It took me a little time to get into the magic side of the story, but as a whole I really enjoyed this book, and will def be reading the rest of the series. ( )

I wanted to love this book so much more than I ended up loving it, because the beginning is so engrossing. Unlike most sci-/fi whether main genre or young adult, this jumped right out the gate from chapter one with action (instead of with introducing the character, firming up where they were now, and then shattering their world with some upheaval). Instead right from the mark of go, we're on a roller coaster that is deeply fast, confusing, and tightly written, wisking us off, placing us in the same shoes as the protagonist.

The problem is this author doesn't realize that roller coaster should be balanced. I was incredibly wary when I realized I hit the 45% mark of the book and we were still on Day One. I was even more wary when our protagonist-children who'd just met only hours earlier started having romance-novel attractions and conveniences attached to them.

I'm still completely baffled about just how these two characters fell in love, since I don't feel like they even took the time to know each other. Because I don't feel like the book took the time to let the reader really get to know who these characters were either. On top of that I feel like everything -- except the Air Magic -- comes a little too conveniently to both of the characters. Whether it's fitting in for Iolanthe or miraculous end-of-the-book saves for Titus.

I'm completely clueless about how easy and sudden the last battle ends, and how the book ends happily even though Iolanthe's family is still missing and there's no sign of her finding them or having them. I'm not sure how this goes on to be a trilogy but I'm not attached to the idea of having to read any more of it. ( )

This book was recommended to me my a friend and I am very glad of it! This was the kind of book where you just keep flipping pages, curious to see what comes next.

“The Burning Sky” is the first in a trilogy of a young woman mage named Iolanthe and the prince who is fated to protect her as they fight to free their land from colonizers. It is well written and Thomas’s magical world is unique and interesting. I can’t wait to read the next one! ( )

3 stars (looking back, this was VERY generous)

Oh the deception! But of a good kind. Maybe.
Better to find a book better than it presents itself, than be disappointed by unfulfilled promises of greatness.

Can you tell that I am now awaiting the next book with great anticipation?

As for the review... Almost, but not quite.
Fine adventure. Schemes and twists and mysteries abound.
Yes, it has my endorsement. But no, I'm not raving.

It's not without flaws - as can be seen by the abundance of notes I made while reading the book (bad sign, that). ( )

this book was recommended to me my a friend and I am very glad of it! This was the kind of book where you just keep flipping pages, curious to see what comes next.

“The Burning Sky” is the first in a trilogy of a young woman mage named Iolanthe and the prince who is fated to protect her as they fight to free their land from colonizers. It is well written and Thomas’s magical world is unique and interesting. I can’t wait to read the next one! ( )