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An Ember in the Ashes
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: Group Discussion (with spoilers)
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(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? How many stars would you rate it?
(2) Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite character?
(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
(1) Me upon finishing the book: This is definitely not a standalone. I NEED MORE!!0.0 Gosh! 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ of course. It was totes awesome.
(2) Favorite Character: Definitely Elias, I love him!
Least favorite: The Commandant, I mean, from all the mean characters she's the worst in my opinion.
(3) I think every plot point was important to everything that was happening. It was all connected, hence the way it ended, with the Augurs seeming to have a master plan (at least that's how I saw it)
(4) When I heard there was a sequel I squealed and I really can't wait 'til Sabaa Tahir finishes it. I static. I'm in love with this book, and this definitely needs a sequel. *squeals*
(5) It was fun reading this book with you guys. Best decision ever to read this book. It was awesome. My only suggestion for the club is we should be more active. I don't know, have a first impression thread, talk about the characters as we go on, don't know, something like that. Either way it was absolutely fun, can't wait for I Was Here *squeals*
(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? How many stars would you rate it? Definitely a good possibility of a movie adaptation. I rated this as 4 stars as i really really do love it but i did not have like a book hangover after reading it...i want to know what happens next but somehow, i feel that I can wait till its sequel is out. I do hope that this is just a duology but a trilogy don't sound too bad either...just worried the waiting my kill me at that time.
(2) Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite character?
Elias. I feel that his character is the one that is was given the most development. Like how he been thrown all the possible feeling ever. He was discarded as a baby, adopted by a wonderful family, taken away from the family, recognized by his grandfather cause he shows potential to be the best, had to mask his actual feelings - which is battling inside, watch his mates dying and watching his best friend sacrificing for him and knowing the next time, he has to fight with her.
Least favourite --- Marcus...he is just too evil and there unfortunately i have no idea what make him this way. I know the Commandment is more evil but to a certain extend, i know why she is that evil.
(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
The world building. The author does a good job at describing the world that the plot takes place. And i like it that it alternates between two character viewpoint.
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
Of course! I want to know what's going to happen. Is the leader of the resistance really doing it for the good or he has a hidden agenda. What's going to happen to Marcus and the Commandment. How about Helene, Keenen, Izzi and the Cook. Lastly, how are they going to save Darin and how everyone going to feel about Elias and Laia relationship.
(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
This is my first readalong...so i have no experience. This is also my first Goodreads Group. So far, i think it has been rather quiet but i don't mind. :) Though maybe, once the group has stabilize, could we determine the genre like 2-3 months in advance.
Good JOB!
(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? How many stars would you rate it? I thought the ending was perfect. The perfect cliffhanger. Although since it was going to be a standalone I was shocked the author would have left it up to us to interpret what happens next. I rate it 5/5.
(2) Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite character?
I have three favorites but no absolute favorite. I liked Elias, Laia, and Helene the most. My least was Elias's mom. Gosh that woman was evil, even to her own baby.
(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
The characters. They all had unique and deep characteristics about themselves. It was also nice to see the world in the author's eyes. Her descriptions are awesome!
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
OFCOURSE
(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
Not enough interaction, not a lot of posts on instagram and EXCELLENT choice for the first book!
Hello, firstly I am sorry for the late comment. There's no excuses, actually, it's just my phone didn't work properly the last time I wanted tonpost something here. so, here we go.(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? How many stars would you rate it?
I honestly haven't finished with the book yet and I am truly sorry! I was only reading 3 books last month and yeah, exams time. But here's my honest reaction: what on earth am I reading?!
I was so intrigued at first, but as I follow the story, some things are rather irrelevant to me. For example, the love story. I must say I am not a fan of love triangle. Especially, for this story, the love triangle is kinda failing. Let alone love triangle, I flipped a few pages and saw there's Laia-Keenan moment, and HORAY love square. Not much of a fan either.
I don't usually being picky when it comes to book, but I have this bad feeling of divided point of view. Plus, what this book presents me is a little bit surprising, because I expected chapters (you know, like Legend trilogy). Only a few books with divided point of view that work for me. So, I must say, I'd rather third point of view (Well, actually it depends on the book. But I think it's possible for this book of having third point of view.)
I liked the first part and how Laia always keeps the story moving, and I liked Elias too. Surprisingly, it doesn't last long because Elias simply shatters the reasons why I liked him in the first place. 1.) His feeling toward Helene? I just wonder why can't two people who are best friends just stay best friend without feeling that could possibly mess up their status? I just don't understand. (I don't like Helene either) 2.) The way Elias describes Laia is way too much, like he's exaggerating her physical appearance. There are gazilion slaves over there but only Laia that could catch his attention feels weird for me. 3.) During the second trial or which one I forgot (I'm sorry!), Elias fantasizes about Helene. I mean, it's TRIAL they're facing and—oh, my God, can't he pick another time for that?
There are also little things that distrub me, such as Laia and Elias' thoughts. "Come on, Laia. Remwmber about Darin, you cant give up now." Yeah, something like that. And it happens alot which makes me sigh countless time. Elias is pictured as a strong man, but why is that makes him looks vulnerable? I know it only means that he's still human with feelings, but I don't think, the thoughts of him are the right things to show his weakness. I mean, they could be anything, like his fear of his mother, etc.
I'm sure I would rate 2-3/5 when I finish this book. I'm not saying there aren't good things here. The plot of this book is promising, and it has potential of being a wonderful book. (Or maybe it is for other people. But not me. Not yet.)
,(2) Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite character? >
None that I can think of. Hehehe.
,(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
The brutality and the slavery. It's kind of cruel and strong at the same time. But the setting is so complex, and I think it's jenius of Tahir adding creatures such as Augur in this book. But the rape isn't neccessary...I think.
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
....I don't know. Let's just see!
,(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
My thoughts of the book doesn't affect my thoughts for this brilliant bookclub! I'm enjoying the time and I wanna thank my friend for inviting me over. More people should join this book club!
Okay don't mind the bold letter though. It's my failing attempt of trying to separate the questions and my answers lol
(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? How many stars would you rate it? There better be a sequel coming out soon! I loved the book but the cliffhanger killed me haha. I rated it 5/5 stars.
(2) Do you have a favorite character? Least favorite character?
My favourite character was probably Elias. I loved the way he struggled with conforming to the martian lifestyle and instead chose his own path. I didn't really have a least favourite character, although at times Helene did annoy me a bit.
(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
I loved Elias' struggle with conformity and the society he was born into. I thought it was interesting to see how his upbringing did not affect the type of person he wanted to be.
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
YES! I cannot wait!
(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
I really enjoyed the readalong and found it kept me on track for my reading. I also love that you suggest really good books! Keep up the good work :-)
(1) What was your initial reaction upon finishing the book? It was AMAZING! I loved it! I've been waiting for the library's copy to come in which is why it's taken me so long to read it. I'll have to get my own copy one day.
How many stars would you rate it?
I gave the book five stars.
(2) Do you have a favorite character?
I think my favourite character has to be Laia. Even though she thinks she's weak and a coward she isn't.
Least favorite character?
So many. Marcus, the Commandant and Mazen to name a few.
(3) For you, what was the strongest point of the plot?
That everything that happened was connected. That the Augurs saw it all coming and even though Elias didn't trust them, in the end even he saw the connections. Laia too.
(4) According to Goodreads, there will be a sequel to the book. Will you read it, when it's published?
Omg yes!!
(5) Overall feedback on our first readalong? + suggestions!
I didn't read this for the read along so can't comment here.
(1) The discussion will occur during the first weekend of the next month. In this case, it will start on July 4th and end on the 5th. We highly encourage you to take part during these dates we provided. And we will try to send out event invites so you won't forget!
(2) We really want the discussion to be as interactive as it can be. Since we can't provide a live chat, we've set up dates so everyone can join whenever's the convenient time to them. We won't provide a time frame since we are all from different parts of the world!
We will post a set of questions and we would love for you to answer them. The questions will be posted a day prior to the discussion. It's also a way to engage conversation from other member's responses. Chat it up. Rant if you will. Fangirling is a must! Remember, spoilers are allowed!!
(3) We will provide a different discussion post for those of you who would like to share their review/spoiler-free thoughts.
(4) Lastly, we would love to know feedback from our first ever book club readalong! We know there are still a lot of things to improve. We would also love to hear suggestions from you guys!
We can't wait for our first discussion! We hope you're excited too!