I read Sabaa Tahir’s Ember Quartet long enough ago that only the first one, An Ember in the Ashes, was out — and then had to wait, not so patiently, for each subsequent installment. With nods to the days of the Roman Empire, An Ember in the Ashes features a brutal military school (sans dragons) that might feel familiar for Fourth Wing fans and is loaded with subterfuge, betrayal, and romantic tension. As the series spun on, I was impressed with way Sabaa Tahir expanded her reach and wove together all her characters. She continually deepened their motivations and surprised me with twist after turn. The final book culminated with an epic battle and a bittersweet yet satisfying ending.

When I heard that Sabaa Tahir had a new book on the horizon, I didn't know it would be returning to the world of the Ember Quartet. Heir opens in an entirely different location, the isolated and impoverished country of Kegar, and is action-packed from the start. I finished the first chapter and reluctantly turned to the next (since she left her first character, Aiz, in quite the tight spot), encountering a new POV. As soon as I saw his name — Zacharias Marcus Livius Aquillus Farrar, Quil for short — I knew I was back in the Martial Empire.

Heir is told from three POV’s. Aiz, an orphan from the lowest rung of Kegar society, with nothing to lose. Quil, the reluctant and ambivalent heir to the Martial throne. And Sirsha, an exile from her native country, a tracker for hire that just wants to make enough money to leave her nomadic existence behind and settle somewhere warm. Sirsha’s hunt for a killer puts her on a collision course with Quil, who is searching for answers after the Kegar launch a surprise attack on the Martial Empire, with more devastating effect than anyone thought was possible. And Aiz — well, I’ll let the reader discover her story for themselves.

Beyond the high-stakes action and potentially world-ending ramifications, Sabaa Tahir’s books are just FUN to read. Her characters share great banter in the midst of running for their lives and trying to find a heart-destroying demon. She employs some tropes that I recognized from my romance reading that made me grin when she walked characters right into them. And her plot twists are wonderfully and surprisingly complicated. As I noted in my reading journal after finishing Heir, she leaves her characters in quite a pickle. I’m so curious to find out what she has planned for them in the second book of this duology.

We still have signed copies available, so stop by and pick up your copy today!

Laia × Elias Civilian Life

A Spark within the Forge by Sabaa Tahir is a 144 page Young Adult Fantasy Graphic Novel set in the world of the Ember Quartet. It’s the 2nd novel in this prequel series, and those graphic novels can be read on their own. the 1st one released is “A Thief among the Trees”. The 3rd one has an unknown title and release date.

Before they were torn asunder, Laia lived happily and quietly with her Nan, Pop, and brother Darin within the Scholar district of Martial-ruled Serra. Although Laia is afraid to venture outside her home due to the heavy Martial presence, Darin loves to explore all parts of their home city… even those that are forbidden. A chance encounter with famed swordsmith Spiro Teluman, who sees in Darin a talent for forging weapons, leads him down a path that pulls him away from his family but towards hope for his people. Meanwhile, Laia is forced to take her brother’s place accompanying Pop to combat a dangerous illness spreading quickly through Serra. When Laia discovers a surprising cure, will she brave exposure and the heavily-patrolled streets so she can save the city and someone she loves?

I rate this book 4/5 stars.

While I flew through this book, as I usually do with graphic novels and the like, I did feel like I was missing some pages and panels at times. That it confused me with how some panels connected with each other. I also feel like it’s a graphic novel version of some background that has been told in the 1st Ember book “An Ember in the Ashes”, while the 1st graphic novel book didn’t feel that way (or I’m just forgetting).

The art style and colouring of these pages are gorgeous and I really like the aesthetic of Spiro Teluman.

It is a definite recommendation if you are a fan of the Ember Quartet series.