Book Review: The Elements of the Crown by Kay L Moody

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Synopsis:

Talise has a gift that could save her life.

In an empire divided into three rings, seventeen-year-old Talise is from the outer ring. This dangerous and crime-laden land has one constant… death.

Her only chance for escape is to become Master Shaper—an honored position in the palace court and military. Each year, the emperor chooses one student to receive the title.

After ten years of training at an elite academy, Talise clearly has a gift for manipulating the elements of water, air, earth, and fire. But Aaden, a handsome student from the privileged inner ring, is poised to steal the title away from her.

When they come before the emperor, he is impressed with the great skill both Talise and Aaden possess. He presents them with a set of trials, and she knows this is the chance she needs to prove herself. As long as Aaden doesn’t ruin everything.

But secrets hide in every corner of the palace, masking a conflict far more dangerous than her previous home in the outer ring. Now, she must play along with the emperor’s lies and games, or else she will lose her life to an enemy she never expected.

This book includes novellas 1-4 of The Elements of Kamdaria:
Ice Crown, Wind Crown, Dust Crown, and Flame Crown.

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My Review:

Without hope, people have nothing. They aren’t happy; they don’t live. But the smallest things can change that.

Talise comes from the Storm, a part of this land where criminals and their families live in poverty. This fantasy novel takes us on a journey with Talise through the academy to become the Master Shaper and escape from the storm. The plot moves along at a good pace, and each chapter ends with you wanting to read more.

The world-building and character development begin from the first page, and I was eager to learn more about this world, the emperor and element shaping. The relationships between Talise and Marmie, and Talise and Wendy are emotional and heartwarming. I was fascinated by Aaden’s character and was eager to learn more about it (which we do as the story progresses).

I began to suspect the twist that came in the latest instalment but it didn’t bother me. I was fascinated by the events that lead to it and I am eager to see more. The characters are well-rounded and we are still learning more as the novellas progress.

This collection features the four novellas of The Elements of Kamdaria to date and with each instalment the story builds. I am eager to read the next instalment and find out what is in store next for Talise.

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

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