An Ember in the Ashes

Run, don't walk or jog to the nearest place that sells books and GET THIS ONE!! This is the story of Elias and Laia. Laia is a scholar and Elias is a mask. They should not meet. They have no future together. They are for all intents and purposes, enemies. A Mask has killed Laia's family and thrown her brother in jail. She is determined to free Darin. In order to do this, she must ask for help from the Resistance that was once led by her parents. But if she wants help, she must do something for them. She is sent to be a slave to the Commandant of Blackcliff. The Commandant is EVIL, and most slaves who are forced to serve her end up maimed, broken or most often dead. Then there is Elias Veturia, reluctant soldier and even more reluctant son of the Commandant. He had been left in the desert to die when born and was raised by a Tribal family. When the Masks found him at six, he was brought to Blackcliff and raised as a future Mask. He does not want this life and plans to run, but something stops him. He finds himself in competition to become the next Emperor. He and Laia cross paths and there is a spark between them. Their fates seem destined to be joined. When Elias chooses to go against the grain, his life is put in forfeit. Laia decides she needs his help to save her brother. Oh boy, is this a fantastic book. I loved every page of it. Yes, there is the possibility of a love story between Laia and Elias, but there is also the chance for Helene and Keenan to get in the way. The characters are all so layered and interesting. I am left wanting MORE!! It is told in alternating chapters by Elias and Laia and it's so nice to see into both of their souls. I hope you take my advice and pick up this gem of a novel and start your summer off right. Can't recommend this enough. Happy reading my friends!