A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir – A Review

“When the fear takes over, use the only thing more powerful, more indestructible, to fight it: your spirit. Your heart.”

The Book

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
Published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin
Released August 30, 2016
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Read My Review of An Ember in the Ashes

Synopsis

A Torch Against the Night is the second book in the An Ember in the Ashes trilogy. It continues the stories of Laia, Elias, and Helene. There are new dangers, new settings, and new characters. I don’t want to say too much about the plot of the book, because of spoilers.

Review (Contains spoilers – skip if you haven’t read An Ember in the Ashes)

I loved this book just as much as I loved An Ember in the Ashes, and it was great finally meeting characters like Mamie Rila. I really loved Mamie Rila’s character – she’s fierce and loves Elias so much. We also get a little more back story regarding Laia’s parents and older sister, all of whom were killed when Laia was young.

“‘Always so afraid of the darkness within.’ Mamie takes my hands. ‘Don’t you see? So long as you fight the darkness, you stand in the light.'”

Keenan’s story arc justified my dislike of him in the first book, and I was generally surprised when the true nature of his character was revealed. I felt Laia’s pain and confusion right alongside her.

It was very enjoyable getting to travel to new parts of the Empire in this novel. Kauf prison was terrifying and dark and miserable. It justifies the horror that characters in the first novel feel when it’s brought up in conversation.

My favorite setting in the entire book is the Forest of Dusk. It’s so mysterious, and the Soul Catcher is a very intriguing character. I hope (and suspect) we see more of her in the next book.

Verdict

Another 5 out of 5 stars. A Torch Against the Night is just as perfect and compelling as the first book in the trilogy, An Ember in the Ashes. I’m looking forward to starting the third book, A Reaper at the Gates later today.