Fantasy · Young adult
An Ember in the Ashes
In a Roman-inspired empire, Laia goes undercover as a slave at an elite military academy to save her brother. Elias, its top cadet, wants nothing more than to desert. Their stories collide.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2015
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 481
- Format
- Book 1 of 4 in An Ember in the Ashes
Read this if you like a brutal, high-stakes YA fantasy with two alternating narrators and a brooding mood.
Skip this if you are sensitive to violence against women and cruelty in an institution.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about An Ember in the Ashes
- What is An Ember in the Ashes about?
- In a Roman-inspired empire, Laia goes undercover as a slave at an elite military academy to save her brother. Elias, its top cadet, wants nothing more than to desert. Their stories collide.
- Who should read An Ember in the Ashes?
- Read it if you like a brutal, high-stakes YA fantasy with two alternating narrators and a brooding mood. Skip it if you are sensitive to violence against women and cruelty in an institution.
- How long and how fast is An Ember in the Ashes?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 481 pages, first published in 2015.
- Does An Ember in the Ashes have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Torture, Sexual assault, Slavery, Death, War.
- Can I borrow An Ember in the Ashes for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends An Ember in the Ashes; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after An Ember in the Ashes?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Hunger Games, The Poppy War, Red Queen.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Because you might love it
If you loved An Ember in the Ashes
Fantasy
