~Can't Wait Wednesday: Circle of Ashes (Wish Quartet #2)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Circle of Ashes (Wish Quartet #2) by Elise Kova & Lynn Larsh

Out:  4/9

From Goodreads:

                Every wish has a cost but will the society be willing to pay it?

                Once a hacker-for-hire living in the shadows, Josephina “Jo” Espinosa is the newest member of a magical Society.  Their mandate?  To grant the wishes of mortals.  A simple enough task until Jo is faced with an impossible wish – and her inability to grant it might spell disaster for her entire team, if not the Society itself.

                Jo is used to high-pressure situations, but after a string of disasters, the last thing she needs is stakes of this magnitude.  Especially given that neither she nor the Society know quite what the consequences of failing to grant a wish might be.

                The only person with answers is the Society’s aloof and cryptic leader, Snow.  Yet while Jo is enigmatically drawn to the man, all their clandestine encounters leave her with only more questions about the true nature of the Society, her magic, and her own history.

                Time is running out for the Society, and an executioner will rise from among them to exact the price of failure.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I just finished book one in the read alone and I am super excited to see what happens next.  There are so many questions and I want to get to know the characters and this world of wishes better.  I love that the titles are coming out pretty close together too! 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your CWW as well so I can check it out.

Society of Wishes (Wish Quartet #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a good weekend and if you celebrate a Happy Easter.  We are finished with March and into April now.  Time seems to be going at super speed in some areas and inching along in others.  As for time for reading there is never enough, but that said I did enjoy participating in a Facebook read-along with the authors for Society of Wishes (Wish Quartet #4).  I am still enjoying the chats on the group page but once you hit a certain part it's hard to not keep reading and finish up.

Rating:  4 Stars

                The age old saying is be careful what you wish for.  Well Josephina 'Jo' is a hacker-for-hire in a very different reality than we know, a fractured US.  Then one day on a job her best friend and her are caught and as bullets rain down she uses her last breathe to make a wish, something she remembered from her grandmother in days past.  Her wish is simple enough to save her friend and she will accept the price no matter the cost.  The cost, she is now a member of the mysterious Society of Wishes set to live among the other members in a separate time space and use her gifts to help grant future wishes.  Though she is given the plush new digs and can do pretty much anything her new home lacks one major aspect…freedom and purpose.  Checking in on her friend to ensure her wish was put to good use she finds him about to attempt the same task that got them both killed to start with.  Now what do you do when interfering is against the rules?

                This was a quick read for sure and I did really enjoy the concept.  A magical society that grants wishes that alter the reality.  I loved the idea of them being from all different worlds and time periods and each with their own power.  The way they live is rather unique and we are only just getting to know a few of them as Jo learns her place and tries to accept her new reality.  This book is more about her than anything else.  There isn’t some big bad guy / evil to face down just a new reality to accept that basically tears apart everything you knew in the world. 

                We are still getting to know this world but this was a good start.  I can see the start of some much bigger questions and I look forward to watching unfold.  The characters have peeked my interest and I look forward to learning more about the other members of the society and the society as a whole.  Thankfully the sequel, Circle of Ashes, comes out next week April 9^th so I won’t have to wait long.

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Society of Wishes (Wish Quartet #1)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Society if Wishes (Wish Quartet #1) by Elise Kova

Out: 1/29

From Goodreads:

                First book in the Wish Quartet, a new-adult, urban, fantasy series set in a near-future alternate reality.

                BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

                Josephina Espinosa makes her living as a hacker-for-hire in the Lone Star Republic, a remmant of the fractured U.S.A.  That is, until the day she and her best friend are gunned down in a government raid.

                With her dying breath, Jo uses magical lore passed down from her grandmother to summon a wish-granter.  Her wish?  To save her friend’s life.  Except wishes have costs, and for Jo, the price is that erasure of her entire mortal existence.

                Now, as the most recent addition to the mysterious Society of Wishes, Jo must form a new “life” alongside the seven other members, one of which being her savior himself.  Living as an occupant of the Society lavish mansion should be quite the perk, but while it is furnished with everything its inhabitants could possibly need, it lacks one thing—freedom.

                Her otherworldly identity crisis takes a backseat, however, when Jo learns that the friend she sacrificed everything for is headed down the same path to ruin.  Jumping in head-first, Jo uses her newfound magical abilities to protect him, only to realize that the ripples of her actions have far-reaching consequences.  When the Society’s aloof leader Snow decides to give her a taste of his own ancient magic, Jo discovers that there are threads woven into the tapestry of her new reality that reach far beyond the wishes she is now required to grant.  Ones that, if tugged on, could mean the unraveling of the world itself.

Why I’m Waiting:

                This author is an auto-buy for me so that is enough of a reason for me.  That said the summary sounds like something I will love.  So there we go! 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.  Also I have a giveaway open now for a SIGNED copy of Warcross by Marie Lu here.

The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3)

                Hello happy readers and Happy New Year!!!  I can’t believe  2017 is over.  December came and went so fast I am still trying to figure out everything I forgot to get to.  One thing I did do was finish a new release and series ender on my way to the signing event for said book so I call that a huge win.  I made a day trip down to the Tampa area to meet Elise Kova for her latest book, The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3), the third and final book in the series.  I previously reviewed the first two books if you need a refresher: The Alchemists ofLoom and The Dragons of Nova.

Rating:  5 Stars

                A new rebellion is rising on Loom.  They no longer will stand for the dragons oppression and seek their freedom from tyranny.  While on Nova, many dragons are also fighting their own battle against the current political situation.  With both fighting the same enemy, teaming up is the best solution to get everyone what they want.  New leaders rise as the final battle is on.

                I have loved this series since the first audiobook.  I fell into this unique world filled to the brim with magic, interesting characters, and action.  Yveun Dono is straight up vicious and a tyrant who wants to rule and be loved.  He wants the little fenthri under his boot where he feels they belong, feeling he saved them from themselves.  He is not only ruthless to the fenthri but to the dragons that are out of favor as well.  He is not a good leader by any means and as we learned sometimes it’s the woman behind the man that is calling the shots and not just his rider leader Leona.  Arianna was last seen falling hard from Nova and her run in with him, worse yet an old customer of hers finds her and knows instantly what and who she is and he is always one to spot a deal to be made.  Meanwhile Cvareh is still on Nova unaware that his sister, and leader of their house was murdered.  And Florence may be young but she is fighting with everything in her to rebuild a better Loom.  I love how Florence has really come into her own and become stronger with each book.

                This story is full of so many different aspects.  The rebellion first and foremost yes but this is a multi-stage process.  Getting everyone working together and fighting for the same purpose is a battle in its own right and this goes for both Fenthri and Dragon.  Then there is the matter of the perfect chimera and what that would mean for Loom and Nova.  Many things will change in the world both good and bad.  Alliances are built and broken just as relationships between worlds and characters.  I loved how as everything moved forward at a fast pace it also left us room to develop the characters and really lead them into the ending.  This world is so full of information and wonder it is hard to leave.  The guilds, the houses of Nova, and the magic systems.  Serious work has went into this and it shows as everything comes across as so vivid.

                I really loved the different POVs and how they gave different perspectives and attitudes to things.  Ari is more methodical and rational where as Cvareh may lead with his heart a bit more than her. Flor sees everything with different eyes and has a different take on things with great hope.  I also really loved how in each book you got to see a piece from House Rok and each time it moves a bit and you think you know who the real evil is there but each time you learn there is always more to be learned.  That was really interesting to me how that continued to play out.  I was so excited as everything started to come to a head and I had so many different thoughts about how it might play out and hoping for a happy ending, or at least as happy an ending as one can get with all out war.  In the end the story really did leave me with this feeling of contentment.  Yes I want more, I’m greedy like that.  But I also totally get the ending and it seems like the fit that was meant for the story from the start.  It isn’t perfect but it’s perfect for the characters we have and the story that has been told.  I loved it and highly recommend this series!

                Until next time…

~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.

So Audible had some books on sale and I have zero impulse control. 

Physical Books:

The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3) by Elise Kova- picked up my physical copy at the signing!

These two lovelies came in my monster box along with some other goodies!  I love them!

Wolves and Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1) by Christina Bauer (review)

Concealed (Beholder #2) by Christina Bauer (review)

Audiobook:

Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  

~Can't Wait Wednesday~ The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3)

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3) by Elise Kova

Out:  12/5

From Goodreads:

                A new rebellion rises from the still-smoldering remnants of the five guilds of Loom to stand against Dragon tyranny.  Meanwhile, on Nova, those same Dragons fight amongst themselves, as age-old power struggles shift the political landscape in fateful and unexpected ways  Unlikely leaders vie for the opportunity to shape a new world order from the perfect clockwork designs of one temperamental engineer.

                This is the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova's Loom Saga, THE REBELS OF GOLD will reveal the fate of Loom's brilliantly contrasting world and its beloved inhabitants.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I LOVE this series!  I am so ready for this to hit audible so I can finish this series up and find out what is happening to my characters.  Last book left several characters in bad places so this is making me anxious!!! Already have it pre-ordered and ready to go!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.  Also as tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the states I will not be posting Friday but did want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.  

Cover Reveal: The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So with Irma making my town go crazy and the back and forth on what path and the impact my area will suffer is making normal life difficult.  I am hoping for the best in my area and living life as normal as possible until I have more information.  That said today I am happy to share the cover release of a highly anticipated book for me, The Rebels of Gold (Loom Saga #3) by Elise Kova.  That’s right I loved and reviewed TheAlchemists of Loom and The Dragons ofNova here this year and can’t believe I will be getting the final book in the trilogy The Rebels of Gold this year as well!

                This is awesome!!!  Seriously one of my most anticipated reads!  Well sort of I listed to the first two audiobooks and I kind of want to finish off the series in audiobook form just because they were so enjoyable! 

Title:  The Rebels of Gold

Series:  The Loom Saga (Book 3 / Final book)

Release Date:  December 5, 2017

                A new rebellion rises from the still-smoldering remnants of the five guilds of Loom to stand against Dragon tyranny.  Meanwhile, on Nova, those same Dragons fight amongst themselves, as age-old power struggles shift the political landscape in fateful and unexpected ways.  Unlikely leaders vie for the opportunity to shape a new world order from the perfect clockwork designs of one temperamental engineer. 

                This is the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova’s Loom Saga, The Rebels of Gold will reveal the fate of Loom’s brilliantly contrasting world and its beloved inhabitants.

***** 

               To celebrate the final book in the Loom Saga, the first book, The Alchemists of Loom, is on sale!  The ebook is on sale for $3.99! 

               Now for those of you who love book swag, there is some pretty cool pre-order swag available as well.  For those who preorder The Rebels of Gold, they can get exclusive swag.  All the details can be found here.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the gorgeous cover, your thoughts on the series thus far, or even theories for the final book and how things will wrap up.  Share in the comments below so we can discuss! 

Pre-order THE REBELS OF GOLD from:

| AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY |
| BOOKS A MILLION |
(more pre-order locations to come)

The Dragons of Loom (Loom Saga #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead planned.  I have no plans which is glorious.  Yesterday I was able to finish my audiobook for a highly anticipated book for me after finishing the first book only last month.  Thankfully I didn't have to wait long for this one, The Dragons of Nova (Loom Saga #2) by Elise Kova.  I reviewed the first book The Alchemists of Loom here and everything about this book is kind of a spoiler for that one…just saying. 

Rating: 5 Stars

                So when we left off in book one we found out Ari was the only perfect chimera and only one who knows how to make them.  Florence is now a chimera herself and determined to fight in the resistance.  Cvareh (not how I was thinking this was spelled from listening to the audiobooks) is working to make an alliance with the resistance to bring down the dragon king so his sister will take over.  Ari doesn't want any part but decides to go up to Nova and speak with his sister in person and see if she trusts her before making any decision on sharing the knowledge they need.  So Ari, the white wraith, enemy to all dragons is now in Nova home of dragons.  She is ready to feel out his sister and gather some other information while there.  While there she finds herself closer to her goal of vengeance against the one who betrayed her and the rebellion all those years ago.  Still as Cvareh and his sister, all of house Xin really find themselves in a treacherous political battle with the king Ari is pulled into the fray as the Crimson Court exposes her secrets and push things between her and Cvareh.  All while Florence is still back down on Loom trying to find her place in the world but determined to fight for a better and free Loom using all the skills she has learned.

                WOW

                I could have listened to this in one day.  In one sitting really.  But I was trying to be good and spread it out listening at the beginning of my work shift for a while until my co-worker arrived.  This was both amazing and frustrating.  Having finished it, I need book three stat.  My emotions were all over the place, especially at the end when things are happening.  I had that moment of checking to see how much time was left and trying to figure out how some things could be resolved/fixed in that time and knowing there wasn't enough time but still hopping. 

                I loved it if you can't tell.  I love Ari.  She is so strong and determined.  Still she is very flawed and I think that makes me love her more.  She wars with herself between emotion and fact all the time. Typically such a factual and to the point character watching as emotion works its way into her life more and more is captivating.  All emotion and not just in reference to Cvareh.  Seeing him in his element, at home in his fancy clothing and where people know and respect him.  Ari is now the fish out of water so to speak having to be warned and told of their customs to prevent her from getting herself caught.  I loved the role reversal.  Them together though, I was so anxious.  I had been wanting something to happen since book one and while it looked like it might something always came up.  The tension as this continues was real and thick.

                Also having a good bit of the story taking place on Nova, and not just from the dragon kings, aka the big bad, perspective we got to see the positives of Nova.  I can now say I see both the good and the bad of both place and Florence is still my favorite person in either world.  She is all the best of both.  She understands the flaws in both systems and she is ready and willing to do what she can to fix things.  She has faith in people even when everything says she shouldn't.  I admire that about her. 

                We get to meet many new people both in Nova and Loom some we like others we hate.  I know I went back and forth and I don't know if it’s the world or not but I was suspicious of anyone I liked for a good bit.  We got to see more of how the worlds work and the culture that compels them forward.  More about guilds and the time before dragons.  There is so much happening in the present from battles of wills and teeth and claws it keeps you glued to your seat.  

                This book felt much more adult and powerful.  We had plenty of bad things happening in the first book this one really showed you the evils of the world from the harvesting rooms, the shadow world, and the garden of evil.  There was so much happening in this book that continues to build a much larger story and coming war.  So much has happened that has left me with so many different theories and concerns because well stuff is serious.  The ending….I just can't.  I mean I was concerned one thing was happening and then as soon as hope it would be fixed…BAM hit with multiple other things and I don't know what to think.  This book was amazing on so many levels and I can't wait for The Rebels of Gold to come out. 

                Until next time…

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers!  Guess what?  I finished another audiobook?  I can't believe it took me until the end of last year to really get into them because they are so awesome!  I listened to this one in one day, 90% while at work so whoohoo talk about productive.  The book in question today is The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova.  She has several other books, she's like a book writing powerhouse, and I have read the first two books in her Air Awakens series and enjoyed them just got caught up and derailed from continuing on but plan to finish those this year.  I have reviewed Air Awakens & Fire Falling.  

Rating: 5 Stars

                So this is a new story and I didn't know a ton about it going in.  I remember reading the summary back when it was first announced and wanting to read it but that's it.  Like all her books the cover is very eye catching and I liked the unearlthy feel of it with the color contrasts and such.  Plus the chick on the cover looks pretty kick butt!  So we follow Ari, of Loom who lost everything when the Dragon King came down and took control of Loom.  She has turned her gift for machinery and her unique ability to thieving and making life as hard as possible for the Dragon oppressors.  Cvareh, a Dragon, has left Nova and come down to Loom, with others seeking his head, to try and align with Loom and help his family topple the Dragon King once and for all.  When Ari sees Cvareh she sees an opportunity for valuable parts while he sees a guide to get where he needs to go.  So he offers her the only thing that could stay her hand at trying to murder him, a boon.  Now they must travel together to get to the Alchemists Guild.

                This audiobook, it was only about ten hours and some change which doesn't seem long at all and it did fly by yet Kova still managed to get so much into this book.  It dives right into the action and we are literally introduced to the story as it is unfolding around us.  Oh and not just one but two worlds full of magic, rules, politics and the like but new creatures.  Dragons, who aren't what one normally things of Dragons or the people of Loom (the name of which I can't spell because audiobook) and chimera.  These different aspects alone make this a super unique type story but then you add in all the magic and the politics of the worlds both past and present and you have yourself a thrilling story.

                Let us not forget we also have fast paced action happening.  From heists and daring escapes, to straight out battles between different groups it was full on intense.  One of the reasons it flew by so quickly was that I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.  With the action and overall story you also have all the delicious tension from two enemies being forced together where they have problems trusting the other.  This is one full book of awesome stuff.  I can't think of too many things to say about the story itself without giving so much away so I really just have to recommend you dive in and enjoy.

One of my favorite lines ever!

                Something I can touch on without giving much away is that we also get multiple POVs that jump around and really broaden the horizon and give you more depth and understanding to each of our characters.  We also see from all the different sides and while you clearly are rooting for some less than others, having the insight into them really added to the story.  I finished this book and I wanted more right away.  Thankfully the next book, The Dragons of Nova, comes out next month 7/11 so I don't have to wait long.  There is no pre-order for the audiobook yet but I am hoping to continue in this format and maybe finish in another one day listen!  Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys intricate worlds and magical systems, high fantasy and complex characters!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Alchemist of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova

Out: 1/10

From Goodreads:

                Her vengeance.  His vision.

                Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guild’s resistance fell to the Dragon King.  Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market.  There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

                Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne.  His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragon’s society for far too long.  The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

                When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse.  But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

                He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse:  A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I’m behind in her other series because RL and all the books.  Still I really enjoyed the first couple and I am in desperate need to get on it and read the rest and catch up but even behind I’m excited for the new series and starting and staying caught up this time ;)

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Fire Falling (Air Awakens #2)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you had a great weekend.  I managed to get some reading done and do a few productive things as well so I'm calling it a win!  That said last week I finally finished book two in the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova, Fire Falling.  I did a read along back in November last year for Air Awakens, which I reviewed here, when Fire Falling was set to come out.  I fell in love with this book and quickly purchased the sequel.  I also started it straight away but I sort of got a bit ahead of myself and had at one point like 12 books going at once most of which were fantasy so I had to put a hold on some to manage it.  That said I continued the ones I was farthest in and having only started this one it got put on hold.  I was super excited when I got my stuff together and had the chance to dive back into Fire Falling.  So I'm thrilled to share my thoughts and feels because there are LOTS.  Spoilers for the first book, duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Sometimes when I take a break from books I lose my place in the story and have to go back and start over or at least read a few past chapters which I why I try not to have to do it.  Trying to do better.  That said, I didn't have to do that with this one.  I picked up right where my kindle left me and I knew instantly what was happening and I was right back in the story.  Maybe because I know book three, Earth's End is already out and book four, Water's Wrath is set to release soon I'm staying super amped.  How can you not with the books coming out so close to one another it's every readers dream!  Picking up where we left off Vhalla no longer has the life she once knew but is now the only Windwalker and property of the crown and being sent to the war front despite her lack of training or skill after a farce of a trial. Her goal:  Stay alive and try to maintain her humanity and not be pushed past her breaking point.

                First, I don't recommend reading the last quarter of this book in public.  It's intense throughout for sure and had plenty of moments of talking to the device in my hand moments but the end….my co-workers have persisted teasing me about my reaction each day.  I have no shame and tell them vividly where they can shove said comments and we laugh because it's all well meaning but still.  There is a LOT happening and it just hits all over the place. 

                Now for the juicy parts.  Despite magic traveling to the war zone still takes lots of time.  I liked that we were on this journey and along the way in down time it was put to use training.  It was smart and fun.  Vhalla needs help in both physical components of battle and in using her newly found magic if she hopes to survive.  I was also giddy with excitement when Larel and Fritz joined her as well because they were just so much fun and some of my favorite scenes were of the three of them.  Their comradery was on point and the connection between Vhalla and Larel that started in book one grew so beautifully here.  I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other characters a bit better like Prince Baldair and Daniel though I am a bit conflicted about them, Elecia as well.   

                Fire Falling also showed more of the divide between the regular soldiers and the legion.  The two princes and their two commands.  Also along for the journey is the Emperor who is not my favorite person.  Lots of strategy and such playing out in this one as we play politics you expect in times of war and it's always hard figuring out who you can and can't trust.  We also see more of a relationship of sorts building between Aldrik and Vhalla.  He's not the easiest person in the world to get to know both in who he acts in general always hot and cold but also the little trouble of his dad being the Emperor and again not a very nice guy.  Still seeing the back and forth on his side was hard at first until they are able to really talk, which they do.  They still have some fumbles about communication here and there but overall I have to say one of my favorite things about them is that they just say what they want/mean for the most part.  Neither is up for games.  I really enjoyed their scenes together and how no matter their station or title they were more of themselves with each other and as we see that with Vhalla and Larel and Fritz seeing the somewhat softer side to Aldrik around her is always nice. 

               There is so much happening at the end and I am dying to read the next book.  I already have it and I can read it any time but I'm a bit leery to start right away given I am reading a few books right now, and if I'm honest I'm still processing the end o the book.  Plus, can't give my co-workers any additional taunt material!  Still every time I pick up my kind I want to go to it so I doubt I'll be able to hold out long.  Maybe until book four is officially out next week so I will have that safety net of sorts.  Even though it put my poor heart through some feels or maybe because of it, I really loved this book.  I can't wait to see where the author is going but I'm going to be sticking around to find out.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.

                 Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Water’s Wrath (Air Walkers #4) by Elsie Kova

Out: 4/26

From Goodreads:

                Librarian turned sorcerer.  Sorcerer turned hero.  Hero turned puppet.

                The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom.  But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light.  Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe.  Or former lover.

Why I’m Waiting:

                Okay so I admit I’m a little behind in the series because OMG so many books to read and never enough time but OMG I flew through book one and loved it and from what I’ve read so in book two I’m loving it and only delayed due to other commitments and thinking it would be much longer between books which I was happily mistaken! 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Air Awakens by Elise Kova ~A beautiful new fantasy!

                Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend!  Back to the daily grind.  I am sad to say I got almost zero reading done during my weekend.  I was dead tired from shopping (nothing like the crazy people you see fighting) and doing some needed real life stuff.  I'm happy with my weekend either way.  Anywho after some time off I am ready to dive back in with another book review.  This one I read as part of the Facebook read-along party in anticipation for the release of book two in the series.  I was kind of bad at keeping up with the reading but did finish with the group and it was amazing so I'm counting it a win.  That book would be Air Awakens by Elise Kova and the sequel that is out and I am currently reading is Fire Falling.

Rating:  5 Stars

                AirAwakens is a high fantasy with all the best elements that pull the reading in instantly.  We follow Vhalla, a library apprentice, who finds out despite being brought up to fear the Tower of Sorcerers that she has magic in her when she saves the life of the sorcerer Crown Prince Aldrik.  She not just any power but the first of her kind in a very long time.  Now she is pulled into this world of magic and has to make a decision to embrace her power and give away the only life she's known or eradicate her magic and remain her normal plain self.  Taking time to make a decision sounds wise but indecision could cost a great price. 

                I went into this story not knowing much about it other than seeing it mentioned on other blogs in the past and thinking then it sounded good, good enough to make a note to check out later.  And that the cover looked pretty awesome.  So when I was invited to join the read along I was down for it.  Wanted to read it, check.  Chatting with other readers while reading, check.  Knocking out another book towards my goal in a structured time line to keep me on track, check.  I was so in.  I started strong but then got a bit behind but finished strong and having the ability to comment my thoughts as I went so amazing.  Also having the author there as well commenting and sharing her thoughts about scenes that really stuck with you was great fun.  One in particular I stopped reading to comment about because it just made me so happy.  I have one particular pet peeve that can make or break a book for me and this one totally made my day.  I won’t go into much detail but let’s just say that when someone does something horrible they aren’t just let off the hook without an explanation and apology.

                I was drawn in instantly to Vhalla’s life.  She is low on the totem poll but she is an apprentice which sounds like one of the better jobs if I’m honest.  She gets to spend her time hiding away ‘working’ and read.  How does that not appear to the book loved in all of us?  Her thirst for knowledge and stories made me relate to her and then when things went crazy from the start I was still there just as attached.   I like the idea that magic is sort of taboo.  Even the crown prince has it but those who don’t have it know little of it and like anything unknown it scares people.  To find out something you feared is now inside of you, it rocks your world and coming to terms with it is hard.  Vhalla really did go through so much but she still held her stubborn and strong willed self.  Prince Aldrik was another one whom caught my attention.  He is confusing to me.  He has so many conflicting things going on and I’m skeptical so I was constantly on guard as to if I trusted him or not but that was half the fun that he was written in such a way.  He’s not some perfect handsome prince who you instantly swoon over, he has darkness in him but at the same time there is something in him that still makes you want to swoon even if it might not be a good idea!  So many other side characters that played a significant part in the story and each had their own personalities, and impossible to pronounce names *cough*, the story flew by. 

                There is a lot happening in the story.  Introducing many characters, building up the world we are in, understanding of magic, but you also have more going on in the background.  Lots of little wheels turning and things happening.  There are a few things I wish I had learned more about but even with questions I can see how they may have been left blank to be filled in later when they better fit the story and where it is going.  With politics and royalty there is always the draw of intrigue and treachery.  The writing was beautiful and compelling and made it

 

                I could talk about this book on and on but without ruining some of the best parts I’m finding it rather difficult.  So I will leave you with it was amazing.  I’m currently reading Fire Falling but I had to force myself to stop until I did this review so I wouldn’t lose myself and talk ahead!  I highly recommend this book to everyone because it has something for everyone!  I’d love to hear your thoughts as well down below. 

                Until next time…