In a kingdom where Fae are enslaved, protection for herself and her court is guaranteed when she is gifted to the youngest Prince of Dana and forced into a loveless marriage.
When her life is threatened by the arrival of the emperor’s soldiers and the Brotherhood, Corvina scrambles to protect her secrets. And when a group of Fae rebels who call themselves the Resistance come for her, Corvina has no choice but to follow them, the man who calls himself her mate, and the two women who are just like her. Elementals. The last of their kind.
But taking the Fae princess is not without consequence and the Resistance soon find themselves at war with the kingdom and the prince who will stop at nothing to get her back. Blood will be shed. Battles will be lost. In the chaos and destruction, friendships will be formed, bonds will be broken…
And Corvina must decide if she will take back her power to stand with her people, or watch the Fae fall for good.
Trigger Warning: This book is a dark fantasy series and may contain content unsuitable for readers under the ages of 18, as well as certain themes that may be triggering to others.
Aleera Anaya Ceres is the International Bestselling author of several series including the Origins of the Six series and the Daughter of Triton series. Like most introverts, Aleera prefers to curl up with a good book, listen to music, paint, read tarot cards, and snack on the tears and heartbreak of her readers.
A proud Mexican-American from the state of Kansas, Aleera currently resides in Tlaxcala, Mexico with her husband and children.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It is still as interesting and intriguing compared to the first book.
What I love about the characters was they are so diverse. Not just in appearance, but in personality, flaws, thought process, etc. Even the main couples per book have their own distinct /something/. I love how they are aware and each have their own observations as to why they CANNOT absolutely compare themselves because they're beautiful in their own way.
I love how the author was very consistent in keeping the story /going/ meaning it didn't get boring. Not one second was I wishing this book could have finished earlier. I am loving (also hating because im kinda impatient lol) how she left a lot of *subtle* hints on what to expect for the next books.
I wish to give a review per book in its own, but that's the thing... I cannot because everyone, even with little involvement, contributes as a whole. I just want to tell you that this book in particular, though, stressed me the hell out. Much more compared to Iona's story. Mainly because of Corvina's gone through and also the fact that i have to wait Mana knows how long for the next one 😭
Now ... i'm just ... floating in between because I absolutely do not know when the one's gonna be. Like I do not know what the hell to do now 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I highly recommend my goodreads friends to start and hype the series with me!
I received the eARC for ASOW, and I couldn't be happier!
What a rollercoaster of emotions!! This has to be my favorite book in the series so far. Corvnia's journey was a difficult one to stomach at first. Make sure you heed trigger warnings before reading. This book touches on some heavy topics. Be sure to take pauses if you need it.
If you can handle this book, I highly recommend getting through Corvina's journey. She had so much to overcome. Her mate and her new friends helped her journey in the best way possible. I loved seeing the growth in not just Corvina, but Shula and Ryker as well. Ryker and Shula are my favorite couple, but Corvina and her mate have my heart 100%.
The smut is incredibly epic as always. This one felt so personal, and so freeing once we get to the intimacy. I love the gradual build of intimacy growing from emotional to physical. Corvina deserves the world, and I'm so happy to see she's with someone that can deliver on that.
The other characters were great to see. I loved seeing the growth in the others, despite them not being the main focus of the story. It's always nice to see when side characters show growth. I'll admit that I struggle to empathize with the human side more and more each book. There is a struggle there between the fae and the humans that goes beyond the superficial. I feel myself getting wrapped up in it, but that's a good thing! That means I'm all in and invested.
All in all, read this series. It's amazing story wise, character wise, and smut wise. I already look forward to the next reread, and the next book!
I got an E-Arc of this book and I could not put it down. I am such a fan of Aleera Anya Ceres' work because she fills a gap in fantasy literature that caters to and represents a POC audience. Corvina's story was powerful and well written. Her Authors note is immensely wholesome and showcases an author that truly cares with all her heart about her audience, the characters she writes, and the stories she tells. Go buy this book and support the Fae Elementals series!!!
I had to stew with this story for a couple of hours before sitting down and writing a review.
You know when an author has poured their heart and soul into a book when it speaks to you as a reader. There is so much emotion packed in not even 400 pages. The first 50 pages left me emotionally spent.
Now this book has content warnings and the author has graciously laid them out to warn readers of potentially triggering circumstances. If content warnings aren't your thing, you can easily flip past them and read on at your own discretion.
This book pained me, in more ways than one. Corvina is such a broken character that we are left wondering if she will ever find strength again. Her journey of recovery is truly awe inspiring. Corvina and Clay's story is one that stems from friendship and is steady and as calm as a stream. Which should be no surprise if you have read books 1 and 2. Clay has a knack for creating friendships that are silly, emotionally charging and full of deep caring. These two are so good for one another.
ASOW left me curious of other characters aswell. Weylyn is so chaotic that I can't help but be in love with him.
There were several instances in this story that had me gasping, had me laughing out loud and had me on the verge of tears, my heart hurting for this cast of characters.
If you haven't already picked this series up PLEASE do. The cast is so diverse and the family that they have created is so wonderful to read.
Oh my gods what a rollercoaster!!! This book was my favorite out of the Fae Elementals so far. But heed the trigger warnings: there are graphic depictions of violence and rape.
I love Corvina. Reading her story and experiencing the hardships and trauma she goes through is utterly heartbreaking and shattered my feels more than any book I’ve read. If there’s one thing I can count on with Aleera’s writing, she knows how to pull all of those raw emotions out of you. It’s one of the many reasons I love her stories. And seeing her relationship with Clay unfold as she learns to love and trust him after all the trauma she’s endured was beautiful and satisfying in every way.
I also love the fact that we get to see the other relationships from the previous books progress. Shula and Ryker have come a long way since A Dance with Fire. I couldn’t be more proud of Shula as she continues to grow and become the strong, confident woman she’s always struggled to be. And Ryker is finally learning to put aside his hate and prejudice towards humans, even though it certainly feels justified at times. Both are becoming better fae for each other, and want to help shape their world in hopes of fae and humans living together peacefully one day.
That last chapter has me REELING still!! We still have no idea who the emperor is, but I have my suspicions. I’m so excited to read the next book; especially after that cliffhanger!!
Have you ever read a book that you could feel all the love and work the author put into it? For me that’s this book, it was beautiful , tragic, magical and so much more. This book is like any of Aleera’s books it transports you and you feel everything but comparing it to all the others wouldnt do it justice because this book is a masterpiece.
Corvina has gone through so much and yet is still such a strong and resilient woman, I enjoyed getting to meet and understand her character: her growth in this book was beautiful and moving, her relationship with clay is one of the most beautiful things I have had the pleasure of reading.
Clay is just perfection, how dare aleera make the perfect man and make him even more perfect because that’s exactly what clay is. Yeah he has his flaws but damn even those don’t last long, I promise you will fall head over heels for him if you haven’t already.
And shula has come full circle, her character really shines in this one and I can’t be more proud of her than I already was. Her and Ryker they will always be number one they are just such a beautiful and raw relationship.
The story of this one is by far one of my favorites and the end has me reeling for more, I have so many questions and I can’t wait for the next one.
Holy. Fae. I am SO impressed with how this series continues and each book is even better than the last. The raw emotion tugs at my heart, and if you want a good cry this is the book. The Fae Elementals series is an interconnected world and each book focuses on one couple. This book is the third book in the series and revolves around Corvina and Clay. With the established world building in book one and two, we get an even wider glimpse of the world Ms Ceres has created and even more insight into new and familiar characters. Clay is the ultimate lover of women, he’s the epitome of “woman’s gaze” in the way he interacts and actually listens and values women. Corvina is broken from an unhappy marriage to a horrible man, and Clay is the one there to help her save herself. This book has some disturbing triggers which are highlighted at the beginning of the book so please read them before continuing. I give this book a 5/5 stars and 5/5 stars for the spicy aspect. This is a slow burn and there’s lots of tension but no spice between the main characters until the end of the book, which I felt was applicable to their character arcs.
Corvina's journey is a tough one emotionally, but a worthy and fulfilling one. The one thing I love about the female main characters in this series is that they are so real. They don't magically heal from all of their trauma by the end of the book. They are real people with real journey's and with goals still to achieve. These things take time, and I love that Aleera shows that in her books. Shula, the main character from the first book, has come far, but even she still has insecurities. I loved how Shula used her experiences to help and comfort Corvina. I love my resistane fae fam!
Clay is a wonderful character, and I was so happy he got his mate in this book. It was fun to see him stumble over himself for once, and he is such a good pairing for Corvina.
I got more of my favorite villain, Captain Brannon, in this one and he did not disappoint!! I don't want to spoil anything but WOW!!! So many things to look forward to for the next one - I can't wait!!!
Wow, simply W-O-W. This book left me speechless but I’m going to try my hardest to write it a review that it deserves. I absolutely loved this story. Corvina’s journey is a hard read. Calling it hard is being generous. It is devastating! The author does a wonderful job of laying out the trigger and content warning at the beginning of the book. I will write a list at the end of this review as well.
A Shield of Water gives us wonderful insight into Corvina’s world and the torture she experiences. This book focuses on her a lot. We also get to see a fair amount of the characters from the other books. I really like that about this author’s writing style. She can seamlessly weave together new characters and old ones. I have absolutely no complaints about this book and will definitely read the rest of the series as the books are released.
Content and Trigger Warnings: Rape and Domestic Violence
A Shield of Water by Aleera Anaya Ceres is a high fantasy and book 3 in the Fae Elementals series. This story continues with the search for the Elementals and the fight with the emperor. It follows Corvina, who was forced into a marriage with a prince, but when the resistance shows up, she has no choice but to leave.
Omg this one had me so damn emotional right from the start. My heart immediately went to the fmc. I couldn't wait for her to find her footing and realize what she truly deserves! I was so excited to see the romance pairing in this one because our mmc was something!!! I absolutely loved them together. It was such a delicious slow burn and angsty.
I really love how everyone we've met in the other books has a great presence in each story. I'm truly obsessed with the series and will be starting the next book immediately!!!
This book was my favorite of the series so far! This book we get to meet the water Elemental Corvina who is fated to our sweet, woman-loving Clay! The world building in this series is TOP tier, and you really get to immerse yourself into a whole different world. This is a deliciously slow burn series, that has multiple POV’s so you get to continue to see each main character and couples continue on their growth and relationship journey through the series. I can’t wait for book 4!!
All I can say is wow! This author had me in tears for both joy and heartache. The character development is so well written and she writes not only of the trauma a victim can go through but the healing process of finding yourself and taking your power back with a great warning clearly stated with corresponding chapters.
Corvina is probably my most favorite character of the series and her pairing to Clay just fits. Corvina is a victim of domestic violence and even though they’re mates Clay is a gentleman who’s only aim is to carry her wishes. I resonated so much with her pain and was so happy watching her take back her life. The bonds she finds with Iona and especially Shula is so beautiful.
This book series has been so amazing to read with so many things on self love/worth, friendship bonds, relationships, tolerance, courage, and so much more. She has outdone herself with this one and I hedge bets the next book is Uric and Air ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Corvina, poor Corvina! My heart hurt for all she endured. She came through it all like a beast though and became stronger than she ever was. This book was absolutely amazing! I loved that Clay and Corvina are fated mates. They are both so amazingly sweet and caring for all those they love around them. They’re perfect for each other. Love love love this entire series! Cannot wait for the next books!
Once again I am blown away by Aleera and this entire world that she has built. Not only is the scene set by her amazing descriptions but the people she has created had some of the rawest emotions that I’ve read in any book or series. Like the previous books, she put Corvina through the ringer and my heart broke for her and everything that she had to deal with. Clay is perfect for Corvina in this story to show her how to love and trust. That not everyone is going to hurt her. I love these character and love the wild ride that Aleera continues to take us on in this world. I can’t wait for more.
This is by far my favourite of all of Aleeras books. This was not only beautifully written but also heart wrenching and tear inducing. Corvina is a broken woman who’s so scared of starting anew that she’d rather stay with her demons. At times I wanted to slap her and make her see how wonderful life would be but I also understood. I knew how hard it was for her to see the good.
This is a book which will stay with me for a long time and one which I will always recommend (as long as you read the triggers at the start)
Aleera - thank you for entrusting us to give an honest review, and thank you for writing such an amazing book. I cannot wait for the 4th!!
💧She is fury. She is vengeance💧Meet Corvina, Water Fae Element.
This element series is like no other. It’s rough, its bloody, its dark and heart breaking. Humans versus the Fae. It’s complicated and deadly and the Fae resistance needs to find all the fae elementals sooner then later. War is inevitable. Small numbers for the fae but never forget: Fear the weak for they have nothing to loose.
🔥🔥...”they could be chained and degraded, used, abused, and broken but they would always rise from the ashes of what they used to be. Stronger. Fiercer. And ready for vengeance”🔥🔥
I have my favorites of course: Clay and Shula will forever be my favorite friends!!#friendshipgoals!! 😅 cute and adorable. And Shula is my favorite elemental!!! Everyone underestimated her...but look at her now. THAT GIRL IS FIRE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I can't recommend this series enough. The Fae Elementals series is an Adult High Fantasy Fae series that follows the Fae in "The Resistance" on their search for the Elementals to help save the Fae from the humans. The Fae have been hunted, tortured and killed, simply because they're Fae.
Warning - There are triggers in book three, but Aleera makes sure to warn you at the beginning of the book which chapters to avoid. In book three we are introduced to Corvina. Corvina has gone through nothing but hardship, and struggles to overcome it. Throughout the story we see Corvina slowly coming into her own, with the help from The Resistance and her mate - she is ready to fight for what she wants.
Aleera kills it with the details throughout her books. The magic that she brings to the pages really makes the story come alive. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait until the next one comes out. If you're looking for a new Adult Fantasy Series - this is the one for you! It comes jam packed with action, amazing story building, slow burns and the most detailed character developments!
Thank you to Aleera for an advanced copy of this book!
The story was really good. I do feel bad for Corvina but I just don’t like weak women. Corvina and Shula are kindred spirits and I don’t like either one of them. But I’m here for the character development. They’re all strong in their own ways but both Corvina and Shula are always blaming everything bad that happens on themselves.
I knew clay and Corvina would have a hard time. Corvina has anger for Clay but not for anyone else. Clay is so nice and understanding. He didn’t deserve her rejection.
That cliffhanger! I knew it!
Ready for Valerio to find his mate but also ready for a male elemental.
I’m not understanding the timeline. I thought the war ended 100 years ago. How did Corvina just get married 4 years ago?
This book was just as good as the first to in the series. I love seeing the different levels of trauma and coping throughout all the characters. It gives a whole other level of diversity in the series. Also I love how each book gives us more info about the Emperor but not enough that I’m still confused on who the Emperor. I have so many thoughts and theories on who “he” is and what could possibly happen in the next book. I can’t wait till more books in the series comes out and to see how this all ends.
I rate this book 3.5 please make sure you read the trigger warnings in the front of the book. There are some very triggering items in it. I rated this book lower since it felt like the author struggled with this story line. I wasn't as engaged as I normally am. I understand the trauma but I felt like it was a lot written about it when it could have been done with less chapters. Overall it took a long time to get to the group part of the book too. I will still read the books but this wasn't my favorite of the three.
Well I've said it before and I'll say it again, this season keeps getting better by the book! I am enjoying this series so much, seeing the growth of every character page by page chapter by chapter!! I love it!