Plot Summary
The Knock at Dawn
December "Ember" Howard's twentieth birthday begins with an ominous knock at the door. Her military family's routine is shattered when two uniformed officers deliver the devastating news: her father, Lieutenant Colonel Justin Howard, has been killed in Afghanistan. Ember's mother collapses into shock, her younger siblings are confused and frightened, and Ember is thrust into the role of caretaker. The moment is seared into Ember's memory—the instant her life splits into before and after. The cold, official words, the stunned silence, and the overwhelming grief set the tone for the journey ahead, as Ember realizes she must hold her family together when everything she knows is falling apart.
Shattered by Loss
The Howard household is plunged into chaos and numbness. Ember's mother is catatonic, her sister April lashes out, and little Gus clings to any semblance of normalcy. Ember, despite her own heartbreak, becomes the anchor, handling the military's bureaucracy, funeral arrangements, and the emotional needs of her siblings. The community rallies with casseroles and sympathy, but nothing fills the void left by her father. Ember's boyfriend, Riley, is physically present but emotionally distant, unable to comprehend the depth of her loss. The funeral is a blur of ritual and pain, the finality of the flag-draped coffin driving home the reality that nothing will ever be the same.
Bearing the Weight
With her mother withdrawn and April rebelling, Ember takes charge of the household. She manages daily tasks, supports Gus, and tries to keep April in line, all while suppressing her own grief. The burden is immense, and Ember feels isolated—her needs and pain secondary to everyone else's. She struggles to maintain her own identity and dreams, feeling the pressure to be strong for her family. The weight of responsibility threatens to crush her, but she clings to routine and the hope that, eventually, things will get better. The family's survival depends on Ember's resilience, even as she longs for someone to care for her in return.
Funeral and Farewells
The military funeral is a harrowing ordeal, filled with ceremony and sorrow. The roll call, the folded flag, and the sound of "Taps" mark the end of Ember's childhood and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter. Each family member grieves differently—her mother's breakdown, April's anger, Gus's confusion. Ember is haunted by the image of her father's coffin and the knowledge that she must now fulfill the promise she made to him: to take care of the family. The finality of the burial forces Ember to confront the reality of loss, and she vows to honor her father's memory by holding her family together, no matter the cost.
The Unexpected Savior
In the midst of her grief, Ember encounters Josh Walker, a former high school crush and now her little brother's hockey coach. Josh's unexpected kindness—paying for her forgotten groceries, offering gentle support—provides Ember with a rare moment of comfort. His presence is both a reminder of the past and a glimmer of hope for the future. Unlike Riley, Josh seems to understand her pain without judgment or expectation. Their connection is immediate and electric, but Ember is wary, still entangled in her relationship with Riley and overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Josh's reappearance marks the beginning of a slow, transformative shift in Ember's world.
Grief and New Beginnings
As the initial shock fades, Ember attempts to restore some normalcy to her family's life. She returns to college, but the weight of her responsibilities and unresolved grief make it difficult to focus. April spirals further, acting out and spending recklessly, while Gus clings to Ember for stability. Their mother remains distant, lost in her own sorrow. Ember's relationship with Riley deteriorates, his inability to support her becoming increasingly apparent. Amidst the chaos, Josh's steady presence becomes a lifeline. He offers understanding, patience, and a safe space for Ember to begin processing her pain and rediscovering herself.
Fractures and Betrayals
Ember's world is rocked again when she discovers Riley's infidelity—with her best friend and roommate, Kayla. The betrayal is a devastating blow, compounding her grief and shattering her trust. Ember's carefully constructed plans for the future crumble, leaving her adrift and questioning everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. In her anguish, she turns to Josh, seeking solace and validation. Their connection deepens, but Ember is hesitant to fully embrace the possibility of new love, afraid of being hurt again. The pain of betrayal forces Ember to confront her own needs and desires, setting the stage for profound personal growth.
The Night Everything Changed
In the aftermath of Riley's betrayal, Ember and Josh share a night of raw vulnerability and passion. Seeking comfort and escape, Ember allows herself to be cared for, experiencing intimacy and desire in a way she never has before. Josh is patient and respectful, refusing to take advantage of her fragile state, but their chemistry is undeniable. The night is a turning point for Ember, awakening her to the possibility of happiness and love beyond grief. Yet, the morning after brings confusion and guilt, as Ember grapples with her feelings for Josh and the fear of moving on too soon.
Picking Up Pieces
Ember begins the slow process of rebuilding her life. She transfers to a local college to be closer to her family, moves into an apartment with her friend Sam, and tries to establish new routines. April's struggles intensify, leading to confrontations and difficult conversations. Their mother gradually emerges from her grief, but the family's wounds are still raw. Josh remains a constant, offering support and friendship, but Ember is cautious, unsure if she's ready for a new relationship. The challenges of daily life—school, work, family—test Ember's resilience, but she slowly learns to prioritize her own needs and dreams.
The Pull of Josh
Despite her reservations, Ember finds herself drawn to Josh. His unwavering support, humor, and understanding help her heal and rediscover joy. Their relationship deepens through shared moments—hockey games, late-night conversations, and quiet acts of kindness. Josh encourages Ember to pursue her own dreams, challenging her to let go of the plans she made with Riley and embrace the unknown. As they grow closer, Ember confronts her fears of vulnerability and loss, learning to trust in love again. Josh's presence becomes a source of strength, inspiring Ember to imagine a future filled with hope and possibility.
Family in Crisis
The Howard family faces ongoing challenges as they navigate life without their patriarch. April's rebellion reaches a breaking point, leading to a confrontation that forces both sisters to confront their pain and fears. Their mother's gradual recovery brings relief but also new tensions, as Ember struggles to relinquish control and trust her family to heal. The arrival of their father's personal effects and letters reopens old wounds, but also offers a chance for closure and understanding. Through honest conversations and shared grief, the family begins to mend, finding strength in each other and the memory of their father's love.
Letting Go of Plans
Freed from the expectations and plans she built with Riley, Ember begins to envision a future of her own making. She revisits her passion for history and writing, considers new academic opportunities, and allows herself to dream again. Josh's encouragement and belief in her potential are instrumental in this transformation. Ember learns that true strength lies not in rigid plans, but in the courage to adapt and pursue what truly matters to her. Letting go of the past is painful, but it opens the door to growth, self-discovery, and the possibility of lasting happiness.
Letters from the Past
The discovery of her father's final letter and emails offers Ember a profound sense of closure and connection. His words—filled with love, wisdom, and encouragement—remind her to live fully, take risks, and seek happiness. The letter becomes a guiding light, helping Ember navigate her grief and make difficult decisions about her future. She realizes that honoring her father's memory means embracing life, not being paralyzed by fear or sorrow. The past, with all its pain and beauty, becomes a source of strength as Ember moves forward, carrying her father's love with her.
Facing the Truth
Ember learns that Josh is a member of the National Guard, wounded in Afghanistan, and that her father was the surgeon who saved his life. The revelation is both a shock and a source of deep connection. Ember is forced to confront her fears about loving a soldier—the risk, the waiting, the possibility of loss. Josh's honesty and vulnerability challenge Ember to examine her own heart and decide what she truly wants. The truth is painful, but it also brings clarity, allowing Ember to see the depth of their bond and the potential for a future together.
The Cost of Love
Ember and Josh's love is tested by the realities of military life and the scars of past loss. Ember grapples with the fear of losing Josh as she lost her father, questioning whether she can endure the uncertainty and pain. Josh, committed to his career and sense of duty, offers to give up his dreams for Ember, but she refuses to let him sacrifice his identity. Their love is fierce and consuming, but also fraught with doubt and heartache. Ultimately, Ember must decide if the risk of loving Josh is worth the potential cost, and whether she can find the courage to embrace an uncertain future.
Choosing Each Other
After months of separation, soul-searching, and personal growth, Ember realizes that life without Josh is incomplete. Inspired by her father's letter and her mother's wisdom, she chooses to be brave and fight for their love. She attends Josh's commissioning ceremony, surprising him and reaffirming her commitment. Together, they vow to face the challenges of distance, military service, and the unknown—choosing each other, again and again. Their reunion is passionate and joyful, a testament to the power of love to heal, transform, and endure.
Full Measure of Devotion
Ember and Josh's journey comes full circle as they honor the memory of her father and the sacrifices of military families. They learn that true devotion requires vulnerability, resilience, and the willingness to risk everything for love. The lessons of loss, grief, and healing shape their relationship, making it stronger and more authentic. Together, they build a future rooted in trust, mutual support, and the courage to live fully, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Their love is a living tribute to the full measure of devotion that defines both family and service.
Homecoming and Hope
Ember and Josh embark on a new chapter, balancing the demands of school, military service, and long-distance love. Their relationship is tested but endures, sustained by shared dreams, open communication, and unwavering commitment. The Howard family continues to heal, finding joy in everyday moments and the enduring bonds of love. Ember's journey—from loss and despair to hope and fulfillment—serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable pain, it is possible to find happiness, purpose, and a sense of home. The story ends with a sense of hope, resilience, and the promise of a future built on love's full measure.
Characters
December "Ember" Howard
Ember is the heart of the Howard family, thrust into adulthood by tragedy. Her father's death forces her to become the emotional and practical anchor for her grieving mother and siblings. Intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, Ember struggles with the weight of responsibility, often neglecting her own needs. Her journey is one of self-discovery—learning to balance duty with desire, vulnerability with strength. Ember's relationships—with Riley, Josh, and her family—reveal her deep capacity for love and her fear of loss. Through grief, betrayal, and healing, Ember emerges as a woman who chooses to live fully, honor her father's legacy, and embrace the risks and rewards of love.
Josh Walker
Josh is a former high school hockey star, now a National Guard soldier and coach. Beneath his confident exterior lies a man marked by trauma, loss, and a longing for connection. Josh's past—his injury in Afghanistan, his friendship with Ember's father, and his own family struggles—shapes his empathy and resilience. He is patient, supportive, and deeply attuned to Ember's pain, offering her the safety and understanding she craves. Josh's love is transformative, challenging Ember to confront her fears and pursue her dreams. His willingness to sacrifice, his honesty, and his unwavering devotion make him both a source of healing and a catalyst for Ember's growth.
June Howard (Ember's Mother)
June is devastated by her husband's death, retreating into shock and depression. Her absence forces Ember to assume the role of caretaker, creating tension and resentment. June's journey is one of gradual recovery—emerging from grief, reclaiming her role as mother, and learning to support her children through their own pain. Her wisdom, once she returns, helps guide Ember toward healing and acceptance. June embodies the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, ultimately finding the strength to move forward and honor her husband's memory.
April Howard
April copes with her father's death through anger, defiance, and self-destructive behavior. Her rebellion masks deep pain and a longing for connection. April's relationship with Ember is fraught with conflict but also profound love. Through honest conversations and shared struggles, April begins to heal, taking responsibility for her actions and seeking forgiveness. Her journey mirrors Ember's—learning to balance independence with vulnerability, and finding hope in the midst of loss.
Gus Howard
Gus is the youngest Howard sibling, his innocence and optimism a poignant contrast to the family's grief. He clings to routine and the comfort of his sisters, struggling to understand the permanence of loss. Gus's resilience and capacity for joy offer moments of light in the family's darkest days. His relationship with Josh, who becomes a mentor and father figure, is especially meaningful, providing both with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Riley Barton
Riley is Ember's long-term boyfriend, whose inability to support her through grief reveals the limitations of their relationship. His betrayal with Ember's best friend shatters her trust and forces her to reevaluate her plans and desires. Riley represents the safety of routine and the danger of complacency. His actions, while hurtful, ultimately free Ember to pursue a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Sam
Sam is Ember's best friend and roommate, offering humor, support, and a grounding presence. She challenges Ember to confront her fears, embrace new experiences, and prioritize her own happiness. Sam's loyalty and honesty are invaluable, providing a safe space for Ember to process her emotions and make difficult decisions.
Grams (Ember's Grandmother)
Grams steps in to support the family after Justin's death, providing stability, guidance, and unconditional love. Her strength and resilience inspire Ember, and her practical wisdom helps the family navigate the complexities of grief and healing. Grams's presence is a reminder of the enduring power of family and tradition.
Kayla
Kayla's affair with Riley is a devastating betrayal for Ember, compounding her grief and forcing her to confront the fragility of trust. Kayla's actions serve as a catalyst for Ember's transformation, pushing her to reevaluate her relationships and priorities.
Jagger
Jagger is Josh's roommate and fellow hockey player, providing levity and support throughout the story. His easygoing nature and loyalty make him a valuable friend to both Josh and Ember, helping to diffuse tension and offer perspective during difficult times.
Plot Devices
Duality of Grief and Healing
The narrative structure of "Full Measures" is built around the duality of grief and healing. The story begins with a devastating loss, plunging the characters into darkness and despair. Through a series of challenges—betrayal, responsibility, and the struggle to move forward—the characters gradually find moments of light, hope, and connection. The use of letters, rituals, and family traditions serves as both a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Foreshadowing is employed through recurring symbols (the knock at the door, the folded flag, the unopened letter), hinting at the cyclical nature of loss and the possibility of renewal. The narrative's emotional arc mirrors the stages of grief, culminating in acceptance, growth, and the embrace of new beginnings.
Parallel Love Stories
The story juxtaposes Ember's relationships with Riley and Josh to explore themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Riley represents the comfort of routine and the danger of living according to others' expectations. His betrayal forces Ember to confront her own needs and desires. Josh, in contrast, embodies the risks and rewards of true intimacy—challenging Ember to be brave, pursue her dreams, and accept the uncertainties of love. The parallel love stories serve as a vehicle for Ember's transformation, highlighting the importance of choosing oneself before choosing another.
Letters and Legacy
Letters—both written and unwritten—play a crucial role in the narrative, serving as vessels of love, wisdom, and closure. Ember's father's final letter, the discovery of his emails, and the symbolic act of opening the envelope represent the ongoing influence of the past on the present. These messages offer guidance, comfort, and a sense of continuity, reminding the characters that love endures beyond loss. The motif of legacy—what we leave behind, how we are remembered—underscores the story's exploration of meaning, purpose, and the full measure of devotion.
Military Life as Metaphor
The realities of military life—deployment, loss, homecoming—are woven throughout the narrative, serving as both backdrop and metaphor. The challenges faced by the Howard family mirror the broader themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of uncertainty. The story honors the complexities of service, exploring both its costs and its rewards. The military's rituals and symbols (the knock at the door, the folded flag, the homecoming ceremony) are used to evoke powerful emotions and highlight the stakes of love and loss.
Analysis
"Full Measures" is a poignant exploration of grief, resilience, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel asks what it means to give—and receive—the full measure of devotion, both in family and in romance. Through Ember's journey, Rebecca Yarros examines the ways in which loss can both shatter and remake us, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and desires. The story is unflinching in its portrayal of pain, but equally committed to the possibility of healing and hope. By juxtaposing the routines of military life with the unpredictability of the heart, Yarros highlights the courage required to love in the face of uncertainty. The novel's message is clear: true strength lies not in avoiding pain, but in embracing vulnerability, choosing love, and daring to build a future even when the past is marked by loss. "Full Measures" ultimately affirms that while grief may shape us, it does not define us—and that the greatest honor we can give to those we've lost is to live, love, and risk our hearts again.
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