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emohan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was an enjoyable story. I loved reading about Vhalla and her trying to figure out her magic. Aldrick being mysterious as well as a well rounded man makes it all the more entertaining. The world is enjoyable and made it that much more interesting.
mywanderingvoyage's review against another edition
4.0
Reminded me of avatar the last Airbender with a dash of Harry Potter.
denisedup's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
booksndots84's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.5
mjk1221's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe 3.5 stars.
This book started off well and I liked the middle, but the end took a turn that I didn’t exactly understand. I mean, I get what happened in the story, but it almost felt like a plot point to make a plot point rather than a naturally developing issue. I think if Vhalla’s air affinity was better developed as something to be sacred of rather than just “all sorcerers” would have been better to make the end have a little more build-up.
Otherwise, I liked Vhalla. I didn’t love her, but I adored the letter writing in the beginning. The reader obviously knew who the phantom was from the beginning and I enjoyed the exchange. Aldrick is a little hot-and-cold, but some MMC like him are like that: mean and tone biting one day and apologetic and trying to be better the next.
I didn’t feel a lot of the world was developed in this book, but enough was told for me to be interested in what happens in the next book.
This book started off well and I liked the middle, but the end took a turn that I didn’t exactly understand. I mean, I get what happened in the story, but it almost felt like a plot point to make a plot point rather than a naturally developing issue. I think if Vhalla’s air affinity was better developed as something to be sacred of rather than just “all sorcerers” would have been better to make the end have a little more build-up.
Otherwise, I liked Vhalla. I didn’t love her, but I adored the letter writing in the beginning. The reader obviously knew who the phantom was from the beginning and I enjoyed the exchange. Aldrick is a little hot-and-cold, but some MMC like him are like that: mean and tone biting one day and apologetic and trying to be better the next.
I didn’t feel a lot of the world was developed in this book, but enough was told for me to be interested in what happens in the next book.
elfduchess's review against another edition
5.0
Some books catch your attention immediately. It's like I read the first sentence and I know I'm going to love the book. Other times, it's a slow build and I've nearly reached the end before I realize that I've fallen in love with the book.
This story starts off well, not wasting any time with getting the plot moving. It's like 'okay, you already know Vhalla discovers her sorcery. Let's not waste several dozen pages showing you what her life is like before it. Let's just get to the meat of the story.'
But, truthfully, it wasn't until page 35 that I knew I was going to love this book.
Vhalla is a main character that I actually quite like. She's got this backbone of steel that I didn't expect when I first met her. And she loves books. Seriously, is there a quicker way to a readers heart? The only slight problem I had with her is that she's the tinniest bit indecisive - there was a couple of points in the book where I got a little put out with her for going with the flow so much
And the 'sorcerer prince'…I pretty much adored immediately. He's abrasive and sharp to people as a whole and he keeps to himself to such a degree that people make up some pretty unflattering stories about him. He's stubborn and refuses to let anyone see his true emotions. In short, exactly the kind of characters I love. (Besides, he reminds me more than a little of the main guy in the story I'm currently writing.)
The other characters were all interesting. Not to say I liked them all - or liked them all by the end of the book - but they were all curious people and this is no easy feat considering the entire story is narrated by Vhalla.
The plot was the weakest point in the story. We spend a lot of the book merely building the characters so when you're hit by the 'wham' in the last fifty or so pages that you really care about these people. And I did. There wasn't a single person in this book that I was indifferent to. (Of course, there were a few that I couldn't quite figure out, but I have the feeling that will be the review for the next book.)
This is certainly not a book for those that like plot driven stories, but the characters carry the story no problem.
I also have to make mention of the world building. I love it! It's fun and interesting but…it reminds me so strongly of Avatar the Last Airbender that I would be shocked to learn that Elise was not a fan. (Heck, even Aldrik reminds me of Zuko. Which would explain a lot.)
On a final note, I'm not sure if the series is building to a romance or not. I kind of think it is, but there's a very solid friendship that's going to be the base of this - which I love. Also, if you know me and my total weakness for fantasy/romance books, you'll know I'll be totally on board if the friendship turns to romance.
(Originally posted on my blog: pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com)
This story starts off well, not wasting any time with getting the plot moving. It's like 'okay, you already know Vhalla discovers her sorcery. Let's not waste several dozen pages showing you what her life is like before it. Let's just get to the meat of the story.'
But, truthfully, it wasn't until page 35 that I knew I was going to love this book.
Vhalla is a main character that I actually quite like. She's got this backbone of steel that I didn't expect when I first met her. And she loves books. Seriously, is there a quicker way to a readers heart? The only slight problem I had with her is that she's the tinniest bit indecisive - there was a couple of points in the book where I got a little put out with her for going with the flow so much
And the 'sorcerer prince'…I pretty much adored immediately. He's abrasive and sharp to people as a whole and he keeps to himself to such a degree that people make up some pretty unflattering stories about him. He's stubborn and refuses to let anyone see his true emotions. In short, exactly the kind of characters I love. (Besides, he reminds me more than a little of the main guy in the story I'm currently writing.)
The other characters were all interesting. Not to say I liked them all - or liked them all by the end of the book - but they were all curious people and this is no easy feat considering the entire story is narrated by Vhalla.
The plot was the weakest point in the story. We spend a lot of the book merely building the characters so when you're hit by the 'wham' in the last fifty or so pages that you really care about these people. And I did. There wasn't a single person in this book that I was indifferent to. (Of course, there were a few that I couldn't quite figure out, but I have the feeling that will be the review for the next book.)
This is certainly not a book for those that like plot driven stories, but the characters carry the story no problem.
I also have to make mention of the world building. I love it! It's fun and interesting but…it reminds me so strongly of Avatar the Last Airbender that I would be shocked to learn that Elise was not a fan. (Heck, even Aldrik reminds me of Zuko. Which would explain a lot.)
On a final note, I'm not sure if the series is building to a romance or not. I kind of think it is, but there's a very solid friendship that's going to be the base of this - which I love. Also, if you know me and my total weakness for fantasy/romance books, you'll know I'll be totally on board if the friendship turns to romance.
(Originally posted on my blog: pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com)
laynefaire's review against another edition
4.0
I stumbled across an audible offer for this entire series after having just read A Deal with the Elf King, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I knew going in it was upper YA, but I have zero issues with the genre, so long as the story holds my attention.
That it did, and more!
The series revolves around Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice in the Imperial Library, a position she's held since she was 11 years old, and a life she was content with, until it all changes.
When an assassination attempt is made on a member of the royal family, Vhalla and the other apprentices are summoned to research ways to cure the poison that had been used in the attempt. A night of frantic researching triggers Vhalla's latent magic skills and she inadvertently heals the unknown royal. Vhalla is shocked to discover the person she healed is Crown Prince Aldrick, the Heir to the throne, and a feared fire wielder. She denies her abilities, especially given the way magic users are othered for their skills.
Vhalla becomes the focus of a mysterious Phantom, who begins communicating with her through a series of letters left in the books she is studying. At first, her phantom chastises her for rejecting her magic, then begins leaving books that further explain the history of magic in their realm. Her phantom is revealed to be none other than the Crown Prince.
Going any further would greatly spoil the story, but suffice to say I am enchanted by the world Elise Kova has created, and I devoured the first book in less than a day.
While there is no spice in this book, the tension between the main characters is palpable, and had me on tenterhooks as they danced around their obvious attraction for each other. I'm eager to continue the series and learn more!
That it did, and more!
The series revolves around Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice in the Imperial Library, a position she's held since she was 11 years old, and a life she was content with, until it all changes.
When an assassination attempt is made on a member of the royal family, Vhalla and the other apprentices are summoned to research ways to cure the poison that had been used in the attempt. A night of frantic researching triggers Vhalla's latent magic skills and she inadvertently heals the unknown royal. Vhalla is shocked to discover the person she healed is Crown Prince Aldrick, the Heir to the throne, and a feared fire wielder. She denies her abilities, especially given the way magic users are othered for their skills.
Vhalla becomes the focus of a mysterious Phantom, who begins communicating with her through a series of letters left in the books she is studying. At first, her phantom chastises her for rejecting her magic, then begins leaving books that further explain the history of magic in their realm. Her phantom is revealed to be none other than the Crown Prince.
Going any further would greatly spoil the story, but suffice to say I am enchanted by the world Elise Kova has created, and I devoured the first book in less than a day.
While there is no spice in this book, the tension between the main characters is palpable, and had me on tenterhooks as they danced around their obvious attraction for each other. I'm eager to continue the series and learn more!
messybutkind's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This gave me so much nostalgia for the fantasy books I loved reading in high school and University and I couldn’t put it down. It’s like fourth wing meets Harry Potter 🥰🥰🥰
This is so specific but there is a fan fiction of the marauders era called Every Other Midnight which I used to obsess over and this gave me the same level of feels. I did not expect to fall so head over heels with the characters and story.
Every so often in a slump, I wonder if I will ever find another book that is a complete page tuner to the point where I stay awake all night unable to sleep because of how much I love the book, and this was one of them.
I’m sure people will find flaws with the book, but my teen self is thriving with this series 🥰🥰🥰
This is so specific but there is a fan fiction of the marauders era called Every Other Midnight which I used to obsess over and this gave me the same level of feels. I did not expect to fall so head over heels with the characters and story.
Every so often in a slump, I wonder if I will ever find another book that is a complete page tuner to the point where I stay awake all night unable to sleep because of how much I love the book, and this was one of them.
I’m sure people will find flaws with the book, but my teen self is thriving with this series 🥰🥰🥰
peppa1972's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0