Sabaa Tahir's sweeping fantasy romance book, An Ember in the Ashes, is the first in the series and has been praised by many of the biggest names within the genre. Brandon Sanderson, a heavy-hitter in fantasy, has contributed many amazing works like The Stormlight Archive and the Mistborn series. Sanderson is one of many authors who have sung the praises of Tahir's work, as she is paving the way for a new generation of fantasy writers and readers who are engaged in epic tales of love, redemption, and fighting for what's right.

Brandon Sanderson's books have a lot in common with Tahir's work, even though she traditionally writes within the young adult genre more than Sanderson does. However, it makes a lot of sense that Sanderson would be a fan of Tahir's writing, particularly with the series An Ember in the Ashes. Following the story of a young woman, Laia, who risks her life to infiltrate a corrupt government from within, An Ember in the Ashes has only become more relevant in the years since it was published. Reading it today feels as fresh and immediate as it did in 2015.

Brandon Sanderson's Praise For An Ember In The Ashes Nails Why Fantasy Lovers Should Read It

An Ember in the Ashes appeals to fantasy lovers and readers of all genres

Like all great fantasy, Tahir's work in An Ember in the Ashes is engaged with the real world and is a commentary on the contemporary injustices of our time. The story might take place in another world, but Laia's fight is instantly relatable and recognizable. Though she's battling against a massive and uncaring empire, Laia refuses to back down or be crushed by the weight of her sorrows. This Sanderson quote was featured on the back of the original edition of An Ember in the Ashes and demonstrates exactly why the fantasy author recommends the book:

"With An Ember in the Ashes, Sabaa Tahir shows us light in darkness, hope in a world of despair, and the human spirit reaching for greatness in difficult times."

For fantasy lovers and any reader who wishes to be immersed in a classic tale of revolution, An Ember in the Ashes is the perfect choice. While the social and political messages are the most important parts of the story, there are also plenty of emotional and personal angles that audiences will enjoy. Laia's love interest, Elias, is just as rich and complex as Laia, sharing her desire to change the world. An Ember in the Ashes is a great fantasy book with romance but little to no spice, as Tahir lets the reader soak in the slow-burn love story.

An Ember In The Ashes Is The Perfect Choice For Readers Who Loved Mistborn

Fans of Mistborn will recognize similar story structures and character relationships

Since the movie means any screen adaptation of Sanderson's work won't be coming soon, audiences who love Sanderson's work should engage with Tahir's. Similar to Mistborn, An Ember in the Ashes centers on a young woman impoverished by the system created by a corrupt government who fights back against the injustice she sees around her. Laia and Vin, the protagonist of Mistborn​​​​​​, have a lot in common. Even their romantic arcs have parallels, as Laia and Vin start to fall for people they perceive to be working for the evil empires.

Balancing the revolutionary aspects of the story with the romance angle can be a difficult task for authors, but Sanderson and Tahir accomplish this with ease. Since both books begin in a world with little hope that the bad guys have conquered, it takes a lot for the protagonists to trust each other and themselves in their goal of change and revolution. Even Mistborn Era 2 has a similar style as the fantasy world of An Ember in the Ashes. Additionally, Tahir's series has four books that expand on Laia and Elias' story for readers to get lost in.