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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
I promised to review this the day I finished it (I promise myself lots of things, but following through can sometimes be so very hard!) and yet, here I am after listening to the audiobook (PLEASE SAY THERE WILL BE AUDIO OF THE REST OF THE SERIES TOO!!!!) for a second time through this magical series opening and vowing to myself that I need to keep into the rest of this series because I MUST KNOW HOW THIS ENDS!
I think I love this book even more the second time through, which is saying a lot because I really loved it the first time around, so, shocking I know!
Rarely do I find a story where the MC is as compelling as Vhalla Yarl was to me. There’s always something about a woman who starts as, not nothing, but not what she could be – no anywhere near as strong as she could be. Everything Vhalla knows about her world, all the comfort that she feels within the safety and security as she yearns for knowledge… Vhalla could be anyone at the start of the story, any woman, becoming the hero that she needs to be for herself and for the world around her once she was awakened to all the possibilities. I love strong women, women who can be fierce and vulnerable, without apologizing for their ability to be vulnerable. Vhalla is all of that and so much more!
Ok so, spoiler or no... THIS IS MY FUCKING GIRL RIGHT HERE! She's determined she's going to make them see what they did was wrong, what they continue to do is wrong, and that she is a person just like anyone else and I will be right here prepared to defend her to MY DEATH.
Vhalla is bookworm, working as an apprentice in the Palace Library. She often will read when she should be doing other duties in the library and she never lets the title of a book dissuade her from reading it. She is thirsty for knowledge, and the library allows her to drink her fill day and night. When we open the book, there is a storm raging outside and the return of a prince of the realm during said storm from the battlefield... injured, mortally so. This is how Vhalla becomes fully awakened... well, as fully as she can be before, but I digress...
Vhalla's magical abilities bind her to the prince she saved in the library, the man in black, the Fire Lord - Prince Aldrick - and there is no way to fight the attraction that grows between them from then on. The idea that like calls to like... I knew the moment I first read those notes from her phantom that they were going to be the couple to root for - the epic love story to end all others in the tale - and I was right!
Every obstacle thrown in their way... I gotta tell you, this is one roller coaster ride of a series opener and I need to know more!
And I must know how it ends! On to [b:Fire Falling|34942480|Fire Falling (Air Awakens, #2)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492969194s/34942480.jpg|45977131] right after I finish a couple of other indie marvels!
Five enthusiastic stars and two thumbs up!
I promised to review this the day I finished it (I promise myself lots of things, but following through can sometimes be so very hard!) and yet, here I am after listening to the audiobook (PLEASE SAY THERE WILL BE AUDIO OF THE REST OF THE SERIES TOO!!!!) for a second time through this magical series opening and vowing to myself that I need to keep into the rest of this series because I MUST KNOW HOW THIS ENDS!
I think I love this book even more the second time through, which is saying a lot because I really loved it the first time around, so, shocking I know!
Rarely do I find a story where the MC is as compelling as Vhalla Yarl was to me. There’s always something about a woman who starts as, not nothing, but not what she could be – no anywhere near as strong as she could be. Everything Vhalla knows about her world, all the comfort that she feels within the safety and security as she yearns for knowledge… Vhalla could be anyone at the start of the story, any woman, becoming the hero that she needs to be for herself and for the world around her once she was awakened to all the possibilities. I love strong women, women who can be fierce and vulnerable, without apologizing for their ability to be vulnerable. Vhalla is all of that and so much more!
A sorcerer with battle scars, dead friends, and blood on her hands occupied the mirror.
Ok so, spoiler or no... THIS IS MY FUCKING GIRL RIGHT HERE! She's determined she's going to make them see what they did was wrong, what they continue to do is wrong, and that she is a person just like anyone else and I will be right here prepared to defend her to MY DEATH.
Vhalla is bookworm, working as an apprentice in the Palace Library. She often will read when she should be doing other duties in the library and she never lets the title of a book dissuade her from reading it. She is thirsty for knowledge, and the library allows her to drink her fill day and night. When we open the book, there is a storm raging outside and the return of a prince of the realm during said storm from the battlefield... injured, mortally so. This is how Vhalla becomes fully awakened... well, as fully as she can be before
Spoiler
Aldrick pushes her off one of the tallest points of the castleVhalla's magical abilities bind her to the prince she saved in the library, the man in black, the Fire Lord - Prince Aldrick - and there is no way to fight the attraction that grows between them from then on. The idea that like calls to like... I knew the moment I first read those notes from her phantom that they were going to be the couple to root for - the epic love story to end all others in the tale - and I was right!
Because you are the sorcerer to whom I am Bonded. A bond can never be broken, and it can never be replaced.
Every obstacle thrown in their way... I gotta tell you, this is one roller coaster ride of a series opener and I need to know more!
They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.
And I must know how it ends! On to [b:Fire Falling|34942480|Fire Falling (Air Awakens, #2)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492969194s/34942480.jpg|45977131] right after I finish a couple of other indie marvels!
Five enthusiastic stars and two thumbs up!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
sometimes all you need is a kindle unlimited YA fantasy 😮💨.
this book has actually been on my radar since i got back into reading in late 2019-early 2020. it’s comped to avatar the last airbender and i definitely think that is a good comparison. hit’s definitely just another 2015 YA fantasy where the main character has a love interest with a questionable age gap but i still really enjoyed it! super easy to read and i think it’ll be fun to sink my teeth into the rest of this series, regardless of how “run of the mill” it may be. once i was into it, i was even reading it at work in between ringing up customers lmao. needed to have my kindle with me at all times. super fun and has definitely solidified my fantasy mood for a little bit longer.
the main things i didn’t like happened in the last 20%. i was obviously expecting SOMETHING to push vhalla toward her sorcery and potentially toward the war that had been hinted at throughout the book but i honestly really didn’t like reading through the trial. i’m sure the senator and the prince will continue to be issues in some capacity throughout the series but i was hoping there would be more court politicking against the senator in particular so i hope that does happen later in the series. it felt a bit forced but vhalla had to be sent out to battle at some point i guess.
this book has actually been on my radar since i got back into reading in late 2019-early 2020. it’s comped to avatar the last airbender and i definitely think that is a good comparison. hit’s definitely just another 2015 YA fantasy where the main character has a love interest with a questionable age gap but i still really enjoyed it! super easy to read and i think it’ll be fun to sink my teeth into the rest of this series, regardless of how “run of the mill” it may be. once i was into it, i was even reading it at work in between ringing up customers lmao. needed to have my kindle with me at all times. super fun and has definitely solidified my fantasy mood for a little bit longer.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
(no spoilers)
When I was 18, I absolutely loved this book, even though the series wasn’t finished yet. Now that I’m rereading it, I’m happy to say it still holds up really well. Back then, I would’ve easily given it 5 stars — and honestly, I still might. It has such a great vibe, especially if you're into books by authors like Leigh Bardugo. The atmosphere is rich, the world is immersive, and it’s a solid entry into the series that sets everything up really well.
There’s a slow-burn romance woven through the story, but it’s not the main focus — more of a background thread that builds nicely over time. What I love most is the mix of tone: there are tense moments, genuinely sad scenes, and some goofy, lighthearted ones too. It really balances emotion, suspense, and fun in a way that feels natural and engaging. I definitely recommend this one if you like fantasy with character depth and just the right touch of romance.
When I was 18, I absolutely loved this book, even though the series wasn’t finished yet. Now that I’m rereading it, I’m happy to say it still holds up really well. Back then, I would’ve easily given it 5 stars — and honestly, I still might. It has such a great vibe, especially if you're into books by authors like Leigh Bardugo. The atmosphere is rich, the world is immersive, and it’s a solid entry into the series that sets everything up really well.
There’s a slow-burn romance woven through the story, but it’s not the main focus — more of a background thread that builds nicely over time. What I love most is the mix of tone: there are tense moments, genuinely sad scenes, and some goofy, lighthearted ones too. It really balances emotion, suspense, and fun in a way that feels natural and engaging. I definitely recommend this one if you like fantasy with character depth and just the right touch of romance.
Starting 2023 with a horrible DNF (reached about 80%)
Sorry but I need to rant. There are several issues I have with this book:
1. Love Triangles - if done right I don't mind love triangles but this was horribly done. In fact this book has a double love triangle (love sqaure?). All the guys in the book want her.
2. Horrible love interest. I get that he is playing the role of a tortured prince but omg he is just a piece of trash. He says horrible things about Vahalla, about servants and about everyone.
3. He pushed her off a roof. I am not kidding, he was so convinced she has superpowers and pushed her off the roof. And all her bones broke and he saw nothing wrong with that.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Complicated
I am very surprised I liked this book. It reminded me of [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339533695s/10194157.jpg|15093325], but as that book went from amazing to meh, this one did not disappoint me.
Vhalla Yarl is a special snowflake. She's also very naive, way too trusting, but for all the faults that I usually hate in a heroine, she's also the kind of person I admire. She's been taught to fear sorcerers, that magic was bad and only brought destruction and death. But as a scholar (and she is one), she opens her mind to new evidence before her, and starts to see things differently. A small minded person would not have been persuaded no matter what, but she comes to terms with what she is, and that magic in itself isn't bad, it all depends on the person.
Crown Prince Aldrik is a self-centred, spoiled brat. He embodies everything I usually hate (again), but then we are invited to glimpses of different sides of him. Sides that are caring and ruthlessly smart, protective and emotionally awkward. because he is so well written.
Their relationship takes time to mature, and in my opinion it was one of the key elements in the book. It's beautifully executed,
I didn't fall in love with any of the secondary characters. They weren't boring, but at times they felt like their only purpose was to help the two main character's relationship to develop. I like it when they have their own ambitions and lives, but at times they fell completely flat.
As for the story, it was fast paced, though the world building wasn't that clear. We learn a bit of history about magic here and there, which was great, but the world itself is left in some part in shadows. And for a fantasy novel, I found that seriously lacking. However, I could not even guess how the novel would end, and that is one of the things I love most on stories. And all in all I enjoyed it greatly.
Vhalla Yarl is a special snowflake. She's also very naive, way too trusting, but for all the faults that I usually hate in a heroine, she's also the kind of person I admire. She's been taught to fear sorcerers, that magic was bad and only brought destruction and death. But as a scholar (and she is one), she opens her mind to new evidence before her, and starts to see things differently. A small minded person would not have been persuaded no matter what, but she comes to terms with what she is, and that magic in itself isn't bad, it all depends on the person.
Crown Prince Aldrik is a self-centred, spoiled brat. He embodies everything I usually hate (again), but then we are invited to glimpses of different sides of him. Sides that are caring and ruthlessly smart, protective and emotionally awkward.
Spoiler
And while I still haven't forgiven him for pushing Vhalla off a tower, even if he knew the fall itself wouldn't kill her, I can't help liking his complicated characterTheir relationship takes time to mature, and in my opinion it was one of the key elements in the book. It's beautifully executed,
Spoiler
especially in that Vhalla doesn't forgive the prince just because omg royality *swoons*, but holds a grudge and is more guarded around him. I really loved how he earns her trust again as well.I didn't fall in love with any of the secondary characters. They weren't boring, but at times they felt like their only purpose was to help the two main character's relationship to develop. I like it when they have their own ambitions and lives, but at times they fell completely flat.
As for the story, it was fast paced, though the world building wasn't that clear. We learn a bit of history about magic here and there, which was great, but the world itself is left in some part in shadows. And for a fantasy novel, I found that seriously lacking. However, I could not even guess how the novel would end, and that is one of the things I love most on stories. And all in all I enjoyed it greatly.
This is is a fast-paced romance ya-fantasy. 2.75 stars
We follow Vhalla who has saved the crown prince's life but without knowing that she used her powers. She works in the library and therefore has easy access to books about magic but all does not go well as she starts getting notes. She has a hard time accepting that she is a sorcerer and it takes a while for her to let go of her prejudices against the group that she barely knows much about.
This book had loads of potential but the execution was done in an unsatisfactory manner.
Told in only Vhalla's pov, we get to learn little about the world that she is supposed to be immersed in because she has a hard time accepting her powers. There are sprinkles here and there about the world that I wish were explained more heavily instead of the romance taking the forefront.
I got Avatar the last Air bender vibes but this is different enough that I didn't feel like I was getting a retelling.
What I liked :
- The world- While we got so little about it, I was intrigued enough.
- That she acted how an 18-year-old would act. The decisions made, the way she choose a partner because her parents influenced her thought process.
The issues I had with the book:
- she does not make long-lasting impressions as a character. It probably has something to do with the fact that we spend too much time in her head and too much time with the prince. She barely makes any decisions and the ones that she does are wrong ones.Lying to Aldrik about Sareem being like a brother considering that she had kissed him . I hope she does better in the coming books because I am already invested in this world.
-She is a hypocrite for not being understanding to her friends who have a hard time accepting her powers yet she herself had a hard time coming to terms with it.
- A love triangle that was done poorly.
- There is a lot of telling instead of showing.
We follow Vhalla who has saved the crown prince's life but without knowing that she used her powers. She works in the library and therefore has easy access to books about magic but all does not go well as she starts getting notes. She has a hard time accepting that she is a sorcerer and it takes a while for her to let go of her prejudices against the group that she barely knows much about.
This book had loads of potential but the execution was done in an unsatisfactory manner.
Told in only Vhalla's pov, we get to learn little about the world that she is supposed to be immersed in because she has a hard time accepting her powers. There are sprinkles here and there about the world that I wish were explained more heavily instead of the romance taking the forefront.
I got Avatar the last Air bender vibes but this is different enough that I didn't feel like I was getting a retelling.
What I liked :
- The world- While we got so little about it, I was intrigued enough.
- That she acted how an 18-year-old would act. The decisions made, the way she choose a partner because her parents influenced her thought process.
The issues I had with the book:
- she does not make long-lasting impressions as a character. It probably has something to do with the fact that we spend too much time in her head and too much time with the prince. She barely makes any decisions and the ones that she does are wrong ones.
-
- A love triangle that was done poorly.
- There is a lot of telling instead of showing.
Vhalla's character growth was admirable, from a cowardly girl to an angered woman. Whether she is a frizzy brunette as described in the book, or a sleek blonde on the front cover we will never know. Also, Aldrik's hot and cold approach to their relationship is always infuriating. Man just be clear for once.