[Review] Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Rating: 5 stars

Series: Air Awakens Book #1

Version: Advanced Reader Copy

Release Date: August 27, 2015

Goodreads synopsis:

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.

If I could give this book 6/5 stars, I definitely would. 10/5 stars? Even better. That's how amazing it was. Elise Kova, you won me over with such an awesome read.

And let this be known, as it's pretty obvious with my other reviews, that I'm an extremely hard to please reader. It's been a looooong time since a book captivated me so strongly from start to end. 

Has anyone watched the cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender? Because if you have, you'll notice similarities between the two. Mainly the fact that that there are four elements that people can use magically - air, water, earth, and fire, and that the Windwalkers (i.e. sorcerers who can control air), have been basically extinct for the last 100+ years.

Did anyone else think of ATLA or is it just me?

But Vhalla is far from being an avatar. She's initially strongly against the idea of even becoming a sorcerer, because in her world, magic is a dark and evil entity that no one wants to deal with. But with the help of Prince Aldrik, the strongest sorcerer, and Crown Prince to the throne, she grows to accept who she is, instead of running away from it. 

The moment I realized the similarities between Avatar and Air Awakens, I wanted to read more and more. But then it hit me... when Aldrik was being... well Aldrik (cold at first, but certainly warmer and caring the more Vhalla got to know him), and his brother Baldair was being his charming, charismatic self, it came to my attention that the two brothers are just like Thor and Loki! Well, Aldrik, as I told my friend, was a combination of Loki and Zuko from Avatar.

My inner fangirl loves them both so much <3 So that love extends to Aldrik, as well.

If it's not already obvious, my favorite character is Prince Aldrik! He's absolutely perfect. I read far too many books where the main female protagonist falls for the muscular toned pretty boy (with constant descriptions of their attractive physical features). But I've grown from that, and no longer want to hear about the male protagonist's abs. Prince Aldrik is complex, and Vhalla doesn't easily fall for him/trust him. In his strange way, he shows he cares for her.

And it's been a long time since I've read too quickly, and finished the book wanting more. The story flowed at a smooth speed - not too much exposition, and just the right amount of action. Some scenes do get graphic, but the way the fights play out makes you almost picture yourself right in that moment. Makes me wish I was an Windwalker, or a Groundbreaker, or a Firerunner, or even a Waterrunner.

And when scenes got intense... There are simply no words to describe Vhalla's Awakening or the strength of the magic she controls when her emotions got the best of her. It was heart-wrenching, watching her grow in touch with her powers but yet lose (or almost lose) many things she holds dear.  If you're like me, you're constantly flipping the pages in hopes that things turn out for the better.

Her relationship with Aldrik, is also touching. I normally don't root for the girl to go for the guy so quickly, but both of them complement each other to bring out the best qualities. He makes her stronger and more convicted; she calms and understands his silver-tongue and coldness. But I'm glad Kova went with the ending she did - it gives even more potential for their friendship to blossom into something stronger.

Speaking of the ending... That blew me away entirely. The final transformation of Vhalla - from stubborn library apprentice to a sorcerer of the Tower who wants to become stronger, was a powerful and moving moment.

The air has truly 'awakened' within Vhalla! 

I highly anticipate the sequel, and encourage everyone to read it.

Giveaway Time!

Because everyone should read this amazing book - There's a giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Air Awakens! Simply follow this link right here - A Rafflecopter Giveaway 

About Elise Kova 

Elise Kova has always had a passion for storytelling. She wrote her first novella, a high-fantasy, in sixth grade. Over the years she’s honed her love of literature with everything from fantasy to romance, science fiction to mystery, and whatever else catches her eye.Elise lives in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where she’s currently working on the next installment in her debut YA fantasy series: Air Awakens. She enjoys video games, anime, table-top role playing games, and many other forms of “geekdom.” She loves talking with fans on Twitter and Facebook. Visit her website here for more extras and news on her books! 
Twitter: @EliseKova | Instagram: @Elise.Kova | Tumblr: EliseKova | Facebook: Elise Kova

Also if you read it, what did you think of Air Awakens? Am I the only one who think it's like Avatar? Agree/Disagree that Aldrik is Zuko/Loki? Tell me in the comments below! Also shoutout to Alice for lending me such a beautiful book!