Laia and Elias, our titular characters, lived in a totalitarian world focused solely on gaining and keeping power and control, even if it meant taking liberties from other people. Laia was an ordinary Scholar girl from an oppressed and conquered nation of skeptics while Elias was a graduating student of Blackcliff, the unforgiving military school. They were on the opposite sides of the spectrum of social circles but circumstances and choices – theirs or otherwise – had brought them together.
"Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength."
An Ember in the Ashes began with action and intended to keep that pace. It was fitting, to say the least, given the respective situations the two protagonists were in at the beginning and all throughout the novel. The plot itself was intriguing and well-written. Despite being action-packed to its core, there was a balance of moments that provided breathing room for the reader and created dimensions for both titular and supporting characters.
Having dual POVs, Laia and Elias were bound to meet and interact. Oftentimes, this becomes a hindrance to the story as the relationship between the main characters become either forced or dependent. However, with Tahir, she was able to create three-dimensional characters, not just Laia and Elias, who can exist – and who did – without each other. Dire circumstances, not some instant romance or whatnot, eventually brought them together, and because they have their own motives and beliefs, strengths and weaknesses, there blossomed a fruitful relationship that I am excited to be further explored in the sequel.
As aforementioned, every character are their own person. They have their own histories and demons. With that, Tahir formed clear arcs and development throughout the book, which provided a simple yet in-depth context to follow.
"There are two kinds of guilt: the kind that drowns you until you’re useless, and the kind that fires your soul to purpose."
An Ember in the Ashes was set in a dystopian world that you know from the beginning was a hellhole. As we followed characters that were victims of their own form of oppression, we witness the power-driven and sadistic culture that revolved around their world. Political dynasties promoted unforgiving violence to gain titles. There was adamant slavery and no equal justice. It was interesting how Tahir set Laia and Elias – characters in search of their identity, of their moral purpose – against a cruel and flawed world that wished to strip them of exactly that.
This series starter began after a war of nations and states and thus featured other cultures and societies that were grazed but left unexplored. There were moments that included otherworldly beings that simply took me by surprise as we were given only an introductory sentence as premise. However, the way lore was glossed over was quite understandable to maintain the focus of the plot on the characters and their decisions. I can only hope the sequel delves into these deeper to anchor the concepts in such a rusted and skeptic world.
There’s an almost constant dimness when imagining Serra as it stemmed from the grave tone of both protagonists’ perspectives. While other settings were easier to visualize such as barren deserts and damp and dangerous forests, grasping on to physical settings was like holding on to slippery slope. One second you’ve got a tight grip, the next you’re fumbling for support. An Ember in the Ashes had a solid atmosphere but lacked in finite solid structures to build settings. There were still scenes, nonetheless, that proved otherwise.
"All the beauty of the stars means nothing when life here on earth is so ugly."
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed An Ember in the Ashes. Consistent tone and pacing as well as clear and genuine character development carried it through and through. There was an unpredictability to it, having been set in solid dark and grit and experiencing through growing and distinct characters. It kept me at the edge of my seat and equally eager for the sequel.
No comments:
Post a Comment