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 … 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.
Wind Crown is episode 2 of The Elements of Kamdaria. Don’t miss the other books in this novella series.
Episode 1: Ice Crown
Episode 2: Wind Crown
Episode 3: Dust Crown
Episode 4: Flame Crown
more
*I received an advance copy from the author. This does not affect my review.*
Ah, this series is quickly becoming a must-read and one of my favorites! I’ve always been a fan of the idea of ‘elemental abilities’ but this one also has intrigue galore, touches of romance, complex character development and backstory, and has even made me laugh a few times, so emotions the reader can relate to!
This one has so much going on, only part is explained though, which I loved, but still leaves some burning questions. I knew from early on that the Emperor wasn’t being truthful about…things, many actually, but mostly about some of the questions Talise asked him.
I’ll admit, more-so even in this one, Talise and the Emperor’s petty ‘feud’ can be annoying, though I love seeing Aaden all worked up, I might have rolled my eyes at Talise a few times, but it also fits her character, and over the progression of this book, I’ve already seen a lot of things going through her mind that suggest she’s aware of her short-comings, and is trying to deal with them, but her distrust of Aaden and her anxiety about failing the Emperor have clashed up until this point. I’m looking forward to the chance for answers, or at least hope the characters learn the reason behind all the secrets, and am excited to see how they deal with the latest challenge!
I’m enjoying this series. The author is very talented and creative. The world building is excellent. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the storyline flows smoothly. Twists and turns abound in this series of 4 novellas in one!
There is a lot of action, creative magic, and surprises between the pages. Although I’ll admit I did get a little bored with the trials in 2 and 3…once the twist was revealed, I was a little surprised how fast it picked back up.
I’m looking very forward to see what is in store for Talise, Aaden (the goatee is driving me crazy – I can’t visualize any teenage boy looking handsome with one!! – probably bc of my age ), Wendy, and the rest of Kamdaria! Mystery, intrigue, spies, romance, and magic – my favorite combination!
Special thanks to the author and publisher for sending me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wind Crown picks up immediately after the first novella, giving Talise her chance to impress the emperor with her shaping and win her escape from the Storm. However, as Talise has learned, nothing in life comes easy, and the win she expected at the end of the trial was simply the beginning to another set of tests.
The action kept a good pace as Talise continued through her next trials, though I found myself rather upset at the surrounding characters and the lack of explanation about their motives. I assume that things will become more apparent going forward, but the frenemy vibe that was slowly leaning romantic felt a little more rushed than it should’ve. The butterflies and nervousness that was beginning between a pair of characters that were constantly thrown together felt almost rather forced because of the opposition that had been built into their relationship from the start. That change in stance between them didn’t feel as organic as it could have.
Having said that, this was still an interesting build towards a bigger story. These “books” have all been parts of a whole, and the action and attention to detail have held my interest throughout. While the twist at the end wasn’t surprising, I am curious to see how things unfold.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts out with the competition that Talise and Aaden were preparing for in Ice Crown. They both survive the competition yet the real work has just begun. it was a blast watching Talise and Aaden learn and compete in the trials. We are introduced to the Emperor and I really hated hated through most of the book just like Talise. But the ending was amazing and so worth the build up. An amazing story that was even better then the first and really let us know Talise and Aaden and root for both of them. I loved the suspense that ran through this one too.
Book 2 is even better then the first. The action, the dilemma, and budding romance. Getting to know Talise’s hearts battle, and guessing at the secrets behind Aaden. However the new big secret is guessing at the Emperor. I can’t wait to see if my hunches are correct.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved it and had trouble putting it down. The author did a great job picking up right where the 1st book left off.
Aaden and Talise.. what can I say. 2 great characters who we really begin to understand. There were times I loved Aaden and others where I wanted to throw something at him. Talise is still searching and working for her place.
We get to see them go through the next steps.
And the way the book ended.. I’m on the edge of me seat, waiting to start the next book. You won’t be disappointed!
After a fantastic beginning in Ice Crown, I wasn’t sure Wind Crown would be able to measure up. I was delighted to find it did. In Ice Crown, Talise had to compete for the honor and salvation of becoming the Master Shaper. But in Wind Crown, she learns the competition is not over. Now she is competing not against others but against herself to see if she can learn fast enough and become powerful enough to truly earn the position.
While there were definite moments reminiscent of The Hunger Games and The Goblet of Fire, as the trials test different skills and strategies. There were also points that reminded me of The Selection, particularly with Talise trying to win the emperor’s approval, but not being sure what the rules actually were (and breaking a lot of them in the process). There was plenty of suspense as what she thought she knew was challeged by the emperor, Aaden, and herself. The characters don’t seem flat at all, but there are still many things left to discover about them. I still don’t like the emperor, but I am beginning to suspect, as he told Talise, that he does know exactly what he is doing (which still may not make me like him, but it is too early in the story to tell). I love Talise and her friends. Aaden is fascinating and I am so curious about his relationship with his grandfather as well as what his end game actually is. I think he can be trusted, but that also remains to be seen. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and have reviewed it freely.
Kay L Moody blew me away with WIND CROWN (The Elements of Kamdaria #2). This story takes place following book one, ICE CROWN. Talise and Aaden must undergo a series of trials to prove their honor and skills are worthy of being a Master Shaper.
WIND CROWN was an exciting and fast paced book. We learned a lot more about the characters. They continue to grow and become more complex. I surprisingly started to like Aaden. The story had numerous unexpected twists. This is a book that is hard to put down. It would make an excellent movie or television series.
I’m anxiously awaiting the release of book three, DUST CROWN, expected to come out on September 9, 2019. I recommend this series to people who enjoy young adult fantasies. I also recommend reading the books in order. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Book 2 is even better then the first. The action, the dilemma, and budding romance. Getting to know Talise’s hearts battle, and guessing at the secrets behind Aaden. However the new big secret is guessing at the Emperor. I can’t wait to see if my hunches are correct.
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. The competition to become a Master Shaper was fierce; but when circumstances change, the emperor decides both Talise and Aaden earn the rank. It’s only the beginning of their trails, finding working together they achieve much more. As Kamdaria’s enemy makes a secret strike, they will soon discover if they are ready for the real war. Wind Crown exceeds where Ice Crown ended, an amazing read that’s so immersive and real. Highly recommended.
This was even better than book 1!!! Though I was really upset when I reached the end on a huge cliffhanger. I startled my husband with my cry of despair… and it’s 1 am lol. Oops.
This book had me hanging onto every page like no other. I adore it. The building romance is awesome, the characters are exceptional, and the story is easily one of my favorites. I’m absolutely DYING to read book 3.
I have a feeling I’m going to be putting my life on hold to binge it in one sitting the instant I get it!!