Review: The Dragons of Nova (The Loom Saga #2) by Elise Kova

The Dragons of Nova

(The Loom Saga #2)

by Elise Kova

July 11, 2017

488 pages

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Goodreads Summary:

Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust -- hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything -- and everyone – she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh.

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills -- and quick-shooting accuracy -- makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons.

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall.

Review

I'm not sure I can coherently write this review without repeatedly blurting out how much I loved this book. If you're a fantasy lover and haven't picked up the first book, The Alchemists of Loom, you're missing out. The Dragons of Nova is one of the most powerful fantasy book I've had the pleasure of reading recently. I haven't thought of a book this much in a while.

The pure size of this book might be intimidating but the story is worth every fear. If you loved the first book then you will most definitely enjoy this second one. It's fast-paced and packed with unimaginable thrills.

The story picks up right from the end of The Alchemists of Loom with Arianna laying eyes on Nova for the first time. Different from the Territories of Loom I found the Islands of Nova to be easier to absorb. These floating land masses were absolutely fascinating to learn about. From the "below" to the Dragon Patrons of the calendar, every new fact about the dragon lands excited me.

Arianna and Cvareh were both as kickass as ever but Florence became the literal badass. She took risks and made decisions that would forever change history. Yveun and Petra put up quite the battle dancing around each other. I was impressed. The new Dragons we meet: Cain, Finnyr and Coletta all play a hand and each were more observant and calculating as the next. The saying "behind every successful man is a great woman" couldn't be more applicable in this book.

Ari and Cvareh's connection explodes in this second installment. After more slow, torturous interactions neither could deny the storm brewing between them as they both gave in. They were quite the hot mess ;) It's evident these two have come to care deeply about each other. Cvareh even goes so far as to admitting how much he wanted Arianna to become his mate. It broke me a little to see how things were left between them at the end of this book. They still have a long way to go but I'm hopeful!

By the last chapter of The Dragons of Nova Elise Kova has me shook. She really knows how to hit us where it hurts. I honestly couldn't believe what happened. A twist I never expected...especially after all the time she took to build Petra up. I wanted greatness from her but now she's gone. How will Cvareh cope with the double loss (Ari having left Nova/him (on bad terms too)). I'm still trying to wrap my head around this shock. Well-done Elise.

I cannot begin to fathom how things will play out in The Rebels of Gold but I do know it will be epic and brilliant. Elise Kova has never let me down and I'm prepared for her to shock me again!

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.