Disclaimer: This is a spoiler free review and might seem like jibberish until you read the book, which I obviously recommend that you do.
That's my thought after finishing A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova. (Don't ask me about the Cedric reference. If you know, you know.) Man, does she pack one hell of a sucker punch. I'm still collecting my thoughts from the emotional whiplash Elise Kova just inflicted on me. Clearly, I was not braced for impact.
But that's what lured me in with this book. I didn't see any of it coming. Eira isn't the typical YA heroine. She's not a born badass. She has that power, but she has no idea. She's been sheltered and stifled her entire life under the guise of love. But the cage her loved ones have built around her only tightens after a tragic accident where her magic was unleashed three years ago--something no one seems keen to forgive her for.
I appreciated that Eira wasn't super mopey (she did have her moments) or blatantly throwing pity parties. This was her life. She built up an ice wall around her heart to keep it all from sinking in and drowning her. She had her own strength even before her power blossomed. All she needed was to forgive herself and a bit of confidence. Not even that much, if we're honest. She didn't walk out of this book saying "I'm a magical badass!" but just "Maybe I'm better than I thought."
She certainly didn't walk out of this book unscathed, and neither did I. I found myself rooting for the wrong person, distrusting the good guy and figuring that out too late, and slack-jawed at the big and highly tragic reveal. Maybe I'm just as naïve as Eira, because I was just as shocked as her.
Elise Kova hit the fantasy trifecta, in my opinion: A well rounded and unique character who is a work in progress with more room to grow, an intricately built world, and an incredibly layered plot peeled back piece by piece with the promise of more secrets to come.
My only complaint: Book four doesn't come out until next year, but there's no way I can resist diving into books two and three now. Ready to suffer with me until 2024? Get your copy of A Trial of Sorcerers by following the links below! You can read all three books with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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