A Torch Against the Night: 2 (Ember in the Ashes)

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Moreover, the fact that the majority of Elias and Laia’s arc took place on the road was rather tedious. I wanted something more, something I can’t put my finger on, but the magic of the first book, the glorious radiance that made An Ember in the Ashes shimmer and sparkle and burn was not there. There was only a shadow of its potential.

But while it’s true that Elias and Laia are inexcusably static, the third main character, Helene, gave me more food for thought. She is deeply torn between her due loyalty to her family and the Empire and the strong relationship that binds her to Elias, and from the very beginning she resolves to act according to the obligations of the first. Since she’s but a human being, she questions her decision again and again. I totally agree with the author’s choice to give Helene doubts about her doing, since seeing how strong Helene’s attachment to Elias and her loyalty to the Empire were, any other path for her would have felt like a bit out-of-character. The thing is that Tahir does not know how to give a character its due depth. Helene is complex only on the surface: deep down, she’s flat as paper, just like the others. She is the only interesting character of this book, and I could not care for her less than what she does. Another one of the most intriguing characters of the whole book is Marcus. I loved his cunningness and his... cleverness, I suppose, even if he's not one of the good guys. It was one of those instances where you can just clap to the performance, but be glad he's just fictional.But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night - if you dare to let yourself burn.”

The 3-star rating does not mean that I didn't like this one, for I still find the underlying plot of the story quite interesting. It's complex, full of mystery and abundant of twists throughout, making everything unpredictable. I was a bit worried about the addition of a third POV, but Helene's character compares well to the other two POVs, if not better. Instead of moving along the same plot line, we get multiple new branches, and a lot of magic elements. The result is -just like with the first book- one could easily enjoy the book without worrying about other shortcomings. When it comes to imagination, Tahir has a lot in store. as you can see, the characters aggravate me off beyond belief in this book. but gosh, i would be lying if i said i didnt enjoy it. because this book is such a wild ride. it has the perfect balance of action and adventure (most of which stressed me out), with also enough teasing/hinting at things yet to come (so much so that ive turned into a crazy conspiracy theorist).

Often, sequels wander aimlessly, but this one was perfectly plotted. It didn't feel like it was bridging a gap - the story moves along, many important and awful things happen, secrets are revealed and Tahir rounds off this installment well, whilst still promising so much more from the next book. I can't freaking wait.

You always think everyone is your responsibility… We;re our own people, and we deserve to make our own decisions.” The next morning is graduation. Elias and his friends end up getting into a fight with Marcus and his cronies after Marcus kisses Helene without her permission. The Commandant interrupts the fight, and everyone goes to the school’s amphitheater for the graduation ceremony. After the students are declared graduates, the Augurs make an unexpected appearance. Cain declares the current dynasty will fail and it is time for the prophesized Warrior Emperor to be chosen through the Trials. Elias is chosen to be one of four Aspirants, along with Marcus, Helene, and Zak.

A Torch Against The Night Audiobook – Details And Review:

Where to even begin with this review… After reading An Ember in the Ashes, I was so excited to get my hands on this. I can now safely say I was not disappointed in the slightest! This book continues exactly where the first one left off and it was done so beautifully, even within the first few chapters my heart was nearly bursting from my chest at the suspense and worry for all of the characters! We got so much more information in this book that I was NOT ready for! I mean the twists and the turns had me screaming at my book like OH MY GOD! I honestly had to put the book down and just sit there and then message Fathima and Tania being like Can you believe it!