The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1)
by Sherry Thomas
Summary: It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.
The Burning Sky—the first book in the Elemental Trilogy—is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure.
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Source: I purchased a Kindle copy.
Review:
As most other reviewers have noted, The Burning Sky takes a bit to get into. But if you start with an open mind, it turns into quite a riveting tale involving magic, elements, danger, and secrets. I ended up loving the book!
I absolutely love when a fantasy novel takes place in a world and doesn't over explain it. It can be frustrating to read and get your bearings when the author isn't telling you exactly how things are set up, but I love the adventure and mystery of the world unraveling with the story. I knew that Iolanthe was a powerful mage who didn't realize what that meant. She couldn't be found without severe consequences, but she fortunately had unknown protectors waiting for her when the time came.
Iolanthe and Titus had a tough relationship. Neither really trusted each other and Iolanthe had to basically be a boy at a private school in order to fit in and stay undetected in the Mage world. At the same time, she needed to practice because there would be a time when she would need to be at her strongest. I loved the way the plot unfolded and how the two characters went from reluctantly working together to loving each other without being immature or dumb about it.
I highly recommend The Burning Sky. It started out a little rocky and I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, but it quickly turned into me on the edge of my seat rooting for them. I'm not sure if I'll pick up the sequel because it's $10 for Kindle, but I would definitely consider reading it at some point, especially if I can find a good deal.
Labels: Fantasy, Review, YA
