title: An Ember in the Ashes
author:  Sabaa Tahir 
description: <b>Sabaa Tahir</b> grew up in Californias Mojave Desert at her familys eighteen-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brothers comic book stash, and playing guitar badly. She began writing <i>An Ember in the Ashes</i>while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks, and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
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  # PRAISE FOR  
  An Ember in the Ashes
  
  
  “[ _An Ember in the Ashes_ ] thrusts its readers into a world marred by
  violence and oppression, yet does so with simple prose that can offer moments
  of loveliness in its clarity. This complexity makes _Ember_ a worthy novel—and
  one as brave as its characters.”
  
  
  — _THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW_
  
  
  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  “ _An Ember in the Ashes_ could launch Sabaa Tahir into J.K. Rowling territory
  . . . It has the addictive quality of _The Hunger Games_ combined with the
  fantasy of _Harry Potter_ and the brutality of _Game of Thrones_.”
  
  
  —PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL
  
  
  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  “There comes a moment when it’s impossible to put it down. Sabaa Tahir is a
  strong writer, but most of all, she’s a great storyteller.”
  
  
  _—THE HUFFINGTON POST_
  
  
  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  “A setting inspired by ancient Rome; a fierce battle for freedom in the face
  of tyranny; and a villain who makes Cersei Lannister and Dolor