Vortex Visions
Author: Elise Kova
Series: Vortex Chronicles #1
Genre: Fantasy, romance, young adult, magic
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A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world. Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family. The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have. Powers that might well cost her the throne. As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored. All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world. Vortex VisionsAuthor: Elise KovaSeries: Vortex Chronicles #1A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have. Powers that might well cost her the throne.As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world.
MY REVIEW
I received a free copy for an honest review.
This review contains spoilers.
I think this book did a very good job at revising the Air Awakens universe, thanks Elise Kova achieving everything necessary for this to happen successfully. Kova proved that Vi could hold her own as a heroine without the help of the former main casts (Vhalla and Aldrik) by having them not appearing even once (which I’m honestly pretty surprised about) in this book. The new dire "crisis" introduced in this new series also does not seem forced, and Kova successfully delivered a fantastic romance that I totally ship. I feel like I enjoyed this book at the end because of how it progressed from being a pretty slow/steady pace to a faster and more interesting pace. This is a good thing because by taking the time to develop the story and series without rush, it can actually make a first book that is filled with the genuine substance to make a strong and solid story.
The book managed to make me genuinely surprised with plot twist points such as Aldrik’s supposed death and making those twists fit perfectly to the storyline (nothing feels forced or awkward). Vi reminds me of Vhalla, but I’m impressed by how I can still feel the difference in the narration and how it’s not exactly the same as Vhalla’s.
Also, can we please talk about Vi and Taavins’ chemistry? I have to give it Kova, the woman knows how to execute a fantastic romance side-by-side with a plot-driven heavy storyline. It’s like a Shonen manga mixed with Shojo romance, the combination I’ve always dreamed of and no one can ever achieve. This is why Kova is one of my all-time favorite authors. One of the things I love most about her books is that her books are extremely plot-driven, but it also dedicates just as much efforts in relationship/character developments, making it phenomenal to read. I can’t express how much I appreciate this rare combination – not to add on how well it’s executed.
I still strongly recommend everyone to read the Air Awakens series before this, but if you want, you can still read it alone with no problem. Again, this is because of how the story, characters, and romance all can stand on its own perfectly without needing the support from its predecessor. I also really appreciate Kova’s style to manage a series’ pacing without relying constantly on cliffhangers – a truly good series doesn’t need cliffhangers to get its readers to return. I am genuinely looking forward to the sequels and the direction this series is heading not just to see Vhalla and Aldrik again, but for the sake of seeing Vi’s journey and the progress as well. This was definitely a great read.
Rating:
4.5/5 stars
about the author
Elise Kova is the USA Today bestselling author of fantasy stories filled with magic and romance. In her past lives, she has graduated from an MBA program, lived in Japan for a bit, and worked for a Fortune 500 technology company. However, she finds herself much happier in her current reincarnation as full-time author. When not writing, she can usually be found playing video games, drawing, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She's happy to call Saint Petersburg, Florida, her home, but is always looking forward to her next trip. Her debut series was Air Awakens. Since then she's penned the dark fantasy, the Loom Saga. As well as a co-authored paranormal romance, the Wish Quartet.
