REVIEW: The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas

The Immortal Heights is the final book in the Elemental trilogy. Everything has led to this, the final battle with the Bane.  Prince Titus has used his many resources to remain one step ahead of his foes, but he just might fail as the Bane issues a ultimatum: hand over elemental mage, Iolanthe, or watch as the entire realm is destroyed. Titus, Iolanthe, and their allies must work together if they are to save not only the realm but themselves. Breaking into a near impenetrable fortress is the least of their worries when new prophecies indicate greater impending doom.

This final book is pretty much a non-stop thrill ride.  It opens with Titus, Iolanthe and their allies knee deep in an action packed battle with Atlantis. The adventure doesn't let up as the characters evade enemies, craft strategy and navigate unforeseen events in their quest to end the Bane's tyranny. The Immortal Heights is an exciting and fantastic end to the series.  There were plenty of surprise twists that I didn't expect and will keep readers enchanted from start to finish.

I admire Thomas' writing and ability to create such an imaginative story which really is epic fantasy at its best but also mixes humor, romance, and friendship with the magical landscape.  It isn't easy for fantasy writers to carve their own unique space in a post-Harry Potter world; however, Thomas does so with finesse--paying homage to Rowling while building something new and exciting. The relationship between Titus and Iolanthe is admirable--sure there are ups and downs but it comes across as meaningful and respectful.  I particularly liked the epilogue and what it did for the characters and their futures.

Thank you to publisher Balzer + Bray for the review copy as part of my ROYAL membership with the SWON Libraries.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @sherrythomas



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REVIEW: The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas

Titus and Iolanthe as Fairfax are back in this exciting sequel to The Burning Sky.  After spending the summer apart, these two are eager to return to Eton College and resume training to defeat the Bane and take down Atlantis. However, Titus makes a shocking discovery which causes him to question everything related to his mission consequently creates tension between his and Iolanthe's burgeoning relationship.

The Perilous Sea continues to be epic fantasy at its best. Readers are in store for plenty of adventure and definitely some surprising plot twists.  What I particularly loved were the alternating chapters--let's call them 'before' and 'after' perspectives all keeping pace until readers embark on the crucial event bringing the characters and the audience up to speed.

I certainly wasn't expecting the 'twist' but had faith everything would work out in the end. Great world building throughout with just enough snark and romance. I like that this is the kind of book with appeal to a wide range of readers, both male and female.  Again, I wish the audiobook was a bit more exciting in its narrative retelling but there are no grand flaws which hinder the reading experience.  I am excited to finish the series with book 3, The Immortal Heights.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @sherrythomas


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REVIEW: The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

Iolanthe Seabourne is the prophesized greatest elemental mage of her time, or so she's been told. At first, her life is rather mundane--basically an orphan spent honing her magical skill.  All this changes with a ruined light elixir and a bolt of lightning.  These events set the prophecy in motion--that an elemental mage will be the savior of the Realm by defeating the Bane and taking down Atlantis.  Such a task would be impossible for most mages, but more so for a barely trained sixteen year old girl.

Enter, Prince Titus, sworn to protect Iolanthe as foreseen by his mother's visions.  He vows vengeance for his family even as he carefully leads a double life to ensure his and Iolanthe's safety as they prepare for the dangerous battle ahead. Despite his best efforts, Titus does the one thing he swore never to do--fall in love with the girl who should only be a means to an end. As the Inquisitor and Atlantis close in, Titus must choose between the mission and Iolanthe's life.

While certainly taking a more serious tone, Thomas's Elemental trilogy pays homage to Rowling's Harry Potter series. Filled with intrigue and adventure, similarities arise as the main characters are forced to hide in the non-magical world. The described 'vaulting' or jumping from place to place is much like apparating  and there are plenty of fantastical creatures and memorable spells.

The novel makes great use of the 'girl disguised as a boy' trope.  Iolanthe must pretend to be Fairfax while at Eton College. This adds a certain amount of flair, drama and tension to the novel, especially the growing relationship between Iolanthe and Titus. I loved the world building, additional characters and the creativity of the 'crucible' as a training ground to prepare for the big battles ahead. 

 This is definitely recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy, magic, romance and want a Potter readalike. It's probably best for middle schoolers and up.  The cover is exceptionally eye catching. One drawback is the audiobook.  While there isn't a detrimental flaw in its production, there isn't any stellar excitement to it either.  I think it would have been better with a both a female and male, younger sounding narrators.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @sherrythomas

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