An Ember in the Ashes

I forgot how good this was. I really did. I don't understand how it was ever marketed as a standalone, when it's very clearly a build-up book. I'm so excited to move on to the next one, and I'm in love with Elias, and I have no coherent thoughts other than that I loved it?? It was brutal?? The trials are fucked up?? What's up with the fucking augors?? Yeah, I loved it.