“There are two kinds of guilt: the kind that drowns you until you’re useless, and the kind that fires your soul to purpose” (Tahir, 373).

In the An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir, both the protagonists carry the burden of guilt. Laia of Serra, ashamed that she allowed her family to be destroyed, tries desperately to free her brother and her people from enslavement and subjugation at the hands of the colonizing Martial Empire. Elias Veturias, on the other hand, is a young Martial soldier, trying hopelessly to escape his murderous duties, disillusioned by what he has been forced to do and become. The writing is captivating, and Tahir’s skillful use of descriptive language and metaphor paints a vivid picture without bogging down the story. She describes loneliness at night, for example, as “if the sky itself has swooped down to smother you in its cold arms.” The image is simple but tangible. In addition, these books are full of fascinating, relatable characters, including (and especially) the villains. The novels delve deep into the lasting repercussions of colonization, both for the colonized and the colonizers.

The world of Ember is based in some ways on ancient Rome, and Tahir is unafraid of dealing with dark themes not often prominent in YA fiction. These include the all-too-real risk of sexual assault and mutilation that enslaved and oppressed people dealt with on a regular basis. Although not explicit or gratuitous, it is potentially triggering. The violence in these books is also quite graphic.

The series focuses on themes such as the importance of defining one’s identity by one’s own beliefs, regardless of the actions, good or evil, of one’s parents. The protagonists must learn that they as individuals bear accountability for their actions. Sometimes that means having to weigh the guilt of their conscience against the lives of those they love the most. In fact, the fascinating villains in this story are very much like our heroes, save that they never learned this lesson. Although many of the antagonists’ actions are wrong and sometimes horrific, the reader cannot help but empathize with them.

If you like stories that are dark and gritty, with fascinating, morally complex characters and authentic worldbuilding, look no further. With four bestselling books and a graphic novel, this gripping series will keep you captivated for hours.