Student Review: An Embers in the Ashes (An Embers in the Ashes, #1) by Sabaa Tahir

Image from RRHS Catalog

The main character, Laia, is off to save her brother after he's been arrested for treason. Under vicious tyranny, Laia meets Elias - a soldier trained in trying to enforce the empire's tyrannical methods. Elias, himself, is trying to escape the same dictatorship that Laia is.The setting of the book is reminiscent of a fantasy land based on ancient Rome and Turkey - similar to the Ottoman Empire during the Renaissance. Specifically, the Masks are an imperial guard much like the Sultan's Janissaries. Although this series is good, it would be better if George R.R. Martin collaborated with Sabaa Tahir.

- Brittany, RRHS Student