An Ember in the Ashes

BOOK ONE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES - One of Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy and 100 Best YA Books of All Time - People's Choice Award winner - Bustle's Best Young Adult Book"This novel is a harrowing, haunting reminder of what it means to be human -- and how hope might be kindled in the midst of oppression and fear." -- The Washington PostLaia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.   Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.   It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire's impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They've seen what happens to those who do.   But when Laia's brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who prom