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An Ember in the Ashes

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An Ember in the Ashes

By: Sabaa Tahir
Narrated by: Aysha Kala, Jack Farrar
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About this listen

‘Tahir spins a captivating, heart-pounding fantasy’ – Us Weekly

Read the explosive New York Times bestselling debut that’s captivated readers worldwide. Set to be a major motion picture, An Ember in the Ashes is the book everyone is talking about.

What if you were the spark that could ignite a revolution?

For years Laia has lived in fear. Fear of the Empire, fear of the Martials, fear of truly living at all. Born as a Scholar, she’s never had much of a choice.

For Elias it’s the opposite. He has seen too much on his path to becoming a Mask, one of the Empire’s elite soldiers. With the Masks’ help the Empire has conquered a continent and enslaved thousands of Scholars, all in the name of power.

When Laia’s brother is taken she must force herself to help the Resistance, the only people who have a chance of saving him. She must spy on the Commandant, ruthless overseer of Blackcliff Academy. Blackcliff is the training ground for Masks and the very place that Elias is planning to escape. If he succeeds, he will be named deserter. If found, the punishment will be death.

But once Laia and Elias meet, they find that their destinies are intertwined and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire.

In the ashes of a broken world one person can make a difference. One voice in the dark can be heard. The price of freedom is always high and this time that price might demand everything, even life itself.

©2015 Sabaa Tahir
Epic Fantasy Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Military War Ancient History

Critic Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE EMBER QUARTET:

‘The writing is as smooth as silk and keeps one reading long after the lights should have been out’
Robin Hobb, bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice

‘Sabaa Tahir shows us light in darkness, hope in a world of despair, and the human spirit reaching for greatness in difficult times’
Brandon Sanderson, bestselling author of the Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series

‘A harrowing, haunting reminder of what it means to be human’
Washington Post

‘Takes you into a world as bloody and ruthless as Game of Thrones, but there’s a tender and humane heart to these books, too’
New York Times

‘An explosive, heartbreaking, epic debut that will keep you glued to the pages’
Marie Lu, bestselling author of Legend

‘This book is dark, complex, vivid, and romantic—expect to be completely transported’
MTV.com

All stars
Most relevant
Agh this was the perfect book to get me out of my last book series hangover. Utterly captivating. I can’t wait to read the next instalment. There’s 5 or so in this series so I just hope they are all as good and engaging as this one.

So good

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Hooked me in so quickly I didn't want to stop. Amazing story telling and world building.

Amazing 👏

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Holly hells, one book in and I’m already addicted - chomping at the bit to start the second book. The writing and plot are brilliant. Fresh and though there is romance it doesn’t suffocate the fantasy. The narrators are both fantastic even when the male narrators female characters - which let’s be honest rarely happens! Not grating or demeaning. This on my TBR for ages. Don’t make my mistake start listening now.

Omg addicted

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A gripping story with great characters and strong, engaging plot.
I loved the performance from Elias but I felt as though Leya's voice was very juvenile. I kept picturing a 13-year-old girl and not 17 year old young woman. Overall, great narration of the emotions and scenes from both readers.

Loved it

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this book only had me hooked during part 2. it was slow to start and not that riveting, even though it was good. but it got better n now, im aching for book 2 haha. a very cool story

wow

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