The competition could save her life…But only if she wins. Talise can manipulate the elements with ease. Water, air, earth, and fire all bend to her will. As a citizen of the Storm—a crime-laden land where death is the only constant—her only chance for a better life is to become Master Shaper. A competition for the position takes place at the end of her training years. If she wins, she would … end of her training years. If she wins, she would live in the palace, work for the emperor, and escape her inevitable death in the Storm. But she’s not the only one with a chance to win.
Aaden is another talented student. As a citizen of the Crown, he was born with unlimited privilege and resources. When someone from the Crown wants to win, they do. End of story. And his shaping is unlike anything Talise has ever seen.
Complicating matters, Talise’s loved one in the Storm gives her reason to abandon the competition altogether, forcing her to make an impossible choice.
Torn between duty and freedom, she must learn that clinging to the past, might destroy her future.
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Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1)
By: Kay L. Moody
5 out of 5 stars
The story Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody is a YA/fantasy book. It is a story that hooks you in from the beginning and that I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished. I loved reading about the character of Talise. She is truly a gifted and talented girl. She can manipulate the elements. She has a chance at a better life as a Master Shaper, rather than one where death is a constant in the Storm. She finds herself in competition with another student, Aaden. What will happen when a loved one causes Talise to have to choose between her past and her future? I loved reading about how both Aaden and Talise use their talents. The story is detailed, and I found myself feeling like I was right there with the characters. There are a few other characters that are introduced and enjoyed reading about. There are times when the book is suspenseful. It is a story I would recommend reading.
This book is easily one of my new favorites- and I’m horrible at choosing favorites! Kay has earned a reader for life. The way she describes things- like emotions- is so unique and amazing! Not too mention the STORY itself is sooooo captivating! I actually read the short story version of this by being on her newsletter, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I loved it. So when I saw it as a full book, I was more excited than a kid going to Disneyland! I ADORE this book and cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! I’ll be waiting with baited breath!!! I cannot recommend it enough!
*I received an advance copy from the author. This does not affect my review.*
I loved the first chapter of this, but since it’s so short, I was excited to see more of the ‘what happened after’ part of Talise’s childhood. Since we knew she would get into Academy, I was looking forward to seeing her abilities and fellow students more. I loved this story and the world-building was well done, and leaves room for plenty of character growth!
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.
While this novella was a very compelling read, it was a quick one at that. The emotions that the author built into each turn had me tearing up alongside Talise, and I felt every moment of struggle, of determination… of hope, right alongside her.
Despite its short length, we were given a good background on the division and strife within this world. Those who live in the Storm – the desolate lands of hunger and strife where even collecting rainwater to assuage thirst is a crime – will never be granted freedom from that life unless they master all four elements in an award-winning display before the emperor. Talise knows that it is her only chance at a life beyond the Gate, where she won’t have to spend each day struggling to survive, a life her Marmie sacrificed so much to help her strive for.
This was definitely an introductory novella, one where nothing was really concluded or achieved, but enough of a taste that the vivid descriptions will have you eager to continue on within this world.
I’ve read this story after reading the short “Ice and Fire”. I loved that one and wanted to learn more about that world and all the characters. This story acts as a prequel for that and stops right on the first chapter of that one. I was sad to already know what would be the outcome (so if you can read this one before “Fire and Ice” that would be best), but it was great to finally get the context of the story.
This is about a world were everyone can shape the elements (as long as their health is good enough) and not everyone has that chance doe to a very hierarchic society with very unjust rules were the children and grand-children pay for their parents crimes. Our two heros have that problem and only proving they can be master shapers can turn their future around. Only one can win and losing is not a an option. How far will they go?
Don’t forget to read “Fire and Ice” after. It tell us about the final competion in front of the emperor when everything is decided. A truly epic scene! You don’t wan to miss it.
The Elements of the Crown (the first four novella’s in the Kamdaria series: Ice Crown, Wind Crown, Dust Crown, Flame Crown) was such a fun read. Kay’s writing flows and kept me turning the pages. I loved seeing the growth of Talise over the first four books and I love, LOVE the slow-burn romance intertwined with the main story. There were plenty of twists and turns I definitely didn’t see coming!
I can’t wait to see what happens next for Talise, Aaden, Wendy, Claye and Tempest!
Wow…………….wow…………..wow. What an amazing book. It gave my goose bumps, and made my heart race. The emotion in this book is overwhelming. However the story line is just captivating. I absolutely will be impatiently waiting for the remainder of the series. This could be one of the next great series.
I received a Arc upon MY request in exchange for an honest review. (I am not lying. It is so good)
For a young girl living in the Storm, there was not much hope for a better life, unless you could earn your way into the Academy. Getting accepted to the Academy was an honor, but one which must be earned. You had to be a shaper…of elements. The better you were; the more elements you could shape; the better your chance of being chosen the Master Shaper with a lifetime place in the Emperor’s palace. This was Talise’s only chance of being forever free from the Storm and it’s life of hunger, poverty and crime.
This was a cool story reminiscent of the Hunger Games with a pinch of Divergent thrown in. I received an ARC of this book, but the review is given freely and because I loved it!
Ice Magic. Review of Ice crown
Wow! This novella is a short but sweet fairytale. It tells the tale of Talise who is able to manipulate air, fire, and ice easily from her fingertips. She is a citizen from the crime slums of Storm who gets her chance to finally live a better life when she enters the competition to be a Master Shaper for the emperor. The competition is hosted by the emperor for the position to work next to him in his castle. For Talise, it is a way out of the slums and a better future. Talise only has to beat Adaden. He is another very talented student who Is part of the “Citizens of the crown” elite who always wins. Talise is then torn between her freedom and family loyalty when a loved one passes away.
This novella was wonderfully written and beautiful. It felt intimate as if i was sitting next to Wendy and Talise in the Academy when they spoke. A lot was said with just a few words. You understood Talise problem and her angst about leaving her loved one. I love the descriptive imagery when Talise conjures up fire, water, etc. This is the first novella i have ready by this author and i will definitely read the next three books. I can’t wait. I have already signed up to her newsletter. I’d like to thank BOOKSIRENS.COM and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book sounded good and I was not disappointed. The writing and story line was well written and caught my attention. It kept me reading just to see what would happen next and if Talise would achieve her goal. The only bad part was that it ended too soon and I need to know what happens next which is why I loved it. I did like how it ended and made me scream what?? Although novella length it was still a good story that did not leave me thinking something was missing and did not spend useless time world building but added just enough to make the story flow well. Just a great story that I need to read the next one. I received a copy from BookSirens and chose to leave my review because it was an entertaining read.
Ice Crown is a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an intriguing series. Talise was born in the Storm, the poorest and most dangerous place in the world, populated by criminals and families of criminals. The only way out is to train at the academy, a life reserved for the most talented with the elemental magics. And the only way to stay out of the Storm and bring one’s family out of poverty is to win the academy’s greatest honor, being chosen by the emperor as the Master Shaper. Talise is talented, but a new student quickly joins the academy with as great or greater a gift. As a result, Talise has to attempt a type of magic that has never been successfully executed before. Will that be enough or will she die trying?
I loved the characters. I loved the setting. And I loved the intrigue. Talise has so much to gain and so much to lose, but her reasons for both are compelling. She is also likable, making me cheer for her even when it seems like the odds are stacked against her. I wish we knew more about her mother or what caused her family to be in the Storm in the first place. Is the emperor cruel or just strict? And what will happen if Talise wins the competition? What will happen if she loses? I suppose we’ll all have to keep reading to find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L Moody, 3 stars
This is the first book i have read by this author and although the plot was well written and overall intriguing, i found that it lacked in substance with some descriptions, however it does open it for a much more detailed intensive book 2.
Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) By Kay L Moody. This story drew me in from the first few sentences. It’s a great start to a new series and I’m excited to see where the author takes readers. While this is on the shorter side I didn’t enjoy it any less, I do think there was times where it could have had a bit more. But overall it’s a unique story that had me hooked. It’s well written and the characters are complex and relatable. Talise takes readers on quite the adventure, I loved her drive. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series and this author. Four stars and highly recommend it.
I liked Talise from the beginning. Vulnerable, but strong. Afraid but determined. As we begin with her on this journey, it doesn’t take you very long to see that Ice Crown by Kay L. Moody, is going to be a journey well worth the taking. The characters are developed enough to suck you into the story, but you get the feeling that there is so much more waiting to be discovered. I no longer throw fits over the books I read, mostly, but this incredible little story ended way sooner than I wanted it to. It has whetted my appetite and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. I read many different fantasy and paranormal novels, so I am always looking for something new and different. This book hit the spot. It had not only magic, but it also dealt with the life struggles of an individual Talise. I look forward to following Talise on her journey as I really liked the journey’s beginning.
Ice Crown by Kay Moody blew me away. I would give this book a five out of five stars. I really struggled to put this book down. The story is told in what I would consider a quick pace. I appreciated the fact that there was just the right amount of detail to build the backstory. Talise was an interesting character built to make you care about what happens next. I enjoyed the plot twists and it felt like the twists and turns just kept coming out of nowhere. I really look forward to the next book in the series to build on the story.
Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria #1) by Kay L Moody
5 out of 5 stars
Ice Crown is the first book in The Elements of Kamdaria written by Kay Moody is a YA adult book and is a quick and easy read. The characters where great and well written and the plot was awesome.
Talise is a 7 year old little who can manipulate the elements with ease; water, air, earth, and fire all bend to her will. She is also from Storm a land riddled with crime where death. Her only chance for a better life is to become Master Shaper. And the only way to become a Master Shaper is a completion for the position takes place at the end of her training years. If she wins, she would live in the palace, work for the emperor, and escape her inevitable death in the Storm. But she’s not the only one with a chance to win.
Aaden is a citizen of the Crown he was born with unlimited privilege and resource is another talented student. When someone from the Crown wants to win, they do. End of story. And his shaping is unlike anything Talise has ever seen.
I really enjoyed this book and hope that the next book in this series comes out soon because I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.
By
Tracy
@tracym
This is a short YA that was a good start to this series. It is the length of a novella so i was able to read it one setting. It was creative and original and i am looking forward to reading more. This story is about Talise. She was a great character and i liked the younger version of her too. The side characters were awesome as well! I liked that there was so much that happened in this book and i was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. I can’t wait to read more by this author and i would recommend to anyone that likes YA fantasy.
Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L Moody
5-Stars
Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L Moody was a creative and magical 5-star read. Talise is brought to the Academy to test. She is aiming to get in to train in shaping the various elements. She comes from the Storm which is where the lower class lives. They are not entitled to anything and she must return unless she becomes a Master Shaper.
This novel was fun, entertaining, and easy to read. It had excellent character development and was organized well. I found Talise to be a realistic and motivated character. I also truly enjoyed the abilities of the individuals at the Academy. Many were able to shape the elements and do amazing things with them. I can’t wait to continue with the story in book two. I highly recommend this novel and definitely feel it deserves all 5 stars.