A Reaper at the Gates (Ember in the Ashes, #3) by Sabaa Tahir,
458 pages. Razorbill (Penguin),
2018. $20.
Content: Language: R (100+ swears); Mature
Content: PG-13; Violence: R.
BUYING ADVISORY:
HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL:
AVERAGE
The three main characters are up
against their own foes. Helene is the
evil Emperor Marcus’ military leader and every step she takes, whether good or
bad, effects Helene’s sister who is married to the Emperor. As Helene tries to walk the fine balance
between what is right for the kingdom and obeying the Emperor, she must face
her true enemy the cunning Commandant, who passes herself off as loyal to the
Emperor while creating conflict throughout the kingdom. Elias starts to realize what it means to be
the Soul Collector, a responsibility he took to help Laia, whom he loves. As the magic of being a Soul Collector starts
to build up in Elias he must choose between his human side and the magical
side, or all of humanity will suffer. Laia, doesn’t want to be a leader, but if she
doesn’t take care of her people the evil Nightbringer will reap destruction on
them all. Each character has their own
story, but they all connect as they are trying to do the right thing for their
kingdom.
Here’s the thing about this
book- I have read through all the violent dark despair of three books now in the hopes that my three main characters, who I’ve totally fallen in love
with, will make it out okay. The ending
builds up to a big cliff hanger and I’m annoyed-I wanted an ending-a happy one. This is a well done series with lots of development, but now I must wait until next year to find
out what happens next and I just want it to be over and the kingdom to be
saved. The violence is over the top brutal,
gruesome and tortuous and the mature content is a heavy make-out session.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
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