The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1) by Sherry Thomas
It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being 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 greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.
Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.
But Titus 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 Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life
Publishes in US: September 17th 2013 by Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Harper Teen/ Harperteen/ Harper Collins via Netgalley
Series? Yes. 1st
Untitled (The Elemental Trilogy, #2)
by Sherry Thomas publishes 2014
Untitled (The Elemental Trilogy, #3)
by Sherry Thomas publishes 2015
Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository
Author stalk away: Visit Sherry Thomas' website-
Follow Sherry Thomas on Twitter
The Burning Sky got off to and not that gripping beginning but I had heard that from other reviewers that have similar taste, so I plodded through. Soon enough it did pick up. There were some themes that seemed to be borrow from other fantasy novels, but it is mostly ones that are rather universal, so I can't discredit that.
I really came to care for Iolanthe, even though even in my head I have no idea how to say it. She is strong and smart, and trusting. Her interactions with Titus kept everything moving, especially when she has to pose as a boy in order to remain safe.
They go on an epic adventure the ultimate quest, and at its heart, Titus seems to want the best for the kingdom, and he will lay down his life for Iolanthe even while they are both at risk because of the mission.
The world is complex but I really got into it and understood everything. The writing is vivid and it is almost like I am there with them. There is also a surprising amount of character growth and emotion.
The romance is an undertone that builds but there is the threat of death and this seemingly insurmountable task before them.
It is in 3rd person, but it never bothered me, and everything flowed naturally. Sometimes with that point of view, I feel detached, but that never happened here, and
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Which element would you chose to control?
Oooh that's a tough one. The power I'd like to have most would definitely be telekinesis, but an ELEMENT? Uhm ... I think I'd go for water! Hopefully that'd mean I could control the weather (to a degree) and the ocean ... I' BE ALL POWERFUL MWAHAHA ;)
ReplyDeleteFab review! :)
- Allie @ Little Birdie Books
I cannot believe that I have seen this book for a first time just yesterday and it's sounds like it's written for me! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry you didn't love the beginning. I'm glad you were able to push through and found it enjoyable at the end of the day, though:)
ReplyDeleteIt all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…
ReplyDeleteHow intriguing and yet like several other bloggers who have reviewed this you describe it as being less than gripping at the beginning. A shame really as there are lots of readers out there who give up on a book it they aren't gripped from the outset.
I have a hard time with third person, most of the time, and I'm glad this book didn't bother you. Sucks that it did take awhile for the book to pick up. I've actually been waiting on this one! I probably will still give it a try, but it's not on the top of my list anymore :/
ReplyDeleteGreat review!!!
This got off to a slow start for me too, but I really enjoyed it overall. I'm glad you liked it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it :D I loved the book. <3 though I didn't really have a problem with the beginning.. hih :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a solid fantasy novel.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed The Burning Sky Brandi. It sounds like a great fantasy/sci-fi with some nice world-building. I love the first line: It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…
ReplyDeleteA girl posing as a boy? That sounds like something I'd enjoy. Great review, Brandi. I've been hearing good things.
ReplyDeleteYou can go here to listen to the pronunciation of Iolanthe: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=iolanthe :)
ReplyDeleteit sounds nice mainly for the point of view if this time it was better.
ReplyDeleteNow this one sounds good to me
ReplyDeleteCool cover and I'm glad the story ended up picking up. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis one is new to me, but I am glad you were able to enjoy it and liked the protagonist. Great review Brandi!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot about the world building, it seems like everyone is a fan of it. I am glad you liked this one! I love to be able to control water, I think.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to roll my tongue around that name too so I had to laugh when I read you had trouble with it too!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't read about the slow start so now I know. I'm dying to read this one.
I'd like to control...earth I think. Then maybe I could stop earthquakes if I'm in the right place at the right time. Make crops grow out of nothing. Oh, maybe I'd need to pair up with someone who could control water for that one:) Wanna team up?
This sounds like a pretty good start to a series. Thanks for sharing it, Brandi.
ReplyDeleteOh, and if I could control an element, I think I'd want to control earth. :)
This sounds like a great book. This is my first time hearing of it. Glad the story picks up after the beginning and the main character sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Jess
I've been wondering about this one! Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteKaty @ a blighted one
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! It's one of the books I've been looking forward to since I first saw the cover. To answer your question I'd go with Fire, it's pretty and it's dangerous.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of the magic in this fantasy. For elements, I'd pick Air. I adore Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Mages series and tend to identify best with the air mages there.
ReplyDelete