Vortex Visions

Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1

by Elise Kova

A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.

Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.

The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have.

Powers that might well cost her the throne.

As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.

All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, New Adult, High Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

374 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2019

About the author

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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.

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Reviews

[Elise Kova]

VORTEX VISIONS is finally out!!

I'm not using this for a review, but as a place to share some information about VORTEX VISIONS.

This book has been 7 years in the making. It's a book that I've wanted to write for some time, but needed to grow and evolve as an author before I felt confident in doing it. I hope you enjoy what I've created now that it's out in the world!

Grab your copy here: http://viewbook.at/VortexVisions
✦ Available in Kindle Unlimited!
✦ Don't have a Kindle and want an eBook? Try downloading the Kindle App on your smartphone or tablet.
✦ Have a Nook or Kobo? If you send proof of Amazon purchase to Elise.Kova.Author[at]gmail[dot]com I'll send you a personalized link to read on your Nook or Kobo!

Physical Copies:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vort...
The Book Depository Paperback: https://www.bookdepository.com/Vortex...
The Book Depository Hardcover: https://www.bookdepository.com/Vortex...
Don't see your favorite retailer? Don't despair. It's up in more places, search on your favorite bookseller's website. Additionally, many brick and mortar stores may be able to order it in. Support an indie book AND an indie bookstore by calling your favorite store.

About Vortex Chronicles
Some information I'd love for people to know about this series...

✦ You do not have to read the original Air Awakens series to jump in. It is a new story, with a new protagonist, new villain, and new adventure.

✦ Vortex Chronicles is set 18 years after the end of the original Air Awakens Series and follows the story of Vhalla's daughter.

✦ The series is scheduled to be released with 3 months between books. I'm hoping to make this target, but I will not sacrifice quality to do it.

✦ If you want more info on the Air Awakens world, you can check out my website here: http://elisekova.com/the-world-of-air...

✦ More info about VORTEX VISIONS is on my website: http://elisekova.com/vortex-visions-a...

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

O how I’ve missed thee, Elise Kova!

There was an odd mix of trepidation, hope, hesitation and eagerness that enveloped me ever since I learned of Vortex Visions. For me, Air Awakens is a truly special series; the sorrows, the tragedies, the raw pain and the whirlwind of love and devastation that swept and defined the lives of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik Solaris have left a permanent mark, and returning to the world they shaped could either lead to deep contentment or utter disappointment. I should have known better, though. I should have known not to question her.

A desperate princess.
A magical traveler.
And a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.

Vi Solaris has never met her home. Due to a necessary political maneuver of her parents, she is forced to live as a warden of the Solaris Empire’s latest conquest; the North. As a result of her situation, she never fully belonged neither to the North nor to the South. With expectations heavy upon her, and her magic almost non-existent, with the Senate seeking political advantage and enemies at every corner, Vi’s position as the Crown Princess is precarious. When a deadly plague spreads, when dark gods appear and terrible secrets come to light, Vi finds an unexpected ally in the face of Taavin, a young man who shows her a world that she never imagined. Now equipped with mysterious powers and terrifying visions, Vi will fight, bleed, despair, try to save Solarin and the rest of her world, with the burden of its survival on her shoulders. For Fate is waiting for Vi Solaris.

Halleth. She whispered. Heal. And she did heal. She healed the void Air Awakens left when it ended, she healed the ache of goodbye and replaced the bittersweet taste of loss with skillet cake and cookies and the tang of magic.

Juth. She continued. Destruction. She wreaked havoc on tender hearts, shattered your fragile resolve and made pieces of you fall apart.

Narro Samasha. She uttered with intent. Awaken the Words. Make distant continents come alive, bestow feelings and blessings and curses on readers, invoke churning powers and stir deadly creatures from their sleep. Awaken long forgotten memories and blend them with the excitement of new adventures, new loves, new horizons. New pain.

❝ Isn’t that part of the enjoyment, though? Getting lost in something that seems as if it should be impossible?❞

Vortex Visions was both familiar and fresh; Elise Kova expanded the world of Air Awakens, rattled the very foundations of magic, added new elements, legends, sacred places and ungodly foes to a story of stardust and moss covered trees. Mixing politics, mystery and magic, infusing with breath a cast of diverse and multi-layered characters of intriguing backstories, she painted a gripping first instalment in green and brown shades. And since Vortex Visions is the introduction to the series, I am certain the next books will be mind-blowingly epic (and I withhold the 5th star until then).

Vi. Taavin. Andru. Ellene. Jayme. Jax. A web of friendship, secrets and loyalty interlaced with different types of love that fueled the plot. Everyone served a purpose, everyone was strategically placed in order to shape Vi’s character, and I cared about them all. Vi’s need to lead a normal life with but at the same time the desire to simply be herself defined her personality, and made her a heroine I wanted to follow. I loved her relationships, her nightly escapades, and all those times she thought of her family. Because once upon a time, her family was also my family. That’s a heavy legacy, but I am positive she’ll be able to bear it.

Vortex Visions was an encompassing journey, and I’m looking forward to the next part!

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Review also posted on BookNest!

[- ̗̀ DANY ̖́- (danyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

. : ☾⋆ — 5 ★

READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG!!!
https://bit.ly/2UEZZlW

ARC provided from the author in exchange for an honest review (thank you Elise Kova, queen of my life!!)

I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it a thousand more—Air Awakens is the best thing that’s happened to the YA fantasy genre and the fact that it isn’t more popular is the bane of my entire existence. AND YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT.

in a very Elise Kova-like fashion, Vortex Visions is equal amounts sappy, perfectly lighthearted and lovable trashy high fantasy, while also succeeding to build a phenomenal atmosphere and contribute to the gorgeous world building we’d been left off with from the previous series. and oh God—do I love every little detail about this world!!!! these books have brought me so much joy and I can’t imagine a world where I can’t immediately resort to an Elise Kova book in times of peril. the characters in this series are so, so magical and I SQUEALED every time someone from the previous series showed up/was mentioned. I also adored every new character we were introduced to in this book and I genuinely can’t wait to find out more about everybody—Romulin and Taavin especially. they’re both so mysterious in their own respective ways and AAAAHHHHHH I can’t wait to finally, FINALLY see everyone from the old series again in the next book!!! God this series literally owns my LIFE. such a perfect read, such a perfect book, such a perfect world.

in all honesty you guys, it really does hurt that Elise Kova doesn’t get the credit she overwhelmingly deserves as a writer. she’s pushing books out left and right like it’s nobody’s business and they’re always so bold and full of life and she writes from such a heartwarming standpoint gaaaaahhhh I just love her so much, she genuinely deserves the world and if all her previous books were not proof enough, this one definitely is!!!!

just as a little end note if you plan on picking this book up—even though Elise has said that this one can be read on its own and that you don’t need to read all 5 books of Air Awakens, I do believe Vortex Visions becomes that much richer if you DO read the previous books, as far as character context and world building go. I personally adore literally everything from the OG Air Awakens and would vouch for it WITH MY LIFE. READ THESE BOOKS. SUPPORT ELISE KOVA. THAT’S ALL.

// ORIGINAL REVIEW

NO OFFENSE BUT I NEED THIS BOOK MORE THAN I'VE EVER NEEDED ANYTHING IN MY ENTIRE LIFE

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations for the sequel series of Air Awakens and it did not disappoint.

Crown Princess Vi is seventeen, living in the North as a political pawn. Her family rules in the Southern Kingdom, and while she has visits from her parents, she has never met her twin. She doesn’t fit in, she’s too Southern and clearly an outsider to the people who raised her, and she’s too Northern for the people of the South.

“No child chooses the circumstances of their birth. Rich parents, poor parents, high and low. We are all handed the starting point. What you make of every step thereafter is what defines your life.”

As her magic Awakens to something completely different, Vi learns that not everything is as it seems, including her views on the Crescent Continent.

I loved Vi’s longing for her family. Knowing Aldrik and Vhalla made me long for news from them too. But them being out of the picture gave a chance for Vi to grow as her own character. Jax was a lovely surprise. He’s always been a favorite, and him going with her to the north and being Uncle Jax was perfect.

If you’re in the fence about reading this series, it’s worth the read. It’s wonderful being back in the lovely Air Awakens world. I’m so glad the author decided to continue. If you haven’t read Air Awakens, I would read that series first since it’s already complete and just a great read.

“Every year you can learn something more, because you are older, wiser, and more mature.”

Free on kindle unlimited

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5/5 stars*

“That would be quite impossible, as I have not stepped foot beyond Risen since I was a child.” There was a note to the longing in his voice that resonated with her own. She knew well what it was like to be trapped somewhere, tortured by things she could read and see through her maps but never reach.


I really really enjoyed this sequel series set in the Air Awakens world! My immediate impression after reading the several last chapters is five stars. The last lines of this first book made me so so excited and curious about the next instalment in the series!

While the original Air Awakens series was not without its problems I loved it and the series became one of my favourites. And this book didn't disappoint! I liked that it, of course, had some similar elements to the original series as it's set in the same world and we get to meet a few of the old characters, but overall this book had a spirit of its own, while also ever so slightly familiar. We also get to see a lot of new lore of The Air Awakens world as well, which was very insteresting.

Vi is a great heroine and I enjoyed following her in this first book. She isn't too outstanding yet, but she has the promise of a great character development and ultimately an amazing fantasy heroine. Overall, I really liked her and could connect to the plot through her easily as well. I also enjoyed her dynamic with her two female friends - especially her best friend Ellene. Andru was also an interesting side character and I liked his dynamic with Vi. We also get to see a lot of older Jax, and as he was one of my favourite side characters from the first series, I was glad about that. Then there's Taavin. So far he's one of the character's I'm most interested in. He comes from a diferent kingdom than Vi and they are able to communicate through special connection and Vi's magic. Taavin is quite mysterious, alluring and capable, but also has this quiet caring about him. I reall enjoyd Vi and Taavin's connection and interactions in this book and am interested in seeing more of them in the sequels!

I enjoyed how the was the story was told as well. Easy to get into the storyline, but not overly simplistic either. The more books Elise Kova has out, the more I like her wiriting. Overall, I thought the writing, which was one of the things that weren't the absolute best about the original series, was great here.


“As you can see, we are a very, very small portion of the world. But by giving the people of the Solaris Empire pride—pride in seeing themselves as the pinnacle of the world—they strive to fight harder, to follow the rules, and to oblige their Empire.”


The world building I was always interested in ever since Air Awakens, so that was another element I enjoyed about this one. On top of that we get to know a lot of interesting new lore, both from the Northerner's perspective and a some from the world outside of the empire of Vi's parents. Which was great a in the original, we stayed limited to the empire only.

The storyline - I liked the book pretty much from the beginning and the more I read the more I was able to get invested in the story overall. In this first book we are mostly in one place, it all takes place in the woods of the North, so while it's not fast paced from the beginning, nor is it boring. I felt like Vortex Visions had the right amount of pacing for a first book in longer series. And with the progression of the plot, the pacing got faster and a lot of interesting and gripping events were happening. I flew throught the last few chapters!


The world she’d always been promised was no more, before she could even step foot in it. Everything she had lived for and waited for was suddenly pulled out from under her feet.


Overall, I'd definitely recommend Vortex Visions to fans of Air Awakens, but I'd also say that, while it has some similar elements (of course), this book isn't necessarily a copy of the story of Air Awakens, it is it's own thing - both the characters and the story have its own feel to them separate from the original series. Vortex Visions is great book in a series which promises magic and danger, slow burn romance and adventure. We get a taste of all of it in this first book and I cannot wait to see more in the sequels, especially after the last few lines!

P.S. I really hope Aldrik is not dead.
--------------------------------------

WooHoo we're back to this world! Another series I loved that I'll be able to revisit again in the future! Like Shades of Magic, Remnant Chronicles or The Winner's Trilogy!

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great!!!

I'm so happy to get back into this world even if it's a little different, mostly because it's in the North instead of the South and also because of Vi, Vhalla and Aldrik's daughter.

I really liked Vi, I was a little worried I wouldn't, it's always the risk with a spin-off serie that you won't like the new characters but she was really great.

I can't wait to read more, it seems that what Vi is up against is even more epic than Vhalla's "troubles" and is actually a consequence of Vhalla's adventures.

It's gonna be awesome!!! 😍😍😍

----------------------------------

LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!!

[Caroline Vaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Edition of this book in exchange for an honest review**

For those of you that don't know, Vortex Visions is the first book in a new series in the same world as its sister series, Air Awakens. If you haven't read Air Awakens or finished the series, there is bound to be some spoilers in here, but, as the author Elise Kova has openly stated, you don't have to read Air Awakens before reading Vortex Visions.

Also, my reviews tend to be a bit spoilery, so if you're not a fan of that I suggest going forward with caution. I do, however, try to keep plot spoilers and big events out so not to ruin the book for anyone.

For this review, I've decided to split this into a few categories; plot, world-building, and characters.

Plot:

I picked this book up excited not only because I got to revisit the Solaris Empire, but because I would get to see some of my favourite characters all grown up and meet a whole bunch of new characters to accompany them. Instead, I got a lot of Vi complaining about her life, going to her lessons, and learning a bunch of new stuff that seems completely woven from scratch and not at all like the original series. Perhaps this is what Elise Kova meant when she said you don't have to read Air Awakens.

Quite honestly, and here's a spoiler so don't get mad when I say that the most interesting parts of this book were when Vi had run-ins with death. It's like with some fantasy series when the characters take long walks to get from place to place except there's no walking and it is all in the same general area but with a lot of thinking, extremely fake girl gossip, and complaining about how life isn't all that fair. You're not 13, Vi, it's time to grow up a little.

The disease, the White Death, was probably the best plot aspect of the whole book and something I hope to hear more about in future books.

The ending was okay. It was much like I expected given the rest of the novel, but at that point, I reached a point where I didn't really care about most of the characters involved, which is not great. I think it'll be a great way to push into book two. A lot of loose ends that make me want to pick up the next book.

World-Building:

Of course, Elise never disappoints with her world-building. I absolutely can't complain about it. And for those of you that read Air Awakens, were probably surprised about the inclusion of even more world-building in this! I must admit, part of me is very upset that there is a bigger world than what we previously thought. To me, it seems like that just makes the plights of the characters seem less worth it. In other words, why would a bigger kingdom in a bigger part of the world not matter more?

The magic aspect of Air Awakens was one of my favourite parts and by essentially belittling the powers of those in Solaris, it made me sad that Vhalla, who was seemingly so important, doesn't matter a whole lot in the grand scheme of the world. I'm really picky when it comes to magic systems and I happened to like how the magic system was in the first series, so the fact that that was all basically thrown out and replaced with the formulaic "words are power and are what drive power" idea is kind of irritating. It's how most magic systems are in a lot of other YA fantasy, so I expect something different because I kept thinking about Eragon by Christopher Paolini the whole time. Now that is a magic system with words that works.

Since J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, I think it has become a cliche that fantasy writers feel like they have to have elves in their writing. 5 books written in the exact same universe before Vortex Visions and there is no mention of "elfin" until this book. I understand that the world has expanded and that we are still learning about it, but this feels a little forced and I'm not for it.

Characters:

Vi:

As far as main characters go, I found her...bland. She came off as the typical character that was separated from the life she should have lived with very little freedom. And of course, she likes to go out and hunt. How very original. I found her less individual and more like a watered-down version of her mother, Vhalla. It's no wonder the Senate was unsure about her taking the throne seeing as she never set foot in their capital city, no one knew much about her, and her younger brother Romulin was living the life she essentially should have. I feel very little sympathy for her cause.

I think she did a lot of growing up throughout the book, though and I'm genuinely interested to see where the next book takes the rest of her journey.

Taavin:

He might have been my favourite part of the book. He was mysterious and intriguing, so I can't wait to dig into his character more. Especially with how this one ended *wink wink*.

Andru:

Poor, beautiful, misunderstood Andru is too pure for this world and deserves to be showered with love and attention. He was made out as a bad guy almost the entire book, but he has so much more to him.

Ellene:

Perhaps my least favourite character. Acts like the worst teenage stereotype I've ever seen. Quite disappointing, really.

Last Thoughts:

I can't lie, I liked Air Awakens far more than this and, for those of you that are reading this to decide where to start, I have to recommend you start there. This series can wait for you, but I also think, despite the deep flaws in this story, it is truly worth the read. There are enough characters that I care about, mainly from the original series, but a few in this as well, that I'm quite attached to and would like to see how they end up.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the author for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.

Aaaaand we're finally back in the Air Awakens world! I can't express how much I missed AA and its characters, and while I still haven't managed to reread (because five books are A Lot), I still remembered enough details to dive into this sequel/spin-off and catch all the references.

⇒ Do you need to read the Air Awakens series first?

You probably don't need to, since this follows different characters, but at the same time I feel like you'd lose a lot by not knowing what happened before. Kova built a rich, fantastic world with simple but important rules, and there's a lot that the first series covered (relationships between the different parts of the Empire, the culture and superstition around sorcerers, the way magic works, the history of the Empire, etc) that still plays a huge role in Vortex Visions. While most of it is explained here again as the story goes on, I feel like to get the best reading experience you really do need to have read the first series.

⇒ Review

This book takes place around twenty years after the events of Air Awakens and sees Vhalla and Aldrik's daughter, Vi, as the protagonist.

SOME SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE END OF THE AIR AWAKENS SERIES

If you've read the end of the first series, you'll know that Vhalla's firstborn is to be sent to the North to live among them. I didn't remember all the details about the deal and why that came to be, but more is explained here.

Vi is seventeen and while her parents visit her when they can, she has never set foot outside of the North. She has also never met her own twin brother (only younger than her by a few minutes), but communicates with him through letters.

When Vi's power is Awakened, it's not as she or most people imagined it, and she must keep it mostly hidden as she trains with Sehra, the Chieftain of the North. And with her power come visions of the future that promise nothing good to come.

I think one of Elise Kova's strongest abilities, other than the worldbuilding, is how she creates an interesting cast of surrounding characters that relate in different ways to the MC. We see some familiar faces (Jax!!!!, Sehra) and a few new ones: Ellene and Jayme are Vi's friends; Andru is the son of the Head of Senate and recently sent to the North to assess Vi's qualifications as future Empress. Taavin is the "voice", the boy Vi (the champion) summons with her newfound power.

I really liked most characters even though I don't have strong feelings towards both Ellene and Jayme. I wanted to know more about Andru and I think the clues about his own side romance were pretty obvious and I can't wait to see it unfold in the next issues. I cared less about the main romance, I'm sure the next books will make me like it more but so far I just don't see a reason why they should be together. I do however appreciate how inclusive this was (as were Kova's other series): we have Andru who's gay, Vi's brother who's so-far-not-specified queer, and Ellene has two moms (Sehra and her wife).

I found the ending a bit abrupt, like, I thought I still had one more chapter to go but that was it. But speaking of which, there's a few appendixes at the end with maps, more explanations on Lightspinning and elemental affinities, a pronunciation guide (it's not V-ee but V-eye! but I will still keep reading it as V-ee in my head lol) and a recap of the story of Dia. I really appreciate that because it makes the worldbuilding more accessible and idk, I just really like when authors do that.

Overall this is a strong first installment for a spin-off and I can't wait for the next one.

[Rizza✧˖° · Rating 4 out of 5]

Air Awakens is one of my most beloved book series so it is of no doubt that I would read its sequel.

Vortex Visions is set seventeen years after the first series and is about the daughter of Aldrik and Vhalla Solaris. As was pointed out during the first series, Vi must grow up at the North wherein she is overseen by their Chieftain to maintain the peace between North and South, the North being the latest addition of the Solaris Empire from the South.

All her life Vi wanted to reunite with her family at the South, but being the Crown Princess she had to live her life at the North as decided by her parents and the Chieftain before her birth. Moreover, she had to master her power, being the daughter of one of the best Firebearers who ever lived, before returning home.

A series of events transpired leading to her learning that her power is a lot more different and more powerful compared to her father's, she has a lot more in store for her other than being the next in line to the throne, and her being one of the two who can save the world from imminent danger.

I admit that I was a bit confused while reading this book but it is noteworthy to acknowledge that this book is the first of the series so the foundations are still being built. And so I think it is but normal to feel a bit lost. But then after a while, I got my momentum of reading it and enjoyed the story a lot.

Also, I was hoping to get a glimpse of my favorite characters from the first series: Aldrik and Vhalla. Unfortunately, I didn't get it. But I am hoping to see them in future works.

[Lucie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

✅ World-building
✅ Action
✅🆗 Magic
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ Plot
🆗❌ Pace
🆗❌ Interactions

2.5 stars 🙁

I was excited to read this book because I loved the Air Awakens series so much! I expected to see Vhalla and Aldrik all grown up and to be re-immersed in the Solaris empire, but instead, it was a whole lot of Vi (Vhalla and Aldrik'S daughter) complaining about her life as a "prisoner", complaining about her lack of power, then her lack of control over her magic or complaining about having to go to her lessons... I do not like her that much honestly and the same can be said for Vi's friends. They lack the charisma and intensity of the characters in the Air Awakens series. I honestly do not care that much for any of the characters.

The plot is also a lot weaker than what I got used to in Kova's previous books. Not much happens besides Vi slowly learning to master her new powers and having a few close encounters with death. There is a lot of girl gossip between Vi and her friends, a lot of complaining from Vi, and not much gets done. The white death part was interesting though, the mysterious plague that started a few years back and that is now all across the Solaris empire, I think there is something interesting there, hopefully, the next book will focus more on the plague and the fact that the world might be threatened by dark powers and less on how poor Vi feels alone and unloved.

The magic system is also getting more complex in this new series and I am not sure if I like it or not. It presents a different kind of magic that works with words (generic words like healing, creating, destroying), but you also need to have a clear mental picture of the symbol associated with the word and be able to add your specific intent while saying the generic word... I know the goal was to have a system different from the one the elemental magic wielder use in this world, but it was a little weird honestly.

I do not know if I will pick up the next book. I am in no hurry to know what will happen even though I feel that the next book will probably be better now that everything is in place for the story to move on. There are also a few loose ends that could be a good way to transition into the second book if they are addressed properly.


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[Howling Good Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy dance!!! Can’t wait to get back to this world. You don’t have to read Air Awakens to read this series but why wouldn’t you?? Everything Elise Kova writes is worth reading.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd Read Update
Sometimes a book is worse or boring the second time around....BUT not Ms. Kova!! This was even better the 2nd time around!!

1st Read Review
I can always count on Ms. Kova for getting me out of a reading slump to kick start my faith in awesome fantasy books!

And again, she didn't disappoint with the beginning of a new series following the Air Awakens series.

Now begins the count down to the next book in this series...anticipation on what happens next and if Vi can really leave the Dark Isles to be the champion she is destined to be.

[Cassie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vortex Visions is an epic new beginning. In standard form, Elise Kova welcomes readers both old and new into the Air Awakens world splendidly.
Vortex Visions was unsurprisingly great, after Air Awakens I expected nothing short of another epic saga and she totally delivered.
Vi Solaris was raised far away from her birth family in the capital city of the North, Soricium. As a descendant of some of the most powerful Firebearers in history, she is expected to have manifested signs of strong magic but unfortunately the best she can do is light a small fire. The well of magic within her has always remained inaccessible.
Kept in the North well past when she should have been reunited with her family, self doubt and rumors plague Vi. A deadly disease spreading across the Solaris Empire adds to her list of troubles.
Her life is turned upside down as her magic awakens in an unexpected way and changes everything she thought she knew. Revelations show the fate of not just the Solaris Empire but the world beyond may lay on her young shoulders.
The tutelage of a mysterious and enigmatic figure shows her wonders she's never knew and broadens her scope of the world at large. The magical connection she shares with this stranger is deep and destiny propels their futures towards the same path.
Dark tidings of rising evil and forthcoming doom darkens her days as she prepares to face the future and the Empire she stands to inherit.
Attempts are made against her life, Her right to rule is scrutinized and the new magic within her proves to be unstable and hard to control, the daughter of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik Solaris will be pushed to her limit and she will either make or break their world.
I love the way Elise Kova broadens this world by introducing new fresh original content that blends well with the history already known. Her imagination knows no bounds and it makes this book so much more unique and amazing.
There are so many charming and lovely characters, the every shiny ray of sunshine Ellene who is this series breakout character (I just freaking love her so much), the steadfast Jayme, the awkward Andru who is quite an interesting character and my favorite precious Taavin who I will guard with my whole heart.
Old readers and new will happily devour Vortex Visions, Elise Kova has once more created another hit series.
A worthy successor series, Vortex Visions takes everything great from Air Awakens and transcends into a greater form on a broad level.

P.S: This book will make you evaluate everything you think you know about Air Awakens and you will marvel at Elise Kova's genius.

[Archives of Jina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off to a great start with Vi. Definitely a bit of a slow start but it really starts to pick up the pace. I absolutely loved the Yargen (I think I spelled that right) magic system, super cool, different and unique. Seeing old characters like Jax, warmed my heart. The friendships around Vi and making the best of a shitty situation.

There’s very little romance in here, a sprinkle if you will but you can see it will lead to more. It was like a long distance relationship and again unique. Can’t wait to see how that develops going forward.

[Scrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ya girl finished Air Awakens series in time to jump on this. So excited.

[Mara YA Mood Reader]

$2.49 on Kindle US 1/28/22!

[Jordan Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I had expected. Reading the original Air Awakens series, I thought I’d know what I was getting into, and I was wrong. While keeping the feel of the Air Awakens world alive Elise wrote and entirely new experience! This one starts off with a bang and just keeps that energy alive throughout the whole book! I am very very excited for the next in this series and too see what happens with/to Vi!

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, I think we all know Elise Kova is my favorite author ever, right? Right. Which means I was low-key scared that the next book she wrote wouldn't live up to my hype for her but guess what?!?! I don't have to worry about it with this series because I. AM. IN. LOVE. AGAIN!!!! Well, not again, because that would mean I had fallen out of love with it in the first place which I didn't. I just mean that I have fallen even harder!!!!
This book follows Vi, who was sent away from her family as a child for reasons I will not mention, and who we follow as she prepares to go back with them. She does this while also learning how to control her powers and fighting to stay alive. I can't even begin to explain how much I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character develop with every page. I was merely intrigued at the beginning but once I flipped that last page, I couldn't contain my cheers for her. Obviously, she still has so much to grow and learn but she has made me so proud nonetheless and I need the next installment of her journey in my hands asap!
I loved getting to know her and the people around her, especially a certain male with a sexy name! Elise always has the best names for her male characters and it drives me insane, in the best way! I CAN'T WAIT to see more of this handsome guy and I am going insane with wanting to explore his story even more. I have yet to form an attachment to any of her other friends but I am sure I will once I get more books from this world!
I didn't know where this continuation would lead but MY GOD, I was blown away to smithereens.
I started this after reading a book I didn't enjoy so it took me a bit to get into but I fought through it and emerged victorious. This book was a slow burn, plot-wise, but when it hits, it hits hard. I gasped, I laughed, I cried, and I squealed- some might say I am still squealing as I type this, but anyway... The emotional rollercoaster that seems inevitable wherever Elise is concerned didn't let me down in VV. This was so intense that I don't think I blinked once while reading the last half of the book.
My heart was at my throat and my stomach twisted in knots for many reasons.
One of those reasons being that Elise has such a way with words that every detail evoked something from me. Some of her descriptions were so vivid that I almost threw up with disgust.
Which leads me to the main reason why I loved this book beyond belief: It is MUCH darker than the Air Awakens series I know and love AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. The darker a book is, the better, for me and I felt like Elise was catering to me specifically. I know she wasn't but I loved feeling such a connection to her mind and I can't wait to see where she will lead me next. I felt like a junkie most of the time, quickly jumping to the next word in order to quell my thirst for more details.
Given, not all descriptions were in the darker side of the spectrum. I absolutely loved the way she described where Vi lived. It felt like I was actually looking at Vi's world through her eyes, not her words, and I couldn't ask for more.
If you haven't read Air Awakens yet, I highly suggest you do in order to tighten your grasp on this world. Since this does follow a different main character than AA, you don't HAVE to, but it's just highly recommended.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I will be here crossing off the days on my calendar with tears in my eyes as I anxiously wait for May!
*RUNS AROUND THE ROOM SCREAMING FOR BOOK 2*
5.5/5 stars!

[Eileen (BookCatPin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise Kova blew through all my expectations with her brilliant world-building, captivating story and complex characters in Vortex Visions. This follow-up to the Air Awakens series will appeal to original fans and new readers!

Brimming with magic and mystery, Elise turns the Air Awakens world on its head. There are some major revelations in Vortex Visions. They truly stunned me. Very unexpected but definitely a well-calculated move. I'm really liking where and how the story's flowing.

Vi may not have been the most confident heir to the Solaris Empire but she was persistent and resourceful. Her love for her family and friends was the best. Vi's growth really shined through in the latter half of the book. Her training with the mysterious Taavin was invaluable. There is currently tenderness between them but a romance is definitely on the horizon~

I can't really talk about the magic system without spoiling parts of Vortex Visions so I will just say, what Elise has created is amazing and clever. The glyphs, their construction and how they work is a really cool and logical concept.

Once again Elise introduces a strong cast of supporting characters to us. Vi would not be where she was without her almost-sister Ellene and faithful friend Jayme's help. Even Andru proved to be useful. Though I have to say I knew of his "importance" right away. Romulin, Vi's twin brother who we have yet to meet officially, also added complexity to the characters and story. I can't wait to see what else they bring to the world!

After the masterpiece that is Vortex Visions I am bursting with excitement for what's coming next! Fans of the original series will not be disappointed with this new storyline and fantasy lovers should dive into this fantastic world asap!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

The sequel series to Air Awakens is a tale of mystery, hidden clues, and new cast. Following the end of Crystal Crowned which concluded the story of Vhalla and Aldrik, this new book focuses on their daughter Vi and her attempts to discover her new powers as also realize how much bigger the world is.

The story has a slow pace which picks up quickly enough, yet I really enjoyed Elise's writing with its great descriptions and the different personalities of her characters. Taavin was so mysterious and although he is quite the jerk at the beginning of the book, he slowly changes his opinion about Vi and her powers. I can't wait to see what will happen to the sequel!

[Morgan | Mashleas Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wooooooow. I really didn't like this book, which is so sad! I was really looking forward to Vortex Visions.

I absolutely binged Air Awakens series, loved each book, adored them. 5 stars for that entire series.

This new book was so completely different to what I remember loving about Air Awakens. I'm sorry to say I think I was reading a completely different author.

The characters were strange, the romance was so obvious and forced, and the magic was weird?

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie I loved the original series so much that I was extremely nervous about this one. More so than when I read the prequels. What if it didn’t live up? Let me tell you that it did. I MIGHT even say that I enjoyed this book more than Air Awakens. Might.
This book took an already amazing magic system and expanded it. Yet it did it in a way that works. Nothing felt stretched or out of place. One of the most common ways to teach readers a new magic is to educate the main character, have them go to lessons. Often those lessons can feel repetitive or boring. Not in this book. They way Vi understood this magic, the way she learned it was fascinating.
These characters! Elise used Character already adored from the previous series to highlight the new characters. I was hesitant when I saw Jax in this book so early. How was I supposed to give anyone else a chance when my Fav was right in front of me? But seeing Jax care so much for Vi just made me care for her too. And then Vi in her rebellious and slightly naive way won me over. She was sarcastic, which can you blame her if she was raised around Jax. She was salty at having to uphold a promise made by her parents before she was even born, but again can you blame her.
And her squad is one hundred percent goals. Ellene was a typical teen. Somewhere between mature and childish, but always there for her friends no matter what. Jayme was steadfast and strong. Ready to guard her friend, her crowned princess with her life. Jayme was the one we learned the least about. She was a mystery I was just unable to crack. Taavin I was not so sure about. And I'm still not. There was not too much about him, but I'm eagerly waiting to learn more. And Andru. Oh my Andru, I tried to dislike him, but his awkward charm won me over. I knew I would love him from the start.
I’m not going to say much on the story. I would hate to give any of the suspense away. I will say it was so unique and exciting. There was just enough from the old books for an old fan like me to pick up, but plenty of new things for everyone to enjoy. So please if you were at all hesitant about this book, I beg you to pick it up. It is fantastic. The writing is spectacular. The plot is original. And the characters are to die for.
Thank you so much for the Arc. I honestly don’t think I would have made it to February. This is my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of Vortex Visions and I absolutely loved it! My favorite side character from Air Awakens, Jax is a prominent character. Vi is a very strong character despite not being the firebearer she wants to be. She soon learns that her magic isn't quite what she expected and it's a bit harder than she thought. And despite being scrutinized by the entire Empire she is resilient! I love her almost as much as I loved Vhalla and it's only book one!
🔥
Vortex Visions is written so new readers who have not read the masterpiece that is the Air Awakens series can jump in and understand. However, if you plan on reading Air Awakens read it first because several of the important events are quickly revealed in the beginning. Vortex Visions is also written to expand on the world from the original series and allow you to learn more about the world, the magic, and the characters. I highly recommend Vortex Visions, 5 out of 5 stars!

[Cecily Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was there even a page in this when something incredible wasn't happening?

My head is still spinning, and like Vi, I want to know more, right now! I love Vi, who is so much her mother's daughter, with her strength, intelligence, and curiosity. And the story itself is just so compelling and emotional - and the cliffhangers. Yes, there's more than one hanging out there, and I am sure that like me, everyone who reads VV will want to know exactly when we can expect the next installment in this worthy successor to Air Awakens (which is one of my very favorite series).

[Kel Carpenter]

This cover is life people. I am so fucking excited I could squeeeeeeeee! 😍😍

And that blurb? This is going to be one of the best series in 2019. 🔥🔥🔥 Calling it now!

[Fae Crate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not disappointed on this return to the Solaris Empire. Both new fans and returning will love this story that wraps magic, adventure and a hint of romance all in one.

[Öznur (kendimizeaitbiroda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sen bütün hayatım boyunca bana musallat olmuşken şimdi buradayım, kendi isteğimle peşine düşüyorum... Beni bir kez daha kapana kıstırdığın için ssnden nefret etmem gerekiyormuş gibi hissediyorum," dedi.
"Ediyor musun?"
"Hayır... İçimde bulabildiğim nefretin her bir zerresi sana zarar veren elfin'ra'ya yönelik."

Veliaht Prenses Vi Solaris, daha doğmadan önce annesi ve babasının barışı sağlamak için yaptığı bir anlaşma ile ailesinden ve evinden uzakta, Soricium Kalesi’nde, Kuzey’in Şefi Sehra’nın gözetiminde büyüyor. Ebeveynleri ara ara onu ziyaret etse de güvenlikleri nedeniyle ikizini hiç göremiyor, mektuplarla yetinmeye çalışıyor. Anlaşmaya göre 14 yaşına geldiğinde evine dönmesi gerekirken üzerinden üç yıl geçiyor. Geri dönüşünün aksamasının nedeninin henüz büyüsünün uyanışının gerçekleşmemesi olduğunu düşünmeye başlıyor. Sonunda eve dönebileceği haberi geldiğinde ise yapılacak tören için beklemek zorunda kalıyor. Bu sırada da Büyücülük Bakanı’ndan, daha önce annesine ait olan bir doğum günü hediyesi alıyor. Ve doğum günü sayesinde kaleden ayrılabileceği üç günlük gezisine arkadaşları ile çıkıyor. Bu gezi sırasında da aralarında gizemli bir bağ olan Taavin ile tanışıyor ve ortaya çözülmesi gereken başka gizemlerler çıkıyor. Sonrasında da neler yaşandığını okuyoruz.

"Dinlenmek için büyüyü bıraksan iyi olur."
"Ya da ben uyuyakalana kadar bana eşlik edebilirsin." Vi yastıklarına doğru iyice çekildi. Büyüsü zaten zayıftı. Şimdiyse neredeyse tükenmek üzereydi. Taavin elinden çekilip alınmadan önce çok vakitleri yoktu.
"Sanırım bunu yapabilirim. Yalnız hayatımda nadiren bulduğum bu arkadaşlıktan keyif almaya başlıyor gibiyim. Bu asla kaçamadığım kadının arkadaşlığı olsa da."
"Belki de..." diye fısıldadı Vi, "benden kaçamadığın için memnunumdur."

Kitabın ilk kısımları benim için biraz durağan ve karmaşık başlamış gibiydi açıkçası, tabii bunda Hava Uyanıyor serisini okumayıp evrene epey yabancı oluşum etkili olmuş olabilir, ama ortaya çıkan gerçeklerle gelişen olaylar oldukça keyifli bir hâle getirdi devamını. Özellikle de son kısımlarda o kadar önemli şey oldu ki, heyecandan hop oturup hop kalktım okurken🙊 ve Taavin’in dahil oluşuyla da daha keyifli bir hâl aldı benim için. Ama keşke Taavin’i daha çok görebilseydik kitapta. Derslerini okumayı bekleyip durdum🙃Devamında Taavin ve Vi’yi daha çok birlikte görebiliriz umarım.❤️
Ayrıca sonunda henüz netleşmemiş çok önemli ve potansiyel kalp kırıcı olaylar oldu💔 Devamında neler olacak çok merak ediyorum ve biraz korksam da sorularımın cevabını bir an önce bulmak istiyorum.🙊 Umarım hemen okuyabiliriz devam kitabını.❤️

[agus ✨ - booksandstationery · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ESPAÑOL MÁS ABAJO]

Vortex Visions (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles # 1) by Elise Kova
⁣ ★★★★★

Okay, wow, wow, wow! Where do I begin?
Air Awakens was the best discovery I made this year. I read all 5 books in just one month, and almost two months after finishing the series, I can't get them out of my head. So when I found out that this series existed, I did not hesitate for a second to grab the books and read them.

Vortex Visions was everything I expected, everything I could have wanted and much more!

Although these books follow the historical line after the events of Air Awakens, it is not necessary to have read the first saga to read Vortex Visions, there may be minors spoilers, but there are new protagonists, new story, new villains and new magic. So if you don't want to read five books first, no problem, start with this one.

The characters in this new series are incredible! Vi is a strong protagonist but not without her problems and defects, and the development that she has throughout the book is great, although the book happens in a short period of time (a few months), it leaves a beautiful expectation for the following books. I loved the supporting characters too, Andru especially, but Vi's relationship with her friends, Ellene and Jayme is a nice addition to the story.

I love when authors write different stories within the same world, and I love it, even more, when old characters make an appearance in these new stories. Being able to see some characters from Air Awakens again did my soul good.

The development of the world seemed fascinating to me. Being able to learn more about the North, Soricium and Shaldan, and the history of the culture was something I was looking forward to when Air Awakens finished, and there is much to discover in this book. Not only about the territories of the Empire, but the world in general. And it leaves a thread open to continue learning more in the next books.

We not only discover much more about the geographical world but about the culture and magic that exists. The author puts aside the elemental magic of the previous books and presents something new, which although we already know a little bit about it, is very different from other types of magic and very original.

I enjoyed this book very much and without a doubt, I know that I will enjoy the rest of the saga. As I said, it was everything I expected, everything I could have wanted and much more! Elise Kova is becoming one of my favourite authors and I think it's wonderful!

------------------------------------------------------
ESPAÑOL
Vortex Visions (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1) por Elise Kova
⁣★★★★★

“Vi Solaris es la heredera de un Imperio que apenas ha visto. Sus padres sacrificaron una vida con ella para sofocar una rebelión y asegurar la paz con una alianza política mucho antes de que naciera. Vi debe vivir en el “Norte”, el último territorio del continente en caer ante el imperio Solaris. Ahora, tres años después, cuando su custodia debería haber terminado, Vi hará cualquier cosa para reunirse con su familia.”

Okay, wow, wow, wow! ¿Por dónde empiezo?
Air Awakens fue el mejor descubrimiento que hice este año. Leí los 5 libros en solo un mes y, casi dos meses después de terminar la saga, no me los puedo sacar de la cabeza. Así que cuando me enteré que existía esta saga no dude un segundo en agarrar los libros y leerla.

Vortex Visions fue todo lo que esperaba, todo lo que podría haber querido y mucho más!

Si bien estos libros siguen la línea histórica después de los sucesos de Air Awakens, no es necesario haber leído la primer saga para leer Vortex Visions, puede que hayan pequeños spoilers pero son nuevos protagonistas, nueva historia, nuevos villanos y nueva magia, así que si no quieren leer cinco libros antes no hay problema, empiecen por este.

Los personajes en esta nueva saga son increíbles! Vi es una protagonista fuerte pero no sin sus problemas y defectos, y el desarrollo que va teniendo a lo largo del libro es genial, si bien el libro transcurre en un período de tiempo corto (poco meses), deja una linda expectativa para los siguientes libros. Los personajes secundarios también me encantaron, Andru en especial, pero la relación de Vi con sus amigas, Ellene y Jayme es un lindo agregado a la historia.

Amo cuando los autores escriben historias diferentes dentro de un mismo mundo, y amo aún más cuando personajes viejos hacen una aparición en estas nuevas historias. Poder volver a ver a algunos personajes de Air Awakens me hizo bien al alma.

El desarrollo del mundo me pareció fascinante. Poder conocer más sobre el Norte, Soricium y Shaldan, y la historia de la cultura era algo que tenía muchas ganas cuando termine Air Awakens, y en este libro hay mucho para descubrir. No solo sobre los territorios del Imperio, sino del mundo en general. Y deja un hilo abierto para poder seguir conociendo más en los próximos libros.

No solo descubrimos mucho más del mundo geográfico, sino de la cultura y la magia que existe. La autora deja a un lado la magia elemental de los libros anteriores y presenta algo nuevo, que si bien ya conocíamos el nombre, es muy diferente a otros tipos de magia y muy original.

Disfrute muchísimo este libro y sin dudas se que voy a disfrutar el resto de la saga. Como ya dije, fue todo lo que esperaba, todo lo que podría haber querido y mucho más! Elise Kova se está volviendo una de mis autoras favoritas y me parece perfecto!

[Bright Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

Air Awakens is one of my fave series ever, so I was very curious to read this spin-off, to meet these new characters and hoping to see Vhalla, Aldrik and all the others once again. Alas, Vortex Visions was pretty flat and uninteresting, with bland characters and predictable events. It didn't live up to Air Awakens, at all.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was this a pretty average fantasy book? Yes. Am I going to carry on with the series purely because I’m trash? Yes, of course