With an attack upon her army, Talise barely has the strength to stand.
To win the war, she and her army must imprison the emperor and take his crown.
But with no healer available, the goal looks more impossible by the hour. The emperor's army is strong and desperate to squash the rebellion. When Talise gets separated from her friends, things only become more dire. For the first time, she has to accept that she might survive.
But if Talise dies, Kamdaria will be lost forever.
This is the final episode in The Elements of Kamdaria.
Kay L. Moody is the YA fantasy author of COURT OF BITTER THORN and THE ELEMENTS OF THE CROWN. Her books feature rich world building, slow burn romance, mythical creatures, and twisty plots.
As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media @kaylmoody
In Fire Storm, the final installment of The Elements of Kamdaria series, Talise is severely weakened from using too much power with the amulet. Struggling with a weak heart, Talise and the rebels head to the palace and the final battle against the emperor. Little does Talise know that the emperor has a secret weapon that could destroy everything Talise has worked for. Can Talise defeat the emperor once and for all and bring peace to the people of Kamdaria?
Wow! I can’t believe The Elements of Kamdaria is over! I loved this series, and Talise is easily one of my favorite YA protagonists. Her strength and determination, as well as her ability to inspire and empower, are all highlighted in the story. She learned so much through the course of the series, and she used this knowledge to fight for equality and just treatment. Her actions were admirable and made for an amazing conclusion. I love that Talise never gave up, even when things seemed hopeless.
Messages about physical, emotional, and intellectual strength, as well as the ability to depend on and trust others, are note-worthy. I found it interesting, for example, that Talise was weakened and dependent on others for a lot of this story, as it contrasted with the powerful, strong leader that we’ve come to expect. Her power and energy are drained, her heart is weak, and she is overwhelmed by the immense responsibility that comes with being a leader. However, with the help of friends and supporters (especially Aaden!! I love him!!), Talise perseveres.
Filled with non-stop action, nail-biting suspense, and a little bit of romance, this conclusion is intense! The series ends with several epic fight scenes, as well as many wonderful reconciliations and redemptions. I love that some of the minor characters from previous books made appearances in this book and helped Talise in her quest. I also love that Talise and Aaden found some closure in regards to their families and past hurts. It wrapped up well and included an epilogue that offered a peek into the future for our favorite characters, which was a perfect way to end the story!
Thanks so much to the author and Marten Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This was great! Now that I’m finished with this series, I’m sad but I’m happy with the conclusion. As much as I disliked Claye, I’m also glad he found happiness with someone else. I couldn’t be happier with Aaden and Talise’s outcome. The only thing I would’ve liked to know about is whatever happened with River and if she has a relationship with Willow... I’m a little bummed we didn’t get info on that but other than that I’m completely satisfied!
In the last installment of 'The Elements of Kamdaria' series, we see it all come to an epic end.
Talise had been badly weakened at the end of the last book but gathers her strength and troops for the final faceoff with the emperor. It's not going to be easy, and they know that, but they are resigned to do what needs doing. The emperor will not go silently though, he has a secret weapon to use and he doesn't seem bothered that he might kill his daughter in the process. All the while the plan is to capture the emperor, not kill him, though Talise is beginning to wonder if that will be the best idea. Talise and her friends face the battle together, and unlike the emperor, they all trust one another. Despite the risk and high cost, they band together, do what they must, and pray that it's enough
The series carries on with non-stop action right from the start. But we finally get to see an end to the war and a beginning of reconciliation. There were still quite a few twists, mostly pleasant ones, but there were others that weren't so pleasant which is unfortunate but not surprising. The characters really have evolved from book one and we see some of them getting bits of their past back. Some happy endings are faster than others, but it is completely in keeping with the individual characters. There are a few heartbreaking moments in this book- as is usually a casualty of war and YA books. But overall a brilliant ending to this incredible series. I highly recommend this series as it transports you to a whole other world and time.
In this final short novel, Talise and her companions confront the Emperor in the capital, leading to the expected results with some surprises and revelations. There’s plenty of action as well as the blossoming love story. It’s enjoyable and well worth the time even if it could have been included in a previous and therefore longer volume. Certainly recommended to a YA readership.
The final installment and honestly this did not disappoint! I have been on this journey from the very beginning, reading through Talise's adventures and struggles from book1. And let me just say that this was my favourite installment! So much tension and excitement, an incredible final battle worthy to be crowned best series finale.
This is the end?? Aaah man I have loved these novellas and Talise and her army / friends and have loved following their story throughout The Elements of Kamdaria series. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and that ending OMG! Action packed with some awesome fight scenes, current characters and some old familiar faces make an appearance , there’s romance and closure and it’s also emotional and I really cannot recommend this enough!
Not gonna lie, some parts truly made me cry, there were some plot twists I didn’t see coming 😢
I feel satisfied and relieved with the endings for Talise, Aaden, and some of the important characters! 🥰 Tho it’s sad that some have to lose their life in the battle 😔
And what touch my feelings so hard (beside Talise and Aaden’s sweet moments) was what the Emperor done to Talise on the very end of their battle 😌 It was bittersweet, but at least what I hope for the father and daughter wasn’t just burn to ash and gone.
And that epilogue.. I’m sooooo happy 😭♥️ Thank you, Kay
And she finishes it! Talise is badly weakened at the end of the last book but rallies her strength and her troops for a final showdown with the emperor. It's rough. He has a secret weapon. He also doesn't seem to mind killing her in the process. And while the plan is to capture the emperor, both Talise and Aaden know that they may have to kill him to end this. If that's even possible. He has incredible abilities and a secret weapon and is able to hold his own against Talise's amulet. But again, this is Talise. And unlike the emperor, she trusts her friends. Despite the high cost - and there will be a cost - together they must and will win!
So much reconciliation happened in this book. Tiny roles by Willow and Cascade were perfect. Family members come out of the woodwork. And so many questions about Aaden and Talise's pasts are finally answered. But not all relationships can be fixed. Some had done too much damage. Others had hard work ahead of them. Still others refused to see the error in their ways. And Talise can't fix everything in Kamdaria. As Aaden reminds her, "That would be impossible."
The series ends with non-stop action and an end to the war. There were still quite a few twists, most pleasant, others unfortunate but unsurprising. I loved that the book ended with a national holiday rather than a coronation or a wedding. It was fitting, considering everything the emperor, Talise, and the Kessoku had fought for - it was a perfectly Kamdarian finale. And Talise and Aaden are perfect.
I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly. I also intend to purchase paperbacks now that the series is complete. I expect to read this series many more times in the future.
This is a hard review to write. I am really sad to see it finished, even if it was done in a great way. Looking back at the whole series you can see such a powerful character arc for Talise, Aaden, Claye, the emperor, and so many more people.
The storyline is continually engaging without that nasty habit long series normally get by amping up with every crisis. Moody was able to make even minor things (when compared to a war) meaningful and painful to see happen. And the major things (like battles scenes) are nail biting and beautifully written.
I love elemental magic and this system was immensely unique while making complete sense. If you don’t have the nutrients to support your body, magic cannot be done. It really makes the division in Kamdaria so stark.
I truly love this series. There are very few things I’d tweak and most of those are just things that happen very conveniently for the characters (good and bad) but that is just me being really nitpicky.
I cannot wait for Moody’s next series, which I already began raving about in a previously post. The Court of Bitter Thorn is royalty, faerie, magic, and curses. Book one was great and so was the prequel. Now I am desperately waiting for book 2!!!
I highly recommend The Elements of Kamdaria. They are quick reads that keep you wanting more.
“Out of the mouths of babes...” comes truth and revelations. When Willow enters the room during a fight to the death, the kingdom in the balance, the balance is overturned. Suddenly, we are forced to face the truth: which is more important, Family or Kingdom?
This book was amazing. It was constant action, but still it teemed with emotion and personal connections. I have read books where the action overpowered the plot and characters, but this was seemless.
Talise finally gets the chance to visit Aaden’s home, after so many other friends’ homes, while running from the soldiers. She also gets to confront her father, who admits why he has poisoned his own people, and ostracized a large number of them. Again, family dominates the theme, It is a civil war.
And I admit, I wondered if anyone would ever die, making it not only more realistic but another chance for character growth. How Talise manages it blows me away. Yes, she is young. But ultimately, she doesn’t let an amulet control her, her father nor her enemies control her, and she opens herself up to betrayal. Does it subvert her? No, ultimately, her choice to trust others despite betrayals is really inspiring. More people should be like this!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t believe this series is over now. I devoured the last book within a couple hours, and part of me still doesn’t believe it’s over! This series has been a wild ride to say the least. There was heartbreak and betrayal and an overwhelming sense of dread, but it also had love and friendship and a want to do better for everyone. I’ve loved these characters, and I’ve loved how the relationships have changed and developed over the series, and that throughout it all, these characters have loved each other, even through their flaws and mistakes, and done everything possible to make sure they gave all citizens of Kamdaria a better life. There was a loss of some great characters through this series, and they were remembered well, and will forever be missed. I will forever love Talise and Aaden, and their group of friends. These characters are ones to remember.
I highly recommend this series! It’s a great feel good story with a hint or drama, and with some well thought out characters. Kay L Moody has quickly become one of my favourite authors!
Thank heavens I could jump straight into this book! This is where the REAL action takes place, and wow, Kay does not make it easy on Talise and her army. Theirs is a very hard fight, and in so doing our admiration of the characters only deepens even further. Talise's character growth is reflected on in this book, and it just makes me stunned to remember everything that's happened to lead up to this book. Everything that's happened to establish how broken Kamdaria is, how broken the Emperor is, and how very much they all need Talise. Too bad the Emperor... well, freaking sucks.
The final battle with him was epic, and I was very concerned multiple times about Talise really being able to achieve the impossible. Hard to say much without spoiling everything, but man. This was an epic finale! While I would have loved a longer ending after the climax, it was satisfactory. It just feels like I would LOVE a bonus novella just showing everyone's lives in the aftermath, you know? But maybe it's just hard to part with this series after 12 awesome books!
Wow! Talise's story has reached the end 😭 I can't believe I had her with me the entire year ♥️ and I don't know what will I do without her from now on 😭😭😭 This last book was exactly what I was expecting it to be (except one tragic moment I don't want to remember 😔).
After bringing down the walls Talise is weakened but Aaden gets her help and she is able to use the amulet again without hurting herself. The attack on the palce is fierce, they are welcomed with a secret weapon the emperor has but in the end they manage to win.
This last book shows us what is happening with all the characters, even the little ones 😊. We find out how their lives are going to be and we get to see how great the love between Talise and Aaden is ♥️
Loved this entire series and highly recommend it. It's one of my favorites ♥️ Beside a great story with people that have surprising abilities there is also a lot to learn about love, kindness and friendship ♥️
It's been a joyous, binge-worthy ride, reading all 12 novellas in this series! Of course this last book didn't disappoint. It was filled with lots of action, and even some late plot twists I didn't expect. And I love plot twists - especially ones that make my mouth drop and shout out, "WHAT?!!"
I've honestly come to love all the characters like my friends (corny, I know), and finishing this series leaves me with a bitter-sweet feeling. On one hand, I'm pleased with the ending and how everything played out. On the other, I'm sad there is no more! Because I loved everything in this fantasy world so much, I'm buying the paperbacks of the combined trilogy now!! Though I'm not one to re-read books often, I think this one deserves a re-read sometime in the future! ;) Until then, I may end up looking into Kay's other books to satisfy my reading hunger...
This series finale was bittersweet. While I was super excited to read the final installment, I was also sad to say goodbye to these characters. I’ve grown to love them over the course of eleven previous novellas.
Some Things I Liked
Focus on Talise and Aedan. I loved that they were the focal characters here. I missed Aedan in several of the installments in the middle of the series and I’m so glad he was in so much of this one. The romance. Again, I love that this was solidified. My favorite ships sailed and that just made me so happy. Everything doesn’t wrap up neatly. There are so many emotions in this book. It’s not strictly an HEA ending and I loved that it felt real. Nothing was easy about this journey, especially the ending.
Series Value
Rebuilding Kamdaria is going to be quite an undertaking and I’d love to see a sequel set in a few years. There are so many characters that I’d love to learn more about and I’d love to see this world expanded upon.
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this series on Amazon last August. It grew to become one of my most anticipated releases for the last year and a half. I’m definitely going to keep reading Kay L. Moody’s books. Fingers crossed that she keeps this series going in some way!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Air Awakens by Elise Kova – if you enjoyed the element magic aspects but are looking for something with slightly older characters and a bit more political intrigue, try this series. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – if you enjoyed the competition component, the class and economic issues, and the moral grey-ness in the conflicts, try this series by Suzanne Collins.
This book was amazing as all the rest of the series. The characters were so well written and the friendships that were built only made this book more amazing. Talise, Aaden and her army are finally going to attack the Palace. The moment that everyone has dreaded has arrived and Talise worried about her friends and her army. People will die and what will she have to do to protect them from her father. The twists and turns turns, the heartbreaking conclusion and the hopes for all lay at Talise’s feet. The perfect ending for this great book and series.
Fire Storm is the twelfth book in the Elements of Kamdaria Series by Kay L Moody and I can't believe it's the last one!! The final battle between Talise and her father takes place in the palace and as always things don't go as planned. So the story has many twists and turns, that I absolutely love! It keeps up the suspense until the last page! As much as I don't want this series to end, this is the perfect end. And I'm so happy I've read all those great books, I think this is one of my favourite series ever!
If you already read the other episodes of this story you do not need any reason to read this last episode, if you not, then you have no idea what you have been missing. Take the advice of someone that already read the full serie and grab the boxsets. This serie is one worth binge for. The final ending has so many possibilities that you can never hope to guess it.
I really hope this serie gets all the recognition it deserves. 6 starts in all departments!
I love this author and so far all the books I have read to date. This last book in this series tied up all the loose ends that you know about plus more you might not have even thought to ask about. The way this ended gives you a wide range of emotions which is how all good books are.
Thank you to the author for writing this series and also for allowing me to be an ARC member. I will be buying the series in their unique bundles later on.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series! Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story. Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of these. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
What an amazing ending to a very brilliant fantasy series that just kept getting more intense as the story went on. It's sad the adventure is over for Kamdaria... it all wrapped up on the right way that the story needed. That's what made this series so much fun is nothing the author did felt condescending to the readers, even step Talise and her friends took had a purpose to the larger narrative that covered the series that often lead to plenty of haunting secrets. Highly recommended.
What a great ending. I’ve been such a fan of this series form the very first book. While I’m sad it’s over, I’m really pleased with how the author wrapped everything up this book was gives you all the feels, action packed, and is just the ending you could want.
I blasted through the first 8 books and savored the rest, I'm heartbroken that it is over! I'm happy that our girl got her happily ever after, but I wish it could go on for another ten books! Love love love!
A great close to an amazing series! I wish there had been a little bit more though! 😆 Endings are always bittersweet. Moody did it justice. There's some really great action. And best of all a HEA. 💙