The Burning Sky by @sherrythomas Review

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
(The Elemental Trilogy, #1)
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray; 464 pages
Rating:

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.

I've put this book off for awhile. It was one I was really excited about reading but then I started seeing more and more people either DNF it or just not enjoy it. Most struggled getting through the end (if they even made it to the end) so I was nervous. Especially when it's a lot of people who have similar taste as yourself. However, a friend of mine really raved about this book and she's the reason I tried it.

It was confusing in the beginning. She was talking about things that I had no idea about and there really wasn't much explanation on some things and eventually, you figured out what she meant but it was just kind of jumping in blind. It took away from me enjoying the story but then it started getting good but then it didn't. I was one chapter away from DNFing this book. I told myself to read one more chapter and if it didn't pick up again, then don't waste your time. Well, the book must have been listening because from that chapter forward, it was really good.

One thing that bothered me were the character names in this book. I am all about unique names but I don't know, this is a minor annoyance but they were just . . . out there. I mean, Iolanthe? I wouldn't even know how to pronounce it. And Titus, that name just makes me giggle and feel bad for anyone with that name. I get why he's named that and it's a family name and all but you don't know that when you first meet him. Again, like I said, minor annoyance but I like to be able to pronounce the main characters name but this may just be me since I'm horrid with pronouncing names.

The magic element of this story was brilliant. I loved it and I can't wait to read more about it all. That magic, fantasy element of this story is what saved me. The characters, while I liked them as a whole, I didn't like the romance. It was too sudden, too quick . . . maybe not insta love but pretty damn close. I like the two characters, as partners but I'm not sure I like them as lovers. I'll have to save this judgement for the second book because I'm on the fence about it.

Regardless, this was a good book. Not one that's stuck with me since finishing it but one that has me curious enough to read the next book (especially since I'm being told by the same friend that it's better than this one). Was it worth the read? Yes, I think so. Do I regret putting it off for as long as I have? Nope. It's not one of those books where I'm kicking myself in the bum wondering why I hadn't read it sooner. It's neither great nor horrid so I can consider that a success.

Thanks so much to Harper Collins for allowing me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.