There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on November 1, 2015
I am literally gasping for breath. I picked this book up today hoping to enjoy a couple of hours of reading and my whole day is gone. I know mesmerizing is an overused word but this book made me completely lose track of time - the character development and plot ARE IMPECCABLE!!! I LOVE ALL THE CHARACTERS - super believable with aesthetics I am more than happy to imagine and the main heroine Vhalla (such an awesome name by the way) was frustratingly stubborn at first but as the story progresses, her growth is swift and admirable. ESPECIALLY AT THE END, what a cliff hanger!! The scenes too! I can't get over the imagery - the sneaking away, secret corridors, hidden motives, mysterious dreams, dialogue that got better and better as the narrative got in its groove, and what story of royalty is complete without a grand ball!? I also appreciate that there was no filler, the pacing was perfect - everything made sense and kept me madly turning pages. I also LOVE the super unexpected treatment of the two royal brothers...I've seen the whole Austen, seemingly dark and proud but actually super good archetype over and over again, as well at the wow, he's so handsome and nice and funny but actually EVIL thing over and over again too. Nova goes above and beyond these and surprises by weaving many, many more layers over these common stereotypes. *SEMI-SPOILER WARNING* The full reveal from Aldrich at the end was especially amazing, FINALLY, you get in that man's head! *END OF SPOILER* Last note, the many varieties of relationships and romantic tension was especially well written too. The backdrop of war heightens the dramatic tension of everything. Seriously, I'm on the edge of my seat for the next book, I almost screamed when I reached the last page on my Kindle!! I'm officially obsessed! Also, it might be petty of me to say...but I'm glad to finally read a book with a lovely main character with brown hair and brown eyes - it's not always plain people, a woman in a fantasy novel doesn't always have to have lavender colored eyes or fierce red hair or be as golden as the morning sun. The book is perfect; ticks all my boxes and then some! Also, I love that it's true fantasy - none of the taverns, wenches, and wine swilling which I find in way too many fantasy books these days. If I wanted something based in the middle ages of our world, I'd pick another genre!
I would like to note too...that I've read some of the critical reviews and most of them seem to misunderstood some of the plot points or simply didn't read the book in it's entirety so they missed out on Vhalla's evolution. It might help to remember this is YA fiction too so I imagine some of her character was written to be relatable to a teenager, so if that's in the distant past for you, you might not like it! However, the giddiness she feels, as well as her stubbornness paired with being uncertain, especially being the main focus of so many powerful people I could remember really well. I'm in my early twenties and so much of her inner experience I could remember from growing up. As well as the powerful scene at the end where she finally comes into her own.
P.S. Buy the physical copy of this book. It's gorgeous!! The art on the outside to the font and formatting on the inside - pure elegance and beauty! So proud to have this on my shelf.
I would like to note too...that I've read some of the critical reviews and most of them seem to misunderstood some of the plot points or simply didn't read the book in it's entirety so they missed out on Vhalla's evolution. It might help to remember this is YA fiction too so I imagine some of her character was written to be relatable to a teenager, so if that's in the distant past for you, you might not like it! However, the giddiness she feels, as well as her stubbornness paired with being uncertain, especially being the main focus of so many powerful people I could remember really well. I'm in my early twenties and so much of her inner experience I could remember from growing up. As well as the powerful scene at the end where she finally comes into her own.
P.S. Buy the physical copy of this book. It's gorgeous!! The art on the outside to the font and formatting on the inside - pure elegance and beauty! So proud to have this on my shelf.
on October 30, 2015
I actually did not want to go past 50% of Air Awakens because I didn't want to experience the pain of waiting for the next book, Fire Falling, which is stupid of me because I forgot I received Fire Falling early.
So, I read Air Awakens from the start again; I was too busy reading, gushing, squealing and flailing that I didn't notice it was way past my bedtime and it was getting creepier every minute-- dogs howling, birds chirping (at this hour?) and footsteps (no one was outside), but I could not put this book down! Every word was important that if I did not finish one chapter after another, I would get crazy thinking about what will happen.
Heck, I am even getting crazy how will I write a review with my incoherent feelings and words.
Do you think I care about that? No, brain.
Then start talking about the precious. Okay...
I suppose I thought it would be easy to talk about a book you loved because if you loved it so much, words would just keep flowing as you already know what you will say and you could talk about it for hours with your eyes glowing from all the happiness you felt and never get bored speaking of your adventures in even the littlest of things.
But I don't know where to start.
But I do know what I felt.
I'm very picky with fantasy books; it's like all or nothing with me. The reason would be is that fantasy has always been my narnia, my home and my escape. That said, I'm always in search for fantasies with high expectations. You know those types of books that deserve a whole box (because I don't have a shelf) just for that author and his/her books? Yeah, those. This book, Air Awakens, deserves it.
I discovered Air Awakens through Michelle Madow and for that I am grateful! I wouldn't have know this masterpiece if not for her.
Vhalla is a great protagonist; proved that herself as the story progresses. I liked it when they told her what she was, she didn't immediately jump on the bandwagon like in most books. She was a young woman who's afraid and confused, but when there are times that she needed to be brave, she'll do it nonetheless. I loved that. That said, Vhalla's interactions, actions and feelings were realistic and believable. I mean, I would have reacted the same way too, you know. And bonus points for being a library apprentice and for reading books!
I was both intrigued and attracted to Aldrik since their exchanges even though I haven't seen him yet, there was this some sort of pull to his writing that really made me like him and frustrated at the same time. And at their first meeting, I admit he was arrogant, mean and bad and hot, but then what came into my mind was that my love for Aldrik would be like the Darkling -- I don't care what he does. I'd still offer myself my heart to him.
To the other characters, they are unique; they all have some traits in them that make you love them. Larel, Fritz and Prince Baldair... *sighs dreamily* It's also awesome to read that you don't have to recite a spell when they use their magic. I was worried for them! What if they recited the spell wrong and it backfires?
All in all, I loved it that I finished reading Air Awakens at 4:03 am. I loved that I woke up high from reading that I didn't mind my brother scolding me for taking up most of the space on his bed that morning. I loved that I loved and enjoy Air Awakens that I don't even care if Elise Kova takes all of my stars. I'll even shower those stars at her. And. I. Meant. Every. Word.
You should totally read Air Awakens. Seriously. Read it. I'm even trying to get my dog to read it.
So, I read Air Awakens from the start again; I was too busy reading, gushing, squealing and flailing that I didn't notice it was way past my bedtime and it was getting creepier every minute-- dogs howling, birds chirping (at this hour?) and footsteps (no one was outside), but I could not put this book down! Every word was important that if I did not finish one chapter after another, I would get crazy thinking about what will happen.
Heck, I am even getting crazy how will I write a review with my incoherent feelings and words.
Do you think I care about that? No, brain.
Then start talking about the precious. Okay...
I suppose I thought it would be easy to talk about a book you loved because if you loved it so much, words would just keep flowing as you already know what you will say and you could talk about it for hours with your eyes glowing from all the happiness you felt and never get bored speaking of your adventures in even the littlest of things.
But I don't know where to start.
But I do know what I felt.
I'm very picky with fantasy books; it's like all or nothing with me. The reason would be is that fantasy has always been my narnia, my home and my escape. That said, I'm always in search for fantasies with high expectations. You know those types of books that deserve a whole box (because I don't have a shelf) just for that author and his/her books? Yeah, those. This book, Air Awakens, deserves it.
I discovered Air Awakens through Michelle Madow and for that I am grateful! I wouldn't have know this masterpiece if not for her.
Vhalla is a great protagonist; proved that herself as the story progresses. I liked it when they told her what she was, she didn't immediately jump on the bandwagon like in most books. She was a young woman who's afraid and confused, but when there are times that she needed to be brave, she'll do it nonetheless. I loved that. That said, Vhalla's interactions, actions and feelings were realistic and believable. I mean, I would have reacted the same way too, you know. And bonus points for being a library apprentice and for reading books!
I was both intrigued and attracted to Aldrik since their exchanges even though I haven't seen him yet, there was this some sort of pull to his writing that really made me like him and frustrated at the same time. And at their first meeting, I admit he was arrogant, mean and bad and hot, but then what came into my mind was that my love for Aldrik would be like the Darkling -- I don't care what he does. I'd still offer myself my heart to him.
To the other characters, they are unique; they all have some traits in them that make you love them. Larel, Fritz and Prince Baldair... *sighs dreamily* It's also awesome to read that you don't have to recite a spell when they use their magic. I was worried for them! What if they recited the spell wrong and it backfires?
All in all, I loved it that I finished reading Air Awakens at 4:03 am. I loved that I woke up high from reading that I didn't mind my brother scolding me for taking up most of the space on his bed that morning. I loved that I loved and enjoy Air Awakens that I don't even care if Elise Kova takes all of my stars. I'll even shower those stars at her. And. I. Meant. Every. Word.
You should totally read Air Awakens. Seriously. Read it. I'm even trying to get my dog to read it.
on June 5, 2017
10/10 would read again. absolutely loved it. the dynamic Aldrik and Vhalla have reminds me of Logan and Rory from Gilmore Girls and it makes me very happy.
The way that Elise describes not only the settings but the actual magic, its positively, well, magical. You can really feel the emotions that Vhalla, Aldrick, Roan, Sareem and Baldair all feel.
Also, i love how Vhalla's guards at one point were named Daniel & Craig, officially her guards were James Bond and you can not convince me otherwise.
The way that Elise describes not only the settings but the actual magic, its positively, well, magical. You can really feel the emotions that Vhalla, Aldrick, Roan, Sareem and Baldair all feel.
Also, i love how Vhalla's guards at one point were named Daniel & Craig, officially her guards were James Bond and you can not convince me otherwise.
on September 8, 2015
Great first book for a series, looking forward to the next book already.
Well written with good world building and complex characters. Some logic flaws such as the heroine being beaten by guards with armor only to have her walking around the next day. Probably would have been a good idea to have inbuilt magic healing or something to make it more believable.
Hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys and it might take another book to clear this up. It seems like the whole royal family is supporting an unjust war and aren't too interested in how many people are killed or injured so hard to like these secondary characters. Looking forward to seeing some of the other magic types mentioned in this book emerging in future books as this one just wets your appetite for more.
Anyone who likes fantasy/adventure books should enjoy this one.
Well written with good world building and complex characters. Some logic flaws such as the heroine being beaten by guards with armor only to have her walking around the next day. Probably would have been a good idea to have inbuilt magic healing or something to make it more believable.
Hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys and it might take another book to clear this up. It seems like the whole royal family is supporting an unjust war and aren't too interested in how many people are killed or injured so hard to like these secondary characters. Looking forward to seeing some of the other magic types mentioned in this book emerging in future books as this one just wets your appetite for more.
Anyone who likes fantasy/adventure books should enjoy this one.
on September 2, 2015
Elise Kova's debut novel is jam-packed with magic, action, and strong characters. Air Awakens is a whirlwind, in more ways than one.
The Writing is Beautiful
The author's descriptions are full without being overwhelming and she sets a fast pace without causing the story to go by in a blur. There was no point in the book where I felt that things were over explained or under explored. That said, there were some syntactical errors here or there, especially in the first half of the book, which were clearly a result of editing a sentence halfway. Some might find this distracting, but this story is absolutely worth moving past those tiny bumps in the road. Kova clearly has put so much love into this story, so much so that readers simply can't help but share the feeling.
A Cinderella-esque Fantasy-Romance featuring Elemental Magic.
For fans of The Last Airbender, the elemental magic which this story features will be familiar. Kova presents some ways these powers manifest that are new, but mostly what keeps this genre from being cliché is how fully Kova commits to and explores the elemental magic of this world. Kova creates a world of elemental magic with such a rich, dark, and deep history that she makes the fantastic feel wholly true.
The story also features a romance between a commoner and a member of the royal family. Personally, I'm not super into stories which glorify royalty, but have had to learn to endure this in order to preserve my love of fantasy. That said, like the elemental magic, I felt that rather than the romantic premise of the prince and the pauper becoming cliché, the characters are so compelling and the story so beautifully written that I couldn't help but be drawn in. When an author commits as much as Kova has, you just can't help but dive in head first too. The story also reveals a very dark and twisted side to the empire. Like the characters, the political system is intricate and deeply flawed, and neither Kova nor Vhalla shy away from exploring and addressing that.
YA or adult fantasy fiction?
This is a book that seems to have feet planted on both sides of the boundary, so is probably best suited for readers age 15 and up. In some ways, it is a coming of age story, a story about the main character Vhalla (who turns 18 during the first book) having to make adult choices about what she wants to do with her life and her potential. Anyone from any age can empathize with that feeling, but it is the fact that Vhalla is making such high stakes and difficult choices for the first time in her life which causes this story to feel particularly suitable for mid to late teens. At the same time, Air Awakens does include graphic violence, including violence against the heroine. It also features a romance with a great deal of chemistry, and the author has been pretty open about the fact that she sees writing about sex to be a completely natural thing to do. So while there is nothing explicitly sexual about this book, it's very likely that we will see Vhalla explore intimacy and sexuality in future books in the series.
While the story is certainly a romance and centers around the two characters who build that romance, friendship is also a huge theme of the story. Vhalla is powerful, smart, and independent in many ways, but she is also humble and aware of her reliance on so many people. Additionally, she is in a bit of a bind: she as a person is very likeable and easy to befriend, but her new-found power is societally hated and feared. Friendships become absolutely essential to her emotional and physical survival, as well as her development as a character.
To sum it up: I love Air Awakens! Now go read this book already!
~~~
Full disclosure: I am "musicboxmetaphor" in the dedication, so I do have a personal attachment to this story, having read an early version of it. This also means that I have some knowledge into what is to come in this series, and can therefore guarantee that it only gets better and better. Seriously, you're going to want to stick around for this series.
The Writing is Beautiful
The author's descriptions are full without being overwhelming and she sets a fast pace without causing the story to go by in a blur. There was no point in the book where I felt that things were over explained or under explored. That said, there were some syntactical errors here or there, especially in the first half of the book, which were clearly a result of editing a sentence halfway. Some might find this distracting, but this story is absolutely worth moving past those tiny bumps in the road. Kova clearly has put so much love into this story, so much so that readers simply can't help but share the feeling.
A Cinderella-esque Fantasy-Romance featuring Elemental Magic.
For fans of The Last Airbender, the elemental magic which this story features will be familiar. Kova presents some ways these powers manifest that are new, but mostly what keeps this genre from being cliché is how fully Kova commits to and explores the elemental magic of this world. Kova creates a world of elemental magic with such a rich, dark, and deep history that she makes the fantastic feel wholly true.
The story also features a romance between a commoner and a member of the royal family. Personally, I'm not super into stories which glorify royalty, but have had to learn to endure this in order to preserve my love of fantasy. That said, like the elemental magic, I felt that rather than the romantic premise of the prince and the pauper becoming cliché, the characters are so compelling and the story so beautifully written that I couldn't help but be drawn in. When an author commits as much as Kova has, you just can't help but dive in head first too. The story also reveals a very dark and twisted side to the empire. Like the characters, the political system is intricate and deeply flawed, and neither Kova nor Vhalla shy away from exploring and addressing that.
YA or adult fantasy fiction?
This is a book that seems to have feet planted on both sides of the boundary, so is probably best suited for readers age 15 and up. In some ways, it is a coming of age story, a story about the main character Vhalla (who turns 18 during the first book) having to make adult choices about what she wants to do with her life and her potential. Anyone from any age can empathize with that feeling, but it is the fact that Vhalla is making such high stakes and difficult choices for the first time in her life which causes this story to feel particularly suitable for mid to late teens. At the same time, Air Awakens does include graphic violence, including violence against the heroine. It also features a romance with a great deal of chemistry, and the author has been pretty open about the fact that she sees writing about sex to be a completely natural thing to do. So while there is nothing explicitly sexual about this book, it's very likely that we will see Vhalla explore intimacy and sexuality in future books in the series.
While the story is certainly a romance and centers around the two characters who build that romance, friendship is also a huge theme of the story. Vhalla is powerful, smart, and independent in many ways, but she is also humble and aware of her reliance on so many people. Additionally, she is in a bit of a bind: she as a person is very likeable and easy to befriend, but her new-found power is societally hated and feared. Friendships become absolutely essential to her emotional and physical survival, as well as her development as a character.
To sum it up: I love Air Awakens! Now go read this book already!
~~~
Full disclosure: I am "musicboxmetaphor" in the dedication, so I do have a personal attachment to this story, having read an early version of it. This also means that I have some knowledge into what is to come in this series, and can therefore guarantee that it only gets better and better. Seriously, you're going to want to stick around for this series.
on November 8, 2016
I had seen this book on so many blogs I follow, and most/all of them raved about it. As a fantasy-fan, I couldn’t just let that pass. I had to read it too! Overall, I’m glad I followed my gut and went along with the great reviews. I really did like it -but I wasn’t as in love with it as others perhaps were.
WORLD
Obviously, I can’t write about the magic and world of this book without mentioning Avatar. Like Avatar, the magic in this world is centered around the elements: air, water, fire and earth. I think every elemental book, TV show or movie will forever be compared to Avatar. Sorry, people. I won’t tell you too much, but suffice it to say that the similarities extend quite far. For those who’ve read it, do you agree with me? I so badly want to explain what I mean, but I can’t without spoiling anything.
I do wish I knew more about the history of the world. I’m guessing that will be explored more in the following books? To be honest, it’s been only about a month since I read this book -maybe a tad more- but I already don’t remember too much about the world. I remember the magic, the court, the city, the library, the gardens of where the bulk of the story plays out. But not much more than that.
PLOT
I’m happy to say I quite enjoyed the journey this book took me on. I do think it took quite a bit of time for Vhalla to embrace herself -all the aspects of herself- fully. But while reading, I never felt like a lot of time had passed (in real life). I hope you know what I mean, but sometimes while I read I think: “it feels like I have been reading for a long time, yet I’m not that much further in the story”. Have you ever had that? Anyway, that didn’t happen here. I found myself reading huge chunks of this one per sitting. I was definitely captivated and interested in the story line.
Politics were also very prominent in this book. That’s (almost) always a positive for me, because I love reading books with scheming characters, intricate plots and backstabbing. I’m always trying to figure out who to trust, who’s just putting on a nice face and so on. It always manages to captivate me.
CHARACTERS
From the beginning, I quite like Vhalla. At first, because she loves books and works in the library. Also because she asks questions, and values being smart. But I have to admit that at times I thought it took her a long time to take action, or to make up her mind. Yet overall, I thought she was a strong and interesting woman, and I’m definitely interested in reading more of her story.
Of course she’s not the only character. I was also interested in both the princes. Mostly because like I said before, I love trying to figure out who is actually a good guy on the inside, and not only projecting to be one.
Did I think the characters were perfect? Of course not. But flawed characters are the best -and most realistic- in my opinion. Did it take me a while to really feel the romance? Yes. Because people should not throw others from buildings. That’s just my opinion.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I’ll definitely continue the series. If you’re interested in this series -even in the slightest- I’d urge you to give it a go. The Kindle copies really aren’t expensive AT ALL.
WORLD
Obviously, I can’t write about the magic and world of this book without mentioning Avatar. Like Avatar, the magic in this world is centered around the elements: air, water, fire and earth. I think every elemental book, TV show or movie will forever be compared to Avatar. Sorry, people. I won’t tell you too much, but suffice it to say that the similarities extend quite far. For those who’ve read it, do you agree with me? I so badly want to explain what I mean, but I can’t without spoiling anything.
I do wish I knew more about the history of the world. I’m guessing that will be explored more in the following books? To be honest, it’s been only about a month since I read this book -maybe a tad more- but I already don’t remember too much about the world. I remember the magic, the court, the city, the library, the gardens of where the bulk of the story plays out. But not much more than that.
PLOT
I’m happy to say I quite enjoyed the journey this book took me on. I do think it took quite a bit of time for Vhalla to embrace herself -all the aspects of herself- fully. But while reading, I never felt like a lot of time had passed (in real life). I hope you know what I mean, but sometimes while I read I think: “it feels like I have been reading for a long time, yet I’m not that much further in the story”. Have you ever had that? Anyway, that didn’t happen here. I found myself reading huge chunks of this one per sitting. I was definitely captivated and interested in the story line.
Politics were also very prominent in this book. That’s (almost) always a positive for me, because I love reading books with scheming characters, intricate plots and backstabbing. I’m always trying to figure out who to trust, who’s just putting on a nice face and so on. It always manages to captivate me.
CHARACTERS
From the beginning, I quite like Vhalla. At first, because she loves books and works in the library. Also because she asks questions, and values being smart. But I have to admit that at times I thought it took her a long time to take action, or to make up her mind. Yet overall, I thought she was a strong and interesting woman, and I’m definitely interested in reading more of her story.
Of course she’s not the only character. I was also interested in both the princes. Mostly because like I said before, I love trying to figure out who is actually a good guy on the inside, and not only projecting to be one.
Did I think the characters were perfect? Of course not. But flawed characters are the best -and most realistic- in my opinion. Did it take me a while to really feel the romance? Yes. Because people should not throw others from buildings. That’s just my opinion.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I’ll definitely continue the series. If you’re interested in this series -even in the slightest- I’d urge you to give it a go. The Kindle copies really aren’t expensive AT ALL.
Throne of Glass series, meets Lord of the Rings and the Last Air Bender – I promise it will surely be interesting.
on January 7, 2017
A LIBRARY APPRENTICE, A SORCERER PRINCE, AND AN UNBREAKABLE MAGIC BOND…
I seriously cannot believe I just stumbled upon this book recently but good news for me is that this series is already complete, which is a good thing because I’ve heard about the author’s penchant for cliffhangers. I cannot wait to devour the rest of the books.
Vhalla. Our heroine, the little library apprentice who gets lost in her books. She was a pretty good main character – knows herself and absorbs knowledge from the books she reads pretty fast. She is strong and resilient and has this mysterious power nobody still understands fully. I don’t have anything I disliked about her and I hope it stays that way for the rest of the series.
Aldrik. Our hero, the sorcerer prince everybody fears and talks bad things about. He is the perfect prince for the little librarian, if you ask me. I get all worried about new men and women going into the story there as I fear for love triangles – because I really hate those. Hopefully, they are avoided in the rest of the books. He was broody, mysterious, and powerful but had this soft spot for our heroine alone which is a very big plus in my book.
Magic. Fantasy. Romance. Join our heroine as she finds out more about her power with the brooding prince at her side. Their quick and witty banters will be entertaining, the chemistry electric, and a strong bond with a lot of possibilities. A series that will surely knock the wind out of you. Throne of Glass series, meets Lord of the Rings and the Last Air Bender – I promise it will surely be interesting.
5 windy stars
I seriously cannot believe I just stumbled upon this book recently but good news for me is that this series is already complete, which is a good thing because I’ve heard about the author’s penchant for cliffhangers. I cannot wait to devour the rest of the books.
Vhalla. Our heroine, the little library apprentice who gets lost in her books. She was a pretty good main character – knows herself and absorbs knowledge from the books she reads pretty fast. She is strong and resilient and has this mysterious power nobody still understands fully. I don’t have anything I disliked about her and I hope it stays that way for the rest of the series.
Aldrik. Our hero, the sorcerer prince everybody fears and talks bad things about. He is the perfect prince for the little librarian, if you ask me. I get all worried about new men and women going into the story there as I fear for love triangles – because I really hate those. Hopefully, they are avoided in the rest of the books. He was broody, mysterious, and powerful but had this soft spot for our heroine alone which is a very big plus in my book.
Magic. Fantasy. Romance. Join our heroine as she finds out more about her power with the brooding prince at her side. Their quick and witty banters will be entertaining, the chemistry electric, and a strong bond with a lot of possibilities. A series that will surely knock the wind out of you. Throne of Glass series, meets Lord of the Rings and the Last Air Bender – I promise it will surely be interesting.
5 windy stars
on March 7, 2016
I literally could not put this book down. Elise has created a world that is mesmerizing in its complexity and mystery.
Each of the characters is flawed and human, which makes them relate-able and intriguing.
If you are a fan of Jodi Meadows, Sarah Maas, and Rachel Carter you will thoroughly enjoy the Air Awakens Series.
Vhal starts out naive and ignorant but manages to navigate the uncharted and prejudiced world of sorcery. Her love of knowledge and learning is a great mold for young readers to follow.
Aldrick is dark and mysterious. Despite his self-centered and selfish mistakes he is still vulnerable and endearing. Seeing his character grow and change into something new is one of my favorite parts of the book.
I for one love realistic romance issues, and Air Awakens is full of ups and downs without making you hate any characters - which is very hard to do.
Overall loved and am excited to see what happens to my beloved characters.
Each of the characters is flawed and human, which makes them relate-able and intriguing.
If you are a fan of Jodi Meadows, Sarah Maas, and Rachel Carter you will thoroughly enjoy the Air Awakens Series.
Vhal starts out naive and ignorant but manages to navigate the uncharted and prejudiced world of sorcery. Her love of knowledge and learning is a great mold for young readers to follow.
Aldrick is dark and mysterious. Despite his self-centered and selfish mistakes he is still vulnerable and endearing. Seeing his character grow and change into something new is one of my favorite parts of the book.
I for one love realistic romance issues, and Air Awakens is full of ups and downs without making you hate any characters - which is very hard to do.
Overall loved and am excited to see what happens to my beloved characters.
on September 18, 2016
I bought this book because it was constantly on my Amazon recommendations, and let’s be honest – the cover art is incredible. I also saw that there was a multitude of glowing reviews. I really wanted to love it, especially when I found out that the book was self-published and have become seriously successful. But unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into it.
Let’s get down to the reasons why not…
First of all, the start was pretty slow and nothing is explained about the general hatred for sorcery that the protagonist Vhalla has, and this hatred extends to the rest of the population. A little more backstory would’ve been useful. So not a great start, but I think I could’ve moved past this particular point if the rest of the book was awesome, but no – Vhalla’s behavior is constantly incomprehensible. Sure she finds herself in a difficult position, but the way she reacts is strange to say the least.
So how about the rest of the characters? Well things didn’t pick up from there. I know I should love Prince Aldrik – he is after all the typical tall, dark and handsome character who at the start seems to work against our heroine, but is actually a great guy looking out for her – at least I think this was what the author was going for. Unfortunately it just didn’t come across like that for me – instead he seemed manipulative and everything he does seemed to serve his own purposes, ultimately using Vhalla as a pawn. So that rather spoilt the love story for me.
The writing seemed pretty simplistic to me, and it could’ve done with another round of editing – but I don’t want to be overly harsh here because I know that it costs significant amounts of money to have a manuscript edited.
Things did pick up towards the end, but not enough for me to want to read the rest of the series.
Let’s get down to the reasons why not…
First of all, the start was pretty slow and nothing is explained about the general hatred for sorcery that the protagonist Vhalla has, and this hatred extends to the rest of the population. A little more backstory would’ve been useful. So not a great start, but I think I could’ve moved past this particular point if the rest of the book was awesome, but no – Vhalla’s behavior is constantly incomprehensible. Sure she finds herself in a difficult position, but the way she reacts is strange to say the least.
So how about the rest of the characters? Well things didn’t pick up from there. I know I should love Prince Aldrik – he is after all the typical tall, dark and handsome character who at the start seems to work against our heroine, but is actually a great guy looking out for her – at least I think this was what the author was going for. Unfortunately it just didn’t come across like that for me – instead he seemed manipulative and everything he does seemed to serve his own purposes, ultimately using Vhalla as a pawn. So that rather spoilt the love story for me.
The writing seemed pretty simplistic to me, and it could’ve done with another round of editing – but I don’t want to be overly harsh here because I know that it costs significant amounts of money to have a manuscript edited.
Things did pick up towards the end, but not enough for me to want to read the rest of the series.
