Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Air Awakens
Air Awakens: Book One
Written by Elise Kova
Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic
Published August 27th 2015 by Silver Wing Press
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★★★★
A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

Vhalla is a young apprentice of the library. She leads an ordinary life until one night, the Crown Prince Aldrik returns to the capital near death. It is her research that saves the dark prince. Unbeknownst the her, the notes she wrote that night have faint traces of magic that leads Aldrik to her. Vhalla's world is turned upside down when she is told that she is the very thing that she has been raised to fear - a sorcerer.

Now, Vhalla has the decision of a lifetime to make and only a short time to do so. She must choose whether or not to accept the rare gift bestowed upon her or to eliminate that part of herself for good. Along the way she will learn the beginnings of magic, but with every deal there are stipulations. Vhalla's path is one filled with danger and intrigue from forces unknown to her.

Kynndra's Thoughts

GUYS. GUYS. I don't know what is with me but I am craving YA fantasy like a madwoman. Seriously, before this year I was lucky if I ever looked at a fantasy book, let alone read one. But whoof, these past few months it's all I want to read. Air Awakens fits just right in that category. AND LET ME TELL YOU WAS IT FUCKING AWESOME. Okay, usually I hate swearing in reviews because I know authors sometime read them, but to hell with it because I feel so pumped about this series - this book.

I've seen this book floating about here and there, but I didn't heed much attention to it until Tika over at Fangirl Confessions recomended it to me. She was so, so right about it being amazing. In the beginning I felt unsure, and I lowkey sighed because I thought I was wasting my time with it. But give or take 30-40 pages I couldn't stop reading. I have the dark circles to prove it (ha! they're permanent because who needs sleep when there are BOOKS AND HOT PRINCES).

FANGIRLING PREVAILED HARDCORE. Okay let me be the first to say that I need a good romance/ship in my fantasy books. I am a sucker for romance because I'm a lonely little dweeb and I like to imagine that men like Prince Aldrik actually exist. But more importantly, I need a romance with actual chemistry. Vhalla and Aldrik clashed at first, honestly I thought Aldrik was an absolute prick in the beginning but GIVE HIM TIME PEOPLE. I adored these two, more than I ever thought I would. FUCKING PERFECTION ALRIGHT. I wish I could elaborate further but I'll let you guys experience it when you read it.

Whenever any male besides Aldrik tried to touch Vhalla my internal mama bear did a whole lotta this:

Before I forget, can we give Merilliza a round of applause for her eyegasmic cover art? BEAUTIFUL.

Onwards and upwards. Elise Kova did a phenomenal job in making the story full - yet fast paced. While I would usually say that some of the events happened much too fast, they didn't - it just worked so well here. Plus, I would sooner have a fast paced story than one that is painfully slow. Me and slow books just don't work (for the most part). Kova's writing was also one of my favorite parts of Air Awakens; it proved to be sharp, witty and held my attention the entire way through. She's also not afraid of taking risks which I loved. This woman is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Usually in fantasy books you get this bodacious, beautiful and kick-ass female right off the bat - which I don't really like. I mean in some cases it's okay. But I found myself relating to Vhalla far more than most other female characters I have come across. First of all, she LOVES books. Totally adores them, which obviously is something many of us can relate to. But my real favorite part was that she starts out small and unsure of herself. She's a nobody, she isn't a special snowflake, she's just a servant living her normal life. And even when she became powerful, she didn't lose who she was before. That in it's own right makes her one of the most kickass YA characters in my opinion. I just love her because I see a bit of me there, which truth be told - hasn't happened until her.

The plot and the world were also interesting key factors of Air Awakens. I loved learning about the different factions of sorcerers (there's a name for them but it escapes me at the moment). They kind of reminded me of the element benders on the anime called Avatar: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water which is really wicked. I really look forward to reading more on what the sorcerers can do. UGH THE CLIFFHANGER AT THE END WILL KILL ME SO I MUST GO BEGIN BOOK TWO NOW.

In Conclusion

Air Awakens is a small time fantasy novel that has a whole lot to offer. While it's not perfect and has some flaws, it has been one of my favorite reads this year. I believe that this series will have a huge following soon enough once words gets out on how exemplary it is in all aspects: cover, characters, writing and plot. Elise Kova has created a whole new world for fans of magic and fantasy. Plus she writes incredibly quick so there's not a tremendously long wait for sequels. I cannot wait to continue Vhalla's epic journey in book two, Fire Falling.

Kynndra is currently reading Fire Falling by Elise Kova, slowly reading A Clash of Kings, and dreaming of Prince Aldrick.


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24 comments

  1. Ooh, this reminds me a little of a mixture of Throne of Glass and Ink and Bone, but with so much awesome. Vhalla sounds like a brilliant heroine, I'm so over these beings of perfection too. I need someone real to champion and I haven't found that since reading Moira Young's Blood Red Road really. I clearly need this book in my life Kynndra. Incredible review!

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    1. It certainly is! Except I wasn't a huge fan of Ink and Bone, but I can definitely see what you mean there, Kells. Vhalla is more than brilliant, mostly because she's so real - she is far from being perfect and that's where I like her being. It gives the little people a little push, you know? You need to read this when you get some time, Kelly ^^

      I still need to read Blood Red Road >> Thank you!

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  2. See Kynn, I will never lead you astray haha! I'm so, so happy you loved it, and I'm even more happy we get to fangirl in our twitter DM lol. I agree with everything you said of course, Vhalla was a perfect example of want a character just coming into her own should be, and DON'T get me started on Aldrik. UGH, he's so freaking perfect! How are you liking Fire Falling? It's even better than Air Awakens, which really surprised me. Oh and you must give me updates, I want to see your reactions as you witness this rollercoaster of a damn plot lol.

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    1. Tika! No, I trust that you will never lead me astray :p I'm so, so happy that you recommended me this beauty. YAAAS I haven't been able to read much of Fire Falling yet, but when I do I will DM you all my fangirling moments. Aldrik is bae, okay? HE is PERFECTION. Thanks for the comment, bub <3

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  3. I keep seeing this book everywhere and I NEED IT. I AM DESPERATE. I WILL BREAK MY BUYING BAN FOR IT. YA fantasy is my favourite genre and you have convinced me to break my buying ban and dive into this ASAP

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    1. I did too, Bec and I was like WHAT THE HELL IS THIS BOOK PEOPLE? and eventually my slow ass got a copy and now I understand where all the hype and love comes from. BREAK THE BUYING BAN. IT'S WORTH IT, I SWEAR. Tbh I think that YA Fantasy is becoming one of my favorite genres so I'll have to come see you for recs.

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  4. Wow, this does sound fantastic!! I also really adore the cover. I don't read much fantasy, but it sounds like you've been really getting into the genre. I do like diving into different types of books here and there.

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    1. IT'S DEFINITELY FANTASTIC, MAG. The cover art is beyond exquisite and it's original commissioned art! The artist does a great job on all covers ^^ I've fallen into this genre and I can't get out of it lmao. It's worth a try, it really is. You might just love it :D

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  5. Haha, I was totally confused for a second after reading your review and then seeing Kelly had left a comment...on her own review. Then I remembered she has a co-blogger ;) Anyways, I'm not one for fantasy but this sound great. The cover is pretty, too! I like that the MC doesn't start out badass and fiery because most people aren't like that off the bat. It takes time for them to grow and spread their wings and even then, we aren't all badasses. Lovely review, Kynndra!

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    1. Haha! Nope, it's Kynndra. But it's okay, you're not the only one that forgets Rebecca. It'll be hard to break that after three years of Kelly blogging solo, but I'm a patient little creature. I wasn't into fantasy for the longest time either, but even those who aren't into that genre could enjoy it since it's not heavy fantasy. It's casual. I agree, not everyone one of us is a badass, but that's alright! Thank you, Rebecca ^^

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  6. I want to read this SO BAD! I already have it as e-book, but I've been really busy. Magic? Swoon worthy prince? I'M IN! I'm ready to have a new ship! And that wolf gif is so fierce wow=D Amazing review!

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    1. Oooh when you find yourself less busy, Tasya, then you should pick up your ereader and just dive in. THE SHIP IS SAILED AND I WILL GO DOWN WITH IT. I looooove Aldrik and Vhalla, so much real chemistry. Thank you, Tas!

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  7. I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this one as well. I'm with you, it was tough to get into, but once I was in the story, I was loving. The characters were awesome and YES to the ship! It's everything I want and more from YA fantasy. I haven't read book 2 yet, but I'm hoping to before the end of the year.
    Glad you enjoyed this one! :)
    Lovely review!

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    1. So was I Nick, I had so many doubts at first. But I'm happy I stuck with it. I would have missed out if I didn't continue. The characters were phenomenal. SHIP IT TO THE MOON AND BACK. I'm reading the second but I haven't had time to delve to far in yet.

      Thanks, Nick <3

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  8. I haven't read this one yet, but I can certainly see why it's been getting so much love. I love the cover, but unfortunately, it's not my typical go-to genre. I hope the series will get even better from here!

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    1. The cover is simply divine. I can't get over how pretty they all are. I think if you ever feel like a good YA fantasy, you should try it Joy c: I have no doubt the sequels will be better.

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  9. I like the sound of the development in Vhalla. I like it when they start out a bit like you and me. A bit of a nobody that isn't too special, but then they start to play a bigger role and they still manage to stay true to their nature. Plus, the world-building sounds amazing and I'm a sucker for anything with fantasy, I'm all up for this one!

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    1. The development with Vhalla was one of my favorite bits, Mel. I agree, I love when they start off their journey as the little people. The world building is really fun, but I look forward to learning more about it in the upcoming novels. Can't wait till you read it! c:

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  10. Okay so this book has been on my Kindle for the LONGEST time, but I really need to finish it before the end of this year! I love fantasies, and the author is also super nice. Aren't the covers of the series just GORGEOUS? They're what drew me in in the first place haha.
    Gahh @ the cliffhanger though! Even still, this sounds awesome!

    - Aila @ Happy Indulgence

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    1. You really must try to finish it, Aila - it is WONDERFUL in every way imaginable. The author is beyond nice - I adore her. Very gracious and kind to her fans. THE COVERS ARE THE CHERRY ON THE CAKE OKAY, the artist is brilliant at what she does. I wish I had half those skills. I hope to see your thoughts on it in the future ^^

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  11. Awww I kind of love how Vhalla is a book lover and she starts off a lot humbler than a lot of heroines! That is so wonderful, I've seen this around but haven't really heard an indepth review on it until now! thanks for the lovely review Kynndra!

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    1. Vhalla is a book lover indeed. She was fantastic, Jeann. I have a feeling you would absolutely adore her. I hope I've encouraged you to read it because it is so good! Thank you, Jeann ^^

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  12. I've not heard of this book before, but I might have to check it out for when I'm on my next fantasy kick, it sounds a bit awesome!

    Great review Kynndra, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on it :)

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    1. I genuinely hope you do pick it up! I think it'll be the perfect thing when you're craving a bit of fantasy c:

      Thanks so much!

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