Site Loader

What’s Happening

Ember Read-Along: Month 2 Recap

Month 2 of our #EmberReadAlong is complete! Check out the wrap-up and highlights below!

New to the #EmberReadAlong? Click here for more info!

 

Some of our favorite BookTube + Bookstagram posts!

BookTube had lots to say about A Torch Against the Night! Add these videos to your queue once you’re caught up with reading or re-reading the book:

 

“When you are dealing with morally gray characters and antagonistic characters, it is impossible to not be captivated the entire time. And that’s how I feel reading these books. I mean, this was my third time reading TORCH, and yet I still felt that same sense of excitement that I felt my very first time reading it. I was captivated from the very first moment, completely enthralled in this tale of these really complicated characters. Because the more layers there are, the more stressed and furious I get. So that’s how I felt the entire time I read this book and I don’t regret it in the slightest.” —Kav from xreadingsolacex

 

“Since I have already read this book, I do kind of remember what happens down the line regarding a certain character’s fate, and I am not looking forward to reading about that.” —Sandy from sandyreadsalot

 

“I really like Laia especially as a main character, because I think that she’s just really interesting. I feel like this is something people have been saying for years about the Ember in the Ashes series, but I just really do like the fact that Laia is really like an everyday girl and she’s just really scared, she’s not a warrior, but she still doesn’t let that prevent her from being brave and doing what she has to do for her family.” —Mina from Mina Reads

 

“I definitely enjoyed my reread, and I feel very similarly to the first time I read it where I feel like Sabaa Tahir—this mainly pertains to the third book too—she doesn’t always allow for these magical saves at the very end of moments. Like, sometimes things go wrong for characters and people die, and there’s not something that saves them at the end at the very last second. And I kind of like that.” —Olivia from iLivieforbooks

 

Bookstagram also took part in all the Read-Along fun! Here are some of our favorite posts:

 

When we say this book looks stunning, we do mean STUNNING.


View this post on Instagram

Week 2 #EmberReadalong thoughts (SWIPE for the chapter for Week 2 and 3!): Every time the Soul Catcher is mentioned and Elias is “destined” for death my heart hurts The sandstorm scene honestly had me at the edge of my seat Also though Keenan and Elias conversations made me roll my eyes so hard. Stop being jealous bros. But also, It’s hilarious thinking about these two boys being jealous Ilyaas is the superior name and I remember when I first saw it I was like OH. OOOHHH. and then got sad because the Empire stripped him of that and it hits home a bit too hard, huh? Helene is such an interesting character. Like I don’t like her as a person at all but like as a character she’s really interesting. I just want to give Elias a hug! YOU ARE MY TEMPLE YOU ARE MY RELEASE AND I AM GONNA CRYYY • #HappyBdayPercyAug20 complicated characters #PenguinTeenPartner #emberquartet #aeita #emberintheashes #eliasveturius #laiaofserra #sabaatahir #muslimshelfspace #muslimauthors #bookworm #favoriteseries #favoritebooks #goodreads #penguinteen

A post shared by Rameela (Star) (@stars.brite) on

 

“What an incredible sequel! Sabaa Tahir really knows how to tug at the reader’s heart strings. ”


View this post on Instagram

#PenguinTeenPartner #EmberReadAlong⁣ ⁣ WEEK 4: What an incredible sequel! Sabaa Tahir really knows how to tug at the reader’s heart strings. There’s so much to say about this book, but without spoiling or giving away too much, I will say that this is definitely a 5 star book! I loved it so much more than the first book. It contains a fast paced, action-packed storyline, deeply complex character development, a slow burn romance, strong female characters, a swoon-worthy character crush, and twists and turns you don’t see coming. The story fulfilled my thriller and adventure vibes in a new world setting. Lastly just when I thought I couldn’t love Elias any further, he outdoes himself. His level of empathy is swoon worthy . Now I’m excited more than ever to read the next book in the series, A Reaper at the Gates! ⁣ ⁣ Here’s my favorite quote from this week’s reading:⁣ ⁣ “Failure doesn’t define you. It’s what you do after you fail that determines whether you are a leader or a waste of perfectly good air.” – Arya’s father, p.387⁣ ⁣ ⁣ QOTD: What was your most recent 5 star read?⁣ ⁣ #atorchagainstthenight #sabaatahir #randomhouse #penguinteen #partner #readalong #bookstagram #bibliophile #lagunabeach #socal #california #beach #beachvibes #summer #sand #ocean #oceanview #readersofsocal #bookpals

A post shared by Asha | @ashareads (@ashareads) on

 

“Besotted” is the perfect word to describe how we feel about these books:


View this post on Instagram

Week 3 of A Torch in The Night by Sabaa Tahir @sabaatahir . I’ve fallen a little behind on my reading, work has been crazy. ⚔ For those who are on track, this week we start reading Parts II and III. ⚔ Guys, I can’t tell you how utterly besotted I am by Sabaa’s writing. It’s so atmospheric and poetically eloquent, I find myself so immersed in her work when I’m reading, the world around me goes still. ⚔ The characters, the world building, the story telling is utter perfection. I’m hoping to catch up to next week so I can have the full review of the book, but I can already tell it will be a solid 5 gems! #EmberReadAlong #PenguinTeenPartner . . . . . . . . #anemberintheashes #atorchagainstthenight #sabaatahir #fantasyreader #currentlyreading #Onmydesk #homelibrary #readingnook #bookshelfdecor #readersofinstagram #vscobooks #libraryofinstagram #bookshelvesofinstagram #shelfies #mybookfeatures #riotgrams #penguinbooks #bookishfeatures

A post shared by Asma (@oasisgirlmd) on

 

“There is never a chapter where something crazy doesn’t happen. Non-stop tension, excellent character development, and great work-building is what you’ll find here.”


View this post on Instagram

If you’ve been following my stories recently you’ll know that I decided to finally read An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir and join @penguinteen in the #emberreadalong that started in July. This is all in preparation for the fourth book that is coming out in December. I hate that it took me so long to read this! I absolutely loved An Ember in the Ashes. Laia’s brother gets arrested for treason. In exchange for helping the rebels who promise to get her brother out of jail, she has agreed to be a spy within the Empire’s military academy as a slave. This is where she meets Elias who’s a soldier in the academy. I loved everything about this YA Fantasy! I love Laia and how we watch her confidence grow throughout the book. We also read from Elias’ point of view. He just exuded strength and goodness. This book also has one of my favorite tropes, trials”. I love a good competition. Even though this is YA it’s still quite bloody! This book is very plot-driven which I love. There is never a chapter where something crazy doesn’t happen. Non-stop tension, excellent character development, and great work-building is what you’ll find here. If you’re someone that wants to try fantasy but feel intimidated by it, you should try this one because it’s very beginner-friendly. Fans of Throne of Glass will love this series. Once I finished An Ember in the Ashes there was no way I could stop there. So for the month of August I’ll be reading with @penguinteen to read A Torch Against the Night which is Book 2 in the series. I hope you’ll join me every week as I give my reactions! Swipe to get the full schedule. Have you read this series? Is it on your radar? Have you been reading along with the #emberreadalong ?

A post shared by Chocolate Covered Pages (@chocolatecoveredpages) on

 

Whether you finished reading the first Ember book three years or three months ago, it’s never too late to dive into the sequel!


View this post on Instagram

#EmberReadAlong #PenguinTeenPartner⁣ ⁣ In 2017 I read An Ember in the Ashes, fell head over heels for two of the most dynamic main characters I’ve read in YA fantasy, Laia and Elias… and then in classic me fashion, forgot to follow through with the next book in the series (anyone else ever do this??) ⁣ ⁣ With the fourth book coming up in December, @penguinteen is hosting a readalong of the first three books in the series! Last month was Ember and this month, I’m FINALLY reading A Torch Against the Night. I’m so pumped for this that I actually reread the first book, and I haven’t done a reread of anything in forever!⁣ ⁣ There’s still plenty of time to catch up and you can check out the third slide for this month’s schedule! If you’re not sure if you want to join in, here are some of my favorite things about the first book in the series:⁣ ⁣ ➺ Fantastic world-building ⁣ ➺ Strong character development in our two protagonists⁣ ➺ Bravery in spite of fear, female MC who has to infiltrate the Empire and spy on the evil Commandant (who happens to be the other MC’s mother!)⁣ ➺ Dynamic secondary characters⁣ ➺ Brutal military Empire vs the oppressed Resistance descended from Scholars⁣ ➺ Theme of destiny and family influence vs carving your own path⁣ ⁣ Not gonna lie, I can already tell it’ll be tough to keep myself from reading past chapter 12 based on the few chapters I read, but I’ll do my best!⁣ ⁣ Do you reread the prior books in a series when a sequel is about to come out?⁣ ⁣

A post shared by Jess || Bookbosomed_jess (@bookbosomed_jess) on

 

Because Laia, Elias, and Helene will always be waiting for you once you catch up


View this post on Instagram

“But you are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night – if you dare to let yourself burn.” — sabaa tahir, a torch against the night ✨ we love quotes that give you chills y’all!! this book!!! okay, ngl, I wasn’t a huge fan of Helene in the first book, I didn’t dislike her, but I didn’t have much interest in reading her pov but!!! omg her story in A Torch Against the Night is wonderful. I love the power struggle between her and the Commandant and her internal conflict between loyalty to her friends and loyalty to the empire and her family. Tahir has created such amazing, well thought out characters, who all have their own story to tell. Elias is still my favorite character, and oh did I love his character development in this one even as I’m scared for whats to come (please someone protect him please) Laia is still as stubborn and headstrong as ever, but oh do I love her even if I think her decisions are very impulsive and dumb. Keenan can still go away because I won’t miss him. ➳ anyway, Sabaa Tahir is evil and I love it even if I hate it. ugh series is not good for my poor heart (✿ Ò ‸ Ó)

A post shared by sally | xx | united states ☾ (@mybookacademy) on

 

And there’s no such thing as talking about your Ember love too much!


View this post on Instagram

Hey friends!! Sorry for my random hiatus yesterday. But I’m back! • And now it’s time to talk about a series I adore that I don’t talk about nearly enough! An Ember in the Ashes is so amazing and I’m really excited that @penguinteen is doing a readalong so that we can all be ready for A Sky Beyond the Storm this December! • So if you’ve never read it or you need a refresher, join in on the readalong! We’re on book two, A Torch Against the Night! Check my stories for all the info! • Oh and these beautiful glitter babes are of course from @bookish_pearl Wicks by Pearl! You can use my code METAL10 to grab some for yourself! • QOTD: This is so freaking random but hey that’s who I am. What’s your favorite vegetable and your favorite way to prepare it? I’m eating my favorite asparagus right now. I roasted it in the oven with raspberry balsamic vinegar and damn y’all. It’s so good. • • #simplybookishsummer Dulces de Andalucía- set in another country (fantasy lands count? Lol) #ladiesoffictionaug20 Camping with friends- favorite characters #bookreadhappyhour diverse cast of characters #emberreadalong #penguinteen #anemberintheashes #atorchagainstthenight #sabaatahir #favoritebooks #favoriteseries #wicksbypearl #bookishcandles #candledragon #bookdragon

A post shared by Jess Metalheadreader (@metalheadreader) on

 

And it works in any format you choose, including the audiobooks:

 

WE JUST WANT ELIAS TO BE HAPPY, TOO


View this post on Instagram

“ , . , . . .“ — . . [ qotd ]: welcome to the EVIL AUTHOR AWARDS. Who are you nominating?! . . Sabaa Tahir will always be my first choice when we’re talking about evil authors. I just want Elias to be happy, yet she insists on torturing my poor bb. I am both excited and terrified for Sky in the Storm, the Fourth and final book in the Ember Quartet. . . @penguinteen is hosting a readalong right now for the first three books, and I cannot recommend picking up these beauties more! You will swoon, scream, cry, and rage— possibly all in the same chapter. . . [ hashtags ]: #emberreadalong #penguinteen #anemberintheashes #bookstagram #bookaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #bookstagrammer #bookish #booksofinstagram #booktography #witchyvibes #bookstack #ireadya

A post shared by мorrιgнan (@morrighanrose) on

 

Plus this is one of our favorite quotes from A Torch Against the Night:

 

And so is this quote!

 

This uber-creative self-made reading checklist is GOALS!!!


View this post on Instagram

Are you participating in the Ember Read Along by @penguinteen ? – I am! I read An Ember in the Ashes last month and am currently reading A Torch Against the Night. I am loving this book! You can see the schedule for the read along in my journal spread. (Also I love Helene and I just want good things to happen for her) who’s your favorite? – – – – – – – – #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #instabooks #read #fairylights #bookandfairylights #fairylightsandbook #fairylightsandbooks #bookstagramfeature #bookishfeatures #read #reader #bookblog #bookreview #shelfie #shelfiesunday #sundayshelfie #bookshelf #youngadult #harrypotter #mybookfeatures #bookstafeature #bookblogfeatures #emberalong #atorchagainstthenight #anemberintheashes #sabaatahir #emberreadalong

A post shared by Julia (@stormyreadsgirl) on

 

And we’re so glad Guinness joined the Read-Along too!


View this post on Instagram

Guinness is participating in the #emberreadalong too! I’ve had #ATorchAgainstTheNight for a while but I wanted to wait until it got closer to the release date for the final book before diving into it and A Reaper at the Gates. Most of my town is without power, probably until Sunday so I’m hoping to finish it this weekend! It’s already slowly ripping my heart out. How is everyone’s summer going? I strained a tendon in my ankle so I get to spend the next three weeks in a brace while it heals up. I know content has been a little slow. Despite being off during the summer, COVID has left even more planning for us teachers to do over the summer. If you’re a teacher how are you feeling about going back to work? Or are you starting virtually? #books #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booknerd #reading #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks #dogsofinstagram #dogsandbooks #dogstagram #teacherlife #teachersofinstagram

A post shared by Ash (@pagesinthestars) on

 

Month 2 Reading Schedule

EmberQuartet_Readalong_Month2Launch_Twitter

About A Torch Against the Night:

Don’t forget to share how your read-along is going on Instagram with the templates below (and tag us!)

Click here to download

EmberQuartet_Readalong_Reactions_Month2_IGS1

Click here to download

EmberQuartet_Readalong_Reactions_Month2_IGS_Week2

Click here to download

EmberQuartet_Readalong_Reactions_Month2_IGS3

 

Click here to download

EmberQuartet_Readalong_Reactions_Month2_IGS4

 

 

 

 

 

Penguin Teen