Book Review: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for a story that blends heart-pounding action with tender, slow-burn romance, A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir deserves a spot on your TBR. As the second book in the An Ember in the Ashes quartet, it builds beautifully on the world and characters we met in book one, while raising the stakes with new perspectives, deeper emotional turmoil, and an action-packed plot that will leave you breathless.
Synopsis (Spoiler-Free)
Picking up where An Ember in the Ashes leaves off, A Torch Against the Night follows Laia and Elias as they flee the Martial Empire in search of freedom—and answers. Laia is desperate to save her brother from the Empire’s most guarded prison, while Elias grapples with his role in a crumbling world and the sacrifices he’s willing to make for the girl he loves.
This installment also introduces us to Helene’s point of view. Once Elias’s best friend and a loyal soldier of the Empire, Helene now finds herself trapped between her sworn duty as Blood Shrike and her complicated feelings for Elias. Her storyline adds new layers of tension, especially with the introduction of Harper, a stoic new character who slowly begins to challenge her assumptions (and maybe her heart).
Tropes & Themes You’ll Love
Sabaa Tahir has a knack for weaving beloved tropes into her stories without ever making them feel cliché. In A Torch Against the Night, readers can expect:
✨ Slow Burn Romance – The push-and-pull between Laia and Elias is beautifully done, full of yearning glances and unspoken devotion.
✨ Found Family – Loyalty and sacrifice drive the characters as much as blood ties.
✨ Enemies-to-Reluctant Allies – Helene’s reluctant partnership with Harper simmers with tension that romance readers will immediately latch onto.
✨ Rebellion vs. Corrupt Government – While not technically dystopian, the book carries a dystopic quality, with themes of oppression, control, and survival.
✨ Prophecy & Fate – Destiny looms large, pushing the characters into choices they’re not ready for—but can’t escape.
Writing Style & Pacing
One of Tahir’s greatest strengths is her accessible writing style. The prose is fast, clear, and easy to read, making it perfect for both seasoned fantasy lovers and readers new to the genre.
The pacing in this book is steady—some might say slow in the first half—as it focuses on character dynamics and world expansion. But once you hit the 60% mark, the story explodes with action. From daring escapes to shocking confrontations, the final stretch is impossible to put down.
Romance Highlights
💔 Laia & Elias – Their relationship is the emotional heartbeat of the book. Full of yearning, sacrifice, and moments that make you want to scream at the page, their love story is a slow build that feels both clean and deeply romantic.
🔥 Helene & Harper – Though much quieter, their dynamic grows steadily. Harper’s calm strength balances Helene’s rigid sense of duty, and readers who love enemies-to-lovers or guarded-heart romance will want to keep their eye on this pair.
Who Should Read A Torch Against the Night?
You’ll love A Torch Against the Night if you enjoy:
Young adult romance that balances action with emotion.
Romantasy stories with immersive worldbuilding and political intrigue.
Clean romance that still manages to deliver intensity and longing.
Dark romance undertones—love tested against violence, betrayal, and impossible choices.
YA romance with strong character growth and themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and hope.
Who might not enjoy this book?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-first story from the very first page, the slow build of the first half may feel too measured for your taste. Similarly, if you prefer straightforward fantasy without heavy romantic tension, this may not be the book for you.
Final Thoughts
A Torch Against the Night takes everything we loved from An Ember in the Ashes and deepens it—more perspectives, higher stakes, richer character development, and a romance that feels both tender and epic. Sabaa Tahir balances heartache with hope in a way that keeps readers eagerly turning pages, even through the slower buildup.
Whether you’re here for the action, the politics, or the romance, this book delivers. And if you love YA romantasy with just the right amount of angst? Consider this one a must-read.
👉 Have you read A Torch Against the Night yet? Which POV did you enjoy most—Laia, Elias, or Helene? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Recommended for fans of: Young Adult Romance, Romantasy, Clean Romance, Dark Romance, and YA Romance.
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