A broken past and a divided future can’t stop the electric connection of two teens in this “fast-paced, fantasy-romance” (VOYA) novel. Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is. … hopes she is.
Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian–Vane’s guardian–and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.
When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim–the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And as the storm bears down on them, she starts to realize the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them–but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.more
Fascinating lore and back-story building. I love the chemistry between the characters, the “will they, won’t they” progression throughout, even though you already know, obviously they will at the end.
I love this series so much! Vane and Audra are amazing characters! I own the trilogy. I know this series isn’t as popular as Shannon Messenger’s other series KOTLC but to me they are just as good. I absolutely love Vane! He is funny, sweet and adorable. There is a little bit of language in them but not anything bad like the f word or s word. Nothing goes on beyond kissing, but to me it was very romantic and swoon worthy. I enjoyed my journey with Vane and Audra and will re-read their stories again.
Very refreshing to read a book about something new–sylphs! or wind elementals. I really enjoyed this book, especially the humor, and something was always happening to keep me reading onward. I looooove the cover (original hardcover with the golden tones and the figures hovering in the clouds). Also I’m intrigued by the recipe for breakfast “torpedoes,” which I’m going to have to try. My husband WANTS one. (Eggs, tater tots, cheese, hot sauce, etc–all wrapped up in a tortilla and grilled.)
But I digress. The interplay in this book between Audra and Vane is good, nicely romantic…the forbidden romance kind of relationship. I enjoyed the twist-reveal near the end. There’s obviously an opening for the next book in the series in the ending, but the threads are tied up well enough for this book. (
Another good one by Shannon Messenger! This Young Adult novel was different from the author’s Middle Grade series Keeper of the Lost Cities, for sure, but the genius is still there in the writing style and world building. The characters were wonderful (and their banter), the plot was unique and fascinating, and I can’t wait for more in the two sequel books in this trilogy!
A side note: There was some sparse cursing, but it’s nothing you can’t find in any other YA novel, and it doesn’t include any of the worse words; the experience wasn’t ruined for me because of this. However, I don’t suggest it for younger audiences, below the 13+ age suggestion. (Take this note as you will.)
Vane has no memory of his life before his parents were killed in a tornado. Audra has spent her entire life guarding him, but always from a distance. But when the winds of change come into their lives, can Audra train Vane to meet his destiny? I really enjoyed this YA fantasy novel with a strong romance. The characters were great, and it was easy to pull for them. And the plot moved along well, leading to a climax that kept me turning pages.
It’s great if you’re looking for something romantic and a bit of a tear jerker. The characters are well built up and the suspense almost killed me. The ending, I don’t think anyone saw it coming. Stayed up two hours after the time I was going to just to read the last few chapters.