Air and Ash Audiobook by Alex Lidell

Episode Description

Listen to this audiobook free with a 30-day trial. Go to http://hotaudiobook.com/free Title: Air and Ash Subtitle: TIDES, Book 1 Author: Alex Lidell Narrator: Kaitlin Bellamy Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-17 Publisher: Danger Bearing Press Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 64 votes Genres: Teens, History & Historical Fiction Publisher's Summary: Master and Commander meets Sarah J Maas in a seafaring adventure of duty, love, magic, and a princess's quest to protect her kingdom on her own terms. After a lifetime of training, 17-year-old Princess Nile Greysik, a lieutenant on the prestigious Ashing navy flagship, sails into battle with one vital mission - and fails. Barred from the sea and facing a political marriage, Nile masquerades as a common sailor on the first ship she can find. With a cowardly captain, incompetent crew, and a cruel, too-handsome first officer intent on making her life a living hell, Nile must hide her identity while trying to turn the sorry frigate battle worthy. Worse, a terrifying and forbidden magic now tingles in Nile's blood. If anyone catches wind of who Nile is or what she can do, her life is over. But when disaster threatens the ship, Nile may have no choice but to unleash the truth that will curse her future. Air and Ash is the thrilling first installment of the TIDES series. Recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Tamora Pierce, and David Weber. Members Reviews: Bloody Amazing! Nile Greysik of Ashing isn't a typical princess. Nearly the last of her siblings in line to inherit the throne, she's been training since she was eight years old to be an officer in Ashing's respected naval fleet. Her dream is to be appointed to an Admiral position, and with her discipline and training she might someday achieve it. But a battle at sea causes Nile to lose her position and the respect of Ashing's allies. Returning home, Nile's only solace is her twin brother Clay. Clay is Gifted, able to attract an element to him, but at a horrific cost to his mind. When Nile learns that her only value to her kingdom is as a brood mare, she decides it's time to find a cure for Clay. She enlists as a seaman on the warship Aurora. THIS BOOK WAS BLOODY AMAZING!! I'm trying to write a review and the only coherent thought sloshing around in my head is how awesome this book was! It kept me so enthralled that I finished it in one marathon listening session. The plot was action packed and fascinating, but I think it was the author's writing style that had me hooked. Her pacing was perfect, and the elements of action, magic, character development, world building, and the little bit of romance were all there in perfect proportions. Nile was a strong female lead who consistently stood up for those around her. She didn't achieve things too easily, each small victory was hard won and more worth it. She'd make a powerful role model for teens, and the misogyny shown by several of the characters (and the patriarchal countries) would make great talking points for teen readers. The magic system was interesting. Rather than a trope that could be used to get Nile out of bad situations, this magic took its toll on the user. I absolutely loved Nile and Domenic's connection. It was so subtle it couldn't even really be called a romance. So many books rely on the female character's inner dialogue gushing about the male character's looks to build a semblance of romance with no true foundation. This book was different, Nile didn't dwell on Domenic's looks, and she didn't even think or wonder if she's attracted to him. That's just not how she's built. They had a connection built on mutual respect.