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Air Awakens #3
Earth's End
A woman awoken in air, a soldier forged by fire, a weapon risen from blood.
Vhalla Yarl has made it to the warfront in the North. Forged by blood and fire, she has steeled her heart for the final battle of the Solaris Empire’s conquest. The choices before Vhalla are no longer servitude or freedom, they are servitude or death. The stakes have never been higher as the Emperor maintains his iron grip on her fate, holding everything Vhalla still has left to lose in the balance.
Book Three of the Air Awakens Series
Vhalla Yarl has made it to the warfront in the North. Forged by blood and fire, she has steeled her heart for the final battle of the Solaris Empire’s conquest. The choices before Vhalla are no longer servitude or freedom, they are servitude or death. The stakes have never been higher as the Emperor maintains his iron grip on her fate, holding everything Vhalla still has left to lose in the balance.
Book Three of the Air Awakens Series
350 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2016
2366 people are currently reading
22041 people want to read
About the author
Elise Kova
59 books17.2k followersJoin Elise's mailing list to never miss a giveaway, release, sale, and more: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/
ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
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ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
Say Hello!
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,704 reviews
February 18, 2017
“Beautifully tragic.”
I can't find words more fitting than Elise Kova's own words to describe this masterpiece, this canvas of colour and emotion that drained me of any willpower to continue my life. Smiling is sacrilege, tears and silent sobs are the only proper tribute to the fractured pieces of my heart and sanity. The only proper tribute to a story that consumed me so completely that even if the buildings around me started crumbling and the sky falling, even if scarlet fire licked my feet and needles pierced my skin I wouldn't even flinch. Because my feelings are a burning raging fire on their own.
Vhalla Yarl has been tested many times, physically and emotionally, but the Gods are not done toying with her. Still wondering who she is, who she's become, she continues fighting as the Empire's property and weapon of destruction and death. The North awaits to be conquered, forbidden magic to be unleashed, and the greed and malice of one man is the only thing standing between her and her happiness, her freedom and her home.
Reading Earth's End took me longer than I expected. I had to stop many times, stop and savor every word and every sentence like old wine until all I could smell and taste was them, until I was drunk on elation and sorrow. I had to stop in order to relish the pain and the despair, relish the intoxicating love, relish the Bond and the Joining between my heart and this book. Elise's writing is poetic, devastating and soul-gripping, a sad melody that reverberates in your bones and haunts you even after it's run its course. It's a living and breathing thing.
Elise's characters are imperfectly perfect. My most beloved one is not a polished knight in his shiny armor. He's filthy, tarnished and scarred, he tries to find a ray of sunlight in the darkness of his soul and he tends to lose the battle against his inner demons. He isn't a hero nor a good man, his flaws are more than his virtues, but despite them or, more accurately because of them, I worship him even more. Vhalla is constantly conflicted between who she was, who she is and who she wants to be, she's become bold and strong-minded, but I think there is still a great road ahead of her in order to come to peace with herself and her deeds ,to survive without seeking comfort elsewhere and hurting people. Daniel's involvement in the story is proof enough, and I hated every second of it. What I really liked though was Baldair's part, the insight to the Heartbreaker Prince's head and his sweet moments, I came to love him deeply, just like Jax, Elecia and Fritz. But I can't sufficiently describe how much I loathed the Emperor, how much I wanted to rip his heart out of his chest the same way he ripped mine, how much I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt me.
And I hold on to this promise Elise, the promise that every moment of pain you inflicted in those last pages, pain that had me shaking and wailing in agony, will be worth it in the end.
I can't find words more fitting than Elise Kova's own words to describe this masterpiece, this canvas of colour and emotion that drained me of any willpower to continue my life. Smiling is sacrilege, tears and silent sobs are the only proper tribute to the fractured pieces of my heart and sanity. The only proper tribute to a story that consumed me so completely that even if the buildings around me started crumbling and the sky falling, even if scarlet fire licked my feet and needles pierced my skin I wouldn't even flinch. Because my feelings are a burning raging fire on their own.
“Vhalla reached out and grabbed the prince’s bandaged hand, clinging to it. His right hand, the hand that had written her letters, the hand that had tangled itself into her hair as she slept, the hand that held her face when he kissed her; it was a wonderful hand of endless possibilities that now rested completely limp in her grasp.”
Vhalla Yarl has been tested many times, physically and emotionally, but the Gods are not done toying with her. Still wondering who she is, who she's become, she continues fighting as the Empire's property and weapon of destruction and death. The North awaits to be conquered, forbidden magic to be unleashed, and the greed and malice of one man is the only thing standing between her and her happiness, her freedom and her home.
“Home had become wherever he was.”
Reading Earth's End took me longer than I expected. I had to stop many times, stop and savor every word and every sentence like old wine until all I could smell and taste was them, until I was drunk on elation and sorrow. I had to stop in order to relish the pain and the despair, relish the intoxicating love, relish the Bond and the Joining between my heart and this book. Elise's writing is poetic, devastating and soul-gripping, a sad melody that reverberates in your bones and haunts you even after it's run its course. It's a living and breathing thing.
“He was the start and end of her world, the glue holding together her fragile sanity. He was everything, and without him she was lost.”
Elise's characters are imperfectly perfect. My most beloved one is not a polished knight in his shiny armor. He's filthy, tarnished and scarred, he tries to find a ray of sunlight in the darkness of his soul and he tends to lose the battle against his inner demons. He isn't a hero nor a good man, his flaws are more than his virtues, but despite them or, more accurately because of them, I worship him even more. Vhalla is constantly conflicted between who she was, who she is and who she wants to be, she's become bold and strong-minded, but I think there is still a great road ahead of her in order to come to peace with herself and her deeds ,to survive without seeking comfort elsewhere and hurting people. Daniel's involvement in the story is proof enough, and I hated every second of it. What I really liked though was Baldair's part, the insight to the Heartbreaker Prince's head and his sweet moments, I came to love him deeply, just like Jax, Elecia and Fritz. But I can't sufficiently describe how much I loathed the Emperor, how much I wanted to rip his heart out of his chest the same way he ripped mine, how much I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt me.
“Together, they were unstoppable. Bound, Joined, madly in love, there were no longer any boundaries that could limit them. They were a single force of nature.”
And I hold on to this promise Elise, the promise that every moment of pain you inflicted in those last pages, pain that had me shaking and wailing in agony, will be worth it in the end.
June 30, 2021
omg. EK seriously has the most cruel endings. something shocking happens and then the book ends. how am i supposed to cope with this every time!?
compared to the previous book in the series, this definitely has a ‘filler’ feel to it. not much happens in terms of plot. in fact, the characters stay in the same location for the vast majority of the book. but i didnt mind it because im just so obsessed with these characters and really love the new ones introduced. things do start to pick up toward the end though (im still not over that ending) and i honestly have no idea whats going to happen next.
guess its time to pick up the next book and continue binge reading.
↠ 4 stars
compared to the previous book in the series, this definitely has a ‘filler’ feel to it. not much happens in terms of plot. in fact, the characters stay in the same location for the vast majority of the book. but i didnt mind it because im just so obsessed with these characters and really love the new ones introduced. things do start to pick up toward the end though (im still not over that ending) and i honestly have no idea whats going to happen next.
guess its time to pick up the next book and continue binge reading.
↠ 4 stars
October 9, 2020
Actual Rating: 2.5
Kill or be killed. Right or wrong, this was the only option that was left to her. It did not matter why she was there; if she did not fight, she would fall.
I don't think I have the strength to write a logical and consistent review.......
But still, I would like to say some words.
This book was just a huge disappointment. Comparing to how the story started and how it was developing, it's almost nothing.
The enemy had made their play, they committed to their dash, not realizing the monster they were about to wake.
I was prepared for war. I was prepared to get bloody and messy. I was prepared for death. However, I wasn't prepared for what I received. I got some confusing and - Must I say a this-war-is-funny for them? - part. "Yes, it's nothing, just some people killing more people. Let's have some fun and save people who we don't like :D".
I wanted to feel the war. Not for it to end faster and with less emotion than some spare between them. Come one guys, this is a war! Not playground time!
Also, WTH happened with the dark prince? I searched every line for him but all I found was a puppet who is just there to "be in love". Aaaaand drink. Why??? Whyyyyy???
Aldrik didn’t see drink as casual entertainment now and again. He was trying to turn cups into solutions to problems, and that was dangerous. “He won’t just stop. He doesn’t know how to function without it when he’s up against a wall. It’s hard to make a case because he can function surprisingly well with it.”
Even all the strategies were not that great and were even dumb. If I could see the hole, their old and intelligent people could too.
I still couldn't resist to the second characters. We have new ones that were shining much more than the MCs.
And Baldair was the light for me. He is THE Bro!!
I just hope the author doesn't add him as a love interest. Oh please don't!
To sum up, this book was a huge disappointment. This series should really have been a trilogy with much less drama and more GROWN UP CHARACTERS! The first book was one of my favorites and now, I don't think I have the mind to continue this series.
Kill or be killed. Right or wrong, this was the only option that was left to her. It did not matter why she was there; if she did not fight, she would fall.
I don't think I have the strength to write a logical and consistent review.......
But still, I would like to say some words.
This book was just a huge disappointment. Comparing to how the story started and how it was developing, it's almost nothing.
The enemy had made their play, they committed to their dash, not realizing the monster they were about to wake.
I was prepared for war. I was prepared to get bloody and messy. I was prepared for death. However, I wasn't prepared for what I received. I got some confusing and - Must I say a this-war-is-funny for them? - part. "Yes, it's nothing, just some people killing more people. Let's have some fun and save people who we don't like :D".
I wanted to feel the war. Not for it to end faster and with less emotion than some spare between them. Come one guys, this is a war! Not playground time!
Also, WTH happened with the dark prince? I searched every line for him but all I found was a puppet who is just there to "be in love". Aaaaand drink. Why??? Whyyyyy???
Aldrik didn’t see drink as casual entertainment now and again. He was trying to turn cups into solutions to problems, and that was dangerous. “He won’t just stop. He doesn’t know how to function without it when he’s up against a wall. It’s hard to make a case because he can function surprisingly well with it.”
Even all the strategies were not that great and were even dumb. If I could see the hole, their old and intelligent people could too.
I still couldn't resist to the second characters. We have new ones that were shining much more than the MCs.
And Baldair was the light for me. He is THE Bro!!
I just hope the author doesn't add him as a love interest. Oh please don't!
To sum up, this book was a huge disappointment. This series should really have been a trilogy with much less drama and more GROWN UP CHARACTERS! The first book was one of my favorites and now, I don't think I have the mind to continue this series.
August 6, 2024
✅ Characters
✅ Heartwarming friendship
✅ Magic
✅ (Forbidden) Romance and angst
✅ World-building
✅ Plot and pace
✅ Action
✅ Villain we hate with a passion
❗️❗️Trigger warning: brief mention of alcoholism and attempted suicide
4.5 stars
This series gets better with each book.
Vhalla is being tested once again in Earth's End. She is racing against the clock to save Aldrick after his deadly fall at the end of Fire Falling, and once that’s done, she has no time to rest as she needs to win the war and prove her usefulness, or else the Emperor will kill her at the end of the war.
The book starts right where Fire Falling ends and it starts with a lot of stress and action. We are done with the traveling and the training, now it's about winning a war and winning it fast. Vhalla has a lot to achieve to deliver victory to the Emperor, and while I loved seeing her use her knowledge and powers to strategize and secure the Empire a victory, I also found it a little anticlimactic that this whole war campaign consisted of only one fight and then it was over.
Vhalla continues to develop as an awesome main character. She is cunning, brave, and kind, and she can use her knowledge to her advantage in this book, and to make up for the fact that she is no trained warrior or strategist.
We learn more about Aldrik in this third installment. His past, his fears, and his goals and dreams for the future. The author managed to still give us good character development in this book, while also incorporating more politics and action than in the second book.
Once again, I love that Vhalla’s interactions are not only with Aldrik. She continues to build a strong and beautiful friendship with Daniel, and it was a little bittersweet to see how the two of them could have been happy together if they’d met earlier. Vhalla also spends some time with Elecia, who is much more likable than in the second book. She shed her nasty, protective persona and showed Vhalla why Aldrik held her in high esteem and liked her. She was supportive, kind, and overall a great ally to Vhalla in this book.
Jax is a new character that we don’t see that much of, but I absolutely love his hectic, slightly unhinged energy. He doesn’t give a shit about what people think of him, and he’s happy to ignore social conventions, and I just need more of him in the next books.
The romance between Vhalla and Aldrik peaks in this book. They are done with tiptoeing around each other and pretending that they are just dear friends. They admit their feelings and even act on them, but they still need to keep it a secret of course, since Vhalla is nothing more than the Empire’s property. It added some tension to their time together. Still, more importantly, it created openings for angsty situations, and the angst-lover in me is super excited to jump into the next book to see if and how their romance will survive the final blow the Emperor dealt them at the end of this book.
I said in my reviews of the previous books that Baldair went from being an ass to being a nice, supportive friend to Vhalla, and it showed even more in this book. He wants what’s best for Aldrik and Vhalla, and he came to consider her family, the little sister he never had, and it melted my heart. I love the “found family” trope, and even if this wasn’t exactly it, it was similar enough to be heartwarming and to make me utterly love every interaction between Vhalla and Baldair. I also love that Aldrik and Baldair are trying to mend their frayed relationship, with the help of Vhalla. Siblings are to be treasured, and I want to see them become best friends as well as brothers.
This book is full of emotions. I went through pain, love, fury, hurt, and despair with Vhalla. Elise Kova's writing has a way of ensnaring you and not letting you go until you feel every raw emotion the characters are feeling. This book was amazing to read.
1. Air Awakens ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Fire Falling ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.5 Tales from the Front ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Heartwarming friendship
✅ Magic
✅ (Forbidden) Romance and angst
✅ World-building
✅ Plot and pace
✅ Action
✅ Villain we hate with a passion
❗️❗️Trigger warning: brief mention of alcoholism and attempted suicide
4.5 stars
This series gets better with each book.
Vhalla is being tested once again in Earth's End. She is racing against the clock to save Aldrick after his deadly fall at the end of Fire Falling, and once that’s done, she has no time to rest as she needs to win the war and prove her usefulness, or else the Emperor will kill her at the end of the war.
The book starts right where Fire Falling ends and it starts with a lot of stress and action. We are done with the traveling and the training, now it's about winning a war and winning it fast. Vhalla has a lot to achieve to deliver victory to the Emperor, and while I loved seeing her use her knowledge and powers to strategize and secure the Empire a victory, I also found it a little anticlimactic that this whole war campaign consisted of only one fight and then it was over.
Vhalla continues to develop as an awesome main character. She is cunning, brave, and kind, and she can use her knowledge to her advantage in this book, and to make up for the fact that she is no trained warrior or strategist.
We learn more about Aldrik in this third installment. His past, his fears, and his goals and dreams for the future. The author managed to still give us good character development in this book, while also incorporating more politics and action than in the second book.
Once again, I love that Vhalla’s interactions are not only with Aldrik. She continues to build a strong and beautiful friendship with Daniel, and it was a little bittersweet to see how the two of them could have been happy together if they’d met earlier. Vhalla also spends some time with Elecia, who is much more likable than in the second book. She shed her nasty, protective persona and showed Vhalla why Aldrik held her in high esteem and liked her. She was supportive, kind, and overall a great ally to Vhalla in this book.
Jax is a new character that we don’t see that much of, but I absolutely love his hectic, slightly unhinged energy. He doesn’t give a shit about what people think of him, and he’s happy to ignore social conventions, and I just need more of him in the next books.
“You wished for time,” Aldrik explained. “I heard each utterance when you beseeched time to stop, for mornings not to come. I want you to know I shared your every sentiment. I wanted to give you the promise of my minutes, my hours, my days.” His long fingers curled around hers, around the watch. “My future is yours, Vhalla Yarl.”
The romance between Vhalla and Aldrik peaks in this book. They are done with tiptoeing around each other and pretending that they are just dear friends. They admit their feelings and even act on them, but they still need to keep it a secret of course, since Vhalla is nothing more than the Empire’s property. It added some tension to their time together. Still, more importantly, it created openings for angsty situations, and the angst-lover in me is super excited to jump into the next book to see if and how their romance will survive the final blow the Emperor dealt them at the end of this book.
The prince’s strength was often touted as being physical. But Vhalla was beginning to learn that the man known for breaking hearts seemed to have a rather large one of his own.
I said in my reviews of the previous books that Baldair went from being an ass to being a nice, supportive friend to Vhalla, and it showed even more in this book. He wants what’s best for Aldrik and Vhalla, and he came to consider her family, the little sister he never had, and it melted my heart. I love the “found family” trope, and even if this wasn’t exactly it, it was similar enough to be heartwarming and to make me utterly love every interaction between Vhalla and Baldair. I also love that Aldrik and Baldair are trying to mend their frayed relationship, with the help of Vhalla. Siblings are to be treasured, and I want to see them become best friends as well as brothers.
This book is full of emotions. I went through pain, love, fury, hurt, and despair with Vhalla. Elise Kova's writing has a way of ensnaring you and not letting you go until you feel every raw emotion the characters are feeling. This book was amazing to read.
1. Air Awakens ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Fire Falling ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.5 Tales from the Front ⭐⭐⭐
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January 8, 2017
I literally read this book and its previous in one day!
I can't get enough of this series, going home tomorrow TO GET BOOK FOUR!
I can't get enough of this series, going home tomorrow TO GET BOOK FOUR!
February 22, 2016
Buddy-read with lovely girls Katerina and Kristalia. Not everyone of us made it till the end of this madness...
It felt like I've just read a fan fiction. Air Awakens series was never my favorite, but it was entertaining and intriguing from the first book. I wanted to read it, I wanted to follow the transformation of MCs, moreover, I sympathized with them... until Earth's End came. This book feels like a changeling sent by an evil faeries to usurp the story and make it a unrecognizable mess. Well, they succeeded. I am disappointed beyond words.
The first two books in this series were heavily relying on romance and it was ok, because we always had other pressing issues to concentrate on in these books. But this book, it is not just heavily relying on romance - it is OVERWHELMED by it! Every pore of every word on every page is filled with sugary-coated romantic snot. It is impossible to concentrate on anything else, except romance, because it was in every thought of Vhalla's, and these books are from her POV. Imagine what a torture it is to endure her everlasting flow of lunacy about her dearest Aldrik (I am saying his name like a curse). Fuck you, Aldrik! “But if I’m going to be stupid for anyone, it will be for him. I’ve fallen too far into him to give up now, to let him go.”
Oh, madness is a new norm in this book.“Oh, Aldrik,” she whimpered into the humid night air. “Aldrik ...” Her fingertips ghosted over his face, and Vhalla inched closer to him. “My love.”
Oh, soap operas from 80s, I've missed you so much!
This is how I am going to imagine Aldrik from this point on.
It may sound cruel, but if you read this book, you know what a pathetic puss Aldrik became. No sane words come from his mouth, it probably sugarcoated to the extent where poor Aldrik can't utter anything except: "my lady, my love". Seriously, if I was given one dollar every time Aldrik uttered these words, I'd be a millionaire by now.“My Vhalla,” he whispered, gripping her. “My lady, my love. You, you ...” His voice broke and he drew a shuddering breath.
“My Vhalla, my lady, my love,” he sighed.
“My lady,” he whispered in awe. “My lady!”
Did he just forget to add "my love"? *gasp* That's unacceptable! How could you forget, Aldrik?! And all that absurd ends with a wedding proposal. Never read so many soapy cliches in one book.
Now, let's get back to our Vhalla " Special Snowflake"Yarl. Short resume: Ms. Special Snowflake is the cleverest, strongest, kindest, irreplaceable, irresistible, headstrong... I am out of epithets. But do you know who has more of them? Right, Aldrik! “The majors are enamored with you. They admire your strong and ‘noble nature’, your grace, your poise, your stunning intelligence and eloquence, and—after tonight—your inspiring loyalty.” Aldrik sat next to her. “My father excused himself over dinner, likely to hide his face, and the moment they were free of his presence, all they spoke about was you.”
“You were brilliant. All eyes turned to you for inspiration; it was literally painted upon half the army. The merit of your accolade will not be questioned.”
If you still don't get the point, I'll explain: Vahlla is the strongest sorcerer in the world, she has three men pining over her...um, sorry, two men, because one is already dead, because of her; only she can win a battle against the enemy, only she can touch the weapon no one else can with bare hands, only she can reconcile estranged brothers, the emperor himself is afraid of Vhalla, the world spins because of Vhalla... oops - STOP - that can't be right, can it?
What was this book about? There were action and plot, but as hard as I try, I can't remember why it was important. The drama overshadowed every aspect of the book. Everything that happens serves only one purpose: to highlight Vhalla's awesomeness. The author is her biggest fan and, sadly, every secondary characters with a great potential will probably never get the development they deserve, because they exist only to serve Vhalla's greatness. It seems even writing sank to the level of a fan fiction prose; at times it looks like the author was in such an awe with Vhalla, she forgot how to write and use diverse synonyms to make her writing more lively and interesting.
Supposedly, the ending saves the book. It's a questionable case, but let's imagine it is shocking and heart-breaking:
a) After all the absurd I was subjected to, I don't think the ending could've saved this book for me. It didn't, but it wasn't bad either, actually, it was the best (in a term of how good pathetic can be) part this story had.
b) The issues the ending was built upon were strongly questionable. I had a feeling Elise was trying to convince me it was a logical move to do. Again, to some extent it was, but mostly the whole abrupt drama and screaming were far-fetched, especially the way Aldrik acted toward his brother and Vhalla.
c) The emperor was more cunning than I predicted. Yes, this turn of events I did not see coming, and it should probably make me glad (I like unexpected in my books), but it doesn't, because, again, the whole drama with "I had to accept his terms or he'd kill you" was far from credible. Why not sit down like an adults do and discuss the issue? Why be abrupt and cruel? Again, it seems like Elise needed drama to happen and she was running out of book space for it, so her last resort was to instigate a scene.
I feel sorry for Baldair and Jax. They ended up in a pile of shit-drama and have to suffer through it. I hope you'll survive, guys.
I am highly disappointed with this book (yep, I am Ms. Obvious), but I will try read the next installment, because I still believe in redemption and second chances. I hope there will be less drama and more action with magic. Also, the world in the story supposedly widened, but we still see little of it, because from Vhalla's perspective all we see is AldrikAldrikAldrik. Hopefully that will change. I am done here:
March 28, 2016
Excuse me, please move aside. Wrecking ball coming through.
Air Awakens was a solid (even if a little unoriginal) start.
Fire Falling was a static, romance-soaked mess.
Earth’s End – I’m actually proud of myself for still giving this two stars when I feel like I need to break something right now.
I have, however, finally figured out what went wrong for me after the first instalment.
In my opinion, Elise Kova cannot write good romance.
There was an abundance of phrases like these. No. Just no. Regardless of who you love, you are still an independent individual. There’s a we but there’s also you. If there’s no you, it’s unhealthy, it’s dangerous, it’s pathological. I don’t like this kind of romance where the main character needs the love interest to breathe, to function, to live. Aldrik showed an equal amount of neediness towards Vhalla, which was even more unsettling: co-dependence. Sure, it happens in real life. And we all know what happens to those people when their relationships break apart. I don’t expect fictional characters to be perfect but I expect a) either an unhealthy behaviour to be shown but condemned as such or b) for the character to be a Goddamn role model and get a grip on life. It was not my intent to offend the author or anyone who feels personally affected by my statements but this is just the way I feel about hyper-co-dependence and therefore the romance in this book. Furthermore, I hated how it deformed the characters, consumed their personalities until there was nothing left but luuurve. We get endless, inner monologues from Vhalla about her smoochy bear. And Aldrik who was once this fierce, feisty character is a shadow of his former self, a love-struck puppet spouting cheesy endearments. (And after the hundredth "My lady, my love", I swear, I just wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into him).
Let me point out a few positive things before I unleash my rage on that disgusting thing Kova calls an ending:
Vhalla, although needy and clingy, was finally able to reap the rewards from her years as a library apprentice and show off her knowledge. I like it when heroines get to use their brains and put a bunch of fat-bellied noble warlords in their place. She was brave and saw her own plans through. At times, she was also selfish and narrow-minded but I think none of us can look into the mirror without admitting that we also have a little selfishness in us. It’s human.
The power struggle between the Emperor and Aldrik was juicy.
Jax. He’s got spunk.
The plot was okay. It never reached the level of excitement Air Awakens evoked in me but it also didn’t drip with gooey romanc-y crap. (I mean there was a lot of cheesy, unhealthy romance, yes, but it still felt like less than in Fire Falling).
But Kova made it all go straight to hell with that ending.
With one paragraph, she destroyed everything her characters had worked towards, Aldrik’s behaviour being the most obvious flaw. You can’t make a character go through character development and then change him back 180 degrees in an instance. No. The world does not work that way, not even when a plot device is required. Secondly, I could not for the life of me understand WHY Aldrik, after being the most caring love interest, resorted to a) obvious and brutal lies, b) degradation, c) slut-shaming, and d) violence.
TO WHAT FUCKING PURPOSE MAY I ASK??? The plot could have run the same course without him shaming the woman he loved. And if the answer is “He was trying to protect her by pushing her away” – OH PLEASE! JUST… STAHP.That's so Edward Cullen. My gag reflex would appreciate it if no such thing would be uttered in its presence. Because that’s just cheap.
As of now, I and this series are done. Over. Splitsville.
Air Awakens was a solid (even if a little unoriginal) start.
Fire Falling was a static, romance-soaked mess.
Earth’s End – I’m actually proud of myself for still giving this two stars when I feel like I need to break something right now.
I have, however, finally figured out what went wrong for me after the first instalment.
In my opinion, Elise Kova cannot write good romance.
He was the start and the end of the world, the glue holding together her fragile sanity. He was everything, and without him she was lost.
There was an abundance of phrases like these. No. Just no. Regardless of who you love, you are still an independent individual. There’s a we but there’s also you. If there’s no you, it’s unhealthy, it’s dangerous, it’s pathological. I don’t like this kind of romance where the main character needs the love interest to breathe, to function, to live. Aldrik showed an equal amount of neediness towards Vhalla, which was even more unsettling: co-dependence. Sure, it happens in real life. And we all know what happens to those people when their relationships break apart. I don’t expect fictional characters to be perfect but I expect a) either an unhealthy behaviour to be shown but condemned as such or b) for the character to be a Goddamn role model and get a grip on life. It was not my intent to offend the author or anyone who feels personally affected by my statements but this is just the way I feel about hyper-co-dependence and therefore the romance in this book. Furthermore, I hated how it deformed the characters, consumed their personalities until there was nothing left but luuurve. We get endless, inner monologues from Vhalla about her smoochy bear. And Aldrik who was once this fierce, feisty character is a shadow of his former self, a love-struck puppet spouting cheesy endearments. (And after the hundredth "My lady, my love", I swear, I just wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into him).
Let me point out a few positive things before I unleash my rage on that disgusting thing Kova calls an ending:
Vhalla, although needy and clingy, was finally able to reap the rewards from her years as a library apprentice and show off her knowledge. I like it when heroines get to use their brains and put a bunch of fat-bellied noble warlords in their place. She was brave and saw her own plans through. At times, she was also selfish and narrow-minded but I think none of us can look into the mirror without admitting that we also have a little selfishness in us. It’s human.
The power struggle between the Emperor and Aldrik was juicy.
Jax. He’s got spunk.
The plot was okay. It never reached the level of excitement Air Awakens evoked in me but it also didn’t drip with gooey romanc-y crap. (I mean there was a lot of cheesy, unhealthy romance, yes, but it still felt like less than in Fire Falling).
But Kova made it all go straight to hell with that ending.
With one paragraph, she destroyed everything her characters had worked towards, Aldrik’s behaviour being the most obvious flaw. You can’t make a character go through character development and then change him back 180 degrees in an instance. No. The world does not work that way, not even when a plot device is required. Secondly, I could not for the life of me understand WHY Aldrik, after being the most caring love interest, resorted to a) obvious and brutal lies, b) degradation, c) slut-shaming, and d) violence.
TO WHAT FUCKING PURPOSE MAY I ASK??? The plot could have run the same course without him shaming the woman he loved. And if the answer is “He was trying to protect her by pushing her away” – OH PLEASE! JUST… STAHP.
As of now, I and this series are done. Over. Splitsville.
December 31, 2020
3.5 out of 10
Ревью в моем блоге/This review on my blog
Living A Thousand Lives (please use Chrome/Yandex browser or Android/IOS to see the page; otherwise, spoiler-tags I use to make my post compact may not work)
Short-Soundtrack:
Nikki Flores – Home
Static Cycle – With You
Zander Hawley – Hid in the Little Things
Genre: high-fantasy, YA
Stuff: elemental magic, war
Fail: romance
WOW: the ending, Jax and Baldair
POV: 3rd-person, female
Setting: North
Love-Geometry: unsteady medium
Quote-Core:
"I can kill and love with the same heart."
It was a buddy-read with my friends Nastassja and Kristalia . Kris didn't make it xDD She doesn't want to suffer until the next part will come out, but dear Nastya went through the hell with me. Thank you so much!
Let's review it a bit.
I'm so confused (and angry!)... This was one of my favorite series, but I start having issues, I start being irritated, and therefore this review is going to be grumpy. I have to admit that the ending was as powerful as its predecessors' finals and it saved my interest for the next installments, but I'm still very-very disappointed with shallow dialogues (I was hardly high-lighting anything while after the first two books I had a bunch of awesome quotes), reiterations, poor character development and a saccharine romance.
Unpopular opinion and some spoilers. Read it at the sole risk.
Short retelling of the plot: Vhalla is showing off, romance is trying to put you into a diabetic coma, characters are driving you mad.
Wanna know more? This book is about a special snowflake's life. Earth's End made Vhalla too talented and capable for my taste. She beats best strategist minds of Empire, she's got a solders' (and lords') fan-club, a few men are competing for her heart, she's the one who makes Baldair and Aldrik find peace among each other, she's so good at the battle that aside from her own fights she manages to help her friends and so on. I think the fact that she's the only Windwalker in the word is pretty enough. The girl needs some flaws.
Aldrik is no better. What happened with the enigmatic dark prince with silver but sharp tongue (and alcoholic addiction, if you didn't know)? He's so pathetic in love... I was rolling my eyes every time I heard 'my lady', 'my love' those were repeating over and over again. Can a man act like a man and not like a freaking poet?
Vhalla is awful in love too. All she thinks about is Aldrik. When he's somewhere out there, she's dreaming of him, when he's near, guess what's going on. I thought she had some hobbies, but she lost herself in him and see no life outside this ship. It's unhealthy!
Minor characters. I fell in love with Jax and his sense of humor, I'm still in love with Baldair: he's what I call a complex hero with pluses and minuses, with personality. I thought I would hate Daniel, but I didn't care about him at all (unlike Vhalla who is charmed by his muscles). Erion is nice. As some other lords, too. I'm not a fan of Raylynn, 'cause, you know, Baldair. And how can I not mention the Emperor. This man is so cruel and cunning that I have to give him a credit for it. At first, I was thinking he's soooo stupid to risk the war company because of dislike toward a single girl, but then I got the scheme and, wow, he's brilliant.
Romance. I do like romances in books. Actually, I always need one to be really involved, but in this book's case, love-stuff overwhelmed everything. The plot was all about Vhalla and Aldrik's moments, and it wasn't enjoyable much. Even love-making lacked its passion and the right mood. Remember dialogues and situations in the first book, kisses in the second? They were hot. Mere conversations were hot. And now our couple lost their spark. Sugary talks aren't equal to strong feelings. BTW, Vhalla and Adrik were sharing sweet-nothings even during the battle. I mean, really?!
The ending. That was emotional and unexpected. No, I knew something would happen, but I was waiting for deaths, not this. At first, I was thinking why do they scream at each other? It's stupid. He saved her life, he gave up his freedom for hers, she has to be grateful! But then I thought that he had no right to propose without 100% confidence, he had no right to make her believe in their future if he wasn't sure of it. And just like that, I was on the side of one or another character, understanding both of them at the same time. We all can tell horrible things when we are angry, and we all do it, so this fight made Vhalla and Aldrik more real to me (though Aldrik was kinda disgusting), I got hope that the characters I was interested in the first books would be back.
BTW, I was glad Vhalla mentioned that actually, she was saving Baldair's life back then in the capital. I needed him to know it. Yeah, she broke a fragile peace between brothers by that, but I was pleased with how Baldair was defending Vhalla. And smirking when our Aldrik was forced to use his magic on Baldair 'cause he couldn't beat him in combat. Patheeetic.
And I did like Vhalla's thoughts about loving the image and not the real person Aldrik is.
Oh Elisa... I think you'll finish this series with Vhalla and Aldrik's happy-ending (because of their bond and stuff), but Baldair and Vhalla... are amazing (she becomes better beside him!). Their love may be such a great thing, which was started with flirtation, grew into friendship, and might (see my insecurity?) become something more. And Baldair has muscles. We all know Vhalla loves it. xD
Overall. I can't give the book more than 2 (3.5 out of 10) stars, 'cause a few scenes I did love won't beat 80% of the not-my-cup-ish text, plus I wanna be honest with myself. I still have faith in Elisa and her next books, but my pure excitement is broken. Let's wait 'til April and then will see.
Air Awakens (Пробуждение воздуха):
— Air Awakens (Пробуждение воздуха) #1/5
— Fire Falling (Влечение огня) #2/5
— Earth's End (Край земли) #3/5
— Water's Wrath (Гнев воды) #4/5
— Crystal Crowned (Коронованная кристаллами) #5/5
February 29, 2016
Update 2/28/16
Seriously, way to crush my shipper heart with those last twenty pages, Elise. Can we just act like those scenes never happened?
Earth's End falls victim to the second book syndrome...except it's the third book in a five book series. So, I guess it's more appropriate to call it the "middle-book syndrome." I loved the tension between our leading characters, Vhalla and Aldrik, in Air Awakens and Fire Falling, I might go as far as saying that their banter and tension make the series. But Earth's End was a love fest, and I'm the awkward and uncomfortable third wheel witnessing this over-the-top display of affection. No, thank you.
Can someone please tell me they counted how many times Aldrik said "My lady, my love." I lost track after halfway through, but if anyone actually kept a tally, please share it with me, I'm quite curious about Aldrik and his three word dictionary in this book.
Secondly, Daniel, you need to back off. Vhalla is obviously in love, so stop infringing on her relationship with Aldrik. I don't enjoy his character in the slightest, but I have this feeling we'll be seeing more of him Water's Wrath.
I loved the addition of Jax! My favorite line in this book was when he comments on Aldrik and Vhalla's movements, and he says "must make great sex" that had me smiling like a dork! He's weirdly sexual, and I kinda love him. Furthermore, Baldair. Oh, Baldair. My love for him grows stronger in every book, and I love the friendship that builds between Vhalla and him in this book. If only we could all have our own person Baldair, I certainly wouldn't mind.
Lastly, Elise, don't destroy my ship, I've invested my heart way too much into this relationship for it just go out the window. I have faith. My ship will live. I demand it.
Not the strongest book in this series by far, but I still would definitely continue on with the series, and I can't wait to read how this story will end in the books four and five!
Update 11/28/15
I think we are all wondering the same thing after that ending.
Winds, I summon thee to bring me a copy of Earth's End pronto.
...
Aces, Spades and Stars, whoever designs these covers deserves a million gold stars
because...
Seriously, just one word.
Vhalla looks like a badass queen about to raise hell, AND I LOVE IT.
YOU GO GIRL. SLAY.
I want this so terribly badand I haven't even read Fire Falling yet. Judge me, but I have no shame. I just need to own this. And touch this. And breathe this in because this series gives me life.
Seriously, way to crush my shipper heart with those last twenty pages, Elise. Can we just act like those scenes never happened?
Earth's End falls victim to the second book syndrome...except it's the third book in a five book series. So, I guess it's more appropriate to call it the "middle-book syndrome." I loved the tension between our leading characters, Vhalla and Aldrik, in Air Awakens and Fire Falling, I might go as far as saying that their banter and tension make the series. But Earth's End was a love fest, and I'm the awkward and uncomfortable third wheel witnessing this over-the-top display of affection. No, thank you.
Can someone please tell me they counted how many times Aldrik said "My lady, my love." I lost track after halfway through, but if anyone actually kept a tally, please share it with me, I'm quite curious about Aldrik and his three word dictionary in this book.
Secondly, Daniel, you need to back off. Vhalla is obviously in love, so stop infringing on her relationship with Aldrik. I don't enjoy his character in the slightest, but I have this feeling we'll be seeing more of him Water's Wrath.
I loved the addition of Jax! My favorite line in this book was when he comments on Aldrik and Vhalla's movements, and he says "must make great sex" that had me smiling like a dork! He's weirdly sexual, and I kinda love him. Furthermore, Baldair. Oh, Baldair. My love for him grows stronger in every book, and I love the friendship that builds between Vhalla and him in this book. If only we could all have our own person Baldair, I certainly wouldn't mind.
Lastly, Elise, don't destroy my ship, I've invested my heart way too much into this relationship for it just go out the window. I have faith. My ship will live. I demand it.
Not the strongest book in this series by far, but I still would definitely continue on with the series, and I can't wait to read how this story will end in the books four and five!
Update 11/28/15
I think we are all wondering the same thing after that ending.
Winds, I summon thee to bring me a copy of Earth's End pronto.
...
Aces, Spades and Stars, whoever designs these covers deserves a million gold stars
because...
Seriously, just one word.
Vhalla looks like a badass queen about to raise hell, AND I LOVE IT.
YOU GO GIRL. SLAY.
I want this so terribly bad
May 6, 2016
What I thought I'd get in this one:
- more character development
- more of the secondary characters, because honestly, this series needs it
- some action, or rather actual plot apart from the love-story because there is a war and an evil king and everything
- perhaps something original/ world-building
What actually happened:
- endless obsessing over the love interest
- weak dialogue (mostly with the love interest or about the love interest); or inner monologue concerning Vhalla's confused feels and her love interest
- Vhalla's enormous competence that comes just from reading books -> not believable
- almost no plot whatsoever; even the fight scenes involved some romantic bullshit, it wasn't even close to being believable
- write style that reminded me on my 12-year-old self that wrote fantasy stories rather than listening to the teachers at school
- secondary characters were barely ever mentioned and if...correct they appeared only when they were important for Vhalla and Aldrik
I decided to write this review in key words because otherwise I would have simply diverted to cursing and raging. I thought that the author had figured a more or less acceptable balance out in the second book, but nope, this one totally falls back into the category "almost-worse-than-Twilight" for me.
That was all the bullshit I could take. Never again.
- more character development
- more of the secondary characters, because honestly, this series needs it
- some action, or rather actual plot apart from the love-story because there is a war and an evil king and everything
- perhaps something original/ world-building
What actually happened:
- endless obsessing over the love interest
- weak dialogue (mostly with the love interest or about the love interest); or inner monologue concerning Vhalla's confused feels and her love interest
- Vhalla's enormous competence that comes just from reading books -> not believable
- almost no plot whatsoever; even the fight scenes involved some romantic bullshit, it wasn't even close to being believable
- write style that reminded me on my 12-year-old self that wrote fantasy stories rather than listening to the teachers at school
- secondary characters were barely ever mentioned and if...correct they appeared only when they were important for Vhalla and Aldrik
I decided to write this review in key words because otherwise I would have simply diverted to cursing and raging. I thought that the author had figured a more or less acceptable balance out in the second book, but nope, this one totally falls back into the category "almost-worse-than-Twilight" for me.
That was all the bullshit I could take. Never again.
May 30, 2018
Aldrik needed to stop saying "my lady, my love" eVERY TWO FUCKING SENTENCES, because that got annoying really quick.
also this was SUPER slow paced, but that ending was so intense and amazing, but that still didn't make the first 90% of this book less boring so 3.5 stars.
also this was SUPER slow paced, but that ending was so intense and amazing, but that still didn't make the first 90% of this book less boring so 3.5 stars.
July 5, 2020
“people didn’t change when asked by others, no matter how important the asker was. true change had to come entirely from within.”
this one was a weird read. while i absolutely loved the previous two books and devoured them within two or so sittings, this one took me a week to finish. it’s especially telling that the first 200 or so pages took me five days, because the beginning was so incredibly slow and boring at times. i maybe read a chapter or two a day and then put off continuing until the next day because i never really felt the urge to pick it up and read. surely, i was enjoying what i was reading when i actually did that for once, but it was never gripping enough.
that drastically changed in the last 150 pages which i read in a single sitting. the pace picked up, the fight scenes were exciting and literally everything improved, as if i was suddenly reading a completely different book. also, the character development compared to the first book is just amazing! not only the protagonists, but several side characters visibly grew so much and that just makes me feel like a proud mom, honestly. except for the emperor, he can die for all i care.
as much as i was starting to love the book, all the more the ending threw me off. i HATED it, and i’m ready to fight. first of all, elise kova how fucking dare you. second of all, how DARE you. i’m just glad that the other books are all out already, so i don’t have to wait for approximately a year to continue on with the series, and i’m really freaking anxious to do so.
→ 3.5 stars
this one was a weird read. while i absolutely loved the previous two books and devoured them within two or so sittings, this one took me a week to finish. it’s especially telling that the first 200 or so pages took me five days, because the beginning was so incredibly slow and boring at times. i maybe read a chapter or two a day and then put off continuing until the next day because i never really felt the urge to pick it up and read. surely, i was enjoying what i was reading when i actually did that for once, but it was never gripping enough.
that drastically changed in the last 150 pages which i read in a single sitting. the pace picked up, the fight scenes were exciting and literally everything improved, as if i was suddenly reading a completely different book. also, the character development compared to the first book is just amazing! not only the protagonists, but several side characters visibly grew so much and that just makes me feel like a proud mom, honestly. except for the emperor, he can die for all i care.
as much as i was starting to love the book, all the more the ending threw me off. i HATED it, and i’m ready to fight. first of all, elise kova how fucking dare you. second of all, how DARE you. i’m just glad that the other books are all out already, so i don’t have to wait for approximately a year to continue on with the series, and i’m really freaking anxious to do so.
→ 3.5 stars
April 24, 2017
THIS WAS AN ADVENTURE. DAMN.
I mean it was a little slow at first but like mY HEART IS BROKEN?????
I'm taking a small break to buddy read with one of my faves BUT I WILL BE BACK. MAYBE WITH A REVIEW.
I mean it was a little slow at first but like mY HEART IS BROKEN?????
I'm taking a small break to buddy read with one of my faves BUT I WILL BE BACK. MAYBE WITH A REVIEW.
June 12, 2024
Sprachlos. Also, im negativen Sinne.
Anfangs dachte ich noch, das Buch würde besser werden als der vorherige Teil. Das war auch echt so! Also, kurz. Aber dann tauchte Prinz Red Flag auf und es ging steil bergab😞
***Spoiler***
Ich verzweifle leicht an dem Begriff "Romantasy" im Zusammenhang mit einem Buch über ein Liebespaar, dass sich gegenseitig belügt, Dinge voreinander verheimlicht, er bevormundet sie und zum guten Schluss verletzen sich die beiden absichtlich so sehr, dass sie sich im Streit trennen. Dieser Streit war absolut künstlich vom Prinzen (von wem auch sonst...) heraufbeschworen worden, weil er jetzt doch ne andere heiraten soll und das ja gar nicht wollte. Was ist die logische Konsequenz? Ich beschimpfe die Frau, die ich liebe als Flittchen, verhöhne sie und unterstelle ihr irgendwelche Bettgeschichten, von denen ich weiß, dass sie nicht stimmen. Wie kann man jemanden, den man liebt, so behandeln?Und das alles, damit die unausweichliche Trennung leichter fällt. Und ich mich besser fühle. Ich muss ne andere heiraten, find ich blöd, du bist schuld. Aber mam muss dazu sagen, dass bei dem Streit beide absichtlich verletzend waren und beide wussten, dass das Gerede Blödsinn war. Warum, frage ich mich, macht man sowas? Warum sage ich einer Person, der ich gestern noch meine Liebe geschworen habe, dass er/sie mir total egal ist und die Beziehung nur Zeitvertreib war und ich sie eigentlich scheiße finde? Vor allem, wenn alle sich fragen, wem die Person mit solchen Aussagen jetzt eigentlich was vormachen will?
Darf ich vorstellen: Mr Toxic Masculinity (🎶🎶 I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic🎶🎶 -Britney)
Ja. Mega romantisch jedenfalls. Und diese wahre Liebe - so aufrichtig.
Ja.
Ich werde jetzt meine Ausgabe dieser Reihe aus dem Regal entfernen. Kaum etwas fühlte sich je besser an als diese Reihe abzubrechen.
Anfangs dachte ich noch, das Buch würde besser werden als der vorherige Teil. Das war auch echt so! Also, kurz. Aber dann tauchte Prinz Red Flag auf und es ging steil bergab😞
***Spoiler***
Ich verzweifle leicht an dem Begriff "Romantasy" im Zusammenhang mit einem Buch über ein Liebespaar, dass sich gegenseitig belügt, Dinge voreinander verheimlicht, er bevormundet sie und zum guten Schluss verletzen sich die beiden absichtlich so sehr, dass sie sich im Streit trennen. Dieser Streit war absolut künstlich vom Prinzen (von wem auch sonst...) heraufbeschworen worden, weil er jetzt doch ne andere heiraten soll und das ja gar nicht wollte. Was ist die logische Konsequenz? Ich beschimpfe die Frau, die ich liebe als Flittchen, verhöhne sie und unterstelle ihr irgendwelche Bettgeschichten, von denen ich weiß, dass sie nicht stimmen. Wie kann man jemanden, den man liebt, so behandeln?Und das alles, damit die unausweichliche Trennung leichter fällt. Und ich mich besser fühle. Ich muss ne andere heiraten, find ich blöd, du bist schuld. Aber mam muss dazu sagen, dass bei dem Streit beide absichtlich verletzend waren und beide wussten, dass das Gerede Blödsinn war. Warum, frage ich mich, macht man sowas? Warum sage ich einer Person, der ich gestern noch meine Liebe geschworen habe, dass er/sie mir total egal ist und die Beziehung nur Zeitvertreib war und ich sie eigentlich scheiße finde? Vor allem, wenn alle sich fragen, wem die Person mit solchen Aussagen jetzt eigentlich was vormachen will?
Darf ich vorstellen: Mr Toxic Masculinity (🎶🎶 I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic🎶🎶 -Britney)
Ja. Mega romantisch jedenfalls. Und diese wahre Liebe - so aufrichtig.
Ja.
Ich werde jetzt meine Ausgabe dieser Reihe aus dem Regal entfernen. Kaum etwas fühlte sich je besser an als diese Reihe abzubrechen.
July 18, 2016
Earth’s End is third in the series and it’s predecessor- Fire Falling, left us with an agonizing cliffhanger. Fortunately, this picks up right after as we discover Aldrik precariously teetering between life and death. The start of the book is action-packed as Vhalla proves that while she may be a pawn, but she also a force to be reckoned with.
This book moves Vhalla and Aldriks relationship forward by leaps and bounds, and we see Vhalla grow tremendously as a person. In previous books, Vhalla was plagued by self-doubt and uncertainty. Now she completely owns who she is and the knowledge she spent her library apprentice years acquiring. She’s smart, clever, and cunning- and this is finally revealed to the world. She gains confidence in herself and wins the respect of the empire’s key players, albeit not the Emperor himself.
We also see growth in Vhalla’s magical abilities as she masters her affinity and is able to harness it in ways we never imagined. There are several parts of the book that showcase her skills. One in particular towards the end, stunning highlights how her and Aldrik’s powers compliment the other. In addition, she masters her affinity of self, projection, which simultaneous makes her an invaluable asset and the most hunted person in the empire. Action-packed scenes ensue as a result of the latter.
Likewise, we see character development with Aldrik as we delve past his façade. Kova expressed that she envisions Aldrik as an egg: hard exterior, but all gooey inside. This analogy is apt as we sides of Aldrik that we didn’t know existed, didn’t imagine could exist. His character in this book becomes more fleshed out, however I will note that certain new facets of his identity irritated me. Giving him an alcohol problem was cliché. In addition, I personally don’t think having a couple drinks a night (and not even every night) is problematic. Now if someone wakes up and immediately needs to drink and can’t function in their everyday lives- then, yes this is a problem. Aldrik merely has a vice, and it gets over-dramatized by Vhalla. Despite this, we do get a better sense of who he is in this book, although we are still left with questions surrounding his past.
In addition to character development, Earth’s End features a lot of relationship development- and not just between Aldrik and Vhalla. New characters are introduced, most noteably Jax, and so new alliances are formed. We finally begin to see that rift between Aldrik and Baldiar close, while a beautiful, sibling-esque relationship develops between Baldair and Vhalla. However, other relationships become questionable and cause inner turmoil for Vhalla. And disappointingly, her relationship with Fritz is sadly neglected in this book.
Like the previous books in the series, we are once again left with cliffhanger and are thrown a plot twist. The results of this are explosive- on both the character’s and reader’s emotions. Because of Kova’s ability to a create world that completely absorbs the reader and characters you care about, you may feel like your heart is being put through the wringer. I was emotionally drained after reading this and at the time I read it, had to wait several agonizing months for Water’s Wrath to come out. Feel lucky that you don’t have to.
See more of my reviews at: http://FantasyBookNook.com and like us at Facebook.com/TheFantasyBookNook
This book moves Vhalla and Aldriks relationship forward by leaps and bounds, and we see Vhalla grow tremendously as a person. In previous books, Vhalla was plagued by self-doubt and uncertainty. Now she completely owns who she is and the knowledge she spent her library apprentice years acquiring. She’s smart, clever, and cunning- and this is finally revealed to the world. She gains confidence in herself and wins the respect of the empire’s key players, albeit not the Emperor himself.
We also see growth in Vhalla’s magical abilities as she masters her affinity and is able to harness it in ways we never imagined. There are several parts of the book that showcase her skills. One in particular towards the end, stunning highlights how her and Aldrik’s powers compliment the other. In addition, she masters her affinity of self, projection, which simultaneous makes her an invaluable asset and the most hunted person in the empire. Action-packed scenes ensue as a result of the latter.
Likewise, we see character development with Aldrik as we delve past his façade. Kova expressed that she envisions Aldrik as an egg: hard exterior, but all gooey inside. This analogy is apt as we sides of Aldrik that we didn’t know existed, didn’t imagine could exist. His character in this book becomes more fleshed out, however I will note that certain new facets of his identity irritated me. Giving him an alcohol problem was cliché. In addition, I personally don’t think having a couple drinks a night (and not even every night) is problematic. Now if someone wakes up and immediately needs to drink and can’t function in their everyday lives- then, yes this is a problem. Aldrik merely has a vice, and it gets over-dramatized by Vhalla. Despite this, we do get a better sense of who he is in this book, although we are still left with questions surrounding his past.
In addition to character development, Earth’s End features a lot of relationship development- and not just between Aldrik and Vhalla. New characters are introduced, most noteably Jax, and so new alliances are formed. We finally begin to see that rift between Aldrik and Baldiar close, while a beautiful, sibling-esque relationship develops between Baldair and Vhalla. However, other relationships become questionable and cause inner turmoil for Vhalla. And disappointingly, her relationship with Fritz is sadly neglected in this book.
Like the previous books in the series, we are once again left with cliffhanger and are thrown a plot twist. The results of this are explosive- on both the character’s and reader’s emotions. Because of Kova’s ability to a create world that completely absorbs the reader and characters you care about, you may feel like your heart is being put through the wringer. I was emotionally drained after reading this and at the time I read it, had to wait several agonizing months for Water’s Wrath to come out. Feel lucky that you don’t have to.
See more of my reviews at: http://FantasyBookNook.com and like us at Facebook.com/TheFantasyBookNook
May 21, 2017
3.5/5 stars.
Okay let's explain the rating. This book was a big filler and pretty much a waste. It really didn't have to exist in my opinion and it easily could've been added to book 2 and 4 without so many unnecessary scenes. It really became a big soap opera for no reason and I wasn't really in love with that fact.
Yes I enjoyed this book and I like the characters, the world, the plot, etc but I feel like it was a big ball of nothing? Nothing happened really. There was a lot of war planning that didn't even matter and then a tiny 5ish page war and then more soap opera drama at the end. I feel like this 5 book series could have been a trilogy if the books were spaced out differently - less short and more to the point rather than dancing around plans that don't work and are a bit of a waste.
This series is still incredible and I'm in love with it so so much but I feel like this book was a little bit of a let down. I'm honestly starting to not even overly love the ship in this series as Aldrik is getting on my nerves. I feel like he says and does some really questionable things that make my eye twitch and I'm like bro I want to punch you so hard in the face sometimes. I like him, but I'm not obsessed with his character. Vhalla is great as always and I have no qualms with her. The main people I love are Fritz, Daniel, Jax and Baldair. They're all characters that I get so excited about when they pop up and they definitely make this series much more interesting.
I definitely recommend this series even though this book seemed to have the second book syndrome even though it's the third book.
Okay let's explain the rating. This book was a big filler and pretty much a waste. It really didn't have to exist in my opinion and it easily could've been added to book 2 and 4 without so many unnecessary scenes. It really became a big soap opera for no reason and I wasn't really in love with that fact.
Yes I enjoyed this book and I like the characters, the world, the plot, etc but I feel like it was a big ball of nothing? Nothing happened really. There was a lot of war planning that didn't even matter and then a tiny 5ish page war and then more soap opera drama at the end. I feel like this 5 book series could have been a trilogy if the books were spaced out differently - less short and more to the point rather than dancing around plans that don't work and are a bit of a waste.
This series is still incredible and I'm in love with it so so much but I feel like this book was a little bit of a let down. I'm honestly starting to not even overly love the ship in this series as Aldrik is getting on my nerves. I feel like he says and does some really questionable things that make my eye twitch and I'm like bro I want to punch you so hard in the face sometimes. I like him, but I'm not obsessed with his character. Vhalla is great as always and I have no qualms with her. The main people I love are Fritz, Daniel, Jax and Baldair. They're all characters that I get so excited about when they pop up and they definitely make this series much more interesting.
I definitely recommend this series even though this book seemed to have the second book syndrome even though it's the third book.
October 28, 2022
4.75/ 5⭐
.5/5 🌶️
Earth's End by Elise Kova continues the Air Awakens series in such a heart-breaking, hopeful, dangerous way. So many feels with this one!! Relief, elation, laugh out loud hilarity, love, rage, annoyance, and feeling super impressed with some Vhalla badassery. I wanted more for Baldair, it left me feeling angry because it was a petty death. That character deserved more. I do hope we get more about Jax in the next book. This book gave me all the feels! Elise Kova impresses once again with her writing, character development, and story writing.
Quotes:
“I was raised in a world where I had thousands of friends, each one waiting for me on a shelf every day.”
“People didn’t change when asked by others, no matter how important the asker was. True change had to come entirely from within.”
“You two move well together,” Baldair said ineloquently. “Must have great sex,” Jax snickered from Aldrik’s right. “Jax!” Baldair groaned.”
“She hadn’t studied and trained to be the woman she had become; it had been carved into her by the world’s demands. Vhalla”
“You wished for time,” Aldrik explained. “I heard each utterance when you beseeched time to stop, for mornings not to come. I want you to know I shared your every sentiment. I wanted to give you the promise of my minutes, my hours, my days.” His long fingers curled around hers, around the watch. “My future is yours, Vhalla Yarl.”
.5/5 🌶️
Earth's End by Elise Kova continues the Air Awakens series in such a heart-breaking, hopeful, dangerous way. So many feels with this one!! Relief, elation, laugh out loud hilarity, love, rage, annoyance, and feeling super impressed with some Vhalla badassery. I wanted more for Baldair, it left me feeling angry because it was a petty death. That character deserved more. I do hope we get more about Jax in the next book. This book gave me all the feels! Elise Kova impresses once again with her writing, character development, and story writing.
Quotes:
“I was raised in a world where I had thousands of friends, each one waiting for me on a shelf every day.”
“People didn’t change when asked by others, no matter how important the asker was. True change had to come entirely from within.”
“You two move well together,” Baldair said ineloquently. “Must have great sex,” Jax snickered from Aldrik’s right. “Jax!” Baldair groaned.”
“She hadn’t studied and trained to be the woman she had become; it had been carved into her by the world’s demands. Vhalla”
“You wished for time,” Aldrik explained. “I heard each utterance when you beseeched time to stop, for mornings not to come. I want you to know I shared your every sentiment. I wanted to give you the promise of my minutes, my hours, my days.” His long fingers curled around hers, around the watch. “My future is yours, Vhalla Yarl.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2016
I just went ahead and rated this five stars.. Because I can.
Update (cover)
Shit.. I just realized the cover. What the hell is that suppose to imply? Because if its implying what I think it is then fuck.
Update (read)
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!???! & The last three chapters was a bunch of BULLSHIT. No, just no. I fucking knew it, it was too good to be true.
Update (cover)
Shit.. I just realized the cover. What the hell is that suppose to imply? Because if its implying what I think it is then fuck.
Update (read)
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!???! & The last three chapters was a bunch of BULLSHIT. No, just no. I fucking knew it, it was too good to be true.
January 12, 2023
4 "Official" Lady of the Court Stars ⭐️
There is a point in every saga, where it becomes exceedingly difficult to rate a book independently from the previous books. As the story evolves, the plot becomes more intricate and overall the experience is turned biased by everything that has been read previously. It is molded and shaped by the culmination, influence, and build-up of what transpired before, and I have officially reached that point.
Please note, I cannot comment on aspects of this book without mentioning spoilers from Air Awakens and Fire Forged. If this would bother you...I would advise you to stop reading and go and enjoy those books first before continuing onward
Right so... as with the previous two in the Saga, we are thrown (literally off that cliff) right back into the action with a Crown Prince on his deathbed and a desperate Vhalla who will stop at nothing to save Aldrik. With her enticing will, defiance, and a little luck she uses everything within her power to save him. Soon we find our Heroes at the war-front of the North, where Vhalla is even more determined to help win the final Battle for the Empire - because if she fails it will mean her death.
Knowing how the previous books have influenced the story; I can say I believe this book was by far the most enjoyable and the best in the series I have read yet. But it is also the most emotional whilst being frustrating and anger-inducing aspects.
Finally I can see the puzzle pieces we were given in the previous books. Air Awakens was the introduction and foundation of our characters and the story, it sets the scene (whilst lacking character development). Fire Forged focused a lot on the development of the relationships within the story, including the build-up of the romance; but also spent a lot of time on the character development of Aldrik and Vhalla (at the sacrifice of the plot). We now find ourselves in Earth's End, which is the MOST plot heavy out of the three but also adds the "missing" political intrigue, battle strategy, and culmination of the war. This is the moment they have been striving for.
This book also largely elaborates on world-building and provides a new perspective on the magic system that wasn't touched on as much previously. Many say that this is Avatar and whilst it does share regions with elemental magic, that is all that is the same. This magic system is complicated, layered, and very unique for each person's affinity. Add to this the further complexity of the Bond and Joining, we end up with something I believe is done really well.
In terms of Vhalla, her relationship with the Prince is constantly challenged as she has to not only figure out what a relationship between her and a Crown Prince can look like but also has to navigate Aldrik being an ASSHOLE. They have quite a few disagreements and fights. However, Vhalla is no longer "developing" her character, she has developed so we find this once shy library apprentice standing up for herself, standing up for what she believes, challenging what she has been taught, and proving she is a "literal" gale force to be reckoned with. I loved how she questioned the purpose of the war and stood by her ideals when she realises that The North is not just warriors but people and children.
Now I have become emotionally invested in these characters (I am not exactly sure when it happened but it did and they are now all my babies and I shall love them forever) - let me touch on the aspects that were frustrating and anger-inducing.
I am hiding these behind spoiler tags cause they touch on spoilers....hehe
I am also plagued by the mention of "Gummy Throats" as I cannot for the life of me understand what this means - and every mention of this description in the book sends me to the point of wanting to throw my iPad out the window. Seriously if anyone can explain what a "Gummy Throat" means I shall love you forever!
I hate to say that this book ends on a cliffhanger, but unfortunately it does. Luckily the series is complete so you can jump directly into the next book if you choose. I need an emotional break though. Not because the end was bad, but because the ending shot my heart with an arrow, ripped it out, and then stomped on it numerous times. I sat with tears falling down my cheeks reading the last few pages and whilst I can't wait to see what my new babies will be up to soon. I need something happier to give my emotionally bruised heart a hug.
Ultimately I don't think you would regret picking up this book - if you managed to get past book 1.
↜⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒↝
Air Awakens - ★★★☆☆ my review
Fire Falling - ★★★.5☆☆ my review
There is a point in every saga, where it becomes exceedingly difficult to rate a book independently from the previous books. As the story evolves, the plot becomes more intricate and overall the experience is turned biased by everything that has been read previously. It is molded and shaped by the culmination, influence, and build-up of what transpired before, and I have officially reached that point.
Please note, I cannot comment on aspects of this book without mentioning spoilers from Air Awakens and Fire Forged. If this would bother you...I would advise you to stop reading and go and enjoy those books first before continuing onward
Right so... as with the previous two in the Saga, we are thrown (literally off that cliff) right back into the action with a Crown Prince on his deathbed and a desperate Vhalla who will stop at nothing to save Aldrik. With her enticing will, defiance, and a little luck she uses everything within her power to save him. Soon we find our Heroes at the war-front of the North, where Vhalla is even more determined to help win the final Battle for the Empire - because if she fails it will mean her death.
Knowing how the previous books have influenced the story; I can say I believe this book was by far the most enjoyable and the best in the series I have read yet. But it is also the most emotional whilst being frustrating and anger-inducing aspects.
Finally I can see the puzzle pieces we were given in the previous books. Air Awakens was the introduction and foundation of our characters and the story, it sets the scene (whilst lacking character development). Fire Forged focused a lot on the development of the relationships within the story, including the build-up of the romance; but also spent a lot of time on the character development of Aldrik and Vhalla (at the sacrifice of the plot). We now find ourselves in Earth's End, which is the MOST plot heavy out of the three but also adds the "missing" political intrigue, battle strategy, and culmination of the war. This is the moment they have been striving for.
This book also largely elaborates on world-building and provides a new perspective on the magic system that wasn't touched on as much previously. Many say that this is Avatar and whilst it does share regions with elemental magic, that is all that is the same. This magic system is complicated, layered, and very unique for each person's affinity. Add to this the further complexity of the Bond and Joining, we end up with something I believe is done really well.
In terms of Vhalla, her relationship with the Prince is constantly challenged as she has to not only figure out what a relationship between her and a Crown Prince can look like but also has to navigate Aldrik being an ASSHOLE. They have quite a few disagreements and fights. However, Vhalla is no longer "developing" her character, she has developed so we find this once shy library apprentice standing up for herself, standing up for what she believes, challenging what she has been taught, and proving she is a "literal" gale force to be reckoned with. I loved how she questioned the purpose of the war and stood by her ideals when she realises that The North is not just warriors but people and children.
Now I have become emotionally invested in these characters (I am not exactly sure when it happened but it did and they are now all my babies and I shall love them forever) - let me touch on the aspects that were frustrating and anger-inducing.
I am hiding these behind spoiler tags cause they touch on spoilers....hehe
I am also plagued by the mention of "Gummy Throats" as I cannot for the life of me understand what this means - and every mention of this description in the book sends me to the point of wanting to throw my iPad out the window. Seriously if anyone can explain what a "Gummy Throat" means I shall love you forever!
I hate to say that this book ends on a cliffhanger, but unfortunately it does. Luckily the series is complete so you can jump directly into the next book if you choose. I need an emotional break though. Not because the end was bad, but because the ending shot my heart with an arrow, ripped it out, and then stomped on it numerous times. I sat with tears falling down my cheeks reading the last few pages and whilst I can't wait to see what my new babies will be up to soon. I need something happier to give my emotionally bruised heart a hug.
Ultimately I don't think you would regret picking up this book - if you managed to get past book 1.
↜⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒↝
Air Awakens - ★★★☆☆ my review
Fire Falling - ★★★.5☆☆ my review
February 11, 2016
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
I'll start by saying that I have literally not a bad thing to say about this book. Like, I actually tried to think of something I didn't like, and I came up empty. I read Earth's End in what felt like minutes. When I finally finished, it was 6am, my heart was in my damn throat, and I am pretty sure I will never recover. You want feels? You'll get them. You want tense, edge of your seat moments? You'll get them too. Want some lighthearted interactions to break up the hell of war? Done. You want the most swoon-worthy romance ever? Hell yes, this book has it in spades.
So you want to know why Earth's End, the third (and middle!) book delivers, somehow even more than the last two, which I seriously did not think possible? Of course you do.
Vhalla is stronger than ever, but she's still the Vhalla we fell in love with. It's not spoilery to say that she is a Windwalker, and with that comes a lot of power. And she's been through a lot in these three books. So it stands to reason that she is getting to be one hell of a strong woman. But even though she's becoming tougher, more sure of herself, there are still incredibly vulnerable moments that take us back to Vhalla on the first page of the series. So there's tons of growth, but it's not only realistic, it's keeping in line with who Vhalla is as a person.
The relationship is so beautiful, but so real. So many times in fantasy books, the relationships never have to deal with any "real world" problems, mostly because they aren't happening in the real world. But with this relationship, it feels epic and amazing, but it also feels very, very relatable. Sure, their problems aren't going to be the same as yours or mine, but they struggle to find balance with "work", with family and friends, with communication- all the things that a normal couple would have issues with. Only, they're in the midst of a war and have special abilities and are the most amazing OTP in the history of ever. It's kind of amazing that the author is able to achieve this balance, and it makes the romance even more appealing.
It's absolutely morally complex. Nothing is black or white, right or wrong. There's an incredible moment where Vhalla realizes that war has two sides- and how easy it is to overlook that the other side is essentially made up of citizens just trying to live their lives too. That's one small example (for the sake of non-spoiler-ness), but it's things like that that make this series incredibly thought provoking. When these things play out on the pages, it has a profound impact on the characters, and certainly made me stop and think.
The side characters are fabulous- both the existing ones, and the new ones. We're introduced to some new characters that are really enjoyable, and are provided some great moments by those that have already been featured. Some of the characters bring humor, some bring insight, some bring loyalty, and of course, some bring general evilness, but they all bring something to the table. There are no "filler" characters here, they all mean something to the story, and have personalities that pop off the page.
This series may destroy me. I have fallen in love with so many of the characters, and I have had my feelings yanked all over the place throughout the series, and this book was definitely no different. I experienced tension, joy, laughter, love, fear, and yes, a certain amount of ugly crying and crushing of my soul, but I feel that's the mark of a really incredible reading experience, so it's a huge positive.
Bottom Line: What more can I say? Elise Kova has somehow done it again, and written a book even stronger than the first two, because apparently she also has magical abilities. In seriousness, I have fallen so in love with this series, and I am blown away by this series' ability to reel me and never let go. I simultaneously can't wait to find out what happens next while never, ever wanting it to end. But let's be real- Water's Wrath can't get here soon enough!
I'll start by saying that I have literally not a bad thing to say about this book. Like, I actually tried to think of something I didn't like, and I came up empty. I read Earth's End in what felt like minutes. When I finally finished, it was 6am, my heart was in my damn throat, and I am pretty sure I will never recover. You want feels? You'll get them. You want tense, edge of your seat moments? You'll get them too. Want some lighthearted interactions to break up the hell of war? Done. You want the most swoon-worthy romance ever? Hell yes, this book has it in spades.
So you want to know why Earth's End, the third (and middle!) book delivers, somehow even more than the last two, which I seriously did not think possible? Of course you do.
Vhalla is stronger than ever, but she's still the Vhalla we fell in love with. It's not spoilery to say that she is a Windwalker, and with that comes a lot of power. And she's been through a lot in these three books. So it stands to reason that she is getting to be one hell of a strong woman. But even though she's becoming tougher, more sure of herself, there are still incredibly vulnerable moments that take us back to Vhalla on the first page of the series. So there's tons of growth, but it's not only realistic, it's keeping in line with who Vhalla is as a person.
The relationship is so beautiful, but so real. So many times in fantasy books, the relationships never have to deal with any "real world" problems, mostly because they aren't happening in the real world. But with this relationship, it feels epic and amazing, but it also feels very, very relatable. Sure, their problems aren't going to be the same as yours or mine, but they struggle to find balance with "work", with family and friends, with communication- all the things that a normal couple would have issues with. Only, they're in the midst of a war and have special abilities and are the most amazing OTP in the history of ever. It's kind of amazing that the author is able to achieve this balance, and it makes the romance even more appealing.
It's absolutely morally complex. Nothing is black or white, right or wrong. There's an incredible moment where Vhalla realizes that war has two sides- and how easy it is to overlook that the other side is essentially made up of citizens just trying to live their lives too. That's one small example (for the sake of non-spoiler-ness), but it's things like that that make this series incredibly thought provoking. When these things play out on the pages, it has a profound impact on the characters, and certainly made me stop and think.
The side characters are fabulous- both the existing ones, and the new ones. We're introduced to some new characters that are really enjoyable, and are provided some great moments by those that have already been featured. Some of the characters bring humor, some bring insight, some bring loyalty, and of course, some bring general evilness, but they all bring something to the table. There are no "filler" characters here, they all mean something to the story, and have personalities that pop off the page.
This series may destroy me. I have fallen in love with so many of the characters, and I have had my feelings yanked all over the place throughout the series, and this book was definitely no different. I experienced tension, joy, laughter, love, fear, and yes, a certain amount of ugly crying and crushing of my soul, but I feel that's the mark of a really incredible reading experience, so it's a huge positive.
Bottom Line: What more can I say? Elise Kova has somehow done it again, and written a book even stronger than the first two, because apparently she also has magical abilities. In seriousness, I have fallen so in love with this series, and I am blown away by this series' ability to reel me and never let go. I simultaneously can't wait to find out what happens next while never, ever wanting it to end. But let's be real- Water's Wrath can't get here soon enough!
March 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Review to come
Words ...
Yeah those ...
This series is really quite good. Slow at times. I feel like it could have been effectively condensed into less books. Lots of really intense relationship building and therefore some emotional moments for sure!
Review to come
Words ...
Yeah those ...
This series is really quite good. Slow at times. I feel like it could have been effectively condensed into less books. Lots of really intense relationship building and therefore some emotional moments for sure!
August 6, 2016
Well I'll be damned!
I was going to give this book 3.5 stars.......but then the end happened. I'm still giving it 3.5 stars, because the ending doesn't make up for the book, but it was still damn awesome!
I got you there, didn't I? I'm evil, I know.
Back to the ending!
Honestly? I wasn't even devastated.
I loooove Vhaldrik, but instead of dying, I was laughing and praising Elise Kova.
Vhalla actually retaliated . We've seen this scene in a fair amount of books. But never have I seen the heroine lash back, utterly flooring the hero and making him regret his words!
When everything was going down, and Vhalla began tearing up, I was really sad and was prepared for Vhalla to curl up on herself and basically give up.
NOPE! Then she laughed--she laughed in Aldrik's face and threw the insult right back in his face!
I felt so much better in that moment!
Especially since it showed us Aldrik's true feelings *wink wink*
Ladies and gentlemen we all know that Aldrik is simply bullshitting himself and Vhalla to make it () easier on themselves, mainly for Vhalla.
Vhalla was just like....IN YOUR FACE, ALDIK! (the "r" is missing on purpose. Yes, I know how to spell, thank you. Your concern is touching)
She basically burned the fire lord!
The ending was the best part! Baldair also called Aldrik a bastard. For some reason, I don't think it was meant as an insult.......
I did swoon from time to time (), but not nearly as much as in Fire Falling. It irks me to no end that Aldrik referred to Vhalla as "my lady, my love" often consecutively and/or in the same sentence. Like, come on Aldrik! You can do so much better than that!!
This one was more focused on war. I was less attached.
I was trying to figure out why it was titled Earth's End. Elecia didn't die as I originally predicted. My dear friend Henz enlightened me: the northerners (the enemies) are all groundbreakers and
Emperor Solaris is a big jerk. Surprising, right? I hate him so much!
I don't know about you guys, but I basically see every corrupt iron-fisted ruler or general as the same character.
Does anyone else do this? Literally every jerk king is built almost the same way, so I subconsciously see most of them as the same person with a different name.
Emperor Solaris
King Clarkson
King of Adarlan
Supreme Commander Anderson
There are probably more that I forgot/don't know of. Feel free to tell me in the comments!
Daniel is interfering with Vhaldrik. Not in purpose, though! In fact, I'm rather glad he's not the annoying character that butts in a relationship where he doens't belong. I like him! I can't (or maybe I just won't) see him with Vhalla. With Elecia maybe?
I just love Elecia in this one!!!!
I have a soft spot for Fritz, too :D
What will happen with the ax??
Baldair is literally one of the best characters in these books!!
Other than that, I wasn't really fangirly over this one. But these books are really amazing and I'm excited to continue and see what happens with Vhaldrik among many other things.
I LOVE THAT COVER!!!
I was going to give this book 3.5 stars.......but then the end happened. I'm still giving it 3.5 stars, because the ending doesn't make up for the book, but it was still damn awesome!
I got you there, didn't I? I'm evil, I know.
Back to the ending!
Honestly? I wasn't even devastated.
I loooove Vhaldrik, but instead of dying, I was laughing and praising Elise Kova.
Vhalla actually retaliated . We've seen this scene in a fair amount of books. But never have I seen the heroine lash back, utterly flooring the hero and making him regret his words!
When everything was going down, and Vhalla began tearing up, I was really sad and was prepared for Vhalla to curl up on herself and basically give up.
NOPE! Then she laughed--she laughed in Aldrik's face and threw the insult right back in his face!
I felt so much better in that moment!
Especially since it showed us Aldrik's true feelings *wink wink*
Ladies and gentlemen we all know that Aldrik is simply bullshitting himself and Vhalla to make it () easier on themselves, mainly for Vhalla.
Vhalla was just like....IN YOUR FACE, ALDIK! (the "r" is missing on purpose. Yes, I know how to spell, thank you. Your concern is touching)
She basically burned the fire lord!
The ending was the best part! Baldair also called Aldrik a bastard. For some reason, I don't think it was meant as an insult.......
I did swoon from time to time (), but not nearly as much as in Fire Falling. It irks me to no end that Aldrik referred to Vhalla as "my lady, my love" often consecutively and/or in the same sentence. Like, come on Aldrik! You can do so much better than that!!
This one was more focused on war. I was less attached.
I was trying to figure out why it was titled Earth's End. Elecia didn't die as I originally predicted. My dear friend Henz enlightened me: the northerners (the enemies) are all groundbreakers and
Emperor Solaris is a big jerk. Surprising, right? I hate him so much!
I don't know about you guys, but I basically see every corrupt iron-fisted ruler or general as the same character.
Does anyone else do this? Literally every jerk king is built almost the same way, so I subconsciously see most of them as the same person with a different name.
Emperor Solaris
King Clarkson
King of Adarlan
Supreme Commander Anderson
There are probably more that I forgot/don't know of. Feel free to tell me in the comments!
Daniel is interfering with Vhaldrik. Not in purpose, though! In fact, I'm rather glad he's not the annoying character that butts in a relationship where he doens't belong. I like him! I can't (or maybe I just won't) see him with Vhalla. With Elecia maybe?
I just love Elecia in this one!!!!
I have a soft spot for Fritz, too :D
What will happen with the ax??
Baldair is literally one of the best characters in these books!!
Other than that, I wasn't really fangirly over this one. But these books are really amazing and I'm excited to continue and see what happens with Vhaldrik among many other things.
I LOVE THAT COVER!!!
August 6, 2016
Rating: 2.5 stars
You know what, the sequel Fire Falling was amazing for me, it had the right element to make it interesting, I really like Vhalla and Aldrik and the romance there had just the right balance in the story but oh my gods by the mother sun THIS book was all about romance!!!. ... I just got sick of it!
The start was really good, and I was hoping to know more about the other characters. I was expecting to know about Jax because he's interesting. Really!!! I think Elise Kova failed to give credit to the secondary characters and just focus on the fuckin romance, come on! What about the friendship and war strategies? There's not much going on until the last fifty pages of the book. And what about Vhalla being the beacon of hope and victory? More like a beacon of hope for Aldrik?!
It's just not enough and it's infuriating because I LOVE ALDRIK so much and it broke my heart to read all the hateful words he uttered, I immensely HATE the Emperor for being one step ahead of their plans. *insert tantrums here*. But I still believe this series will get better, given the ending of this book I think it has a shot for redemption, I just hope that Elise Kova will focus more on other things like explaining more about the knights of Jadar, the crystal axe, more glimpse on Vi the fortune teller, more interactions with secondary characters, a balance romance and fixing the mess she made with Aldrik! because seriously I just can't take the all consuming sappy romance that made the book lost its depth.
You know what, the sequel Fire Falling was amazing for me, it had the right element to make it interesting, I really like Vhalla and Aldrik and the romance there had just the right balance in the story but oh my gods by the mother sun THIS book was all about romance!!!. ... I just got sick of it!
Today, they would draw a line in the sand. On one side, they would stand, on the other, the Emperor and her death.
The start was really good, and I was hoping to know more about the other characters. I was expecting to know about Jax because he's interesting. Really!!! I think Elise Kova failed to give credit to the secondary characters and just focus on the fuckin romance, come on! What about the friendship and war strategies? There's not much going on until the last fifty pages of the book. And what about Vhalla being the beacon of hope and victory? More like a beacon of hope for Aldrik?!
It's just not enough and it's infuriating because I LOVE ALDRIK so much and it broke my heart to read all the hateful words he uttered, I immensely HATE the Emperor for being one step ahead of their plans. *insert tantrums here*. But I still believe this series will get better, given the ending of this book I think it has a shot for redemption, I just hope that Elise Kova will focus more on other things like explaining more about the knights of Jadar, the crystal axe, more glimpse on Vi the fortune teller, more interactions with secondary characters, a balance romance and fixing the mess she made with Aldrik! because seriously I just can't take the all consuming sappy romance that made the book lost its depth.
March 11, 2018
*Reread March 2018*
“They knew—the whole world saw it—it was as clear as the flames that still blazed in the ignited trees before them. Together, they were unstoppable. Bound, Joined, madly in love, there were no longer any boundaries that could limit them. They were a single force of nature.”
At this point, the only thing one can ask is: why you keep doing this to yourself girl?🤣
THAT ENDING LITERALLY HURTS MY SOUL, SO. DAMN. MUCH.
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*Reread January 2017*
“She hadn’t studied and trained to be the woman she had become; it had been carved into her by the world’s demands.”
HAHA FOR REAL I'M FUCKING DEAD THIS TIME
That ending it's seriously one of the most painful things to read, and it literally HURTS MY SOUL every time *sobs in the corner*
Everything about this series it's just incredible!❤️
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*Reread June 2016*
“You were not born to be their leader, you were chosen. And that has far greater weight.”
HAHA I'M LITERALLY DEAD ONCE AGAIN
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*First read March 2016*
“Vhalla reached out and grabbed the prince’s bandaged hand, clinging to it. His right hand, the hand that had written her letters, the hand that had tangled itself into her hair as she slept, the hand that held her face when he kissed her; it was a wonderful hand of endless possibilities that now rested completely limp in her grasp.”
I'm literally dead *cries in the corner*
Let just say that this it's officially one of my favorite series ever and I HIGHLY recommend that guys read it because it's freaking fantastic!❤️
5/5★★★★★
“They knew—the whole world saw it—it was as clear as the flames that still blazed in the ignited trees before them. Together, they were unstoppable. Bound, Joined, madly in love, there were no longer any boundaries that could limit them. They were a single force of nature.”
At this point, the only thing one can ask is: why you keep doing this to yourself girl?🤣
THAT ENDING LITERALLY HURTS MY SOUL, SO. DAMN. MUCH.
-----------------------------------------------------
*Reread January 2017*
“She hadn’t studied and trained to be the woman she had become; it had been carved into her by the world’s demands.”
HAHA FOR REAL I'M FUCKING DEAD THIS TIME
That ending it's seriously one of the most painful things to read, and it literally HURTS MY SOUL every time *sobs in the corner*
Everything about this series it's just incredible!❤️
-----------------------------------------------------
*Reread June 2016*
“You were not born to be their leader, you were chosen. And that has far greater weight.”
HAHA I'M LITERALLY DEAD ONCE AGAIN
-----------------------------------------------------
*First read March 2016*
“Vhalla reached out and grabbed the prince’s bandaged hand, clinging to it. His right hand, the hand that had written her letters, the hand that had tangled itself into her hair as she slept, the hand that held her face when he kissed her; it was a wonderful hand of endless possibilities that now rested completely limp in her grasp.”
I'm literally dead *cries in the corner*
Let just say that this it's officially one of my favorite series ever and I HIGHLY recommend that guys read it because it's freaking fantastic!❤️
5/5★★★★★
February 29, 2016
||"You were not born to be their leader, you were chosen. And that has far greater weight."
I finished this one in 2.5 hours. A new record for me. But like it was hard not to devour this one. I have minimal highlights because I could highlight the entire book. Kova really outdid herself this time. This series continually gets better as more layers are added to the story and the characters get more and more complex as time progresses. No character is one thing or another and it is so great to see their dynamics together. But, man, what I wouldn't give to be Raylynn for a night.
I think one of the things really well done in this series is the depiction of war. I've said it before and I will continue saying it: there is no shying away from the real, gritty aspects of war in these novels. There is wonderful (and kinda gross) depictions of the battle and the different elements of the fighting that the characters take part in. I think that is something you don't see a lot of in YA Fantasy, but I am so glad it is included in this one. I love seeing the characters, especially Vhalla, really struggle with the idea that they are killing someone who is just like them: similar ideals, lifestyle, woes and fighting for a cause they really believe in.
I think one of the strongest moments in this one was when Vhalla enters into the Northern stronghold and sees the women and children trying to survive in there. Because she comes to realize that not everyone in the North are monsters or demons but rather human beings. I just had so many fist pumping moments because I am SO GLAD to see war and consequences in a YA novel not getting glossed over. (As I have said before, another good example of this is The Hunger Games).
I love the natural progression of the characters. They are morphed by the circumstances around them and what they have had to deal with, but they also grow because of the interactions they have with one another. In this book, we got a deeper look into Baldair and the Golden Guard, as well as the Lords of the Court. It was so interesting to see the political play of those in charge because it gave more depth to the history of the land and why the war is occurring. It also made me realize that there is so much more happening than Vhalla awakening and learning to deal with it. There are layers upon layers to this story and I am so excited to see where the story is headed. I freaking love high fantasy. And this is high fantasy at it's peak.
And strangely: I am also extremely happy with the ending. I love that beyond anything else, Vhalla is choosing to figure things out on her own. She needs to come to terms with everything that has happened to her over the past year without constantly thinking about boys or what the Emperor is scheming or what Victor is putting in her tea. Okay, maybe the last one is just me. But I need my girl to grow and come to realizations on her own without anyone playing puppet master because she has dealt with that for too long.
Lastly, (wow this is a short review compared to my last one) I have a theory about the crystal axe. I think it runs on blood magic of a sort. (i.e. the more the axe is used to kill (thus gaining blood), the more powerful it/the wielder becomes) But I think for Vhalla, since Windwalkers can't be tainted by crystals, it will just make her have a big ego if she uses it too much. Let me know what you think about that!
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I did it! I'm crushed!!!! I'll have my review up in the morning!!! happy release day!!!!!!!! Now curl up and cry!!!!!!!!!
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January 2, 2022
Reread 2021: this series has me addicted. I remember the first time reading this book and how I wasn't the biggest fan. I still think the love triangle thrown in this point in the story is pointless. But I did love Aldrik and Vhalla more this time around.
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WHAT IS HAPPENING. I DON'T COMPREHEND.
Can someone PLEASE kill the Emperor!?!?
*screams*
3,5 stars
I feel like we need more of the secondary characters: Fritz (love you, fritz), Baldair, Jax, even Elecia. There are a lot of reviews saying that this book was a disappointment because it was mainly focus on the romance. Lucky for me, I'm trash for romances, so I enjoyed it a lot. But it was slow at some parts, I admit it. So far, this is my least favorite book of the Air Awakens series.
And the ending, IM SO NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT, because there are a lot of things wrong with what happened.
-------
WHAT IS HAPPENING. I DON'T COMPREHEND.
Can someone PLEASE kill the Emperor!?!?
*screams*
3,5 stars
I feel like we need more of the secondary characters: Fritz (love you, fritz), Baldair, Jax, even Elecia. There are a lot of reviews saying that this book was a disappointment because it was mainly focus on the romance. Lucky for me, I'm trash for romances, so I enjoyed it a lot. But it was slow at some parts, I admit it. So far, this is my least favorite book of the Air Awakens series.
And the ending, IM SO NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT, because there are a lot of things wrong with what happened.
April 11, 2017
My heart is breaking, this book gave you everything then tore it away so harshly 😭 I love this series so much though.
June 26, 2020
İsmail YK dinliyorum, gözlerim kapalı;
ALLAH BELANI VERSİN, ELİSE!!!
Diyecek başka hiçbir sözüm yok!😱😭😤😡🤬
October 29, 2024
Okay sure just rip my heart out at the end 🥲
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