Kidnapped, imprisoned, and alone. But she isn’t dead yet.Talise’s secret is out. Much to her surprise, Kessoku hasn’t killed her. But they aren’t about to let her go either.Her latest escape attempt ends when she nearly launches herself down a chimney that leads to an incinerator. Her captors laugh at her antics and call her names.She lets them.She plays along, acting as scared and as helpless as … them.
She plays along, acting as scared and as helpless as they want her to be. Time in her cell is spent whimpering, groaning, and jumping at the slightest noise.
Little do they know, she is taking note of their routines. Watching for inconsistencies. And waiting. If they believe her to be weak, they’ll never expect another escape attempt. She is determined the next one will be successful.
After twelve years, she’s not about to give up now.
Flame Crown is episode 4 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
Episode 5: River Gate
Episode 6: Smoke Gate
More episodes to come.
more
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.
The fourth novella of the Elements of Kamdaria series picks up with Talise having been kidnapped by the Kessoku and wondering why they’re keeping her alive when they’ve killed every other prisoner that’s come through. When it feels like enough time has passed that she likely isn’t going to get a rescue, she must come up with a plan to save herself.
I was really hoping that this, as the finale of the volume, would have some sort of conclusion to it, however its ending continued the episodic feel where you must read the next part in order to see where the story goes. I think, with tweaks, these four installments could have been made into one complete book that, while still perhaps leaving on a cliffhanger for some threads, could’ve at least felt like it concluded somehow. While the action was admittedly well-written and enough to keep interest throughout, as a whole, these novellas follow the same peak-and-valley each time simply to propel forward. Those who enjoy small bites of stories at a time will likely enjoy this, as the stories all do link, but I got tired of it by the end of this volume and likely won’t continue on.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The book starts out with Talise a prisoner and what she does to survive. A few secrets are revealed and others are introduced. Just a great addition to the series that has me hooked. I thought this one was just as good as the others and keeps me addicted to the series. Plus the ending sets up what will come next.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn’t put this book down! I finished it in less than 1 day. Wow. The story line keeps getting better. The new twist in the story line made me step back and ask why….
Talise is really becoming her own person. Ms. Moody does a great job showing the inner struggle that Talise is facing as she attempts to determine exactly who she is meant to be.
I can’t wait for book 5! I have to know what happens next.
I am in love with this series! So wonderful
After being captured by the Kessoku, Talise finds myriads of ways to fight the guards and attempt escapes or fake escape attempts. At the same time, she questions who has betrayed her and how have the Kessoku discovered her identity? But when she finally meets their general, she realizes she has been mistaken about a great many things. Are the Kessoku on the right side? And even they are, can their methods be the only option for Kamdaria? As Aaden’s past is increasingly intertwined with the present, who will hold his allegiance?
Both Talise and Aaden are faced with questions of trust and loyalty. Talise wonders if her loyalty is to her family, to her soldiers, to the emperor, or to the people of Kamdaria. Even the Storm is presented in a new light. Aiden’s past is also increasingly intertwined with the present. Do his loyalties lie with his grandfather or the emperor or Talise or someone else entirely?
These and many other new questions leave readers in eager anticipation of the next installation of this saga.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
I adore these books. They’re just too short!! That is, of course, my ONLY complaint. I adore the main characters, the newfound depth in the bad guys, and how everything is just plain ramping up in Flame Crown. I am, as always, anxious for the next book. I read this one in 1-2 hours when I should have been sleeping because I just cannot stay away! I’m happy to hear there will be 12 books in the series, because these are just too short. I’m in no way finished with Talise and Kamdaria!!
Just one thing… brace yourself for the ending. Gosh, I hope that gets resolved how I want it to…
A wonderful read. Its fast paced and action packed and grabs you right from the beginning to the end. It had me on the edge of my seat. This is an epic story that I definitely recommend.
Shauna Joesten
Kay L. Moody’s Flame Crown is a mind-blowing addition to The Elements of Kamdaria series. Flame Crown starts off with Talise being imprisoned after she was captured at the end of book three, Dust Crown. The story continues to have unexpected outcomes and thrilling events that take place.
Flame Crown is skillfully written and fast paced. New conspiracies are unraveled. Our heroes are further challenged. My heart went out to Talise and everything she endured. However, the story wasn‘t all gloom and doom. The characters did get some good news.
I love this series. I think it would make an excellent movie or television series. I do suggest reading the books in order. I recommend this novel to people who enjoy fantasies. The series is suitable for young adults. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher. This does not affect my review.*
I…this series, I can’t even! I loved this book so much, and along with the whole series, I can’t even express how much I enjoy reading about these characters! It’s like watching my favorite TV show, it’s so vivid when I read, and the characters are complex and feel so real they are more like friends than just characters in a book, which for me is one of the highest praises for my beloved books!
This one ramps up the emotions, as Talise’s secret’s out, and as things ended in Dust Crown, she’s also a captive of the enemy, Kessoku. I loved seeing her strategize how to escape, and also enjoyed all the character conflict and inner struggles they faced as the story progresses. There’s so much that happens in this one, and a lot of character growth can be seen. While the ending was very emotional, it was as surprising to me as some of the others, but it still done in a way that I can’t wait to read more! I’m curious to see more about how Talise’s changes affect her future, as well as seeing how her friends react to the changes in their lives!
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. Talise has been captured by the Kessoku, held in a dank dungeon in a base of theirs. While waiting to learn her fate, Talise takes every opportunity to learn all that she can to help her escape. When she finally meets the important person, he turns out to have a personal connection to Aaden. He wants to know the knowledge about an amulet and grave of great importance in Kamdaria. After she does escape, she confides in Aaden and anyone she can trust; soon a plan is hatched to take on Kessoku. For both Talise and Aaden, embracing their pasts could be key to the success of achieving victory. Highly recommended.