About the Book
A Torch Against the Night is the second book in Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series, a young adult fantasy set in a brutal empire loosely inspired by ancient Rome. If you haven't read or listened to the first book, start there, this one picks up almost immediately after and assumes you know the characters and the world.
The story follows Elias and Laia as they flee the Empire's soldiers after a dangerous escape from the city of Serra. Their destination is Kauf, the most secure prison in the Empire, where Laia's brother is being held. He's central to a resistance effort among the Scholar people, and getting him out is the mission driving most of the book. Elias, meanwhile, is dealing with consequences from the first book that complicate his ability to help her.
The narrative splits between the two protagonists, each getting their own chapters. A third perspective, Helene, a Martial soldier and Elias's former friend, is added here, giving the story a more complex moral dimension. She's tasked with hunting Elias down, which puts her loyalty, her beliefs, and her survival in direct conflict. The pacing is fast throughout, and the stakes are kept high from early on.
Narration & Audio Performance
Katharine Lee McEwan handles the dual-protagonist structure reasonably well. The two lead voices, Laia and Elias, are distinguishable, and she keeps the pacing tight during the action-heavy sequences, which suits the material. Her tone stays mostly composed rather than overtly dramatic, which works given the intensity of what's happening on the page.
The addition of Helene's chapters in this installment is where some listeners may notice the limits of a single narrator covering multiple perspectives. McEwan's Helene reads differently enough to track, but the distinction between some of the secondary characters can blur, particularly in scenes with multiple soldiers or scholars in conversation.
Overall, the narration is functional and consistent. It's not a standout performance, but it doesn't get in the way either. If you listened to the first book in the series and found the narration acceptable, you'll have no issues continuing here. For new listeners, using the Audible sample is a reasonable first step before committing.
The Audible Verdict
This is a solid sequel in a popular YA fantasy series, and the audio format suits the linear, fast-paced structure well. McEwan's narration is consistent and clear. That said, the performance doesn't elevate the material in any notable way, it delivers the story without adding much to it. If you're already invested in the series from book one, this is a straightforward continuation worth picking up. For new listeners, it makes more sense as a free trial credit than a paid one.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
A Torch Against the Night translates well to audio. The story moves in a mostly linear fashion, alternating between a small number of named POV characters in clearly labeled chapters. There are no charts, maps you need to reference mid-scene, or structural experiments that depend on the page. The action sequences and dialogue-heavy scenes work particularly well in audio form.
The multi-POV structure does require a narrator who can signal clearly when perspective shifts. McEwan manages this adequately, though listeners who find character voice differentiation important may want to sample first. For commuters or people who listen during physical activity, the pacing makes this an easy book to stay oriented in even after gaps between sessions.
Popular Listener Questions
Do I need to read the first book before this one?
Yes. A Torch Against the Night is book two in the An Ember in the Ashes series and begins immediately after the first book ends. Starting here without the first book will leave major character relationships and plot context unexplained.
Is this book appropriate for younger listeners?
It's published as young adult, but the content is on the darker end of that category, there is significant violence, torture, and death throughout. Most YA readers 14 and up should be fine with it, but it's worth knowing the tone is closer to grim than adventurous.
Does this audiobook follow multiple narrators or a single voice?
It's narrated by a single narrator, Katharine Lee McEwan, covering all three POV characters, Laia, Elias, and Helene.
Is there a Whispersync version available for switching between audio and ebook?
Whispersync availability for this title isn't confirmed in the metadata. Check the Audible product page directly, if it's available, it will show as an add-on option when you own the Kindle edition.
Similar Audiobooks
The direct predecessor, listen to this first. It introduces the world, the characters, and the conflict that A Torch Against the Night continues.
If you finish this one and want to continue, this is the next installment in the An Ember in the Ashes series.
Leigh Bardugo's heist-driven fantasy shares a similar tone, morally complex characters, high stakes, and a dark empire-like setting. Popular with the same readership.
Tomi Adeyemi's debut YA fantasy follows a similar structure, oppressed people, a dangerous mission, and shifting loyalties. Frequently recommended alongside Tahir's series.
Red Queen
Victoria Aveyard's series deals with similar themes of resistance against a ruling class. Listeners who enjoy the Laia/Elias dynamic tend to respond well to Red Queen's protagonist-driven structure.
Audiobook Details
| Title | A Torch Against the Night |
|---|---|
| Author | Sabaa Tahir |
| Narrator | Katharine Lee McEwan |
| Genre | Young Adult Fantasy |
| Year | 2017 |
| Publisher | Penguin |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
A Torch Against the Night is available on Audible and works reasonably well in audio format, a sensible use of a free trial credit if you're already following the series.
Open on Audible