A Thief Among the Trees: An Ember in the Ashes Graphic Novel

Sabaa Tahir, Nicole Andelfinger — 2020

Taking place years before the bestselling An Ember in the Ashes novel series, this standalone original graphic novel follows three young military recruits: Elias, Helene, and Tavi, during their brutal training as soldiers for the Martial Empire. WITHIN THE EMPIRE THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, ONLY ORDERS. Elias, Helene and Tavi are Fivers --in training to become elite military recruits for the Martial Empire at Blackcliff Academy. When they’re sent on a dangerous mission to steal a heavily-guarded poison on Isle South, they soon find themselves up against surprising enemies -- including other recruits. As the true horror of their assignment is revealed, these three will begin to confront the harrowing realities of Martial rule, their place in the system . . . and the choices they must make to survive. New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir joins writer Nicole Andelfinger and artist Sonia Liao for an all-new original graphic novel revealing an early tale of Elias and Helene at Blackcliff, and a stirring standalone chapter in the An Ember in the Ashes mythology.

Reviews

june@aledfrances

Aug 14, 2022

Tavi deserves so much better 😭

Paula Narvaez@paula_narvaez14

Dec 1, 2021

It wasn't as interesting as I though it would be, I guess it does explain a bit more why Elias grew to be the person he is in the books, but it actually just shows us more of what we already know. The art is amazing and beautiful tho, I really enjoy it.

Jelke Lenaerts@jelkebooks

Nov 19, 2021

This was such a fun graphic novel. I really liked the art and I think it did a great job bringing this world to life. I also just really appreciate getting a story set during Elias and Helene's time at Blackcliff. We only got a small glimpse into that in the main series but I liked going a bit more in depth here. We follow Helena and Elias when they are much younger than in the main series but you can clearly see the people they will become and I really liked that as well. Yeah, the story was a fun adventure with some serious moments and the ending hit, but I feel like it could have hit harder, which is why this was a four star not a five star.

Sophia Pearl@lou_lou_is_reading

Aug 31, 2021

Lovely art, twists and turns, and trademark Sabaa heartbreak. Totally recommend this lovely piece of art!

Lisa Beasley@carefulofbooks

Aug 18, 2021

I loved the artwork in this graphic novel, it's a moving story and definitely adds a little depth to Elias and Helene's story and you can see the goodness Elias has when we meet him in Ember. Recommended only once you have read at least Ember, in my opinion as it means a little more to get this glimpse of the past.

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