This is the first in a new series in the Air Awakens universe but I’ve been told you can start here. Luckily for me I haven’t read the others but I think I need to go back and read all of Elise’s books. I have been trying to catch up with all the books I’ve missed in the past 5-10 years. Checks Goodreads she has 38 books! 🧙‍♀️
About the book..
Eira starts this journey as an annoying little sister type who grows into her powers which are so unique she’s been teased about them her whole life.
There are some Elfin visitors that propose a Trial of sorcerers and an apprentice per element will win and get to visit their home, Meru.
Her brother Marcus wants to be the only one that competes in the trial and all the family agrees which is very unfair so Eira shows how badass she is by entering.
So many fun secret rooms, mysterious lineages, a love triangle, betrayals, some slow burn, tricky competitions, and an awesome magic system!
This is a fast paced action packed magical journey. Eira is a badass who isn’t what she seems, she’s so much stronger than everyone realizes (which is my favorite type of heroine)!
Definite 5⭐ from me!

Thank you for Elise Kova and Book of Matches Media letting me join you on this ARC book tour and for the advanced copy for my honest and voluntary review.

Synopsis:

Ice is in her blood.

Eighteen-year-old Waterrunner Eira Landan lives her life in the shadows — the shadow of her older brother, of her magic’s whispers, and of the person she accidentally killed. She’s the most unwanted apprentice in the Tower of Sorcerers until the day she decides to step out and compete for a spot in the Tournament of Five Kingdoms.

Pitted against the best sorcerers in the Empire, Eira fights to be one of four champions. Excelling in the trials has its rewards. She’s invited to the royal court with the “Prince of the Tower,” discovers her rare talent for forbidden magic, and at midnight, Eira meets with a handsome elfin ambassador.

But, Eira soon learns, no reward is without risk. As she comes into the spotlight, so too do the skeletons of a past she hadn’t even realized was haunting her.

Eira went into the trials ready for a fight. Ready to win. She wasn’t ready for what it would cost her. No one expected the candidates might not make it out with their lives.

This is the first book in a young adult, epic fantasy that’s a tale of competition, coming of age, distant lands, elemental magic, and romance. It’s perfect for fans of the Legend of Korra, Truthwitch, and A Sorcery of Thorns.