Picture a Pakistani-American storyteller who spun a fantasy empire inspired by ancient Rome—meet Sabaa Tahir! From her childhood in the Mojave Desert to crafting the #1 New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes series, Tahir’s journey is as gripping as her novels. Her tales of oppression, resilience, and hope have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a spot among TIME’s 100 best fantasy books.
As a child of Pakistani immigrants, Tahir grew up feeling voiceless, but books became her refuge. Today, her work champions diverse voices, blending heart-pounding fantasy with raw human struggles. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Sabaa Tahir
Born to Pakistani parents who emigrated from the UK to the US, Sabaa Tahir grew up in Ridgecrest, California, at her family’s 18-room motel in the Mojave Desert. Surrounded by fantasy novels and her brother’s comic book stash, she found solace in stories, despite feeling like an outcast in a majority-white town. Her love for literature deepened at UCLA, where she studied journalism and wrote for the Daily Bruin. After interning at The Washington Post, she worked nights as a newspaper editor, quietly penning her debut novel.
Tahir’s early life wasn’t easy—cultural differences and marginalization shaped her worldview. Yet, these experiences fueled her determination to write stories where brown kids could see themselves as heroes. A chance encounter with a book featuring the Arabic greeting 'assalamu alaikum' was a revelation, inspiring her to amplify underrepresented voices.
Sabaa Tahir’s Unforgettable Stories
Tahir’s breakout series, An Ember in the Ashes (2015), thrusts readers into a brutal, Rome-inspired Martial Empire. The story alternates between Laia, a Scholar girl spying to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier yearning for freedom. Praised for its complex characters and high stakes, it debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and was named one of TIME’s 100 best YA books. Its sequels—A Torch Against the Night (2016), A Reaper at the Gates (2018), and A Sky Beyond the Storm (2020)—cemented Tahir’s reputation for crafting morally gray characters and heart-wrenching cliffhangers.
In 2022, Tahir pivoted to contemporary fiction with All My Rage, a poignant novel about two Muslim American teens navigating grief, racism, and family secrets in a California desert town. Drawing from her own childhood, it won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Printz Medal, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Her latest work, Heir (2024), returns to the Ember world, introducing new characters in a sequel duology.
Tahir’s style blends lush world-building with unflinching honesty, tackling themes like war, trauma, and resistance. Her characters—flawed, relatable, and fiercely human—resonate with readers of all ages, from teens to an 82-year-old fan who wrote to her. Translated into over 35 languages, her books have sold over a million copies.
Why Sabaa Tahir Matters
Sabaa Tahir’s impact transcends bestseller lists. As the first Muslim and Pakistani-American woman to win the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, she’s a trailblazer for diverse voices in YA literature. Her stories reflect the struggles of marginalized communities, offering hope and empathy in dark times. Inspired by real-world issues, like drone strikes in Pakistan, her work challenges readers to confront injustice while celebrating resilience.
Tahir’s advocacy for representation has reshaped fantasy, making space for brown protagonists in a genre long dominated by white characters. Her talks on writing, failure, and empathy inspire aspiring authors, proving that stories can empower the voiceless.
About Sabaa Tahir
- Key Works: An Ember in the Ashes series, All My Rage, Heir
- Awards: National Book Award (2022), Printz Medal (2022), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (2022)
- Hobbies: Thunderous indie rock, garish socks, and all things nerd
- Current Home: San Francisco Bay Area
Snag An Ember in the Ashes or All My Rage and dive into Sabaa Tahir’s thrilling, heartfelt world of fantasy and resilience!