Sabaa Tahir - Empire
WithSabaa Tahir
In conversation withNadine Aisha Jassat
On:2nd November 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Attendance options:
The Portobello Bookshop is excited to welcome Sabaa Tahir to the shop for Empire! This is the highly anticipated follow up to Heir, and the conclusion to the much beloved duology.
Sabaa will be in conversation with Nadine Aisha Jassat, award-winning poet and storyteller based right her in Portobello! We're really looking forward to their discussion and can't wait to welcome you all for the event.
There will be time for audience questions, and Sabaa will be signing books after the event. Join us when doors open at 6:45 for a 7pm start time in the bookshop or on the livestream.
There is also a tour exclusive pin badge- available for a limited number of Early-Bird Book & In-Person Ticket and Early-Bird Book & Livestream Ticket holders!
About Empire:
A crumbling empire
An ancient evil.
A lost homeland.
A lie that could destroy the world.
In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Aquilla and his Aunt Helene are losing a battle against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil's armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him broken-hearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha's fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid - from the most treacherous of allies.
Sirsha Westering finds herself tethered to Div, an ancient evil unleashed by a terrible tragedy. Div delights in tormenting Sirsha, hungering for her magical heart. Even as Sirsha fights for control of her own fate, she is desperate to shield Quil from Div's destructive power. But Div won't release Sirsha without a fight. To earn her freedom, Sirsha must uncover Div's past - and face horrors in her own.
Cero bet-Dafra, former right hand of the Kegari leader Aiz, now finds himself pitted against her. As Aiz slips further into violence and delusion, Cero must discover if his people have any hope of a future or if they're condemned to an unending cycle of violence. His journey will force him to confront hidden truths, ancient secrets and a lie that could destroy the world.
In Empire, number one New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir returns to the expansive world of fury and vengeance of Heir, weaving a story of legacy and rebellion, of loyalty and freedom, and of what it means to confront the monsters that lurk within us all.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Sabaa Tahir Author
Sabaa Tahir is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series, which has been translated into over thirty-five languages. She grew up in California's Mojave Desert at her family's eighteen-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother's comic book stash, and playing guitar badly. She began writing books while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks, and all things nerd. Visit Sabaa online at SabaaTahir.com and follow her on Instagram @SabaaTahir.
Nadine Aisha Jassat Chair
Nadine Aisha Jassat grew up between the magic of her family’s stories and the pages of her beloved library books. An award-winning writer, she is the author of poetry collection Let Me Tell You This, as well as three middle-grade mysteries full of heart: The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them), The Hidden Story of Estie Noor, which was nominated for a Carnegie Medal and longlisted for the Jhalak Prize, and The House at The Edge of the World ('Charismatic, enchanting' - The Guardian). Her writing is taught around the world, and poetry from Let Me Tell You This is part of Scotland’s secondary school syllabus.When she is not writing, you can find her teaching workshops, reading books, and going on adventures.
Nadine lives in Scotland, and grew up in the north of England with her Yorkshire mum and Zimbabwean dad. She is of mixed heritage; a heritage which can only be told in stories.
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.