Sabaa Tahir
Author of An Ember in the Ashes
About the Author
Sabaa Tahir grew up in California's Mojave Desert at her family's 18-room motel. After graduating from UCLA, she worked at The Washington Post for five years. She is the author of the An Ember in the Ashes series. The first book in the series, An Ember in the Ashes, made the New York Times show more Bestseller list in 2016. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by Sabaa Tahir
Reirin {short story} 1 copy
Associated Works
From a Certain Point of View: 40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years of Star Wars (2017) — Contributor — 1,061 copies, 41 reviews
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Tahir, Sabaa
- Legal name
- Tahir, Sabaa
- Birthdate
- 1983
- Gender
- female
- Education
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Occupations
- journalist
author - Organizations
- The Washington Post
- Agent
- Alexandra Machinist
- Short biography
- Tahir grew up in the Mojave Desert in Ridgecrest, California with her parents and two older brothers. Her parents emigrated from Pakistan to the United Kingdom before moving their family to the United States. She attended UCLA, during which time she interned at The Washington Post. After graduation, she took a job there as a copy editor. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Tahir's first novel, An Ember in the Ashes, was published on April 28, 2015. The story takes place in an ancient fantasy world where a teenage girl is fighting to save her brother from prison, and a soldier battles to free himself from the regime. The novel instantly jumped to being a New York Times Bestseller where it held the number two spot. Amazon ranked it the best book for May, the best young adult book for 2015, and the fourth best book overall.
Tahir's second novel was published on August 30, 2016 and is a continuation on the story from her previous novel. Penguin Random House describes this addition to the series as such: “Set in a rich, high-fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome, Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes told the story of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a young soldier fighting for his freedom. Now, in A Torch Against the Night, Elias and Laia are running for their lives."
Sabaa Tahir's latest book, A Reaper at The Gates, was published on June 12, 2018. The story follows Laia, a scholar girl, on a mission to defeat the night bringer; Elias, the current soul catcher, tries to learn the ways of soul catcher and Helene, the blood shrike; tries to defeat the enemies of the empire. The novel is narrated in the first-person, alternating between the points of view of Laia, Elias and Helene. - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- London, England, UK
- Places of residence
- Mojave Desert, USA
San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA - Map Location
- USA
Members
Reviews
This is a haunting and beautiful masterpiece that will linger in my thoughts for the rest of my life. The captivating pace, the seamless transitions between past and present, and the artful sprinkling of details converge to create an unforgettable reading experience. The main characters are so richly described, each with a depth that allowed me to connect with their emotions on a profound level. The exploration of themes like loss, hardship, racism, addiction, and the justice system feels show more both poignant and contemporary, ensuring the book's relevance across time. Juniper and its characters became vividly real in my mind, and I found myself barely holding it together throughout. However, it was the accidental discovery of helplines for various issues on the last page that emotionally unraveled me. This added layer of reality and tangible connection to important social issues resonated deeply. I wholeheartedly recommend "All My Rage," a powerful read. It's a story that not only captivates with its narrative but also leaves a lasting impact, urging readers to confront the raw and often painful realities addressed within its pages. Be prepared with tissues; you'll need them. show less
Personal Review: 4 ***
I want to begin by saying, this has easily become one of my favorite YA series to date. Sabaa is ruthless and brutal. No one is safe. She has never been one to hold back with the pain she inflicts on her characters. As nerve-wracking as that can be, it keeps you coming back for more.
In regards to Reaper, I didn't feel that desperate need to keep reading the story until about 40% into the book. Once it hit that point, every chapter ended on a cliff-hanger that had me show more flying through my Kindle pages (sidenote: I had to buy the ebook because my hard copy didn't get here until 2 days ago...and I couldn't wait that long). I think what this book did differently than the others was take a closer look at the characters we hate in this series. There was a glimpse of humanity shown in some of them that made them seem more real and breakable. Don't get me wrong, I still think the Commandant is the epitome of evil, but I'm eager to see what the next book has in store for her.
That being said, I still think I enjoyed Torch more. And here's why....I think some of the magic is lost in your story when you separate all three of your main characters for the majority of the book. I know giving them their own journeys allows for new characters to be introduced and other plot lines to develop. However, I still felt like some integral part of what made the first two books so compelling was absent here. In my opinion (and I know everyone may not agree) that was because of the lack of character interaction among the main three. I may change my mind after I read book four. The dynamic in book three might make a lot more sense then.
Okay, now on to Helene and Elias. I know I am in the minority of wanting this to be the ship that sails. Honestly, I officially give up hope on any of my ships working out where love triangles are involved. No seriously, I am cursed when it comes to ships. If you want your couple to work out, make sure it's not the one I'm rooting for or you're doomed. To be perfectly honest though, in this series, I always felt like Helene was the more interesting character. I never felt that connection with Laia. And there was a carrot dangled with the Helene/Elias dynamic in Ember that I felt just fell by the wayside. For my TVD fans, it felt like if the Elena/Damon relationship was teased but nothing ever came to fruition (aka, no late night, on the run, hotel make out). I loved the Helene/Elias relationship in Ember, and I feel like we've only had a total of maybe three interactions with their characters since the end of that novel. Regardless of the (lack of) romantic relationship status, they were best friends for years. Honestly, I just miss their friendship. I hope they get some kind of closure in the fourth installment.
Now for my biggest complaint. Elias has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. I love his sarcastic wit and his loyalty to the ones he loves. But I felt like his chapters did nothing for his character in this book. I feel like his voice got a little lost. It's like his chapters kept going in circles (when will he merge with Mauth? why can't he? what's the trick to moving the ghosts on?). Up until the very end, it felt like he was just chasing his tail. Laia and Helene's chapters are the ones that propelled the story forward. They were much more dynamic and compelling. I think part of the problem was Elias being tethered to the Waiting Place. It felt like he had no where to go.
I know it feels like I'm dragging this book through the mud, but I really did enjoy it. I just hope for that spark to return that made me fall in love with the first book.
Favorite quotes:
"Strange how monsters can reach from beyond the grave, as potent in death as they were in life."
"Love. I sigh. Love is joy coupled with misery, elation bound to despair."
"Skies save me from the men in my life and all the things they think they know."
"It lit our children umber as they trailed scorch marks and laughter across the stone floor."
"When she finds my eyes, her own are glassy. I catch my breath, for they are so real--the shape, the emotions, the color of them, like the violet heart of a quiet sea."
"One piece remains, and beware the Reaper at the Gates! The sparrows will drown, and none will know it. The past shall burn, and none will slow it. The Dead will rise, and none can survive. The Child will be bathed in blood but alive. The Pearl will crack, the cold will enter. The Butcher will break, and none will hold her. The Ghost will fall, her flesh will wither. By the Grain Moon, the King will have his answer. By the Grain Moon, the forgotten will find their master." show less
I want to begin by saying, this has easily become one of my favorite YA series to date. Sabaa is ruthless and brutal. No one is safe. She has never been one to hold back with the pain she inflicts on her characters. As nerve-wracking as that can be, it keeps you coming back for more.
In regards to Reaper, I didn't feel that desperate need to keep reading the story until about 40% into the book. Once it hit that point, every chapter ended on a cliff-hanger that had me show more flying through my Kindle pages (sidenote: I had to buy the ebook because my hard copy didn't get here until 2 days ago...and I couldn't wait that long). I think what this book did differently than the others was take a closer look at the characters we hate in this series. There was a glimpse of humanity shown in some of them that made them seem more real and breakable. Don't get me wrong, I still think the Commandant is the epitome of evil, but I'm eager to see what the next book has in store for her.
That being said, I still think I enjoyed Torch more. And here's why....I think some of the magic is lost in your story when you separate all three of your main characters for the majority of the book. I know giving them their own journeys allows for new characters to be introduced and other plot lines to develop. However, I still felt like some integral part of what made the first two books so compelling was absent here. In my opinion (and I know everyone may not agree) that was because of the lack of character interaction among the main three. I may change my mind after I read book four. The dynamic in book three might make a lot more sense then.
Okay, now on to Helene and Elias. I know I am in the minority of wanting this to be the ship that sails. Honestly, I officially give up hope on any of my ships working out where love triangles are involved. No seriously, I am cursed when it comes to ships. If you want your couple to work out, make sure it's not the one I'm rooting for or you're doomed. To be perfectly honest though, in this series, I always felt like Helene was the more interesting character. I never felt that connection with Laia. And there was a carrot dangled with the Helene/Elias dynamic in Ember that I felt just fell by the wayside. For my TVD fans, it felt like if the Elena/Damon relationship was teased but nothing ever came to fruition (aka, no late night, on the run, hotel make out). I loved the Helene/Elias relationship in Ember, and I feel like we've only had a total of maybe three interactions with their characters since the end of that novel. Regardless of the (lack of) romantic relationship status, they were best friends for years. Honestly, I just miss their friendship. I hope they get some kind of closure in the fourth installment.
Now for my biggest complaint. Elias has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. I love his sarcastic wit and his loyalty to the ones he loves. But I felt like his chapters did nothing for his character in this book. I feel like his voice got a little lost. It's like his chapters kept going in circles (when will he merge with Mauth? why can't he? what's the trick to moving the ghosts on?). Up until the very end, it felt like he was just chasing his tail. Laia and Helene's chapters are the ones that propelled the story forward. They were much more dynamic and compelling. I think part of the problem was Elias being tethered to the Waiting Place. It felt like he had no where to go.
I know it feels like I'm dragging this book through the mud, but I really did enjoy it. I just hope for that spark to return that made me fall in love with the first book.
Favorite quotes:
"Strange how monsters can reach from beyond the grave, as potent in death as they were in life."
"Love. I sigh. Love is joy coupled with misery, elation bound to despair."
"Skies save me from the men in my life and all the things they think they know."
"It lit our children umber as they trailed scorch marks and laughter across the stone floor."
"When she finds my eyes, her own are glassy. I catch my breath, for they are so real--the shape, the emotions, the color of them, like the violet heart of a quiet sea."
"One piece remains, and beware the Reaper at the Gates! The sparrows will drown, and none will know it. The past shall burn, and none will slow it. The Dead will rise, and none can survive. The Child will be bathed in blood but alive. The Pearl will crack, the cold will enter. The Butcher will break, and none will hold her. The Ghost will fall, her flesh will wither. By the Grain Moon, the King will have his answer. By the Grain Moon, the forgotten will find their master." show less
I love that this book carried so much momentum and urgency. Again, with the lightening pace that didn't feel TOO fast but made it hard to put down! I really enjoyed getting Helene's perspective and feeling completely torn about who to root for throughout the book. The story kept me engaged, and managed to build upon the character depth I so enjoyed from the first novel.
The best books are the ones where the line between good and evil is so blurred, and the characters so balanced with a bit show more of both, that you're left torn in trying to decide which side to root for!
Definitely read it. show less
The best books are the ones where the line between good and evil is so blurred, and the characters so balanced with a bit show more of both, that you're left torn in trying to decide which side to root for!
Definitely read it. show less
Salahudin and Noor are seniors. They've been friends since they were six, but then they had a fight and they haven't been talking. Sal is dealing with his mom's kidney illness and his dad's alcoholism, while Noor lives with her uncle who makes her work at his liquor store and doesn't want her to go to college. They both dream of leaving the small town of Juniper, with its casual racism, behind.
Told in three points of view - Salahudin and Noor in the "now" and Sal's mother Misbah in the past show more - we get a full view of the characters' struggles, hopes, and dreams. This was an intense read, and I was absolutely on the edge of my seat in the end wanting to know what would happen to these teens. I had read Tahir's "Ember in the Ashes" series and am very impressed by her ability to switch gears and write contemporary fiction just as convincingly. show less
Told in three points of view - Salahudin and Noor in the "now" and Sal's mother Misbah in the past show more - we get a full view of the characters' struggles, hopes, and dreams. This was an intense read, and I was absolutely on the edge of my seat in the end wanting to know what would happen to these teens. I had read Tahir's "Ember in the Ashes" series and am very impressed by her ability to switch gears and write contemporary fiction just as convincingly. show less
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- Works
- 21
- Also by
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- 16,847
- Popularity
- #1,332
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 469
- ISBNs
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