Play Book Tag discussion

An Ember in the Ashes is a YA dystopian fantasy set in a world reminiscent of Ancient Rome. The story is full of danger, intrigue and violence, and they are preparing for the major changes that are foretold. The story is told through the eyes of Laia of Senna, a young scholar woman, and Elias Veturius, a student in the Martial military academy. Laia’s parents were once leaders in the resistance (working against the Martial Empire), and her remaining family is killed by the Martials at the beginning of the book. Her brother was arrested ,and she promised to work for the resistance if they will save her brother. They ask her to work as a slave for the school in order to spy on the cruel commandant. The top students are forced to compete in dangerous trials in which only 2 are expected to survive. The main characters (and their friends) are quite interesting, especially as they face unexpected challenges. A few of the characters have yet to be fully developed but there are intriguing hints about past and future events. I’m really curious about relationship and behaviors that seem inexplicable at this time.

Content notes- there is a great deal of casual violence in the story , including the disfigurement of slaves (even children). There is some romance, threats of rape, but no graphic sex.

The land is dominated by “Martials” (with Roman sounding names) , who are guided (or manipulated) by “Augurs. ““Scholars” were once in power but they now live in poor districts or are slaves. “”Augurs” are immortal characters who act as gods foretelling or influencing the future. There are hidden supernatural creatures that only some have seen so far.