The trials are over. It's time for the real fight to begin. Talise is thrust into her role as Master Shaper in the most dangerous way possible. With the enemy knocking on the gates of the palace, she must use her shaping to keep them away. But even after the battle, the emperor continues to be unhappy with her progress. The soldiers seem to share his disdain, and they fight against her leadership at every turn. With the deadline of the masquerade ball fast approaching, Talise must decide whose approval matters the emperor’s or the soldiers’. Despite her decision, one thing is certain. She must prove her potential… before the emperor gets rid of her for good. Dust Crown is episode 3 of The Elements of Kamdaria. Don't miss the other books in this novella series. Episode 1: Ice Crown Episode 2: Wind Crown Episode 3: Dust Crown Episode 4: Flame Crown Episode 5: River Gate Episode 6: Smoke Gate More episodes to come...
Kay L. Moody is proud to be an epic fantasy romance author who gets to create worlds for a living. 😉 Her books feature strong female characters, court intrigue, royalty, magic, and slow burn romance with men who fall first.
With 17 romantasy books across 4 complete series, she’s no stranger to hidden princesses, deadly competitions, or couples who go from enemies to lovers. Her books have sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and have earned accolades including Best Fantasy Book (Many Books, Dec 2023) and Bestseller: Fantasy (BookRaid, Apr 2024).
Her favorite non bookish things are pizza, summertime, the color pink, and having pretty nails. She lives in the western USA with her husband and four sons. Follow her on social media to stay in touch (@kaylmoody).
I'm pretty sure I mentioned this before Kay L. Moody has herself a fantastic series going here . Book 1 & 2 I couldn't put down and this 3rd book was no different . The main characters have grown with every book and as they do you begin to understand something's you wasn't completely sure about . These characters become friends and you really can't help yourself but to wonder on a decision made . When you as a reader become vested in the characters then the author has done an amazing job making you care about what happens to them . And I know I mentioned the world building before which is excellent and continues to grow with every story . So I'll basically what I've said before . Go buy this series . Because when you finish book 1 you are definitely going to want to dive into 2&3 so buy them all and read them and go leave a review , it only takes a few minutes . So stop reading this and go get the series and start reading .
This book picks up exactly where number 2 left us and wow!! The characters are filling out even more and the bonds that are forming are beautiful.
We find out more about Aaden, his past and his motivations. Also with Talise we get a whole new outlook to her and see her struggle with figuring out who she is and what kind of leader she can be.
There are more twists and turns to be had with his book. So far this was the most action packed storyline and the books on this series are getting better and better!
I loved this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. That ending—I’m on the edge of my seat with anticipation!
Wow! The cliffhanger at the end I can't get over it. I love this book. So intense. So many things happening. I felt the struggle of Talise and the fierce loyalty of Aaden in every page. Now everything makes sense. Secrets uncovered and now back to the wait for the next book.
Book Title: Dust Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 3)
Author: Kay L Moody
My rating 1-5
Edit quality:5 World Building:4 Characters : Main character 5 ; Supporting Characters 4
My attempt at a summary:
This is the third book in the series and as previous of the other two books, it starts where the other book left off. Talise is growing as a master shaper but now has more responsibilities and has to prove herself again in this role. Part of me feels bad for her, I just want her to have a break, but that's how character development goes.
As Talise is growing, so is the interaction with Aaden. I feel like his role has switched from Antagonist to something else, but to see that you will just have to read.
The Antagonist in this book is a rebel faction that keeps infiltrating the castle and is in search for a particular item that will lead them to there goals.
A huge reveal happens in this book that changes the whole story dynamic and I cant wait to figure out what the author has in store for us next.
(Spoilers and Suggestions)
This is the third book in the series and as I'm writing this, I was not prepared for what happened in this book. I feel totally blind sighted. And I love that! Although I feel trepidation when I reach the last book she has released in this series because I know it's going to leave off on a cliffhanger of sorts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow. The blurb is quite accurate. Talise and Aaden now realize that the Emperor is really dealing with an opposing army, and he is relying upon two 17-year olds to teach their shaping skills to seasoned warriors. Of course they mock her. Of course they don’t get along. Talise and Aaden treat them like pawns on a board rather than like people.
Once Talise realizes this, she tries to get to know the soldiers, despite her lack of sociability. Her real breakthrough only occurs when she ignores the emeror’s demands and allows them to enjoy the festival.
While I see real character growth, I still don’t see how Talise can support a system that permanently penalizes the poor, the children of criminals, the front edge that protects the kingdom against outside agression...until the climax. Oh, I knew it! I was surprised. Huh.
This series of novelettes is amazingly detailed, and the psychology of each character is deep. I really feel like a teen again, groping to understand my own feelings and what people expect of me.
If you like an exotic asian-influenced fantasy with a building war, inexperienced team leaders, and a demanding, yet grandfatherly emperor, I totally recommend it but start at the beginning. Treat these as a series of acts in a play. Each title can be read each weekend. How perfect is that?
Talise's story continues in this third novella, picking up right where we were left in the second installment.
In Wind Crown, we learned that there were no Master Shapers left, leaving Talise and Aaden to carry that weight on their own. In knowing this truth, I began to find fault with so many of the circumstances in the previous parts of the book. With their strengths so diminished, why wouldn't the emperor have the academy focus on replenishing the ranks of his shapers? Why not have the teachers from the academy start teaching the soldiers how to shape instead of relying on Talise and Aaden, still in their teens and completely unfamiliar with how to impart their skills onto others? Why, in one breath, is Talise so callous with the lives of their own soldiers that she suggests sacrificing for a win, when she can't bear to look at the lives lost on the other side?
The twist at the end came unsurprisingly, likely because so much emphasis was put on the topic that I would have been more surprised had it not been true. Still, watching Talise learn how to manage herself in the role of Master Shaper alongside Aaden and against the forces striking at the castle did make for a brisk and somewhat entertaining read. Hopefully part four will provide some closure to this story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book continues its awesome journey with Talise and Aaden. The trials are now over, and now they have a bigger issue at hand that they must deal with. Talise is getting frustrated that the emperor just never seems to be happy with what she does and now his soldiers share his response, fighting her ways.
This book follows Talise and Aaden and the issues they face, starting with trying to train soldiers to shape who have many issues to do so.
If you read the description it tells you all you really need to know, and I don't want to give too much away. It's a great book with some great scenes in it.
This book was given to me for free by the author and these are my honest thoughts on the book.
OK that twist in the end was a little unexpected. How could I not see it coming? The shortness of the book isn't bothering me as much now. 180 pages isn't awful but it definitely keeps the pace quick. If I blink, I miss something crazy important. I truly hope Talise is OK. And Aaden, Cyle, and Wendy were so shocked! They all couldn't believe they missed it. I truly hope that at the end of this, Talise and the Emperor get reunited. How Fate really twists. Talise is falling in love with the son of the man caused her families death. Whose caused her an immeasurable amount of pain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The plot continues to thicken, the bad guys are closing in. Talise and Aaden are forced to learn fast to be leaders. There is a BIG twist (that I kind of suspected after I started reading this book, but still a twist). Some things that didn't make sense to me in the second book make so much more sense after the twist is revealed. I looked back at everything in an "Aha!" moment. Now excuse me while I go dive ahead into the next book because this one also ends on a good cliffhanger! (LOL)
I was given a copy of this book in an exchange of an honest review•all thoughts and opinions are mine though ◻ It was really nice as are the rest of the books . I highly recommend them 😁 Nice covers 😄 Better though to get the Elements of the crown that has all of them 😁
Holyyyy this was such a good book! Great continuation of the series. We got battles, backstory, character development, and twists that I really didn’t see coming?? Couldn’t put it down and will definitely read the next book.
Thank you, Booksprout, for a complementary copy of this series in exchange for my honest review!
After reading book 1 in the series, I was hooked!!! I really wanted to read the next book and got excited when I saw that Booksprout offered an ARC of the entire series. I just had to jump on that offer! The books are fast reads and keep you guessing what is going to happen next. I love Aaden and his inner struggle and the relationships between Aaden and Talise and Talise and her friends Wendy and Clayde. Talise made me want to bang my forehead on the wall multiple times. I got so frustrated. For someone who has seen and experienced so much in her life, she was pretty immature at times. But then came the plot twist in book 3 and I was like woooooooo, hold on, say what???!!! Great job, Kay L. Moody!! I'm almost done with book 4 and can't wait to see how the series ends!
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
Before I dive into the review, it’s important to note that this is part of a novella series, where all the installments are shorter than the standard novel. Despite this, the story contains so much action, suspense and excitement – as much as a full-length novel would.
Here’s what you can expect while reading Dust Crown:
• The real fight is just beginning, and Talise and Aadan, as well as Claye and Wendy must use all their knowledge and experience to protect the emperor and the crown. • Like before, the worldbuilding is amazing, and here we get a better depth on villains. • There is no language or adult content, and the although there is a bit of romance, it is not overwhelming or taking away from the main focus of this story. • Toward the end, we get a major plot twist that might explain everything we have seen so far, but it is not explored too much in this one as it takes place near the end.
Overall, just as exciting and great as the first, it’s really amazing how the author has managed to capture so much and present it in such a short book while still retaining its value and importance. I can’t wait to see how the series continues after that revelation, and I don’t know how I will be able to wait until the next one comes out.
Wow! This story just keeps getting better and better. After learning that the Kessoku are alive and strong and still after the emperor at the end of Wind Crown, Dust Crown jumps right into the battle. As Master Shapers, Talise and Aaden are leading the shaping while the soldiers fight to save the palace, then lose the palace, lure the Kessoku into a false sense of security, and quickly win the battle. Or so it seems. But nothing is ever quite that easy for Talise and her friends.
In this new episode of the Kamdarian saga, Talise learns what it means to become a leader...and what it costs. Aaden continues to fight with her and for her. They both test different methods of getting soldiers to follow orders and discover more about themselves in the process. And a shocking secret is revealed.
I love the way the story has unfolded so far. There are still so many mysteries, but some were so well hidden, I didn't even realize how much I had assumed until there is a new revelation. I can't wait to read the next book and sincerely hope that Ms. Moody will write additional stories in this world after the series is over. It is unique and compelling world building. And there is much work for Talise and her friends to do, likely more than can be completed in the final book. Oh, and I think I like the emperor a tiny bit better in this book...maybe.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and have reviewed it freely.
The trials are over. It’s time for the real fight to begin. Talise is thrust into her role as Master Shaper in the most dangerous way possible. With the enemy knocking on the gates of the palace, she must use her shaping to keep them away But even after the battle, the emperor continues to be unhappy with her progress. The soldiers seem to share his disdain, and they fight against her leadership at every turn. With the deadline of the masquerade ball fast approaching, Talise must decide whose approval matters most: the emperor’s or the soldiers’. Despite her decision, one thing is certain. She must prove her potential… before the emperor gets rid of her for good.
I am loving this series so much; and each one just keeps getting better! The plot and storylines are just so gripping. Great world building has been happening all throughout the series. The characters are just amazing and keep maturing and growing. The suspense just keeps you gripped til the very end. I am anxiously awaiting the next one now. Recommend reading highly.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I must say I rather enjoyed this 3rd installment in Elements of Kamdaria! I still have some issues with the writing, but I try to remind myself that these books are meant for YA readers, so maybe it's just my tastes that are changing over the years.
This book does answer many of my concerns about the previous book, hence why I was able to enjoy it more:
- You get more backstory for Talise and other characters, which finally helps you understand some of the things that didn't make sense (turns out Talise had a stronger reason to distrust Aeden, even if unfair in my opinion). - You understand why the Emperor treats Talise the way he does... And then you just want to punch the asshole. - You finally get a cliffhanger at the end of the book that does make sense! And like any good cliffhanger, it leaves you salivating for more :) - The romance finally develops, halleluiah!
Ah, and Talise finally starts becoming the badass that she was meant to be, like, literally meant to be (little clue in here ;) )
Kay L Moody’s DUST CROWN takes place following book two, WIND CROWN. This story keeps getting better; which considering how good book one, ICE CROWN, was no easy feat. Talise and Aaden discovered they are the only Master Shapers left. The enemy is looming. Talise needs to learn to be a Master Shaper and a leader to the soldiers. Meanwhile, the emperor is still not happy with her. This fantasy is suitable for young adult readers.
I loved this book. Talise and Aaden continue to grow. Talise struggles with her leadership role. There were so many interesting revelations in this novel; the things we learn – oh my…. Then the cliffhanger ending…my heart. I cannot wait for the next book. I still think that this series would make an amazing movie or television series. I recommend this series to lovers of fantasies. You want to read this series from the start. Do not read this book as a stand alone. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. The war between Kamdaria and the Kessoku is on, stretching Talise and Aadens' shaping abilities to the extreme and the soldiers bound to protect the emperor. When they are tasked with training the soldiers with shaping skills yet mastered; Talise fights to find a way to not only become a leader but one that is respected, including the emperor. Among all of the chaos, secrets the could lead to fate of Kamdaria are laid bare; adding danger to their friendship that has already been shaped in so many profound ways. This series keeps getting better with each book. Highly recommended!!!
I finished this at 1 am. I couldn't fall asleep until 5 am. The plot twist made my brain just go and go and it wouldn't turn off! Don't finish this right before bed lol. But honestly, holy crap. I adore these books. I never buy paperbacks anymore, but once these are available as a paperback, I'm going to leap at the chance. Dust crown did an especially good job of showing Talise's character growth. Everything is just getting more and more intense as I go... and I thought waiting for book 3 was hard! Waiting for book 4 is absolute torture!! (Of the best kind, obviously!) Kay L Moody is a masterful storyteller. I can't believe these just keep getting better!
I received an ARC of this book like in the past and can tell you seriously this is SO worth it. I love this series, I hope we get many many MANY more episodes (I'm looking at YOU Kay....) and how about seasons? TV shows get season's so stories should too.
I am so glad we found out about Talise's parents. I had been curious about them and when we would find out. I liked seeing how her spirit grew and how she herself grew as she learned from her mistakes. I also understand her as a person better.
I can hardly wait until episode 4 because I am in LOVE with this story.
ARC received from the author. In third book of the series we get to see more action and a lot of elements shaping. Talise and Aaden get to work more together. They get to know each other better, to the point where they speak only with their eyes. Their bond is getting more and more tighter 😍 Also, with the reveal of Talise's true identity we get to understand more why the emperor acted the way he did tward her. And the ending. OMG! From heat and fire to cold and ice in a splitting second. Can't wait for the next book to come any sooner.