My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review
Bree and her father own a small pub. They aren't rich, but they get along and live a happy life. All until one day where torchers (fire elementals) come and burn their pub down, claiming her father is a wealthy duke and the king's best friend--who, by the way, ran away 16 years ago. Oops. The king isn't happy and he is determined to make Bree and her father's life hell.
Threats of Sea and Sky follows the stereotypical YA fiction fantasy guidelines. If you've watched Avatar the last air bender, then that'll give you a good description of the power and magic in the world. Fire, water, air, and earth elementals are forced into the king's service. Bree lives in the castle and forms friendships with a haughty princess from another land and the Prince whose father is keeping her captive.
Like I said, stereotypical and predictable.
What I really did enjoy about this book is the presence of a fatherly figure who isn't dead!! Bree and her father Ardin are close. She spends a good amount of time trying to get through to him and learn about their past. He isn't always forthcoming, but it's so clear how much he loves Bree.
I do not understand the romance in this book. Caden (the prince) and Bree barely spend any time together and really don't know each other that well. All of a sudden, Caden likes Bree. OUT OF NOWHERE. To Bree's credit she isn't so infatuated and rather confused at the development.
Overall, a very predictable book, BUT it wasn't bad. A solid three stars. The characters are interesting and the writing was well done. A good read if you're not expecting originality.
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