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When Embers Fall: A Sapphic Villain Origin Story

by Hailey P. Bryant

Two enemies shaped by a world at war

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Two enemies shaped by a world at war

Set a century after nuclear war has devastated the world, this young adult fantasy centers on a conflict over the last habitable land. Ember belongs to the pacifist Defenders, who refuse to fight even as their restraint puts their people’s future at risk. Alcmene, heir to the Fighters’ throne, is prepared to accept heavy losses rather than show weakness. Told from both women’s points of view, the novel brings their opposing loyalties into collision through dark magic, revenge, and a charged mix of hatred and attraction. Its “villain origin” framing ties personal transformation to the violence and moral compromises of war. This is the opening book in a duology.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in fantasy set after a nuclear war
  • Readers seeking sapphic fiction centered on two women on opposing sides of a conflict
  • Readers interested in enemies-to-lovers stories and characters shaped by war

Themes

War and its moral costsPacifism and resistanceSapphic love and enmityRevenge and transformation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

If you're in the LGBTQ+ community or if you're a villain sympathizer, this is a must-read!

 

When Embers Fall takes place 100 years after the world was destroyed by nuclear war. Another war still goes on as the last people left alive fight for the remaining land. It is a dual point of view novel, featuring two women on opposite sides of the battle. To say the least, they both have tragic backstories that shape them into who they become. Dark magic plays a part in bringing them together, as well as the fact that they want each other dead. Though, love and hate are more closely linked then they realize.

 

Ember, one of the main characters, believes the only way the war will end is with Alcmene's head, but her side of the war, the Defenders, are pacifists. They only defend, instead of fight. They will do whatever it takes to keep their moral high ground, even sacrifice the fate of their people.

 

Alcmene, on the other hand, wants to kill everyone, no matter how many of her soldiers she loses in the process. As the heir to the throne on the Fighters side of the war, she can't show weakness. She can't let the enemy win.

 

When Embers Fall is a sapphic villain origin story full of war, destruction, love, hate, and revenge. An enemies to lovers story at its finest. Two women against the world, both becoming villains because of war and death. The only question is, will this war filled with dark and chaotic magic kill everyone left alive? Or will someone finally win?

 

This is the first book in the duology.

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