I absolutely adored the ember in the ashes series. So when I saw that she was writing another one, I knew I had to get it. I was a little worried about it not being a fantasy like her other four books, but she nailed it. I am convinced she could write any genre at this point! But just like with ember, your heart will get ripped out. Tahir loves to make you connect to her characters just to end up ugly crying. It seems like such a simple story. Two seniors in a small town overcoming stuff. But it’s not. They have complex backgrounds. They’re Muslim immigrants with high expectations set on them from themselves and those around them. This isn’t a happily ever after Disney story, it’s a story that will leave you thinking, ugly crying and angry. But in the best way! It’s such a roller coaster, one page will have you happy, the next crying. Tahir is the best YA author!