I was very excited to read the Polish edition of Fire Falling , because knowing the entire series in English, I was curious if the translation into my native language would have a significant impact on my perception of the plot and the characters. I can say with a clear conscience that Anna Studniarek’s version reflects the atmosphere and style of the original. This means that we get as annoying as in the original Vhalla, prince Aldrik falling to extremes, wonderful Daniel and the protective Fritz and Larel.
Let’s hit the roa… short hair and loyal friends
Walking with the Wind has become the property of the emperor and, in accordance with his instructions, goes to war. The girl is not ready for it, neither physically nor mentally, not to mention that she cannot control her powers and, even less, use them consciously for the chosen purpose. But what are they closest to? Yarl can still count on his friends in the tower, and as it turns out, Aldrik himself. Although the journey is not the lightest, Vhalla does not feel so much about its disadvantages, as a helping hand is offered to it from all sides.
Magic is okay!
Starting with the strengths of the Fire Falling , it should be said that Elise Kova interestingly develops the magic thread in the world she creates. We learn more about Fritz’s extraordinary abilities, the heroine with the power of the earth also enters the scene, and during one of the stops on her journey, Vhalla receives a fortune-telling about her potential paths in the future – also from a powerful person. The author efficiently and lightly weaves new information about magic and it is always interesting and usually important for the further plot.
Woman is fickle, but where is the limit?
The creations of the characters appearing are certainly consistent. Fritz is still a warm talker, and Larel is a caring friend (who constantly gives more from herself than she receives in her relationship with Vhalla). Aldrik is still the puppet lord, but in addition he is often struggled between behaving showing that no one understands him and that his life is a torment, and maintaining the image of a dark murderer. Both in his case and in Vhalla herself, I have the impression that the writer did not have a specific plan for the development of both of these characters, so she wove the character traits most popular among readers (e.g. an abused but protective psycho). Yarl in Fire Falling behaves like a mentally disturbed person. First, we get it in a broken and broken version in connection with the tragedy in the first volume (cries at night, screams, requires constant care). Then, suddenly, during the journey, everything in her calms down (although she does not remake the trauma that haunts her in any normal way!), Because she only thinks of Aldrik and begins to focus even on the jealousy she feels about the woman around the prince. When the emperor appears on the scene, he takes a mostly tough, strong stance and is able to even boldly answer questions asked of her. She changes again during meetings with the chosen one of her heart (although I like this series, I do not understand the basics of this romantic relationship in the first volumes), because she is either passive, humble and fully obedient or suddenly flirtatious (I see her bipolar as nothing). There are many examples, including the fact that the girl even comes up with the idea of denying her own personality (partly because of the role she was entrusted with at some point), which in turn confuses her relationship with Daniel. Yarl definitely neither grows up in this book, nor does he especially develop on an emotional or character level (luckily, he sticks to the level of magic skills).
This road is arduous
The second volume of Air Awakens series provides us with some political information and more strongly outlines the relationships between the members of the imperial family. Unfortunately, the focus is mostly on Yarl, so this is by far the weakest book in the entire series. It does not advance much in its plot, but it is worth going through it, as the subsequent volumes compensate for its shortcomings.
Okay, now we ask for a better third volume
References to magic and the creations of most characters in this novel are interesting and visually presented. If it wasn’t for the terrible main character who doesn’t know what she wants, I would write that this is one of the more interesting books (so far) this year. Unfortunately, the Windwalker imbalance is highly irritating and lowers the overall rating for this story. The fact that the original covers have been left is slightly comforting.
