Review: Whirl by Emma Raveling

Title:  Whirl
Author:  Emma Raveling
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, YA
Pages:  258
Published:  October 2011
Publisher:  Mandorla
Source:  via The Bookish Snob for Blog Tour

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Kendra Irisavie is an ondine, a water elemental caught in the middle of an ancient war. The Aquidae are immortal dark demons who will stop at nothing to destroy the fragile balance of the Elemental world. Fierce and independent, Kendra has always played by her own rules.

Gifted with the powerful magic of Virtue and trained to be a deadly fighter, she has spent her life breaking hearts and getting into trouble. When her life explodes one violent night in a northern California city, a dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past. Alone and with no one to trust, she must now navigate through a dangerous new world, face the temptations of a forbidden romance, and remain true to her duty and destiny. All while the Aquidae continue to hunt her down, in the hopes of eliminating her forever…

An edgy urban fantasy/paranormal romance, Whirl is recommended for older teens and mature readers due to strong language and mild sexual situations.

I love when I pick up a book and it totally blows me away - and this was definitely one of those books.  Emma Raveling has written an incredible start to her Ondine series.  I can't wait for the second one to be released to see what happens to Kendra and her friends.

Kendra is an independent, outspoken, fierce warrior who isn't suppose to be a warrior.  For centuries the Ondine (the Water Elementals) have been a peaceful group.  Protected by Gardinals, Demillars and Chevaliers from soulless demons called Aquidae's - who are controlled by "the Shadow". 

After the death of her mother, Kendra is taken to Haverleau.  A town from which her family (who she has never known) originates.  Shielded from the outside world, this is home to the Water Elementals.  Kendra is enrolled at Lumiere - to learn to control her gift.

One of the things I really liked about Kendra is how outspoken she was about her beliefs.  She wanted the laws changed so Ondine could learn to protect themselves.  Unfortunately the Council initially didn't like that idea, among other things.  Kendra had to overcome a great many things to find herself, her powers and trust in her abilities. 

With the help of her new friends Chloe, Aubrey, Cam and Ryder she learns the ropes at Lumiere.  Like most teenagers, they break rules, sneak out and get into all sorts of trouble!  We also have a bit of a love quadrangle - yes I said quadrangle.  Ryder, Tristan and Julian all have a thing for Kendra - who will she choose? 

I don't want to give away too much about the story, but this is one of the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal novels I've read.  Emma's writing is fabulous, her characters are engaging, the dialogue is witty and fun.  Her books will easily have a permanent home on my self and I will definitely be looking for Billow (Ondine Quartet book 2) when it becomes available!