by Sabaa Tahir
This is not a formalised book review but I would like to call this a book thought. I guess some may find no difference between the two, but I would like to think that book thoughts are more ‘informal’ and less structured in a way. Just random thoughts in one.
An Ember in the Ashes? Loved it! The hard, brutal and oppressive life versus the determination for freedom and the struggle to change the wrongs. Ahh! I couldn’t deny the fact that the first time I had this book in my hands, I couldn’t do it – for some reason – and I just had to take a break because I doubted I could even finish it. A few months later, I decided to pick it up again and thank goodness I did!
That love square though (?). There was undeniably a touch of romance in this book, but AEITA didn’t really delve into that element deeper than most of YA books which I appreciated. I’ve already encountered many reviews who root for Helene/ Elias tandem, but yeeer, I’m certified Laia/Elias fangirl – though I liked Keenan, I loved Elias, so.
Regardless of what the others thought about instalove going on between Laia and Elias, I got to disagree with that. Throughout the book, I could still hardly say that ‘love’ was what was happening between the main characters (as of YET at least). There was a strong attraction and special connection, yes, but between these two, it would take time and more scenes together for the feelings to solidly form. And that’s another one I appreciated. With Helene and Keenan’s characters, confusion lingered with Laia and Elias, but I guess that’s part of the plan. Well, at least that’s what I’m hoping for lol. Confusion and distraction before really finding out who’s meant with who. I would like to think that they belong to each other, nevertheless. I’m crossing my fingers for more chances for these two to further build their relationship as their story progresses because I really loved them.
In saying that, I can’t wait to read the sequel of the series: A Torch Against the Night.
The Paperback Heaven 