A review by momwithareadingproblem
Water Storm by Kay L. Moody

4.0

I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Talise and her friends are entering the lowest circle of the empire in Kay L. Moody's latest release Water Storm, the 9th installment in The Elements of Kamdaria. This serial series is addictive! I love the bite sized novellas. Each one tells a story of its own while expanding the series arc. Please note that while I do my best to avoid spoilers, there may be spoilers to previous installments in this review. In Water Storm, Talise must learn to trust her own judgment after a devastating betrayal and loss at the Ember Gate.

Talise is once again unsure of herself after someone close to her betrayed her in the worst possible way. Confused and angry, she tries to push it out of her mind and instead focus on their immediate problem: the Storm. To escape Kessouku, Talise leads her friends into the Storm. What was once her childhood home, Talise now sees the Storm for what it truly is: a prison. Determined to make a difference while they are there, Talise enlists her friends’ help in finding a way to keep the citizens fed through the harsh winter ahead.

Aaden is back and full force. I missed him! He is such an integral character to the story and Talise. His quiet confidence is shaken slightly by Talise’s cold reception, but that doesn’t stop his own feelings. It was easy for me to forgive him, Talise not so much. They have a ways to go yet.

This installment focuses on what I believe to be the endgame for the series. New information makes it to Talise, and it rocks her to the core. Now she and her friends must decide who they can trust and a shaky alliance is formed. Water Storm is everything I’ve come to expect from the series: high stakes action, a touch of romance, and a dash of adventure. If you enjoy serial series or YA fantasy, I highly recommend it.