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Steel and Fire #4
City of Wind
Dara Ruminor is a serious young duelist in the mountaintop kingdom of Vertigon, a land of dramatic cliffs and misty peaks where mysterious Fire magic runs through the stones like blood. The secluded kingdom has been peaceful for a hundred years. Swords are used for sport, and successful athletes live like kings as long as the crowds love them.
Eighteen-year-old Dara needs to find a wealthy patron in order to duel professionally and avoid a lifetime working in her parents’ Fire Lantern shop. Her efforts are disrupted when her coach asks her to train with Prince Siv, an infuriating—if handsome—young man who refuses to take the sport as seriously as she does. But the prince’s life may be in danger, and soon Dara will discover that Vertigon isn’t as peaceful as she thought.
As threats emerge from the shadows, Dara will have to raise her sword to protect Siv—if he doesn’t irritate her so much that she decides to run him through herself.
From the author of the Seabound Chronicles comes a new fantasy series about sword fighting, cur-dragons, molten Fire magic, and one young woman’s effort to prove herself.
Eighteen-year-old Dara needs to find a wealthy patron in order to duel professionally and avoid a lifetime working in her parents’ Fire Lantern shop. Her efforts are disrupted when her coach asks her to train with Prince Siv, an infuriating—if handsome—young man who refuses to take the sport as seriously as she does. But the prince’s life may be in danger, and soon Dara will discover that Vertigon isn’t as peaceful as she thought.
As threats emerge from the shadows, Dara will have to raise her sword to protect Siv—if he doesn’t irritate her so much that she decides to run him through herself.
From the author of the Seabound Chronicles comes a new fantasy series about sword fighting, cur-dragons, molten Fire magic, and one young woman’s effort to prove herself.
First published December 18, 2016
About the author
Jordan Rivet
35 books482 followersJordan Rivet is an American author of swashbuckling YA fantasy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Originally from Arizona, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse and The Seabound Chronicles.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse and The Seabound Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 6, 2017
Going to make this review a quick one, and I'll come back to it later!
This series is adorable and definitely deserves some attention. The characters are so precious and there are lots of cute ships. The pacing lags a bit in some areas but I didn't really care. The writing is great and the plot is fun. Sometimes it seems a bit on the younger side of YA, especially as we're now following Siv's sisters who are younger, but Dara and Siv are 19-20 I think, and their POVs are a bit older.
Anyway, as always, Rivet will make you pine for Siv and Dara to *finally* have time together, just like she has in the first three books. Things are never easy for them. But the good news is - they haven't lost their heat despite having admitted feelings for each other. I hate that in books - when you are bored by the main ship. But wahoo, that is not the case here!
I love Siv's sisters, though I was a bit bored with Solivia's POV. I adore Sora though, and I love the idea of her and Kell, so I was hoping for more of that. Hopefully in the next one!
I'll admit I thought the magic was a bit basic in the first book, but I think the way Rivet writes it, it actually stands on its own pretty well. It totally works and has some really cool aspects that were shown in this book. I'm looking forward to how it all comes together in the last of the series!
If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted fantasy with a nice share of feels, give this one a go!
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy
This series is adorable and definitely deserves some attention. The characters are so precious and there are lots of cute ships. The pacing lags a bit in some areas but I didn't really care. The writing is great and the plot is fun. Sometimes it seems a bit on the younger side of YA, especially as we're now following Siv's sisters who are younger, but Dara and Siv are 19-20 I think, and their POVs are a bit older.
Anyway, as always, Rivet will make you pine for Siv and Dara to *finally* have time together, just like she has in the first three books. Things are never easy for them. But the good news is - they haven't lost their heat despite having admitted feelings for each other. I hate that in books - when you are bored by the main ship. But wahoo, that is not the case here!
I love Siv's sisters, though I was a bit bored with Solivia's POV. I adore Sora though, and I love the idea of her and Kell, so I was hoping for more of that. Hopefully in the next one!
I'll admit I thought the magic was a bit basic in the first book, but I think the way Rivet writes it, it actually stands on its own pretty well. It totally works and has some really cool aspects that were shown in this book. I'm looking forward to how it all comes together in the last of the series!
If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted fantasy with a nice share of feels, give this one a go!
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy
April 18, 2022
This 4th book was dragging on and the book should have been edited and combined with the 3rd book. // KU
January 9, 2017
A lot of ooc behaviour going on and I just didn't think that some parts of the book was true to the characters themselves. You can't just be one person and suddenly change. I'll read the last installment because I want to know what happens but City of Wind wasn't as good as I had hoped it to be. Felt like we took three steps forward and then two steps back with City of Wind.
October 3, 2021
Things get even more complicated
I'm remembering why I don't often read long epic series. It takes so incredibly long for things to happen, and the number of complications just keeps growing. It's hard for me to say with this one if it was the book or my mood, but I suspect it was mostly my mood that made me feel a touch bored and impatient, though. I feel like we're finally really getting somewhere, though, and the last installment should be interesting. I also literally don't know who should rule Vertigon at this point. Leaning back toward Siv, but maybe Sel should just do it. 😆 Speaking of Selivia, on a completely random and arbitrary note, I struggle every time with her name, which made having her POV slightly awkward. I think because in my head it sounds exactly like when my mom smashes my name (Selina) and my sister's name (Sylvia) together and stumbles over the middle part because she realized she was saying the wrong name, so...I struggle. 😅 But, anyway, this was a pretty good installment with some fascinating magic and character and plot developments, although I'm almost at the point of being tired of new wrinkles and new characters or characters with new schemes, so looking forward to things resolving.
I'm remembering why I don't often read long epic series. It takes so incredibly long for things to happen, and the number of complications just keeps growing. It's hard for me to say with this one if it was the book or my mood, but I suspect it was mostly my mood that made me feel a touch bored and impatient, though. I feel like we're finally really getting somewhere, though, and the last installment should be interesting. I also literally don't know who should rule Vertigon at this point. Leaning back toward Siv, but maybe Sel should just do it. 😆 Speaking of Selivia, on a completely random and arbitrary note, I struggle every time with her name, which made having her POV slightly awkward. I think because in my head it sounds exactly like when my mom smashes my name (Selina) and my sister's name (Sylvia) together and stumbles over the middle part because she realized she was saying the wrong name, so...I struggle. 😅 But, anyway, this was a pretty good installment with some fascinating magic and character and plot developments, although I'm almost at the point of being tired of new wrinkles and new characters or characters with new schemes, so looking forward to things resolving.
December 9, 2023
5 Stars ✨
Clean YA fantasy
“In burning range, let not the wild Spring break Lest Fire spread across the land And bid true dragons wake. In drowning land, let not the dark Earth quake Lest Water bind us in its hand And bid true dragons wake.”
This series just leveled up so much in this one book. The writing was good from the beginning of the series , but has only gotten better over the course of each book along with the plot. The world keeps expanding and just takes the reader on a journey along with its characters.
The first half of City of Wind was good but the second half was epic. DRAGONS 🐉!! All of the main characters had major arcs, and had me on the edge of my seat. Lots of twists and turns. Dara is becoming such a force and I just adore her friendship with Vine. Sivs unwavering belief in Dara is also so sweet 🥲 So excited to see how everything unfolds in the next and final book!!
Clean YA fantasy
“In burning range, let not the wild Spring break Lest Fire spread across the land And bid true dragons wake. In drowning land, let not the dark Earth quake Lest Water bind us in its hand And bid true dragons wake.”
This series just leveled up so much in this one book. The writing was good from the beginning of the series , but has only gotten better over the course of each book along with the plot. The world keeps expanding and just takes the reader on a journey along with its characters.
The first half of City of Wind was good but the second half was epic. DRAGONS 🐉!! All of the main characters had major arcs, and had me on the edge of my seat. Lots of twists and turns. Dara is becoming such a force and I just adore her friendship with Vine. Sivs unwavering belief in Dara is also so sweet 🥲 So excited to see how everything unfolds in the next and final book!!
April 20, 2020
After reading the description, I was worried this would feel like a filler book. The main characters are stuck while waiting through all the boring set up for the final, climatic battle.
I shouldn't have worried! This book turned out to be both far from boring and far from a mere filler book. The plot, the character development, the twists and turns all providing essential building for the next book while keeping me on the edge of my seat in this one.
Dara and Siv face so many challenges in this book. It nearly breaks them and breaks them apart, but they come out stronger for it. I can't wait for the next book!
I shouldn't have worried! This book turned out to be both far from boring and far from a mere filler book. The plot, the character development, the twists and turns all providing essential building for the next book while keeping me on the edge of my seat in this one.
Dara and Siv face so many challenges in this book. It nearly breaks them and breaks them apart, but they come out stronger for it. I can't wait for the next book!
January 28, 2018
And the situation keeps getting worse and worse...
I thought that this was lengthier than necessary and got bored at times, which is why is took me so long to actually finish it. But the latter part was where things went up a notch and the excitement was brought back!
I thought that this was lengthier than necessary and got bored at times, which is why is took me so long to actually finish it. But the latter part was where things went up a notch and the excitement was brought back!
April 24, 2020
I admit I'm getting a little impatient for the characters get to what I'm assuming will go down in book 5 (final battle!) so some of this seemed to drag for me. However, I'm really looking forward to seeing how everything is going to turn out in the next book.
July 31, 2021
I’m back in my happy place. I love this series, and I shall never abandon it again. Until, you know, I read the next and final book. Then I suppose I will have to find SOMETHING else to occupy my time.
January 8, 2022
1st half was a bit slow moving, but the second half was pretty good- especially the ending! -Just one book to go and I'll have completed this series!💫
June 1, 2022
I’ve been enjoying this series so far. The world and abilities are interesting and I like the main characters. My only problem is the multiple perspectives. It’s jumping around so much and new characters are becoming “main” characters on top of the original and it’s just super confusing. Overall though I still like this series and am going to finish it.
April 15, 2021
This was surprisingly enough a letdown, for a number of reasons.
First off, I am not much of a fan of the new characters or the antagonists. I barely understood her motivation and reasoning. Instead, she felt to be simply there to teach Dara a new power (which honestly seems unimportant with the newest reveal?). Similarly, Khirrion is only there to cause problems and kind of cause strife between Dara and Siv. On that note, Siv just chills around and fights for money half the time? We just wasted half a book, several weeks, in Pendark when there much more pressing things going on.
Sadly, the romance lacked something as well. With all the great buildup, I don't feel we progress beyond them getting together. Like, what were supposed to do with the new information on Vex? Even poor Soraline suffers under it.
I miss the supporting cast as well. The pen fighters except for Latch are not developed, Vine is barely in thes story and Rid and pushed to the side. We don't get the camaraderie of the first two books. We also have Selivia added as a point of view which was nice but clearly served only for one big thing.
Generally, I am now interested to see where this is going and I loved the deeper lore of Fire/Water/Air Working and the politics of the region. I believe the showdown that is coming will be epic and satisfactory. I cannot wait to have all the siblings together again and be in Ventigon again.
And most importantly, where is Rumy?
First off, I am not much of a fan of the new characters or the antagonists. I barely understood her motivation and reasoning. Instead, she felt to be simply there to teach Dara a new power (which honestly seems unimportant with the newest reveal?). Similarly, Khirrion is only there to cause problems and kind of cause strife between Dara and Siv. On that note, Siv just chills around and fights for money half the time? We just wasted half a book, several weeks, in Pendark when there much more pressing things going on.
Sadly, the romance lacked something as well. With all the great buildup, I don't feel we progress beyond them getting together. Like, what were supposed to do with the new information on Vex? Even poor Soraline suffers under it.
I miss the supporting cast as well. The pen fighters except for Latch are not developed, Vine is barely in thes story and Rid and pushed to the side. We don't get the camaraderie of the first two books. We also have Selivia added as a point of view which was nice but clearly served only for one big thing.
Generally, I am now interested to see where this is going and I loved the deeper lore of Fire/Water/Air Working and the politics of the region. I believe the showdown that is coming will be epic and satisfactory. I cannot wait to have all the siblings together again and be in Ventigon again.
And most importantly, where is Rumy?
December 20, 2016
OK read
Not very intense although there have been plenty of fights, lovey-dovey scenes and growth in powers. Bouncing back and forth between the boring sisters didn't help. The heroine idiotic motivation is pretty lame and the prince is boring with his knife fights games. Disappointed.
Not very intense although there have been plenty of fights, lovey-dovey scenes and growth in powers. Bouncing back and forth between the boring sisters didn't help. The heroine idiotic motivation is pretty lame and the prince is boring with his knife fights games. Disappointed.
Want to read
September 26, 2016I loved the first three in the series - is there a release date for book 4??
December 26, 2019
Honestly, you can watch " Avatar the last air bender " instead and have a more memorable time...
September 13, 2019
I almost stopped reading the series after the third book. It was boring; the characters acted inconsistently, and world-building was only hinted at (such as the importance of true dragons). But I gave the fourth book a chance and I'm glad I did. This is probably my favorite book in the series besides the first one.
Siv and Dara are still the main characters. The third book also told the story from Sora‘s POV to show the happenings in Vertigon and now Sel’s showing what transpires in Trure and the Far Plains.
Dara has agreed to help the Waterworker Wyla with her research for three months. Wyla believes that she can teach a Fireworker to use Watermight.
Meanwhile, Siv tries to gain enough gold in the Pendarkan pen fights to hire mercenaries to help Sora and free Dara.
Sora had the chance to leave Vertigon but stayed to prevent a civil war as unrest increases with Rafe's actions.
Her mother sent Sel to the Far Plains, when the Soolean army advances on the stronghold, accompanied by Fenn and Zala.
Contrary to the third book, all storylines are interesting in this one. Sora tries to protect her people, and thus inadvertently furthers Rafe's plans for world domination. Through her interaction with the air sensors Sel learns about a prophecy - I know always a cheap way to advance your story - that might be the explanation why so many people seem to be after the royal children. Siv's character makes a turnabout from the last book. He makes good decisions and important friends, stands on his own two feet, and rescues Dara for a change. And Dara's apprenticeship with Wyla not only shows the political background in Pendark but details the magic system.
Also, we finally get to meet a true dragon. My only gripe is that Rumy is barely in it and what happened to Sel's puppy?
Now I will finish the series.
Siv and Dara are still the main characters. The third book also told the story from Sora‘s POV to show the happenings in Vertigon and now Sel’s showing what transpires in Trure and the Far Plains.
Dara has agreed to help the Waterworker Wyla with her research for three months. Wyla believes that she can teach a Fireworker to use Watermight.
Meanwhile, Siv tries to gain enough gold in the Pendarkan pen fights to hire mercenaries to help Sora and free Dara.
Sora had the chance to leave Vertigon but stayed to prevent a civil war as unrest increases with Rafe's actions.
Her mother sent Sel to the Far Plains, when the Soolean army advances on the stronghold, accompanied by Fenn and Zala.
Contrary to the third book, all storylines are interesting in this one. Sora tries to protect her people, and thus inadvertently furthers Rafe's plans for world domination. Through her interaction with the air sensors Sel learns about a prophecy - I know always a cheap way to advance your story - that might be the explanation why so many people seem to be after the royal children. Siv's character makes a turnabout from the last book. He makes good decisions and important friends, stands on his own two feet, and rescues Dara for a change. And Dara's apprenticeship with Wyla not only shows the political background in Pendark but details the magic system.
Also, we finally get to meet a true dragon. My only gripe is that Rumy is barely in it and what happened to Sel's puppy?
Now I will finish the series.
September 24, 2020
3.5 stars
This instalment was soooooo much better than the previous one. I'm actually glad I continued this series even though the previous instalment made me want to quit. The pace picked up, we finally had a whole lot of action and learned new and interesting things.
Let's start with the setting. Pendark. I don't know if the goal of this book was to make us love or hate this place, but I definitely did not like it. If anything, seeing such a bloodthursty land with violent people just made me long for the peace and simplicity of Vertigon. A bit like wanting to be back in the Shire with Sam and Frodo when they venture into Mordor. Okay, Pendark isn't quite as bad as Mordor... but it's no heaven either.
Siv and Dara really work best when they are together. They manage to bring out the best out of each other, and figure out the mysteries when they both put their minds to it. It was heart-wrenching to have them separated and yet so close... but necessary to see the change in Dara.
Let's talk about Dara. She goes through a lot during her months in Pendark. Her life savior Wyla turns into a jailor, and not even a nice one. I get Dara's choice at the end, but I'm still glad Khrillin acted as he did. Dara forgets her past, even her roots and lineage, and drowns in her wish to gain more, and more power. Be it to save herself, the man she loves, or her land... she still wishes to achieve more and obtain more, just like her father, for reasons she thinks are noble and right. But when does wisdom turn to folly, and right becomes wrong? The line is so thin and blurry she could cross it any moment. Thankfully she can count on her friends to bring her back to reason.
Siv is not that smart either; rather than fighting, he could be seeking alliances, get more power to help his family and save his kingdom. He only finds an ally who sought him out from the beginning, risks his life after giving into his wish for competition and a simpler life. In this novel, I once again felt like he is stepping backward rather than evolving. Siv from the first novel (and the second) was young and foolish, but he never forgot about his duty and his kingdom. He rode the line between acceptable and not, especially with Dara, but he still kept in line to act in order to do what was best for his kingdom. Here, he faces death again and again... for not much. In the end, he helped Dara escape, but can he count on the only ally he made?
Not much happened with Sora... except that she became the pawn the Ruminors wanted her to become. I had high hopes during her first chapter... but she went back to her usual demeanor. But those Fire weapons, though. Those Fire weapons.
This book marks the beginning of Selivia's chapters. I liked Selivia, despite her young and immature behaviour. She is only a witness and passive character during her entire storyline... except for the end. Predictable, and yet satisfying. However, Fenn is the worst bodyguard ever to let her slip like that.
It was, overall, a pretty solid instalment that left me begging for the last one, the closure of this series. It still suffered from a lot of flaws, once more overall predictability, and I can guess pretty well who's gonna be able to master the true dragon... because it's definitely not Selivia.
There's also a lack of thinking about the bigger picture: what happens to one kingdom doesn't affect the other, or so it seems. Trouble did not reach Pendark. There's no price on Siv's head even though wayyy too many people know he's alive. Dara is not a target even though she's a known Fire Worker powerful enough to challenge her father, or suspected to have helped organise the coup on Vertigon. Armies are marching and powers are waging war... and yet the consequences are still very local. There should be unrest in Pendark, on top of the new vent. The news of Watermight being used by Soole (okay, that was a surprise) should have traveled faster. And people should really learn to beware of Air and Air Sensors (still can't get used to that name... Air Whisperers, Air Feelers, anything but Sensors could have worked so much better).
We also know that the main characters are not going to suffer long-lasting injuries or even die, so I find myself unable to fear for them; they'll be fine. Even terrible Wyla doesn't come across as that scary since we never witness her 'punishments'.
Let's hope the final instalment will bring a satisfying end to this (a bit too) long journey.
This instalment was soooooo much better than the previous one. I'm actually glad I continued this series even though the previous instalment made me want to quit. The pace picked up, we finally had a whole lot of action and learned new and interesting things.
Let's start with the setting. Pendark. I don't know if the goal of this book was to make us love or hate this place, but I definitely did not like it. If anything, seeing such a bloodthursty land with violent people just made me long for the peace and simplicity of Vertigon. A bit like wanting to be back in the Shire with Sam and Frodo when they venture into Mordor. Okay, Pendark isn't quite as bad as Mordor... but it's no heaven either.
Siv and Dara really work best when they are together. They manage to bring out the best out of each other, and figure out the mysteries when they both put their minds to it. It was heart-wrenching to have them separated and yet so close... but necessary to see the change in Dara.
Let's talk about Dara. She goes through a lot during her months in Pendark. Her life savior Wyla turns into a jailor, and not even a nice one. I get Dara's choice at the end, but I'm still glad Khrillin acted as he did. Dara forgets her past, even her roots and lineage, and drowns in her wish to gain more, and more power. Be it to save herself, the man she loves, or her land... she still wishes to achieve more and obtain more, just like her father, for reasons she thinks are noble and right. But when does wisdom turn to folly, and right becomes wrong? The line is so thin and blurry she could cross it any moment. Thankfully she can count on her friends to bring her back to reason.
Siv is not that smart either; rather than fighting, he could be seeking alliances, get more power to help his family and save his kingdom. He only finds an ally who sought him out from the beginning, risks his life after giving into his wish for competition and a simpler life. In this novel, I once again felt like he is stepping backward rather than evolving. Siv from the first novel (and the second) was young and foolish, but he never forgot about his duty and his kingdom. He rode the line between acceptable and not, especially with Dara, but he still kept in line to act in order to do what was best for his kingdom. Here, he faces death again and again... for not much. In the end, he helped Dara escape, but can he count on the only ally he made?
Not much happened with Sora... except that she became the pawn the Ruminors wanted her to become. I had high hopes during her first chapter... but she went back to her usual demeanor. But those Fire weapons, though. Those Fire weapons.
This book marks the beginning of Selivia's chapters. I liked Selivia, despite her young and immature behaviour. She is only a witness and passive character during her entire storyline... except for the end. Predictable, and yet satisfying. However, Fenn is the worst bodyguard ever to let her slip like that.
It was, overall, a pretty solid instalment that left me begging for the last one, the closure of this series. It still suffered from a lot of flaws, once more overall predictability, and I can guess pretty well who's gonna be able to master the true dragon... because it's definitely not Selivia.
There's also a lack of thinking about the bigger picture: what happens to one kingdom doesn't affect the other, or so it seems. Trouble did not reach Pendark. There's no price on Siv's head even though wayyy too many people know he's alive. Dara is not a target even though she's a known Fire Worker powerful enough to challenge her father, or suspected to have helped organise the coup on Vertigon. Armies are marching and powers are waging war... and yet the consequences are still very local. There should be unrest in Pendark, on top of the new vent. The news of Watermight being used by Soole (okay, that was a surprise) should have traveled faster. And people should really learn to beware of Air and Air Sensors (still can't get used to that name... Air Whisperers, Air Feelers, anything but Sensors could have worked so much better).
We also know that the main characters are not going to suffer long-lasting injuries or even die, so I find myself unable to fear for them; they'll be fine. Even terrible Wyla doesn't come across as that scary since we never witness her 'punishments'.
Let's hope the final instalment will bring a satisfying end to this (a bit too) long journey.
August 27, 2021
I almost gave this a 2 star because Dara and Sora's power hungry schemes and their self justifications were really starting to piss me off. Sora was willing to put her entire country and army in danger just because she liked how they called her name. Dara was willing to put Vine and Siv....SIV in danger just for a chance at becoming more powerful! She was supposedly doing it to learn to fight her father and help Siv get his throne back but really....she had no intentions of stopping her dad, she just wanted more power. It was sickening.
But a 2 star would not have been fair to the rest of the fascinating plotline. Latch is becoming more and more interesting and I love his growing friendship with Siv. Selvia has grown attached a True Dragon! And the Air may hold more power than Dara thought, underestimating Vine and her friends. Kel was being amazing and Siv did EVERYTHING in his power to save Dara. The final fight was EPIC with surprising allies arising and a plan to take back the throne! Can't wait to see Siv back where he belongs and his little sister back at their side. Its time to put Ruminor back in his place and Lima and the Waterworkers too. Hope Selvia also teachs Zara's cousin a lesson lol
But a 2 star would not have been fair to the rest of the fascinating plotline. Latch is becoming more and more interesting and I love his growing friendship with Siv. Selvia has grown attached a True Dragon! And the Air may hold more power than Dara thought, underestimating Vine and her friends. Kel was being amazing and Siv did EVERYTHING in his power to save Dara. The final fight was EPIC with surprising allies arising and a plan to take back the throne! Can't wait to see Siv back where he belongs and his little sister back at their side. Its time to put Ruminor back in his place and Lima and the Waterworkers too. Hope Selvia also teachs Zara's cousin a lesson lol
July 17, 2021
Excuse me while I clap my hands in glee like a child.
This book was frustrating on many levels, especially because of Wyla and her treatment of Dara but the most frustrating thing was experiencing how nobody was willing to do anything without a reward. Maybe the only one who really tried to help was Latch and I love him for it.
But nobody else, not in Pendark and not where Selivia was intended to be selfless. All had hidden purposes! And while I can understand that, because that's how people are, it's really frustrating.
I'll say here and now that if, for any reason, Vine turns traitor in the last book, I will have very harsh words with this author because I love Vine! She can't turn bad.
My baby Selivia proved to be a real Amintelle, in bravery and even foolishness. While the big showdown was in Pendark, my favorite scene is the one with her and the dragon at the end. Oh yes, there are dragons! And you can fly on them. Just saying.
Sora also keeps growing and she's lucky that I didn't have to enter the book and slap sense into her. I knew she would come to her senses sooner or later.
Now I can't wait to know how it all ends!
This book was frustrating on many levels, especially because of Wyla and her treatment of Dara but the most frustrating thing was experiencing how nobody was willing to do anything without a reward. Maybe the only one who really tried to help was Latch and I love him for it.
But nobody else, not in Pendark and not where Selivia was intended to be selfless. All had hidden purposes! And while I can understand that, because that's how people are, it's really frustrating.
I'll say here and now that if, for any reason, Vine turns traitor in the last book, I will have very harsh words with this author because I love Vine! She can't turn bad.
My baby Selivia proved to be a real Amintelle, in bravery and even foolishness. While the big showdown was in Pendark, my favorite scene is the one with her and the dragon at the end. Oh yes, there are dragons! And you can fly on them. Just saying.
Sora also keeps growing and she's lucky that I didn't have to enter the book and slap sense into her. I knew she would come to her senses sooner or later.
Now I can't wait to know how it all ends!
May 31, 2017
Love this series...and this was an excellent addition to it! I love Dara and Siv ❤️ -- but also Vine, Rid, Latch, Kres and all of the team, as well as Sora and Kel (have hope there) and, of course, Selivia and the dragon! Still not sure about Vex or Khrillin.
One Great aspect of this series is the realistic personality flaws that each character has – even the main characters. We get to see numerous times when the lure of power causes the people that we care about to make bad decisions.
Just a great book in the series. I'm looking forward to jumping right into book 5, but knowing it's the finale already makes me a bit sad.
I'm also hoping these last two books of the series will eventually be narrated for an audio book version by Caitlin Kelly - as the first three were. In that way, I can share them with my daughters.
One Great aspect of this series is the realistic personality flaws that each character has – even the main characters. We get to see numerous times when the lure of power causes the people that we care about to make bad decisions.
Just a great book in the series. I'm looking forward to jumping right into book 5, but knowing it's the finale already makes me a bit sad.
I'm also hoping these last two books of the series will eventually be narrated for an audio book version by Caitlin Kelly - as the first three were. In that way, I can share them with my daughters.
August 5, 2021
Siv, Dara, Vine, Rid, Sora, Kel, Zara, Selivia, Fenn, Tirra. Water, Air, Fire.
Much is going on in this book. Siv is Pen fighting, trying to earn money to so he can go help his sister Sora, Some great fights here. He is becoming more friendly with his teammates. One is particular that seems to be hiding his own secrets. Dara is with Wyla the latter is trying to find out if fire and water work together and Dara is her guinea pig. Wyla is mean and deceitful. Vine and Rid are keeping out of the way of Wyla but still busy doing their own things. Sora finds Kel a helpful friend when things get out of control. Selvina has no choice but to run as Far Plains Stronghold is being overrun.
As with the books before, plenty of action going on. Character growth is coming along. Great descriptions and world-building.
Much is going on in this book. Siv is Pen fighting, trying to earn money to so he can go help his sister Sora, Some great fights here. He is becoming more friendly with his teammates. One is particular that seems to be hiding his own secrets. Dara is with Wyla the latter is trying to find out if fire and water work together and Dara is her guinea pig. Wyla is mean and deceitful. Vine and Rid are keeping out of the way of Wyla but still busy doing their own things. Sora finds Kel a helpful friend when things get out of control. Selvina has no choice but to run as Far Plains Stronghold is being overrun.
As with the books before, plenty of action going on. Character growth is coming along. Great descriptions and world-building.
December 26, 2018
So the first 50% of this book was pretty dull (which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5). I mean, there was plenty of character development and it was very good, but nothing was really advancing the plot. I jumped back in and finished the rest of the book today and am so elated, sad, frustrated, and various other emotions. I cried, laughed, wanted to pull my hair out, it was so amazing. Dara and Siv are my OTP at this point and they are both so amazing as characters. I cannot wait to read book 5 and finish this series!
April 10, 2019
The seduction of power
I had a harder time staying engaged with this KU library selection than with the first three books in the series. The players are mired in the machinations of others, greed for power has set nation against nation and good people have paid the price. Dara has been trapped by a water wielder's spell, Siv refuses to leave her behind and battles in the pens of Pendark for money for their return home, Selivia is being sheltered in the desert of Trure and Sora is still the puppet of the Lantern Maker. But the second half of the book picks up the pace and I'm looking forward to book five.
I had a harder time staying engaged with this KU library selection than with the first three books in the series. The players are mired in the machinations of others, greed for power has set nation against nation and good people have paid the price. Dara has been trapped by a water wielder's spell, Siv refuses to leave her behind and battles in the pens of Pendark for money for their return home, Selivia is being sheltered in the desert of Trure and Sora is still the puppet of the Lantern Maker. But the second half of the book picks up the pace and I'm looking forward to book five.
July 27, 2019
This book was a roller coaster ride. It had exciting moments and not so exciting chapters. I was going to give it a 3 star review until the last 180 pages or so. The story took a huge turn and every page was exciting and left me not wanting to put the book down, eager to see what would happen next. You can never know who the main characters can trust because everyone has an agenda of their own. I’m excited to see how this story concludes.
September 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! I'm really enjoying the characters and the couples, I ship them hard. I actually really enjoyed reading Selvia's pov. It was really interesting to see this world being more explored along with the magic. The non romantic relationship hits my feelings. Vine and Dara, Latch and Siv. I have come to really love Latch so if anything happens to him I will be mad. It will be really interesting, fun and exciting to see how all of this wraps up in the last book!
July 17, 2022
After the third installment proved a bit dull, the fourth part of Steel and Fire is filled with action and fun. Alliances are forged, and broken. Though Dara and Siv are mostly apart for this story too, it doesn't suffer the way the third book did (because then we pretty much read the same journey twice). When they do meet, magic flies.
A solid installment, and I'm looking forward to the final book.
A solid installment, and I'm looking forward to the final book.
August 18, 2022
Overall this flow of this book is pretty slow. There are many scenes that felt like filler. This series could have easily been 3 book instead of 5. A lot of this book and the last drag on and I just kept thinking “get to the point”. I enjoyed the parts focusing on Sora and Selivia but the plot focusing on Siv and Dara are mostly boring. Really, I give this 2.5. If the author had cut out some of the excess and combined the two, it would have made for a much more enjoyable book.
February 17, 2023
It’s okay. Didn’t drag as much as the third book but still not as good as the 1st two books. It is starting to get more interesting and I am curious how things will end/resolve. I don’t think this needed to be as long as it was, it definitely could have been shortened.
Wyla is getting on my nerves. Honestly can’t stand her and her methods of “teaching.” She does she have to be so controlling?
I’m excited about the true dragon part.
Wyla is getting on my nerves. Honestly can’t stand her and her methods of “teaching.” She does she have to be so controlling?
I’m excited about the true dragon part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
Well done!
The twists in this book and those leading up to it are absolutely astounding! This book and its major setbacks were tied up nicely and the lovely subplots that I had no idea of the purpose for has now made it to where I might not get any sleep, regardless of work in the morning.
The twists in this book and those leading up to it are absolutely astounding! This book and its major setbacks were tied up nicely and the lovely subplots that I had no idea of the purpose for has now made it to where I might not get any sleep, regardless of work in the morning.
March 14, 2019
I'm going to be sad to see this series end. I've grown incredibly fond of Dara and Siv and have gotten used to spending time with them over these past few weeks. They've been excellent company and the feels are hitting me pretty hard knowing the next book is the last. I will say though, I am genuinely curious to see how this ends...
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