An Ember in the Ashes is NOTORIOUS for keeping us on the edge of our seats (and VERY concerned for our favorite characters.) So, in continued celebration of our #EmberCountdown to A Sky Beyond the Storm, here are our top 10 MOST heartstopping moments from the series!

SPOILERS AHEAD for An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, and A Reaper at the Gates! 

1. Helene singing Laia back to life in An Ember in the Ashes

via GIPHY

Oooh boy. It hurt all of us to read the vicious aftermath of Marcus attacking Laia that left her almost dead. We were ALL left holding our breath for the rest of the chapter while Helene decided whether or not to defy everything she knew to heal Laia and bring her back from the brink of death.

2. The Third Trial in An Ember in the Ashes

via GIPHY

ALL the trials were heartstoppers, but this battle was RUTHLESS. Elias making the impossible call to let his friends attack his other friends was heart-wrenching. And then eventually having to almost kill Helene himself?! We still haven’t caught our breath.

3. Elias’s Execution in An Ember in the Ashes

via GIPHY

This moment REALLY got to us. Even though Cook always seems to know what she’s doing and Laia had a solid plan, Elias being led to his execution made all of our hearts DROP.

4. Escaping Kauf Prison in A Torch Against the Night

via GIPHY

This wasn’t just one moment. This was like a LOT of moments. And every single one of these carefully crafted scenes, from Elias escaping his cell, to Laia sneaking into Kauf, to breaking Darin out made our jaws DROP.

5. Elias Becoming the Soul Catcher in A Torch Against the Night

via GIPHY

This changed EVERYTHING. As if Elias didn’t have to deal with enough already?!

6. Keenan’s Betrayal in A Torch Against the Night

via GIPHY

Honestly, how dare he. HOW. DARE. HE.

7. The Ghost Possession in A Reaper at the Gates

via GIPHY

Helene watching as the enemy army was suddenly possessed by supernatural forces and ghosts was A. MOMENT.

8. Laia Delivers Livia’s Baby in A Reaper at the Gates

via GIPHY

During a BATTLE no less! Laia, you never fail to amaze us.

9. Helene Takes Her Mask Off in A Reaper at the Gates

via GIPHY

Talk about character development. This scene was EVERYTHING.

10. The Nightbringer: A Reaper at the Gates Finale

via GIPHY

Pre-order your copy of A Sky Beyond the Storm here!

We’re counting down to A Sky Beyond the Storm with our favorite series moments! See the best romantic moments from An Ember in the Ashes here!