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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Brad About Books: The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

Read from July 21 to 22, 2013
THE BURNING SKY
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 464 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Elemental, #1


It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…


Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being 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 greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.



Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.



But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.


She can deny her powers. But she cannot deny destiny. 

The Burning Sky is an electric, soaring novel that captures the essence of a strong protagonist and beautiful writing. This is how fantasy should be done.

I had major, major expectations for The Burning Sky, and I was so pleased and astonished to find that not only were they met, they were exceeded greatly. I'm a huge high fantasy junkie, and this novel is such an incredible fantasy. Deception, betrayal, and magic all come together to create a masterful arc of a story; I can't even begin to tell you how truly blown away I was by The Burning Sky. If you love fantasy, historical fiction, and deadly, dazzling magic, The Burning Sky is for you without a doubt. The writing style is gorgeous. We are thrust into this world head first, and I felt like I was along side Iolanthe, training to defeat the Bane. Sherry Thomas has woven together an incredible, marvelous novel that shouldn't be missed. This is a true gem amongst YA.

The characters are what makes The Burning Sky stunning. Iolanthe has had no training to defeat anything, let alone the greatest evil in her world; but she's been told that she is the most powerful and greatest elemental Mage, so she must defeat the Bane. The evolution and growth that Iolanthe endures in this novel is incredible. She starts off naïve and weak, but she becomes strong, fierce, and determined, willing to take on anything. Thomas did an exceptional job with her character development. And Prince Titus! He seems cold and stone-hearted in the beginning, but as The Burning Sky progresses and the reader sinks further down into this rich, epic story, we learn his past and get a true feel for him. When Iolanthe and Titus collide, the world could either shatter, or the world could be redeemed. I loved these two characters as a duo, working alongside each other; they compliment and contrast each other so well. Needless to say, I absolutely loved everything about The Burning Sky.

The Burning Sky is so climatic and thrilling! There is a never a dull moment, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book was contagious: I couldn't enough of it and I always wanted more, more, more! It'll have you looking over your shoulder, wanting to harbor magic yourself, and make you feel like you're standing with Iolanthe on the battlefield. The Burning Sky is, simply put, phenomenal. Definitely a new favorite book of mine!

Overall, The Burning Sky is an incredible gem that shines out. Deeply rich and compelling, I never wanted The Burning Sky to end! Sequel now, please!

M Y    R A T I N G


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