Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)

by Elise Kova

[Sam@WLABB]

Air Awakens is Vhalla's story of discovering her powers, and in turn, discovering herself.

I found myself invested in Vhalla's story from page 1. I was drawn in by the characters, the writing style, and the story in general. The friendship that develops between Vhalla and Aldric, and the progression into more (?) was a big selling point for me. Hey, I am a romance junky, and this romance was all about the building. Their interactions are laced with tension and longing, but there are so many factors not working in their favor. I know Aldrik is supposed to be the big baddie (according to his subjects), but he said some really swoon worthy things. This quote more or less sums up how hot it could be if they get together:

“Fire needs sure to live. Sure field fire, strikes it, and makes it burn brighter and hotter than it are could alone. But too much air will sniff it completely, just as too many flames will consume all the air.They are far greater that the Sun of their parts together, but are equally as dangerous to each other's existence.”

I think the mark of a good YA story, is the growth of the MC. Vhalla begins are a fairly naive girl, who had little life experience outside of the library. During the book, her magic awakens, her world and circle of friends grows, she becomes more aware of herself as a woman. You know she is on the road to becoming kick-ass, when she avers, "They wanted to kill her, so this Vhalla would die, she resolved, and a new Vhalla would be born from her ashes."

I am excited to read more of this series.