A great and progressive story. The ending has left so much more to explore in the next book to come. (hide spoiler)]

Torch Against The Night: 9780008160371 - AbeBooks Torch Against The Night: 9780008160371 - AbeBooks

Elias swore to Laia they would travel to Kauf prison and break her brother free after discovering that her brother holds a secret that could save the Scholars from genocide at the hands of the Empire. They are hated for their weaknesses, but have a deep strength none of the Empire understand. They travel together, care for each other and offer each other strength. They compliment each other perfectly. Then there is Keenan, a Resistance fighter who Laia cares for, maybe loves a little but his love weakens her, makes her feel silly and foolish. His protectiveness hides her away from the strength that Elias gave her. Two different loves, one strong the other suffocating. I reach for the scims gingerly, as if they will burn my palms when I touch them. Instead, they slip into my grasp like they have been waiting for me. A Torch Against the Night is Sabaa Tahir's second book in the An Ember in the Ashes series (that's right SERIES! As when I write this today, Sabaa announces an additional two books will be added to the series at large!). Which is a good thing because this one ends with so many loose-ends and whatnot that I would be most unhappy if that was the actual end for our characters. Even with one more book, as I initially thought this would be a trilogy would feel rushed with all the need to tie up those loose-ends! But I'm getting ahead of myself here! Laia's perspective is without a doubt the most boring; while her character was relatively satisfactory and sometimes enjoyable throughout the first book, she is at times unbearable during this novel. This detracted away from some of my enjoyment of the book as at times she needs to put things into perspective and honestly someone needs to give her a good shake. Helene Aquilla, she ain't. That girl can handle a lot. Laia - not so much.Going into this, I was painfully nervous, it was my most anticipated read for the past two years. I’ve been saying what I thought was going to happen, I legit laid it all out, spoke to my friends and I was like this is how I think it’s going to end, I was wrong, in fact the whole book I was wrong because what I thought was going to happen like basic plot was just such a miss (but obviously I’m very glad). But love, or the love stories here, never really has a time and place in this book, as with the last one. It is hinted at, it is used to offer strengths in times of hardships...or to further a plot point. But there is always so much more going on for it to be the focus. The characters face horrors, tortures, death, the manipulation of creatures far more powerful than themselves. They discover a loss of control on their personal destinies.

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir - Goodreads Editions of A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir - Goodreads

Special shout out to Elias and Helene fighting together as well, not necessarily a spoiler, but it just reminded me of Ember when they fought with each other side by side, thought it was a moment where I was like HANG ON!

How do I even conclude this review, these books are literally ingrained in to me, like in every which way, I am so so so thankful to Sabaa for writing this series, because it genuinely means so much to me. I’ve made so many friends because of this book and got closer to other friends as well. For the final book in a series it exceeded all of my expectations, it’s absolutely heartbreaking and devastating, but I still loved every single moment of it. Elias is Helene's first love and "the worst thing that ever happened to her." They are mutual best friends. This novel is a harrowing, haunting reminder of what it means to be human — and how hope might be kindled in the midst of oppression and fear.”— The Washington Post You are broken. But it is broken things that are the sharpest. The deadliest. It is broken things that are the most unexpected, and the most underestimated.” First-time novelist Tahir has written an ambitious sword-and-sand adventure story that is notable for its suspense and scope.”— Booklist

A Torch Against the Night Summary | SuperSummary

Fast-paced, well-structured and full of twists and turns,An Ember in the Ashesis an evocative debut that has left me invested in knowing what happens next.”— NPR Once again, a character I didn’t initially like was Harper, this is technically valid because he literally tormented Helene to try and gain knowledge about Elias. HOWEVER he grows on you. I think after Reaper we were all desperate for some love for our beloved Blood Shrike, and Harper was the person we wanted for her! He’s always there, always ready to help no matter what. The main problem, though, is that the POVs were interchangeable and indistinguishable. Sometimes I would forget whose perspective I was reading. Helene, my poor little angry cinnamon roll, felt like Laia. Elias was as moody as Laia. Laia was good with weapons like Elias and Helene.We have a title AND a cover and I f Elias,” I whisper, but he brushes a finger against my lips—shh—and tugs a knife free from the half dozen strapped across his chest.

A Torch Against the Night: Book 2 (Ember Quartet)

Medina, Anna (September 29, 2016). "Sabaa Tahir spins a multifaceted tale". Palo Alto Weekly . Retrieved July 11, 2021. While a great deal of things happen in this one, on the same hand not much truly happens. But this is in no way a bad thing. I enjoyed all the buildup to things to come. And I am pretty sure the next book is going to be explosive! We have Laia and Elais on the run from the Commandant and certain death while they try to make their way to Kauf, the prison where Darin, Laia's brother, is being held prisoner. Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close The danger is amped up a bit when we learn that Elias has been poisoned and doesn't have long to live, but he will do everything possible to rescue Darin before his time comes to an abrupt end. This I think truly adds to the danger and pacing because I couldn't reas fast enough to see if he would make it or not. Perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater’sThe Scorpio Racesor Sarah Maas’s Throne of Glass series…The book is already set to be a film, which will be EPIC!”— TeenVogue.com

Elias - Okay, well, I'm sure you have a good reason for risking both our lives (and countless others) for this mission right? As he travels, he finds himself in Shaeva’s realm. She is the Soul Bringer and is serving a lonely punishment for trapping the Jinn. She was once one herself. He is there for a few days, and she is very vague about why she brought him there. Eventually, she takes him to Kauf prison.