A Torch Against the Night

5/5 stars. “But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night - if you dare to let yourself burn.” Epic. Intense. Whirlwind. (Just a few words to describe A Torch Against the Night) [b:An Ember in the Ashes|27774758|An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1)|Sabaa Tahir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519425615l/27774758.SY75.jpg|39113604] was one of my favorite reads of 2015. I was blown away at the story and characters, and I practically read the entire thing in one sitting. I'd been awaiting the release of this book all year, but then people started getting ARCs and posting their reviews. And I started getting really nervous. I understand their reviews now, this book was nowhere as amazing as the first book. But don't let what I said fool you, this book still didn't disappoint. It deserves all 5 stars I'm giving it. I was hesitant to begin at first. It had been ten months since I read Ember and my memories were a little hazy. I quickly watched a book talk or two, and read a synopsis that I found online, and jumped right back into the world. Though I was hesitant, I was hooked from the first chapter. I wasn't lost in the world, but instead found myself frantically turning every page. When I told myself I would read 50 pages before going to sleep, I would read 100. I dragged the poor book with me everywhere. If you haven't read Ember then I warn you: though I'm not going into much details, this is where there may be spoilers. Laia. I started caring less for Laia in this book. In Ember she was so brave, yet that trait seemed to practically vanish for me. It took 3/4th of the book for her to start actually doing something. I felt as if her actions and desires were putting everyone at risk. I almost took away a half a star from my rating because of her, but she redeemed herself a little in the end. Elias. He made stupid decisions in the book, I'll admit that, but none of them really seemed to put thousands of people at risk. Elias was still the person I fell in love with in book one. Strong, enduring, caring, kind. I didn't find his character faltering from who he is. Every time the book mentioned that he was slowly dying, part of me was slowly dying too. Helene. I just want to take a moment and talk about her. I didn't think much about her in the first book, but I can't say the same now. Her POV was added in this book, and I loved it. I didn't realize how badass she is until now. There has been so much in her life going against her and she doesn't even think twice about it. She just takes everyone's expectations and burn them to a crisp. Her struggles in this book were the best plot point. It's taking this young girl, still impulsive and caring, placing her in a position of power (where no one respects her) and telling her to hunt her best friend. When this series comes to a close, I want her to overtake everyone and become Empress. She deserves it. I can ramble on for longer, but that's enough for today. In conclusion, I loved this book. I loved the action, the violence, most of the characters. I can't wait for the next book (because, luckily, this series isn't a duology like previously stated). I am longing for more of this world. There is so much potential for the rest of this series, and I have so much faith that it's going to turn out epic.

Upsides: Just as good and fast paced as the first. Few questionable audio voices, but overall a very enjoyable listen. Actually gasped out loud at one of the plot twists, usually I see these coming and didn't here! The downsides as I see them: Even more personally violent than the first. Characters have family killed in front of them, etc. And the thread is lost on why the Scholars/Empire are fighting in first place, although their motivations aren't super necessary to a fast moving plot.

This book in many ways was so much better than the first. The world was vastly expanded beyond the walls of Blackcliff and we really go to know these characters and follow them on this journey for/against the Empire.

One aspect I really enjoy about Sabaa Tahir's writing and storytelling is how complete each book feels. I'm left with questions about the fate of the characters but I'm also content with the end. With the end of this book, I'm completely satisfied. That being said there are two more books which I cannot wait for. However, I'm more anticipating seeing these characters again rather than having a burning question about the plot (hopefully that makes sense).