Title Wind Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria II)
Author Kay L. Moody
Description from Amazon
The title of Master Shaper isn’t given, it’s earned. Let the trials begin.
The competition has arrived. Talise is the clear winner before it even starts. But Aaden has a much deeper desire to win than she ever realized. When he sabotages her demonstration, they are both punished.
Because of their talent, they are given a chance to earn the title of Master Shaper. But they must prove their honor and skill through a series of trials. In some areas, Talise excels. In others, she is woefully unprepared.
The emperor puts great value on wielding a sword and Talise has exactly none of the skill she needs. Of course, Aaden is a natural and easily impresses the emperor. Despite her best efforts to improve, the emperor seems increasingly disappointed in her abilities.
The emperor has threatened her with life in the dungeons before. If she doesn’t pass the trials, she can only guess what lengths he’ll go to in order to keep her out of the way.
At every turn, Aaden seems to be the only one who can help her. But she fears that trusting him could lead to far worse consequences… maybe even death.
Initial Thoughts
I completely stumbled upon this novella series on Instagram two weeks ago and I’m so glad I did. As soon as I finished Ice Crown, I wanted to read Wind Crown.
Some Things I Liked
- The length – I loved that this was a shorter novel, coming in at around 100 pages. It was a super quick read and I loved that.
- The slow burn of the romance between Aedan and Talise. I think it’s more realistic for their characters.
- The competition setting. I don’t read many books where a competition serves as the main background for the plot and I think this setting is really well done.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- Talise and Aedan’s role reversal – in the first book, Talise was always trying to do the right thing and Aedan was kind of a brat but in this book, total 180. All Aedan wanted was to help Talise and she was such a brat in some parts! I get that she’s confused about her feelings for him, but did she need to be so annoyingly bratty about it?? I hope Talise pulls herself together for the next book.
Series Value
This series has me totally hooked! I can’t wait for the next volume, Dust Crown, coming out in two weeks. Wind Crown really expanded on the backstory of the Emperor and painted the political landscape that was hinted at in Ice Crown. I am very excited to see what else Kay L. Moody has in store for her readers.
Final Thoughts
I love that this is a novella series and I love the progression of each installment. This series has tons of potential and I could easily see it evolving into more. I can’t wait to continue reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – if you liked the dystopian vibes and the competition setting, definitely give this series a try.
- Frostblood by Elly Blake – if you liked the elemental magic components and the enemies to lovers feelings, give this series a try.
- Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch – again, if you like elemental magic, definitely give this series a try.
Books Over Everything 