A Torch Against the Night: 2 (Ember in the Ashes)

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I seriously cannot believe Helene has not been mentioned in the blurb. While all other things are happening for Elias and Laia, it's also the story of Helene. Her part is so big in this sequel and her story is just growing big. Note: There is apparently more books to come in this series! While this ending wouldn't be considered a cliffhanger, in my opinion, there are many unanswered questions. I think it's set up to be continued, so hopefully Tahir does that :D Sabaa Tahir built up so many big secrets and magic to discover. She does reveal each of them with all the power a human mind can imagine and she does make each of them BIG. Each of the betrayals would maim your mind, each moment of 'I trust you' delivered so real. I freaking love her writing! One thing that you should know going into this series is that the author isn't afraid to kill off characters. There were several surprising deaths along the way. Don't be surprised if some of your favorite characters get nixed along the way. As a result, there is a constant feeling of uncertainty. I was afraid to get too attached, fearing that I'd risk an emotional meltdown in the upcoming chapters. An Ember in The Ashes lingered on suspense and brutality. The stakes have been high since the beginning. A Torch Against the Night is even more brutal, more heart racing and oh yeah, lots more deaths and twists that really had me worried for my heart.

Notwithstanding the above, A Torch Against the Night was an engaging story featuring diverse characters and war, where civilizations collided and villains had the upper hand, ravaging and destroying. I just hope that A Reaper at the Gates will meet the standards of the first book, and resurrect my somehow shaken faith in these characters and their respective quests! Moreover, the fact that the majority of Elias and Laia’s arc took place on the road was rather tedious. I wanted something more, something I can’t put my finger on, but the magic of the first book, the glorious radiance that made An Ember in the Ashes shimmer and sparkle and burn was not there. There was only a shadow of its potential. What’s wrong, Laia, is that, as I’ve previously said and repeated ad nauseam, you are a goldfish whose memory resets itself every 30 seconds. Keenan’s not here, let’s hit on Elias; Elias’s not here, let’s have fun with Keenan. I cannot second this behavior. What’s worse, she throws herself in Keenan’s arms because Elias keeps his distance because of the poison that’s slowly killing him, even though she is not sure she really loves Keenan. I see that she probably needed a shoulder to cry on, and if she wanted to have sex with him, she can help herself, but spare me the “I love him. Don’t I?” rigmarole later. It’s pathetic and unnecessary.

Did we miss something on diversity?

The romance didn’t take over the plot. (sad face) It was barely there. Though, it was enough to keep me going. Who would ever have thought Elias is romantic at heart?!? Who noticed those suggestive metaphors? I am swooning. What an absolute rollercoaster of a ride, I was up and down and up again, all of the curveballs, the DECEIT!

Siobhan was lovely and sent me bunch of photos of her map-abundant Canadian edition and I am forever in her debt. This novel is a harrowing, haunting reminder of what it means to be human — and how hope might be kindled in the midst of oppression and fear.”— The Washington Post

Helene is busy with politics and her own problems, but Avitas Harper starts coming more into view in her story. Do Elias and Laia end up together?

Set in a rich, high-fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome, Sabaa Tahir's AN EMBER IN THE ASHES told the story of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a young soldier fighting for his freedom. I wish I could go into the romance ( and maybe I will once this comes out), but it would spoil pretty much everything. Though, I can happily say that my ship is sort of happening, so there’s that! Lots of twists and turns, and wrong decisions happened, which people may not like.. but I understood. In the end, however, I think most people will be happy with everything. In the city of Serra, Helene Aquilla finds herself bound to the will of the Empire’s twisted new leader, Marcus. When her loyalty is questioned, Helene finds herself taking on a mission to prove herself—a mission that might destroy her, instead. I love all three narrators, but Helene is worth five stars alone. Out of all of them, she has been through the worst kind of hell and has had to make the most difficult decisions. I love her internal conflicts over what she wants to do and what she should do. She's sharp and smart, just cool enough to be badass, whilst also painfully, relatably human. The various other personalities in overview such as Keenan, the Commander, Marcus, they stimulate a speedy of feelings from you.In the first book, she confused me. Big Time. In one episode I thought she was nice, in another I thought she was annoying, in another I said to myself "Oh! What a badass!”, And, in another chapter, I thought to myself, "What the hell?". So yeah, I couldn't even form an opinion about her. Which is why I am so happy that Tahir decided to add her point of view. Moving on, I think I made my point. DID NOT LIKE THE MAIN CHARACTER ONE BIT. Now that that's settled, let's move on to the dynamics shall we? Blew me away…This book is dark, complex, vivid, and romantic— expect to be completely transported.”— MTV.com In my review of book one, I said the Commander was the one character worthy of notice. I apologize for myself: she is only stereotypical and caricatural, and the same description may be applied to all the secondary characters of the series, none excluded. I don’t know if she was so in An Ember in the Ashes as well and I simply didn’t see it, or if in fact she is different in A Torch Against the Night, but she is. She’s evil inside. End of characterization.