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nadiana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
I liked this book...
... up until the second half when they killed off Larel.
I didn't really understand how much the death of a character on an off-brand epic fantasy could tick me off, but God, I absolutely HATED how Larel went. I understand that "people die when they are killed" and that you can't really ask for a dramatic and fulfilling death scene because it's "unrealistic", but gosh darn, that character deserved much MUCH better.
As soon as she died, things seemed to have gone really emo for the story and characters, not because of Larel's death (well not mainly at least), but because the story just wanted to pretend (and key-word here is "pretend) to be all sad and depressing all of a sudden. Don't get me wrong, I like me some angst in my guilty-pleasure reads especially when it involves the main character having to hide all by herself, but I wish it could've been handled a bit better and not felt so abrupt and out-of-nowhere.
And again, it all stems down to pacing. Vhalla got a cool scene half-way through the novel involving her powers that really could've benefitted from a greater build-up in the story. The death of Larel could've been handled better, the romance should've included more scenes etc etc.
Also, Vhalla was just sooooo annoying in this book. Her jealousy was toxic but honestly, Aldrik's was just equally so. And their feelings of anger and frustration was often uncalled for and plain out bad. Aldrik kept bashing out on Vhalla for the slightest things while Vhalla just started hating on other women in Aldrik's vicinity.
THEN WE GOT THE BEST PART: Vhalla and Aldrik are bonded. B O N D E D. Why? WHY!? My God, just say your mates already, and while you're at it, grow a pair of wings and fuck each other mid-air. This was just such an unnecessary plot point that could've easily been switched out for something else or just plain out deleted...
Daniel was a sweetheart. I even found myself shipping Vhalla and Daniel together because they seemed so sweet together. Just some country bumpkins saving the world. Gosh, I really hope Daniel's character doesn't get absolutely shredded in the future... (This is foreshadowing by the way as I have finished the whole main series by the time I'm writing this review)
Ending off with a good cliff-hanger, the second book in the 'Air Awakens' series left me off on a sour, but hopeful note. As the story went downhill it still promised a bright and developed future to come... I hope...
... up until the second half when they
I didn't really understand how much the death of a character on an off-brand epic fantasy could tick me off, but God, I absolutely HATED how Larel went. I understand that "people die when they are killed" and that you can't really ask for a dramatic and fulfilling death scene because it's "unrealistic", but gosh darn, that character deserved much MUCH better.
As soon as she died, things seemed to have gone really emo for the story and characters, not because of Larel's death (well not mainly at least), but because the story just wanted to pretend (and key-word here is "pretend) to be all sad and depressing all of a sudden.
And again, it all stems down to pacing. Vhalla got a cool scene half-way through the novel involving her powers that really could've benefitted from a greater build-up in the story.
Also, Vhalla was just sooooo annoying in this book. Her jealousy was toxic but honestly, Aldrik's was just equally so. And their feelings of anger and frustration was often uncalled for and plain out bad. Aldrik kept bashing out on Vhalla for the slightest things while Vhalla just started hating on other women in Aldrik's vicinity.
THEN WE GOT THE BEST PART:
Daniel was a sweetheart. I even found myself
Ending off with a good cliff-hanger, the second book in the 'Air Awakens' series left me off on a sour, but hopeful note. As the story went downhill it still promised a bright and developed future to come... I hope...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Genocide
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