The world Kayla built was fascinating, and the characters were so unique. When I reached the end of the book, I felt separation anxiety!
We get the chance to see what the Land of Five was going through from each perspective and we got to see the struggle of each coven. It did take me a while to remember the complexity of the world and understand the Council and all the characters, but every second I spent reading this book was enjoyed.
Lilith's strength despite her handicap was inspirational, and so was her growth as a person and as an equipped.
I was taken aback by the world that was created and the world that sucked me in immediately. I am dying to get my hands on the second book of the series, and I am sure that it would not disappoint.
Kayla Krantz did a phenomenal job of creating a world this hypnotizing and the way she strung together this story was beyond my expectations.
There is so much going on, and my mind is plagued with the complexity of this world. I loved learning about the five covens and the working of the council. The characters developed unexpectedly, and the story went in directions I never could have fathomed. I would love to see how these characters pave their way through the rest of the story.
When I first read about The Sage, I immediately jumped to conclusions about her. It was like just when you think you know a character, they make a total 180. I loved it.
Talking about ships now, I like Clio, but I see a potential with Crowe. It's just that I think they'd be great together, although I totally love the idea of her and Clio. I am excited to see how each of their stories unfold and how they come together. Even though the book doesn't hint on a Crowe and Li ship, I think of it as a possibility but I know I'd be happy with the outcome either way.
Coming back to the story, Lilith's angst was just so high and her determination even stronger that I was moved by her. She happens to be one of the strongest characters I have read about. It was her loyalty to her friends that made me love her, and it was her tenacity that I identified most with.
My favorite scene in the book was the travel through the five covens. It gave me a chance to understand each of them and to actually comprehend the scope of the world. Mentis was a wet desert while Ignis was a dry desert. You could imagine being in those places as you read the story because of the excellent narration. The best part was experiencing it through their journey and getting to know both Li and Crowe.
I loved the time we spent in Aquais, and I loved Crowe's brother. He was charming and was fun to read about, but the best trip was when we met Quinn. I see him becoming a bigger part of the book. I see his potential, and I hope he can be a friend to Lilith in the midst of everything she is going through. I would love to see how Kayla approaches the merging of the five covens and I want to see the dynamic of the Elementals from the inside, which I assume we will, based on the end of this book!
I am a little confused as to what will happen with Ambrossi. There is definitely something up with him. How could he not tell that Lilith did not mutilate her own leg? I mean the other healer knew within minutes of meeting and Ambrossi didn't in all these years? That makes me believe he could be an Elemental, that he tried to protect Li, to keep her origin hidden.
I kind of expected the thing that happened with Lilith's origin. I assumed that she hailed from Elemental parents, and Regina and Howard adopted her, but despite this, I did not see the fact that Howard was an Equipped coming. I did not expect him to be the one that hurt Lilith. That was definitely a shock. Despite everything the two of them put Li through, it was sad seeing them die but nothing compared to Li losing Helena. I couldn't believe my own eyes as I read those words, it tore apart me to see Lilith suffer and then before I knew it, the curveball of an ending dawned upon me with Li in the Elemental's clutches. It just left me hanging, and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
For those of you who would like a guide for the five covens and their council representatives, check out this list.
1. Ignis (Fire): Lilith-Current; Tarj-Dismissed
2. Aens (Air): Hyacinth
3. Aquais (Water): Crowe/Alexander
4. Alchemy (Healers): Lynx
5. Mentis (Mind): Rayna
Get the book now on amazon by clicking on The Council by Kayla Krantz
