I picked up An Ember in the Ashes because I love historical fantasies, and I kept hearing great things about it. It lived up to the hype.
My Thoughts
An Ember in the Ashes is a fast-paced, thrilling debut.
Once I started this novel, it was hard to put put down. The chapters are short and keep the action moving. Rarely does a chapter end without a cliffhanger. The pace is further upped as the POV switches from chapter to chapter between Laia and Elias. On top of that, Laia and Elias live in the Martial Empire, a military-backed empire that oppresses its people. Intrigue and treachery are an ever-present threat.
A world that draws inspiration from the Roman Empire.
Most of the books that I read with settings in this corner of the world draw from Greek mythology. I enjoyed visiting this Roman-inspired world for a change. The world is just developed enough that I felt like I was present with the characters without being overwhelming. Not only is the Martial Empire laid out for us, we even get to learn about some of the people groups that live within its borders, and the ending promises more world exploration to come.
The lines of good and evil are blurred.
The MCs and the side characters demonstrate complexity and depth. Even the villains have the opportunity to reveal their vulnerabilities. I was able to understand the villain’s motives even if I didn’t agree with their actions—and still disliked them in the end. It was a pleasant surprise to feel this way about the major villain lurking in the shadows.
Some minor complaints:
Both Laia and Elias’s POVs are told in the first person. While the chapters alternate POVs, making it easy to remember whose perspective I’m reading from, it is a bit disorienting to read both POVs from the first person. Furthermore, though each chapter is already short, there can be multiple short scenes within each chapter. It was like watching a kid’s cartoon in which the scenes keep cutting and, before I know it, the twenty-minute episode is over (discounting ten minutes of commercials).
Furthermore, this is a first book that can’t stand by itself. I generally look for the first book to resolve a plot while introducing a larger plot. That said, it’s not a dealbreaker, and I did enjoy this novel overall.
Romance rooted in physical attraction. Both MCs waver in their attraction between two different people—which happens in real life when you happen to run into two attractive people at the same time, and the romance wasn’t a major plotline. However, while I understand that the characters just don’t have the time to sit down and have a conversation with each other, I don’t like how most of the romance seems to be physical attraction. I would have preferred if it had been toned down a bit or if other elements were thrown into the romance, like the MC admiring a trait about the other party (other than that person’s good looks) or the two having a conversation that reveals things about the other character (which we actually have once towards the end, but it was kind of pushed on them, so it wasn’t exactly organic).
A strong start to what promises to be an exciting series.
Overall, the action was great, the characters and world complex. An Ember in the Ashes opens the way for a whole world to be discovered and an epic adventure to begin.
Content
Kissing
Some Language
Slavery (and abuse of slaves – physical and sexual)
Mentions of Rape and Brothels
Torture and Violence
Who would I recommend it to?
I recommend An Ember in the Ashes to readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-filled fantasies that incorporate historical elements.
Comparable titles: Walk this Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson (historical romance with fantasy elements, The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (fantasy + romance, though futuristic with sci-fi elements), Rebel of the Sands (fantasy + djinn + foreign setting + romance)
Chat with Me
Have you read An Ember in the Ashes? What’re your thoughts? What are some novels that you’ve enjoyed with a historical-esque or foreign setting?
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Jenea's Book Obsession says
I’ve seen this series and read some good things about it. I am glad that you enjoyed it so much. It does sound like something I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
Crystal says
I’m glad to hear that, Jenea. If you pick up this one, I hope you enjoy it!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
The Roman Empire, you’re right that is different. And I love when books have a lot of complexity and grayness instead of characters being all black-and-white. Both POV being the same tense is actually my preference, I find it more jarring when one is 1st and one is 3rd, so that wouldn’t even be a problem for me 🙂 Great review!
Crystal says
I love books with complexity. It was a pleasant surprise that the side characters showed depth. I agree. While multiple first POV isn’t my favorite, having the POVs in the same tense is better than having different types of POVs in the same book.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
I have the third book in this series on Audible and look forward to diving in this fall. I do think bok 2 is stronger and have high hopes for three.
Crystal says
That’s great to hear, Kimberly. I hope book three lives up to your expectations!
Sophia Rose says
I’ve heard of the series, but haven’t peeked at it too closely. Glad to get your thoughts on it. The Roman Empire element is definitely a plus.
Crystal says
Yeah, I love books that draw inspiration from history. It’s neat how this one draws elements from the Roman Empire.
Lindsi says
I don’t think I have this one on my list, but I have been wanting to read this author’s books. I’ve heard wonderful things about them! I love that this one has similarities to the Roman Empire. That time period has always fascinated me!
Glad you enjoyed this one!
— Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Crystal says
Same here. I love books that draw inspiration from history!
Melliane says
Oh yes that’s one I heard a lot about and I’m quite curious to try it too
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy An Ember in the Ashes. I’d love to hear your thoughts when you get to it, Melliane! 🙂
Ethan says
This sounds like a promising start to a series. It seems like mythology is really factoring into a lot of fiction these days. I’m currently reading Circe, another fiction based on similar mythology.
Crystal says
It definitely got me interested in seeing what happens next. Mythology and fairytale retellings seem to be big nowadays. Circe is on my TBR list; I read and loved The Song of Achilles by the same author.