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Ondine Quartet #1
Whirl
Outspoken and independent, Kendra Irisavie has always played by her own rules.
She's an ondine, a water elemental gifted with the powerful magic of Empath Virtue and trained to be a fighter. Pursued by Aquidae demons, she and her mother remain Rogue, hiding among humans to avoid becoming casualties in an ancient war.
Everything changes when violence erupts on Kendra's seventeenth birthday. A dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past and stirring unexpected feelings in her fiercely guarded heart.
But as Kendra uncovers the truth about her heritage and future, she realizes just how deep the lies and deception run.
Now, in the face of unthinkable odds, she will need all her wits, skills, and magic to fulfill an extraordinary prophecy.
The first in a sweeping urban fantasy series, Whirl is the beginning of a young woman's exhilarating journey for survival, love, and hope as she fights for her place in a world where she doesn't belong.
She's an ondine, a water elemental gifted with the powerful magic of Empath Virtue and trained to be a fighter. Pursued by Aquidae demons, she and her mother remain Rogue, hiding among humans to avoid becoming casualties in an ancient war.
Everything changes when violence erupts on Kendra's seventeenth birthday. A dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past and stirring unexpected feelings in her fiercely guarded heart.
But as Kendra uncovers the truth about her heritage and future, she realizes just how deep the lies and deception run.
Now, in the face of unthinkable odds, she will need all her wits, skills, and magic to fulfill an extraordinary prophecy.
The first in a sweeping urban fantasy series, Whirl is the beginning of a young woman's exhilarating journey for survival, love, and hope as she fights for her place in a world where she doesn't belong.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2011
64 people are currently reading
9261 people want to read
About the author
Emma Raveling
17 books549 followersEmma Raveling resides in Honolulu with her husband and German shepherd.
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February 15, 2014
Welcome to St. Vladimir's Academy. Or rather...
"Welcome to Lumiére Academy. Your school."For fuck's sakes, the book doesn't even spell Lumière with the correct accent mark (4 years of French, bitches!).
A 17 year old girl is living on the run; she is on the move every few months, she cannot risk staying in the same place for long. Suddenly, a handsome, mysterious, dark-haired ass-kicking stranger shows up to carry her back to a secret school for mythological creatures of her race, to the heritage to which she was born. She is behind in schooling, she is forced to take remedial lessons with a sexy fighting tutor. Her school and her people are attacked by evil, demon-like, soulless creatures who seek the extinction of her race, and to turn others into themselves. Meanwhile, at her school, there are tremendous social conflicts between the soldiers who are forced to serve and protect the "royal" members of a pure bloodline. It's all fun and games until someone gets kidnapped.
Does that sound fucking familiar to you?
This book would be a blatant ripoff of Vampire Academy, if Vampire Academy had no depth whatsoever. The characters are a mermaid-mythology mixture of the characters from VA, which would be funny if not for the fact that they are all Super. Fucking. Special. Like this book's equivalent of Dimitri Belikov...he's not just a bad-ass soldier. He's a PRINCE as well!
Not to mention there's a freaking love square.
The World Building: Piss poor. Utterly terrible and confusing. If I didn't know this book was about ondines and water elementals, I would not have been able to tell by reading this book. The names and dropped. Ondines, selkies, Dessondines, etc. It all takes place on land, there is not much that is magic about this world, because the Ondines are humans, just humans who live long and have magical powers. There is nothing wondrous about their world and about their people.
There are selkies in the book, they are selkies in human form only. We get little about the myth of the selkies besides the fact that they are an "ancient race." The explanation of all the four Water Elementals were tremendously confusing, the segregation of social classes were mind-boggling, and it took me a good chunk of the novel to figure it all out.
This is one of the time when I was grateful that there was a glossary in the back of the book.
The Similarities:
The Moroi = The Ondines: The pure-blooded vampire Moroi are this book's equivalent of the Redavi, the royalty of the Water Elementals. Like the Moroi, the Ondines think themselves superior. Like the Moroi, the Ondines are capable of the creation of two races.
"Ondines are peaceful, powerful, and protective. Along with our dessondine ancestors, we are responsible for the protection and maintenance of water. We give birth to two races, ondines and demillirs. We are beings of magic, leaders and symbols of the water elemental world."Ondines, like Moroi, do not fight. They have others to fight for them.
"I still don't understand how training ondines to fight is a problem."Like the old-blood Moroi, the royal Ondines are immensely wealthy, having amassed fortunes throughout their long lives.
"It goes against our very nature." Her lips tightened. "It would be like trying to turn a swan into a shark."
Elemental Magic: Like the Moroi, the Ondines each possess a magical ability.
Broussard's eyes swept the classroom. "Who can name the eight Virtues?"The Dhampirs = The Demilirs/The Gardinels: Half human males who serve as protectors and guardians of the Ondines. They possess the strength and agility that the Ondines do not possess (except for Kendra because she is extra fucking special).
"Clairvoyance, Kinesis, Projection, Healing, Cloaking, Empath, Teleportation, and Transmutation."
...most non-Redavi demillirs serve as chevaliers because they possess extra-human speed and strength.There is a considerable amount of tension between the working class guards and the Ondines who think themselves superior to those who have to fight.
"Redavi demillirs take afternoon classes in business and politics. But they usually just hang around bragging about their inheritances."The Strigoi = The Aquidae: Both are demonic beings who seek to "turn" the pure into their own wickedly evil race. They used to be normal, until they were turned.
"Fucking Redavi," Cam muttered under his breath.
"Aquidae are grotesque demons with no soul. No matter how much they may look like us, they are not. They do not live, but feed off violence and death." She shook her head sadly. "The great tragedy is that these abominations used to be beings of light."Their numbers are endless because they can always be created. The only way to destroy them...is by staking or decapitation.
Aquidae were humans or elementals who were turned, either by force or by choice.
"How can an Aquidae be killed?"St. Vladimir's Academy = St. Lumiere Academy: A specialized academy, unknown to humans, whose mission is to educate in the use of magic for the "pure" Ondines, and fighting classes for those who live to serve the Ondines.
"By destroying the Origin scar, either through staking or decapitation," Ryder said. "Staking is the easier of the two."
"Depends on what teacher you get. We're all juniors," Ryder motioned to everyone at the table, "which means we have most of our regular classes together. In the afternoon, we go to chevalier training classes while ondines take elemental magic or Virtue classes."Rose + Lissa = Kendra: What do you get when you mix Dhampir Rose with Moroi royalty Lissa? You get super special ass-kicking prophecy child Kendra. She has all of Rose's sultry, dark-haired sexiness.
Thick, straight hair tumbled down to my waist, and I gave it a few more swipes with a brush to make it shine. I swept all of it in front of my left shoulder so that my right shoulder lay bare, showing off my tattoo. The familiar feel of my dagger in its usual place at the small of my back comforted me.And Rose's sexuality, and Rose's fighting skills, and Rose's attitude. And none of her depth.
Sexy and just a bit dangerous. Exactly the look I was going for.
Kendra is Rose in a photograph. You can see what she's like, but there is no personality to her otherwise. She does not grow, she exhibits all of Rose's temper and childishness, and none of the likeability because of the fact that she is so utterly special. Rose is imperfect. Rose is shunned, Rose earns our respect. Kendra does not. Mainly because Kendra exhibits all of what makes Lissa special, as well.
Kendra never has my sympathy because of how utterly fucking special she is.
I remembered that tournament two years ago. I'd won decisively in kumite, the free sparring division against a six-five guy who was over twice my weight. Receiving that trophy was one of the proudest moments of my life.She is not just a bad-ass fighter, she is also Ondine royalty. Or as they call it here, Redavi.
I knew we were Redavi, which is kind of like nobility in ondine society.So she has Lissa's royal bloodline. Fucking awesome, and not only that, Kendra has Lissa's special talent in Spirit, as well. Or as they call it here, Empath. And Empath are SOOOOOO FUCKING RARE among the Ondine.
Not only was my mom Redavi, but she was the daughter of the official political leader of Haverleau.
"You're an Empath?" Chloe squeaked. "That's really rare."So not only is she special because she is a fighter, she is royalty, she has special clairvoyance, but Kendra is also part of a prophecy. She will save her people.
"I've never met an Empath before," Ryder said, staring at me like I'd grown horns out of my head.
"There was a prophecy," Aubrey said. "No one knows the exact details because prophecies are highly protected. But it predicted the coming of an ondine who would have the mark of the elemental diamond on her left ankle, and the mark of water on her right shoulder. As the sondaleur, she'd bring about the end of our war with the Aquidae."God help us. Not only is she super special, but there is a prophecy involving her birth as well.
Dimitri Belikov = Tristan Belicoux: My god, even their last names sound alike. Tristan is actually Dimitri with a dash of Adrian Ivashkov. Not only is he a very competent bodyguard and fighter...
Every movement was full of power, revealing the litheness of his body and his superior skill and control. Gold streaked through the air as his kouperet staked first one and then the other.But he is fucking Selkie royalty, as well. He is wealthy, he is refined, he is a Prince and a fighter.
All three Aquidae were on the ground, dead in a pool of thick, dark blood.
I couldn't believe it. I'd never seen anyone move as fast or as effectively as this man just did.
"And of course, you've met Prince Tristan Belicoux."He is more of a Dimitri than Adrian. Tristan has Dimitri's self control, his sense of loyalty and honor. A blatant ripoff.
Prince?
"He's Chief Gardinel and Crown Prince of the Selkie Kingdom."
Adrian Ivashkov = Julian LeVeq: The playful, insolent playboy, also of royal blood himself. A few years older, a graduate of Lumiere Academy. He has a reputation for dropping panties everywhere he goes.
"He's got quite a rep with the ladies," Chloe said. "And you're totally his type."There is a hidden depth to him.
Julian LeVeq leaned casually against the wall, a small smile playing on his lips.He chills.
Julian LeVeq leaned casually against the doorjamb with his arms crossed, charisma rolling off him in waves.He lounges on a park bench. He is smooth. He reads obscure poetry. He is relaxation personified because every fucking time we see him, he's just chillin'.
Julian LeVeq lounged on a bench directly beneath the lamp, reading a battered paperback of The Complete Poetry of Arthur Rimbaud.Except for when he's fighting. A lover AND a fighter. Color me bored.
Mason Ashford = Ryder: A
Forbidden Love: It wouldn't be a Vampire Academy ripoff without a love story, would it? In this case, we have the forbidden love between
Aubrey shot me a surprised look. "You haven't heard? She went Rogue. Ran off last night with the gardinel assigned to her mother. They'd been together secretly for awhile."LOVE SQUARE: THIS IS NOT A SIMILARITY TO VA BECAUSE EVERYONE IS IN LOVE WITH KENDRA. Not only the dreamy, swoony, impossible-love of Tristan, but there's also funny, friendly boy Ryder who is once again relegated to the fucking nice boy who is jerked around like a puppet on a string.
Everyone shifted uncomfortably and I suddenly noticed my chest hurt.
"Don't they know what's going to happen?" Chloe shuddered.
No one said anything. We all knew the consequences.
Ryder and I spent quite a chunk of time together every day. I didn't consider him my boyfriend, but I did enjoy being around him. He made me laugh and his unfailing admiration made me feel good. Selfish as that feeling may be, I needed it a lot right now.But there's also Julian on top of that!
Julian probably wanted to add me to his long list of conquered women and he thought his chances would improve if we spent more time together.So what's better than ONE royalty in love with you? TWO royalty who wants to get into your pants, as well as a boy on the side with whom you can screw around without consequences, because, hey, fuck his feelings, amirite?
Just read Vampire Academy, your mind will thank you from not having to draw out constant similarities.
April 24, 2012
I’m admitting upfront that I experienced quite a bit of déjà who… what… where have I read this before, which is why I had to remove a few stars for lack of originality. There was a good dose of constant action, but the plot and story-building have been done more than once in the last couple of years.
There were a few books that came to mind while I was reading Whirl, including Vampire Academy, Half-Blood, and I don’t think I’m stretching too far when I add I am Number Four to the list.
In Whirl, we meet Kendra Irisavie who is an Ondine with Empath abilities that is captured by her people after having been “Rogue” (living among humans) her entire life. Her powers manifest at the age of seventeen and that’s when the Aquidae who are the Dark Shadows or “demons” of her world come after her. She’s picked up by Tristan Belicoux, who by the way reminded me quite a bit of Dimitri from VA and Aiden from HB, and taken to Lumiere Academy to study with her own kind and continue to harness and strengthen her abilities.
In Kendra’s world, the Ondines are powerful and magical race, with a portion of their power protecting the water elemental world ~whispers~ I have no clue what that means to be honest, so don’t ask. As Ondines, they can inherit one of eight Virtues (Clairvoyance, Kinesis, Projection, Healing, Cloaking, Empath, Teleportation, and Transmutation). And in their hierarchical structure, they are protected from the Aquidae by the Gardinals. Throw in some royalty, governing bodies, a Selkie Prince, a tutor, a group of restless teens and a girl with not just a chip on her shoulder but an arrogant attitude and you’re left with an annoying head spin.
I’ve read this before and seen it delivered much more flawlessly. But to be fair, aside from a few remaining paranormal series I’ve committed to, I’m not looking to add another one straight out of the box using the same formula and flavors to what’s already out there. Not something I’m interested in continuing with and somewhat disappointed.
There were a few books that came to mind while I was reading Whirl, including Vampire Academy, Half-Blood, and I don’t think I’m stretching too far when I add I am Number Four to the list.
In Whirl, we meet Kendra Irisavie who is an Ondine with Empath abilities that is captured by her people after having been “Rogue” (living among humans) her entire life. Her powers manifest at the age of seventeen and that’s when the Aquidae who are the Dark Shadows or “demons” of her world come after her. She’s picked up by Tristan Belicoux, who by the way reminded me quite a bit of Dimitri from VA and Aiden from HB, and taken to Lumiere Academy to study with her own kind and continue to harness and strengthen her abilities.
In Kendra’s world, the Ondines are powerful and magical race, with a portion of their power protecting the water elemental world ~whispers~ I have no clue what that means to be honest, so don’t ask. As Ondines, they can inherit one of eight Virtues (Clairvoyance, Kinesis, Projection, Healing, Cloaking, Empath, Teleportation, and Transmutation). And in their hierarchical structure, they are protected from the Aquidae by the Gardinals. Throw in some royalty, governing bodies, a Selkie Prince, a tutor, a group of restless teens and a girl with not just a chip on her shoulder but an arrogant attitude and you’re left with an annoying head spin.
I’ve read this before and seen it delivered much more flawlessly. But to be fair, aside from a few remaining paranormal series I’ve committed to, I’m not looking to add another one straight out of the box using the same formula and flavors to what’s already out there. Not something I’m interested in continuing with and somewhat disappointed.
July 22, 2012
EDIT 22/07/2012.
review. http://katnissbraid.blogspot.it/2012/...
OH. MY. MY.
I DON'T REMEMBER HOW DID I BUY THIS BOOK, OR EVEN WHY.
but god, this is good. so good.
yep, there are some things that i've already read in Vampire Academy, Half Blood or even Obsidian but those, guys, are three of my favourite books so i loved Whirl. a lot.
Kendra is a badass. A cinical, sexy badass. And she's my kind of character. Ironical, strong and badass. I'm in love with her.
Chloe and Aubrey are so sweet, the kind of best friend that everybody wants.
Ry is the sweet guy that really has left the brain at home.
Julian is sexy. Nothing more, and i don't really know if i like him. We'll see.
And Tristan, shit c'mon. HE'S A PRINCE. A MAGIC PRINCE. Who fights. And listens to Bach. And is broken. Oh, i think i need to write his name on my "book boyfriend harem" list.
Oh, and i need the second book. NOW.
review. http://katnissbraid.blogspot.it/2012/...
OH. MY. MY.
I DON'T REMEMBER HOW DID I BUY THIS BOOK, OR EVEN WHY.
but god, this is good. so good.
yep, there are some things that i've already read in Vampire Academy, Half Blood or even Obsidian but those, guys, are three of my favourite books so i loved Whirl. a lot.
Kendra is a badass. A cinical, sexy badass. And she's my kind of character. Ironical, strong and badass. I'm in love with her.
Chloe and Aubrey are so sweet, the kind of best friend that everybody wants.
Ry is the sweet guy that really has left the brain at home.
Julian is sexy. Nothing more, and i don't really know if i like him. We'll see.
And Tristan, shit c'mon. HE'S A PRINCE. A MAGIC PRINCE. Who fights. And listens to Bach. And is broken. Oh, i think i need to write his name on my "book boyfriend harem" list.
Oh, and i need the second book. NOW.
October 2, 2013
A thrilling example of YA at its best, Whirl is an electric mix of J Armentrout's Covenant series and Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books. Emma Raveling spins a tale full of dark mystery, intense fighting, adventure, love and perfectly executed humour that will make you fall hook, line and sinker for this series and its feisty heroine Kendra Irisavie.
did-not-finish
August 6, 2016Vampire Academy, anyone?
Where do I even begin? I started this book without reading any reviews or even the blurb (yeah, I'm that reckless), just saw the high rating and decided to jump in on a whim.
And it would have been a good story, except that this turned out to be a twin of Vampire Academy, and all the similarities really pissed me off. You see, that is the exact reason I refused to read the Half-Blood series, I hate rip-offs. If I'm a fan of VA, it doesn't mean I want to read the same story again and again. I want the original, not the copycats. There are people who are able to overlook such things and enjoy the story all the same, but I'm just not one of them.
The main character of this book, Kendra Irisavie, is like Rose and Lissa rolled into one. She's got Rose's attitude and fighting skills, but her magic gift is very unique and rare (she's an Empath, able to see people's feelings and emotions) and she belongs to a "royal" family.
Then we have a selkie prince andguardian gardinel Tristan Belikov Belicoux, who is practically a carbon copy/ lookalike of Dimitri. The first time he is introduced in the story, he wears a long leather jacket, too, I kid you not. Also, he has this weird penchant for country cello music.
Then there isAdrian Ivashkov Julian LeVeq. The first time he meets Rose, oops, I mean, Kendra, it is basically the same scene from Frostbite.
There is also a Mason, an Eddie, a Jesse Zeklos, a Mia Rinaldi, and I'm sure I'd encounter many more familiar characters if I decided to continue.
Aquidae demons play the part of evil Strigoi. People can be turned Aquidae the same way they can be turned Strigoi - "Aquidae were humans or elementals who were turned, either by force or by choice. Once injected with the dark essence of the Shadow, their mortal lives were extinguished. They existed as an empty shell, a vessel for the demonic liquid." I don't completely get the purpose of Aquidae, except that they are soulless evil creatures of Darkness who get off violence, chaos and destruction and want to annihilate all ondines … why? According to the lore, ondines are responsible for protection and maintenance of water. What does that mean, exactly? There is also mention of some other elementals (Fire), but they were never explained. I really would have liked to know more how the magic world functions *sigh*. Maybe there were more explanations later in the book. By the way, Aquidae can be killed only with asilver stake kouperet (obviously, some kind of knife), infused with the magic of all four water elementals.
I think the supernatural world was very poorly rendered. It was all over the place, and at 30% into the story I still didn't know for sure who was who and what role they played in the society. So, they are all Water Elementals. I guess ondines are all females, while selkies are all males, and demillirs are like dhampirs in VA, half-bloods. There is also a mention of dessondines ??, who are both ancestors of ondines and demillirs, and they supposedly exist in the present too, but I never met one during the 30% of the story I've read. All the groups of elementals are not immortal, but they normally live long and healthy lives (about 150 years).
Only ondines are at risk, it seems. And here's why it sucks to be an ondine - if her husband cheats on her, she will get sick and die. She will also age prematurely, get sick and die if any of her children dies. WHAT THE FUCK? Nothing of the kind happens to males, though. I wonder why ondines even want to get married and have children at all?
Redavi are obviously like Moroi royalty, all stuck-up and useless, and completely opposed to learning how to defend themselves against Aquidae, leaving that "privilege" to selkie gardinels and demillir chevaliers. OMG, I'm completely lost in the definitions of all society members.
The place is called Lumiere Academy, and is protected with magic wards.
There are also many more similarities, but I already got tired of listing them, so I will stop at that.
Where do I even begin? I started this book without reading any reviews or even the blurb (yeah, I'm that reckless), just saw the high rating and decided to jump in on a whim.
And it would have been a good story, except that this turned out to be a twin of Vampire Academy, and all the similarities really pissed me off. You see, that is the exact reason I refused to read the Half-Blood series, I hate rip-offs. If I'm a fan of VA, it doesn't mean I want to read the same story again and again. I want the original, not the copycats. There are people who are able to overlook such things and enjoy the story all the same, but I'm just not one of them.
The main character of this book, Kendra Irisavie, is like Rose and Lissa rolled into one. She's got Rose's attitude and fighting skills, but her magic gift is very unique and rare (she's an Empath, able to see people's feelings and emotions) and she belongs to a "royal" family.
Then we have a selkie prince and
Then there is
There is also a Mason, an Eddie, a Jesse Zeklos, a Mia Rinaldi, and I'm sure I'd encounter many more familiar characters if I decided to continue.
Aquidae demons play the part of evil Strigoi. People can be turned Aquidae the same way they can be turned Strigoi - "Aquidae were humans or elementals who were turned, either by force or by choice. Once injected with the dark essence of the Shadow, their mortal lives were extinguished. They existed as an empty shell, a vessel for the demonic liquid." I don't completely get the purpose of Aquidae, except that they are soulless evil creatures of Darkness who get off violence, chaos and destruction and want to annihilate all ondines … why? According to the lore, ondines are responsible for protection and maintenance of water. What does that mean, exactly? There is also mention of some other elementals (Fire), but they were never explained. I really would have liked to know more how the magic world functions *sigh*. Maybe there were more explanations later in the book. By the way, Aquidae can be killed only with a
I think the supernatural world was very poorly rendered. It was all over the place, and at 30% into the story I still didn't know for sure who was who and what role they played in the society. So, they are all Water Elementals. I guess ondines are all females, while selkies are all males, and demillirs are like dhampirs in VA, half-bloods. There is also a mention of dessondines ??, who are both ancestors of ondines and demillirs, and they supposedly exist in the present too, but I never met one during the 30% of the story I've read. All the groups of elementals are not immortal, but they normally live long and healthy lives (about 150 years).
Only ondines are at risk, it seems. And here's why it sucks to be an ondine - if her husband cheats on her, she will get sick and die. She will also age prematurely, get sick and die if any of her children dies. WHAT THE FUCK? Nothing of the kind happens to males, though. I wonder why ondines even want to get married and have children at all?
Redavi are obviously like Moroi royalty, all stuck-up and useless, and completely opposed to learning how to defend themselves against Aquidae, leaving that "privilege" to selkie gardinels and demillir chevaliers. OMG, I'm completely lost in the definitions of all society members.
The place is called Lumiere Academy, and is protected with magic wards.
There are also many more similarities, but I already got tired of listing them, so I will stop at that.
October 27, 2013
I LOVED this book. Like I have a major crush on it.. And Tristan, Julian and well Ryder.
This was book was very different and original, fast paced and interesting. It kept me intrigued and glued to each page.
Ryder just broke my heart. I loved him so much and what he did at the end completely shocked me. But he's as so brave and part of me was glad tos ee him at peace. I knew that Kendra wouldn't have picked him to be anything more than friends and I know that Ryder could never tyro be happy and that int eh end jelousy might have bested him if she is ever to be with Tristan or hopefully Julian.
Julian is sarcastic, a little arrogant but underneath the hard exterior he's a good guy, who'd protect everyone with his life and a right bad ass! My kind of guy.
Tristan's to serious and not very relatable to me. Julian on the other hand.. I can't wait to get to know better.
This was book was very different and original, fast paced and interesting. It kept me intrigued and glued to each page.
Ryder just broke my heart. I loved him so much and what he did at the end completely shocked me. But he's as so brave and part of me was glad tos ee him at peace. I knew that Kendra wouldn't have picked him to be anything more than friends and I know that Ryder could never tyro be happy and that int eh end jelousy might have bested him if she is ever to be with Tristan or hopefully Julian.
Julian is sarcastic, a little arrogant but underneath the hard exterior he's a good guy, who'd protect everyone with his life and a right bad ass! My kind of guy.
Tristan's to serious and not very relatable to me. Julian on the other hand.. I can't wait to get to know better.
January 5, 2012
I know, I know. I’ve exclaimed once before in a review that I was on strike from all paranormal books.
The saying, “Read one, read all.” Is that a saying? I don’t know. Maybe I just made that up... Was really starting to make headway in my mind with a lot of these paranormal books.
But I’m glad that I conceded defeat and read this book. Relief is more like it! I would have been a tornado of anger, if I discovered this later on in the year.....
And for the price of .99 cents you’re getting one kick ass book. No, literally, Kendra is a complete bad ass.
Everything that I expect in a book, and characters was all checked off.
I expect A LOT. It’s like Emma Raveling stole my check list, and made my dreams come true!
The list is really quite simple, but it’s much harder than you think to find books that have it all:
-Outstanding characters.
-Strong heroine
-Riveting Plot
-Amazing romance AND tension
-Believable climatic scene <------ You know that scene, that is built up during the whole book, and when it occurs you’re either let down, or so amped up that it was just right.
This author got it right.
So...5 things.. thats all I REALLY ask. (okay, there may be more.)
Kendra is seventeen, living with her foster parents and doing basically anything she wants. But she then receives a letter that is supposedly from her mother. Claiming that she needed to go back to Haverleau, and that someone would be there to take her back. Kendra is skeptical, and thinks its a joke.
But enter Tristan, the first of many fight scenes, and she arrives in Haverleau.
Immediately, when she arrives, she shakes things up for these people that have lived their lives close to the rules. Never once, have they doubted them.
Kendra will push the boundaries, and in the process also finds out news about her family and herself that she never knew.....
I completely LOVED Kendra. She puts up with nothing.
And who doesn’t love it when a heroine can take care of herself, and doesn’t shy away from a fight???
She was great!
But she wasn’t that ever so annoying girl. The one that walks around and thinks she can take on everyone, and has the most bitter attitude.
Our heroine has insecurities, and feelings that she deals with. It makes her real, and shows us that we need more girls like this in “Bookland”. You can understand why she is intriguing to everyone in Haverleau. You’ll nod her head in understanding, when she captures a guys attention.
And even though she’s a fighter, in every sense of the word. She has to work hard to become what she wants to truly be. Many times she becomes frustrated, and angry that it doesn’t come as natural to her as the others. But I liked that! Everyone has had to work hard for something they want.
Tristan
Deep breath, deep breath out....
No! I’m not in labor. But erratic breathing tends to happen when this character pops into my brain.
So if you already have blood pressure issues. I suggest you get yo’ self on some pills, otherwise..... you’re screwed when it comes to this gardinel...
(And for extra safety precautions, I suggest that you check your heart rate every 5 minutes or so...)
He was so completely intriguing. Seriously. One minute he is taking on a handful Aquidae(demons) and the next moment he is kindly speaking to Kendra, in his normal, patient voice.
Oh yea, one other thing, he’s flippin’ Prince....
Tristan and Kendra have such great chemistry. I loved that even though Tristan was a very prominent gardinel, he seemed to be unsure when it came to Kendra. He wanted something he couldn’t have, and his obvious distress was clear. Your heart will give a lurch when you read about how he looks at her. You can just SEE the need, and it makes the romance in this book all the better!
And the club scene...Seriously.. don’t even get me started....
I’m not going to mention the other characters. Because this review would then turn into a short novella... But they were all so great. Chloe, Audrey, Cam, Ryder, and JULIAN.
And the ending. It was probably the best action scene I’ve read in such a long time.
There are actually so many parts in the book that I could gush about. But then that would lead to spoilers, and then I would be guilt ridden for weeks over ruining such a great book for you guys’!
I did have to read this book at a slower pace. The terms (Which are so freakin’ unique) are thrown in there frequently, and you have to focus as to not miss something important. But sometimes you need books like this, they keep you on your toes.
I have to say that I was very impressed by the meanings. Ms. Raveling clearly put a lot of time and effort into this novel.
So I give this a five star rating, (Disclaimer: I did NOT include the 20 stars that I mentally added in mind for Tristan....) and it is also my FIRST top read of 2012.
If you enjoyed Vampire Academy you’ll devour this book. Just at a quicker pace, because it’s even better.....
That’s saying a lot, I was in a Dimitri coma last year for a good six months.
Now.. most important question. How many more months do I have to wait for Billow (Book 2) to be released?!!?
The saying, “Read one, read all.” Is that a saying? I don’t know. Maybe I just made that up... Was really starting to make headway in my mind with a lot of these paranormal books.
But I’m glad that I conceded defeat and read this book. Relief is more like it! I would have been a tornado of anger, if I discovered this later on in the year.....
And for the price of .99 cents you’re getting one kick ass book. No, literally, Kendra is a complete bad ass.
Everything that I expect in a book, and characters was all checked off.
I expect A LOT. It’s like Emma Raveling stole my check list, and made my dreams come true!
The list is really quite simple, but it’s much harder than you think to find books that have it all:
-Outstanding characters.
-Strong heroine
-Riveting Plot
-Amazing romance AND tension
-Believable climatic scene <------ You know that scene, that is built up during the whole book, and when it occurs you’re either let down, or so amped up that it was just right.
This author got it right.
So...5 things.. thats all I REALLY ask. (okay, there may be more.)
Kendra is seventeen, living with her foster parents and doing basically anything she wants. But she then receives a letter that is supposedly from her mother. Claiming that she needed to go back to Haverleau, and that someone would be there to take her back. Kendra is skeptical, and thinks its a joke.
But enter Tristan, the first of many fight scenes, and she arrives in Haverleau.
Immediately, when she arrives, she shakes things up for these people that have lived their lives close to the rules. Never once, have they doubted them.
Kendra will push the boundaries, and in the process also finds out news about her family and herself that she never knew.....
I completely LOVED Kendra. She puts up with nothing.
And who doesn’t love it when a heroine can take care of herself, and doesn’t shy away from a fight???
She was great!
But she wasn’t that ever so annoying girl. The one that walks around and thinks she can take on everyone, and has the most bitter attitude.
Our heroine has insecurities, and feelings that she deals with. It makes her real, and shows us that we need more girls like this in “Bookland”. You can understand why she is intriguing to everyone in Haverleau. You’ll nod her head in understanding, when she captures a guys attention.
And even though she’s a fighter, in every sense of the word. She has to work hard to become what she wants to truly be. Many times she becomes frustrated, and angry that it doesn’t come as natural to her as the others. But I liked that! Everyone has had to work hard for something they want.
Tristan
Deep breath, deep breath out....
No! I’m not in labor. But erratic breathing tends to happen when this character pops into my brain.
So if you already have blood pressure issues. I suggest you get yo’ self on some pills, otherwise..... you’re screwed when it comes to this gardinel...
(And for extra safety precautions, I suggest that you check your heart rate every 5 minutes or so...)
He was so completely intriguing. Seriously. One minute he is taking on a handful Aquidae(demons) and the next moment he is kindly speaking to Kendra, in his normal, patient voice.
Oh yea, one other thing, he’s flippin’ Prince....
Tristan and Kendra have such great chemistry. I loved that even though Tristan was a very prominent gardinel, he seemed to be unsure when it came to Kendra. He wanted something he couldn’t have, and his obvious distress was clear. Your heart will give a lurch when you read about how he looks at her. You can just SEE the need, and it makes the romance in this book all the better!
And the club scene...Seriously.. don’t even get me started....
I’m not going to mention the other characters. Because this review would then turn into a short novella... But they were all so great. Chloe, Audrey, Cam, Ryder, and JULIAN.
And the ending. It was probably the best action scene I’ve read in such a long time.
There are actually so many parts in the book that I could gush about. But then that would lead to spoilers, and then I would be guilt ridden for weeks over ruining such a great book for you guys’!
I did have to read this book at a slower pace. The terms (Which are so freakin’ unique) are thrown in there frequently, and you have to focus as to not miss something important. But sometimes you need books like this, they keep you on your toes.
I have to say that I was very impressed by the meanings. Ms. Raveling clearly put a lot of time and effort into this novel.
So I give this a five star rating, (Disclaimer: I did NOT include the 20 stars that I mentally added in mind for Tristan....) and it is also my FIRST top read of 2012.
If you enjoyed Vampire Academy you’ll devour this book. Just at a quicker pace, because it’s even better.....
That’s saying a lot, I was in a Dimitri coma last year for a good six months.
Now.. most important question. How many more months do I have to wait for Billow (Book 2) to be released?!!?
June 30, 2018
you can find this review on my blog as well!
---
Don't you guys love impulse reads? Up until this week, I'd never even heard of Whirl, much less knew it existed. Considering the fact I'd been looking for a fun urban fantasy book for a while now, and the general reviews I read of the book, my interest was piqued.
A lot of the reviews compared this to Vampire Academy. I didn't think much of it—we compare one book to another all time, like every circus book to The Night Circus. I expected small things to warrant it... Not, like, the entire goddamn book.
I'm not going to bother saying anything good about Whirl because other than it being readable, there was not much else that really made me like it. This isn't just because it's such a blatant copy of the first two books of Vampire Academy. It's because I really thought it could have had the potential to be it's own thing, to be unique, but even that wasn't done right.
I'm talking about the world, all of this Ondine thing. For a book based around water elementals, there were so many ways it could've been done to make it stand out. But the world—it was lacklustre, underdeveloped, and confusing. Part of it is because Raveling dropped a lot of terms too early on. If there wasn't a glossary, or that little bit of info in the synopsis, this book would've been one giant question mark for me. I know that this is the first book in a series, but it didn't really set the stage well. Raveling failed to make the Ondine race something that stood out, and only revealed enough to hit a superficial mark.
Not only that, none of the characters were really unique. And an awful lot of them were royals or someone Terribly Important. The main character, Kendra, is the granddaughter of the Governess. Not only that, but she's The Chosen One, too. And then two of the love interests—yes, two. Part of me thought this was a reverse harem novel before those became a thing—are princes, apparently. Other side characters were treated poorly—and this is becase of Kendra being independent, apparently. They were sidelined and felt like they were only there to provide information or something.
Kendra was my biggest issue. She's supposed to be like Rose—the flirty attitude, snarky, outspoken—mixed with Lissa—the royal thing, the magic that differentiates her from other Ondines. But what makes Kendra stand out is that she's incredibly annoying and childish. After I finished, there seemed to be no character development whatsoever. She's reckless and childish, making the same mistakes over and over again, then expressed how unfair the punishment was. Every time she pushed someone away, she refused to change this issue and refused to communicate it her friends, adding unnecessary drama.
Guys, I'm tired. Thinking about this book makes me tired. There's so much more I wanted to say about Whirl, but I can't even begin to articulate it. The whole special snowflake ordeal, Kendra never knowing when to keep her mouth shut, the awful love-shape... I'm just tired.
So, closing off here. Honestly, you're better off reading Vampire Academy (again, in my case). Part of me hates myself for this, but... I might read book 2. I want to give it another chance—I mean, what are the chances of the sequels being rip-offs too?
---
Don't you guys love impulse reads? Up until this week, I'd never even heard of Whirl, much less knew it existed. Considering the fact I'd been looking for a fun urban fantasy book for a while now, and the general reviews I read of the book, my interest was piqued.
A lot of the reviews compared this to Vampire Academy. I didn't think much of it—we compare one book to another all time, like every circus book to The Night Circus. I expected small things to warrant it... Not, like, the entire goddamn book.
I'm not going to bother saying anything good about Whirl because other than it being readable, there was not much else that really made me like it. This isn't just because it's such a blatant copy of the first two books of Vampire Academy. It's because I really thought it could have had the potential to be it's own thing, to be unique, but even that wasn't done right.
I'm talking about the world, all of this Ondine thing. For a book based around water elementals, there were so many ways it could've been done to make it stand out. But the world—it was lacklustre, underdeveloped, and confusing. Part of it is because Raveling dropped a lot of terms too early on. If there wasn't a glossary, or that little bit of info in the synopsis, this book would've been one giant question mark for me. I know that this is the first book in a series, but it didn't really set the stage well. Raveling failed to make the Ondine race something that stood out, and only revealed enough to hit a superficial mark.
Not only that, none of the characters were really unique. And an awful lot of them were royals or someone Terribly Important. The main character, Kendra, is the granddaughter of the Governess. Not only that, but she's The Chosen One, too. And then two of the love interests—yes, two. Part of me thought this was a reverse harem novel before those became a thing—are princes, apparently. Other side characters were treated poorly—and this is becase of Kendra being independent, apparently. They were sidelined and felt like they were only there to provide information or something.
Kendra was my biggest issue. She's supposed to be like Rose—the flirty attitude, snarky, outspoken—mixed with Lissa—the royal thing, the magic that differentiates her from other Ondines. But what makes Kendra stand out is that she's incredibly annoying and childish. After I finished, there seemed to be no character development whatsoever. She's reckless and childish, making the same mistakes over and over again, then expressed how unfair the punishment was. Every time she pushed someone away, she refused to change this issue and refused to communicate it her friends, adding unnecessary drama.
Guys, I'm tired. Thinking about this book makes me tired. There's so much more I wanted to say about Whirl, but I can't even begin to articulate it. The whole special snowflake ordeal, Kendra never knowing when to keep her mouth shut, the awful love-shape... I'm just tired.
So, closing off here. Honestly, you're better off reading Vampire Academy (again, in my case). Part of me hates myself for this, but... I might read book 2. I want to give it another chance—I mean, what are the chances of the sequels being rip-offs too?
February 2, 2012
PAGE 131 - 54%
Hmmm.... Vampire Academy revisited? We've got (ROSE) the previously rogue bad-ass promiscuous girl who's not as good at fighting as she wants to be and struggles with 'inner darkness', Roses mum who is all business and no affection, a school only for this particular race where half learn to fight, the other half learn to use elemental magic but aren't allowed to defend themselves, the politics of it all, the stupid royalty, the couldnt-be-dumber upper class, the evil race only after them, and who can turn you into them, the sexy, accented teacher/mentor (who is obviously the real love interest of the story) and the most bad-ass around (DIMITRI), the close friend who is in love with her and she hooks up with but doesn't love(MASON), the sexy mysterious graduated boy who is upper class and a little crazy and somehow completely compelling despite being a total player (ADRIAN)... The only difference I see is that VA had fangs, and this has some weird tiny scar. And that VA was less complicated, easier to understand, made more sense. Let's see if the second half can develop some originality. Please?
UPDATE
Well I finished it and honestly, the comparisons to VA only continued. I liked the story, but it was predictable. I'll probably buy the sequel though, but this won't be on my recommend list. It's a shame, she's a good writer. The story had promise, but really needed to be more different from such a well-known popular series.
Hmmm.... Vampire Academy revisited? We've got (ROSE) the previously rogue bad-ass promiscuous girl who's not as good at fighting as she wants to be and struggles with 'inner darkness', Roses mum who is all business and no affection, a school only for this particular race where half learn to fight, the other half learn to use elemental magic but aren't allowed to defend themselves, the politics of it all, the stupid royalty, the couldnt-be-dumber upper class, the evil race only after them, and who can turn you into them, the sexy, accented teacher/mentor (who is obviously the real love interest of the story) and the most bad-ass around (DIMITRI), the close friend who is in love with her and she hooks up with but doesn't love(MASON), the sexy mysterious graduated boy who is upper class and a little crazy and somehow completely compelling despite being a total player (ADRIAN)... The only difference I see is that VA had fangs, and this has some weird tiny scar. And that VA was less complicated, easier to understand, made more sense. Let's see if the second half can develop some originality. Please?
UPDATE
Well I finished it and honestly, the comparisons to VA only continued. I liked the story, but it was predictable. I'll probably buy the sequel though, but this won't be on my recommend list. It's a shame, she's a good writer. The story had promise, but really needed to be more different from such a well-known popular series.
September 22, 2012
I first heard about Whirl when the author approached us for a review. At the time I was completely booked up so Melanie; the guest reviewer reviewed it for me. She loved it and has been telling me for months to read it and you know what? She was 100% right!
Whirl is a very unique story. It centre's around water element's and girl named Kendra. Kendra is a strong and independent girl, who has been trained to fight Aquidae; demons, by her mother. When her mother is murdered, Kendra finds herself at a Haverleau; a special school for people like her, where they can learn about their magic. While there, Kendra finds out her mother has been keeping secrets from her, secrets that involve her destiny. Can Kendra really be who everyone claims she is? And can she keep out of trouble to find out?
I loved Whirl. It kind of has the same feel as Vampire Academy did with the settings like going to school, the different gifts but still I still think it's a very unique story, especially surrounding the water elements aspects. It's not one I've ever read about and finding out about Ondine's, Selkies and the many other people was really fascinating.
What I loved about this book was it was so damn unpredictable, Kendra is such a rash character that rushes to do stuff before she thinks, you just honestly don't know what she's going to do. But that's a good thing because it leaves you guessing through the whole book. I loved how she didn't take no crap and always spoke her mind. She's a very feisty and fierce character and I really loved her. Another character I loved was Tristan. Oh wow, how he manages to steal you're heart from the very first few pages.
The only small problem I had and I say VERY small problem, was trying to pronounce some of the names. I found it quite hard and it did take me a few tries to get it right - which I still don't think I got right in the end. I think it would make it easier on the readers if the author had a pronunciation guide to go at the start of the book, like she does with the knowledge guide at the back of the book, but other than that, I loved this book and I think everyone should read it!
Whirl is a very unique story. It centre's around water element's and girl named Kendra. Kendra is a strong and independent girl, who has been trained to fight Aquidae; demons, by her mother. When her mother is murdered, Kendra finds herself at a Haverleau; a special school for people like her, where they can learn about their magic. While there, Kendra finds out her mother has been keeping secrets from her, secrets that involve her destiny. Can Kendra really be who everyone claims she is? And can she keep out of trouble to find out?
I loved Whirl. It kind of has the same feel as Vampire Academy did with the settings like going to school, the different gifts but still I still think it's a very unique story, especially surrounding the water elements aspects. It's not one I've ever read about and finding out about Ondine's, Selkies and the many other people was really fascinating.
What I loved about this book was it was so damn unpredictable, Kendra is such a rash character that rushes to do stuff before she thinks, you just honestly don't know what she's going to do. But that's a good thing because it leaves you guessing through the whole book. I loved how she didn't take no crap and always spoke her mind. She's a very feisty and fierce character and I really loved her. Another character I loved was Tristan. Oh wow, how he manages to steal you're heart from the very first few pages.
The only small problem I had and I say VERY small problem, was trying to pronounce some of the names. I found it quite hard and it did take me a few tries to get it right - which I still don't think I got right in the end. I think it would make it easier on the readers if the author had a pronunciation guide to go at the start of the book, like she does with the knowledge guide at the back of the book, but other than that, I loved this book and I think everyone should read it!
October 28, 2011
I love when I pick up a book and it totally blows me away - and this was definitely one of those books. Emma Raveling has written an incredible start to her Ondine series. I can't wait for the second one to be released to see what happens to Kendra and her friends.
Kendra is an independent, outspoken, fierce warrior who isn't suppose to be a warrior. For centuries the Ondine (the Water Elementals) have been a peaceful group. Protected by Gardinals, Demillars and Chevaliers from soulless demons called Aquidae's - who are controlled by "the Shadow".
After the death of her mother, Kendra is taken to Haverleau. A town from which her family (who she has never known) originates. Shielded from the outside world, this is home to the Water Elementals. Kendra is enrolled at Lumiere - to learn to control her gift.
One of the things I really liked about Kendra is how outspoken she was about her beliefs. She wanted the laws changed so Ondine could learn to protect themselves. Unfortunately the Council initially didn't like that idea, among other things. Kendra had to overcome a great many things to find herself, her powers and trust in her abilities.
With the help of her new friends Chloe, Aubrey, Cam and Ryder she learns the ropes at Lumiere. Like most teenagers, they break rules, sneak out and get into all sorts of trouble! We also have a bit of a love quadrangle - yes I said quadrangle. Ryder, Tristan and Julian all have a thing for Kendra - who will she choose?
I don't want to give away too much about the story, but this is one of the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal novels I've read. Emma's writing is fabulous, her characters are engaging, the dialogue is witty and fun. Her books will easily have a permanent home on my self and I will definitely be looking for Billow (Ondine Quartet book 2) when it becomes available!
Kendra is an independent, outspoken, fierce warrior who isn't suppose to be a warrior. For centuries the Ondine (the Water Elementals) have been a peaceful group. Protected by Gardinals, Demillars and Chevaliers from soulless demons called Aquidae's - who are controlled by "the Shadow".
After the death of her mother, Kendra is taken to Haverleau. A town from which her family (who she has never known) originates. Shielded from the outside world, this is home to the Water Elementals. Kendra is enrolled at Lumiere - to learn to control her gift.
One of the things I really liked about Kendra is how outspoken she was about her beliefs. She wanted the laws changed so Ondine could learn to protect themselves. Unfortunately the Council initially didn't like that idea, among other things. Kendra had to overcome a great many things to find herself, her powers and trust in her abilities.
With the help of her new friends Chloe, Aubrey, Cam and Ryder she learns the ropes at Lumiere. Like most teenagers, they break rules, sneak out and get into all sorts of trouble! We also have a bit of a love quadrangle - yes I said quadrangle. Ryder, Tristan and Julian all have a thing for Kendra - who will she choose?
I don't want to give away too much about the story, but this is one of the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal novels I've read. Emma's writing is fabulous, her characters are engaging, the dialogue is witty and fun. Her books will easily have a permanent home on my self and I will definitely be looking for Billow (Ondine Quartet book 2) when it becomes available!
November 8, 2011
After processing through my different thoughts on Whirl by Emma Raveling, I decided to repost my review with greater detail to what I liked and disliked.
I actually went into this without any idea of what this story was about other than it was about the Ondine, a creature that in my mind seemed to be connected to mermaids. It was after reading that I realized that the Ondine and their world was so much more than just another tale about a mermaid.
This debut novel by Emma Raveling is an addicting read once you get into it and comes with an intriguing plot to match. This novel got off to a slow start filling my mind with terms/creatures that I was not familiar with and Kendra was hard for me to connect with right away. After the prologue, this story and it's intriguing plot swept me into a place I never knew could exist.
Kendra, the main character, is an ondine and a chosen one for her people with a destiny to free her people from their only enemy. Her sarcasm, her dialog, and her actions matched what I can see myself doing in her situation. In fact, I can see a lot of myself and my friends in the things she says and does. She is one of my favorite lead female characters of all time. But Kendra alone wouldn't be as great as Kendra with all of her handy dandy sidekicks and love interests.
Needless to say, I love the characters both big and small.
The storyline, although it is overused in YA fiction, Emma Raveling's take on it was refreshing and I believe you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
A definite re-read on my list and I am pleased that it is now a part of my personal collection. I have no doubts that you will be pleased too!
I actually went into this without any idea of what this story was about other than it was about the Ondine, a creature that in my mind seemed to be connected to mermaids. It was after reading that I realized that the Ondine and their world was so much more than just another tale about a mermaid.
This debut novel by Emma Raveling is an addicting read once you get into it and comes with an intriguing plot to match. This novel got off to a slow start filling my mind with terms/creatures that I was not familiar with and Kendra was hard for me to connect with right away. After the prologue, this story and it's intriguing plot swept me into a place I never knew could exist.
Kendra, the main character, is an ondine and a chosen one for her people with a destiny to free her people from their only enemy. Her sarcasm, her dialog, and her actions matched what I can see myself doing in her situation. In fact, I can see a lot of myself and my friends in the things she says and does. She is one of my favorite lead female characters of all time. But Kendra alone wouldn't be as great as Kendra with all of her handy dandy sidekicks and love interests.
Needless to say, I love the characters both big and small.
The storyline, although it is overused in YA fiction, Emma Raveling's take on it was refreshing and I believe you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
A definite re-read on my list and I am pleased that it is now a part of my personal collection. I have no doubts that you will be pleased too!
November 15, 2013
So let's give this a whirl (yuk yuk yuk).
What I liked: Decent world building and a female protagonist (Kendra) that was tough and intelligent. I liked the male romantic interest too (Although, a seal? Really, a seal?), and thought they had good, if sporadic, chemistry. I also liked the kind of bat-shit crazy magic mentor and the network of women that Kendra could call on for support. Some demerit points for the whole 2D mean girl thing. It felt like filler.
What I had trouble with: Keeping the who-what-which race thing straight. At the end of the story I still wasn't sure what the difference was between a chevalier and a demmellier. And I kept forgetting who was who among the adults who seemed like props for our main character's actions. I also had some difficulty with the pacing as it felt like things were getting started about halfway through. Although it was a good solid introduction, I didn't feel like it was a story unto itself.
Overall verdict: A decent, if not super-orginal YA that didn't get on my nerves. I'd consider picking up the next book in the series.
What I liked: Decent world building and a female protagonist (Kendra) that was tough and intelligent. I liked the male romantic interest too (Although, a seal? Really, a seal?), and thought they had good, if sporadic, chemistry. I also liked the kind of bat-shit crazy magic mentor and the network of women that Kendra could call on for support. Some demerit points for the whole 2D mean girl thing. It felt like filler.
What I had trouble with: Keeping the who-what-which race thing straight. At the end of the story I still wasn't sure what the difference was between a chevalier and a demmellier. And I kept forgetting who was who among the adults who seemed like props for our main character's actions. I also had some difficulty with the pacing as it felt like things were getting started about halfway through. Although it was a good solid introduction, I didn't feel like it was a story unto itself.
Overall verdict: A decent, if not super-orginal YA that didn't get on my nerves. I'd consider picking up the next book in the series.
December 30, 2012
Before I started reading this book, I heard from many people that it was similar to Vampire Academy. But OH MY GOODNESS, it can't be said that this book is similar. It's basically the same book, just change a couple of character names and add a Selkie prince. Speaking of the Selkie Prince, Tristan Belikov, oh oops I meant Tristan Belicoux. I mean REALLY?
So let's start with when we were introduced to the said, Selkie Prince. She stood with her back to me, facing a tall dark-haired man. It was hard to make out his features, but my heightened eyesight allowed me to get a pretty good look. He was over six feet, maybe six-two or six-three, and was a little older than me, probably in his early twenties. Thick brown hair curled around his neck onto his shoulders. Gleaming dark eyes. His stance exuded an effortless grace and elegance. Hmm…why does this description seem really familiar? It’s probably coincidence but, why does this description remind me of Dimitri? Oh and get this people, a black leather coat came down to his calves. Okay it isn’t the exact same thing, but didn’t Dimitri have a duster that he couldn’t bear to part with? And, oh yes, the main character Kendra Irisavie. She’s outspoken, does what she wants, gets in a lot of trouble, and is really beautiful. While I was reading the book I almost forgot that it was Kendra and not Rose. The way Kendra talks and behaves is so similar to Rose's behavior. This book is just a more complicated Vampire Academy. Change the Strigoi to Aquidae and the Moroi to Ondines. They have magical wards around Lumiere Academy to keep the Aquidae out, yup that’s right wards. The gardinels protect the ondines- please why don’t we just call them guardians? Tristan is a badass, who most of the time, has his gardinel face on. He is also an instructor at Lumiere. Then there’s Ryder who fills up the role of the best guy friend (ends up getting killed). He’s Mason part 2. And then there’s Julian Leveq, he’s a Royal demiller and his behavior is strikingly similar to that of Adrian’s. Remember how Adrian used to call Rose Little Dhampir, and never her actual name? Julian always calls Kendra sweet iris. And then there’s the head master and governor who hates Kendra’s guts.
One thing that I really didn’t understand was how old Tristan is. He was friends with Kendra’s parents when he just finished his gardinel training. Let’s say he was 18 when he finished. It’s been 18 years since then, so shouldn’t he be like 32? But he looks like he’s in his early-twenties. Maybe it’s a Selkie thing.
Overall this book is just too similar to the Vampire Academy for me. It’s like reading the same book over again. It was pointless
So let's start with when we were introduced to the said, Selkie Prince. She stood with her back to me, facing a tall dark-haired man. It was hard to make out his features, but my heightened eyesight allowed me to get a pretty good look. He was over six feet, maybe six-two or six-three, and was a little older than me, probably in his early twenties. Thick brown hair curled around his neck onto his shoulders. Gleaming dark eyes. His stance exuded an effortless grace and elegance. Hmm…why does this description seem really familiar? It’s probably coincidence but, why does this description remind me of Dimitri? Oh and get this people, a black leather coat came down to his calves. Okay it isn’t the exact same thing, but didn’t Dimitri have a duster that he couldn’t bear to part with? And, oh yes, the main character Kendra Irisavie. She’s outspoken, does what she wants, gets in a lot of trouble, and is really beautiful. While I was reading the book I almost forgot that it was Kendra and not Rose. The way Kendra talks and behaves is so similar to Rose's behavior. This book is just a more complicated Vampire Academy. Change the Strigoi to Aquidae and the Moroi to Ondines. They have magical wards around Lumiere Academy to keep the Aquidae out, yup that’s right wards. The gardinels protect the ondines- please why don’t we just call them guardians? Tristan is a badass, who most of the time, has his gardinel face on. He is also an instructor at Lumiere. Then there’s Ryder who fills up the role of the best guy friend (ends up getting killed). He’s Mason part 2. And then there’s Julian Leveq, he’s a Royal demiller and his behavior is strikingly similar to that of Adrian’s. Remember how Adrian used to call Rose Little Dhampir, and never her actual name? Julian always calls Kendra sweet iris. And then there’s the head master and governor who hates Kendra’s guts.
One thing that I really didn’t understand was how old Tristan is. He was friends with Kendra’s parents when he just finished his gardinel training. Let’s say he was 18 when he finished. It’s been 18 years since then, so shouldn’t he be like 32? But he looks like he’s in his early-twenties. Maybe it’s a Selkie thing.
Overall this book is just too similar to the Vampire Academy for me. It’s like reading the same book over again. It was pointless
December 26, 2011
Since I received the book I hesitated over reading it because one, it's part of a series, and two, I was really anticipating the story. When I finished the book today, there were two things I felt: sadness and disappointment. When I reached the final page I refused to believe it was the end already. I was sad and disappointed because it ended right when it started getting really good; it hit me like I had accidentally rode my bike into a pole while having so much fun taking in the passing scenery. I knew this would happen. I knew I would fall in love with the book where I would die over anticipation waiting for the next book to be published. It's terribly tormenting and agonizing.
With all joking aside, the story itself was riveting and I absolutely enjoyed it. I was literally glued to the couch for several hours just turning page by page, engrossed and engaged over Kendra's conflicts over her personal feelings and responsibilities. While the story and the setting is extremely unique and well set up - come on, who would have thought water elementals would kick so much ass? - what really made it a home-run for me were the characters of the book. They felt real, especially Kendra. Although she kicks ass, is tough, fierce, and can be stubborn, she's also fragile, confused, and searching for herself. She does, and knows, when she makes a mistake and owes up to it. She also doesn't sit around moping, hoping that somehow things will fall into place; she puts effort into making things happen. She's not perfect at all, gets depressed and frustrated, but she doesn't give up, and it's those traits that draw me to her. In addition, the romance with Tristan is so heart-wrenching. They understand each other in a subtle way that words would do no justice to, yet their circumstances allow for no distractions because there are far more pressing matters that require their attention. It really kills me, and I'm dying to find out how they will get their happy ending, which I hope will be the case!
I'm really looking forward to the next book, , there must be more time for interaction between Julian and Kendra which will be very, very entertaining to read about *grins*.
With all joking aside, the story itself was riveting and I absolutely enjoyed it. I was literally glued to the couch for several hours just turning page by page, engrossed and engaged over Kendra's conflicts over her personal feelings and responsibilities. While the story and the setting is extremely unique and well set up - come on, who would have thought water elementals would kick so much ass? - what really made it a home-run for me were the characters of the book. They felt real, especially Kendra. Although she kicks ass, is tough, fierce, and can be stubborn, she's also fragile, confused, and searching for herself. She does, and knows, when she makes a mistake and owes up to it. She also doesn't sit around moping, hoping that somehow things will fall into place; she puts effort into making things happen. She's not perfect at all, gets depressed and frustrated, but she doesn't give up, and it's those traits that draw me to her. In addition, the romance with Tristan is so heart-wrenching. They understand each other in a subtle way that words would do no justice to, yet their circumstances allow for no distractions because there are far more pressing matters that require their attention. It really kills me, and I'm dying to find out how they will get their happy ending, which I hope will be the case!
I'm really looking forward to the next book, , there must be more time for interaction between Julian and Kendra which will be very, very entertaining to read about *grins*.
November 4, 2015
First off it should be known that yes this book is similar to Vampire Academy. But if you loved that book, you will definitely enjoy this one! Only the events that take place are similar. The characters, the magic, the mythical creatures, and all the small details are different.
I ate up this book. The writing was smooth and the build up progressive. Kendra is a very strong heroine. Yes she does have some attitude and acts a tad immature but it's not overwhelming or annoying. It is just enough to understand she is young and inexperienced in the world.
I particularly loved the "guy scene" she had going on. There is some subtle interest in her from a few different guys. But not EVERYONE is in love with her. Not everyone is throwing themselves at her feet. I also loved her dysfunctional family. It made everything feel real.
I ate up this book. The writing was smooth and the build up progressive. Kendra is a very strong heroine. Yes she does have some attitude and acts a tad immature but it's not overwhelming or annoying. It is just enough to understand she is young and inexperienced in the world.
I particularly loved the "guy scene" she had going on. There is some subtle interest in her from a few different guys. But not EVERYONE is in love with her. Not everyone is throwing themselves at her feet. I also loved her dysfunctional family. It made everything feel real.
December 9, 2011
It's been a long time since I've read a book in one night. "Whirl" has that pull that makes you want to turn the page to find out what happens next. Don't go by the description-- read a sample and you'll see what I mean.
I can't wait for the next book! Tristan pissed me off but I understand why he did what he did. I just hope I see him in book 2!
Thank you Mrs. Raveling for giving us this world. Loved it!
I can't wait for the next book! Tristan pissed me off but I understand why he did what he did. I just hope I see him in book 2!
Thank you Mrs. Raveling for giving us this world. Loved it!
April 17, 2015
Ugh, is it just me or does it feel like I've read this before?
Oh wait, I have.
It's called VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEADE.
Oh wait, I have.
It's called VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEADE.
November 14, 2015
Very Good
Very much enjoyed it. I think it dragged go a good part of the book. A little more action and romance would have been better. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Very much enjoyed it. I think it dragged go a good part of the book. A little more action and romance would have been better. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 5, 2012
5*s
Review posted here
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Review posted here
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
November 30, 2011
Really, really loved this book - great start to a new series. Great pacing, action and loved the characters and world. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 10, 2016
Loved, loved, loved it! Such an original concept and world-building, and amazing characters that I've completely fallen in love with. Kendra's story is so great and now I'm dying for the next book!
July 13, 2016
I really liked the story! I could easily give it five stars but I want to see how the plot will unfold in the second book.
July 10, 2018
Uhm, yeah I'm not going to lie I skipped the last few chapters and just read the last pages. I really tried not to make this book a "did not finish" The first chapter really gripped me and I though "Yes this is going to be good" Unfortunately I was disappointed.
This was really a dull book even though there were action and drama thrown in. I know a lot of people called it a "Vampire academy with ondines ripoff" and I do see the similarities, but usually I don't get annoyed when a book reflects another. A good example to me is the Covenant series by Jennifer L Armentrout. That was brilliant even though it seemed the same as Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. But this just bored me to the point of skipping full sentences by every paragraph. I just wanted this book to end!!
Honestly the thing that mostly put me off was the lead character Kendra herself. Look I am all for a kick ass hero with an attitude (Rose Hathaway, Gwen Frost, Emma Carstairs, Celaena Sardothien), but there is a fine line between attitude and just straight up whiny teenage bitch. Kendra got no sympathy from me and kept treating everyone around her like annoying little flies. The only time she was nice to someone is when they praised her or found her irresistible. Vain much? She acted like she hated the queen Bee type girls, but she came across as a Queen Bee of the school. Sorry, but I couldn't connect with her. I actually wish I could punch her in the face.
This book really has potential. I just wish the characters were better structured and had more humanity to them. You have all this wonderful fantasy mythology to work with, use it! Don't make it a back thought to fall upon. Make the story something people will hang onto and remember. I mean there is no mermaid-esque book out there right now that blows people away (At least not one I have found yet). So much potential! Unfortunately a huge let-down
This was really a dull book even though there were action and drama thrown in. I know a lot of people called it a "Vampire academy with ondines ripoff" and I do see the similarities, but usually I don't get annoyed when a book reflects another. A good example to me is the Covenant series by Jennifer L Armentrout. That was brilliant even though it seemed the same as Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. But this just bored me to the point of skipping full sentences by every paragraph. I just wanted this book to end!!
Honestly the thing that mostly put me off was the lead character Kendra herself. Look I am all for a kick ass hero with an attitude (Rose Hathaway, Gwen Frost, Emma Carstairs, Celaena Sardothien), but there is a fine line between attitude and just straight up whiny teenage bitch. Kendra got no sympathy from me and kept treating everyone around her like annoying little flies. The only time she was nice to someone is when they praised her or found her irresistible. Vain much? She acted like she hated the queen Bee type girls, but she came across as a Queen Bee of the school. Sorry, but I couldn't connect with her. I actually wish I could punch her in the face.
This book really has potential. I just wish the characters were better structured and had more humanity to them. You have all this wonderful fantasy mythology to work with, use it! Don't make it a back thought to fall upon. Make the story something people will hang onto and remember. I mean there is no mermaid-esque book out there right now that blows people away (At least not one I have found yet). So much potential! Unfortunately a huge let-down
July 30, 2018
The two stars do not mean that I didn't like the book. It's just that it was so unoriginal that I had to remove several stars.
Come on. Vampire Academy. Half-blood (which was also a ripoff of Vampire Academy).
I won't expand on all the similarities between the books because plenty of other reviewers have diligently commented on them. What I will say is that I hated the characters.
All of them.
Even Tristan Belicoux. Who is a beautiful manz. The main reason why I hated him so much was because he literally was Dimitri Belikov with less swag. And yes, their last names ARE that similar.
But the worst character of all. The main dumbo. Kendra. Could she have been any more of a whiny bitch?
The answer is no. Rose Hathaway (was that her last name? I can't remember) was a badass. A true badass. In all senses of the word. Kendra was not. Sure, she was cool and all, but none of her character traits were remotely pleasant.
Anyway, i could gush on about this book for a while, but I actually want to read the next few books in this series, so I will.
And I'm out.
Come on. Vampire Academy. Half-blood (which was also a ripoff of Vampire Academy).
I won't expand on all the similarities between the books because plenty of other reviewers have diligently commented on them. What I will say is that I hated the characters.
All of them.
Even Tristan Belicoux. Who is a beautiful manz. The main reason why I hated him so much was because he literally was Dimitri Belikov with less swag. And yes, their last names ARE that similar.
But the worst character of all. The main dumbo. Kendra. Could she have been any more of a whiny bitch?
The answer is no. Rose Hathaway (was that her last name? I can't remember) was a badass. A true badass. In all senses of the word. Kendra was not. Sure, she was cool and all, but none of her character traits were remotely pleasant.
Anyway, i could gush on about this book for a while, but I actually want to read the next few books in this series, so I will.
And I'm out.
August 8, 2014
Whirl has one of the most intriguing synopses that I’ve read in a long while, but they way the synopsis grabbed my attention cannot even begin to compare to how gripping I found the book itself. Emma Raveling’s debut novel Whirl is a captivating, imaginative, enchanting, enticing, fast paced page turner.
Seventeen year old Kendra’s life changes forever the night her mother dies. Kendra is an ondine, a powerful water elemental, who, along with her mother, has lived away from the ondine community and in the human world her entire life. After her mother is killed, the mysterious and good looking Tristan comes to take her back to Haverleau, an ondine community in Washington. Once in Haverleau and among her own kind, Kendra quickly learns things about herself, her mother, and her purpose that she never expected. With new friends, complicated romances, and an unasked for fate, Kendra must find herself and her power in order to defeat the evil Aquidae who are out to get her.
Whirl pulled me in from the beginning and by the last sentence of the prologue I was hooked. In Whirl, Raveling has created a highly original and spellbinding fantasy world full of charismatic characters, a thrilling story, creative fantasy elements, and some sizzling romance.
I love how Raveling took a fantasy/mythical being- the ondine- that has not been explored much in YA books, and created such an intricate and fascinating world around it. From the detailed histories of the ondine to the governing infrastructure within Haverleau to the societal hierarchy in this community, Raveling provides so much detail, background, and development that this world she created, especially Haverleau, and the people within it, seem incredibly real and believable.
There is a large cast of characters, all very well developed and engaging. I really love the heroine Kendra. She is one of those perfectly flawed characters that could easily demand your attention, but doesn’t have to because you can’t help simply giving it to her. Kendra is witty, independent, tough, clever, and compassionate, but she’s also quick to judge, hasty to act and speak, and has a temper…yet, underneath her tough, hard exterior lies an insecure vulnerability. I instantly connected with Kendra and found her to be a relatable and impossible to ignore. Kendra’s new friends, Chloe, Aubrey, Ryder, Cam, and Alex provide an eclectic and refreshing reprieve for both Kendra and readers alike.
Two of the most intriguing characters are the charming Julian and the mysterious Tristan, both of whom make for very different romantic interests for Kendra. Julian is a rich, charismatic demillir (male ondine-born) who serves as a chevalier (knight or protector of the water elementals). Julian and Kendra often share witty, sarcastically insulting banter and always seem to be trying to one up each other. Julian really gets underneath Kendra’s skin, but there exist an undeniable attraction and pull between the two. Scenes involving these two were always fun to read. Tristan on the other hand is a gardinel (a selkie warrior) and his job is to protect Kendra. A romance between Tristan and Kendra would be most forbidden and dangerous, but their connection is palpable. The chemistry between these two sizzles right off the page and is enticingly hot. Both men are completely swoon-worthy and I cannot wait to see how this little love triangle progresses.
The story itself is fast paced and never boring. There were scenes that left me breathless and wanting more and scenes that took me by surprise. Raveling doesn’t shy away from the realistic and vivid when it comes to the fight scenes; there’s an exciting edge to the way she presents these scenes. The fantasy elements are, well, fantastic. Kendra’s ondine powers are explored in such a way that I found them wickedly cool. Raveling has truly presented the world of water elements in a new, fresh way.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I am always impressed when a writer can create a new, refreshing, and fantastical world that I’ve never imagined before, and I’m doubly impressed when I find myself longing to be back in that world hours after I’ve put a book down…when it comes to Whirl consider me doubly impressed. Whirl is an enchanting, fun, beautifully written novel. I will eagerly be awaiting the next book in the series. A definite MUST read!
READ THE COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL REVIEW (AND MANY MORE) AT Word Spelunking
Seventeen year old Kendra’s life changes forever the night her mother dies. Kendra is an ondine, a powerful water elemental, who, along with her mother, has lived away from the ondine community and in the human world her entire life. After her mother is killed, the mysterious and good looking Tristan comes to take her back to Haverleau, an ondine community in Washington. Once in Haverleau and among her own kind, Kendra quickly learns things about herself, her mother, and her purpose that she never expected. With new friends, complicated romances, and an unasked for fate, Kendra must find herself and her power in order to defeat the evil Aquidae who are out to get her.
Whirl pulled me in from the beginning and by the last sentence of the prologue I was hooked. In Whirl, Raveling has created a highly original and spellbinding fantasy world full of charismatic characters, a thrilling story, creative fantasy elements, and some sizzling romance.
I love how Raveling took a fantasy/mythical being- the ondine- that has not been explored much in YA books, and created such an intricate and fascinating world around it. From the detailed histories of the ondine to the governing infrastructure within Haverleau to the societal hierarchy in this community, Raveling provides so much detail, background, and development that this world she created, especially Haverleau, and the people within it, seem incredibly real and believable.
There is a large cast of characters, all very well developed and engaging. I really love the heroine Kendra. She is one of those perfectly flawed characters that could easily demand your attention, but doesn’t have to because you can’t help simply giving it to her. Kendra is witty, independent, tough, clever, and compassionate, but she’s also quick to judge, hasty to act and speak, and has a temper…yet, underneath her tough, hard exterior lies an insecure vulnerability. I instantly connected with Kendra and found her to be a relatable and impossible to ignore. Kendra’s new friends, Chloe, Aubrey, Ryder, Cam, and Alex provide an eclectic and refreshing reprieve for both Kendra and readers alike.
Two of the most intriguing characters are the charming Julian and the mysterious Tristan, both of whom make for very different romantic interests for Kendra. Julian is a rich, charismatic demillir (male ondine-born) who serves as a chevalier (knight or protector of the water elementals). Julian and Kendra often share witty, sarcastically insulting banter and always seem to be trying to one up each other. Julian really gets underneath Kendra’s skin, but there exist an undeniable attraction and pull between the two. Scenes involving these two were always fun to read. Tristan on the other hand is a gardinel (a selkie warrior) and his job is to protect Kendra. A romance between Tristan and Kendra would be most forbidden and dangerous, but their connection is palpable. The chemistry between these two sizzles right off the page and is enticingly hot. Both men are completely swoon-worthy and I cannot wait to see how this little love triangle progresses.
The story itself is fast paced and never boring. There were scenes that left me breathless and wanting more and scenes that took me by surprise. Raveling doesn’t shy away from the realistic and vivid when it comes to the fight scenes; there’s an exciting edge to the way she presents these scenes. The fantasy elements are, well, fantastic. Kendra’s ondine powers are explored in such a way that I found them wickedly cool. Raveling has truly presented the world of water elements in a new, fresh way.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I am always impressed when a writer can create a new, refreshing, and fantastical world that I’ve never imagined before, and I’m doubly impressed when I find myself longing to be back in that world hours after I’ve put a book down…when it comes to Whirl consider me doubly impressed. Whirl is an enchanting, fun, beautifully written novel. I will eagerly be awaiting the next book in the series. A definite MUST read!
READ THE COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL REVIEW (AND MANY MORE) AT Word Spelunking
February 7, 2012
Read my full review on Paromantasy
This book in one sentence: A sensational thriller filled with suspense, danger, romance and mystery with a bad-ass heroine, some seriously romantic possibilities, a bunch of friends that I want to adopt and non-stop action from beginning til end. That is one long sentence but I had to get all of that in there..lol. What I am trying to say is that this book is an absolute MUST READ!!
Kendra is an Ondine (a water elemental) raised in the human world but after the untimely death of her mother and the surge in her powers, she must go to an Ondine school to learn how to control her powers. With her mysterious, dangerous and absolutely delicious Guard/Prince by her side, she joins her people and struggles to learn how to use her powers while fighting for her independence in this new world of hers. What she learns is that she will play an important role in the future of her people and their livelihood rests on her shoulders. A fight between the Ondine and the Aquidae (immortal demons) is nearing and the only one who can stop the Shadow is Kendra. If that wasn't stressful enough, she is falling in love with the one man she cannot have and the only one that she wants. A romance with him would mean the end to her existence as she knows it.
What would you do if the world as you knew it was turned upside down and you suddenly found yourself at the brink of war with the lives of your entire race and the fate of the world on your shoulders? Would you embrace the role you were predestined to have or would you fight for the independent life you once had?
This book is a never ending ride of action, adventure, mystery, danger and romance. You never know what is lurking around the corner.
Kendra is everything I love in a heroine: Strong, Independent and a Fighter! She is also hard-headed a quality that I know well :-). She is not perfect (who is?) and underneath her tough exterior is girl that is vulnerable and unsure of her role in the grand scheme of things. I instantly connected with her and can't wait for more adventures with Kendra.
The heroes are Julian, Tristian and Ryder. They are all so different and I love each and every one of them! Julian is the tall, dark, handsome and mysterious hero who is all about honor and duty. He will appeal to nearly every female with a pulse. Tristian is the sarcastic lover boy that you love to hate and can't help wanting. You don't know what his motives are but we have fun peeling back the layers and finding what is underneath all that swagger. Ryder is the all American boy next door that you wish you could love, but can sometimes cross over into friend category. Girls and their bad boy fetish *shrugs*.
Along the way Kendra makes friends with a group that is full of an array of personalities.Chloe, Aubrey, Cam, and Alex all have one thing in common - you will instantly fall in love with them and definitely want to sit at their table during lunch.
With Whirl, you are in for a number of shockers, tear-jerkers and heart-melting moments that will leave you counting down the days for the next installment. VA fans, make this your next read - you will not be disappointed!!
Whirl is 5 fangs of Paromantasy greatness!
This book in one sentence: A sensational thriller filled with suspense, danger, romance and mystery with a bad-ass heroine, some seriously romantic possibilities, a bunch of friends that I want to adopt and non-stop action from beginning til end. That is one long sentence but I had to get all of that in there..lol. What I am trying to say is that this book is an absolute MUST READ!!
Kendra is an Ondine (a water elemental) raised in the human world but after the untimely death of her mother and the surge in her powers, she must go to an Ondine school to learn how to control her powers. With her mysterious, dangerous and absolutely delicious Guard/Prince by her side, she joins her people and struggles to learn how to use her powers while fighting for her independence in this new world of hers. What she learns is that she will play an important role in the future of her people and their livelihood rests on her shoulders. A fight between the Ondine and the Aquidae (immortal demons) is nearing and the only one who can stop the Shadow is Kendra. If that wasn't stressful enough, she is falling in love with the one man she cannot have and the only one that she wants. A romance with him would mean the end to her existence as she knows it.
What would you do if the world as you knew it was turned upside down and you suddenly found yourself at the brink of war with the lives of your entire race and the fate of the world on your shoulders? Would you embrace the role you were predestined to have or would you fight for the independent life you once had?
This book is a never ending ride of action, adventure, mystery, danger and romance. You never know what is lurking around the corner.
Kendra is everything I love in a heroine: Strong, Independent and a Fighter! She is also hard-headed a quality that I know well :-). She is not perfect (who is?) and underneath her tough exterior is girl that is vulnerable and unsure of her role in the grand scheme of things. I instantly connected with her and can't wait for more adventures with Kendra.
The heroes are Julian, Tristian and Ryder. They are all so different and I love each and every one of them! Julian is the tall, dark, handsome and mysterious hero who is all about honor and duty. He will appeal to nearly every female with a pulse. Tristian is the sarcastic lover boy that you love to hate and can't help wanting. You don't know what his motives are but we have fun peeling back the layers and finding what is underneath all that swagger. Ryder is the all American boy next door that you wish you could love, but can sometimes cross over into friend category. Girls and their bad boy fetish *shrugs*.
Along the way Kendra makes friends with a group that is full of an array of personalities.Chloe, Aubrey, Cam, and Alex all have one thing in common - you will instantly fall in love with them and definitely want to sit at their table during lunch.
With Whirl, you are in for a number of shockers, tear-jerkers and heart-melting moments that will leave you counting down the days for the next installment. VA fans, make this your next read - you will not be disappointed!!
Whirl is 5 fangs of Paromantasy greatness!
November 30, 2013
I’d seen this series floating around GR for ages but never gave it a second glance because, seriously? Ondines? Not the coolest paranormals around. Every time I read about one, they come across as either crazy (The Iron King; Chicagoland Vampires) or just plain evil (Premonition series).
Confession: I only picked this up because of its apparent similarities to the VA and Covenant series.
Another confession: I would have put this book down after I depleted the bite-sized Amazon sample if I hadn’t been urged to keep going. Because to be brutally honest, the first 60% was a hot mess.
It was like watching a 12 year-old crash their dad’s Bugatti Veyron. Raveling had a solid fictional world and plot (that happens to EXACTLY reflect the concept of VA: Strigoi -> Aquidai; Mhoroi -> R------- whatever it is; Dhampir -> chevalier/demillier no idea what the difference is). But then she went and left the tv on fast-forward.
This was like Vampire Academy on crack. And that is not a compliment.
The plot.
A lot of the events mirror those in VA (losing the best friend, the academy being broken into by demon thingies, heroine falling in love with the only guy she can’t have/doesn’t want her) but they happen so early on, I don’t even have a chance to develop an attachment to the characters.
And some things were just plain premature. Kendra’s mum has been trying to change the chevalier laws for years (much like Rose was with the Dhampir laws in VA) yet Kendra did in like, a week?
Kendra and all the ways she annoyed me
Kendra must look like a Victoria’s Secret model only with naturally enhanced boobs and booty and self-described “thick and sexy” hair because she had literally every single guy lusting over her. And she is VERY aware of her own hotness.
Linked to her goddess good looks was the fact that she had about 50 million love interests. Or like 3, but still. Excessive.
An aside: if she refers to Tristan making her heart 'ache' or ‘flutter’ or says anything about sexy he is and how hot he makes her in the first 50 pages of the next book, I may just give up trying to like her. 'Sexy' was the most over-used and unnecessary word in this book: “he whispered sexy things in my ear”; “how sexy I thought his pronunciation was”; “Mr. Sexy Eyes”...
Four, Kendra’s badassness. The thing I loved about Rose from VA and Alex from Covenant was that it wasn’t them calling themselves badass, or everyone around them calling them badass. They just were. They kicked ass, ran their mouths and took no prisoners, but they didn’t do it for their reputation. Kendra acts like a spoiled child who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Why I’m going to continue with the series
1. Because someone whose opinion I trust told me to :p.
2. Because of the second 40% of Whirl. It vastly improves on the first 60% and actually gives him hope that this series might go somewhere good after all.
3. Because Tristan is not going to be around to distract Kendra with his sexiness for at least the beginning of Billow (thank god).
4. Because despite its flaws, I still enjoyed this book and want to see what happens next.
Confession: I only picked this up because of its apparent similarities to the VA and Covenant series.
Another confession: I would have put this book down after I depleted the bite-sized Amazon sample if I hadn’t been urged to keep going. Because to be brutally honest, the first 60% was a hot mess.
It was like watching a 12 year-old crash their dad’s Bugatti Veyron. Raveling had a solid fictional world and plot (that happens to EXACTLY reflect the concept of VA: Strigoi -> Aquidai; Mhoroi -> R------- whatever it is; Dhampir -> chevalier/demillier no idea what the difference is). But then she went and left the tv on fast-forward.
This was like Vampire Academy on crack. And that is not a compliment.
The plot.
A lot of the events mirror those in VA (losing the best friend, the academy being broken into by demon thingies, heroine falling in love with the only guy she can’t have/doesn’t want her) but they happen so early on, I don’t even have a chance to develop an attachment to the characters.
And some things were just plain premature. Kendra’s mum has been trying to change the chevalier laws for years (much like Rose was with the Dhampir laws in VA) yet Kendra did in like, a week?
Kendra and all the ways she annoyed me
Kendra must look like a Victoria’s Secret model only with naturally enhanced boobs and booty and self-described “thick and sexy” hair because she had literally every single guy lusting over her. And she is VERY aware of her own hotness.
Linked to her goddess good looks was the fact that she had about 50 million love interests. Or like 3, but still. Excessive.
An aside: if she refers to Tristan making her heart 'ache' or ‘flutter’ or says anything about sexy he is and how hot he makes her in the first 50 pages of the next book, I may just give up trying to like her. 'Sexy' was the most over-used and unnecessary word in this book: “he whispered sexy things in my ear”; “how sexy I thought his pronunciation was”; “Mr. Sexy Eyes”...
Four, Kendra’s badassness. The thing I loved about Rose from VA and Alex from Covenant was that it wasn’t them calling themselves badass, or everyone around them calling them badass. They just were. They kicked ass, ran their mouths and took no prisoners, but they didn’t do it for their reputation. Kendra acts like a spoiled child who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Why I’m going to continue with the series
1. Because someone whose opinion I trust told me to :p.
2. Because of the second 40% of Whirl. It vastly improves on the first 60% and actually gives him hope that this series might go somewhere good after all.
3. Because Tristan is not going to be around to distract Kendra with his sexiness for at least the beginning of Billow (thank god).
4. Because despite its flaws, I still enjoyed this book and want to see what happens next.
September 26, 2014
Firstly, I have to say that I loved this book, plain and simple. I downloaded it on a whim while perusing on Amazon and I couldn't be any more grateful to impulse-buying Jasmine. The characters are well-developed, the world a wonderful mix of our reality and the great mythos that Raveling has created with Ondines, Selkies, and humans, and the plot well paced and interesting. I remember finishing it late at night and being so sad that the sequel was planned for far in the future.
The things that stood out to me while reading Whirl were the characters and the world building.
Kendra is a sometimes frustrating, often reckless, always entertaining character. Fueled by young and naive ideas of revenge and strength, you worry for her in the beginning before you realize you are rooting for her in the end. Her stubbornness sometimes had be growling in frustration but her feisty character and (albeit a little slowly) growing maturity is creates a character with which I fell in love. Her growth in the novel, and throughout the series, is exceptional and pleasure to read.
And Tristan... phew. Tristan is a wonderful counterpart to Kendra and a swoon worthy character on his own. Calm, collected, and lethal, Tristan is a Selkie warrior and attempts to help Kendra whenever he can (even when she doesn't realize she needs it). Their chemistry is out of this world. Both Kendra and her relationship with Tristan (platonic or otherwise - NO SPOILERS!) reminded me a lot of Rose and Dimitri from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy and Alex and Aiden from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series, but the thing that makes Kendra and Tristan so great is also how they interact with their spectacularly built world. Kendra's revealed role in the future of this world and Tristan's established (although unwanted) position of leadership put them in prime position to attempt to tackle the obstacles they, and the readers, know are ahead.
Raveling has created a magical world within the one we all know and love, filled with lore about magically gifted Ondines, warrior demillirs, mysterious and shape-shifting Selkies, and other, more powerful and mystical characters. Both the Ondines and the Selkies have their own societies within this hidden world that are a wonder to discover. The world building is deep and believable and only supports her strong characters to make an amazing story.
Amazing main characters, great world building, along with well-developed secondary characters and hints at an overarching, high-stakes prophecy creates a story that will leave readers begging for more (and lucky for you, the next two books, Billow and Crest, are already out!).
The things that stood out to me while reading Whirl were the characters and the world building.
Kendra is a sometimes frustrating, often reckless, always entertaining character. Fueled by young and naive ideas of revenge and strength, you worry for her in the beginning before you realize you are rooting for her in the end. Her stubbornness sometimes had be growling in frustration but her feisty character and (albeit a little slowly) growing maturity is creates a character with which I fell in love. Her growth in the novel, and throughout the series, is exceptional and pleasure to read.
And Tristan... phew. Tristan is a wonderful counterpart to Kendra and a swoon worthy character on his own. Calm, collected, and lethal, Tristan is a Selkie warrior and attempts to help Kendra whenever he can (even when she doesn't realize she needs it). Their chemistry is out of this world. Both Kendra and her relationship with Tristan (platonic or otherwise - NO SPOILERS!) reminded me a lot of Rose and Dimitri from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy and Alex and Aiden from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series, but the thing that makes Kendra and Tristan so great is also how they interact with their spectacularly built world. Kendra's revealed role in the future of this world and Tristan's established (although unwanted) position of leadership put them in prime position to attempt to tackle the obstacles they, and the readers, know are ahead.
Raveling has created a magical world within the one we all know and love, filled with lore about magically gifted Ondines, warrior demillirs, mysterious and shape-shifting Selkies, and other, more powerful and mystical characters. Both the Ondines and the Selkies have their own societies within this hidden world that are a wonder to discover. The world building is deep and believable and only supports her strong characters to make an amazing story.
Amazing main characters, great world building, along with well-developed secondary characters and hints at an overarching, high-stakes prophecy creates a story that will leave readers begging for more (and lucky for you, the next two books, Billow and Crest, are already out!).
October 21, 2011
Whirl is the first book, and debut, in the Ondine Quartet series by Emma Raveling and what a debut it is.
At the beginning I was a bit confused by all the customized terms that Raveling had used but once I read more into the story I totally became ensnared by the thrill of Julian, the taboo of Tristan, the boyish charms of Ryder and the unconditional love that comes from friendship with Chloe and Aubrey, that I soon got lost in their world. The main heroine herself, Kendra is everything that you don’t want in an enemy: tough, defiant, persistent and an unlimited supply of fighting spirit.
Now that I have gushed over the characters, let’s get on with the other good stuff, the plot. My favourite thing about this book is that it’s a very different, unlike anything I have come across before. The plot centers around Kendra and her role in freeing her race (water elementals) from an ancient war with the Aquidae (fire elementals) as well as irritating the hell out of her grandmother on her journey. The moments between Kendra and her grandmother, I find quite funny because if I Kendra’s age and in her situation then I would be the same taking into consideration her upbringing. I think a lot of other readers would agree. With the help of her friends and some gorgeous men, Kendra starts to make a real difference in the hidden town of Haverleau and comes to realize her full potential.
The other thing that I love about this book is the way it gets me questioning things. I am fascinated by this different, but same, world where ondines, dissondines, selkies and demillirs were a race started by a water deity. It’s a bit god like in the creation but it gets me thinking about evolution. The unique virtues, hierarchy, French undertone and hidden villages have me intrigued and excited about this series and I honestly can’t wait to read the next installment, ‘Billow’.
Disclaimer: I was sent this book as part of a blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.
At the beginning I was a bit confused by all the customized terms that Raveling had used but once I read more into the story I totally became ensnared by the thrill of Julian, the taboo of Tristan, the boyish charms of Ryder and the unconditional love that comes from friendship with Chloe and Aubrey, that I soon got lost in their world. The main heroine herself, Kendra is everything that you don’t want in an enemy: tough, defiant, persistent and an unlimited supply of fighting spirit.
Now that I have gushed over the characters, let’s get on with the other good stuff, the plot. My favourite thing about this book is that it’s a very different, unlike anything I have come across before. The plot centers around Kendra and her role in freeing her race (water elementals) from an ancient war with the Aquidae (fire elementals) as well as irritating the hell out of her grandmother on her journey. The moments between Kendra and her grandmother, I find quite funny because if I Kendra’s age and in her situation then I would be the same taking into consideration her upbringing. I think a lot of other readers would agree. With the help of her friends and some gorgeous men, Kendra starts to make a real difference in the hidden town of Haverleau and comes to realize her full potential.
The other thing that I love about this book is the way it gets me questioning things. I am fascinated by this different, but same, world where ondines, dissondines, selkies and demillirs were a race started by a water deity. It’s a bit god like in the creation but it gets me thinking about evolution. The unique virtues, hierarchy, French undertone and hidden villages have me intrigued and excited about this series and I honestly can’t wait to read the next installment, ‘Billow’.
Disclaimer: I was sent this book as part of a blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.
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