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Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1-5
Vortex Chronicles: The Complete Series
They should've never met. She's the crown princess. He's a mysterious sorcerer. But the unexpected happens when the world is ending.
When Crown Princess Vi Solaris finds out she has a rare and deadly power, she must make a choice:
Her magic or her throne.
But the choice isn't as simple as it appears, because her magic is the key to saving the world. As her Empire falters from political infighting and a deadly plague, Vi trains in secret under a deadly sorcerer from a distant land. From his pointed ears to enchanting eyes and silver tongue, he's nothing like anyone she's ever met before. Vi knows she should fear him and his shadowed past, but he may just be the only one who really knows what's happening to her.
Locked together with the fate of a dying world, Vi sets off to uncover the truth of a magic that wasn't made for mortal hands. But the ultimate triumph will require the ultimate sacrifice. Once Vi embarks on her epic journey of adventure, romance, family, and duty, there will be no turning back.
This complete set contains all five books in the Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles series:
Vortex Visions
Chosen Champion
Failed Future
Sovereign Sacrifice
Crystal Caged
When Crown Princess Vi Solaris finds out she has a rare and deadly power, she must make a choice:
Her magic or her throne.
But the choice isn't as simple as it appears, because her magic is the key to saving the world. As her Empire falters from political infighting and a deadly plague, Vi trains in secret under a deadly sorcerer from a distant land. From his pointed ears to enchanting eyes and silver tongue, he's nothing like anyone she's ever met before. Vi knows she should fear him and his shadowed past, but he may just be the only one who really knows what's happening to her.
Locked together with the fate of a dying world, Vi sets off to uncover the truth of a magic that wasn't made for mortal hands. But the ultimate triumph will require the ultimate sacrifice. Once Vi embarks on her epic journey of adventure, romance, family, and duty, there will be no turning back.
This complete set contains all five books in the Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles series:
Vortex Visions
Chosen Champion
Failed Future
Sovereign Sacrifice
Crystal Caged
1703 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2020
1707 people are currently reading
5505 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 14, 2022
Once again glad I read this as an omnibus. I spent the first half angry and frustrated about the handling of characters from the Air Awakens series; the second half made up for that but also lost some of the narrative tension for spoilery reasons. Yet, somehow by the end of it I have even more respect for Kova as a worldbuilder and plot artist. I already want to go back and reread Air Awakens.
March 20, 2023
Spiral
The wheels of fate tend to repeat themselves. In this Saga Vi is on a quest to save the world from a god of destruction, Raspian. She won’t be able to do this alone. She will be tested time and must solve the mystery of how to return Yargen. Will she succeed?
DO NOT READ FURTHER OF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS.
This is a summary of Vi and Taavin’s journey. These notes will be helpful for those who plan on reading the third saga.
Vortex Chronicles
We know from the first saga Vi is destined to change fate. Can she stop the vortex?
Book One
Vi is seventeen today. Four years after the age she was supposed to return home.
A group from the Senate arrive and announce she will be returning in the Spring. A representative on behalf of the Senate, Andru Rarren son of head of Senate Lord Tomson Rarren, will asses her “suitability” as heir to the throne. Senate is making a power grab to get rid of the throne. The white plague is the fuel the senate is using to push out the throne. A sickness that killed the old Chieftain, Sehra’s mother, Ellena’s grandmother years ago. She had been called to Norin at the request of the Empress (Vhalla) and Lady of the West (Elisia) to see if the magic of Yargen (the Mother) could battle the illness.
On Vi’s birthday hunt she falls into an old ruin. She has a vision of her father in the court of a leader on the Cresent Continent. He kneels before he and then is lead away by an aligator man after being presented with a man who has the white plague. When she wakes she meets the purple haired man. He claims she is the champion. (Champion of what?) He claims to be the Voice. He sends glyphs into her with a word. It does something to her magic. He informs Vi that she has tortured him for years and commands her to find apex’s and seek him out.
Sehra begins training her in Yargens power. She gives her a primer. Vi’s magic interacts with her magic and her magic reaches out to the Voice. After a day of practice she makes no progress with Sehra. That night she reached out to the Voice again and learned his name was Taavin. She made a deal for him to teach her and she would look for the apexes.
Vi has a vision of the elfin’ra, followers of demon god Ra. Those who would bring about the destruction of the world.
Andru is Romulin’s, her twin brother, secret lover. Once Vi discovered this she began to get a better read on his personality and befriend him.
The White Death arrives the night of the winter solstice.
Vi, with her friends, sneak off to find the OI apex. There another attempt on her life is made and nearly kills Jayme, Ellene saver her by covering them and Andru in rock. She had a vision of Taavin’s death.
Book Two
It is almost time for the caravan to arrive to escort Vi to Solarice.
Vi and Taavin have been training in the four months since the winter solstice.
Taavin gets Vi to agree to come to Meru.
Vi must find the key to the curiosity shop.
Jayme has secrets. (Is she part of the Ra followers or truly an ally?)
The campaign arrives to collect Vi and her contingent outside of Sorcium.
Vi finally meets her brother, Romulin.
Stranger in her tent. Something different about him. Shaved and painted his eyebrows. Fallor. He is elfin’ra.
Romulin saved her.
Who is Adela that dates back to her Granfather’s time?
Taavin finally tells Vi of Ulvarth his jailer. Lumeria, Queen of Meru is supposed to be appointed by the Voice, but is corrupt with Ulvarth. He is supposed to protect the flame of Yargen, but Ulvarth is pulling power from it. (There is something wrong about the flame of Yargen. It is an allusion if I remember correctly manipulated by Ulvarth.)
Vi discovers her mother has the plague on the march.
Vi makes it to the Crossroads and survives a mob and Fallor trying to kidnap her.
She lets her brother know she is leaving to find a cure for their mother and retrieve their father and Romulin helps her (begrudgingly) to escape out of her fathers old escape route. (The same escape route Vhalla took many times in the first saga.)
Vi makes it to the market and to the curiosity shop where she has a vision of her father. Aldrik is held captive by Adela the pirate Queen.
Jayme’s secret is Daniel Tafel is her father. And she is working for Adel the pirate. Her betrayal doesn’t work out so well for her. Vi kills her and her conspirator. Adel though is able to capture her due to her loss of energy from their attack. Adel confirms she is holding her father captive. After days of being held captive Vi escapes. Unclear if she destroyed Adel, Fallon and her ship. Vi washes up on shore of Meru and Taavin finds her and informs her the work is just beginning. (Oh yay!)
Book Three
Vi woke up on Meru. Taavin was caring for Vi. Fallen and another pirate found them after an explosion of magic. The silver knights found them shortly after while battling with Fallon.
A darkness is trying to take over Vi.
Taavin is mortally injured. Vi must seek out the Morphi to help in the Twilight Forest. Vi finds a rip in the shift caused by Raspian. Vi finds in Sarahi’s help and meets Arwin.
After training with Arwin a few days and Taavin healing a few days Arwin, Taavin and Vi set off to attack Adel and rescue Aldrik. This is a contentious melody of parings as Taavin is the Voice, the believed persecutor of the morphi and Arwin is Morphi.
They find the pirates including Fallon in a coastal village North. After they kill the pirates they use their boat to reach Axel’s stronghold in the Isle of Frost.
Arwin destroys the shift Fallon created. They rescue Aldrik.
Taavin contacts Ulvarth. Unclear if he betrayed Vi or was compelled to do so.
Aldrik and Vi are arrested for causing the plague and releasing Raspian.
(I think this is a game Yargen and Raspian have played for eons. Vi, figures out eventually and plans to end the game permanently.)
Ulvarth makes a deal (that I think he renigs on later) to send Vi and Aldrik back to Norin and to keep them comfortable if she rekindles the Yargen flame. Taavin says nothing during the negotiations.
Taavin did betray Vi. Vi’s father is found guilty and sentenced to death.
Vi and Taavin failed and Yargen pulls Vi to her and makes her the Traveler.
Book Four
Fiera (Aldrik’s mom and Vi’s grandmother) gets a vision of the war ending with Tiberus Solaris.
93 circles in the vortex.
Taavin is in the watch? Sort of? A portion of him, his magic, his memory and his past lives memories.
Vi is determined to change fate. Yargen puts her back in time to when the West falls. She becomes a knight for Fiera (her grandmother).
Vi saves Zira at Tiberus and Fiera’s wedding.
Vi then obtains the sword of Jadar after their wedding.
Vi is taking more chances than the last iterations.
Her visions of the future are changing but not rid of Raspian.
Vi wants to take huge chances to make changes in the future.
Things don’t work as she planned. It seems fate is bent on a certain course and there is little Vi can do to change things.
Zira is sent away with the sword of Jadar. She returns with the sword against Vi’s order to worn of the Knights of Jadar working with Adel the pirate queen. As predicted by Taavin, Zira meets death.
As the vortex turns again, Vi calls upon Fiera to bind the crystal caverns. Once again Fiera meets death.
Deneya and Vi survive and retrieve the sword of Jadar. Vi reaches her sight into the future and the Vortex is changed by reuniting the crystal weapons to reunite Yargen and her powers into one place. Taavin confirms this is a new path. One not travelled before.
Book Five
Vi stays fourteen years in a cabin outside the crystal caverns honing her skills to to transfer Yargen’s magic from the weapons to the crystal cavern.
She is successful. She gives Taavin a physical body with the magic of Yargen.
She gets a job in the Sorcerer’s Tower and is there when Aldrik is forced by Egmond to kill an innocent. If not innocent, not guilty of a crime worthy of death.
Vi successfully transfers the power from the sword into the crystals. She then goes after the crown.
She comes very close to obtaining it with Baldair and his Golden Guards. Baldair prevents her from getting to the crown.
IMPORTANT:
Vi learns Raylynn and Baldair die attacking Luke Twintle. (In the first Saga Baldair dies of fever and Raylynn dies at the hands of the mad king.)
Vi saves Raylynn and Baldair. For now.
Vi brings Aldrik to castle after he is poisoned by a dagger. (Just like the first saga.)
Vi finds the crystal crown and absorbs it. She leaves a false crown for Victor to find.
They go to the crossroads and Vi gives Vhalla her reading. (Just like in the first saga.)
Vhalla gets achel ahead of any other time frame, but matches with the first saga.
Vi visits Sehra early. In Saga One Vi visited Sehra after Baldair’s death. Now she visits the night Vhalla takes achel.
They are now off script and can no longer rely on Taavin’s memories.
They run into Vhalla as she leaves the war camp.
They loose Vhalla when they reach the Crossroads.
Vhalla has achel and Vi needs the last crystal weapon.
Just as in the first saga, Vhalla kills knights of Jadar and Baldair dies of autumn fever.
Vhalla looses her magic. Vi pulls the magic of the final crystal weapon into herself.
Vi retuned to the Crossroads and gives Vhalla the last watch Taavin made. Taavin had returned his consciousness to the watch, his body returned to crystal. Yargen took over the interaction with Vhalla.
Vi then proceeds to back to the capital to confirm Victor dies.
Vi saves Vhalla in Sarah’s form.
She finally begins her journey to the isle of elfin’ra.
Yargen’s ashes will be used to to reincarnate Raspian.
Deneya is sent to Risen to show the passages into the archives to Adel. It’s the only way to get Deneya home. This concludes her deal with Adel.
Yargen and Vi merge to battle Raspian. Vi sacrifices herself to allow Yargen to remain whole. As a boon Yargen gives Vi a choice. Return to her new world and merge with the new Vi’s conscious or merge with Yargen herself.
Vi chose love.
The wheels of fate tend to repeat themselves. In this Saga Vi is on a quest to save the world from a god of destruction, Raspian. She won’t be able to do this alone. She will be tested time and must solve the mystery of how to return Yargen. Will she succeed?
DO NOT READ FURTHER OF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS.
This is a summary of Vi and Taavin’s journey. These notes will be helpful for those who plan on reading the third saga.
Vortex Chronicles
We know from the first saga Vi is destined to change fate. Can she stop the vortex?
Book One
Vi is seventeen today. Four years after the age she was supposed to return home.
A group from the Senate arrive and announce she will be returning in the Spring. A representative on behalf of the Senate, Andru Rarren son of head of Senate Lord Tomson Rarren, will asses her “suitability” as heir to the throne. Senate is making a power grab to get rid of the throne. The white plague is the fuel the senate is using to push out the throne. A sickness that killed the old Chieftain, Sehra’s mother, Ellena’s grandmother years ago. She had been called to Norin at the request of the Empress (Vhalla) and Lady of the West (Elisia) to see if the magic of Yargen (the Mother) could battle the illness.
On Vi’s birthday hunt she falls into an old ruin. She has a vision of her father in the court of a leader on the Cresent Continent. He kneels before he and then is lead away by an aligator man after being presented with a man who has the white plague. When she wakes she meets the purple haired man. He claims she is the champion. (Champion of what?) He claims to be the Voice. He sends glyphs into her with a word. It does something to her magic. He informs Vi that she has tortured him for years and commands her to find apex’s and seek him out.
Sehra begins training her in Yargens power. She gives her a primer. Vi’s magic interacts with her magic and her magic reaches out to the Voice. After a day of practice she makes no progress with Sehra. That night she reached out to the Voice again and learned his name was Taavin. She made a deal for him to teach her and she would look for the apexes.
Vi has a vision of the elfin’ra, followers of demon god Ra. Those who would bring about the destruction of the world.
Andru is Romulin’s, her twin brother, secret lover. Once Vi discovered this she began to get a better read on his personality and befriend him.
The White Death arrives the night of the winter solstice.
Vi, with her friends, sneak off to find the OI apex. There another attempt on her life is made and nearly kills Jayme, Ellene saver her by covering them and Andru in rock. She had a vision of Taavin’s death.
Book Two
It is almost time for the caravan to arrive to escort Vi to Solarice.
Vi and Taavin have been training in the four months since the winter solstice.
Taavin gets Vi to agree to come to Meru.
Vi must find the key to the curiosity shop.
Jayme has secrets. (Is she part of the Ra followers or truly an ally?)
The campaign arrives to collect Vi and her contingent outside of Sorcium.
Vi finally meets her brother, Romulin.
Stranger in her tent. Something different about him. Shaved and painted his eyebrows. Fallor. He is elfin’ra.
Romulin saved her.
Who is Adela that dates back to her Granfather’s time?
Taavin finally tells Vi of Ulvarth his jailer. Lumeria, Queen of Meru is supposed to be appointed by the Voice, but is corrupt with Ulvarth. He is supposed to protect the flame of Yargen, but Ulvarth is pulling power from it. (There is something wrong about the flame of Yargen. It is an allusion if I remember correctly manipulated by Ulvarth.)
Vi discovers her mother has the plague on the march.
Vi makes it to the Crossroads and survives a mob and Fallor trying to kidnap her.
She lets her brother know she is leaving to find a cure for their mother and retrieve their father and Romulin helps her (begrudgingly) to escape out of her fathers old escape route. (The same escape route Vhalla took many times in the first saga.)
Vi makes it to the market and to the curiosity shop where she has a vision of her father. Aldrik is held captive by Adela the pirate Queen.
Jayme’s secret is Daniel Tafel is her father. And she is working for Adel the pirate. Her betrayal doesn’t work out so well for her. Vi kills her and her conspirator. Adel though is able to capture her due to her loss of energy from their attack. Adel confirms she is holding her father captive. After days of being held captive Vi escapes. Unclear if she destroyed Adel, Fallon and her ship. Vi washes up on shore of Meru and Taavin finds her and informs her the work is just beginning. (Oh yay!)
Book Three
Vi woke up on Meru. Taavin was caring for Vi. Fallen and another pirate found them after an explosion of magic. The silver knights found them shortly after while battling with Fallon.
A darkness is trying to take over Vi.
Taavin is mortally injured. Vi must seek out the Morphi to help in the Twilight Forest. Vi finds a rip in the shift caused by Raspian. Vi finds in Sarahi’s help and meets Arwin.
After training with Arwin a few days and Taavin healing a few days Arwin, Taavin and Vi set off to attack Adel and rescue Aldrik. This is a contentious melody of parings as Taavin is the Voice, the believed persecutor of the morphi and Arwin is Morphi.
They find the pirates including Fallon in a coastal village North. After they kill the pirates they use their boat to reach Axel’s stronghold in the Isle of Frost.
Arwin destroys the shift Fallon created. They rescue Aldrik.
Taavin contacts Ulvarth. Unclear if he betrayed Vi or was compelled to do so.
Aldrik and Vi are arrested for causing the plague and releasing Raspian.
(I think this is a game Yargen and Raspian have played for eons. Vi, figures out eventually and plans to end the game permanently.)
Ulvarth makes a deal (that I think he renigs on later) to send Vi and Aldrik back to Norin and to keep them comfortable if she rekindles the Yargen flame. Taavin says nothing during the negotiations.
Taavin did betray Vi. Vi’s father is found guilty and sentenced to death.
Vi and Taavin failed and Yargen pulls Vi to her and makes her the Traveler.
Book Four
Fiera (Aldrik’s mom and Vi’s grandmother) gets a vision of the war ending with Tiberus Solaris.
93 circles in the vortex.
Taavin is in the watch? Sort of? A portion of him, his magic, his memory and his past lives memories.
Vi is determined to change fate. Yargen puts her back in time to when the West falls. She becomes a knight for Fiera (her grandmother).
Vi saves Zira at Tiberus and Fiera’s wedding.
Vi then obtains the sword of Jadar after their wedding.
Vi is taking more chances than the last iterations.
Her visions of the future are changing but not rid of Raspian.
Vi wants to take huge chances to make changes in the future.
Things don’t work as she planned. It seems fate is bent on a certain course and there is little Vi can do to change things.
Zira is sent away with the sword of Jadar. She returns with the sword against Vi’s order to worn of the Knights of Jadar working with Adel the pirate queen. As predicted by Taavin, Zira meets death.
As the vortex turns again, Vi calls upon Fiera to bind the crystal caverns. Once again Fiera meets death.
Deneya and Vi survive and retrieve the sword of Jadar. Vi reaches her sight into the future and the Vortex is changed by reuniting the crystal weapons to reunite Yargen and her powers into one place. Taavin confirms this is a new path. One not travelled before.
Book Five
Vi stays fourteen years in a cabin outside the crystal caverns honing her skills to to transfer Yargen’s magic from the weapons to the crystal cavern.
She is successful. She gives Taavin a physical body with the magic of Yargen.
She gets a job in the Sorcerer’s Tower and is there when Aldrik is forced by Egmond to kill an innocent. If not innocent, not guilty of a crime worthy of death.
Vi successfully transfers the power from the sword into the crystals. She then goes after the crown.
She comes very close to obtaining it with Baldair and his Golden Guards. Baldair prevents her from getting to the crown.
IMPORTANT:
Vi learns Raylynn and Baldair die attacking Luke Twintle. (In the first Saga Baldair dies of fever and Raylynn dies at the hands of the mad king.)
Vi saves Raylynn and Baldair. For now.
Vi brings Aldrik to castle after he is poisoned by a dagger. (Just like the first saga.)
Vi finds the crystal crown and absorbs it. She leaves a false crown for Victor to find.
They go to the crossroads and Vi gives Vhalla her reading. (Just like in the first saga.)
Vhalla gets achel ahead of any other time frame, but matches with the first saga.
Vi visits Sehra early. In Saga One Vi visited Sehra after Baldair’s death. Now she visits the night Vhalla takes achel.
They are now off script and can no longer rely on Taavin’s memories.
They run into Vhalla as she leaves the war camp.
They loose Vhalla when they reach the Crossroads.
Vhalla has achel and Vi needs the last crystal weapon.
Just as in the first saga, Vhalla kills knights of Jadar and Baldair dies of autumn fever.
Vhalla looses her magic. Vi pulls the magic of the final crystal weapon into herself.
Vi retuned to the Crossroads and gives Vhalla the last watch Taavin made. Taavin had returned his consciousness to the watch, his body returned to crystal. Yargen took over the interaction with Vhalla.
Vi then proceeds to back to the capital to confirm Victor dies.
Vi saves Vhalla in Sarah’s form.
She finally begins her journey to the isle of elfin’ra.
Yargen’s ashes will be used to to reincarnate Raspian.
Deneya is sent to Risen to show the passages into the archives to Adel. It’s the only way to get Deneya home. This concludes her deal with Adel.
Yargen and Vi merge to battle Raspian. Vi sacrifices herself to allow Yargen to remain whole. As a boon Yargen gives Vi a choice. Return to her new world and merge with the new Vi’s conscious or merge with Yargen herself.
Vi chose love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
Fantastic series! I loved getting to go back to the world of Air Awakens. Elise has delivered yet another beautiful masterpiece, I loved getting to know all the new characters and catching up with old favourites. The world she has created is phenomenal and I have really enjoyed all the adventures I've been on through her writing. A joy to read
August 31, 2020
Once again, scrapping the format I've come to love because ONCE AGAIN I decided to consume the series in a binge. Also, really should have read that Golden Guard series first, damn. Oh well.
Vortex Visions: So not gonna lie, not a hardcore fan of this book. I was interested loosely, but everything felt so distant as a sequel series. The fan service was minimal so it was more like reading an original story. Vi herself was a character I found myself not super attached to.
Chosen Champion: This book had me kind of more engaged. The characters were pulling me in a little. But everything about and surrounding Jayme, saw that coming barreling down the road at 100 miles an hour. I was still way less involved than I was by this point in the Air Awakens series.
Failed Future: This one got me a little more engaged. Part of it could have been seeing more unique characters in the flesh, some of it might have been getting a taste of Aldrik helping balance it out. I'm not sure, but this book sucked me a little more in and gave the stage for the next book.
Sovereign Sacrifice: This book COMPLETELY changed this universe on it's axis for me. I went from this isn't as good to HOLY SHIT WHAT IS HAPPENING. Every single question that was left behind from the first series started getting some answers. The laws of the universe itself started getting fundamentally rewritten before my eyes. The character bonds and interactions sucked me in on an entirely different level. This book elevated the series from good to godly. Holy hell.
Crystal Caged: This book alone made me want to reread Air Awakens with new eyes. I cannot believe how amazingly this world was put together. It fit together like a damn puzzle. It's like you watched a really good stage show and then the next showing you watch it from backstage instead. It doesn't ruin the magic of the first, but shows the true effort of how things work. So many things suddenly started making sense and coming together. Damn.
I will never doubt this author again. I freaking loved this series and saw there was another already being written for this world (VERY!EXCITE!) and I imagine it will have the same level of thought as this world.
I think what blew me away the most was how much thought went into crafting this entire world. She had to have written it all together as a massive timeline. How she kept all these story lines straight blows me away. A reread is in my future.
Vortex Visions: So not gonna lie, not a hardcore fan of this book. I was interested loosely, but everything felt so distant as a sequel series. The fan service was minimal so it was more like reading an original story. Vi herself was a character I found myself not super attached to.
Chosen Champion: This book had me kind of more engaged. The characters were pulling me in a little. But everything about and surrounding Jayme, saw that coming barreling down the road at 100 miles an hour. I was still way less involved than I was by this point in the Air Awakens series.
Failed Future: This one got me a little more engaged. Part of it could have been seeing more unique characters in the flesh, some of it might have been getting a taste of Aldrik helping balance it out. I'm not sure, but this book sucked me a little more in and gave the stage for the next book.
Sovereign Sacrifice: This book COMPLETELY changed this universe on it's axis for me. I went from this isn't as good to HOLY SHIT WHAT IS HAPPENING. Every single question that was left behind from the first series started getting some answers. The laws of the universe itself started getting fundamentally rewritten before my eyes. The character bonds and interactions sucked me in on an entirely different level. This book elevated the series from good to godly. Holy hell.
Crystal Caged: This book alone made me want to reread Air Awakens with new eyes. I cannot believe how amazingly this world was put together. It fit together like a damn puzzle. It's like you watched a really good stage show and then the next showing you watch it from backstage instead. It doesn't ruin the magic of the first, but shows the true effort of how things work. So many things suddenly started making sense and coming together. Damn.
I will never doubt this author again. I freaking loved this series and saw there was another already being written for this world (VERY!EXCITE!) and I imagine it will have the same level of thought as this world.
I think what blew me away the most was how much thought went into crafting this entire world. She had to have written it all together as a massive timeline. How she kept all these story lines straight blows me away. A reread is in my future.
September 27, 2020
A selfless main character who will sacrifice anything to save the world and her family.
I'll start with the characters. I have never read of a stronger or more selfless main female character than Vi. It's not that she doesn't have her own desires, they just fall by the wayside in the face of her incredible destiny. Taavin was an incredibly interesting character. I just never really trusted him. He always seemed to have his own interests at heart. I loved Deneya. I thought her candor and friendship was refreshing.
The author does a very good job with imagery and the detailed explanation of magic. The worldbuilding that she created is utterly amazing and intricate.
Now I'm going to go into my issues with the series...
I was hooked, at the mercy of the author until the end of book 3. I devoured the first 3 books like I was starving. When I started Sovereign's Sacrifice, I was immediately disappointed. I do not enjoy time reversal books. I feel like they offer an "easy way out" for the main character.( Not that VI's path was easy at all!)
I did not start this series thinking of it as a romance book, but as the romance began to bloom between Taavin and Vi, I rooted for them. I thought we would learn more about Taavin as their relationship progressed and Vi would have the chance to experience love. I was let down. Had the author completely dropped the romance I think it would have been better. I just ended up bitter towards them both because they would begin to express their feelings and then one of them would sabotage it.
After the ending, I was left unfulfilled but happy it was finished. The ending was somewhat expected, yet I was left feeling frustrated with Vi. After all she sacrificed to save her family, she didn't even take her time to enjoy them. To know them? Really?
As a series, the first three books are the shining stars and while I would recommend it to an avid YA fantasy reader, I would not recommend it to someone seeking an adventure/romance book.
I'll start with the characters. I have never read of a stronger or more selfless main female character than Vi. It's not that she doesn't have her own desires, they just fall by the wayside in the face of her incredible destiny. Taavin was an incredibly interesting character. I just never really trusted him. He always seemed to have his own interests at heart. I loved Deneya. I thought her candor and friendship was refreshing.
The author does a very good job with imagery and the detailed explanation of magic. The worldbuilding that she created is utterly amazing and intricate.
Now I'm going to go into my issues with the series...
I was hooked, at the mercy of the author until the end of book 3. I devoured the first 3 books like I was starving. When I started Sovereign's Sacrifice, I was immediately disappointed. I do not enjoy time reversal books. I feel like they offer an "easy way out" for the main character.( Not that VI's path was easy at all!)
I did not start this series thinking of it as a romance book, but as the romance began to bloom between Taavin and Vi, I rooted for them. I thought we would learn more about Taavin as their relationship progressed and Vi would have the chance to experience love. I was let down. Had the author completely dropped the romance I think it would have been better. I just ended up bitter towards them both because they would begin to express their feelings and then one of them would sabotage it.
After the ending, I was left unfulfilled but happy it was finished. The ending was somewhat expected, yet I was left feeling frustrated with Vi. After all she sacrificed to save her family, she didn't even take her time to enjoy them. To know them? Really?
As a series, the first three books are the shining stars and while I would recommend it to an avid YA fantasy reader, I would not recommend it to someone seeking an adventure/romance book.
May 23, 2024
I can’t say enough how creative and enthralling this series is. It ties in seamlessly with the Air Awakens series. The romance in this book is tragic, mature, and beautiful too.
July 20, 2025
magic, fantasy, world building, betrayal, political struggle
August 21, 2020
I absolutely fell in love with Air Awakens and sped through the books. When I found out there was a sequel series, I immediately started it. This was even better! Action, tragedy, heartbreak, intrigue. This has EVERYTHING. I thought I was attached to the air awakens character, but i also immediately fell in love with the characters of Vortex Visions. A well paced, incredibly thought out series- it leaves you wanting more and more. The way Elise writes her characters and plots are out of this world. Following Vi and Taavin on a journey to save basically the world from the Gods, you learn about more of the air awakens world, plus get great new characters that add so much to the story and give insight into the first series. I loved this even more than I loved AA and I will continually say it. This series gave me everything and the ending was STELLAR!
August 18, 2020
At first, I never thought it could live up to the shadow the Air Awakens series had cast... But it did, and more. This series was one of my favorites, outliving all my expectations. Kova really pulled through for the romance and beautiful plot! I definitely would recommend to any Sarah J. Maas fans... Can't wait to read the rest of her books!!!!
September 2, 2020
Didn't love it as much as Air Awakens, but my gosh that world-building. It's crazy impressive how the groundwork for Vi's story was planted in those first books.
Strongly recommend reading Air Awakens and Golden Guard series before this one, or at least before the last book.
Strongly recommend reading Air Awakens and Golden Guard series before this one, or at least before the last book.
September 23, 2020
Growing up in a country far away from her royal family, Princess Vi can't wait for the day she'll be allowed to return to live with her parents & twin brother, a family she's only ever known through short visits and numerous letters. But when her magical abilities finally awaken, Vi learns of secrets that were kept from her all her life. Secrets about her world, her life, her powers, and her future. Secrets that will change the course of her life and the world.
See full review at: https://tbrnext.com/2020/09/23/vortex...
This series packed a lot of magic in a fantastic plot. There were several different types of magical abilities, some more powerful than others. Throughout the series, Vi constantly learned more & grew in power.
The plot involved nearly everything one can imagine, from pirates, time travel conundrums, magical prowess, wars, betrayals, friendships, revolutions, and royalty. Each book had its own story with a conflict that was mostly resolved at the end, until the latter books, when one realizes how immense the plot ultimately is.
The series kept expanding into new worlds with different people each time. Many characters only showed up in a single book, had their moment of fame, and then were left behind as the plot moved on. Sometimes, I regretted leaving them behind. Plot-wise, it made sense, but I still wished I could see more of them. Still, there were some characters who consistently remained in most or all of the books, and they were more than enough to hold my interest. And then there were the characters who went from friends to enemies, or enemies to...maybe allies.
The setting changed in each book. First, from her home in the North, then to other parts of the empire, and ultimately to the sea & the worlds & events beyond. Each country or city was distinct and different from the rest, adding new cultures & magics and events. As soon as Vi fought her way out of one trouble, another complication quickly took its place. Old allies become traitors and new people became potential new allies, and those new allies may potentially become new traitors. There were lots of unexpected twists to savor.
Vi went from being a somewhat pampered princess in the first book, to a cliched teenage princess heroine, to a mature enigmatic & powerful woman by the end of the series. It was a long but intense process, and her growth was evident throughout the series. The series didn't stick to one character flaw either. There were several arcs, such as the princess nervous of meeting her people, the heroine ready to brave the scary world, a powerful woman, flush with her own power and invincibility... Each book added to and built on to her character.
The romance ticked me off throughout this series. Possibly because it's described too poetically. Every time they proclaimed their love for each other, it sounded straight out of Shakespeare. I mostly skimmed those parts throughout the series, and thankfully, there wasn't too much of it.
There were some references to characters and events that took place in the earlier sister series, of which I've only read the first book several years ago. They mostly flew over my head, but even so, I got the impression of depth & complexity this Vortex Chronicles added to the original series. There were more details & references to people & events in the latter books of this series, helpful even for those who weren't familiar with them, but it can certainly be read without that knowledge. Now that I'm done, I'm eager to finish off the first series. Even though I hadn't thought much of it years ago, the complexity added by the Vortex Chronicles make it so much better and more intriguing. I'm more willing now to overlook the faults I disliked back then.
This series was excellent, with powerful women, lots of magic, fantastic world building, and a complex plot. It also ended just the way I wanted it to. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
See full review at: https://tbrnext.com/2020/09/23/vortex...
This series packed a lot of magic in a fantastic plot. There were several different types of magical abilities, some more powerful than others. Throughout the series, Vi constantly learned more & grew in power.
The plot involved nearly everything one can imagine, from pirates, time travel conundrums, magical prowess, wars, betrayals, friendships, revolutions, and royalty. Each book had its own story with a conflict that was mostly resolved at the end, until the latter books, when one realizes how immense the plot ultimately is.
The series kept expanding into new worlds with different people each time. Many characters only showed up in a single book, had their moment of fame, and then were left behind as the plot moved on. Sometimes, I regretted leaving them behind. Plot-wise, it made sense, but I still wished I could see more of them. Still, there were some characters who consistently remained in most or all of the books, and they were more than enough to hold my interest. And then there were the characters who went from friends to enemies, or enemies to...maybe allies.
The setting changed in each book. First, from her home in the North, then to other parts of the empire, and ultimately to the sea & the worlds & events beyond. Each country or city was distinct and different from the rest, adding new cultures & magics and events. As soon as Vi fought her way out of one trouble, another complication quickly took its place. Old allies become traitors and new people became potential new allies, and those new allies may potentially become new traitors. There were lots of unexpected twists to savor.
Vi went from being a somewhat pampered princess in the first book, to a cliched teenage princess heroine, to a mature enigmatic & powerful woman by the end of the series. It was a long but intense process, and her growth was evident throughout the series. The series didn't stick to one character flaw either. There were several arcs, such as the princess nervous of meeting her people, the heroine ready to brave the scary world, a powerful woman, flush with her own power and invincibility... Each book added to and built on to her character.
The romance ticked me off throughout this series. Possibly because it's described too poetically. Every time they proclaimed their love for each other, it sounded straight out of Shakespeare. I mostly skimmed those parts throughout the series, and thankfully, there wasn't too much of it.
There were some references to characters and events that took place in the earlier sister series, of which I've only read the first book several years ago. They mostly flew over my head, but even so, I got the impression of depth & complexity this Vortex Chronicles added to the original series. There were more details & references to people & events in the latter books of this series, helpful even for those who weren't familiar with them, but it can certainly be read without that knowledge. Now that I'm done, I'm eager to finish off the first series. Even though I hadn't thought much of it years ago, the complexity added by the Vortex Chronicles make it so much better and more intriguing. I'm more willing now to overlook the faults I disliked back then.
This series was excellent, with powerful women, lots of magic, fantastic world building, and a complex plot. It also ended just the way I wanted it to. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
Loved this series. It’s well written and the author paid great attention to all the details making the series flow smoothly. I would definitely recommend this series.
Here are my individual book reviews if anyone is interested in reading them.
Vortex Visions (5⭐️)
The world created in Vortex Visions is unique and very interesting. There seems to be so much to explore and discover. I’m excited to do just that with Vi Solaris and her friends.
Vi is a young girl coming into herself. She has a great amount of power that she is just beginning to understand. She also has a connection with a man that she has never met but their destinies are intertwined. I really enjoyed watching their connection grow and evolve into something more.
Vi’s friends are wonderful. They are supportive and protective of her but I’m wondering if Vi will have to continue her quest without them.
It was a pleasure to begin this journey with Vi and her friends. I can not wait to find out what magical, thrilling and death-defying adventures lay ahead for everyone.
Chosen Champion (5⭐️)
Wow..what a twist. Who do you trust when there are spies everywhere and there is a bounty on your head?
Vi has mapped out her plan of escape so she can rescue her father and save the world but she didn’t plan for the complete and utter heartbreak she would experience. With no time to waste Vi will have to find the strength to carry on even though the life she once knew and the one she once longed for are quickly unraveling.
This part of Vi’s quest moves pretty quickly. There’s a good amount of action and suspense with a bit of romance mixed in.
I liked seeing Vi’s character grow. She’s becoming wiser and stronger with each new discover and experience. I think by the end of her journey she will be quite a force to be reckoned with.
Failed Future (5⭐️)
Failed Future is a terrific addition to this series. Vi’s quest continues as she makes her way across the perilous ocean and strange lands to free her father and save the world. There’s still a lot that she doesn’t know but she does quite well learning on the fly. I admire her strength and persistence even when her heart is breaking and it seems like the world is against her. My heart hurts for her and Taavin. They are so very much in love but the stars never truly line up for them to be together. The ending of this part of Vi’s journey shocked me quite a bit. I can’t wait to find out what new secrets Vi and Taavin will uncover and where they’ll lead the two.
Sovereign Sacrifice (5⭐️)
Sovereign Sacrifice has a lot of emotion in between the pages. Vi definitely had some hard lessons to learn in this part of her journey. I really felt for her and Taavin too.
Vi has grown so much since the start of her quest.
She’s really a character I’ve grown to love.
I loved the flow of this story and the surprising twists. I’m curious to see how their quest will end.
September 11, 2020
(09/11/2020) 5 Stars.
There are no words that can describe how mindblowing this series is. The fact that Kova has created a story that can be read before or after her main series, Air Awakens, cements how great of a world-builder she is. It is mind-bending, it is painful to read at times, it instills hope, fear, pain and so many other emotions, it is heartbreaking but it is oh so real. Elise Kova wove an incredible tale that was about love, pain, and the sheer willpower of a 17 year old girl just trying to find her place in the world. The strength of Vi, the protagonist of the series, is inspiring. Driven by her love of her family and friends, she goes to the ends of the world to do whatever is necessary to save them. She stumbles, she succeeds, she experiences loss and pain and happiness and fulfillment. Vi is a wonderful protagonist and I hope that there will be more complex characters like her in future YA stories. Although she is the "chosen one", there is nothing overpowered about her. She still experiences conflict and failures, she loses herself at times but always finds a way back. I adore her and am so proud of her for soldiering on this incredibly difficult journey.
The romance... man the romance was phenomenal. THE YEARNING!!!!!!!! Was so palpable it made me swoon and it hurt me in so many ways but it was so BEAUTIFUL. Taavin and Vi were literally made for each other and their love withstood the test of time. They argued, they disagreed (on a lot of things) but they ALWAYS ended up standing together. Their belief in one another drove them to everything that transpired and man was it a crazy ride.
The friendships Vi made along the way were beautiful. The friendships that she had to leave behind were painful. The cast of the series were all so wonderful and unique and it was great to see some familiar faces. I am still in awe over how Kova was able to manage this epic feat and can't wait to see what she has in store.
There are no words that can describe how mindblowing this series is. The fact that Kova has created a story that can be read before or after her main series, Air Awakens, cements how great of a world-builder she is. It is mind-bending, it is painful to read at times, it instills hope, fear, pain and so many other emotions, it is heartbreaking but it is oh so real. Elise Kova wove an incredible tale that was about love, pain, and the sheer willpower of a 17 year old girl just trying to find her place in the world. The strength of Vi, the protagonist of the series, is inspiring. Driven by her love of her family and friends, she goes to the ends of the world to do whatever is necessary to save them. She stumbles, she succeeds, she experiences loss and pain and happiness and fulfillment. Vi is a wonderful protagonist and I hope that there will be more complex characters like her in future YA stories. Although she is the "chosen one", there is nothing overpowered about her. She still experiences conflict and failures, she loses herself at times but always finds a way back. I adore her and am so proud of her for soldiering on this incredibly difficult journey.
The romance... man the romance was phenomenal. THE YEARNING!!!!!!!! Was so palpable it made me swoon and it hurt me in so many ways but it was so BEAUTIFUL. Taavin and Vi were literally made for each other and their love withstood the test of time. They argued, they disagreed (on a lot of things) but they ALWAYS ended up standing together. Their belief in one another drove them to everything that transpired and man was it a crazy ride.
The friendships Vi made along the way were beautiful. The friendships that she had to leave behind were painful. The cast of the series were all so wonderful and unique and it was great to see some familiar faces. I am still in awe over how Kova was able to manage this epic feat and can't wait to see what she has in store.
September 8, 2020
This book captured my wonder and excitement immediately in the same way that Kova's other books have. The action! The suspense! The magic! The friendships! The romance! The plot twists!!!! I laughed, I cried, I screamed into a pillow. And I spent more than one night "Just-One-More-Chapter"-ing until well past midnight.
I adore Vi and her friends, and it is so fun to see characters from air awakens appear in this series as well! I truly enjoyed this exploration into the history of this world and the magic present there. I've always been fascinated by fantasy worlds and their mysterious maps, and I really enjoyed seeing Kova flesh out the desire to see all the different parts of the world through Vi.
The magic, the heartache, and the love of it all is what I hope to find in every book I pick up. If you are looking for a gorgeously written serious with dynamic characters and a deep dive into magic systems, then look no further!
While this series is a sequel to Kova's Air Awakens, you do not have to read it to enjoy the Vortex Chronicles. That being said, while you don't have to, I still recommend reading it. First of all, it is a wonderful series that you'll surely enjoy if you are considering reading this one! And second, there are a lot of fun nods to the story and characters of Air Awakens. Regardless, go forth and read, and be prepared for a serious book hangover!
I adore Vi and her friends, and it is so fun to see characters from air awakens appear in this series as well! I truly enjoyed this exploration into the history of this world and the magic present there. I've always been fascinated by fantasy worlds and their mysterious maps, and I really enjoyed seeing Kova flesh out the desire to see all the different parts of the world through Vi.
The magic, the heartache, and the love of it all is what I hope to find in every book I pick up. If you are looking for a gorgeously written serious with dynamic characters and a deep dive into magic systems, then look no further!
While this series is a sequel to Kova's Air Awakens, you do not have to read it to enjoy the Vortex Chronicles. That being said, while you don't have to, I still recommend reading it. First of all, it is a wonderful series that you'll surely enjoy if you are considering reading this one! And second, there are a lot of fun nods to the story and characters of Air Awakens. Regardless, go forth and read, and be prepared for a serious book hangover!
May 11, 2025
My reviews for the series:
Book one:
Fabulous opening to the series! There's already high stakes, found family, an incredibly intriguing love interest, diversity, and a great magic system!
I'm reading the audiobook and am loving Sarah's narration so much!
Book two:
This series is continuing strong! The stakes are getting higher, the romantic tension is palpable, and the characters are finding their way deep into my heart already!
Definitely recommend the audiobook with Sarah's narration bringing it to life in a whole new way!
Book three:
Oh. My. Heart.
Seriously, somehow this series keeps getting better! The betrayals are gut-wrenching, the intensity continues to build, the trust is hard-earned, and THAT ENDING!
Reading via the audiobook narrated by Sarah Sampino who did a fantastic job with these voices!
Book four:
This book in the series has such a unique twist! I'm noting a bit of a spoiler waaaaaay down for those who want to be completely surprised, but I'm going to try to not reveal too much!
Absolutely eating up this series via audiobook and love the narration!
Book five:
Fantastic end to this series!
Loved the balance inside of Vi as this story progressed through the final battle. It made so much sense and the pieces she was able to hold on to just showed how deep those connections remained. Watching the vortex play out while keeping true to established events was so cool.
Definitely recommend this series and Sarah Sampino's narration was lovely!
Book one:
Fabulous opening to the series! There's already high stakes, found family, an incredibly intriguing love interest, diversity, and a great magic system!
I'm reading the audiobook and am loving Sarah's narration so much!
Book two:
This series is continuing strong! The stakes are getting higher, the romantic tension is palpable, and the characters are finding their way deep into my heart already!
Definitely recommend the audiobook with Sarah's narration bringing it to life in a whole new way!
Book three:
Oh. My. Heart.
Seriously, somehow this series keeps getting better! The betrayals are gut-wrenching, the intensity continues to build, the trust is hard-earned, and THAT ENDING!
Reading via the audiobook narrated by Sarah Sampino who did a fantastic job with these voices!
Book four:
This book in the series has such a unique twist! I'm noting a bit of a spoiler waaaaaay down for those who want to be completely surprised, but I'm going to try to not reveal too much!
Absolutely eating up this series via audiobook and love the narration!
Book five:
Fantastic end to this series!
Loved the balance inside of Vi as this story progressed through the final battle. It made so much sense and the pieces she was able to hold on to just showed how deep those connections remained. Watching the vortex play out while keeping true to established events was so cool.
Definitely recommend this series and Sarah Sampino's narration was lovely!
August 12, 2020
'"It's nothing." Besides being trapped in the dark prison of my thoughts.'
Wow, where to start?! I guess first things first, boy am I glad that I'm late to the party with this series, world and author! Having the complete series to read meant I avoided the dreaded book hangover and any wait for the next installment.
I do love a long series, and this one does not disappoint! The world-building was simply stellar, with unexpected yet brilliant twists, exceptional character growth that doesn't simply erase flaws but instead helps shape some seriously badass women! What more could you want?!
What about a romance that literally stands the test of time and lasts a lifetime (or 93?!)? Check.
A heroine whose sense of duty and loyalty for those she loves giving her the passion and recklessness needed to alter fate? Check.
A bucket-load of secondary characters who aren't there to simply 'fluff' out the storyline but who are so well refined that they deserve their own books? Check.
And finally, a sense of urgency that builds the suspense for the final showdown? Check.
I think it's safe to say that this series has made me an Elise Kova fan! It really doesn't matter that chronologically this isn't the series to start with, if anything it actually made me want to read the previous books more to fully appreciate the bigger picture in all its masterful intricacy! 👏👏👏👏👏
Wow, where to start?! I guess first things first, boy am I glad that I'm late to the party with this series, world and author! Having the complete series to read meant I avoided the dreaded book hangover and any wait for the next installment.
I do love a long series, and this one does not disappoint! The world-building was simply stellar, with unexpected yet brilliant twists, exceptional character growth that doesn't simply erase flaws but instead helps shape some seriously badass women! What more could you want?!
What about a romance that literally stands the test of time and lasts a lifetime (or 93?!)? Check.
A heroine whose sense of duty and loyalty for those she loves giving her the passion and recklessness needed to alter fate? Check.
A bucket-load of secondary characters who aren't there to simply 'fluff' out the storyline but who are so well refined that they deserve their own books? Check.
And finally, a sense of urgency that builds the suspense for the final showdown? Check.
I think it's safe to say that this series has made me an Elise Kova fan! It really doesn't matter that chronologically this isn't the series to start with, if anything it actually made me want to read the previous books more to fully appreciate the bigger picture in all its masterful intricacy! 👏👏👏👏👏
Currently reading
September 20, 2024The Golden Guard Trilogy ⭐⭐⭐.16
1. The Crown's Dog ⭐⭐
2. The Prince's Rogue ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Farmer's War ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Air Awakens:
1. Air Awakens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Fire Falling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.5. Tales from the Front ⭐⭐⭐
3. Earth's End ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Water's Wrath ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Crystal Crowned ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1. The Crown's Dog ⭐⭐
2. The Prince's Rogue ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Farmer's War ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Air Awakens:
1. Air Awakens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Fire Falling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.5. Tales from the Front ⭐⭐⭐
3. Earth's End ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Water's Wrath ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Crystal Crowned ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 20, 2020
Ending the Vortex
The book starts off 17 years later after the Air Awakens series with the daughter of Aldrick and Vhalla. Vi is a young girl who misses the family she’s never really knew and longing for her home/empire from afar. She’s awakened to her powers in the ruins to learn she is the next champion of Yargen. It falls to her to save the world. Through out the series we see Vi go through betrayal, love, heartbreak and forgiveness. We go through the war beside her as she strives to save those last she loves in past, present and future. Along the way she has to learn she cannot save everyone no matter how much she tries.
I’d highly recommend reading this series in order. While it’s not required to read the Air Awakens series first, it will help you to understand the Vortex series better.
Nevertheless rather you read Air Awakens or not this series is still a great read as a stand-alone. Grab this series today and be prepared for the anger, the laughs and the tears you will find among these pages.
The book starts off 17 years later after the Air Awakens series with the daughter of Aldrick and Vhalla. Vi is a young girl who misses the family she’s never really knew and longing for her home/empire from afar. She’s awakened to her powers in the ruins to learn she is the next champion of Yargen. It falls to her to save the world. Through out the series we see Vi go through betrayal, love, heartbreak and forgiveness. We go through the war beside her as she strives to save those last she loves in past, present and future. Along the way she has to learn she cannot save everyone no matter how much she tries.
I’d highly recommend reading this series in order. While it’s not required to read the Air Awakens series first, it will help you to understand the Vortex series better.
Nevertheless rather you read Air Awakens or not this series is still a great read as a stand-alone. Grab this series today and be prepared for the anger, the laughs and the tears you will find among these pages.
October 3, 2020
What a good series. It drew me in and kept me reading to the end to see what would happen next and what Vi would have to overcome. It was full of magic and danger as Vi must learn and grow as a person and a magic user and survive the upheaval.
I thought this story was interesting to read as I was introduced to Vi who lives in the north of the kingdom and her family has high expectations for her and her future. But of course her planned life hits a snag or 2 and thus starts a journey full of action, magic and danger. A good read and so hard to put down. The choices Vi has to make and where they take her was an amazing story that was fun and interesting to read There was action, danger, betrayal, history, and magic. I loved watching her go from a princess to a warrior. The characters were interesting and loved to see how they fit in with the story. I had to keep reading to see what would happen and how everything would end up at the end. Who would survive and what Vi would do in the end. Just a great ending to the series and to Vi.
I thought this story was interesting to read as I was introduced to Vi who lives in the north of the kingdom and her family has high expectations for her and her future. But of course her planned life hits a snag or 2 and thus starts a journey full of action, magic and danger. A good read and so hard to put down. The choices Vi has to make and where they take her was an amazing story that was fun and interesting to read There was action, danger, betrayal, history, and magic. I loved watching her go from a princess to a warrior. The characters were interesting and loved to see how they fit in with the story. I had to keep reading to see what would happen and how everything would end up at the end. Who would survive and what Vi would do in the end. Just a great ending to the series and to Vi.
December 25, 2023
Such Great books! ^_^
The first book I read from Elise Kova was Vortex Chronicles, book One. After that, I started reading Book Two and got half way trough book Two when I got curious about her other books. When I found Air Awakens and realized it followed Vi's mother, Vhalla Yarl, I just had to put Vortex chronicles on hold and read Air Awakens. Since then I read all ten books back to back to back to back. Over the course of two months, I could not put them down. I just finished Crystal Caged this early Christmas Morning 2023 :) Thank you, Elise, for these stories. This is a new milestone for me since both series are five books long. Up until now, I have only read Trilogies and Duets spread out over weeks apart because of self impatients, Elise had me hooked. I plan to continue reading Elise's next stories, starting with either "The Crowns Dog" or "Trial of Sorcerers." I look forward to more great stories to come! Thank you again, Elise, for these great stories, I will definitely re-read them again at a later date. ^_^
The first book I read from Elise Kova was Vortex Chronicles, book One. After that, I started reading Book Two and got half way trough book Two when I got curious about her other books. When I found Air Awakens and realized it followed Vi's mother, Vhalla Yarl, I just had to put Vortex chronicles on hold and read Air Awakens. Since then I read all ten books back to back to back to back. Over the course of two months, I could not put them down. I just finished Crystal Caged this early Christmas Morning 2023 :) Thank you, Elise, for these stories. This is a new milestone for me since both series are five books long. Up until now, I have only read Trilogies and Duets spread out over weeks apart because of self impatients, Elise had me hooked. I plan to continue reading Elise's next stories, starting with either "The Crowns Dog" or "Trial of Sorcerers." I look forward to more great stories to come! Thank you again, Elise, for these great stories, I will definitely re-read them again at a later date. ^_^
December 30, 2021
If you've read Air Awakens, then you absolutely have to read Vortex Visions. The story isn't over, and you don't even realize it! Elise has done some sort of witchery to make us all think that we understand the world in these books, when really she was holding back so much!! I can't believe how she managed to create such a lush and vibrant world in Air Awakens, and then takes that same world, adds all of these facets we didn't know it was missing, and adds so much more depth than I ever thought possible. The fact that this series builds where the last left off while also making itself totally different is a feat on it's own, and Elise pulled it off amazingly well.
I love how you can tell Elise always knew she was going to write this series, because of all the little clues you look back and see in Air Awakens. Just read it. Do it. It will finish the story for you, make you question everything, break your heart, and then pull you back together again.
I love how you can tell Elise always knew she was going to write this series, because of all the little clues you look back and see in Air Awakens. Just read it. Do it. It will finish the story for you, make you question everything, break your heart, and then pull you back together again.
August 21, 2020
This series is amazing. I had already read the Air Awakens and Golden Guard series before I started this one, and I would recommend reading those first since there are a lot of Easter eggs to find but it isn't really necessary since it would likely work the same in reverse.
I loved following Vi through her journey with all the twists, many of which I never saw coming. This series will tug at your heartstrings and run you through the lot of emotions. There is plenty of suspense, action, and romance, all on a deep, magical world that I never wanted to leave.
All of Elise Kova's characters, in this series and her other books, are well rounded and feel like real people with real problems, strengths, and weaknesses. I would recommend all of her books, but those in this universe are among my absolute favorite books of all time.
I loved following Vi through her journey with all the twists, many of which I never saw coming. This series will tug at your heartstrings and run you through the lot of emotions. There is plenty of suspense, action, and romance, all on a deep, magical world that I never wanted to leave.
All of Elise Kova's characters, in this series and her other books, are well rounded and feel like real people with real problems, strengths, and weaknesses. I would recommend all of her books, but those in this universe are among my absolute favorite books of all time.
September 16, 2020
Wow! After working on this series over past couple of months I am done and blown away once again. The Air Awakens was one of my favorite reads last year and The Vortex Chronicles has not disappointed. Elise Kova knows how to build worlds beautifully and make emotions real.... so much being broken and put back together.
The relationship between Vi and Taavin is intense and ever changing and the friendship between Vi and Deneya is truly beautiful. The struggles Vi has faced over these last 5 books has been intense and challenging and though there were times Vi wasn’t sure how she would survive she did...And she did it with her heart and goodness intact.... and let’s be real, any book where we get to see more Jax is a win for me.
Do yourself a favor and read this series... and The Air Awakens if you have not yet done so.
The relationship between Vi and Taavin is intense and ever changing and the friendship between Vi and Deneya is truly beautiful. The struggles Vi has faced over these last 5 books has been intense and challenging and though there were times Vi wasn’t sure how she would survive she did...And she did it with her heart and goodness intact.... and let’s be real, any book where we get to see more Jax is a win for me.
Do yourself a favor and read this series... and The Air Awakens if you have not yet done so.
October 26, 2021
Can I just say this was an absolute pleasure to read. I loved Ms Kova's Air Awakens series, and was so sad when it was over. I was afraid her Vortex Chronicles wouldn't live up to the expectations I had from Air Awakens. How wrong I was. Miss Kova must have used some sort of sorcery to craft this universe, and this was an absolute pleasure to read. You don't need to read Air Awakens before reading this, but I felt that having read Air Awakens first, the story, especially at the beginning, felt more complete. We understood why things were the way they were, and had previously met some of the characters. But even if you haven't read Air Awakens, this is wonderful on its own. I just feel that all the little details that were linked, between books and between series, made this truly a masterpiece. I definitely recommend this to any fantasy fan looking for something to dive into.
August 15, 2022
93 Rotations Different
The differences between Vhalla and Aldrik's story and Vi and Taavin's is absolutely night and day. Vhalla and Aldrik's story is dark, gritty, powerful in such a way that I'll never be able to compare it to any other work of art, by Elise or not.
Vi and Taavin's story feels more like the vortex it's named after. Ever-changing, every word's meaning different from each time before and after. Before ending this series, I was prepared to give it 4 out of 5 stars. The writing felt way more like it was aimed at a younger crowd and yet the more I read, the more intriguing it got and I just couldn't stop.
I'm the end, all I can say is that the two stories are 93 rotations different and I'm so glad I got to share the world with Vi and Taavin AND Aldrik and Vhalla.
The differences between Vhalla and Aldrik's story and Vi and Taavin's is absolutely night and day. Vhalla and Aldrik's story is dark, gritty, powerful in such a way that I'll never be able to compare it to any other work of art, by Elise or not.
Vi and Taavin's story feels more like the vortex it's named after. Ever-changing, every word's meaning different from each time before and after. Before ending this series, I was prepared to give it 4 out of 5 stars. The writing felt way more like it was aimed at a younger crowd and yet the more I read, the more intriguing it got and I just couldn't stop.
I'm the end, all I can say is that the two stories are 93 rotations different and I'm so glad I got to share the world with Vi and Taavin AND Aldrik and Vhalla.
July 2, 2023
This was a Goodreads win for me.
When I first received this book in the mail, my heart stopped a bit from the sheer size of the book. It made me pause.
I thought to myself, holy…this will take me forever to read.
Ok so I started.
Then suddenly, I started to notice that I was looking forward to my nightly routine of grabbing it for just a few chapters. It sucked me in. I couldn’t wait for the next evening.
Elise Kova did an amazing job with this series. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it went. I mean it still took me a bit but some parts I reread again to make sure I got it right. That’s what was fun about it. Rereading parts that I really enjoyed.
It was a joy to read.
I will definitely keep an eye out for more of her books in the future.
Good job and thank you for giving me a chance to read this book.
I will definitely recommend it.
When I first received this book in the mail, my heart stopped a bit from the sheer size of the book. It made me pause.
I thought to myself, holy…this will take me forever to read.
Ok so I started.
Then suddenly, I started to notice that I was looking forward to my nightly routine of grabbing it for just a few chapters. It sucked me in. I couldn’t wait for the next evening.
Elise Kova did an amazing job with this series. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it went. I mean it still took me a bit but some parts I reread again to make sure I got it right. That’s what was fun about it. Rereading parts that I really enjoyed.
It was a joy to read.
I will definitely keep an eye out for more of her books in the future.
Good job and thank you for giving me a chance to read this book.
I will definitely recommend it.
January 25, 2025
it was great, however…..(spoilers)
It was a great story; however, I read this full series directly after Air Awakens. This really really drug on. and there were some inconsistencies with the original timeline. I had to go back and ensure that the Vortex Chronicles came after Air Awakens (which it does.) one of the inconsistencies was that Baldair died by Autumn Fever but Vi said he died in battle in her timeline. But he in fact did not...
The author for this series was not the same author as Air Awakens and the accents were completely different! Air awakens had Jax as charming and English while this reader made him Russian with a hard accent. It felt off.
Overall, the story was great. I would definitely recommend. I would just say, take a break in between Air awakens and Vortex Chronicles otherwise you might get bored....
It was a great story; however, I read this full series directly after Air Awakens. This really really drug on. and there were some inconsistencies with the original timeline. I had to go back and ensure that the Vortex Chronicles came after Air Awakens (which it does.) one of the inconsistencies was that Baldair died by Autumn Fever but Vi said he died in battle in her timeline. But he in fact did not...
The author for this series was not the same author as Air Awakens and the accents were completely different! Air awakens had Jax as charming and English while this reader made him Russian with a hard accent. It felt off.
Overall, the story was great. I would definitely recommend. I would just say, take a break in between Air awakens and Vortex Chronicles otherwise you might get bored....
December 15, 2025
Great fantasy
I read the full series in one go, a follow-up from my read of the Air Awakens series last week. The story blends well and has the same feel as it's predecessor. It did have a few moments of slowdown that felt redundant and a few where decades were skipped so quickly that my head was left spinning, but I understand the need to cover so much time in the series and how it needed to play out in order to do so.
I'd give this a solid PG rating. While there were a few kisses and a couple scenes in which more was implied, it never went into crazy detail. The fights were detailed but not overtly gruesome. And the cusses were very limited (maybe 3 over the whole series).
All in all it was a wild journey and I feel almost as if I've lived 93 lifetimes myself in the span of this book, but it was well worth the read and left me satisfied with its conclusion.
I read the full series in one go, a follow-up from my read of the Air Awakens series last week. The story blends well and has the same feel as it's predecessor. It did have a few moments of slowdown that felt redundant and a few where decades were skipped so quickly that my head was left spinning, but I understand the need to cover so much time in the series and how it needed to play out in order to do so.
I'd give this a solid PG rating. While there were a few kisses and a couple scenes in which more was implied, it never went into crazy detail. The fights were detailed but not overtly gruesome. And the cusses were very limited (maybe 3 over the whole series).
All in all it was a wild journey and I feel almost as if I've lived 93 lifetimes myself in the span of this book, but it was well worth the read and left me satisfied with its conclusion.
August 12, 2020
This is one beautifully written series! Vi and Taavin will pull upon your heartstrings as you make your way along this journey with them. There is danger around every turn and a darkness that seems to be unstoppable. We see heartbreak, betrayal and loss, but we also see hope and such devoted determination. Whether or not you're new to the Air Awakens universe, this world will captivate and draw you in. The magical atmosphere and world building will steal your breath away. Elise Kova is a detail oriented writer who tells her stories with her whole heart and imagination. This is a gorgeous experience that will pull all of the emotions from within, so make sure you pick this up! You won't want to miss this epic adventure.
April 7, 2021
Not for Christian based readers
This book had a decent storyline and I enjoyed the way the author developed the characters however as a Christian I was unable to finish this book due to the same sex relationships. I am sure many will find this book well written but I found this content to be quite offensive. I feel there should be some type of warning or inclination of this content for Christian fantasy readers. Unfortunately more often than not in the current social climate, this type of content is included but never disclosed in the books summary. It is unfortunate I now have a set of books I purchased and will not read nor will I be able to pass on or recommend to friends.
This book had a decent storyline and I enjoyed the way the author developed the characters however as a Christian I was unable to finish this book due to the same sex relationships. I am sure many will find this book well written but I found this content to be quite offensive. I feel there should be some type of warning or inclination of this content for Christian fantasy readers. Unfortunately more often than not in the current social climate, this type of content is included but never disclosed in the books summary. It is unfortunate I now have a set of books I purchased and will not read nor will I be able to pass on or recommend to friends.
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