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Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #5
Crystal Caged
The highly anticipated and breathtaking finale of Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles by USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova.
One way or another... she will be the end of the world.
With powers that weren't supposed to be touched by mortal hands, Vi Solaris is determined to free herself and the world from the deadly vortex it's trapped in. This mission has taken her to forbidden lands and has transformed her from a sheltered princess to a fearsome warrior.
But the ultimate triumph requires the ultimate sacrifice, forcing Vi to choose between the last tethers to her humanity and the very people she's sworn to protect.
Vi's story of magic, sacrifice, triumph, and love reaches its epic conclusion in Crystal Caged. Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles should be read in order:
Vortex Visions Chosen Champion Failed Future Sovereign Sacrifice Crystal Caged
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2020
435 people are currently reading
3672 people want to read
About the author
Elise Kova
59 books17.2k followersJoin Elise's mailing list to never miss a giveaway, release, sale, and more: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/
ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
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ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
Say Hello!
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
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March 14, 2020The epic finale of Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles is here
It's been seven long years of work and planning that's led up to this moment... CRYSTAL CAGED is out in the world and the greater story arc that started all the way back in Air Awakens will be wrapped up with the end of Vi's journey.
This is so near an dear to my heart and I want to thank everyone who's read, reading, or will read this labor of love.
REMINDER: You don't need to read the original Air Awakens series to read Vortex Chronicles! You can start with VORTEX VISIONS
If you want to start Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles so you can read CRYSTAL CAGED, click below to grab the books:
Vortex Visions, #1
Chosen Champion, #2
Failed Future, #3
Sovereign Sacrifice, #4
Crystal Caged, #5
A few (spoiler free) things I want to tease/point out for CRYSTAL CAGED and Vortex Chronicles:
✦ Available in Kindle Unlimited!
✦ Don't have a Kindle and want an eBook? Try downloading the Kindle App on your smartphone or tablet.
✦ Have a Nook or Kobo? If you send proof of Amazon purchase to Elise.Kova.Author[at]gmail[dot]com I'll send you a personalized link to read on your Nook or Kobo!
✦ Check out the forward of book 5 for a book 1-4 recap, in case you forgot what happened in the series so far. If your memory is fresh, you can skip it!
✦ There's a special teaser at the end for what's next in this universe - don't miss it!
I hope you enjoy Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles!
It's been seven long years of work and planning that's led up to this moment... CRYSTAL CAGED is out in the world and the greater story arc that started all the way back in Air Awakens will be wrapped up with the end of Vi's journey.
This is so near an dear to my heart and I want to thank everyone who's read, reading, or will read this labor of love.
REMINDER: You don't need to read the original Air Awakens series to read Vortex Chronicles! You can start with VORTEX VISIONS
If you want to start Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles so you can read CRYSTAL CAGED, click below to grab the books:
Vortex Visions, #1
Chosen Champion, #2
Failed Future, #3
Sovereign Sacrifice, #4
Crystal Caged, #5
A few (spoiler free) things I want to tease/point out for CRYSTAL CAGED and Vortex Chronicles:
✦ Available in Kindle Unlimited!
✦ Don't have a Kindle and want an eBook? Try downloading the Kindle App on your smartphone or tablet.
✦ Have a Nook or Kobo? If you send proof of Amazon purchase to Elise.Kova.Author[at]gmail[dot]com I'll send you a personalized link to read on your Nook or Kobo!
✦ Check out the forward of book 5 for a book 1-4 recap, in case you forgot what happened in the series so far. If your memory is fresh, you can skip it!
✦ There's a special teaser at the end for what's next in this universe - don't miss it!
I hope you enjoy Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles!
March 4, 2020
We’re going to call this my initial thoughts instead of a full-fledged review because I’m a little bit in denial of how I felt.
And the truth is...I didn’t love it...oh how that hurts 😭.
I think up until book 3 I was entirely INVESTED, and I just didn’t enjoy the path the series followed after that.
Spoilers from this point on.
When the entire time-reset situation occurred and Vi found out she was actually Vi #93 I was intrigued but wary, because I don’t really enjoy time-loops book that much. The last time-traveling, time-loop-esque book I read was quite slow and hard to get through because usually it involved a lot of visiting the past; a ton of dialogue and discussion instead of action and excitement.
Unfortunately that was this book for me, and as it was the conclusion of the entire series I had much higher expectations. Most of the time they were traveling...and skipping months and years which honestly upset me a bit....and more traveling with some...hints at steamy romance scenes.
Throughout the entire book, the only true action took place during a couple pages near the end of the book....nnng. I needed more. I just needed more from this conclusion overall. It wasn’t enough.
Another thing I didn’t very much enjoy was the romance. I never found myself invested in Taavin and Vi as a couple, and it never really felt like they sorted out their issues in earnest. It thought once they saw each other physically and got together it would be more like Aldrick and Vhalla were they were...TOGETHER. I just think overall there relationship needed a bit more development and depth.
Anyways, there were some positives. I did enjoy the interactions with Aldrick as a young boy. Especially when he was drunk. That was hilarious. I did enjoy the magic, because Elise has peculiar way of describing magic and making it very lively. I loved Vi’s reaction to everything from the original series; the towers, victor, etc. those moments kept me going.
But overall...I think I still prefer Air Awakens to this series. And I’m not sure if my opinion will change, but with a reread I HOPE it will.
Don’t take this review as my final thoughts just yet.
And the truth is...I didn’t love it...oh how that hurts 😭.
I think up until book 3 I was entirely INVESTED, and I just didn’t enjoy the path the series followed after that.
Spoilers from this point on.
When the entire time-reset situation occurred and Vi found out she was actually Vi #93 I was intrigued but wary, because I don’t really enjoy time-loops book that much. The last time-traveling, time-loop-esque book I read was quite slow and hard to get through because usually it involved a lot of visiting the past; a ton of dialogue and discussion instead of action and excitement.
Unfortunately that was this book for me, and as it was the conclusion of the entire series I had much higher expectations. Most of the time they were traveling...and skipping months and years which honestly upset me a bit....and more traveling with some...hints at steamy romance scenes.
Throughout the entire book, the only true action took place during a couple pages near the end of the book....nnng. I needed more. I just needed more from this conclusion overall. It wasn’t enough.
Another thing I didn’t very much enjoy was the romance. I never found myself invested in Taavin and Vi as a couple, and it never really felt like they sorted out their issues in earnest. It thought once they saw each other physically and got together it would be more like Aldrick and Vhalla were they were...TOGETHER. I just think overall there relationship needed a bit more development and depth.
Anyways, there were some positives. I did enjoy the interactions with Aldrick as a young boy. Especially when he was drunk. That was hilarious. I did enjoy the magic, because Elise has peculiar way of describing magic and making it very lively. I loved Vi’s reaction to everything from the original series; the towers, victor, etc. those moments kept me going.
But overall...I think I still prefer Air Awakens to this series. And I’m not sure if my opinion will change, but with a reread I HOPE it will.
Don’t take this review as my final thoughts just yet.
July 16, 2021
I woke up in the middle of the night yesterday and couldn't help but think about how disappointed I was with the outcome of this series. I love Air Awakens and while I do find this series interesting, it has a completely different purpose than I expected or hoped.
I wanted more moments of Vi and her family, her coming into her royalty with them, more of those moments would have been amazing after we got to know her family in the Air Awakens series. But this series is solely Vi's solo adventure, correcting timelines and while I don't hate it but I am disappointed that all of her moments with her family were cut short. How are we to expect she has an emotional connection to them if we really don't see it.
This series is smart in theory, but it lacks in the elements I personally wanted out of it and unfortunately I'm bitter about it :,(
I wanted more moments of Vi and her family, her coming into her royalty with them, more of those moments would have been amazing after we got to know her family in the Air Awakens series. But this series is solely Vi's solo adventure, correcting timelines and while I don't hate it but I am disappointed that all of her moments with her family were cut short. How are we to expect she has an emotional connection to them if we really don't see it.
This series is smart in theory, but it lacks in the elements I personally wanted out of it and unfortunately I'm bitter about it :,(
February 2, 2021
5/5 Stars.
I honestly adore this world and the characters. It was so great to read about Aldrik and Vhalla's daughter and her traveling through time to save the world. I also LOVED reading about all those defining moments in the Air Awakens series. And honestly now I really want to re-read it again. But no time, must move on to A Trial of Sorcerers next!
I honestly adore this world and the characters. It was so great to read about Aldrik and Vhalla's daughter and her traveling through time to save the world. I also LOVED reading about all those defining moments in the Air Awakens series. And honestly now I really want to re-read it again. But no time, must move on to A Trial of Sorcerers next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2020
I don't know how Kova does it, but she pulled everything together in a spectacular end to this series, which has made me so happy as I'm a big fan of Air Awakens. From world building to character development, this story had kept me not just entertained, but engaged with the details and wondering what could possibly happen next. I am sorry this has come to an end, but can count on the author to have more fantastic fantasy to give us in the future.
January 10, 2022
Crystal Caged broke my heart a million times, and I will never be the same again.
I was so scared to read this book. I honestly can't put into words the fear that not only would this story end, but that perhaps it wouldn't end in a way that was satisfying to me, particularly given the previous book. Well, I should've known I had nothing to be afraid of, because Elise Kova would never let me down like that. Turns out, this book that I was so afraid of, is now one of my all time favourites.
I was dubious about whether I would like it before I even began the story, as I had heard that it had time jumps, which I normally despise with a burning passion. However, there weren't as many time jumps as I thought there would be, and they were during times when not a lot happened (this will make sense when you read the story/if you know the world), so they were really inconsequential. It also helped that Vi and Taavin didn't age (at least physically), so I was still reading about the characters I know and love, not a 40 year old version of them (I know this is a little complicated as obviously their minds age, but when minds are trapped in a youthful body I feel they still retain some of that youth, despite the years they have lived, and given the circumstance of the story, I still found them relatable as young adult characters).
Vi and Taavin's relationship in this book had me all in my feels - I've said before that Vortex Visions is less heavy on the romance than Air Awakens, but this book made up for that in every aspect. I already loved Taavin before this book, but this just solidified my love for him - we really see him grow from a boy to a man, and watching him and Vi work together, despite their slightly different takes on the matter, and the way that they grow and improve and continuously sacrifice themselves for the other is just touching. If someone could please tell me where I can find my own Taavin, because I want one.
And can we talk about having to see Baldair and live through that again?! My heart broke the first time I had to experience it, and it was a million times worse the second time. And Raylynn?! 'On my terms.' God, I couldn't handle it.
And what was that epilogue?! I'm sorry, but I need the story and more Jax and Elecia content NOW.
I also need more Adela - not only do I want to hear the story of her and Tiberius, I want everything. You could give me an entire series on Adela and I would still want more, I think she's such an interesting character.
I didn't realise until this book that Let me tell you, when that realisation hit, I had to sit and process it for about half an hour. Elise Kova continues to blow my mind! And the fact that
The only critique I have for this book is what was that fade to black in chapter 11?! That made me SO MAD - Vi (and I!!) waited 14 years (and all the rest), and all we got was a fade to black?! Please send me those deleted scenes, Elise Kova, I'm begging you. (I don't really see this series as YA, more NA, particularly in later books)
This book was the perfect end to the series, tying everything from Vortex Visions and Air Awakens together. It was everything I ever wanted and more, one of my new all time favourite books, and I know it is a treasure I will read time and time again. I cannot wait for the sequel series, A Trial of Sorcerers, coming in 2021 - whilst Crystal Caged wrapped up Vortex Visions nicely, I have so many questions about the rest of the world, and how the effects of the events of Crystal Caged will play out!
I was so scared to read this book. I honestly can't put into words the fear that not only would this story end, but that perhaps it wouldn't end in a way that was satisfying to me, particularly given the previous book. Well, I should've known I had nothing to be afraid of, because Elise Kova would never let me down like that. Turns out, this book that I was so afraid of, is now one of my all time favourites.
I was dubious about whether I would like it before I even began the story, as I had heard that it had time jumps, which I normally despise with a burning passion. However, there weren't as many time jumps as I thought there would be, and they were during times when not a lot happened (this will make sense when you read the story/if you know the world), so they were really inconsequential. It also helped that Vi and Taavin didn't age (at least physically), so I was still reading about the characters I know and love, not a 40 year old version of them (I know this is a little complicated as obviously their minds age, but when minds are trapped in a youthful body I feel they still retain some of that youth, despite the years they have lived, and given the circumstance of the story, I still found them relatable as young adult characters).
Vi and Taavin's relationship in this book had me all in my feels - I've said before that Vortex Visions is less heavy on the romance than Air Awakens, but this book made up for that in every aspect. I already loved Taavin before this book, but this just solidified my love for him - we really see him grow from a boy to a man, and watching him and Vi work together, despite their slightly different takes on the matter, and the way that they grow and improve and continuously sacrifice themselves for the other is just touching. If someone could please tell me where I can find my own Taavin, because I want one.
And can we talk about having to see Baldair and live through that again?! My heart broke the first time I had to experience it, and it was a million times worse the second time. And Raylynn?! 'On my terms.' God, I couldn't handle it.
And what was that epilogue?! I'm sorry, but I need the story and more Jax and Elecia content NOW.
I also need more Adela - not only do I want to hear the story of her and Tiberius, I want everything. You could give me an entire series on Adela and I would still want more, I think she's such an interesting character.
I didn't realise until this book that Let me tell you, when that realisation hit, I had to sit and process it for about half an hour. Elise Kova continues to blow my mind! And the fact that
The only critique I have for this book is what was that fade to black in chapter 11?! That made me SO MAD - Vi (and I!!) waited 14 years (and all the rest), and all we got was a fade to black?! Please send me those deleted scenes, Elise Kova, I'm begging you. (I don't really see this series as YA, more NA, particularly in later books)
This book was the perfect end to the series, tying everything from Vortex Visions and Air Awakens together. It was everything I ever wanted and more, one of my new all time favourite books, and I know it is a treasure I will read time and time again. I cannot wait for the sequel series, A Trial of Sorcerers, coming in 2021 - whilst Crystal Caged wrapped up Vortex Visions nicely, I have so many questions about the rest of the world, and how the effects of the events of Crystal Caged will play out!
December 23, 2020
"I'd rather see the end of the world than be chained to the wheel of fate."
This was an epic conclusion, not only to the Vortex Chronicles, but to the entire Solaris story, spanning across ten books, three generations, two continents, and countless red lines of fate. Elise Kova gets five stars for simply having the talent to write this. While plucking at the threads of time, she gives us characters that I have literally laughed and cried with, worlds that I have marveled at and richly imagined, and a whole story that will forever reside in my heart. Here are a few of the reasons why I loved Crystal Caged in particular:
1.The character development in Crystal Caged is spot on. Looking back to Vortex Visions, the characters are almost unrecognizable, but in a way that is a testament to their smooth transitions and gradual growth.
2. Elise is AMAZING at creating little scenes that grab your heart. From chapter one, I found myself teary eyed at all of the magical moments that just seemed so vivid and real. These scenes didn't even have to be integral to the plot, but those few seemingly insignificant lines of text are the ones that have stuck with me long after the epilogue's final page.
3. The world building! The world of Air Awakens is so vast and vibrant, and it has been a pleasure to explore it with Vi. Sometimes I find myself looking at something in the real world, realizing that it reminds me of a place in Air Awakens even though it doesn't exist. That's just how vivid the Air Awakens universe is!
4. The gang. Never will you leave an Elise Kova series without feeling like you're also leaving behind a family. It's crazy how real each and every character feels whether they are the protagonist or someone who was only introduced in the second to last book. THEY are the reason I keep coming back to this world, over and over again.
All in all, as I said before, Crystal Caged was an epic conclusion. The way that Elise seamlessly blended Vi's and Vhalla's stories is absolutely incredible, and the way that she pulled it all together to create an ending that I had thought to be impossible is even more amazing. Hopefully, if the lines of fate cross in the right way for you, you too will find yourself enamored with the Solaris story. :-)
This was an epic conclusion, not only to the Vortex Chronicles, but to the entire Solaris story, spanning across ten books, three generations, two continents, and countless red lines of fate. Elise Kova gets five stars for simply having the talent to write this. While plucking at the threads of time, she gives us characters that I have literally laughed and cried with, worlds that I have marveled at and richly imagined, and a whole story that will forever reside in my heart. Here are a few of the reasons why I loved Crystal Caged in particular:
1.The character development in Crystal Caged is spot on. Looking back to Vortex Visions, the characters are almost unrecognizable, but in a way that is a testament to their smooth transitions and gradual growth.
2. Elise is AMAZING at creating little scenes that grab your heart. From chapter one, I found myself teary eyed at all of the magical moments that just seemed so vivid and real. These scenes didn't even have to be integral to the plot, but those few seemingly insignificant lines of text are the ones that have stuck with me long after the epilogue's final page.
3. The world building! The world of Air Awakens is so vast and vibrant, and it has been a pleasure to explore it with Vi. Sometimes I find myself looking at something in the real world, realizing that it reminds me of a place in Air Awakens even though it doesn't exist. That's just how vivid the Air Awakens universe is!
4. The gang. Never will you leave an Elise Kova series without feeling like you're also leaving behind a family. It's crazy how real each and every character feels whether they are the protagonist or someone who was only introduced in the second to last book. THEY are the reason I keep coming back to this world, over and over again.
All in all, as I said before, Crystal Caged was an epic conclusion. The way that Elise seamlessly blended Vi's and Vhalla's stories is absolutely incredible, and the way that she pulled it all together to create an ending that I had thought to be impossible is even more amazing. Hopefully, if the lines of fate cross in the right way for you, you too will find yourself enamored with the Solaris story. :-)
March 12, 2020
4.5 Stars!
Warning, spoilers included...
This was the perfect ending of a great series that only Kova could have imagined. I don't read much time travel fiction so I'd never seen the whole concept of a continuous loop of reincarnations of the same character but once I understood that Vi was the same person like a video game on repeat, I was more invested and enjoyed the story.
That said, like many, I never fell in love with Vi and Taavin and that didn't change in this final book although I did think [spoiler: bringing Taavin to her world was a nice touch so they could actually experience each other in person].
Unlike several, I didn't have an issue with the time skips. To me, it avoided lots of unnecessary details not critical to the story, but many seem to be upset that they didn't see every single detail unfold. No problem for me. But it just goes to show how every reader is different and as an author myself, how hard it is to do time skips well. Bane of my existence lol.
I thought Vi's perspective of Vhalla before Vhalla's transformation and growing as a result of the split with Aldrick, was very well done. Vi saw her future "mother" as the trembling girl she was, overly dependent on a "toxic" relationship and called it as she saw it, a bit confused by it because it wasn't the strong woman Vhalla knew and had become. It just made me wonder what we would think of our parents in their 20s lol, or better yet, what our kids would think of us in ours. :)
I loved where Kova left the story. [Spoiler] Both the end of the story itself and the epilogue left me feeling fulfilled and like things were on a 'Happy" path with a new, lasting version of the world, at last.
Warning, spoilers included...
This was the perfect ending of a great series that only Kova could have imagined. I don't read much time travel fiction so I'd never seen the whole concept of a continuous loop of reincarnations of the same character but once I understood that Vi was the same person like a video game on repeat, I was more invested and enjoyed the story.
That said, like many, I never fell in love with Vi and Taavin and that didn't change in this final book although I did think [spoiler: bringing Taavin to her world was a nice touch so they could actually experience each other in person].
Unlike several, I didn't have an issue with the time skips. To me, it avoided lots of unnecessary details not critical to the story, but many seem to be upset that they didn't see every single detail unfold. No problem for me. But it just goes to show how every reader is different and as an author myself, how hard it is to do time skips well. Bane of my existence lol.
I thought Vi's perspective of Vhalla before Vhalla's transformation and growing as a result of the split with Aldrick, was very well done. Vi saw her future "mother" as the trembling girl she was, overly dependent on a "toxic" relationship and called it as she saw it, a bit confused by it because it wasn't the strong woman Vhalla knew and had become. It just made me wonder what we would think of our parents in their 20s lol, or better yet, what our kids would think of us in ours. :)
I loved where Kova left the story. [Spoiler] Both the end of the story itself and the epilogue left me feeling fulfilled and like things were on a 'Happy" path with a new, lasting version of the world, at last.
March 17, 2020
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
An explosive ending people! After reading the Air Awakens series and now having finished this one nothing will ever be the same! Vi and Taavin have time to save the world from both nefarious villains and a vengeful god...or do they?
As they travel through time slowly trying to find the relics and also outpace their enemies, Vi will discover more new people and also meet old loved ones. I loved this book. It was amazing to read it and see how Elise managed to cram all these surprises together and make me laugh and cry and feel for Vi and Taavin.
This series was in one word spectacular!
An explosive ending people! After reading the Air Awakens series and now having finished this one nothing will ever be the same! Vi and Taavin have time to save the world from both nefarious villains and a vengeful god...or do they?
As they travel through time slowly trying to find the relics and also outpace their enemies, Vi will discover more new people and also meet old loved ones. I loved this book. It was amazing to read it and see how Elise managed to cram all these surprises together and make me laugh and cry and feel for Vi and Taavin.
This series was in one word spectacular!
March 6, 2020
Every stand from these three collective series woven together masterfully to create the perfect finale to the Solaris' adventures.
First, I want to say look at this cover. It is amazing. Honestly, the whole reason I picked up Air Awakens was that I fell in love with the cover. Every book in this series has had a beautiful cover, but this one just perfect.
On to the review. If you have not read any of the Vortex Chronicle books read at your own risk, there will probably be spoilers for the previous four books. And possible light spoilers for this book.
I loved how often I would be reading Crystal Caged and see something that made me pause, run to my shelf, grab an earlier Air Awakens book, and see how these stories fit together. A sense of deja vu would hit me, and I just needed to reread some passages.
It was so cool to see such a time-lapse, to see the events I already knew unfold from a different perspective. The events of the world unfold in the background. The trio were travelers, merely visiting for a time, then fading into the distance.
Honestly, not much can be said about this book without giving everything away. So I will just say a little about the characters.
Vi had such an interesting character arc in this book. The struggle between her personal desires and her sense of duty. How she had to deal with a world so like hers but filled with loved ones who will never know her.
Taavan was never my favorite character. I always went back and forth on if I liked him. But he, like so many others, was just a slave to fate.
I didn't want to get attached to Deneya in the last book. With how I saw things going, I didn't know if she would stick around. But in this book, I fell in love with her. She is the friend every hero needs. Loyal and steadfast, but not a puppet. Always ready to give her opinion.
I really enjoyed seeing the characters I knew and loved from Vi's point of view. She had a complex perspective on them. She knew so many of the hardships they would face and knew some of them would not make it to the end.
This was the end of an epic journey. One that spanned many characters and even more years. Wrapping up such a story is never easy, but I think that Crystal Caged did this story, these characters, justice.
Thank you, Elise, for this book. Thank you for these characters and all these stories. Thank you so much for this ARC so I could devour this early.
First, I want to say look at this cover. It is amazing. Honestly, the whole reason I picked up Air Awakens was that I fell in love with the cover. Every book in this series has had a beautiful cover, but this one just perfect.
On to the review. If you have not read any of the Vortex Chronicle books read at your own risk, there will probably be spoilers for the previous four books. And possible light spoilers for this book.
I loved how often I would be reading Crystal Caged and see something that made me pause, run to my shelf, grab an earlier Air Awakens book, and see how these stories fit together. A sense of deja vu would hit me, and I just needed to reread some passages.
It was so cool to see such a time-lapse, to see the events I already knew unfold from a different perspective. The events of the world unfold in the background. The trio were travelers, merely visiting for a time, then fading into the distance.
Honestly, not much can be said about this book without giving everything away. So I will just say a little about the characters.
Vi had such an interesting character arc in this book. The struggle between her personal desires and her sense of duty. How she had to deal with a world so like hers but filled with loved ones who will never know her.
Taavan was never my favorite character. I always went back and forth on if I liked him. But he, like so many others, was just a slave to fate.
I didn't want to get attached to Deneya in the last book. With how I saw things going, I didn't know if she would stick around. But in this book, I fell in love with her. She is the friend every hero needs. Loyal and steadfast, but not a puppet. Always ready to give her opinion.
I really enjoyed seeing the characters I knew and loved from Vi's point of view. She had a complex perspective on them. She knew so many of the hardships they would face and knew some of them would not make it to the end.
This was the end of an epic journey. One that spanned many characters and even more years. Wrapping up such a story is never easy, but I think that Crystal Caged did this story, these characters, justice.
Thank you, Elise, for this book. Thank you for these characters and all these stories. Thank you so much for this ARC so I could devour this early.
December 14, 2020
This book has no soul. Its basically a fanfiction filling in parts from the original series. Vi is basically all powerful and boring, and her interactions with other people in the world are boring too.
Unlike in the first series, this series romance is bland, and never truly tested. They basically just instant first love each other and that's that. They never had to work at it like Vhalla and Aldrick did. They never understood each other on a deeper level, and saw each other having flaws. It was just "I know you" "I see you" all that jazz.
I like seeing some of the parts from Vi's perspective. It gave more information for the first series and for afterwards. But honestly? If you liked the first series, don't bother with this one. Its not worth 5 books to have a few points of dialogue more clearly explained.
Some of the additional characters were interesting. Yet again unlike the original series we never really got to know them well enough and they never really affected the plot by much. It was just Vi off being amazing, and maybe feeling sad that she didn't hang out with Taavin for the day.
Unlike in the first series, this series romance is bland, and never truly tested. They basically just instant first love each other and that's that. They never had to work at it like Vhalla and Aldrick did. They never understood each other on a deeper level, and saw each other having flaws. It was just "I know you" "I see you" all that jazz.
I like seeing some of the parts from Vi's perspective. It gave more information for the first series and for afterwards. But honestly? If you liked the first series, don't bother with this one. Its not worth 5 books to have a few points of dialogue more clearly explained.
Some of the additional characters were interesting. Yet again unlike the original series we never really got to know them well enough and they never really affected the plot by much. It was just Vi off being amazing, and maybe feeling sad that she didn't hang out with Taavin for the day.
March 16, 2020
Wow, I'm stunned. What a book.
The number of times I had to stop and silently scream because oh my god.
I might have cried at the end of Chapter 33. I also might have cried at the end of Chapter 35. I definitely did not cry at the end of Chapter 40 or anything.
Y'all, this was the first time I've used post-its for a book to mark down all the places that made me shriek in delight/horror. There are at least 50 little post-it tabs in this sucker.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go dry my tears and look for the Vi/Taavin bonus scene.
The number of times I had to stop and silently scream because oh my god.
I might have cried at the end of Chapter 33. I also might have cried at the end of Chapter 35. I definitely did not cry at the end of Chapter 40 or anything.
Y'all, this was the first time I've used post-its for a book to mark down all the places that made me shriek in delight/horror. There are at least 50 little post-it tabs in this sucker.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go dry my tears and look for the Vi/Taavin bonus scene.
February 21, 2021
This was amazing but WHAT THE FUCK WE DIDN'T GET A SCENE WITH THE SOLARIS FAMILY
February 12, 2022
This is one of those series you end and realize you got nothing from it and it could be completely skipped.
December 14, 2020
Crystal Caged was a most satisfying conclusion to the Vortex Chronicles. It however was not my favorite installment in the series. I really enjoyed all the call backs to the original series and getting to see some of my favorite characters again. I did not like the pacing of Crystal Caged though. It felt long, like the story was being dragged out because it felt the need to call back the original series. I doe personally feel like it could have been cut and it would have still had the same affect but that is just my personal opinion.
I really appreciated seeing Elise Kova grow tremendously in this series though. You can definitely tell she went into this series with a plan. Like I said in the beginning of this review, I enjoyed how this story wrapped up. The trope used that I enjoy went in a slightly different direction then I was expecting. It paid off very well because of that reason.
Vi surprised me throughout this series as well. She was not a protagonist I ever saw myself caring for, but she really changed my mind in these last two books. There was so much growth in her character from beginning to end and we love to see that. Sorry to say that I enjoyed all the other characters tremendously more then I ever did Taavin (Sorry Taavin). He just faded into the background most of the time for me. But Deneya and the group of characters we were reunited with made all the difference, where to me Taavin was lacking.
So with Crystal Caged comes the end of another saga in this world but it is not the last. The next saga will be starting next year and once again I will be looking forward to it. Elise Kova's books are just light fun and guilty pleasures for me. I do hope though in the next saga we get some new insight into the world and not more of the same.
Vortex Visions - 3/5
Chosen Champion - 3/5
Failed Future - 4/5
Sovereign Sacrifice - 4/5
Crystal Caged - 3/5
Vortex Chronicles - 17/25
I really appreciated seeing Elise Kova grow tremendously in this series though. You can definitely tell she went into this series with a plan. Like I said in the beginning of this review, I enjoyed how this story wrapped up. The trope used that I enjoy went in a slightly different direction then I was expecting. It paid off very well because of that reason.
Vi surprised me throughout this series as well. She was not a protagonist I ever saw myself caring for, but she really changed my mind in these last two books. There was so much growth in her character from beginning to end and we love to see that. Sorry to say that I enjoyed all the other characters tremendously more then I ever did Taavin (Sorry Taavin). He just faded into the background most of the time for me. But Deneya and the group of characters we were reunited with made all the difference, where to me Taavin was lacking.
So with Crystal Caged comes the end of another saga in this world but it is not the last. The next saga will be starting next year and once again I will be looking forward to it. Elise Kova's books are just light fun and guilty pleasures for me. I do hope though in the next saga we get some new insight into the world and not more of the same.
Vortex Visions - 3/5
Chosen Champion - 3/5
Failed Future - 4/5
Sovereign Sacrifice - 4/5
Crystal Caged - 3/5
Vortex Chronicles - 17/25
October 16, 2021
The fifth book was nice, but unfortunately not enough for giving five stars. I feel like the whole series was missing something that attracted me so much in Air Awakens. Vi's story is interesting, but I think it could fit in three or maybe even two books. And for some reason, I loved the characters from Air Awakens more than from the Vortex series. For some reason, I could not connect with this series. I am glad that the story is over, and, honestly, I am not interested to read any spin-offs. I don't believe they will be nearly strong enough as Air Awakens.
March 3, 2021
Because the storyline in this series took a turn that I just wasn’t into, I probably should have just left it at book four. But after investing so much time in these characters, I really wanted to see them get a happy (hopefully) ending. I wasn’t disappointed.
*The author also offers an added continuation of the epligue for signing up to her newsletter. I would HIGHLY recommend reading it. It makes the series worth the reading!*
*The author also offers an added continuation of the epligue for signing up to her newsletter. I would HIGHLY recommend reading it. It makes the series worth the reading!*
October 22, 2020
i’m ..... disappointed
December 7, 2021
4.5 Stars
Brilliant ending to a great series.
The only problem I had with it was that I thought people in the past would have recognised her seeing as she looks so much like Fiera?? Surely at least Aldrik would have?!
Brilliant ending to a great series.
The only problem I had with it was that I thought people in the past would have recognised her seeing as she looks so much like Fiera?? Surely at least Aldrik would have?!
May 29, 2025
❄️ Crystal Caged (Vortex Chronicles Book 5) – A Storytelling Recap
Prologue: Frozen Prison
Following the devastating events of Sovereign Sacrifice, Vi Solaris finds herself imprisoned in a mystical crystal cage — a prison designed to contain her immense powers. The empire is fragile, and enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.
Chapter 1: Isolation and Reflection
Trapped and powerless, Vi endures solitude and despair. The crystal cage limits her magic and isolates her from the world, forcing her to confront her inner demons and regrets.
Chapter 2: The World Moves On
Outside, the empire grapples with political upheaval and external threats. Allies scramble to fill the void left by Vi’s absence, but rival factions seek to exploit the chaos for their gain.
Chapter 3: Whispered Secrets
Vi begins to hear faint whispers through the cage — messages from old friends, forgotten magic, and mysterious entities offering hope or deceit. She starts piecing together clues about her imprisonment and the larger forces at work.
Chapter 4: The Power Within
Despite her confinement, Vi discovers latent reserves of power within herself. Through meditation, memories, and hidden magic, she begins to understand how to manipulate the crystal cage from inside.
Chapter 5: Allies Outside
Her loyal companions work tirelessly to find a way to break Vi free. They navigate dangerous alliances, uncover betrayals, and confront enemies who want Vi’s powers sealed forever.
Chapter 6: Shattering the Cage
Vi orchestrates a daring escape from her crystal prison by combining her inner strength with the help of her allies. The act unleashes a surge of magic that reverberates across the empire, shaking old foundations.
Chapter 7: Reclaiming Power
Freed but changed, Vi must reclaim her role as champion and leader. Her powers are altered by the cage’s influence, presenting new challenges and opportunities as the battle for the empire’s future escalates.
Epilogue: A Shattered Peace
Though free, the empire remains fractured, and new threats loom on the horizon. Vi’s journey continues, stronger and more determined, but aware of the costs ahead.
Prologue: Frozen Prison
Following the devastating events of Sovereign Sacrifice, Vi Solaris finds herself imprisoned in a mystical crystal cage — a prison designed to contain her immense powers. The empire is fragile, and enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.
Chapter 1: Isolation and Reflection
Trapped and powerless, Vi endures solitude and despair. The crystal cage limits her magic and isolates her from the world, forcing her to confront her inner demons and regrets.
Chapter 2: The World Moves On
Outside, the empire grapples with political upheaval and external threats. Allies scramble to fill the void left by Vi’s absence, but rival factions seek to exploit the chaos for their gain.
Chapter 3: Whispered Secrets
Vi begins to hear faint whispers through the cage — messages from old friends, forgotten magic, and mysterious entities offering hope or deceit. She starts piecing together clues about her imprisonment and the larger forces at work.
Chapter 4: The Power Within
Despite her confinement, Vi discovers latent reserves of power within herself. Through meditation, memories, and hidden magic, she begins to understand how to manipulate the crystal cage from inside.
Chapter 5: Allies Outside
Her loyal companions work tirelessly to find a way to break Vi free. They navigate dangerous alliances, uncover betrayals, and confront enemies who want Vi’s powers sealed forever.
Chapter 6: Shattering the Cage
Vi orchestrates a daring escape from her crystal prison by combining her inner strength with the help of her allies. The act unleashes a surge of magic that reverberates across the empire, shaking old foundations.
Chapter 7: Reclaiming Power
Freed but changed, Vi must reclaim her role as champion and leader. Her powers are altered by the cage’s influence, presenting new challenges and opportunities as the battle for the empire’s future escalates.
Epilogue: A Shattered Peace
Though free, the empire remains fractured, and new threats loom on the horizon. Vi’s journey continues, stronger and more determined, but aware of the costs ahead.
April 30, 2020
Elise Kova has an incredible unique style of writing that is truly one in a billion. Her story telling is creative and can truly take you on a much needed reprieve away from the world we live in. We not only journey to different islands in the series, but through different times and mirrored universes. COOL RIGHT?
This book...NO. This series has truly been an adventure. I both could and could not imagine everything that Vi, Taavin, and Denya endured. It made sense plot wise, but to see Vi be someone who surpassed the hardships of her parents by probably 1 million times , and all alone in certain times at that created such an overwhelming sense of sorrow that never left me-- all the way from Failed Future (but more on that later).
I've had a soft spot for Denya ever since we met her, and man I wish we saw more of her. Damn, she was the spunky loyal friend Vi was lucky to have. No girl drama, no fighting over dudes, just pure friendship and a desire to make the world right. #DenyaforPresident
As for Taavin, I never stopped comparing him to Aldrik, and that is my fault. I slowly began to stop comparing Vi to Vhalla as the story clearly became Vi's story; not a continuation of Vhalla's own. But Taavin, I know he played a major role in Vi's awakening, growth, and maturity, but he always, despite it all, seemed like a side character meant to support. Him not being corporeal was also a big pet peeve for me, though plot-wise, I understand why. It made him feel less real, and therefore less important.
Well, it's later. Why did I rate if 4 stars if I loved it so much? It has to do with that sorrow I was speaking of earlier. We experience different times loops and all of it could be rather confusing. There are multiple decisions being made at around every corner that ultimately changed the events of fate (minus the stones in the river). I mourned for the old destroyed world. The world where we learned Vhalla and Aldrik's story and fell in love with the world of Air Awakens. The events in the original series books...They didn't ever technically happen, especially if we consider Vi's current world as the one true world/timeline. This became solidified thinking for me the more Vi believed that her family wasn't really her family. The current Aldrik and Vhalla were not hers, and they were not the Vhalla and Aldrik of the Air Awakens. They are the same, yet not; I can't help mourn that. So 4 stars for this sad, sad feeling I literally could not get over. I'll never be able to re-read Air Awakens without the knowledge that the world I'm reading about it and all the characters in it are destroyed.
This is also part of the reason I never read spin-offs. I always find myself wanting something else. Wanting the story to be something it wasn't meant to be as a means of comparison to the original. Especially when time travel is involved. However, if i'm making you uneasy about the series, don't be. I'll say this: Up till Vortex Chronicles, I had never read a spin-off series past half of the first book. Ever. The fact that I enjoyed Vortex chronicles so freaking much and literally devoured the first 4 books is the biggest compliment I can give to this author. Crystal Caged took me a a month and a half, but that is no fault of the story, but my lack of attention span to sit and read during Covid0-19 quarantining.
Ending on a postive note, because this book deserves nothing less: the ending was perfect, the world was as balanced as it could be given all that happened. The love and relationships were rebuilt, kindaaaa, but I will say no more on that because spoilers.
This book...NO. This series has truly been an adventure. I both could and could not imagine everything that Vi, Taavin, and Denya endured. It made sense plot wise, but to see Vi be someone who surpassed the hardships of her parents by probably 1 million times , and all alone in certain times at that created such an overwhelming sense of sorrow that never left me-- all the way from Failed Future (but more on that later).
I've had a soft spot for Denya ever since we met her, and man I wish we saw more of her. Damn, she was the spunky loyal friend Vi was lucky to have. No girl drama, no fighting over dudes, just pure friendship and a desire to make the world right. #DenyaforPresident
As for Taavin, I never stopped comparing him to Aldrik, and that is my fault. I slowly began to stop comparing Vi to Vhalla as the story clearly became Vi's story; not a continuation of Vhalla's own. But Taavin, I know he played a major role in Vi's awakening, growth, and maturity, but he always, despite it all, seemed like a side character meant to support. Him not being corporeal was also a big pet peeve for me, though plot-wise, I understand why. It made him feel less real, and therefore less important.
Well, it's later. Why did I rate if 4 stars if I loved it so much? It has to do with that sorrow I was speaking of earlier. We experience different times loops and all of it could be rather confusing. There are multiple decisions being made at around every corner that ultimately changed the events of fate (minus the stones in the river). I mourned for the old destroyed world. The world where we learned Vhalla and Aldrik's story and fell in love with the world of Air Awakens. The events in the original series books...They didn't ever technically happen, especially if we consider Vi's current world as the one true world/timeline. This became solidified thinking for me the more Vi believed that her family wasn't really her family. The current Aldrik and Vhalla were not hers, and they were not the Vhalla and Aldrik of the Air Awakens. They are the same, yet not; I can't help mourn that. So 4 stars for this sad, sad feeling I literally could not get over. I'll never be able to re-read Air Awakens without the knowledge that the world I'm reading about it and all the characters in it are destroyed.
This is also part of the reason I never read spin-offs. I always find myself wanting something else. Wanting the story to be something it wasn't meant to be as a means of comparison to the original. Especially when time travel is involved. However, if i'm making you uneasy about the series, don't be. I'll say this: Up till Vortex Chronicles, I had never read a spin-off series past half of the first book. Ever. The fact that I enjoyed Vortex chronicles so freaking much and literally devoured the first 4 books is the biggest compliment I can give to this author. Crystal Caged took me a a month and a half, but that is no fault of the story, but my lack of attention span to sit and read during Covid0-19 quarantining.
Ending on a postive note, because this book deserves nothing less: the ending was perfect, the world was as balanced as it could be given all that happened. The love and relationships were rebuilt, kindaaaa, but I will say no more on that because spoilers.
December 14, 2022
Alright, let me grab a tissue because I'm still not done bawling my eyes out for this book.
As endings go, this was definitely epic. This entire series was epic. I'll admit that I've had a few reservations along the way: sometimes the plot stalled a bit, after the first two books the romance became less exciting and Vi's character in this last installment was annoyingly emotionless (though understandably so), but I decided to forgive all this thanks to this amazing finale. I was so scared for it, but it did not disappoint at all.
This series was gorgeously crafted. The entire "time travelling" plot (which is a twist that either you love or you loathe, and in my case I loved it) looks very difficult to fit in an already completed series, and so I was so surprised when I went back to the Air Awakens books and found out I had missed so many details that suggested that Elise Kova had already planned it all since the beginning. As a writer myself, she is truly an inspiration.
Vortex Chronicles was able to clear up a few doubts that I still had at the end of Crystal Crowned, and I am so happy that we got to visit old characters and events once again, even the saddest ones (yes, you all know what, or whom, I'm referring to).
I cannot wait to read A Trial of Sorcerers and read more about this amazing world. I honestly hope Elise will never stop writing about Solaris, Meru and all the other nations we have yet to visit.
As endings go, this was definitely epic. This entire series was epic. I'll admit that I've had a few reservations along the way: sometimes the plot stalled a bit, after the first two books the romance became less exciting and Vi's character in this last installment was annoyingly emotionless (though understandably so), but I decided to forgive all this thanks to this amazing finale. I was so scared for it, but it did not disappoint at all.
This series was gorgeously crafted. The entire "time travelling" plot (which is a twist that either you love or you loathe, and in my case I loved it) looks very difficult to fit in an already completed series, and so I was so surprised when I went back to the Air Awakens books and found out I had missed so many details that suggested that Elise Kova had already planned it all since the beginning. As a writer myself, she is truly an inspiration.
Vortex Chronicles was able to clear up a few doubts that I still had at the end of Crystal Crowned, and I am so happy that we got to visit old characters and events once again, even the saddest ones (yes, you all know what, or whom, I'm referring to).
I cannot wait to read A Trial of Sorcerers and read more about this amazing world. I honestly hope Elise will never stop writing about Solaris, Meru and all the other nations we have yet to visit.
January 6, 2023
4.5/5
i have so many thoughts about this series. how it ended and how it started. i loved this book a shit ton. it gave me (almost) everything i was wanting in this book, and even explained a lot of my … complaints about the first two books. it was an epic adventure with loads of action and romance and extremely sad scenes THAT I DID NOT NEED TO READ AGAIN.
the only reason i deducted .5 stars was because the one thing, THE ONE THING i wanted to see happen… happened off page 🫠 im still kinda pissed/sad about it but st the end of the day the ending we got was phenomenal and i cannot wait to go into the trail of sorcerers
i have so many thoughts about this series. how it ended and how it started. i loved this book a shit ton. it gave me (almost) everything i was wanting in this book, and even explained a lot of my … complaints about the first two books. it was an epic adventure with loads of action and romance and extremely sad scenes THAT I DID NOT NEED TO READ AGAIN.
the only reason i deducted .5 stars was because the one thing, THE ONE THING i wanted to see happen… happened off page 🫠 im still kinda pissed/sad about it but st the end of the day the ending we got was phenomenal and i cannot wait to go into the trail of sorcerers
August 13, 2020
I would like to start off by saying thank you to my wonderful friends who recommended these books.
The pain and joy I have experienced from Air Awakens and Vortex Chronicles is unmatched. Crystal Caged is by far one of the best books I have ever read and I cannot thank Elise Kova enough for writing it. I literally cannot even form enough words or grammatically correct sentences to convey my love for this book. Please let this poorly written review be enough to make you want to read these series. You will not regret it.
The pain and joy I have experienced from Air Awakens and Vortex Chronicles is unmatched. Crystal Caged is by far one of the best books I have ever read and I cannot thank Elise Kova enough for writing it. I literally cannot even form enough words or grammatically correct sentences to convey my love for this book. Please let this poorly written review be enough to make you want to read these series. You will not regret it.
March 13, 2021
3.5 stars
I got obsessed with this series. But the final book wasn’t what I expected, half way through it kind of got boring. In this final book Vi is taken over by the goddess. She’s made timeless and got to live through all the events that happened in the first air awakes series. I have said this before, time travel books I had to get right but she did a good job in this one. I wanted more and I still want more of Vi and Taavin story after the end of the world.
I got obsessed with this series. But the final book wasn’t what I expected, half way through it kind of got boring. In this final book Vi is taken over by the goddess. She’s made timeless and got to live through all the events that happened in the first air awakes series. I have said this before, time travel books I had to get right but she did a good job in this one. I wanted more and I still want more of Vi and Taavin story after the end of the world.
December 10, 2021
2.5 ⭐️ Just like air awakens, the last book felt disappointing. The other books in Vortex Visons are slow paced. This book was so fast paced that if you skipped one line somewhere you might not realise there was another huge time skip. It was nice to see parts of the old books in this one but it also made it really repetitive. Via changes in this book and becomes really annoying. I get why, but still, it was hard to read. Everything went super good and everything Vi said was the best idea ever and would work. It got boring
May 10, 2020
I liked the first three books in the series and when the whole time travel thing started I was about to give up but I kept on going just see the characters from the Air Awakens series but by the end of the fifth book, I ended up liking the series. For me the most boring and useless character is Taavin. I didn't see much use for him other than helping Vi master the lightspinning, and there's literally zero chemistry between the leads. But I did enjoy the magic and all the adventures Vi had.
December 29, 2020
A perfect end to such a fantastic series.
The Air Awakens series is one near and dear to my heart. I fell head over heals for the wonderful world and the characters within it. So of course when I found that there was another series set within the same world focusing one the story of one of Aldrik and Vhalla’s children, I jumped at the chance to read it.
I was honestly worried the story would be lacking but it was linked to Air Awakens flawlessly and the finale was just so well written I was left completely satisfied. All the events culminate into a fantastic final confrontation. Now I’m just desperate to read The Tower of Sorcerers. Too bad I have a few more months to wait to dive back into this wonderful world.
The Air Awakens series is one near and dear to my heart. I fell head over heals for the wonderful world and the characters within it. So of course when I found that there was another series set within the same world focusing one the story of one of Aldrik and Vhalla’s children, I jumped at the chance to read it.
I was honestly worried the story would be lacking but it was linked to Air Awakens flawlessly and the finale was just so well written I was left completely satisfied. All the events culminate into a fantastic final confrontation. Now I’m just desperate to read The Tower of Sorcerers. Too bad I have a few more months to wait to dive back into this wonderful world.
January 26, 2022
This book, this whole series actually, surprised me at every turn. When I realized that time travel was a big part of VI’s story, I was skeptical. Time travel is a hard topic to get across to readers with complete understanding but Elise Kova did an amazing job! I love the world and characters she has developed and loved the ending to Vi’s story. Cannot wait to read more of her novels!
June 15, 2022
Wow. Just wow. What a pageturner, what a ride. I would have never thought that this would be a favourite series... but the last two books were phenomenal - the story played out so beautifully and the finale came so very far since that first book! There were so many emotional highs and lows that had me shedding all the good and bad tears.
Boy, am I glad I gave this series a chance.
Boy, am I glad I gave this series a chance.
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