An Ember in the Ashes

Probably the next big thing in YA Fantasy

I picked this up simply due to the fact that I read an article about it getting a 7-figure movie deal already, therefore I am assuming it is going to be as big as Harry Potter and Hunger Games etc.

Story – 4/5

I thought the story was excellent to be honest. It grabbed hold, and wouldn’t let go. The story and prose are simple and concise, as befits a young adult story, but the story is rich with depth and characterisation. There is plenty of action, great character development and a good portion of romance that added to the story, rather than detracting like most tend to for me.

Telling the story from 2 first person viewpoints that alternate, even when the characters cross-over worked extremely well. There was a strong emotional connection with both characters. The setting is supposed to be an alternative fantasy Roman Empire, with familiar styled names, and the format of the soldier’s training/discipline, which also worked very well.

For a young adult story, it is full of brutality; like torture, violence and talk of rape (although no rape actually happens luckily). It seems too much for teenagers, but then the plot and story progression is definitely written with teenagers in mind, therefore probably doesn’t hit either audience properly. Not that it matters too much for big kids like me. I also didn’t find some of what the supporting cast did very realistic at times; but these are both minor issues on the scale of things – easily ironed out in later novels.

Although the novel, including the title, hint towards a spark of revolution, do not be fooled into thinking this is a hunger games rip-off. It is completely different, and clearly the first novel of a series as it barely touches the surface of the overall plot that Sabaa Tahir is clearly working towards. I’m surprised this hasn’t been made a bigger deal on audible to be honest. I only hope this review can spread the word and ensure the whole series gets added.


Performance – 4/5

I think the audiobook production was of a very high quality. Getting 2 narrators to do the story from the 2 viewpoints really helped add to the enjoyment overall. I think both were very good at portraying the strong emotions of their respective characters.

Jack Farrar’s character voice acting was very good, each having a distinctive, believable voice. Aysha Kala, although acted well, didn’t provide much distinction; using similar voices for all characters. It didn’t spoil the book at all, as the story/prose was easy to follow – so I always knew who was speaking anyway, but it could have been just that little bit better.


Overall – 4/5

25 people found this helpful

fantastic story and brilliant narration.

can't wait to read the next book, desperate for audible to provide a version ( preferably with these same narrators)

7 people found this helpful

Fab book and interesting for Adults also!

If you could sum up An Ember in the Ashes in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, Detailed, Gripping.

What does Aysha Kala and Jack Farrar bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Lovely to listen to two such soothing and animated voices, especially from Jack Farrar.

6 people found this helpful

Truely FANTASTIC I honestly cant find the words.

I cant actually find anything to compare its brilliance to. The book says ancient Rome but I dint really get that same vibe. I found myself takeb back to Nazi Germany.
A bloody good book

5 people found this helpful

Loved it

Loved everything about this story!!! An ember in the ashes pushing these two together!!! Straight to book 2

4 people found this helpful

Dangerous World where everything is possible

I enjoyed reading this book. It's brilliant and the characters are emotional and believable. The plot was fantastic and I loved the end. It's wonderful to see how the female protagonist develops and becomes stronger! I'd want to read this book a few more times just because it's written so beautifully

4 people found this helpful

awesome

loved it, can't wait to read the next one. if I had a complaint it's that it all happens so quick the time flies when you're listening.

4 people found this helpful

One of my favourites!

What did you like best about this story?

My favorite part about the story was, how well the story line and characters were presented, so it was really easy to build up connections with characters, understand their developments. The world in which the story is set is definitely well though through and therefore makes the whole story very real and makes it easier for the listener to understand the story.

Any additional comments?

Definitely one of my favourite audiobooks so far, I would definitely recommend anyone who is interested in fantasy stories to read it. From strong characters, to an interesting story and plot twists that keep the book interesting, it has everything.

4 people found this helpful

Starts well, then fades

I thought this book started off with excellent writing, but then it lost its way a little. It was a good enough story, but there were a lot of cliches borrowed from other YA books and not a lot that was fresh or original, and I wasn't a fan of the "love square".

I was disturbed by the gratuitous use of violence. There are so many deaths (used as plot devices) that you become numbed to them, and the casual acceptance of rape combined with the endless violent victimisation of the main character begin to feel like sadistic voyeurism.

The narrators brought good expression and characterisation to their readings, BUT there were so many mispronunciations of words. So many. I can't think why the audio producer didn't edit these. Particularly irritating is the way the female narrator pronounces "says" phonetically ("s-ay-z" rather than "sez"), which just kept popping me out of my immersion in the story.

6 people found this helpful

One narrator out-shines the other

It's difficult not to compare Jack Farrar and Aysha Kala when they are alternating chapters. She's good, but he's brilliant. Both suit their characters well. It can be a bit confusing until you work that out they don't seemed to have agreed pronunciation before they started so are talking about the same people.
I don't want to give any plot points away, but thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone - it has a bit of everything!

6 people found this helpful