A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus’s will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own—one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape…and kill them both.@goodreads

MY REVIEW:

3 STARS 

 I just didn't like this one as much as the first one and I can't really put my finger on why. . . . 

I still loved the characters though =)

I think Helene had to grow a lot more in this book and I feel really sorry for the things that happened to her. But, she is now a Blood Strike and she has to do what she has to do, or does she? 

I have to say that my favorite character in this book that had some really intense scenes was Cook. Yeah, Cook. I'm not going into it . . . no spoilers! 

This book starts right where the other one left off and Laia and Elais are trying to escape from the evil Commandant without getting killed. They are still on their quest to save Darin, Laia's brother and I'm not going to tell you whether they do or not. 

There are some people that die in the book and  a lot of blood shed. There is also a sort of after life that I thought was really good! 

I think many people will love this book and I am so glad for those that do, I hope I like the third book more than I did this one. Of course, I will re-read this one and try again. 

Sorry this is so short, there is really not much to say without me spoiling every little thing! 

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

  https://www.amazon.com/Torch-Against-Night-Ember-Ashes/dp/1101998873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476900054&sr=8-1&keywords=torch+against+the+night