I'm speechless. This is probably the BEST debut I've read in a longg time. 
 An Ember in the Ashes is incredible. Just go read it, please??? It actually deserves the hype. 
 The beginning of the book: things were ALREADY happening. Usually in the beginning of a first book or standalone, they will use the beginning of the story to info-dump, or tell you everything you need to know to understand the story. Tahir slowly explains everything to you, little by little, so it leaves you satisfied and curious at the same time. 
 Characters? Characters. Usually, I'm all about the badass main character. Laia...isn't exactly one, but she goes through SO much character development throughout this book. I was cheering her on the whole time. Elias is also very strong and I love his bravery. I sort of didn't like Helene that much, like, girl, stop being so cold hearted! The last few pages made me like her a bit more though. 
 The thing I loved the most about this book was that Tahir didn't sugar coat ANYTHING. This world is hell. The Masks are scary af, like WHY you gonna put silver stuff on your face. Are you freaking insane? Do you want to be a robot? Seriously, Helene. If you know what I'm talking about =P This book is not cheesy at all. When you search for the opposite of Anna and the French Kiss, a cute contemporary, you see this. Because it's that not cheesy. I don't know what I'm talking about does this even make sense? Tahir focuses on the darkness of the Roman empire, the harshness of war, terrible punishment, and so, so much more. The villain in this book is the Commandant, and she will make Celaena Sardothein look like a bad assassin. Well, maybe not Celaena. Maybe Voldemort. Yeah, that's more like it. Dude, the Commandant's character was so amazing, it's not even real. I haven't loved/hated a villian so much. Ever. 
 Tahir's writing is gorgeous, and addicting, and just makes you want more more more. I was craving her writing by the end of the book. Thank god we're getting a sequel. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU. <3 
 This book made by brain and emotions and feels spin like crazy. Stuff happening ever so quickly, before I can even process what the hell is even going on. This book is action packed like NEVER before. 
 Final thoughts: 
 ~Amazing <3 <3 <3 Will love forever 
 ~Recommend it to HIGH fantasy readers (so that means if you only read cutesy contemporary, you better go away, 'cause this book is DARK af) 
 ~Love love love 
 ~Sequel please???? 
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