Sherry Thomas

"A young elemental mage named Iaolanthe Seabourne discovers her shocking power and destiny when she is thrown together with a deposed prince to lead a rebellion against a tyrant"--

The Burning Sky

Loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series! Enemies to lovers. Fantasy mixed with historical. Well-paced. Really cool world building. 

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation--or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the worl

Brittney Browne

I didn’t hate this book but didn’t love it either. The magical world created here by the author is a somewhat interesting one but the characters thus far leave little to be desired. The reluctant female mc lacks personality or motivations. Instead she is somewhat dragged along through this quest by the somewhat less 2 dimensional male mc. The writing is well done and intelligent but not captivating. I found myself re-reading frequently or speed reading through parts because I just found myself bored with the characters and the story line. 
In all, I found the writing well done but the plot and characters to be too flat for my tastes. I think someone who is an avid reader of YA fantasy would probably enjoy the series, it just wasn’t for me. Hopefully the rest of the books are a little bit better, but I don’t think I’ll be finishing.

Becky

SO I didn't immediately love this book. If anything I found myself put off by the writing, the setting and the slow pacing. I was not immediately gripped about the characters, if anything I was a bit indifferent to them. I gradually began to enjoy the book, but again I was not enthralled. Then I got to the last quarter and I was fully absorbed and could appreciate why this book is so highly rated. I only wish I had picked it up sooner

Cindy Lee

More of my reviews at Secrets of Lost Words.

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres, so naturally I couldn't pass up The Burning Sky. Sherry Thomas has created a beautiful world with elemental mages, a handsome prince, an evil villian and the occasional dragon.

Iolanthe is our protagonist though she is often called Fairfax throughout the whole book. She is the greatest elemental mage of her generation and she has been prophesied to defeat the Bane, the most powerful mage and tyrant in the whole world. Prince Titus, her companion, helps prepare her for battle as he's guided by his late mother's visions. He never though the powerful elemental mage in the prophecy could be a girl and he makes the mistake of falling in love with her.

I really loved the world Sherry Thomas has created. There were great details and everything was just so magical. In this kingdom, the elements are fading and less elemental mages are being born. As Fairfax and Titus set out on their adventure, I was never bored for a moment and I couldn't stop turning the pages. My favorite parts were when they played through the stories in the Crucible (a book that lets them practice their magic in fairytales) and the times Fairfax interacted with the Eton boys (they're always there for a good laugh). Even when they're on a super dangerous mission, I'm always on my toes as I watch them go through nearly impossible tasks. There's also Wintervale and Kashkari, the Eton boys that are part of Fairfax's daily life. They make everyday life so much better and plus, Kashkari is my favorite side character.

I wouldn't say the romance was a big part of this book but it was certainly there. I know that they care deeply for each other and Titus is always concerned about Fairfax's safety. Their relationship feels real. They go through fights sometimes but they fix it by communicating with each other. Their banters are funny and entertaining as well.

The Burning Sky is a great book that I'd recommend to all fantasy fans. The magical adventure kept me turning the pages! Those Eton boys won't know what hit them ;)

Rating: B

Candyce Kirk

Marissa Scudlo

A great story but it took me a long time with get into it.

Stephanie Haynes

I enjoyed this so much! I did find some of the world building to be a little bit confusing and the relationship a little bit on the verge of insta-love, but the story is really engaging. I enjoy Iolanthe as a character and the elemental magic was really interesting. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

Alejandra Bran

It was an okay book. It did not wow me I feel it was lacking of something, but was still enjoyable. I will read the next book.

Alice

It is the end days of elemental magic. Sixteen-year-old Iolanthe Seabourne never thought her elemental abilities would amount to anything, until she calls down a bolt of lightning from a cloudless sky. Suddenly she is pursued by forces allied with the Bane, the greatest tyrant the mage world has ever known. Her savior is a young prince who seems too good to be true. Titus is cunning, prepared, and absolutely devoted to Iolanthe’s welfare. Of course he has an agenda of his own: In exchange for Iolanthe’s safety, he wants her to bring down the Bane, to fulfill a prophecy made before either of them was born. Iolanthe, no fool, wants nothing to do with the Bane—or musty old prophecies. She also wants nothing to do with the growing attraction she feels for Titus. As the servants of the Bane close in, however, she begins to realize that perhaps there is more to life than her own safety. But is she brave enough to join forces with Titus and aim for the Bane’s overthrow, which would lead to almost certain deaths for both Titus and herself? In this magical epic fantasy adventure, Sherry Thomas has created a fast-paced, intricately woven plot, a simmering romance, and a pair of remarkable protagonists who will stay with you long after you have reached the last page.

The Burning Sky

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