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lems135's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
_oliviaflores's review against another edition
4.0
This book was responsible for a lot of late nights!! I really enjoyed it, the emotional character arcs, the banter, the descriptions, the hotness! IFYKYK
babs_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good debut novel and wonderful start to a series.
Demons from the Underworld have unleashed a fury on the kingdom, slaughtering village after village. Emara, loses everything she's known to the demons and almost loses her life but is saved by the Blacksteel brothers. Learning about the supernatural world alongside best friend Cally, she has to face truths that were kept from her.
The Blacksteel brothers; Torin and Gideon, both have potential as a romantic interest for Emara but I'm personally rooting for Torin because....oof.
As with most first books there is more informational world building than action. Learning about witches, shapeshifters and demon hunters, Emara must figure out who she is or else be lost.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Demons from the Underworld have unleashed a fury on the kingdom, slaughtering village after village. Emara, loses everything she's known to the demons and almost loses her life but is saved by the Blacksteel brothers. Learning about the supernatural world alongside best friend Cally, she has to face truths that were kept from her.
The Blacksteel brothers; Torin and Gideon, both have potential as a romantic interest for Emara but I'm personally rooting for Torin because....oof.
As with most first books there is more informational world building than action. Learning about witches, shapeshifters and demon hunters, Emara must figure out who she is or else be lost.
Looking forward to the next installment.
mayih00's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jmwaldrop's review against another edition
5.0
An Empress of Air and Chaos by Noelle Rayne = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This indie debut really delivered for me an all fronts and was just the story I was craving. Rayne clearly did her work on this novel—the editing and pacing was perfect. Only a few place of repeated words, but overall very high quality craftsmanship on this novel.
An interesting heroine, a love triangle between brothers that was well executed and drama that was tempered with plot and character development.
The story wasn’t anything new persay, but Rayne made me feel like I was entering a whole new world that I didn’t associate with other stories.
I am sooooo #teamtorin bc what girl can get enough brooding hot hero. Also the stuff that happened at the ending (no spoilers here) makes me really excited to pick up the next installment—the first book in a while to make me do that. It fits into the New Adult #romantasy category and sets up the series perfectly—with hopefully some steamy scenes to come!!
This indie debut really delivered for me an all fronts and was just the story I was craving. Rayne clearly did her work on this novel—the editing and pacing was perfect. Only a few place of repeated words, but overall very high quality craftsmanship on this novel.
An interesting heroine, a love triangle between brothers that was well executed and drama that was tempered with plot and character development.
The story wasn’t anything new persay, but Rayne made me feel like I was entering a whole new world that I didn’t associate with other stories.
I am sooooo #teamtorin bc what girl can get enough brooding hot hero. Also the stuff that happened at the ending (no spoilers here) makes me really excited to pick up the next installment—the first book in a while to make me do that. It fits into the New Adult #romantasy category and sets up the series perfectly—with hopefully some steamy scenes to come!!
kait_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
This debut fantasy novel exceeded my expectations! I loved it ! This book has wonderful world building, you are quickly immersed into Caledorna. There are shifters and demons and witches. It’s great. I do wish there was more magic however this is the first in a series and it sets it up nicely to have a lot more magic in future books. I fell in love with these characters , there were some twists….one predictable, one shocking. Overall this book was absolutely wonderful! I devoured this book and cannot wait for book two!
jlbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint! It is a well written, enticing read with lovable characters and an intriguing setting.
This story follows Emma Clearwater as her world is turned upside down one night when her grandmother is killed by a paranormal creature who also tries to kill her. She is saved by the Hunters, particularly the Blacksteel brothers. She is taken to their Tower when she begins the search of who she is and her heritage discovering her grandmother was a former member of a witch coven. Both Blacksteel brothers help her on her journey amidst ongoing attacks from a demon army. While she gravitates toward Gideon, the chemistry between Emara and Torin is undeniable. The story ends with a betrayal, a murder, a betrothal, and a place within her grandmother's coven. What will Emara do?
Spoiler free - let's talk about some of my favorite moments. The friendship between Emara and Callyn is heartfelt, and most of us know what it is like to have that special friend. Gideon Blacksteel is chivalrous and genuine, but fiercely loyal (perhaps to a fault). It is hard to not fall for him and his gentle side. Torin Blacksteel. The overly confident one that you love to dislike. But is there more to him than his ego? Hmmm.
In the Torin category, there are two specific scenes that I adored: 1) when he takes Emara away from the Tower to help her train in defense but antagonizes her to see if she has any magical capabilities (this may cause you to fan yourself), and 2) when he dances with Emara at the uplift (may cause swooning). Anytime the Blacksteel brothers stand up for Emara and protect her…this is what book boyfriends are made of!
I loved this book and cannot wait for book two. I stayed up late into the night to finish it, then I thought about it the whole next day, digesting the story and the setting. I highly recommend it and hope that you will read it. It is perfect for fantasy, paranormal, and romance lovers!
This story follows Emma Clearwater as her world is turned upside down one night when her grandmother is killed by a paranormal creature who also tries to kill her. She is saved by the Hunters, particularly the Blacksteel brothers. She is taken to their Tower when she begins the search of who she is and her heritage discovering her grandmother was a former member of a witch coven. Both Blacksteel brothers help her on her journey amidst ongoing attacks from a demon army. While she gravitates toward Gideon, the chemistry between Emara and Torin is undeniable. The story ends with a betrayal, a murder, a betrothal, and a place within her grandmother's coven. What will Emara do?
Spoiler free - let's talk about some of my favorite moments. The friendship between Emara and Callyn is heartfelt, and most of us know what it is like to have that special friend. Gideon Blacksteel is chivalrous and genuine, but fiercely loyal (perhaps to a fault). It is hard to not fall for him and his gentle side. Torin Blacksteel. The overly confident one that you love to dislike. But is there more to him than his ego? Hmmm.
In the Torin category, there are two specific scenes that I adored: 1) when he takes Emara away from the Tower to help her train in defense but antagonizes her to see if she has any magical capabilities (this may cause you to fan yourself), and 2) when he dances with Emara at the uplift (may cause swooning). Anytime the Blacksteel brothers stand up for Emara and protect her…this is what book boyfriends are made of!
I loved this book and cannot wait for book two. I stayed up late into the night to finish it, then I thought about it the whole next day, digesting the story and the setting. I highly recommend it and hope that you will read it. It is perfect for fantasy, paranormal, and romance lovers!
bookstorianreads's review against another edition
3.0
I like the plot. The writing was clunky and took me out of the story sometimes. Very intrigued about the sequel though.
Also, Gideon, you are a fool. Torin, go get your girl.
Also, Gideon, you are a fool. Torin, go get your girl.