The Backstory
It was some years ago when I was browsing around on Pinterest that I came across what I thought was a random fiction character art. There was no title nor author but I saved the image of who was clearly a mage of some kind holding a book in library setting. After saving that image, many fantasy titles began appearing due to the algorithm. Eventually, that character appeared again, this time with a book title and author. A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova. Who is Elise Kova? I had never heard of her. At the time I was just getting into reading the romantasy genre, looking at authors such as Grace Goodwin, Evangeline Anderson, Laurann Dohner, Jeaniene Frost, Jessica Grayson, and many others.
Then the year 2020 happened, and the world went sideways – for lack of a better term. Aside from work, family, and my boyfriend (now husband) there to keep me sane, I dove headlong into books and video games (more than normal). But the one author that I didn’t remember right away was Elise Kova (I’m sorry!). Eventually I found the omnibus of the Air Awakens series and splurged on it, only for it to be shoved into my TBR pile. That is where it has remained until this year. After having the privilege to meet Elise Kova at a local book signing, I told myself that I would stop sleeping on her work.
With the backstory out of the way, let me tell you a bit about my journey through Air Awakens.
First Impressions
You know they say to not judge a book by its cover. Well…I don’t listen to that phrase. Most times it is the book cover that attracts a reader if they are unfamiliar with the author or series. The art of all of Elise Kova’s works are phenomenal and this cover is no different. Both the omnibus and individual covers only entice me further.
The book starts with the introduction to the main heroine, Vhalla Yarl, and her roll of a library apprentice in the imperial palace. Girl after my own heart. Through the act of unknowingly saving the Crown Prince’s life and “Awakening” magic of her own, she begins correspondence with a stranger through notes. While the reader is given hints that it is the same royal who she saved, our blissfully ignorant protagonist is none the wiser.
This gave me big “Tell Me Three Things” by Julie Buxbaum vibes. My favorite contemporary YA work. If you like plots where the love interests communicate via messages or notes with one party being unaware of the other’s identity for a time, check that one out.
The Call to Adventure
Vhalla finds that she possesses a rare form of magic that is known to come from her region of origin, and she is resistant to it – with the method which caused her awakening I would me too, let’s be real. I won’t give absolutely everything away, but she holds an understandable but misguided grudge against Sorcerers for events that occurred during her childhood.
This was an introduction to magic that I think would even turn Harry Potter off from the supernatural world. I actually applauded Vhalla in turning away from being talked into this world and wishing to retain her autonomy. She was being viewed as an object for groups to manipulate and mold to their purposes.
My only gripe is that it seems to be too quick of a turn around for Vhalla to be on board with her role as a Sorcerer and wishing to expand her knowledge and skills in magic. As a librarian, I don’t blame her.
Solidifying the Resolve
Through an explosive (pun intended) entrance, the antagonists for the series reveal themselves in momentous fashion. They cause Vhalla to unleash her rare magic that causes fear from the royal family (most of them), and the Senate. Elise Kova showcases the human condition exceedingly well – things that a human fears must be destroyed. Vhalla is no different.
At the sentencing, Vhalla is saved from execution, but is found guilty of crimes that seem to be total malarky to my sensibilities. But what do you expect from a fantasy imperial government? Answer: Dumb laws that serve as plot mechanisms!
The passage I quoted at the top of the page struck me hard as the very last sentence in the book. If you’re familiar with the movie, When Harry Met Sally, you would appreciate knowing how the book ends. Though the movie is dated, you will find the movie to be a fun time – be warned that I do warn for viewers discretion in regards to subject matter and dialogue.
Anyway – I have found myself rolling immediately into book two, unwilling to put this series down. I will leave a link here when that review is published and ready.
The Rating
As this is the first book in the series, the author had a lot on their plate of setting up the basis for the plot, providing a taste for the most important characters (hero/heroine, love interest, beloved side characters, antagonists). I believe that these goals were met. While I felt that turnarounds by the heroine and love interest were done too quickly to be believable, I won’t condemn it too badly since I was so hooked. If you decide to read this work, just don’t be surprised.
Out of 5 stars, I will give Air Awakens a solid 4. No more, no less.
I am excited to see where the series goes from here!
Check out the reviews for the rest of the books in the series:
Currently Playing: “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey”
Books and video games can go hand-in-hand. Especially when they provide literary references. Lovers of traditional myths and retellings will love the environment of AC Odyssey where myth meets “reality”.
If you are so inclined to join the party, please see the link below for my channel. I stay true to the schedule for the most part and will always update as needed. You’re welcome to follow the channel to stay in-the-know as well!
Reading Redux 
Leave a comment