An Ember in the Ashes is a fantasy novel set in a world where the Martial Empire has enslaved the Scholars for 500 years. It follows Laia, a 17-year-old Scholar girl, and Elias, a Mask (elite warrior) at Blackcliff Academy, as they navigate their harsh realities. Laia seeks to rescue her brother, imprisoned for allegedly aiding the resistance, while Elias struggles with his desire to desert the brutal army. Their paths cross during trials to choose a new emperor, where they face mythical creatures, forbidden magic, and their growing attraction to one another. As the stakes rise, Laia and Elias must decide whether to trust each other while fighting against the empire and their own destinies.