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A review by mythicalreadsreviewer
Air & Essence by Mikayla D. Hornedo
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to author Mikayla Hornedo for providing me with an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I rated this book 5 stars. Holy shit what a ride—if I thought book 1 was action-packed with twists, turns, and steamy spice, I sure wasn’t ready for book 2! I devoured this in a single day. The writing was incredibly easy to get lost in, and the plot was so compelling that I flew through the pages without even realizing.
But let’s be honest—it’s not just the plot that makes this series sing, it’s the characters. We get to see so much more of our favorites from book one and watch as their relationships deepen, evolve, and get even messier in all the best ways. The elemental magic system continues to shine, especially with how it ties so deeply into the various people, cultures, and behaviors in this world. It feels intentional and so thoughtfully crafted.
Emotionally, this book took me for a ride. I was heartbroken, swooning, and yes—blushing. The spice in this one? Immaculate. We are talking group activities, sharing is caring, and all done in ways that still feel emotionally grounded and character-driven. I also love how trauma and healing are handled—characters who communicate and clearly have been to therapy? Yes, please.
The multiple POVs in this sequel were such a great addition, giving more depth to the narrative and opening up the story to broader stakes and richer insights beyond Daya’s perspective.
My only complaint is that I don’t already have the next book. I’m obsessed with this chaotic book thruple and the fate of Iteria, and I cannot wait to see what Mikayla Hornedo has in store for us next.