Imagine a story about a library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable bond. Sound intriguing? Perfect, because we’ve compiled the complete Air Awakens series order so that you have the ultimate guide on how to read these captivating books.
If you enjoy young adult fiction, epic coming of age fantasy, sword and sorcery, and slow burn romance than you will love this series.
Who is Elise Kova?
Elise Kova is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Florida and primarily writes young adult fantasy romance.
Growing up Kova was surrounding by the books of Robin Hobb, Anne McCaffrey, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Robert Jordan. The first chapter books that she read were The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. As well, she has said that reading Dave Duncan’s A Man Of His Word series changed how she viewed fantasy.
Kova wrote her first novella in the sixth grade during a school assignment. She has always loved writing and storytelling.
The Air Awakens series was initially published online. This let Kova develop the habit of posting a chapter every day, while also receiving feedback from readers. While Kova did initially query Air Awakens through traditional publishers she didn’t manage to land an agent.
Therefore, Kova decided to pursue self-publishing and established her own publishing house: Silver Wing Press.
Air Awakens was published in August of 2015 and by January 2016 Kova became a full-time author. Her work has been translated into five languages thus far.
Her favorite part about writing fantasy is also what she finds most challenging, and that is world building.
Air Awakens Series Order
The best way to read the Air Awakens series order is in order of chronology. While there are multiple series that take place in this world and you can start your reading experience with any of them, Kova recommends beginning with Air Awakens. This is an epic YA fantasy coming of age series.
The series has five full-length novels and one slim short story collection. The short stories takes place after the second book and should be read before diving into the third full-length novel.
Here is the order in which you should read the Air Awakens series.
- Air Awakens (2015)
- Fire Falling (2015)
- Tales from the Front (2016) (Short Story)
- Earth’s End (2016)
- Water’s Wrath (2016)
- Crystal Crowned (2016)
Air Awakens: Golden Guard Trilogy
But if you’ve already read the Air Awakens series and are eager for more from this world, then you’re in luck.
This trilogy is a prequel to Elise Kova’s debut series. The books dive into the history of the Golden Guard and how it originated. While the books in this trilogy are connected in theme and universe, each book can be read as a standalone and contains its own story arc.
These books will be perfect for you if you can’t get enough this world and love books that explore friendship within a setting of mystery and adventure. While you can read the prequels before the original series, Kova recommends against it. In reading this trilogy after the original Air Awakens series you will already be much more connected and invested in this world.
- The Crown’s Dog (2016)
- The Prince’s Rogue (2017)
- The Farmer’s War (2017)
Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles
The Air Awakens universe is quite large, and as already mentioned, Kova has written multiple series that takes place in this world. This includes Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles.
In addition to taking place in the same world, it delivers on the same themes of coming of age and slow burn romance. These books take place approximately 20 years after the conclusion of the original series.
Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles follows a new cast of characters and contains its own satisfying reading experience. While that means it can be read on its own, discovering the connecting threads with the original series will only amplify your reading experience.
- Vortex Visions (2019)
- Chosen Champion (2019)
- Failed Future (2019)
- Sovereign Sacrifice (2019)
- Crystal Caged (2020)
A Trial of Sorcerers
The final series – so far – set within this world is A Trial of Sorcerers. This is also Elise Kova’s newest series. So far there is only one book within this series, although the second installment is forthcoming.
This is the first series that steps away from the Solaris family and focuses on viewing the empire through different eyes. Again, you could chose to begin your reading experience of this world with this series as it contains its own unique story and characters. However, if you started with Air Awakens and are working your way through the chronological timeline, this series begins about three years after the conclusion of Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles.
- A Trial of Sorcerers (2021)
- A Hunt of Shadows (2022)
- A Tournament of Crowns (2023)
- An Heir of Frost (2024)
- A Queen of Ice (Expected: November 21, 2024)
What is the Air Awakens Series About?
As mentioned, Air Awakens is about a library apprentice and a sorcerer prince who must work together. The first book in the series has the same name: Air Awakens.
It introduces us to Vhalla Yarl, our library apprentice. In a world that is one conquest away from a momentous union, Vhalla might hold the key to shifting the tides of war with the discovery of a rare elemental magic within her.
Vhalla has always feared the Tower of Sorcerers and much preferred the comforting walls of a library. However, she is drawn into this mysterious magic society after she unknowingly saves the life of Crown Prince Aldrik, one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all.
In the first book Vhalla must chose between embracing her newfound sorcery or remaining in the life she has always known.
If you’re a music buff or a fan of electronic dance music, than you may find it interesting to learn that Kova’s inspiration for Air Awakens come from the EDM song “Clarity” by ZEDD.
Air Awakens was Kova’s debut series and the one that propelled her into full-time authorship. Since its initial publication in 2015, she has gone on finish the series, as well as write three more series set in the same universe.
A Summary of the Air Awakens Series in Order
On her website Kova says you can begin reading her works with any first book. Kova’s only rule is that when you begin a series, you should begin with the first book and continue your reading of the series with each subsequent novel.
However, she does recommend reading her original Air Awakens series first if you’re interested in this universe. This is the order that we’ve listed the book summaries in here. Continue reading if you would like to learn more about each book within this world.
Air Awakens Series Order: Main Books
1. Air Awakens
The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.
Vhalla has always feared the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all – the Crown Prince Aldrik – she finds herself enticed into his world.
Now she must decide her future. She must either embrace her sorcery and leave her life behind, or eradicate her magic and remain a library apprentice. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.
2. Fire Falling
Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life.
As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?
2.5 Tales from the Front
The Air Awakens series is told from a single point of view: Vhalla’s. Therefore the drive behind some of the characters in the series is never fully revealed with the limitations of a close third person narrative. This slim collection of short stories reveals some of those thoughts and actions.
It contains 12 stories from different perspectives, such as Fritz, Aldrik, Elecia, Baldair, and more. These stories happen between the second and third book, and should be read after Fire Falling.
3. Earth’s End
Vhalla Yarl has made it to the warfront in the North. Forged by blood and fire, she has steeled her heart for the final battle of the Solaris Empire’s conquest.
The choices before Vhalla are no longer servitude or freedom. It has become servitude or death.
The stakes have never been higher as the Emperor maintains his iron grip on her fate. Everything Vhalla still has left to lose is hanging in the balance.
4. Water’s Wrath
The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But at the cost of her heart and her innocence.
The true fight is only beginning though as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.
5. Crystal Crowned
One bloodthirsty ruler has been overthrown by another, casting the shadow of death over the Solaris Empire. Vhalla Yarl stands upon the stage of fate, prepared to do battle one final time.
Fragile alliances will be tested and new bonds will be formed as the world is reshaped. Vhalla fights as the champion of peace, but when the night is darkest will she be able to pay the price of a new dawn?
Golden Guard Trilogy
1. The Crown’s Dog
Jax Wendyll is the crown’s dog. As punishment for the unspeakable crimes that torment him to this day, his life has been conscripted to the Empire Solaris. However, in an Empire afflicted by peace, his duties are relegated to unquestioningly aiding the antics of the youngest prince, Baldair.
Erion Le’Dan, a nobleman’s son, expects a quiet summer visit to the Imperial Palace. His only agenda is to visit with his unlikely friends. But Jax’s discovery of the legendary pirate Adela Lagmir’s old workroom inspires a hunt for her long lost treasure.
The pursuit of Adela’s truth takes the three men to the Imperial summer manor, built along the old pirate mainstays. When Adela’s trident is branded onto a murdered servant, Prince Baldair’s summer amusement of treasure-hunting becomes a hunt to find the killer. But, as mysteries compound, the ghosts of Jax’s past may not be the only things haunting them.
2. The Prince’s Rogue
The Empire has declared war against its neighbor to the north, the country of Shaldan. Prince Baldair must lead, but the untested royal harbors secret reservations about his ability to inspire confidence in troops his senior in both age and experience. The memory of his first kills the summer prior still weigh heavy on his shoulders, and he flees to his friend Erion’s home near the Crossroads to wait for the army before marching north.
Raylynn Westind had never held a responsibility in her life. After losing her mother years ago, she wanders from town to town in search of a challenge, honoring the sacred song of the sword her mother taught her.
She never backs down from a fight. Not when her opponents are the deadly Knights of Jadar, mysteriously insistent upon her death. And certainly not when the opponent is the Empire’s young playboy prince.
Baldair has never met another person as gifted with the sword as he, and is insistent on seeing a golden bracer grace Raylynn’s forearm. But the woman lives a mercenary’s life, and Baldair quickly learns that her loyalty comes at a high price. When he discovers the bounty on her head, the prince must choose between his responsibilities to his father’s Empire, and the woman who has captured his heart as a soldier, and as a man.
3. The Farmer’s War
Lieutenant Craig Youngly has only ever wanted one thing in his life – to join the illustrious Golden Guard.
In pursuit of his goals, he has found himself protégé to Raylynn Westwind, notable Guard member and favorite of Prince Baldair. He has fought for two years in the sweltering North and now prepares to embark on a mission on behalf of the Guard that could secure his long-sought membership. It’s the opportunity Craig has been waiting for, until Raylynn’s attention turns toward another swordsman, Daniel Taffl.
Daniel has always been a man of modest aspirations. As a farmer’s son from the East, he seeks a soldier’s wage to support a future for the woman of his dreams when he returns from the front lines. It isn’t until he’s part of Craig’s mission that he learns his sword-craft has caught the eyes of the powers above him.
Craig sees his mission as an opportunity to impress the guard and exert his authority over Daniel. Daniel sees it merely as the chance to secure a more financially stable future. Their goals seem too simple to go awry.
But, in the perilous jungles of the North, luck is something both men find to be in short supply.
Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles Series
1. Vortex Visions
Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.
The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she should not possess.
Powers that might well cost her the throne.
As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price. Some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.
All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world.
2. Chosen Champion
Vi Solaris is on the eve of getting everything she’s ever wanted: Her family, her home, her throne. But to save the world she’s going to have to give it all up.
The Empire sees her as their Crown Princess, returning at long last. But Vi only sees visions of fate guiding her to the world’s gruesome end.
Across the sea is a man who holds the keys to deciphering her premonitions and thwarting the ancient evil ravaging their world. But to get to him, Vi will have to contend with enemies of the crown, romance she didn’t expect, sorcerer pirates, and a betrayal she never saw coming.
She will learn the hard way that some evils never die… They only bide their time…
3. Failed Future
Having forsaken her crown for a chance to save her family, and the world, Vi Solaris washes up on the shores of Meru. She’s barely alive. But Vi’s fight for survival is only just beginning.
As a princess in a foreign land, everyone is after her.
The pirate queen Adela wants to sell her to the evil elfin’ra. The Twilight King wants to use her to settle an old score. And, perhaps most dangerous, is the scheming Lord of the Faithful who sees her as an opportunity to further consolidate his power.
The only path for Vi is forward. But she doesn’t yet know if she’s running toward salvation…or a brutal end to everything she loves.
4. Sovereign Sacrifice
Vi was supposed to be the perfect crown princess. Then, she abandoned her throne.
Vi was supposed to save the world as its Champion. Then, the world she loved vanished.
Now, all she knows is that she has deadly magic and brutal cunning and she’s ready to settle some scores.
Old loves and new allies tell her to play it safe. But Vi is over that. She has a chance to right ancient wrongs and this princess-turned-warrior isn’t turning back.
She’s ready to bring an end to the vortex of death holding the world hostage.
5. Crystal Caged
One way or another…she will be the end of the world.
With powers that shouldn’t belong to a mortal, Vi Solaris must free herself and the world from a deadly vortex. This mission has taken her to forbidden lands and has transformed her from a sheltered princess to a fearsome warrior.
But the ultimate triumph requires the ultimate sacrifice. Vi must choose between the last tethers to her humanity and the very people she swore to protect.
A Trial of Sorcerers Series
1. A Trial of Sorcerers
Eighteen-year-old Waterrunner Eira Landan lives her life in the shadows – the shadow of her older brother, of her magic’s whispers, and of the person she accidentally killed. She’s the most unwanted apprentice in the Tower of Sorcerers until the day she decides to step out and compete for a spot in the Tournament of Five Kingdoms.
Pitted against the best sorcerers in the Empire, Eira fights to be one of four champions. Excelling in the trials has its rewards. She’s gets to attend the royal court with the “Prince of the Tower,” discovers her rare talent for forbidden magic, and at midnight, Eira meets with a handsome elfin ambassador.
But, Eira soon learns, no reward is without risk. As she comes into the spotlight, so too do the skeletons of a past she hadn’t even realized was haunting her.
Eira went into the trials ready for a fight. Ready to win.
She wasn’t ready for what it would cost her. No one expected the candidates might not make it out with their lives.
Final Thoughts on Air Awakens Series Order
Those are all the books set within the Air Awakens universe – at least so far. Have you read one, or more, series from this world?
The original Air Awakens series order delves into a captivating slow burn romance against the backdrop of war. It is an epic coming of age story in which Vhalla faces challenges she could never have imagined.
The other series set in this universe are equally enchanting tales of sword and sorcery, action and adventure. If you’re a fan of young adult fantasy you should definitely mark these books as to be read.
Looking for more book recommendations?
Check out this list of 10 Books Like From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.