An Ember in the Ashes (Book 1) by Sabaa Tahir

 

-from https://sabaatahir.com/an-ember-in-the-ashes/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tahir, Sabaa. 2015. AN EMBER IN THE ASHES (Ember in the Ashes Book Series, Book). Hardingham, Fiona & West, Steve, (Narrators). New York: HarperAudio. ISBN 978-1-51810-653-8.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Laia has lost almost everything. The empire has not only oppressed her people, but they have also taken those most precious to her.  Now, she must figure out a way to rescue her beloved brother. In her desperation, Laia makes the radical decision to become a spy for the Resistance, by becoming a slave to the cruel commandant of Blackcliff.  She is tested to her limits, of strength and bravery. Along the way, she finds a powerful ally in the most unlikely person, Elias.  Elias was an exceptional student at Blackcliff, but his conscience won’t allow him to take the next step into the role of Mask. He must decide whether to escape his violent fate, or compete for the ultimate honor.    

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Tahir creates a severe and formidable empire, built on violence and inhumanity. In this upside down kingdom, strength is unequivocally tied to malice. It is a true dystopia, where societal values seem to contradict the necessities of humanity.  In the tradition of The Giver or Divergent, the population has been divided into groupings according to the function or skill. The Scholars, those who value knowledge and culture, have been subdued by the Martials and the Masks, who kill mercilessly. 

Tahir’s characterization of Elias is especially intriguing. His character has strong convictions of right and wrong, but he is continually challenged in the application of morals. Tahir gives him depth, by revealing his fears, his regrets, and his carefully constructed affections. His conflicted soul secures him the spot of anti-hero in this tale.  

In contrast, Laia is motivated by love and loyalty to her brother, and then her fellow slaves. Her character is selfless in her personal sacrifices. She is the antithesis of the commandant, Keris Veturia, who is personified evil. In true dystopian fashion, the scales are turned upside down, with the power and glory on the side of the wicked and vile, while the good and true people are abused and oppressed.  Because this is only book one of a series, the question remains, will good triumph? Will love bloom and overcome the separation of classes?  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Amazon's Best Young Adult Book of 2015

Booklist, September 2015 (audio format)*

Horn Book Guide, October 2015

Library Media Connection, September 2015

Publishers Weekly starred, (audio format)* June 2015: “Both narrators also voice other characters; for West, one standout is his sage treatment of an ancient soothsayer named Cain, and for Hardingham, it is the raspy narration of a jaded rebel turned-slave whom Laia meets while undercover. Engaging vocal performances and a fast-paced story line will keep listeners riveted.”

School Library Journal, January 2015

School Library Journal, (audio format)* July 2015: ”West and Hardingham bring the dystopian world to life and provide an engaging experience for the listener. VERDICT Fans of adventure, dystopias, and romance will enjoy this audiobook.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), August 2015

5. CONNECTIONS

*The Ember in the Ashes series is a dystopian series that could be compared or contrasted with other contemporary dystopic series like Arc Of A Scythe series by Neal Schusterman, The Stranded series by Sarah Viner-Daniels or the Legend series by Marie Lu.