" An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir is set in an alternate universe based on Ancient Rome. Laia is a scholar and Elias a soldier, destined to a life as a frigid leader in the best military institution. The scholars are oppressed, or otherwise treated as slaves. If any of them go against the martial empire, they are to pay with their life for treason. Riveting from start to finish, readers follow their stories through alternate points of view. We discover Laia's brother is taken to a scholar prison, and Laia is willing to spy at the military school where she meets Elias, in hopes that 'The Resistance' will help return her brother. Elias is destined to become what he despises the most. Together they must fight against all odds