Review: Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4) by Elise Kova

Water's Wrath

(Air Awakens #4)

by Elise Kova

April 26, 2016

291 pages

Goodreads  Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Librarian turned sorcerer. Sorcerer turned hero. Hero turned puppet.

The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.  

*Review may contain spoilers from the previous books in the series but none from Water's Wrath.

Review

The Air Awakens books are so packed full of actions and emotions, Water's Wrath was no exception. I breezed through this book. I tried to go slow- bracing myself for overwhelming feels and trying to savour every moment but it proved to be difficult. Elise's words carried me deep into the world and kept me wrapped inside the story.

I can't say too much about the story without giving away major spoilers but just know, s*** goes down! There's a bit of a lull at first where we learn about court life and such but none of it was dull. I especially enjoyed the moments where Vhalla trained (with) the soldiers. It was therapeutic to have everyone happily laughing together. Even if we all knew it couldn't last. I can't say I was surprised by the betrayal because the suspicion never left me. I was guarded but I appreciate the lead ups to the reveal. It was dramatic, logical and very well-done.

The war in the North is at an end but Vhalla's personal battles are far from over. She faces new challenges and is once again tested. Emotional boundaries are pushed to their limits. I absolutely love Vhalla's character arc, she is nothing but strong and resilient. A fighter. Even in her new state I have no doubt Vhalla will prevail because she's not just the demure librarian at the beginning of Air Awakens anymore. She's so much more.

In Water's Wrath we finally find out what has Aldrik so tortured. Our moody prince has been carrying a big secret. Guilt has been eating away at him since a young age. It's a relieve when he finally shares it (with Vhalla). Our prince has become much more level-headed in this installment. Perhaps because of his time away from Vhalla? He was careful to keep up appearances, make better decisions and even show sentiments, dare I say, affection towards his brother. No matter the past, Aldrik is a worthy leader well on his way to become a formidable ruler.

Vhalla and Aldrik parted ways at the end of Earth's End and I've been holding my breath for the moment they reunite. Elise did not disappoint me. The tension and longing's still there but they establish a peace (no matter how fragile). I'm loving how mature the two of them are in Water's Wrath. They toed a dangerous line but both understood the risks and rewards should things fail or succeed. Vhalla and Aldrik are the ultimate power couple no matter what so this second (third? fourth?) chance better come to fruition.

In true Elise Kova fashion, there's a heartbreaking event. The type that just hurts like someone ripped out all of your inside. Sorry that almost sounds too graphic but that's how I felt. I refuse to believe it. There has to be more to it because this event almost seems meaningless to me. It felt like a filler storyline. Why did it have to happen? Please let it be more than that!

I'm hopping with mad excitement for Crystal Crowned! Did you all see the gorgeous cover? If not, it's right here (GO LOOK AT IT!)! If you have, squeal with me! Putting aside how sad I'll be to see the end of this amazing series, I cannot wait for the last book! It is going to be E.P.I.C.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Elise is also holding a very sweet and special giveaway so make sure you enter below!

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway