The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Vanessa Watts

The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the synopsis of this story I was intrigued and decided then and there to give it a go. I find for me fantasies and dystopian novels can be hit or miss. Some are easy to get into almost like receiving a hug from a good friend, others not so much. The author hit this one on the head with a beautifully written masterpiece that left me hunting down the second book to read what happened next.
We start off meeting Talise and her aunt Marmie as they journey through the gate so Talise can be tested and gain entrance into the academy. The guard initially dismisses her, after all she is from the storm and people their do not typically can shape any elements. The storm is more about survival than making their way out of it. Talise surprises the guard by being able to shape all four elements fire, air, water, and earth. She works hard at the academy to become master shaper, after all it is the only way out of the storm. Everything is on track until her Aunt Marmie passes away and a newcomer showcases his skill in shaping abilities.
All seems lost after conflict with Aadan at the competition in front of the emperor sees them both held in a room unsure of their fates. They decide then and there to work together, escape the chamber and hold audience with the emperor. He then does something unprecedented and decides to select two master shapers from this class. Training begins and is unconventional in what Talise and Aadan have read about what other master shapers went through. Slowly but surely secrets start unfurling and they are thrust in a war they may not be ready for. Can they both make it out alive and protect the emperor? Can their relationship survive the secrets? This is a very long read having condensed so many novellas to build this trilogy. Yet, it is one book you may have trouble putting down. Be careful with reading at bedtime, as that one last chapter seems to go on forever!

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