A Torch Against the Night
Set in a rich, high-fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome, Sabaa Tahir's AN EMBER IN THE ASHES told the story of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a young soldier fighting for his freedom.
Now, in A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT, Elias and Laia are running for their lives.
After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.
Laia is determined to break into Kauf — the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison — to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.
But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene — Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.
Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own — one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape... and kill them both.
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Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir’s name has become synonymous with high-stakes, heart-pounding fantasy. Born in the United States to Pakistani immigrant parents, she grew up with a unique cultural blend that deeply influences her writing. Her debut novel, An Ember in the Ashes, burst onto the scene in 2015, quickly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of young adult fantasy.
Drawing inspiration from both her own experiences and the rich history of the Roman Empire, Tahir created a world that feels both timeless and urgent, where oppression, rebellion, and unyielding hope are the driving forces behind every character's journey. Her writing style weaves an intricate tapestry of action, emotion, and deep moral questions, with each page filled with tension that keeps readers eagerly turning to the next.
Ember Quartet
Ember Quartet consists of four books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
