The trials are over. It’s time for the real fight to begin.Talise is thrust into her role as Master Shaper in the most dangerous way possible. With the enemy knocking on the gates of the palace, she must use her shaping to keep them away.But even after the battle, the emperor continues to be unhappy with her progress. The soldiers seem to share his disdain, and they fight against her leadership … disdain, and they fight against her leadership at every turn.
With the deadline of the masquerade ball fast approaching, Talise must decide whose approval matters most: the emperor’s or the soldiers’.
Despite her decision, one thing is certain. She must prove her potential… before the emperor gets rid of her for good.
Dust Crown is episode 3 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 finished this at 1 am. I couldn’t fall asleep until 5 am. The plot twist made my brain just go and go and it wouldn’t turn off! Don’t finish this right before bed lol. But honestly, holy crap. I adore these books. I never buy paperbacks anymore, but once these are available as a paperback, I’m going to leap at the chance. Dust crown did an especially good job of showing Talise’s character growth. Everything is just getting more and more intense as I go… and I thought waiting for book 3 was hard! Waiting for book 4 is absolute torture!! (Of the best kind, obviously!)
Kay L Moody is a masterful storyteller. I can’t believe these just keep getting better!
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.
Talise’s story continues in this third novella, picking up right where we were left in the second installment.
In Wind Crown, we learned that there were no Master Shapers left, leaving Talise and Aaden to carry that weight on their own. In knowing this truth, I began to find fault with so many of the circumstances in the previous parts of the book. With their strengths so diminished, why wouldn’t the emperor have the academy focus on replenishing the ranks of his shapers? Why not have the teachers from the academy start teaching the soldiers how to shape instead of relying on Talise and Aaden, still in their teens and completely unfamiliar with how to impart their skills onto others? Why, in one breath, is Talise so callous with the lives of their own soldiers that she suggests sacrificing for a win, when she can’t bear to look at the lives lost on the other side?
The twist at the end came unsurprisingly, likely because so much emphasis was put on the topic that I would have been more surprised had it not been true. Still, watching Talise learn how to manage herself in the role of Master Shaper alongside Aaden and against the forces striking at the castle did make for a brisk and somewhat entertaining read. Hopefully part four will provide some closure to this story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story was even better then the last one as Talise and Aaden must grow into their rolls as the Master Shapers it seems overnight. Secrets abound and Talise seems to have to prove herself over and over as she trains the solders of the palace. The ending was killer as secrets are revealed and so inconsistencies are solved from the very first book. Plus I really think there is a master spy in the palace and have to keep reading to hopefully find out who it might be. The setup for the next book was amazing.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Man, just when I thought Ms. Moody couldn’t out do herself, I started book 3. Talk about action and adventure right off the rip. I love how this book picked up right at the end of book 2.
Just when I thought I had it figured out, plot twist in chapter __ (sorry, don’t want to spoil it too much). And then, the one thing I wanted to happen since book 1 finally happened and then..
I finished this book in less than 12 hours. Book 4, here I come!
Wow! This story just keeps getting better and better. After learning that the Kessoku are alive and strong and still after the emperor at the end of Wind Crown, Dust Crown jumps right into the battle. As Master Shapers, Talise and Aaden are leading the shaping while the soldiers fight to save the palace, then lose the palace, lure the Kessoku into a false sense of security, and quickly win the battle. Or so it seems. But nothing is ever quite that easy for Talise and her friends.
In this new episode of the Kamdarian saga, Talise learns what it means to become a leader…and what it costs. Aaden continues to fight with her and for her. They both test different methods of getting soldiers to follow orders and discover more about themselves in the process. And a shocking secret is revealed.
I love the way the story has unfolded so far. There are still so many mysteries, but some were so well hidden, I didn’t even realize how much I had assumed until there is a new revelation. I can’t wait to read the next book and sincerely hope that Ms. Moody will write additional stories in this world after the series is over. It is unique and compelling world building. And there is much work for Talise and her friends to do, likely more than can be completed in the final book. Oh, and I think I like the emperor a tiny bit better in this book…maybe.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and have reviewed it freely.
I’ve enjoyed reading this series, and after the last book, I couldn’t wait to read this one! I received an early copy from the publisher, which does not affect my review. I was happy to write this voluntary review and let others know about this series!
I love seeing Talise and Aaden grow as characters, and I really enjoyed the character development as well as learning a bit more about the other characters, including Claye, Windy, and the Emperor to name a few! A lot happens, and though the I felt the start was a bit slow, it quickly picks up, and the first part sets the stage for some pretty major events in this book, and likely some that carry over to the next!
I have loved reading this series. Each book keeps getting better and better.I received an early copy to read in exchange for my honest review. Loved it.
This is a fantastic series. Its fast paced. With lots of action and twists and turns. The world building is great, and the Characters are brought out so well that you can see the scenes in your minds eye as you read. A definite must read series.
Shauna Joesten
Episode 3 rocked my world so much! I loved this episode in the series like I loved the previous two! Kay is so talented keeping everything fresh in her story telling. Her stories are unique and entertaining and do not feel like any of her previous works like some other authors I have read. Such a huge talent as an author someone I am proud to be a fan of.
Kay L Moody’s DUST CROWN takes place following book two, WIND CROWN. This story keeps getting better; which considering how good book one, ICE CROWN, was no easy feat. Talise and Aaden discovered they are the only Master Shapers left. The enemy is looming. Talise needs to learn to be a Master Shaper and a leader to the soldiers. Meanwhile, the emperor is still not happy with her. This fantasy is suitable for young adult readers.
I loved this book. Talise and Aaden continue to grow. Talise struggles with her leadership role. There were so many interesting revelations in this novel; the things we learn – oh my…. Then the cliffhanger ending…my heart. I cannot wait for the next book. I still think that this series would make an amazing movie or television series. I recommend this series to lovers of fantasies. You want to read this series from the start. Do not read this book as a stand alone. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The war between Kamdaria and the Kessoku is on, stretching Talise and Aadens’ shaping abilities to the extreme and the soldiers bound to protect the emperor. When they are tasked with training the soldiers with shaping skills yet mastered; Talise fights to find a way to not only become a leader but one that is respected, including the emperor. Among all of the chaos, secrets the could lead to fate of Kamdaria are laid bare; adding danger to their friendship that has already been shaped in so many profound ways. This series keeps getting better with each book. Highly recommended!!!