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lcmarie19's review against another edition
5.0
Such a GOOD book!
While The Shadow Prince gave us a peek into the ME world and into the history and mind of Rowan's character, Mortal Enchantment expands upon that, but also introduces us to a plethora of new characters.
Even though Kalin isn't new (she was in the novella), you don't really learn about her personally until this book. And, to be honest, she underwhelmed me for a while. I was more focused on Rowan and wanting to get back to his story, but that may be because I read The Shadow Prince right before this book. Rowan's presence is VERY prominant throughout this book, but Kalin is the key to the plot in this particular case.
ME follows her and her journey to rescue her father from the hands of his kidnappers, as well as gain respect and legitimacy as the rightful princess to her kingdom. Rowan, unknown to Kalin, has been her protector. But when things start to come to a head, he offers to train her and teach her the ways of Avalon.
Let's talk about this setting -- Avalon. It's fantastic. It's centered around the elements (i.e. air, water, fire, etc.) and it is so cool! Kalin was raised by her mother, who is human, in the regular world. Her father is the king of one of the elemental kings, so because Kalin is a "halfling", she doesn't get much respect in Avalon. ME gives us insight into the depth that is this world, but the cool part about it is -- it feels like we've only scratched the surface with this first book. And O'Neale did a superb job in building and developing the world at a respectable pace.
The characters are SO much fun! And so great together and separate. I fell in love with most of them righ away. Kalin, though extremely bratty and stubborn at times, holds her own against Rowan who is a VERY strongly developed character. There are times where I want to strangle her and I want to scream because she gets herself (and others) into unnecessary fits of worry or dangerous situations, but throughout the book I grow used to it because it doesn't really change.
Rowan's character is a bit more superficial in this book, but because I read the novella first, it didn't bother me and I understood it. I'm not sure if I would have loved it as much has I not read the novella first, but I will never know! One thing that carries over from The Shadow Prince to Mortal Enchantment is his fierce loyalty, his desire to protect, his skill, and his dedication. I just LOVED witnessing him be strong, but I especially appreciated his vulnerable moments, too.
Together, their companionship progressed so effortlessly and so fluidly. From strangers to friends to whatever comes next. It was done so well. O'Neale didn't rush any moment with them and it was believeable.
The secondary characters in this book, from Kalin's helper to the king's advisor to the kingdom itself, were are purposeful and necessary. And they aided in the progression of the plot and in the development of the protagonists, Kalin more than Rowan. There was so much action and world building. I felt sadness, happiness, anger, frustration on behalf of these characters. Even the antagonists were brilliantly written.
The world and the characters drive the story equally. There's no weak link in this mix. Stacey O'Neale has created something great here and I cannot even begin to fathom what she's going to do next.
This is an epic tale of fantasy and even romance that is sure to grab you and keep you interested.
While The Shadow Prince gave us a peek into the ME world and into the history and mind of Rowan's character, Mortal Enchantment expands upon that, but also introduces us to a plethora of new characters.
Even though Kalin isn't new (she was in the novella), you don't really learn about her personally until this book. And, to be honest, she underwhelmed me for a while. I was more focused on Rowan and wanting to get back to his story, but that may be because I read The Shadow Prince right before this book. Rowan's presence is VERY prominant throughout this book, but Kalin is the key to the plot in this particular case.
ME follows her and her journey to rescue her father from the hands of his kidnappers, as well as gain respect and legitimacy as the rightful princess to her kingdom. Rowan, unknown to Kalin, has been her protector. But when things start to come to a head, he offers to train her and teach her the ways of Avalon.
Let's talk about this setting -- Avalon. It's fantastic. It's centered around the elements (i.e. air, water, fire, etc.) and it is so cool! Kalin was raised by her mother, who is human, in the regular world. Her father is the king of one of the elemental kings, so because Kalin is a "halfling", she doesn't get much respect in Avalon. ME gives us insight into the depth that is this world, but the cool part about it is -- it feels like we've only scratched the surface with this first book. And O'Neale did a superb job in building and developing the world at a respectable pace.
The characters are SO much fun! And so great together and separate. I fell in love with most of them righ away. Kalin, though extremely bratty and stubborn at times, holds her own against Rowan who is a VERY strongly developed character. There are times where I want to strangle her and I want to scream because she gets herself (and others) into unnecessary fits of worry or dangerous situations, but throughout the book I grow used to it because it doesn't really change.
Rowan's character is a bit more superficial in this book, but because I read the novella first, it didn't bother me and I understood it. I'm not sure if I would have loved it as much has I not read the novella first, but I will never know! One thing that carries over from The Shadow Prince to Mortal Enchantment is his fierce loyalty, his desire to protect, his skill, and his dedication. I just LOVED witnessing him be strong, but I especially appreciated his vulnerable moments, too.
Together, their companionship progressed so effortlessly and so fluidly. From strangers to friends to whatever comes next. It was done so well. O'Neale didn't rush any moment with them and it was believeable.
The secondary characters in this book, from Kalin's helper to the king's advisor to the kingdom itself, were are purposeful and necessary. And they aided in the progression of the plot and in the development of the protagonists, Kalin more than Rowan. There was so much action and world building. I felt sadness, happiness, anger, frustration on behalf of these characters. Even the antagonists were brilliantly written.
The world and the characters drive the story equally. There's no weak link in this mix. Stacey O'Neale has created something great here and I cannot even begin to fathom what she's going to do next.
This is an epic tale of fantasy and even romance that is sure to grab you and keep you interested.
sarahjycbooks's review against another edition
5.0
FIVE AIR ELEMENTAL STARS!!!
Mortal Enchantment is the sequel to The Shadow Prince in The Mortal Enchantments series by Stacey O'Neale. Books should be read in order.
Wow! Ever since I had read The Shadow Prince, I had been DYING to get my hands on Mortal Enchantment. I was so excited to meet Kalin's character and see more of Rowan and Marcus!
Mortal Enchantment continues where The Shadow Prince left off. Kalin and Rowan meet after Kalin is almost killed by the fire elementals. As Rowan stays with Kalin to help keep her safe, Kalin is thrust into a new world full of new beginnings. She learns the truth about her father and about herself. Everything changes as she struggles to journey to the air court and claim her right as their princess.
This book was absolutely AMAZING! It's action-packed with plot twists, adventure, and some romance as well! I loved everything about it!! The characters, the writing, and the development is just spectacular!! I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down!!
I recommended the Mortal Enchantment series to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and romance!! It is a definite must-read :)
Mortal Enchantment is the sequel to The Shadow Prince in The Mortal Enchantments series by Stacey O'Neale. Books should be read in order.
Wow! Ever since I had read The Shadow Prince, I had been DYING to get my hands on Mortal Enchantment. I was so excited to meet Kalin's character and see more of Rowan and Marcus!
Mortal Enchantment continues where The Shadow Prince left off. Kalin and Rowan meet after Kalin is almost killed by the fire elementals. As Rowan stays with Kalin to help keep her safe, Kalin is thrust into a new world full of new beginnings. She learns the truth about her father and about herself. Everything changes as she struggles to journey to the air court and claim her right as their princess.
This book was absolutely AMAZING! It's action-packed with plot twists, adventure, and some romance as well! I loved everything about it!! The characters, the writing, and the development is just spectacular!! I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down!!
I recommended the Mortal Enchantment series to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and romance!! It is a definite must-read :)
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
First off, I absolutely adore this cover! Not only are the colors gorgeous, but so is that model and even though her hair isn't at red as I imagine Kalin's to be, that girl definitely looks fierce enough to be her. With Mortal Enchantment, I was excited to see how Stacey would take this one and switch view points from the pre-series novella, The Shadow Prince. The Shadow Prince was so full of action and had an awesome story line from a pretty sexy lead, and with Mortal Enchantment we get Kalin's view and let me tell you, it was just as exciting!
Even though I was bummed to leave the head of the super yummy Rowan, I was excited to see from Kalin's view. It was awesome to learn the world of Avalon more as Kalin did, since she was truly experiencing it for the first time. With Kalin, I liked how she was innocent, but at the same time strong. Regardless of being in a new magical world, her concern is doing what needs to be done in order to save her father and I really liked that about her. Even though she had some displays of power and training, I hope we get to dive more into her power displays in future books.
So, the sexy lovely boy that is by her side through this journey is the one and only Rowan, who I have already mentioned multiple times. There is a reason for that I promise. First, he has deep blue eyes and an eyebrow piercing... AN EYEBROW PIERCING... need I say more? Of course I will, Rowan also has one heck of a past and he is still strong as anything and I give him major props for that. I love him and Kalin together and I am only hoping for a HEA in their future.
With Avalon, I adore anything having to do with elements or fae and I kind of feel like Stacey mixed the two and came out with a really awesome world building and concept. I especially liked the brief moment we get with the water court. It was really mysterious and how the kingdom/castle is set up seems to be amazingly awesome...I hope we get to see more of it in future books.
With Mortal Enchantment, I adored how there was constant action and how everything I wanted from the first book was achieved and more. There were parts that made me so excited because after the novella, I hoped for them and other moments where I'm begging for them to be answered in future books. I honestly am loving this series and the world, and cannot wait to get more of Rowan and Kalin! Overall, fantastic magical story!
Find this review at Shortie Says
Even though I was bummed to leave the head of the super yummy Rowan, I was excited to see from Kalin's view. It was awesome to learn the world of Avalon more as Kalin did, since she was truly experiencing it for the first time. With Kalin, I liked how she was innocent, but at the same time strong. Regardless of being in a new magical world, her concern is doing what needs to be done in order to save her father and I really liked that about her. Even though she had some displays of power and training, I hope we get to dive more into her power displays in future books.
So, the sexy lovely boy that is by her side through this journey is the one and only Rowan, who I have already mentioned multiple times. There is a reason for that I promise. First, he has deep blue eyes and an eyebrow piercing... AN EYEBROW PIERCING... need I say more? Of course I will, Rowan also has one heck of a past and he is still strong as anything and I give him major props for that. I love him and Kalin together and I am only hoping for a HEA in their future.
With Avalon, I adore anything having to do with elements or fae and I kind of feel like Stacey mixed the two and came out with a really awesome world building and concept. I especially liked the brief moment we get with the water court. It was really mysterious and how the kingdom/castle is set up seems to be amazingly awesome...I hope we get to see more of it in future books.
With Mortal Enchantment, I adored how there was constant action and how everything I wanted from the first book was achieved and more. There were parts that made me so excited because after the novella, I hoped for them and other moments where I'm begging for them to be answered in future books. I honestly am loving this series and the world, and cannot wait to get more of Rowan and Kalin! Overall, fantastic magical story!
Find this review at Shortie Says
alexperc_92's review against another edition
5.0
A strong story with humor, magic, adventure and romance!
Kalin is the daughter of the Air King, one of the four rulers of Avalon. When the day of her birthday comes and she has to depart for her father's kingdom she gets attacked by an assasin of the fire court.
And from there the mystery begins.
Kalin has the traits to become a strong heroine. At the beginning you get the impression that she is naive and a little silly yet as the story unfolds she becomes stronger.
Rowan is a surprise. Despite his past he evolves into a capable warrior as also grows warmer towards Kalin.
Overall this is a story at the style of J. Armentrout's books and I can't wait for the sequel!
Kalin is the daughter of the Air King, one of the four rulers of Avalon. When the day of her birthday comes and she has to depart for her father's kingdom she gets attacked by an assasin of the fire court.
And from there the mystery begins.
Kalin has the traits to become a strong heroine. At the beginning you get the impression that she is naive and a little silly yet as the story unfolds she becomes stronger.
Rowan is a surprise. Despite his past he evolves into a capable warrior as also grows warmer towards Kalin.
Overall this is a story at the style of J. Armentrout's books and I can't wait for the sequel!
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
By the end of THE SHADOW PRINCE I had no doubt that I wanted to read MORTAL ENCHANTMENT. I really enjoyed meeting Rowan and the world that O'Neale created.
It took me a few chapters to 'like' Kalin. I didn't dislike her I just didn't instantly connect with her like I did Rowan. She was never in a good position with being a half-ling and entering the Air Court for the first time. Her father's disappearance only made the whole situation worse. Considering her position I felt she handled everything pretty well but there were few times where I felt she could have acted a bit more mature. She is young though so I didn't hold it against her too much. I still very much enjoyed Rowan. I like his personality and even though he doesn't have to he did a great job teaching Kalin how to use her magic and navigate things at court (After reading THE SHADOW PRINCE I had no doubt he would be glued to her side.) Their romance was slow and cautious but there is great hope for them in the future.
The story was told at a nice pace and there was some great action. There could have been some greater detail in some of the scenes but overall I enjoyed the world building. I still have a lot of questions after reading MORTAL ENCHANTMENT so I look forward to seeing what comes next for the characters.
This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a few chapters to 'like' Kalin. I didn't dislike her I just didn't instantly connect with her like I did Rowan. She was never in a good position with being a half-ling and entering the Air Court for the first time. Her father's disappearance only made the whole situation worse. Considering her position I felt she handled everything pretty well but there were few times where I felt she could have acted a bit more mature. She is young though so I didn't hold it against her too much. I still very much enjoyed Rowan. I like his personality and even though he doesn't have to he did a great job teaching Kalin how to use her magic and navigate things at court (After reading THE SHADOW PRINCE I had no doubt he would be glued to her side.) Their romance was slow and cautious but there is great hope for them in the future.
The story was told at a nice pace and there was some great action. There could have been some greater detail in some of the scenes but overall I enjoyed the world building. I still have a lot of questions after reading MORTAL ENCHANTMENT so I look forward to seeing what comes next for the characters.
This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
books_over_everything's review against another edition
4.0
**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from the author.**
Title Storm Born (Mortal Enchantment #1)
Author Stacey O’Neale
Description from Amazon
Kalin Matthew’s never had a choice. An unbreakable contract decided her destiny at birth. Live in the mortal world with her mother until the stroke of midnight on her sixteenth birthday, then leave the only life she’s ever known and move to Avalon, the land of Arthurian myth and legend, to rule at her father’s side, the king of the air court.
But before she enters his powerful and dangerous world, she’s attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring.
Not long after, she learns her father is missing. Now she must take over his duties, which include shifting control of the elements — a power she has yet to harness. As Rowan attempts to train her, war looms between the four courts. If she fails, her father will die, and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more.
Initial Thoughts
I read The Shadow Prince last week and I really enjoyed it. The rest of the series was definitely on my TBR but since I didn’t own a copy of the next book, it wasn’t that high up. However, as luck would have it, I was contacted by Stacey O’Neale with an opportunity to read the next book and I couldn’t pass that up!
Some Things I Liked
World building. I loved the magic system and world building in this book. I feel like I got a tiny taste in The Shadow Prince but, the world of Avalon became that much more rich and complex in Storm Born.
Morally grey characters. I love good moral ambiguity in a story. Humans, by nature, are not 100% good or evil and I really like to see that in the characters I read about. Everyone makes bad choices and everyone makes mistakes. Kalin’s father was an interesting example of this. She wanted to desperately to believe that he was different from the rest of the Air Court. While he loves his daughter and honestly believed he was doing the best thing for her, his actions before his kidnapping showed that his attitude toward halflings and straying from procedure were no different than Jarrod or any other members of his court.
Dialed back colloquial language. I was not a fan of the use of “contemporary” language in a fantasy setting in the first book (please note, that’s totally a personal preference). But, I was super pleased that this was dialed down in Storm Born. I think it allowed me to dive deeper into the fantasy element of the world.
Alternating POV writing style. You may or may not know this, but alternating POV is literally my favorite type of narration. Especially when our narrating characters are keeping secrets from each other. I think it makes the story so exciting. I loved that we got to see scenes from both Kalin and Rowan’s POV.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
There was only one thing about this book that I wasn’t crazy about and it was the fact that I found the story a smidge predictable. I’m a hard gal to surprise and I’m the self-proclaimed Sherlock Holmes of YA plots. While some elements of the story were predictable, I must say that I wouldn’t change the way the plot was laid out. Everything fit together in a way that made perfect sense. I was just a teeny bit disappointed in the fact that I solved the puzzle earlier on than I was supposed to.
Series Value
I am excited to read the next installment in this series. After just reading The Shadow Prince, this series was on my TBR (with a target reading goal of around January / February of 2020). After reading Storm Born, I am moving the next two books up to November 2019. I have 17 days (including weekends) off from work so I have lots of reading time. I thought I had my books planned out, but after reading Storm Born, I am making time for Fragile Reign and Eternal Sacrifice during that time off. This series has tons of potential and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Final Thoughts
I am really glad I read this book. Thank you to Stacey O’Neale for providing me with a copy. This is a series that I might not have found on my own and I am so glad I found it on NetGalley. I loved the world building and alternating POV writing style and I think there is so much potential in the story line.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Roar by Cora Carmack – if you liked the elemental magic aspects of this story, give this series by Cora Carmack a try.
Fragile Reign by Stacey O’Neale – it seems like a pretty natural progression, if you liked this story, check out the next book in the series. I haven’t read it yet, but I definitely want to.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare – I think the contemporary setting with supernatural elements idea gave me Mortal Instrument vibes. If you’re a fan of this series, try Cassandra Clare’s books.
Title Storm Born (Mortal Enchantment #1)
Author Stacey O’Neale
Description from Amazon
Kalin Matthew’s never had a choice. An unbreakable contract decided her destiny at birth. Live in the mortal world with her mother until the stroke of midnight on her sixteenth birthday, then leave the only life she’s ever known and move to Avalon, the land of Arthurian myth and legend, to rule at her father’s side, the king of the air court.
But before she enters his powerful and dangerous world, she’s attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring.
Not long after, she learns her father is missing. Now she must take over his duties, which include shifting control of the elements — a power she has yet to harness. As Rowan attempts to train her, war looms between the four courts. If she fails, her father will die, and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more.
Initial Thoughts
I read The Shadow Prince last week and I really enjoyed it. The rest of the series was definitely on my TBR but since I didn’t own a copy of the next book, it wasn’t that high up. However, as luck would have it, I was contacted by Stacey O’Neale with an opportunity to read the next book and I couldn’t pass that up!
Some Things I Liked
World building. I loved the magic system and world building in this book. I feel like I got a tiny taste in The Shadow Prince but, the world of Avalon became that much more rich and complex in Storm Born.
Morally grey characters. I love good moral ambiguity in a story. Humans, by nature, are not 100% good or evil and I really like to see that in the characters I read about. Everyone makes bad choices and everyone makes mistakes. Kalin’s father was an interesting example of this. She wanted to desperately to believe that he was different from the rest of the Air Court. While he loves his daughter and honestly believed he was doing the best thing for her, his actions before his kidnapping showed that his attitude toward halflings and straying from procedure were no different than Jarrod or any other members of his court.
Dialed back colloquial language. I was not a fan of the use of “contemporary” language in a fantasy setting in the first book (please note, that’s totally a personal preference). But, I was super pleased that this was dialed down in Storm Born. I think it allowed me to dive deeper into the fantasy element of the world.
Alternating POV writing style. You may or may not know this, but alternating POV is literally my favorite type of narration. Especially when our narrating characters are keeping secrets from each other. I think it makes the story so exciting. I loved that we got to see scenes from both Kalin and Rowan’s POV.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
There was only one thing about this book that I wasn’t crazy about and it was the fact that I found the story a smidge predictable. I’m a hard gal to surprise and I’m the self-proclaimed Sherlock Holmes of YA plots. While some elements of the story were predictable, I must say that I wouldn’t change the way the plot was laid out. Everything fit together in a way that made perfect sense. I was just a teeny bit disappointed in the fact that I solved the puzzle earlier on than I was supposed to.
Series Value
I am excited to read the next installment in this series. After just reading The Shadow Prince, this series was on my TBR (with a target reading goal of around January / February of 2020). After reading Storm Born, I am moving the next two books up to November 2019. I have 17 days (including weekends) off from work so I have lots of reading time. I thought I had my books planned out, but after reading Storm Born, I am making time for Fragile Reign and Eternal Sacrifice during that time off. This series has tons of potential and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Final Thoughts
I am really glad I read this book. Thank you to Stacey O’Neale for providing me with a copy. This is a series that I might not have found on my own and I am so glad I found it on NetGalley. I loved the world building and alternating POV writing style and I think there is so much potential in the story line.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Roar by Cora Carmack – if you liked the elemental magic aspects of this story, give this series by Cora Carmack a try.
Fragile Reign by Stacey O’Neale – it seems like a pretty natural progression, if you liked this story, check out the next book in the series. I haven’t read it yet, but I definitely want to.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare – I think the contemporary setting with supernatural elements idea gave me Mortal Instrument vibes. If you’re a fan of this series, try Cassandra Clare’s books.
sdemo08's review
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We follow along as the FMC comes into some of her powers while trying to discover who has taken her father captive with the help of the MMC. A couple of twists toward the end that keep the reader guessing how the book will wrap up while setting up the next in the series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Gore, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and War
thebumblegirl's review against another edition
4.0
From the minute I opened this book I was completely immersed and lost in it! Fast-paced story, intriguing characters, amazing world building and history - I wasn't able to read fast enough! And with each page, I wanted more and more of everything that was happening...
Right from the start we get to meet Kalin, half mortal and a half air elemental, who has just turned of age and is going to Avalon to rule alongside her father in the air court. Although her father had tried to prepare Kalin for this new world, books and discussions could only teach her so much. Kalin is overly anxious to get this new part of her life started and decides to take matters into her own hands and begins her journey into the woods on her own... and of course, she is completely unprepared for the danger that is waiting for her in the forest. And even more unaware of the mysterious and haughty person who saves her, Rowan. Kalin has been kept in the dark about a lot of political things that have been happening in Avalon, and Rowan is not about to start giving her any lessons. But promises to help her, keep her safe, until they get to the castle. When they finally get there, Kalin's arrival is far less than pleasant. And her father, King Taron, is missing.
Kalin is completely lost when it comes to how the elementals handle these situations. They are harsh and quick to judge. But, she is determined to be heard and is prepared to do what she has to do to take matters into her own hands. It is her father's wish that Kalin rule in the future and she will do what she has to do to honor it. Even if that means stepping in, for now. With no allies, except for the mysterious Rowan. Kalin begins training to learn how to control her own powers as she struggles with who can she trust to help her do what she has to do until she finds her father.
First, Kalin is quite the protagonist - she is fearless and determined. But, she is a bit too quick to jump into things and gives trust when she already knows that she should be questioning everyone's motives. No place is safe for her, she must learn how to use her powers and defend herself. Her father is missing, and her priority is to find him in any way that she can. And the only person she has been able to lean on is the ever so cryptic and egotistical, Rowan. She makes a whole lot of stupid mistakes. I cringed quite a few times. But, understandably, Kalin is just trying to do what she thinks is best in order to keep things in order while everything becomes more and more complicated.
And then, there is Rowan.
Rowan is so broken. After what he has gone through, he continues to do the right thing for Kalin. As things start to unfold and beome more complicated for him. He is still determined to help Kalin, find King Taron and put the elements back in order before a war ignites. Even though everyone is against him, and it is no longer his battle to fight, Rowan still cares about not only his people and Kalin, but the other elementals that involved as well... misunderstood and alone, Rowan struggles to keep his emotions in order whenever he's around Kalin.
There is a lot to learn about this world, and I did learn a lot right alongside Kalin. The layout of their world, how their government works and who rules what with many, many details and history lessons - I was completely immersed into every single letter on the page. Every character is so memorable. Every little detail is so prominent and poignant. If it wasn't for the possible outbreak of war, I would love to visit Avalon... I wish there was a map to go along with the book...
I highly recommend this book to all who are looking for a great fast-paced read; either those who love fantasy, or those that are looking for something a little bit different to dive into - this is definitely your kind of book to read right now!!!
*An eARC was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
All thoughts are my own.
Right from the start we get to meet Kalin, half mortal and a half air elemental, who has just turned of age and is going to Avalon to rule alongside her father in the air court. Although her father had tried to prepare Kalin for this new world, books and discussions could only teach her so much. Kalin is overly anxious to get this new part of her life started and decides to take matters into her own hands and begins her journey into the woods on her own... and of course, she is completely unprepared for the danger that is waiting for her in the forest. And even more unaware of the mysterious and haughty person who saves her, Rowan. Kalin has been kept in the dark about a lot of political things that have been happening in Avalon, and Rowan is not about to start giving her any lessons. But promises to help her, keep her safe, until they get to the castle. When they finally get there, Kalin's arrival is far less than pleasant. And her father, King Taron, is missing.
Kalin is completely lost when it comes to how the elementals handle these situations. They are harsh and quick to judge. But, she is determined to be heard and is prepared to do what she has to do to take matters into her own hands. It is her father's wish that Kalin rule in the future and she will do what she has to do to honor it. Even if that means stepping in, for now. With no allies, except for the mysterious Rowan. Kalin begins training to learn how to control her own powers as she struggles with who can she trust to help her do what she has to do until she finds her father.
First, Kalin is quite the protagonist - she is fearless and determined. But, she is a bit too quick to jump into things and gives trust when she already knows that she should be questioning everyone's motives. No place is safe for her, she must learn how to use her powers and defend herself. Her father is missing, and her priority is to find him in any way that she can. And the only person she has been able to lean on is the ever so cryptic and egotistical, Rowan. She makes a whole lot of stupid mistakes. I cringed quite a few times. But, understandably, Kalin is just trying to do what she thinks is best in order to keep things in order while everything becomes more and more complicated.
And then, there is Rowan.
Rowan is so broken. After what he has gone through, he continues to do the right thing for Kalin. As things start to unfold and beome more complicated for him. He is still determined to help Kalin, find King Taron and put the elements back in order before a war ignites. Even though everyone is against him, and it is no longer his battle to fight, Rowan still cares about not only his people and Kalin, but the other elementals that involved as well... misunderstood and alone, Rowan struggles to keep his emotions in order whenever he's around Kalin.
There is a lot to learn about this world, and I did learn a lot right alongside Kalin. The layout of their world, how their government works and who rules what with many, many details and history lessons - I was completely immersed into every single letter on the page. Every character is so memorable. Every little detail is so prominent and poignant. If it wasn't for the possible outbreak of war, I would love to visit Avalon... I wish there was a map to go along with the book...
I highly recommend this book to all who are looking for a great fast-paced read; either those who love fantasy, or those that are looking for something a little bit different to dive into - this is definitely your kind of book to read right now!!!
*An eARC was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
All thoughts are my own.
theestherhadassah's review against another edition
5.0
I did write a kickass review yesterday, but I was on my tablet and it went hay-wire. So, I hope I can replicate it.
DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book (via the author) in exchange for a review.
The adventure continues as Kalin, the daughter of King Taron, of the Air Court, comes of age and is ready to join the kingdom, and move to Avalon. However, shortly before she is to leave for Avalon, she is attacked by two Fire Elementals, and rescued by a mysterious young man who likes to avoid answering her questions. Rowan has secrets, and Kalin is curious. But these secrets are not uncovered until later.
Rowan takes Kalin to Avalon, only to learn that her father has gone missing, just hours before their arrival. They walk right in a Council meeting, which goes into flames, literally. Rowan is suspicious that Queen Liana of the Fire Court is the one who ordered the attack on Kalin. Just a repeat of what was supposed to have happened with the previous queen.
There is a traitor in the midst of the Air Court, and Kalin does not know whom she can trust. However, Rowan seems to be the more likely choice to trust, because Kalin now knows her father had helped him. Rowan promises Kalin that he will help her find her father. He has also volunteered to train her, and help with her powers. But how can anyone possibly focus on training when that sexy specimen is the instructor?
Will they find the King before a war breaks out?
Will they catch the traitor?
And will Kalin actually get Rowan to kiss her?
Yes to all the above.
The story is very intriguing. I think what I loved most was being able to share it with my younger brothers at one point. I was freaking out a bit and they asked what I was reading, so I read it to them. It was late in the night, so they fell asleep. But in the morning, they came back to me and asked what had happened next. I couldn't tell them, because I had finished the book and was looking to know what happens next as well. Great story; thrilling and satisfactory. ♥
DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book (via the author) in exchange for a review.
The adventure continues as Kalin, the daughter of King Taron, of the Air Court, comes of age and is ready to join the kingdom, and move to Avalon. However, shortly before she is to leave for Avalon, she is attacked by two Fire Elementals, and rescued by a mysterious young man who likes to avoid answering her questions. Rowan has secrets, and Kalin is curious. But these secrets are not uncovered until later.
Rowan takes Kalin to Avalon, only to learn that her father has gone missing, just hours before their arrival. They walk right in a Council meeting, which goes into flames, literally. Rowan is suspicious that Queen Liana of the Fire Court is the one who ordered the attack on Kalin. Just a repeat of what was supposed to have happened with the previous queen.
There is a traitor in the midst of the Air Court, and Kalin does not know whom she can trust. However, Rowan seems to be the more likely choice to trust, because Kalin now knows her father had helped him. Rowan promises Kalin that he will help her find her father. He has also volunteered to train her, and help with her powers. But how can anyone possibly focus on training when that sexy specimen is the instructor?
Will they find the King before a war breaks out?
Will they catch the traitor?
And will Kalin actually get Rowan to kiss her?
Yes to all the above.
The story is very intriguing. I think what I loved most was being able to share it with my younger brothers at one point. I was freaking out a bit and they asked what I was reading, so I read it to them. It was late in the night, so they fell asleep. But in the morning, they came back to me and asked what had happened next. I couldn't tell them, because I had finished the book and was looking to know what happens next as well. Great story; thrilling and satisfactory. ♥