An Ember in the Ashes

by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes cover
Good Books rating 3.75
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7847
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
The Starlight Library · 2023-01-04
gripping 4.00

The dual POV is a highlight, though it takes time for the storylines to intertwine properly. The book is a gripping read overall.

The reviewer enjoys the dual POV narrative, which adds depth and perspective to the story. However, they note that it takes a while for the two storylines to become fully intertwined, which can be a bit slow at times. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book to be a gripping read with a richly imagined world. They appreciate the complexity of the characters and the emotional depth of the narrative, making it a compelling and enjoyable read. The reviewer also highlights the fast-paced action and the way the story keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    The book is dual POV, which I love, though it takes a long time for the two characters storylines to become properly intertwined.

    The richly imagined world and complex characters add depth to the narrative.

    The fast-paced action and emotional depth make it a compelling and enjoyable read.

A Bolt Out of the Book · 2020-12-15
engaging 4.00

The language is simple yet gripping, making the action scenes particularly effective. The writing enhances the overall reading experience.

The reviewer praises the simplicity of the language, which is surprisingly gripping and effective in conveying the action scenes. They believe the writing style significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer appreciates how the straightforward language enhances the emotional and dramatic moments, making the story more engaging. They also note that the writing style helps to create a vivid and immersive world, drawing readers deeper into the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The language is quite simple but is so gripping.

    An Ember in the Ashes is so well written and it is partially thanks to the writing that the action scenes were so effective.

    The straightforward language enhances the emotional and dramatic moments, making the story more engaging.

Nut Free Nerd · 2017-06-15
gripping 3.00

The book is gripping and fast-paced, but it has several problems that detract from the overall experience. The fast pace cannot make up for the many issues present in the text.

The reviewer acknowledges the fast pace and gripping nature of the book, which keeps the reader engaged. However, they also point out several problems that plague the text, which they feel detract from the overall reading experience. They mention that the fast pace cannot compensate for these issues, making the book less enjoyable than it could have been. Despite its flaws, the reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, but with significant shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    An Ember in the Ashes is certainly a gripping read, its fast pace could not make up for the many problems that plague this text.

    The book is more an endurance test than an enjoyable read.

    The world Tahir creates is brutal and unforgiving, which adds to the overall intensity of the story.

The Guardian · 2015-06-15
compelling 4.00

The story is brutal and harsh, yet beautifully woven with elements of magic and myth. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and freedom, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer highlights the brutal and harsh nature of the story, which is skillfully intertwined with magical and mythical elements. They appreciate the exploration of deep themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and freedom. The narrative is gripping and immersive, drawing readers into a world that feels both real and fantastical. The reviewer also notes the strong emotional impact of the story, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    An Ember In the Ashes is a brutal, harsh and real story cunningly woven with magic and myth, loyalty, betrayal and freedom and family and friends

    The narrative is gripping and immersive, drawing readers into a world that feels both real and fantastical.

    The story is compelling and emotionally impactful, making it a memorable read.

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