Book Review: The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas + Signed Book Giveaway

The Burning Sky
The Elemental Trilogy #1
Author: Sherry Thomas
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy/High Fantasy/Magic
Release Date: September 17th 2013
Review Source: HarperTeen

It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.

But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

Iolanthe Seabourn is prophesied to be the greatest elemental mage of all time, whether or not she believes it. Prince Titus also has a prophesied destiny, a destiny he has dedicated a greater part of his life to. That destiny is Iolanthe. Together they must embark on a journey in defeating the greatest mage tyrant, Bane. Titus knows the ending... his ending. For him, the vengeance of his family is what's in store and he will make sure to achieve it. But falling in love changes everything. For Iolanthe he will do anything, for her he would die. At all costs, his destiny is to protect her.

First of all let me be completely honest here. I am not a fan of fantasy. At all. I am not a fan of castles and dragons and spells. With that said, I ABSOLUTELY and completely loved The Burning Sky. Sherry Thomas you have made me a fantasy fan out of me.

Iolanthe is probably the most perfect character written, ever. She is equally as hard as she is soft. Not annoying at all, not overpowering at all. Titus compliments her well. I fell in love with him, with the dedication to this destiny he has. He is definitely ambitious, determined, and disciplined. I mean, what other guy do you know that will dedicate his every single thought and action for most of his life for this ONE task? He reserves the characteristics of my dream guy.

There are two factors of this book that were my favorite thing ever. First, the introduction paragraph. The very first page before the story starts. It was the most perfect thing I've ever read. If you ever come across this book, which you should because you should totally read it, open it up to the first page and read that paragraph. That paragraph will hook you like like an addictive drug. You will want more. Not gonna lie, I went back to that first page once or twice.. or three times, maybe more to re-read it. My second favorite thing is the pacing of the story. I loved, loved, loved the pacing. It wasn't too slow or too fast. The relationship between Iolanthe and Titus evolved naturally and at a believable pace. Most books have the characters fall in love almost immediately, this book felt really, really natural. Ironic, since it's a fantasy story. I can't say that for many other books.

So have you ever read a book and wished that you could unread it just so you could read it all over again and experience it all over? That's what this book makes me want. Thank you Sherry Thomas! I will be reading more fantasy now and I will also be waiting, impatiently, for the next installment in the Elemental Trilogy.

“Expect Magic.”

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Bianca will be attending the Dark Days tour at Blue Willow Bookshop and will grab a signed copy to giveaway to one of OUaT readers. This will be for US residents only. Please read the terms and conditions in the rafflecopter. Good Luck!

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