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35 & 36

(view spoiler)[ I thought the part where Helene was singing/healing Lia was surprising, didn't expect her to do that.

Also, I thought the part where Elias and Helene were talking about how she loves him and she says it's torture and the worst thing. I thought it was a really interesting scene and I can't recall if I've read anything like that in other books. It seemed realistic like real life "unrequited love" (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 44 & 46 & the end

(view spoiler)[
Was feeling a bit like Marcus won only so that the book ends in a way where we want to read the next one.

Elias and his mom talking together about his birth thought it was a sad and intense part and I love what Elias said "Tomorrow I'll be set free, not you"

I was glad Elias didn't die but kinda saw it coming since he is a MC. I am a bit surprised that I wasn't surprised by the ending. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I was surprised Helene helped Laia, especially as they were awaiting the next trial and she'd need all her strength. Ultimately, I feel she did it because of her love for Elias.

I would love Elias and Helene to get together but I think that'd be too easy and expected by their families. Elias' relationship with Laia is much more complicated and I guess has more of a story. I love how it is a slight change on the usual YA love triangle and that there are actually four involved. (hide spoiler)]

I wish there was stronger chemistry between the characters

(view spoiler)[ I wasn't feeling Laia and Elias. I ship Helene and Elias since they are better matched and it makes more sense!! But yeah it would be too easy and there will not be much of a story. Hated the commandant and the whole business of ruthlessness with the Empire. (hide spoiler)]

Hello everyone. I would like to be a part of the discussion on Ember in the Ashes as I will start reading it today..

I would also like to sign up for the Ember Quartet.

Surabhi wrote: "Hello everyone. I would like to be a part of the discussion on Ember in the Ashes as I will start reading it today..

I would also like to sign up for the Ember Quartet."

Welcome Surabhi. I am also beginning this today. Looking forward to the discussions

This is my first time I am trying my hands on Fantasy Genre, and this book is able to grab my attention..

I have read till Chapter 8. The excitement to read it further has already seeped in. Till chapter 8 the characters - Elias and Laia and their struggles have been introduced. The real story begins from the next chapter.. so excited !!!

(view spoiler)[ I feel sorry for both the characters. Laia has lost everyone in the family but is moving ahead courageously to find and save her brother - Darin. She is desperate to seek help from The Resistance. Elias on the other hand is forced to do things for The Empire, which he does not want to do. (hide spoiler)] lets see, how the story unfolds..

I just finished Chapter 11. I can't stop reading. the book has picked up, and it's so thrilling.

(view spoiler)[ so finally Laia is in Blackcliff to save Darin..she's now a slave to the Commandant! what's gona happen now.. thinking about it is giving me chills.. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3

Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after.

I might quote this everywhere I go for a long time now😀

(view spoiler)[ So my thoughts till now. Of course, Laia will turn into this fierce fighter who will go to any lengths to free his brother and avenge the death of her family. (Quite obvious)
But I am really interested to see how Elias’s story will go.
The chapters giving the perspective of two main characters, one the enemy of the Empire and one a rebel within the Empire is something that I liked.

The part where Laia saw the shadows which kinda looked real to her while running is something which will reveal certain things moving forward in my opinion. (My theory) (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I am liking the feel of the book.
Happy that it started become interesting just in the first 26 pages.

Dikshita wrote: "Chapter 3

Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after.

I might quote this everywhere I go for a long t..."

Yes, Dikshita! As and when you read further, it will come to light that the character - Laia actually meant it. You are going to experience chills, anger, sadness in the forthcoming chapters..

I have covered till Chapter 16.. I am only getting engrossed..

(view spoiler)[ Elias is looking out for freedom, to run away from the clutches of the Empire. he doesn't want to be a Mask. But he's chosen as one of the Aspirants, exactly when he was planning to run away..away from filth and for FREEDOM..

in no time he is under trial..and when he reached back in the trial, Helene isn't breathing. he tried his best to reach on time. it makes me so nervous proceed with the next chapter. Helene can't die..she could be the Blood Shrike maybe.. but can't die.. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[ My theory - My heart says, ‘Elias is the bastard son of the Emperor.’ But my brain says, ‘everything is not Game of Thrones’ 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Surabhi wrote: "This is my first time I am trying my hands on Fantasy Genre, and this book is able to grab my attention..

I have read till Chapter 8. The excitement to read it further has already seeped in. Till ..."

Chapter 8

(view spoiler)[ So clearly Elias has a role to play in the transfer of power of the Emperor.

And Augurs are such mysterious characters. I always love the wise old souls who impart wisdom in any fantasy genre. So with that bias, I am looking forward to their prediction taking effect.😊

I loved the idea and story behind the creation of Blackcliff. It made so much sense. It was a great background for the entire idea. Or else most of the times we see a huge bloodthirsty army being a puppet in the hands of the Emperor and slaughtering the innocents for the protection of the Empire. I was really intrigued by the different set up and history here.

And as you said Surabhi, the storyline makes you feel bad about the main characters and the helplessness in their respective spheres. (hide spoiler)]

I would like to emphasise the fact that I am really enjoying the writing of Sabaa Tahir. I am really looking forward to read the upcoming chapters.

Chapter 17-22

The book is only getting interesting from here..

(view spoiler)[ The trials have begun.. during the first trial Zak and Marcus tried to sabotage the 1st trial..but I am disappointed with the fact that the Augurs could not read the mind of Zak and the Commandant, despite Elias shouting at the top of his voice that him Helene were being cheated. but this is what is going to make the story now..

I am also curious to know that what exactly has transpired between Marcus and Helene? What is it that she's hiding..it is clear after reading the second trial that there's smtg Helene hasn't told Elias about her and Marcus. what could it possibly be?!

The most interesting point, and the last one is the Cook knows that's Laia is a rebel! oh my God ! She's knows her parents, but the most surprising.bit is, she calls her mother - known as the Lioness amongst the Resistance, as a selfish woman!!! (hide spoiler)]

it cannot get better. Just cannot !

Part 1 - The RAID

You will never forget them, not even after years. But one day, you’ll go a whole minute without feeling the pain. Then an hour. Then a day. That’s all you can ask for, really.

Death before tyranny

(view spoiler)[ So far so good. I loved Part 1. There is no doubt about it. For me till now the book is living upto the hype.

I love the relationship shared between Elias and Helene. It is so much more than friendship and love. It’s the fact that they know each other so well. A feel a strong companionship between these two.

I think the Commandant is going to make to the list of my most hated fictional characters ever. She is ruthless and cruel. The narrative on slavery makes your heart ache and bleed. (hide spoiler)]

I am taking my time to read this one. Looking forward to PART 2 in the book.

I enjoy reading what y'all think as you are going through the book!

For now, there is nothing in my mind but shock. Chapter 38 would only crush all your predictions

(view spoiler)[ The third trial has begun. And the worst bit is that the enemies have to kill each other..and guess what who are the enemies in the trial - Helene and Elias. it can't get worse than this !!! The nightmare of Elias is coming true..
I am now very anxious about the nightmare in which Elias had seen Laia dead too. this cannot be happening!!! (hide spoiler)]

I wish, how I wish, Aspirant Elias could change the future !!!

oh my God !
thankfully it's not what it seems to be and I am a little relieved after reading Chapters 40 and 41.

To the rest of the participants - You all are gona love what's happening..

The book is over, but the feeling remains ! Fantastic Fantasy .. I cannot wait to read the sequel in the August Buddy Reads..

Excited for the sequel too!

Surabhi wrote: "I have covered till Chapter 16.. I am only getting engrossed..

(view spoiler)[ Noooooooooooooooo...... Not HELENE😭 Pleaaaasssseeeee! (hide spoiler)]