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The Palace of Winds #1
Winds of Destruction
Ancient pacts have been broken and powers greater than anything is about to be released and threatens to swallow the world. Life wants vengeance and the Wind freedom. The Spirits will fight for their justice and only the thunderous Storm can lead them to victory.
But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life's dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale.
Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.
But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life's dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale.
Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.
382 pages, ebook
Published December 10, 2020
7 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Karen Lykkebo
8 books22 followersAuthor of The Palace of Winds trilogy (book 1 Winds of Destruction) and Heir to The Sun.
I write original fantasy with a twist of humor. I love broken families and found family, soft girls who kick ass, and tough guys who cry. I add love of all colors and shape, and touch on heavy subjects of depression, anxiety, and greif.
I write original fantasy with a twist of humor. I love broken families and found family, soft girls who kick ass, and tough guys who cry. I add love of all colors and shape, and touch on heavy subjects of depression, anxiety, and greif.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2021
The Last Airbender meets Game of Thrones in this gripping adventure where elements clash. Winds of Destruction is an epic fantasy story that follows an unexpectedly powerful young girl and a defeated former lord who get sucked into action to fight for freedom.
This action-packed tale is interesting and establishes a good basis for books to come. Karen Lykkebo has created a unique and intricate world full of mysteries. However, the book itself started in a way that left me wondering if I was perhaps reading the second book of a series.
More succinct explanation of certain concepts, words, and goals would have provided me with more material to truly enjoy and follow this story. Things got clearer overtime, but I still felt like I was guessing rather than knowing what was actually going on. This was truly a pity, because the way Lykkebo crafted her characters made them so interesting that I wanted to know more about them and understand their past as well as their present.
Furthermore, although the book is rather long, I felt rushed through certain points of the story, especially in personal relationships. Emotions were told and not relayed to the reader. It made it hard to truly feel what the characters felt.
Nevertheless, the story was capturing and fast-paced enough to overlook some of the technical issues. I give Winds of Destruction 3 out of 5 stars. It has a captivating story and lovable characters that will be a fun adventure for every fantasy lover but can leave the reader confused at times.
This action-packed tale is interesting and establishes a good basis for books to come. Karen Lykkebo has created a unique and intricate world full of mysteries. However, the book itself started in a way that left me wondering if I was perhaps reading the second book of a series.
More succinct explanation of certain concepts, words, and goals would have provided me with more material to truly enjoy and follow this story. Things got clearer overtime, but I still felt like I was guessing rather than knowing what was actually going on. This was truly a pity, because the way Lykkebo crafted her characters made them so interesting that I wanted to know more about them and understand their past as well as their present.
Furthermore, although the book is rather long, I felt rushed through certain points of the story, especially in personal relationships. Emotions were told and not relayed to the reader. It made it hard to truly feel what the characters felt.
Nevertheless, the story was capturing and fast-paced enough to overlook some of the technical issues. I give Winds of Destruction 3 out of 5 stars. It has a captivating story and lovable characters that will be a fun adventure for every fantasy lover but can leave the reader confused at times.
February 20, 2021
"With the strength of an army and the fury of Life, the Wind lifted and flung through the streets. It marched from the highest peaks above them." Straight away, readers are thrown into the story in a very intriguing way. The very moment they entered the tavern scene, I was indeed hooked to the overall story. There are a few positives and negatives. First, I would like to say that this author is a brilliant writer!
I look forward to her future work. Coming up with a magic system that makes sense that readers can follow can be complicated. This is where things can get dicey.
Storm is an overall great character- well developed, harsh, sarcastic, and you can't help but want to be her friend and know she is a kind of badass.
Storm is not this all-powerful being that can't be stopped. She is vulnerable, hurt, and honestly, it seems more realistic that way. I dislike overpowered characters unless there is a reason for it. Storm is not that overpowered character.
Lots of descriptions throughout the action scenes. You're always going to have some readers like it; some do not. So I say this is a positive because she writes it well.
In the first chapter, there is a character that is introduced, Marvin. He is one of my favorites throughout the book.
However, there is a line, and if you miss it, then you may not realize "Marvin" and "Mareau" are the same character. The character is introduced as Marvin until he meets up with Storm, and she casually asks him, "You are Mareau aren't you?" to which he is, and then the author switches his name from Marvin to Mareau now that the reader knows his actual name.
Did I mention how much I love Mareau's character? All throughout the book, you can't help but switch back and forth of wanting more from each character. Not that the author doesn't do a good job. Just that we want more. :)
Yes, there are a lot of characters introduced within several chapters. I think this is okay, but I can understand some reader's concern with wanting to make sure that they keep up with all the characters within the story. Pretty sure Game of Thrones has way more characters and confusing parts, anyway.
Now for the magic: Yes, there are parts that are confusing. The reason being is sometimes Storm, for instance, can use all the distinct elements; then, she can't. It is not clear why or how this works. Also, who has magic? Is it everyone, and it just depends on the range of power? But this isn't the case either.
Overall this book isn't bad. It's intriguing, with enjoyable characters and scenes throughout. The magic system is indeed confusing, but if she continues on with the book, perhaps things will be better explained. :) I read this book in one sitting, and I enjoyed it.
I look forward to her future work. Coming up with a magic system that makes sense that readers can follow can be complicated. This is where things can get dicey.
Storm is an overall great character- well developed, harsh, sarcastic, and you can't help but want to be her friend and know she is a kind of badass.
Storm is not this all-powerful being that can't be stopped. She is vulnerable, hurt, and honestly, it seems more realistic that way. I dislike overpowered characters unless there is a reason for it. Storm is not that overpowered character.
Lots of descriptions throughout the action scenes. You're always going to have some readers like it; some do not. So I say this is a positive because she writes it well.
In the first chapter, there is a character that is introduced, Marvin. He is one of my favorites throughout the book.
However, there is a line, and if you miss it, then you may not realize "Marvin" and "Mareau" are the same character. The character is introduced as Marvin until he meets up with Storm, and she casually asks him, "You are Mareau aren't you?" to which he is, and then the author switches his name from Marvin to Mareau now that the reader knows his actual name.
Did I mention how much I love Mareau's character? All throughout the book, you can't help but switch back and forth of wanting more from each character. Not that the author doesn't do a good job. Just that we want more. :)
Yes, there are a lot of characters introduced within several chapters. I think this is okay, but I can understand some reader's concern with wanting to make sure that they keep up with all the characters within the story. Pretty sure Game of Thrones has way more characters and confusing parts, anyway.
Now for the magic: Yes, there are parts that are confusing. The reason being is sometimes Storm, for instance, can use all the distinct elements; then, she can't. It is not clear why or how this works. Also, who has magic? Is it everyone, and it just depends on the range of power? But this isn't the case either.
Overall this book isn't bad. It's intriguing, with enjoyable characters and scenes throughout. The magic system is indeed confusing, but if she continues on with the book, perhaps things will be better explained. :) I read this book in one sitting, and I enjoyed it.
February 11, 2021
I'm a bit split about this book. Some things are great, some things are not so great.
Positives:
No spelling or grammar errors. Which is a big plus when it comes to selfpublished books.
The hook/premise of Mareau's death before the book starts is interesting.
Mareau being old, gritty, lost of hope and his dry sarcastic humor is great.
The setting is well painted.
Storm has great banter with several characters. The dynamic between her and Mareau is especially entertaining.
The romantic relationship between Storm and Samerra is executed well.
At one point, Storm is confronted by her friends because she hides information from them. That scene had nice emotional impact.
Storm seemed crazily overpowered at first, but the author fix it as the story goes on.
Negatives:
Mareau is delegated to the background a bit too often, he seems almost forgotten in some scenes (his arc is my favorite)
Action scenes could have been snapier (too much descriptions).
I hate Gust. He barely impacts the end result. He whines and stains the other characters shine. He creates avoidable problems (there could have been a scene of emotional impact if they decided to leave him with the rebel group)
Everyone has glittering eyes. First I thought it was connected to the magic, but then it was not. A bit confusing.
I'm confused about the magic. How it works and who is able to do what with it. Storm seems to wield all the pieces, but not always. The first chapters suffer because of this, maybe it would have eased the reader in better if Storm could wield the Wind only. Hard to tell.
At the midpoint, we are introduced to too many named characters at once. Those characters seem samey and barely impacts the end result.
Again, I'm split about this book. But the world is interesting and the concepts invoking. When the sequel arrives, I will give it a read.
Positives:
No spelling or grammar errors. Which is a big plus when it comes to selfpublished books.
The hook/premise of Mareau's death before the book starts is interesting.
Mareau being old, gritty, lost of hope and his dry sarcastic humor is great.
The setting is well painted.
Storm has great banter with several characters. The dynamic between her and Mareau is especially entertaining.
The romantic relationship between Storm and Samerra is executed well.
At one point, Storm is confronted by her friends because she hides information from them. That scene had nice emotional impact.
Storm seemed crazily overpowered at first, but the author fix it as the story goes on.
Negatives:
Mareau is delegated to the background a bit too often, he seems almost forgotten in some scenes (his arc is my favorite)
Action scenes could have been snapier (too much descriptions).
I hate Gust. He barely impacts the end result. He whines and stains the other characters shine. He creates avoidable problems (there could have been a scene of emotional impact if they decided to leave him with the rebel group)
Everyone has glittering eyes. First I thought it was connected to the magic, but then it was not. A bit confusing.
I'm confused about the magic. How it works and who is able to do what with it. Storm seems to wield all the pieces, but not always. The first chapters suffer because of this, maybe it would have eased the reader in better if Storm could wield the Wind only. Hard to tell.
At the midpoint, we are introduced to too many named characters at once. Those characters seem samey and barely impacts the end result.
Again, I'm split about this book. But the world is interesting and the concepts invoking. When the sequel arrives, I will give it a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
Winds of Destruction by Karen Lykkebo is a character driven fantasy that swept me away to another world. The blurb of the book gives little away so I will have to be careful in how I approach this review in order to avoid potential spoilers. I will say I love when I am intrigued by the opening of a book and this book has one of the best opening chapters I have read in some time, it immediately drew me in and made me want to know more about Marvin, who is celebrating twenty years of being a dead man - now if that does not pique your curiosity I do not know what will.
This is the opening book in what promises to be an epic trilogy involving rebellion, resistance and family both blood and found. I fell in love with Storm, a flawed yet determined heroine who is determined to do what she feels is right despite a great personal cost. She is strong but vulnerable and holds enough power to change the course of humanity's future. There is a lot of promise in the storytelling and writing style and as I already said the characters are excellent. I did find myself struggling to understand the world and its magic at first but things became much clearer as the story unfolded and by the end of the book I was so lost in this marvellous world that I did not want the story to end and I look forward to reading more.
This is the opening book in what promises to be an epic trilogy involving rebellion, resistance and family both blood and found. I fell in love with Storm, a flawed yet determined heroine who is determined to do what she feels is right despite a great personal cost. She is strong but vulnerable and holds enough power to change the course of humanity's future. There is a lot of promise in the storytelling and writing style and as I already said the characters are excellent. I did find myself struggling to understand the world and its magic at first but things became much clearer as the story unfolded and by the end of the book I was so lost in this marvellous world that I did not want the story to end and I look forward to reading more.
November 29, 2024
An entertaining, intriguing young adult fantasy for fans of Avatar The Last Airbender!
Mostly because of its elemental magic system, but also because of the character work, the characters' relationships, and some of the worldbuilding--I just think if you like Avatar, you're gonna love this. I really loved the family-centric way this book built up: Mareau and his sister lost a war against the tyrannical Lord of Life years ago, and now Mareau's niece, Storm is the one who calls this old warrior back to finish the job. Storm's most important relationship is with her brother, Gust, which is so sweet and protective! Storm is also in an established lesbian relationship which was such a cool thing I don't often see in books.
And Storm is an interesting main character. She's feisty, angry, decisive, but a loyal, kind soul, and very tortured...there's actually a lot of suffering in the book, so not everything is light and nice for sure. I also really liked how her endgame played out, and it indicated to me that her story will not be a typical Chosen One journey. I'm excited to find out what happens next.
Mostly because of its elemental magic system, but also because of the character work, the characters' relationships, and some of the worldbuilding--I just think if you like Avatar, you're gonna love this. I really loved the family-centric way this book built up: Mareau and his sister lost a war against the tyrannical Lord of Life years ago, and now Mareau's niece, Storm is the one who calls this old warrior back to finish the job. Storm's most important relationship is with her brother, Gust, which is so sweet and protective! Storm is also in an established lesbian relationship which was such a cool thing I don't often see in books.
And Storm is an interesting main character. She's feisty, angry, decisive, but a loyal, kind soul, and very tortured...there's actually a lot of suffering in the book, so not everything is light and nice for sure. I also really liked how her endgame played out, and it indicated to me that her story will not be a typical Chosen One journey. I'm excited to find out what happens next.
October 3, 2025
I was quite intrigued by the premise of this book and the beginning truly captivated me. Mareau is a broken man with a tragic past and is suddenly offered a second chance.
Elemental magic is my favourite magic system and the “Avatar” vibes were quite intriguing. The plot is solid and Lykkebo created a wide range with characters with lots of potential, but I felt that the worldbuilding was lacking and a little more background story and lore would help set the pace. We don’t learn what the pacts are about and while the magic system is just elemental magic, we don’t know why some people can wield it, who the “Masters” are and why some wielders are stronger than others. We know that metal inhibits their powers, but have no idea why.
I also would like to have seen more development for the characters. Mareau had such an interesting character arc, but then he goes in the background too quickly and Storm feels too adult for a teenage girl.
The end left me confused. I am not sure what happened.
Despite this, it was overall a fun read and very well written. Anyone looking for YA fantasy should give this story a chance.
Elemental magic is my favourite magic system and the “Avatar” vibes were quite intriguing. The plot is solid and Lykkebo created a wide range with characters with lots of potential, but I felt that the worldbuilding was lacking and a little more background story and lore would help set the pace. We don’t learn what the pacts are about and while the magic system is just elemental magic, we don’t know why some people can wield it, who the “Masters” are and why some wielders are stronger than others. We know that metal inhibits their powers, but have no idea why.
I also would like to have seen more development for the characters. Mareau had such an interesting character arc, but then he goes in the background too quickly and Storm feels too adult for a teenage girl.
The end left me confused. I am not sure what happened.
Despite this, it was overall a fun read and very well written. Anyone looking for YA fantasy should give this story a chance.
February 15, 2021
Winds of Destruction - Karen Lykkebo
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Karen.
Ancient pacts have been broken and powers greater than anything is about to be released and threatens to swallow the world. Life wants vengeance and the Wind freedom. The Spirits will fight for their justice and only the thunderous Storm can lead them to victory.
But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life's dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale.
Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.
I have mixed feelings about this book, the world is intriguing but I was confused about how the magic of the world works. I also felt that too many characters were introduced in a short space of time.
Rating 3/5
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Karen.
Ancient pacts have been broken and powers greater than anything is about to be released and threatens to swallow the world. Life wants vengeance and the Wind freedom. The Spirits will fight for their justice and only the thunderous Storm can lead them to victory.
But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life's dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale.
Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.
I have mixed feelings about this book, the world is intriguing but I was confused about how the magic of the world works. I also felt that too many characters were introduced in a short space of time.
Rating 3/5
April 8, 2025
Lykkebo continues to excel
This is a really love story. The moment Gust was introduced, I knew this book would have my heart. The characters are formidable, and we see a lot of growth from the main crew.
I really enjoyed Storms relationship with her uncle, and I love how she and Jodea worked with him to make him see his self-worth.
Lykkebo always manages to add lessons into her writing, and she has done it again with Winds of Destruction.
The only reason it's 3 stars instead of 4 is because there are a lot of issues with grammar and sentences. There are some sentences that make no sense. I know Lykkebo is Danish, so I'm putting it to the language barrier and writing in English when it's not your native language. But I think if this book got a really solid edit, it would be a 4, maybe even 5 star book.
This is a really love story. The moment Gust was introduced, I knew this book would have my heart. The characters are formidable, and we see a lot of growth from the main crew.
I really enjoyed Storms relationship with her uncle, and I love how she and Jodea worked with him to make him see his self-worth.
Lykkebo always manages to add lessons into her writing, and she has done it again with Winds of Destruction.
The only reason it's 3 stars instead of 4 is because there are a lot of issues with grammar and sentences. There are some sentences that make no sense. I know Lykkebo is Danish, so I'm putting it to the language barrier and writing in English when it's not your native language. But I think if this book got a really solid edit, it would be a 4, maybe even 5 star book.
December 16, 2021
I was completely engrossed is this story from beginning to end. It is one of the most unique and intriguing use of elemental magic that I've encountered. The author's use of wind and other earth magics drives the story of Storm, a young woman with big power, as her journey unfolds revealing her ties to the magic of wind and her desire to right past wrongs. The unfolding story is unexpected and intriguing. Excellent world building, combined with richly envisioned history and characters, make this an exciting and satisfying read.
April 3, 2025
A fast-paced fantasy adventure, which introduces its characters and setting in good time, and deftly introduces you to an age-old struggle. Has a simple, but enjoyable, magic system, for whatever that's worth to you. It's somewhat shorter than you may expect of fantasy in general, but that's neither a criticism nor compliment, though I could certainly imagine it being a bit longer.
I might say it's a little rough around the edges, but I'm definitely going to read the sequel, which I suppose is most relevant when discussing its quality.
Recommended.
I might say it's a little rough around the edges, but I'm definitely going to read the sequel, which I suppose is most relevant when discussing its quality.
Recommended.
August 11, 2022
Air Bender Meets Game of Thrones
K.Lykkebo has done an amazing job of building a world with magic and depth.
Storm is an amazing hero and goes through the right amount of character development.
This book is well written with descriptions scenes that throw you into the action of this book.
I think that this is the start to a great series. I am excited to see where the next book goes.
K.Lykkebo has done an amazing job of building a world with magic and depth.
Storm is an amazing hero and goes through the right amount of character development.
This book is well written with descriptions scenes that throw you into the action of this book.
I think that this is the start to a great series. I am excited to see where the next book goes.
August 9, 2023
Epic elemental adventure!
The world that Lykkebo has created is wonderfully fresh and exciting. The adventure reads easily yet doesn't shy away from hefty emotions or physical strife. And it was an absolute breath-holding charge to the finish, to find out how it would end!
My absolute favorite thing about this book is how the Spirits of Wind, Water, Earth, Fire, and Life are both powerful tools AND sentient, sovereign entities that can be angry, joyful, and even fickle.
The world that Lykkebo has created is wonderfully fresh and exciting. The adventure reads easily yet doesn't shy away from hefty emotions or physical strife. And it was an absolute breath-holding charge to the finish, to find out how it would end!
My absolute favorite thing about this book is how the Spirits of Wind, Water, Earth, Fire, and Life are both powerful tools AND sentient, sovereign entities that can be angry, joyful, and even fickle.
November 28, 2023
Awesome read
Initially, I opened this book on my kindle to get it cued up for my TBR list with the plan of reading it a little later. Then I read the first page and got hooked right away. The characters were fun, and the story and world are imaginative. Yeah, there are some errors in the digital copy, but even with them, I enjoyed the plot and writing enough to give this one 5 stars. This was solid fantasy writing. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Initially, I opened this book on my kindle to get it cued up for my TBR list with the plan of reading it a little later. Then I read the first page and got hooked right away. The characters were fun, and the story and world are imaginative. Yeah, there are some errors in the digital copy, but even with them, I enjoyed the plot and writing enough to give this one 5 stars. This was solid fantasy writing. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
January 22, 2022
This novel is one of true fantasy. This being my first read by this author, I was enthralled. The novel kept bringing me deeper and deeper into the story line. The author writes in a way that catches you by surprise and I just wanted to keep on reading. I highly recommend this novel. I received the novel from BookFunnel and this is my true and honest review.
dnf
August 24, 2024DNF at 12%
The writing is clunky and a bit irritating to read. Not enough time spent setting up the world or characters; we're kind of just thrown into things with half-baked characters who only have 1 or 2 personality traits. I don't feel like we're going to get much depth beyond that, so DNFing.
The writing is clunky and a bit irritating to read. Not enough time spent setting up the world or characters; we're kind of just thrown into things with half-baked characters who only have 1 or 2 personality traits. I don't feel like we're going to get much depth beyond that, so DNFing.
February 24, 2021
When I started this book I did not think I was going to like it. The more I read the more engrossed I became. Really a well crafted Fantasy story. The story was interesting and out of the ordinary. I liked the characters and the way the author developed them.
July 24, 2021
I liked this book because I was never able to see where the story was going to go next. It was a thrilling story that had me from the first sentence of chapter one. I recommend this to fantasy readers who are looking for a fresh story.
November 5, 2023
3.5 rounded up. Interesting concept and lovable characters. Still debating on if I’m interested in the second book or not. The writing was sometimes hard to follow and could have used another round of edits to help with grammar and the flow of the story.
November 8, 2023
Really enjoyed this, well written and ingenious. Loved the story, loved the characters, highly recommended.
August 24, 2022
From the first lines and little bits, Karen had shared in her tweets I had an inkling about the main character. But the farther I reached the more I doubted. And at some point, it started to feel like there maybe isn't a classical main character at all as I have used to see in books.
Keeps you on your toes with unexpected turns and twists, giving you hope with one hand and making you keep your breath with the other one. Even if you think you can guess where everything is headed, something will come along to shake everything up and as I reached closer and closer to the end - I became torn between wanting to know faster what happens and being scared of it.
Keeps you on your toes with unexpected turns and twists, giving you hope with one hand and making you keep your breath with the other one. Even if you think you can guess where everything is headed, something will come along to shake everything up and as I reached closer and closer to the end - I became torn between wanting to know faster what happens and being scared of it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews