3 Books I Read This Week 📚

Wow, what a journey it's been to finally finish Elise Kova's Air Awakens series! I've been meaning to get to these for ages, and once I started, I just couldn't put them down. Binging Earth's End, Water's Wrath, and Crystal Crowned felt like a whirlwind, a continuous narrative that kept me hooked, even with some of its flaws. Let's talk about Water's Wrath first. For me, this book really picked up the pace and deepened the emotional stakes. Vhalla's journey felt more intense, and the political intrigue reached a fever pitch. I loved seeing her grow into her power and navigate the complexities of her relationships. The world-building, already a strong point in Kova's series, felt even more expansive and dangerous here. It set up Crystal Crowned perfectly, making me desperate to know how it would all conclude. The battles were vivid, and I was genuinely invested in the outcomes. Then came Crystal Crowned, the grand finale. And this is where my feelings get a bit mixed. On one hand, it delivered on many of the promises made throughout the series. We saw beloved characters get their resolutions, and the overarching conflict reached its climax. However, as mentioned in my initial thoughts, the ending did feel quite rushed. I had built up so many expectations for the final confrontation, and when the main villain, who had been a looming threat for so long, was dispatched off-page so casually, it felt like a missed opportunity. It was a bit jarring to have such a significant antagonist removed without a proper, dramatic showdown. It left me wanting more closure, more oomph from that particular storyline. The introduction of a 'new big bad' in the final moments also felt a little out of place, almost as if setting up another series directly rather than firmly concluding this one. While I appreciate the potential for future stories in this world, it detracted slightly from the satisfying conclusion I was hoping for with Crystal Crowned. It's a common pitfall for long series, where the immense build-up can sometimes overshadow the actual resolution. Despite these points, I still enjoyed the overall experience of Elise Kova's Air Awakens saga. The magic system, the evolving relationships, and Vhalla's personal growth are definitely highlights. If you're a fan of epic fantasy with strong female leads and intricate world-building, it's worth checking out. Just be prepared for an ending that might leave you with a few lingering questions and a desire for more. I'm definitely curious about Elise Kova’s other series set in this world, perhaps to see if those answer some of the questions left by Crystal Crowned. It's not a rush for me, but it's certainly on my radar for a future read. Overall, a solid series that kept me engaged, even if the final bow felt a little too swift.