Book Review: A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

Title: A Torch Against The Night
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: August 30, 2016

 

Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus’s will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own—one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape…and kill them both.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

A Torch Against The Night is the second sequel of An Ember in the Ashes, with all honesty I enjoyed the second book so much. More revelations, more emotions poured and more fight scenes. My heart just hurts on some scenes in the book and I can't help shouting in my head the word NO so many times.  The twists and turns of the book is really good and it is not something you will get confused in fact the puzzles from the first book was solved. This book answered the questions left in my head.

*me when reading*

via GIPHY

As for the characters, Laia, became the stronger person than she was on the first book. She became the fighter and her ability get enhanced even more. Elias, is still the type of man who will sacrifice everything for the person he cares for. What he did in this book was heart breaking for me at least. I knew he will do that act but I still didn't believe it at first so I had to read the sentences twice. It's the big sacrifice he did. Helene, had a hard role in this book, I can't imagine the sacrifices she needs to face for the Empire. My heart broke a thousand times for this woman. Keenan, is someone who had a great disguise. His act created a good twist in the book. Who will imagine that... (i can't say it sorry!) 

All in all, this book is mind-blowing, beautiful and entertaining.  I suggest that other readers who love stories that involves something medieval, they should read this book. It is addicting! I had a hard time putting the book down, I decided to finish the book first before doing other things (LOL). And I felt that, it was sad that I already finished the book. I can't recover from it. I bet another reading slump this week.

The book's ending satisfying but can there be an after story? Will there be another book? *begs*

My Ratings

Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes 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.

Source: Goodreads