Though it is important to note that the subject of rape is brought up multiple times within the book so if that makes you uncomfortable, just be aware. I know general stuff but nothing to confirm this book has deep-rooted inspiration. I really liked the world this book takes place in and I’m sure I would have liked it more if I knew more about ancient Rome. So needless to say, I was really excited to read this book. Also, the promise of a forbidden romance–yes please! In hindsight, it was great because High Fantasy novels have been my JAM lately and this fit the bill perfectly! But the key words that drew me in: “inspired by ancient Rome” and “spy”. This book was everywhere around it’s release date but I had put it on my list in March when it was added to my library. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.** Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

**This post was originally published as a Fresh Friday review of the first book of the series. Source & Format: Public Library–eBook Audiobook (#2-#4) Point of View: First Person, Alternating Multiple (#2+) Heat Rating: cool *mature subject matter* Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy, Supernatural, Magic, Dystopian, Romance, Action He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined-and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier-and secretly, its most unwilling. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.īut when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother.

Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death.

Synopsis for An Ember in the Ashes (from Goodreads): Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

An ember in the ashes series book 5