At least that's what she'd always thought as the orphan in Landsend. When her adopted grandmother makes her the apprentice to one day take over Starliss Vineyard and Winery, Riana feels she finally has a place to call her own - even if the rest of the winery workers curse her for having the position.
But Riana really isn't like everyone else. Everyone else in Landsend knows to steer clear of elementals. Everyone else in Landsend is afraid of Tyrmini - wielders of elemental magic. Everyone else knows neither beast nor human who possess this magic should be allowed to live. Riana isn't so sure.
When Riana takes steps against the status quo to protect an elemental, her tentative grasp on a steady place in the community slips. And when her grandmother's own secret agenda begins to make itself known, Riana is caught between two worlds: one she wants to belong to, and another that could get her killed.
I believe in the power of stories. I write fiction and fantasy novels of the epic, urban, contemporary, and young adult variety. Fantasy is the backdrop for the philosophical conversation on the nature of humanity, the connection we share with others and with the world around us.
If there's anything anyone could gain from reading one of my novels, I hope it's empowerment. YOU are a force of creation and whether you mean it or not, you fashion your existence with every intention, choice, and action.
Embrace your power and wield it with love and joy.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 stars because I did have some difficulty getting into it in the beginning (I actually checked to confirm I had not missed a prologue) and I felt that some ideas could have been fleshed out a bit more (i.e what is an elemental dragon and how does it play into the larger elemental universe?). Overall I thought this book was super enjoyable and I look forward to reading the second one! Thank you to Goodreads and to the publisher for my copy!!
It started off really slow for me but it picked up towards the middle. Some of the reasons for why the world became the way it is need to be explained better and I am assuming that will be done in future books. The main character, Riana, was a bit impetuous and a little bit annoying at times but she experienced a great deal of growth throughout the story and I grew to like her before the story ended. It will be interesting to see what is in store for her in the future and how she will eventually regain the balance the world so badly needs.
The creatures and magic system Stiner created are so unique and interesting! It was hard not to be invested in Riana's story, to cheer for her successes and to be heartbroken by her loss. She has deep, meaningful relationships with the people that matter to her, and I love to see that in books. I also really loved how detailed the magical creatures were, and how distinct they are from the typical ones you'll find in other fantasy stories. Great start to the series!
A really great start to a series!! I think the character development in a rather short book (232 pages i believe) was impressive! The story was creative, even with the popular themes of magic and dragons, and I am so far loving the romantic dynamic. I think there was a soft start, but it really picked up at roughly 65 pages in. So excited to read the second one!
This story is more than a tale of a young woman struggling to find balance and acceptance. It’s a commentary on how our differences should bring us together, not tear us apart. The story and characters are beautifully rendered. The world is magic, literally and figuratively. The creatures are intriguing. I can’t wait to see where Rianna, her friends, and her magic go in this series!