Scan barcode
A review by thereadinghammock
Strike by Abigail Kelly
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you read the Fragile Beings novella collection, you probably remember the m-storm featured in Astray which birthed a new elemental. She was quickly whisked away by Taevas and co., clearly having been claimed by the dragon who caught her, as evidenced by the subtle tail wrap Abigail thought we might not notice. But we did (aka she all but pointed a neon sign at it saying "we'll come back to this, I promise!")
Hele is immediately welcomed into the 'Riik, fostered and adopted into clan Aždaja. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding puts The Little Mermaid to shame (chapter one has big Part of Your World vibes in all the best ways). I love Hele's blunt requests of "explain" every time she doesn't understand the context or application of what's going on around her. While she is often self conscious of her lack of understanding, she never lets it slow her down.
Vael--pining, just wants to hold his täht tight, but doesn't want to stop her from experiencing the world, Vael. Thinks he knows what's best for Hele, but isn't listening to what she's asking from him. Communication isn't exactly his strong suit, but once he realizes Hele waits for no dragon, he finally opens up to her and they clear up the big miscommunications that have been clouding things up between them.
The care and respect between Hele and Vael is beautiful. Abigail knocked it out of the park with the emotion and heart sewn through their story. How finding their love together will also help them find themselves as individuals. For Vael, finding out who he is outside his role in the Wing (Taevas personal security team); and for Hele, what her greater purpose in life can be as she grows and learns. I can't wait to see these two pop up in other stories as they continue on their journey together!
Hele is immediately welcomed into the 'Riik, fostered and adopted into clan Aždaja. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding puts The Little Mermaid to shame (chapter one has big Part of Your World vibes in all the best ways). I love Hele's blunt requests of "explain" every time she doesn't understand the context or application of what's going on around her. While she is often self conscious of her lack of understanding, she never lets it slow her down.
Vael--pining, just wants to hold his täht tight, but doesn't want to stop her from experiencing the world, Vael. Thinks he knows what's best for Hele, but isn't listening to what she's asking from him. Communication isn't exactly his strong suit, but once he realizes Hele waits for no dragon, he finally opens up to her and they clear up the big miscommunications that have been clouding things up between them.
The care and respect between Hele and Vael is beautiful. Abigail knocked it out of the park with the emotion and heart sewn through their story. How finding their love together will also help them find themselves as individuals. For Vael, finding out who he is outside his role in the Wing (Taevas personal security team); and for Hele, what her greater purpose in life can be as she grows and learns. I can't wait to see these two pop up in other stories as they continue on their journey together!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: War, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail