**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.**
Title Smoke Gate (The Elements of Kamdaria 6)
Author Kay L. Moody
Release Date April 7, 2020
Description from Amazon
A mentor she never expected. A piece of herself she can’t leave behind. This journey will teach her more than she wants to know.
Talise knows little of what the future will hold. When a mysterious guardian insists on teaching her the history of her empire, everything will change. Matters become worse when the problems in her personal life escalate.
With a relentless enemy hot on her heels, failure is not an option. Can she prove her honor? Will it be in time?
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to read this installment of The Elements of Kamdaria. It’s been so long since we’ve heard from Aedan and I saw on Instagram that “a certain character” was going to make an appearance” in this book.
Some Things I Liked
- THAT 👏 AEDAN 👏 CHAPTER 👏 I loved it. I was so excited to see him back. It was short lived but it gave me hope that he’ll be back with my favorites soon enough.
- Avatar the Last Airbender vibes. I loved the scenes with Talise and her mentor. They reminded me of the scenes when Aang went to the various Air Temples. I loved the hidden kernels of wisdom in everything Talise saw.
- Talise’s journey. This segment of the story was primarily about Talise and her journey as a shaper and the potential savior her people need. I loved seeing how she went from still somewhat unsure of herself to deciding exactly what she needs to do.
- Moral grey-ness. The scene with the fight with the Kessoku, in particular. I love morally grey situations and characters. Talise saw first hand how difficult war can be and how it can devastate families.
Series Value
I can’t wait to keep reading this series. I love that this series comes out in novella “episodes” that always leave me wanting more.
Final Thoughts
I loved this installment in Talise’s story. I can’t wait to keep reading and this story really got the gears turning in my head about what other characters I’d like to see more of in future installments.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Vine Gate by Kay L. Moody – I haven’t read the next installment of this series, but I definitely will once it’s available.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – if you enjoyed the competition component, the class and economic issues, and the moral grey-ness in the conflicts, try this series by Suzanne Collins.
