3.5 stars. I really liked this but I'm not really gushing just yet. For me-the title of this book encompasses all of my thoughts and feelings. This book is an ember in the ashes. It has a slow burn or glow to it. Its characters are in development. The world-building was slowly outlined (not one hundred percent sure I understand it yet). The tiny love story is like a love rhombus rather than a triangle. For the first time in a long time, I didn't really love the idea of the two main characters liking each other. The violence in the book was super creepy! Professor Umbridge and the Commandant could be buds. The book ends on a big ol' cliffhanger. Like I said-an ember of a book. Book two has the potential to explode or die out completely for me. I'm excited to see if it can spark a bit more emotion out of me with its sequel in August. (My word I love puns! I don't use them enough!)

I love that this series is so unique among the plethora of teen angst novels. The setting, the characters, and plot are so well developed with just the right amount of action and mystery to keep the reader interested.

Fantastic. Amazing. One of my new favorites! The characters are strong and well-written, and the story is a fantastic fantasy page-turner. I couldn’t put this book down! Fans of Marie Lu’s Legend and Young Elites series, as well as fans of Neal Shusterman and Maggie Stiefvater will enjoy this amazing debut novel.