Okay so it wasn’t a cliffhanger but I think I’m dead. Because the next book isn’t out for ANOTHER YEAR. I don’t know how I will survive. Sabaa Tahir is inflicting such sweet torture on me.

This review contains spoilers for An Ember In The Ashes. Proceed at your own risk.

So the book picks up exactly where the last one left out, but there’s now a change in dynamics between the characters. Helene who was previously Elias’s best friend is now his greatest enemy. Playing Blood Shrike to Emperor Marcus Farrar who seems to be plagued by some mental delusion or the other, this is the book that really delves into Helene’s character. And in a surprising turn of events, she has become the best character in the book. Her point of view was a refreshing addition to the story. I am astounded at her strength of character. She isn’t an obedient goody-two-shoes character but such a complex character, with her flaws and yet she remains likable. Her fortitude and her trajectory of growth were absolutely brilliant additions to the story.

Helene holds up the Empire under the rule of a tyrannical Emperor, while trying to protect her family and keep Elias safe. Meanwhile, Elias and Laia embark on a dangerous journey to Kauf prison to try and break out Laia’s brother.

I found Elias and Laia’s parts of the story interesting enough. The journey through the kingdom to the prison was essentially a stage on which both of them grew to know each other better, truly allowing the romance between them to blossom. I really deeply disliked to love triangle that came up. I felt like Laia was pulled between whoever was in close quarters to her. When Elias was present it was him, and when he wasn’t Keenan felt easy so she leaned on him. Made me like her a bit less.

I did not see the plot twist coming at all. Where the first book really brought the political aspects and the gladiator aspect to life, this book really ramped up the magical elements. The way the Nightbringer sort of became a greater force in this book was actually quite chilling.

One of my favourite parts of this book was the interlude at Kauf prison. I loved how psychopathic the Warden was and his interactions with Laia. The revelations that come across at this point in the novel were like a bomb after bomb exploding in my mind.

“And they speak of the girl you travel with: Laia of Serra. And—and the Artist . . . sometimes in his nightmares, he speaks too.”
“What does he say?”
“Her name,” Tas whispers. “Laia. He cries out her name—and he tells her to run.”

This singular moment actually had me putting the book down.

But despite all the twists and turns here, I found Helene to be the true hero of the story (as one can tell from my inability to shut up about her). And what I found even more interesting was her second, Avitas Harper who was her torturer at the beginning of the book and by the end something completely different. I honestly found Laia and Elias secondary to Helene. And her interactions with Harper so filled with wit and snide and the slow build-up of trust between them was exquisite.

We go from

‘”This”—I speak over him, lest he say something that Harper can report back to the Emperor and the Commandant—“is Lieutenant Avitas Harper. My torturer and the Commandant’s spy.” Immediately, Faris clamps his mouth shut. “Harper is also assigned to this mission, so beware of what you say around him, as it will all be reported back to the Commandant and Emperor.” Harper shifts uncomfortably, and a bolt of triumph shoots through me.’

To

“Urgent message for you, Shrike.” His sallow cheeks tell me he hasn’t slept. I don’t like that he stayed awake until I returned. ”

Just a phenomenal buildup to what’s going to come between them. Can you imagine the angst Harper will go through if this love story comes to fruition? At having tortured her and spied on her only to fall in love with her. I am internally manifesting the immense possibilities from this happening…

Basically, this was a phenomenal book and I think I might die waiting for the next.

Five stars. As if Sabaa could write anything less!