Scan barcode
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
aliharvey01's review against another edition
I don't know what it was about this book, but I just could not get into it at all.
spensacanread's review against another edition
4.0
i feel like this deserves more hype.
i did not expect to enjoy it that much but i did.
we're basically just following the mc as she discovers her power. it has the chosen one trope which i have mixed feelings of, but i liked it in this one.
the world-building and magic sustem are still a little weak and there's no plot whatsoever. there's no clear enemies except for an annoying politician (which is obvs a must in every fantasy) who only showed up at the end and there's no hint to what his motivations are for such hostility with the fl. even the action fight scenes were a little bit forced and just put there to test the girl powers. there where no explanations as to why they were suddenly attacked by the enemies in their own turf.
Also i would like to think this is a romance fantasy but the ml & fl did not even kiss lol. this is quite tame actually so im excited how their "relationship" (if you can call it that) would progress. also hoping the next books would have more semblance of a plot and clearer picture of the enemies and happenings in the war front.
i did not expect to enjoy it that much but i did.
we're basically just following the mc as she discovers her power. it has the chosen one trope which i have mixed feelings of, but i liked it in this one.
the world-building and magic sustem are still a little weak and there's no plot whatsoever. there's no clear enemies except for an annoying politician (which is obvs a must in every fantasy) who only showed up at the end and there's no hint to what his motivations are for such hostility with the fl. even the action fight scenes were a little bit forced and just put there to test the girl powers. there where no explanations as to why they were suddenly attacked by the enemies in their own turf.
Also i would like to think this is a romance fantasy but the ml & fl did not even kiss lol. this is quite tame actually so im excited how their "relationship" (if you can call it that) would progress. also hoping the next books would have more semblance of a plot and clearer picture of the enemies and happenings in the war front.
ash_012's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I kept having that feeling like I am waiting for something to happen and make this book amazing, so I am a bit disappointed that it didn't
This book starts out with our girl Vhalla (you can't imagine the number of times I read that as vanilla but moving on) so Vhalla here wakes up one day to everyone freaking out about some prince being hurt and she somehow was the only one who was able to heal him
Then alot of filler stuff happens (which I honestly can't remember) for like a 100 pages?
Vhalla starts somehow then communicating with someone through letters and SURPRISE, it's the prince. So the number of love interests in this was so confusing, Vhalla got attracted literally to anything that don't have boobs.
She and the prince meet up and bam he pushed her and she is falling of a roof and I guess it supposed to be romantic?
Then of course the usual twilight drama happens with all the love triangles or hexagons in this case.
Some other drama happens but I won't talk about it because spoilers, but it was really rushed.
And for the life of me I can't figure out what's so endearing about calling someone a parrot but okay.
I think at one point the author tries to give Vhalla a backbone but she is just too dry for that
Aldrik is the usual misunderstood dark prince and I honestly still can't figure out whats the point of his brother existing
To sum it up, I didn't really hate it (even if the review may seem negative but I am a bit cranky right now)
What this book has:
-Sorcerers
-Best friend x dark guy love triangle
-A girl finding out she has powers and the usual drama
-pretty cover (because well its pretty)
Am I going to continue with the series? Honestly I don't know yet but I have to admit I may be shallow enough to give the second book a go because of the cover
I kept having that feeling like I am waiting for something to happen and make this book amazing, so I am a bit disappointed that it didn't
This book starts out with our girl Vhalla (you can't imagine the number of times I read that as vanilla but moving on) so Vhalla here wakes up one day to everyone freaking out about some prince being hurt and she somehow was the only one who was able to heal him
Then alot of filler stuff happens (which I honestly can't remember) for like a 100 pages?
Vhalla starts somehow then communicating with someone through letters and SURPRISE, it's the prince. So the number of love interests in this was so confusing, Vhalla got attracted literally to anything that don't have boobs.
She and the prince meet up and bam he pushed her and she is falling of a roof and I guess it supposed to be romantic?
Then of course the usual twilight drama happens with all the love triangles or hexagons in this case.
Some other drama happens but I won't talk about it because spoilers, but it was really rushed.
And for the life of me I can't figure out what's so endearing about calling someone a parrot but okay.
I think at one point the author tries to give Vhalla a backbone but she is just too dry for that
Aldrik is the usual misunderstood dark prince and I honestly still can't figure out whats the point of his brother existing
To sum it up, I didn't really hate it (even if the review may seem negative but I am a bit cranky right now)
What this book has:
-Sorcerers
-Best friend x dark guy love triangle
-A girl finding out she has powers and the usual drama
-pretty cover (because well its pretty)
Am I going to continue with the series? Honestly I don't know yet but I have to admit I may be shallow enough to give the second book a go because of the cover
weezle's review against another edition
2.0
For more reviews like this check out Weezled.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was in a huge reading slump when I picked up Air Awakens. I expected that I would get about five chapters into it and lose interest. After all, that is exactly what happened with the five books I picked up before it. I tried everything from Alternate History to Paranormal. Nothing stuck. It’s not that the books were bad. I just couldn’t get into them. I was absolutely sure that Air Awakens was going to be the next book on my ever growing DNF list.
I am happy to announce that I was wrong. Air Awakens sucked me in from the very beginning and refused to let go. After devouring the book in one sitting, I immediately purchased the next two books in the series, Fire Falling and Earth’s End. I just couldn’t get enough of this fun and easy fantasy series. Honestly, I still can’t. Water’s Wrath cannot come out fast enough.
That said, Air Awakens is far from perfect.
Yeah, I know that I just raved about how they saved me from the dreaded reading drought of 2016. That means this review is glowing, right? Unfortunately, no. These Fantasy-lite Romances are tons of fun on the surface, but digging deeper reveals more than a couple of issues.
While the book is a quick and easy read, the pacing in the first half of the book is awkward and clumsy. Weeks fly by in two sentences while minutes take pages. This causes the book to drag until the author finds her rhythm about halfway through.
The Solaris Empire will feel very familiar to fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. In fact, I found myself filling in the holes left in the world with information from that series. I will say that the world building issues do seem to be getting better as more books come out, but I still have a list of questions that have yet to be answered. If you liked detailed settings, maybe skip this series.
Vhalla is your stereotypical YA heroine. She’s a nobody that hides in the shadows reading her books until suddenly, and without warning, she finds out that she is extremely special. Like, Last Airbender special. When I say that, I mean it literally. She’s the first person in a century that has possessed the ability to use wind magic. Making her the Last Windwalker. The special snow flake syndrome doesn’t stop there. Nope, she catches the eye of Crown Prince Aldrik (who reminds me of Prince Zuko from Avatar), the broody and erratic sorcerer who has never really loved anyone, until Vhalla.
The secondary characters almost always fall flat. They are often one dimensional, from Larel, the mentor turned confidant, to Sareem, the undeveloped and intolerant third piece of the required love triangle. The only supporting character that caught my eye was Baldair, Prince Aldrik’s golden younger brother. My attachment to him could be that I felt he was one of the better developed characters as the series progressed, or it could be that I can’t get enough of tall, blonde, and handsome. Either way, I can’t get enough Baldair.
On the upside, I found the romance scenes in this book to be pretty steamy. I didn’t exactly approve of the romance itself, though. I found Aldrik to be pretty unstable. In the interest of keeping this review as spoiler free as possible I will not go into extreme detail, but I will say that if I had been Vhalla, I wouldn’t have allowed that man anywhere near me, Crown Prince or not. Baldair, on the other hand… Well, he’s a different story.
In the end, I still devoured the series in less than three days. So, in spite of all of the problems, I will read Water’s Wrath on release day. If you like a steamy romance, or wish there had been more Avatar, or are just looking for some quick and easy Fantasy to take your mind off of life, give this a try. It’s not highbrow lit, but it sure is fun.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was in a huge reading slump when I picked up Air Awakens. I expected that I would get about five chapters into it and lose interest. After all, that is exactly what happened with the five books I picked up before it. I tried everything from Alternate History to Paranormal. Nothing stuck. It’s not that the books were bad. I just couldn’t get into them. I was absolutely sure that Air Awakens was going to be the next book on my ever growing DNF list.
I am happy to announce that I was wrong. Air Awakens sucked me in from the very beginning and refused to let go. After devouring the book in one sitting, I immediately purchased the next two books in the series, Fire Falling and Earth’s End. I just couldn’t get enough of this fun and easy fantasy series. Honestly, I still can’t. Water’s Wrath cannot come out fast enough.
That said, Air Awakens is far from perfect.
Yeah, I know that I just raved about how they saved me from the dreaded reading drought of 2016. That means this review is glowing, right? Unfortunately, no. These Fantasy-lite Romances are tons of fun on the surface, but digging deeper reveals more than a couple of issues.
While the book is a quick and easy read, the pacing in the first half of the book is awkward and clumsy. Weeks fly by in two sentences while minutes take pages. This causes the book to drag until the author finds her rhythm about halfway through.
The Solaris Empire will feel very familiar to fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. In fact, I found myself filling in the holes left in the world with information from that series. I will say that the world building issues do seem to be getting better as more books come out, but I still have a list of questions that have yet to be answered. If you liked detailed settings, maybe skip this series.
Vhalla is your stereotypical YA heroine. She’s a nobody that hides in the shadows reading her books until suddenly, and without warning, she finds out that she is extremely special. Like, Last Airbender special. When I say that, I mean it literally. She’s the first person in a century that has possessed the ability to use wind magic. Making her the Last Windwalker. The special snow flake syndrome doesn’t stop there. Nope, she catches the eye of Crown Prince Aldrik (who reminds me of Prince Zuko from Avatar), the broody and erratic sorcerer who has never really loved anyone, until Vhalla.
The secondary characters almost always fall flat. They are often one dimensional, from Larel, the mentor turned confidant, to Sareem, the undeveloped and intolerant third piece of the required love triangle. The only supporting character that caught my eye was Baldair, Prince Aldrik’s golden younger brother. My attachment to him could be that I felt he was one of the better developed characters as the series progressed, or it could be that I can’t get enough of tall, blonde, and handsome. Either way, I can’t get enough Baldair.
On the upside, I found the romance scenes in this book to be pretty steamy. I didn’t exactly approve of the romance itself, though. I found Aldrik to be pretty unstable. In the interest of keeping this review as spoiler free as possible I will not go into extreme detail, but I will say that if I had been Vhalla, I wouldn’t have allowed that man anywhere near me, Crown Prince or not. Baldair, on the other hand… Well, he’s a different story.
In the end, I still devoured the series in less than three days. So, in spite of all of the problems, I will read Water’s Wrath on release day. If you like a steamy romance, or wish there had been more Avatar, or are just looking for some quick and easy Fantasy to take your mind off of life, give this a try. It’s not highbrow lit, but it sure is fun.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra.
tuufa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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