An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes is a gripping fantasy novel set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, where fear and oppression dominate everyday life. The story follows two main characters: Laia, a young scholar whose world is shattered when her brother is arrested for treason. Desperate to save him, she becomes a spy for the rebel Resistance, risking everything by infiltrating the Empire’s feared military academy. Elias, on the other hand, is a talented soldier training at that same academy, but he secretly despises the Empire and longs for freedom from its cruelty. As their paths cross, Laia and Elias find themselves caught in a dangerous struggle filled with loyalty, sacrifice, and rebellion.