Kay L Moody

I love Talise so much! I had forgotten how much I love Talise! She is fearless. She is strong. And she is kind. She stands in sharp contrast to the emperor who is so fixated on this war that he seems to have forgotten why he is fighting. Talise, struggling with the continued absence of Aaden, shines as she consistently fights for what she believes is right, regardless of her father's demands. She is also learning to step into her role as a princess and future ruler while listening to the show more nobility and the people. In this book, more than ever before, Talise reminded me of Katniss from the Hunger Games. She accepts the high cost of caring for others, even at the risk of her own personal safety.

In River Gate, Talise stands up against the emperor and is tasked with changing the people's view of the royal family. As she hears their needs, she grows more frustrated with the emperor's focus on the war and the way his economic policies seem to be for the good of the upper class rather than all of his citizens. As a result, she begins to visit the people in their home villages in order to offer solutions to their problems.

There were a couple of unique things about this book. Aaden never appeared and there was no new information about him or his absence. Despite his being constantly in her thoughts, his absence is neither an excuse nor a hindrance to Talise's actions. I also felt like I got to know several of the side characters (and their motivations) a bit more deeply. And while the story is complete on its own, it definitely helps to know the story leading up to this one. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

I received a free ARC of this book from the author and have reviewed it willingly. show less

What I hate the most about Kay's books (this series in particular) is that I lose sleep every time she sends me a new book. They are simply unputdownable! I was particularly excited for this book because Aaden was back. We all needed him to be back. This book covered Talise dealing with her recent betrayal and struggling to trust Aaden again, while simultaneously doing what she always does, bringing help and hope to those most in need - this time in the Storm.
A couple things I totally loved show more about this book. In the first chapter, there is this thought by Talise, "She had no time to be worried about romance or kisses or frustrating young men." I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking, they're in the middle of a war, why is Katniss always thinking about boys. So happy that this was acknowledged and pushed aside. They are also in the middle of a war.
Second, we finally get some sense of the emperor's agenda. And whether or not he is a good guy (although his strategy was never in question). In my opinion, the not knowing had dragged out way too long, to the point that I didn't even care if he was good or bad - I just wanted to know! So now we know. At least until Kay throws another twist at us in the next book.
Finally, Aaden. I have always loved Aaden and had a hard time believing he had betrayed Talise. Regardless of everything, he just didn't seem the type. But I love how this book shows even more clearly the type of person he is and everything he has going for him. I love that he is for Talise no matter what she decides, even if that means defying his father and the emperor and everyone else. I love that while he may have had little choice in the decision he made, he still regrets making it. And I love what Wendy, the ultimate best friend says to Talise when she is still struggling to trust Aaden. "It's okay... You'll learn to trust again; you just need more time to heal. But you should know, I trust Aaden." Talise will get there.
I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly. show less

What I hate the most about Kay's books (this series in particular) is that I lose sleep every time she sends me a new book. They are simply unputdownable! I was particularly excited for this book because Aaden was back. We all needed him to be back. This book covered Talise dealing with her recent betrayal and struggling to trust Aaden again, while simultaneously doing what she always does, bringing help and hope to those most in need - this time in the Storm.
A couple things I totally loved show more about this book. In the first chapter, there is this thought by Talise, "She had no time to be worried about romance or kisses or frustrating young men." I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking, they're in the middle of a war, why is Katniss always thinking about boys. So happy that this was acknowledged and pushed aside. They are also in the middle of a war.
Second, we finally get some sense of the emperor's agenda. And whether or not he is a good guy (although his strategy was never in question). In my opinion, the not knowing had dragged out way too long, to the point that I didn't even care if he was good or bad - I just wanted to know! So now we know. At least until Kay throws another twist at us in the next book.
Finally, Aaden. I have always loved Aaden and had a hard time believing he had betrayed Talise. Regardless of everything, he just didn't seem the type. But I love how this book shows even more clearly the type of person he is and everything he has going for him. I love that he is for Talise no matter what she decides, even if that means defying his father and the emperor and everyone else. I love that while he may have had little choice in the decision he made, he still regrets making it. And I love what Wendy, the ultimate best friend says to Talise when she is still struggling to trust Aaden. "It's okay... You'll learn to trust again; you just need more time to heal. But you should know, I trust Aaden." And I also have faith that Talise will come to trust and fully love Aaden again. I can't wait for the next book. Please write faster!
I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly. show less

I don't know how she does it, but Kay Moody strikes again. Or her fairies do. And together, she and her fairies bring us a delightful retelling of the Nutcracker like it's never before been told. It was lovely and exciting and felt like a taste of Christmas - Christmas meets Crystalfall. I already miss the world she created for us.

On earth, many years ago, a girl who loves extravagantly but has never been loved in a way that is worthy of her discovers a portal that leads her to endless show more wonder, the likes of which she never wants to leave. She is also given a task that only she can do. And so with love and magic and a little help from her friends, Clara just might rewrite her future...and maybe even change the world.

The story had heart and hope, perseverance and patience (sometimes). It will make you believe that no one is too small or insignificant to make a big difference. And you will be right to believe it.

Disclosure #1: Kay Moody gave this book as a Christmas gift to her fans. Disclosure #2: I had the privilege of editing it, which in no way takes away from my Kay Moody super-fan status. Read the book. You will love it. show less