i am shelfless
Hi, lovely readers! The blog, "I am Shelfless" was made by a passionate reader who is perennially shelf-less ever since she became in love with stories through books.
ARC Book Review: Fire Falling by Elise Kova
This review is originally posted on my blog, I am Shelfless.
Fire Falling by Elise Kova
Book #2 of Air Awakens series
Published November 19th 2015 by Silver Wing Press
Received a digital ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase on Amazon ・ Barnes & Noble ・ Book Depository ・ Amazon (UK)
Soldier… Sorcerer… Savior… Who is Vhalla Yarl?
Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?
Review:
It would've been bad if the first book was really good and the next one wouldn't have lived up to anyone's expectations but don't fret! Fire Falling is so much better than Air Awakens! I was already an emotional mess when I wrote a review of Air Awakens so imagine my struggle with Fire Falling! Anyway, here it goes...
I loved how Elise has written the story that isn't rushed; it was neither fast-paced nor slow. The world building was beautifully crafted! Also, as the story progresses, new information is included and I'm happy that these weren't just thrown to the reader all at once and the information wasn't just dumped in the book; it was thoroughly elaborated and if it wasn't, it can be entailed on the future books.
She'd wanted to become someone the Senate would fear, why not shatter the sky? (ARC 265)
I am happy with how the main protagonist, Vhalla, turned out in Fire Falling. I know it's quite mean, but I loved what the author has done to Vhalla's character after the Night of Fire and Wind. It wasn't like the books I've read that the protagonist killed someone and then acted "normal" as if there was no killing happened just with the reaction "omg I killed someone" something like that. With Vhalla, it felt realistic, raw and believable. And, there are scenes that I'm in awe with Vhalla! The sandstorm - I was so proud!
"Oh? Tell me what will you do to me?" She did her best to imitate one of his trademark smirks, and she was rewarded by the spark turning to a fire in his eyes.
"I could think of quite a few things to do to you." His voice was gravely and deep, and Vhalla felt a flush rise to her cheeks. (ARC 1391)
Elise has written the way their relationship develops as the series continues was magnificently done and I can't help but look forward to what happens with their relationship on the next book! So FREAKING sweet! I know Aldrik still has a long way to go -- pushing off Vhalla on the roof isn't the best way to start a healthy relationship, but these Vhaldrik scenes are killing me. AASLKDASD reaction is totally on point.
Vhalla honestly hadn't considered that. "Because you both are my friends. I trust you, and I want you to know I do. What are friends if you cannot share your secrets with them?" (ARC 1128)
It's nice to see some insight from Prince Baldair, Larel, Fritz, Daniel and Craig. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them; it felt like I belonged and I was one of their friends. I wish I had friends who are all supportive like that in real life! That said, I absolutely adore and love Vhalla's friendship with them. They all have become someone very important to Vhalla; Larel is [still] my favorite among the side characters and I meant that when I said I wanted to keep her.
Elecia is a new character introduced in Fire Falling. Don't hate her too much, okay?
Before I forget... *coughs*
The last chapter and the other plot twists. I almost cursed in front of my mom.
I was speechless. I kept going back to the last chapter and hoping I just missed a page or two because I refuse to accept what happened! Holy shit. I finished Fire Falling and I'm just sitting here letting everything happened wash over me. And lay down on the couch and cry...
Fire Falling is a thrilling read; packed with plot twists, sizzling romance and snarky banters. I couldn't put this book down!
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