Carlos Morales
Discover the origin story of Laia & Darin from the New York Times bestselling YA series in February 2022
BOOM! Studios revealed a first look at A SPARK WITHIN THE FORGE: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES GRAPHIC NOVEL, an official prequel to the New York Times bestselling series of novels from creator Sabaa Tahir, writer Nicole Andelfinger (Dragon Prince: Bloodmoon Huntress), artist Sonia Liao (The Curie Society), colorist Kieran Quigley, and letterer Mike Fiorentino. A SPARK WITHIN THE FORGE will be the second graphic novel in a three-volume prequel series that will explore the pasts of beloved An Ember in the Ashes series characters.
Before they were torn asunder, Laia lived happily and quietly with her Nan, Pop, and brother Darin within the Scholar district of Martial-ruled Serra. Although Laia is afraid to venture outside her home due to the heavy Martial presence, Darin loves to explore all parts of their home city… even those that are forbidden.
A chance encounter with famed swordsmith Spiro Teluman, who sees in Darin a talent for forging weapons, leads him down a path that pulls him away from his family but towards hope for his people. Meanwhile, Laia is forced to take her brother’s place, accompanying Pop to combat a dangerous illness spreading quickly through Serra. When Laia discovers a surprising cure, will she brave exposure and the heavily-patrolled streets so she can save the city and someone she loves?
A SPARK WITHIN THE FORGE: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES GRAPHIC NOVEL is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning Archaia imprint, home to inspiring graphic novels such as Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North, and Albert Monteys; The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay, Tracy Lynne-Oliver, and Rebecca Kirby; Big Black: Stand at Attica by Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth, and Améziane, We Served the People by Emei Burell, New World by David Jesus Vignolli, About Betty’s Boob by Vero Cazot and Julie Rocheleau, and the Eighty Days by A.C. Esguerra, the upcoming Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen and George Schall, the upcoming The Short While by Jeremy Sorese, as well as licensed series including Lev Grossman’s The Magicians, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation.
Print copies of A SPARK WITHIN THE FORGE: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES GRAPHIC NOVEL will be available at local comic shops on February 2, 2022, and bookstores everywhere on February 8, 2022. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.
