Whirl (Ondine Quartet Book 1) [NOOK Book]

Angst, Intrigue, and Action

Every book I have read about elementals has been phenominal; Whirl is no exception. While this wasn't a unique story line, I loved the fierceness in the characters. Kendra is independent and broken. Her mother raised her in the mortal world and taught her to fight for her life; sadly, Ondines are not meant to fight. They are meant to wield magic and sometimes that just isn't enough. Kendra's mom dies tragically, leaving Kendra alone in the mortal world...until...

Tristan, powerful and skilled, arrives in the nick of time, escorting Kendra back to a home her mother had removed her from long ago. Kendra is from a royal line of Ondines and holds the power to change the world...just not as soon as she would like. Her mom kept numerous secrets from Kendra, leaving her angry and weary of those around her. Returning home is no easy task. Kendra knows little of the magic she possesses and will be forced to learn how to use it...and the quicker the better; however, all Kendra really wants is to be allowed to fight the Aquidae, the demon equivalent.

I sincerely enjoyed Whirl, written in first person, you get up close and personal with Kendra's feelings. Feelings of hate, frustration, and love. The book is filled with angst, deception, and intensity. For those of you who enjoy some romance, never fear, there is plenty of that too. A fast paced read that keeps the pages turning. The characters are complex and lovable, giving you every reason to become invested in their well-being. Kendra is quick-witted and snarky, making her just my kind of heroin. The world building of Lumiere Academy and it's surroundings pulls you into another world. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 Stars is it's lack of uniqueness in storyline.

Whirl is definitely worth a read (or two). Emma Raveling wrote a wonderful and intriguing debut. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this series holds for us.

*I was provided a free e-copy of Whirl by Emma Raveling in return for my honest review.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommend - A Must Read

The first novel in the Ondine Quartet is a definite must read for anyone whp loves paranormal romance and a strong main female character. The story began a little slow, full of lingo that I didn't know or recognize but after the prologue, the story captured me and that's when the fast paced story began.

As the novel progressed, the lingo became familiar as though I'd been reading about the Ondine and Selkies since the beginning of time. I fell in love with Tristan and experienced everything as if I was Kendra.

For everyone who loved Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, this novel will be the most exciting read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Whirl

Whirl is the first book, and debut, in the Ondine Quartet series by Emma Raveling and what a debut it is.

At the beginning I was a bit confused by all the customized terms that Raveling had used but once I read more into the story I totally became ensnared by the thrill of Julian, the taboo of Tristan, the boyish charms of Ryder and the unconditional love that comes from friendship with Chloe and Aubrey, that I soon got lost in their world. The main heroine herself, Kendra is everything that you don't want in an enemy: tough, defiant, persistent and an unlimited supply of fighting spirit.
Now that I have gushed over the characters, let's get on with the other good stuff, the plot. My favourite thing about this book is that it's a very different, unlike anything I have come across before. The plot centers around Kendra and her role in freeing her race (water elementals) from an ancient war with the Aquidae (fire elementals) as well as irritating the hell out of her grandmother on her journey. The moments between Kendra and her grandmother, I find quite funny because if I Kendra's age and in her situation then I would be the same taking into consideration her upbringing. I think a lot of other readers would agree. With the help of her friends and some gorgeous men, Kendra starts to make a real difference in the hidden town of Haverleau and comes to realize her full potential.

The other thing that I love about this book is the way it gets me questioning things. I am fascinated by this different, but same, world where ondines, dissondines, selkies and demillirs were a race started by a water deity. It's a bit god like in the creation but it gets me thinking about evolution. The unique virtues, hierarchy, French undertone and hidden villages have me intrigued and excited about this series and I honestly can't wait to read the next installment, 'Billow'.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book as part of a blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly Original and Captivating- A MUST read

Emma Raveling's debut novel Whirl is a captivating, imaginative, enchanting, enticing, fast paced page turner.

Whirl pulled me in from the beginning and by the last sentence of the prologue I was hooked. In Whirl, Raveling has created a highly original and spellbinding fantasy world full of charismatic characters, a thrilling story, creative fantasy elements, and some sizzling romance.

I love how Raveling took a fantasy/mythical being- the ondine- that has not been explored much in YA books, and created such an intricate and fascinating world around it. From the detailed histories of the ondine to the governing infrastructure within Haverleau to the societal hierarchy in this community, Raveling provides so much detail, background, and development that this world she created, especially Haverleau, and the people within it, seem incredibly real and believable.

There is a large cast of characters, all very well developed and engaging. I really love the heroine Kendra. She is one of those perfectly flawed characters that could easily demand your attention, but doesn't have to because you can't help simply giving it to her. Kendra is witty, independent, tough, clever, and compassionate, but she's also quick to judge, hasty to act and speak, and has a temper.yet, underneath her tough, hard exterior lies an insecure vulnerability. I instantly connected with Kendra and found her to be a relatable and impossible to ignore. Kendra's new friends, Chloe, Aubrey, Ryder, Cam, and Alex provide an eclectic and refreshing reprieve for both Kendra and readers alike.

Two of the most intriguing characters are the charming Julian and the mysterious Tristan, both of whom make for very different romantic interests for Kendra. Julian is a rich, charismatic demillir (male ondine-born) who serves as a chevalier (knight or protector of the water elementals). Julian and Kendra often share witty, sarcastically insulting banter and always seem to be trying to one up each other. Julian really gets underneath Kendra's skin, but there exist an undeniable attraction and pull between the two. Scenes involving these two were always fun to read. Tristan on the other hand is a gardinel (a selkie warrior) and his job is to protect Kendra. A romance between Tristan and Kendra would be most forbidden and dangerous, but their connection is palpable. The chemistry between these two sizzles right off the page and is enticingly hot. Both men are completely swoon-worthy and I cannot wait to see how this little love triangle progresses.

The story itself is fast paced and never boring. There were scenes that left me breathless and wanting more and scenes that took me by surprise. Raveling doesn't shy away from the realistic and vivid when it comes to the fight scenes; there's an exciting edge to the way she presents these scenes. The fantasy elements are, well, fantastic. Kendra's ondine powers are explored in such a way that I found them wickedly cool. Raveling has truly presented the world of water elements in a new, fresh way.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I am always impressed when a writer can create a new, refreshing, and fantastical world that I've never imagined before, and I'm doubly impressed when I find myself longing to be back in that world hours after I've put a book down...when it comes to Whirl consider me doubly impressed. Whirl is an enchanting, fun, beautifully written novel. I will eagerly be awaiting the next book in the series. A definite MUST read!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Intriguing novel that holds the reader's attention

Reviewed by Rita V for Readers Favorite

Whirl is the very first novel in the Ondine Quartet Series by Emma Raveling. The story begins with the illusive Kendra Irisavie, who is anything but an average teenager. She is an Ondine Water Elemental who is being hunted by vicious dark demons who are trying to wreak havoc on the Elemental World. Kendra's gift of virtue is being an empath. It is in the human world where she encounters a mysterious stranger named Tristan, who comes and takes Kendra away from her foster home and brings her to the Lumiere Academy where she can perfect her virtue, magic, fighting skills and battle maneuvers in preparation for the war against the Aquidae demons. She must struggle to stay true to herself and embrace her destiny while facing a dangerous world and forbidden romance. Will Kendra be able to defy true love and save the elemental world from the Aquidae?

Whirl is a very complex and intriguing novel that holds the reader's attention and keeps it until the very end. Emma Raveling does not disappoint in this novel and uses her intuitive imagination to take us to the depths of the Elemental World and back. She delivers a powerful fantasy story entwined with danger, romance and action. Emma does a great job in depicting great depth in her characters, settings and plot. The chapters flow along nicely and the use of descriptive and supernatural wording was brilliantly done. I found myself truly engaged in this thrilling novel and could hardly set it down. It kept me at the edge of my seat with its edginess, twists, turns and fantasy adventure. This novel is for the older teenage and adult audience since it does contain mild sexual content and strong language. I am excited to read more of Emma Raveling's Ondine Quartet Series and can easily see this story in films or a television series; much like the Twilight Series, but very different and unique in its own right.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

I can't wait for the next book! Great world!

loved it

This one actually sort of reminded me of Vampire Academy. Anyway, it was good, can't wait for the next release.

Fantastic

I was happy to dive into a book that was completely unique in it's own way. I haven't read a book of this caliber since Vampire Academy (school of gifted students, forbidden love between teacher/student, and a cool tough heroin). Can't wait for the second installment "Billow" to come out ^_^

Loved it!!!!

I cant wait for the next book!

New favorite book!

Sucks you in full of actuion and just the right amount of rebellion! It is siimilar to the vampire academy series but different at the same time!

Highly recommended!

Very good book! Can't wait for the next one!

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.