Air Awakens (Air Awakens #1) by Elise Kova

Air Awakens

Author: Elise Kova
Series: Air Awakens #1
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Publication Date: 
Rating: 5/5 stars 

Summary:
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.

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was hands down my favourite fantasy book I have read so far this year -- even topping Siren's Fury which I didn't think could happen. The characters, the world building, the plot, all of it was so beautifully written and woven into each other I just enjoyed myself so much reading it.

I loved that this mixed so many aspects of fantasy together to create the world. The premise felt a little like Avatar: The Last Air Bender to me but I loved that show so I obviously had no difficulty with that. I thought the pacing of the book was really good, it started off very quickly and while Vhalla tried to slow down the inevitable of being a sorcerer, her magic kept blossoming and growing. I liked the idea that magic was seen as something to fear rather than something that everyone celebrated. 

Characters
Vhalla was such an interesting character and was written absolutely perfectly. I liked that she was vulnerable and afraid, but also brave and willing to do whatever it took to be herself. I have so many saved quotes on my Kindle copy of Vhalla being a badass. I think sometimes people equate badass with punching and kicking, but it was the quiet moments of Vhalla realizing she was meant to be something great, even if it was only for one person, that I fell in love with her.

"'You have to earn it.' Vhalla didn't know what else to say. She had trusted him, to lead her, to teach her, and he broke that trust. It wasn't as though it was something she could simply start again on command."

Prince Aldrik was both interesting and infuriating. I thought he was complex and clearly had some emotional issues that I think he could eventually work out. I think both Larel and Vhalla will be able to help him with that, but I think he needs to come to the realization that how he is acting isn't right. Also, Bond or not, I don't think Prince Aldrik should have just thrown Vhalla off of the roof. That was one part I couldn't get past to like him as much as I wanted to. But I was glad that Vhalla was weary of him afterward and took time to trust him again. I feel like as Vhalla learned to trust the Prince again, so did I. I think his monologue at the end about wanting Vhalla for her power was probably my favourite part. 

I wanted Master Tome to teach Vhalla more about what he knew but I thought that the glimpse he gave her was enough to be a start to what Vhalla has to learn on her own. I think it is important for her to have teachers -- and she has lots of them in this one -- but to also branch off on her own to learn what she can and cannot do as well as what she wants to do and doesn't feel comfortable doing. Because there is so much to her power that hasn't been explored yet and that most people do not have knowledge of, I want to see her learn how to do all these powerful and incredible things that she knows aren't morally right and have to internally struggle with that and set limits for herself and her power. I am really excited to see how her power matches with Prince Aldrik's.

"'What are you wrapped up in?' Roan whispered. Her anger and frustration had shifted to a sympathy that grated Vhalla.'I'm simply learning where I'm meant to be.' It was the only response because it was the truth."

One thing that wasn't talked about that I want talked about is: Will Aldrik find out that Vhalla thought she was saving his brother's life that first night?? Because I feel like that will throw a wrench into things in their relationship and I eat that shit up.  Honestly, I do want more of the Heartbreak Prince though. Just with a name like that I need more of him. Baldair was quick witted and charming and everything I need in my life. Except that I needed more. I thought he was the perfect opposite of his brother and will be a great friend for Vhalla with a super emphasis on friend.

World Building
I find it hard sometimes with fantasy novels because the author doesn't build the world enough, which causes me to lose interest in reading because I am questioning how things work In Air Awakens, I did not have that problem. There were some things that were explained by saying "magic" but I think even the characters themselves weren't quite sure how Vhalla's magic worked and therefore did not have an explanation for how she was able to do some things. I think (hope?) that it will be greater expanded on and explained in the next novel as Vhalla starts to expand her magical repertoire. 

I thought the idea of the Bond was intriguing and I would like to know exactly how it works. I think Vhalla asked some good questions about what it meant for Aldrik that they were Bonded and he kind of ignored those questions because he was obviously trying to protect Vhalla, but I was like "buddy I gotta know these answers for my sanity." I think that this Bond will be a huge plot point in the next novel with how the ending turned out.

"'I want a place you hardly dare to even whisper. I want the bravery to not only read, but to do...So listen, I am going to go into this world, and I don't care if you and your narrow mind cannot be a part of it.'"

Plot
The plot in this book was very straightforward: Vhalla learns she is a sorcerer and has to learn how to control her powers. There is an overarching plot of the Empire being at war and I know that will be expanded on in the next novel based on the ending. I think the plot in this novel was perfect for introducing the characters, their abilities, and the world. While I would have liked to know more about the cause and effect of the war, I think that would have bogged down the book too much and there would have been too many info-dumps and have taken away from the conversations between Vhalla and Aldrik.

Overall: 5/5.  I don't hand these out very often but I seriously loved this one. The world building, plot, and characters were so well written that once I started I could not put it down. And then once I finished I dreamt I was living in that world. It is addictive! Pick this one up when it hits shelves on August 27th, 2015!!

Pre-Order on Amazon: http://bit.ly/PreorderAirAwakensToday
Elise's Website: http://j.mp/EliseKova

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