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zazula's review against another edition
3.0
It was a quick and nice read.
I was hoping for some enemies to lovers, but the enemies part was very short and more a misunderstanding than nemesis situation. But it's a slow burn, which is nice. Also I'm a sucker for some elemental magic. There is a bit of gore which I love. I hope that in the bext books there is even more gore. The writing is good but not amazing (though I think that translation might be a bit of a problem here). It was very enjoyable and I definetely read more books in the Air Awakens series.
Solid 3,75/5
I was hoping for some enemies to lovers, but the enemies part was very short and more a misunderstanding than nemesis situation. But it's a slow burn, which is nice. Also I'm a sucker for some elemental magic. There is a bit of gore which I love. I hope that in the bext books there is even more gore. The writing is good but not amazing (though I think that translation might be a bit of a problem here). It was very enjoyable and I definetely read more books in the Air Awakens series.
Solid 3,75/5
rhaenys's review against another edition
3.0
i don’t even know if this makes sense, but the writing style was very repetitive. the characters are okay, the story has potential and some good thoughts behind it.
aspnes's review against another edition
3.0
3⭐️
I like the premise of the story but not the best execution and the characters are meh (except Larel, love her <3).
The next book sounds more exciting tho…
I like the premise of the story but not the best execution and the characters are meh (except Larel, love her <3).
The next book sounds more exciting tho…
readerrayna's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars
This book was a fun adventure of magic, acceptance, finding inner strength, and more. Once I started I felt compelled to keep reading, I was so drawn in to the story and the world through Vhalla's eyes.
I felt that this story was one in which was gripping and it made me want to continue turning the page to find out what would happen next: from the society to the magic system, to the library apprentice and the dark prince, to the chaos of war and the fate that was laying before Vhalla, I wanted more.
The plot itself was one that told of a girl named Vhalla who thought her life was little more than becoming an apprentice in the royal library when she one day helps to save the crown prince by searching for ways to rid poison from his body - which, in turn, causes her to be taken to the Tower where she is told that she has magic. In this world, to those whom magic doesn't choose, magic is a very frightening thing and it causes those without magic to judge those that do. I thought that this was blatant in the story and that it was executed in a manner that showed that fear through multiple perspectives, and the obvious annoyance caused by that bias through others.
The plot also lead to Vhalla growing to learn of her magic and her choices, of learning more about the dark prince and just what his role in her life would be to her, and what it could mean if she allows her magic to Awaken and manifest and grow.
Vhalla was the kind of girl to think little of herself in terms of looks, and though I was annoyed with this at the beginning, it quickly went to the back burner because she so whole-heartedly focused her love and time on reading and books. She poured her heart into her work as a library apprentice, not only do the tasks assigned to her, but taking time to read the books she cleaned and fixed and more. I think that that passion really drove her in the beginning. She was otherwise one who tried to stay away from conflict and was very polite around others, but that didn’t stop her from speaking her mind when it came to talking to the crown prince, Aldrik. At first, he infuriated her, but as time passed and she came to understand him, that annoyance would turn to teasing and eventually genuine conversation and talk. I really enjoyed Vhalla’s character because even though she had up and down swings from being weak to outspoken to being unsure to being strong, I found that to be a relief, in a way. It showed that she is both flawed and capable of growth.
Aldrik was mysterious in the beginning, showing his wit and temper at times, but as time progressed we got to see him become gentler and softer with Vhalla, talking to her as a friend would. I think that he has a difficult time with friendships because of his magical ability and how he is portrayed in the eyes of society as a heartless Fire Lord. But I found him to be a redeeming man, though he also admits to his faults. He was also very protective of Vhalla, and though that’s explained in the book, I still found it to be swoon worthy, in a way. Like many princes in many books he doesn’t show his emotions in certain situations, but subtle hints of what he’s thinking are communicated and I thought them to be affective.
And GOOD GOD I WANTED THE ROMANCE SO BAD. Like, there were so many parts where I was just like, “They’re gonna kiss! They’re gonna kiss!” And then something happens to deter them from it and I got so upset. And then I would wait for the next time, and then the same thing happened! Ahh! But the relationship between Vhalla and Aldrik, though tense sometimes, was also raw and one that drew them to each other more than just because of circumstance, in my opinion.
The side characters were also ones that I either liked or disliked for various reasons, but I still felt connected to them and that they played an important role in the story – that they weren’t just there for plot device or anything. I’m interested to see where some of them take place in the next book because things seem like they’re going to get interesting and I want to know if allegiances will stay or divide.
The magic system in the world is based off of elemental magic with the four main elements of earth, air, water, and fire. Air is the most rare ability because the last Airwalker lived almost 150 years prior. The way that the magic is used seems to stem from the person's self rather than the elements around them, which is the kind of magic I really enjoy. I hope to see more of it used in the next book because though it wasn't used much in this book, we got glimpses of the power of Fire, for sure.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book way more than I thought I was going to. It had me constantly turning the page and it kept me craving more.
This book was a fun adventure of magic, acceptance, finding inner strength, and more. Once I started I felt compelled to keep reading, I was so drawn in to the story and the world through Vhalla's eyes.
I felt that this story was one in which was gripping and it made me want to continue turning the page to find out what would happen next: from the society to the magic system, to the library apprentice and the dark prince, to the chaos of war and the fate that was laying before Vhalla, I wanted more.
The plot itself was one that told of a girl named Vhalla who thought her life was little more than becoming an apprentice in the royal library when she one day helps to save the crown prince by searching for ways to rid poison from his body - which, in turn, causes her to be taken to the Tower where she is told that she has magic. In this world, to those whom magic doesn't choose, magic is a very frightening thing and it causes those without magic to judge those that do. I thought that this was blatant in the story and that it was executed in a manner that showed that fear through multiple perspectives, and the obvious annoyance caused by that bias through others.
The plot also lead to Vhalla growing to learn of her magic and her choices, of learning more about the dark prince and just what his role in her life would be to her, and what it could mean if she allows her magic to Awaken and manifest and grow.
Vhalla was the kind of girl to think little of herself in terms of looks, and though I was annoyed with this at the beginning, it quickly went to the back burner because she so whole-heartedly focused her love and time on reading and books. She poured her heart into her work as a library apprentice, not only do the tasks assigned to her, but taking time to read the books she cleaned and fixed and more. I think that that passion really drove her in the beginning. She was otherwise one who tried to stay away from conflict and was very polite around others, but that didn’t stop her from speaking her mind when it came to talking to the crown prince, Aldrik. At first, he infuriated her, but as time passed and she came to understand him, that annoyance would turn to teasing and eventually genuine conversation and talk. I really enjoyed Vhalla’s character because even though she had up and down swings from being weak to outspoken to being unsure to being strong, I found that to be a relief, in a way. It showed that she is both flawed and capable of growth.
Aldrik was mysterious in the beginning, showing his wit and temper at times, but as time progressed we got to see him become gentler and softer with Vhalla, talking to her as a friend would. I think that he has a difficult time with friendships because of his magical ability and how he is portrayed in the eyes of society as a heartless Fire Lord. But I found him to be a redeeming man, though he also admits to his faults. He was also very protective of Vhalla, and though that’s explained in the book, I still found it to be swoon worthy, in a way. Like many princes in many books he doesn’t show his emotions in certain situations, but subtle hints of what he’s thinking are communicated and I thought them to be affective.
And GOOD GOD I WANTED THE ROMANCE SO BAD. Like, there were so many parts where I was just like, “They’re gonna kiss! They’re gonna kiss!” And then something happens to deter them from it and I got so upset. And then I would wait for the next time, and then the same thing happened! Ahh! But the relationship between Vhalla and Aldrik, though tense sometimes, was also raw and one that drew them to each other more than just because of circumstance, in my opinion.
The side characters were also ones that I either liked or disliked for various reasons, but I still felt connected to them and that they played an important role in the story – that they weren’t just there for plot device or anything. I’m interested to see where some of them take place in the next book because things seem like they’re going to get interesting and I want to know if allegiances will stay or divide.
The magic system in the world is based off of elemental magic with the four main elements of earth, air, water, and fire. Air is the most rare ability because the last Airwalker lived almost 150 years prior. The way that the magic is used seems to stem from the person's self rather than the elements around them, which is the kind of magic I really enjoy. I hope to see more of it used in the next book because though it wasn't used much in this book, we got glimpses of the power of Fire, for sure.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book way more than I thought I was going to. It had me constantly turning the page and it kept me craving more.
thoranareads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
burnshg's review against another edition
Boring and uninspiring. It started off strong but the plot took a turn for the worst imo. Just wasn’t for me.
heyitslittlebit's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book even more the second time around. I love this series. I love everything about the characters, the world building, the library references. Everything. Give this book to me in an IV and let it seep through my veins over and over until I have it memorized.
narteest's review against another edition
3.0
3.8 stars
Buddy read with Sam (A History of Books Blog)
And Read for the First Quarter of the Quarterly Book Club: Kickass Leading Females
I did like Air Awakens but I'm not yet wowed by it - at the same time, I think I will finish the series. I am intrigued and that's enough for me. I do love the idea of the world, though it does remind me of Airbender! But it does lack some worldbuilding. Though it's better than how I feel about other fantasy stories like ACOTAR and ToG. But that's alright. At least characters, or plot, or world, or romance need to stand out. In this, I think it was a mix of everything. I'm not quite sure if I feel it's in a good way or a bad way, but it does have everything yet I'm still only 3.5 stars about it.
For Characters:
All characters were interesting, though the primary focus of the whole story is on Vhalla and Prince Aldrick.
Vhalla...to say I didn't like her would be wrong, but to say I loved her would be wrong too. She had all the necessities of a sympathetic heroine: good friends, good morals, all for good, she has some rare power inside of her which is discovered by the Guy and she's powerful but doesn't really want to be. But for some reason I couldn't cheer for Vhalla, but maybe it might have been because she's been put in the centre as the focus and that made her a little boring? Gosh that's mean of me to say, but truthfully, my interest was in the other guy.
Prince Aldrick features, if I'm not mistaken, as the love interest. In truth, he was a whole lot more interesting. But I don't like him as the love interest. For one, you don't push a girl off a roof to test her abilities. In saying that, what he is, is a complicated guy. And he's pretty much a dark hero, more of a villain than hero, though I think he's more of an antihero. I am actually really interested in his story. Like what his life was like, as a sorcerer, and as a master of fire. I can see where Kova was going with him, and that awful part of me understands why he would push Vhalla off the roof, but I dislike how he becomes portrayed throughout the book. Like for instance, when he tries to explain himself to Vhalla and what he did to her. To me that seemed a bit weak. Why couldn't he just bluntly say 'I threw you off because I just did.' I know, it's mean to say it, but I disliked how the bond was brought up. It just didn't seem right. STILL, Aldrick remains an interesting character to me.
Plot
Very straightforward and predictable. There weren't any major twists that changed how I looked at the characters, and there wasn't an unfolding of a subplot or other plots that you didn't expect to happen. Or well, there should have been, but it happened the way I expected. Essentially the plot of this book involves the discovery of the first living Windwalker in years, and ultimately she must decide whether to embrace or eradicate this newfound power of hers.
World
Centred on the compass points. Each compass point i.e. East, West, etc., indicate a specific region of the world. Magic can be found in each part of the world, and each part is aligned with a specific kind. I.e. East with windwalkers, and I think South with waterrunning. It's an interseting concept, which, tbh, reminded both myself and my buddy reader of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Even the characterisations of each character reflects a bit of airbender to it. So well, it's nice, but I wish there was more worldbuilding. I just had a vague idea that the world looked like a compass and thus followed the same points? haha.
Romance
There's definitely some romance. But there's also talk of bonds and whatnot. I think it's just a life bond, but well, bonds always bring the worst out of me. Anyway it's alright. If you like the dark hero, innocent librarian kind of romance, or a romance that does burn throughout the story, has it's ups, a somewhat climax during a ball with a pretty dress and a good looking love interest, then this has it. If you don't mind the guy being an ass for some reason, not necessarily great, then you're set. When I overlook that little part, I don't mind it so much.
Overall
I do really want to read the next one just so I can see what happens. Despite its flaws, this book isn't that bad at all! It's interesting that's for sure, and it does have a fascinating story that hints towards a more complex plot of war and whatnot.
Buddy read with Sam (A History of Books Blog)
And Read for the First Quarter of the Quarterly Book Club: Kickass Leading Females
I did like Air Awakens but I'm not yet wowed by it - at the same time, I think I will finish the series. I am intrigued and that's enough for me. I do love the idea of the world, though it does remind me of Airbender! But it does lack some worldbuilding. Though it's better than how I feel about other fantasy stories like ACOTAR and ToG. But that's alright. At least characters, or plot, or world, or romance need to stand out. In this, I think it was a mix of everything. I'm not quite sure if I feel it's in a good way or a bad way, but it does have everything yet I'm still only 3.5 stars about it.
For Characters:
All characters were interesting, though the primary focus of the whole story is on Vhalla and Prince Aldrick.
Vhalla...to say I didn't like her would be wrong, but to say I loved her would be wrong too. She had all the necessities of a sympathetic heroine: good friends, good morals, all for good, she has some rare power inside of her which is discovered by the Guy and she's powerful but doesn't really want to be. But for some reason I couldn't cheer for Vhalla, but maybe it might have been because she's been put in the centre as the focus and that made her a little boring? Gosh that's mean of me to say, but truthfully, my interest was in the other guy.
Prince Aldrick features, if I'm not mistaken, as the love interest. In truth, he was a whole lot more interesting. But I don't like him as the love interest. For one, you don't push a girl off a roof to test her abilities. In saying that, what he is, is a complicated guy. And he's pretty much a dark hero, more of a villain than hero, though I think he's more of an antihero. I am actually really interested in his story. Like what his life was like, as a sorcerer, and as a master of fire. I can see where Kova was going with him, and that awful part of me understands why he would push Vhalla off the roof, but I dislike how he becomes portrayed throughout the book. Like for instance, when he tries to explain himself to Vhalla and what he did to her. To me that seemed a bit weak. Why couldn't he just bluntly say 'I threw you off because I just did.' I know, it's mean to say it, but I disliked how the bond was brought up. It just didn't seem right. STILL, Aldrick remains an interesting character to me.
Plot
Very straightforward and predictable. There weren't any major twists that changed how I looked at the characters, and there wasn't an unfolding of a subplot or other plots that you didn't expect to happen. Or well, there should have been, but it happened the way I expected. Essentially the plot of this book involves the discovery of the first living Windwalker in years, and ultimately she must decide whether to embrace or eradicate this newfound power of hers.
World
Centred on the compass points. Each compass point i.e. East, West, etc., indicate a specific region of the world. Magic can be found in each part of the world, and each part is aligned with a specific kind. I.e. East with windwalkers, and I think South with waterrunning. It's an interseting concept, which, tbh, reminded both myself and my buddy reader of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Even the characterisations of each character reflects a bit of airbender to it. So well, it's nice, but I wish there was more worldbuilding. I just had a vague idea that the world looked like a compass and thus followed the same points? haha.
Romance
There's definitely some romance. But there's also talk of bonds and whatnot. I think it's just a life bond, but well, bonds always bring the worst out of me. Anyway it's alright. If you like the dark hero, innocent librarian kind of romance, or a romance that does burn throughout the story, has it's ups, a somewhat climax during a ball with a pretty dress and a good looking love interest, then this has it. If you don't mind the guy being an ass for some reason, not necessarily great, then you're set. When I overlook that little part, I don't mind it so much.
Overall
I do really want to read the next one just so I can see what happens. Despite its flaws, this book isn't that bad at all! It's interesting that's for sure, and it does have a fascinating story that hints towards a more complex plot of war and whatnot.
may09's review against another edition
3.0
I have conflicted feelings about this one , too much information