A THIEF AMONG THE TREES Will Be the First of Three Prequel Graphic Novels for AN EMBER IN THE ASHES
An Ember in the Ashes is a New York Times bestselling series from Sabaa Tahir, and now the series is getting a trilogy of graphic novel prequels thanks to BOOM! Studios. The first will be A Thief Among the Trees from writer Nicole Andelfinger and artist Sonia Liao.
“Elias, Helene and Tavi are Fivers — in training to become elite military recruits for the Martial Empire at Blackcliff Academy. When they’re sent on a dangerous mission to steal a heavily-guarded poison on Isle South, they soon find themselves up against surprising enemies — including other recruits! As the true horror of their assignment is revealed, these three will begin to confront the harrowing realities of Martial rule, their place in the system . . . and the choices they must make to survive.”
Talking about her excitement for the prequels, Tahir said in a statement:
“I’ve loved graphic novels and comics since I was a kid thieving The Sandman from my older brother. It’s an absolute joy to use this medium to explore the life-altering events that helped shape EMBER characters like Elias and Helene. And working with Nicole Andelfinger, Sonia Liao and the team at BOOM! Studios to bring these characters to life has been an inspiring and joyful collaboration. I’m so excited for readers to discover this new piece of the EMBER world.”
Meanwhile, Andelfinger praised Tahir’s work:
“Sabaa has created something truly inspiring with her An Ember in the Ashes series. Relevant and thought-provoking, the story is one that continues to stick with me. It was an honor to work on A THIEF AMONG THE TREES and to help Sabaa bring this story not only to long time Ember lovers but also introduce this deep and poignant world to new readers as well.”
Finally, Liao shared her excitement for working with the world:
“An Ember in the Ashes has such a rich world and history — truly the best part of any fantasy story! Elias’s, Helene’s and Tavi’s different worldviews give their interactions dimension as they strive for the same goal. The setting may be restricted to a single island, but from the characters and story you can tell there’s a greater world beyond.”
A Thief Among the Trees will be available in July 2020.
