Of Air and Fire is the first book in The Mora Chronicles by E.S. Portman. After she receives news of her mother's passing, Paige Johnson has no one else to share her grief with other than her best friend, Aeden Elynn. But when a mysterious owl leads them to a secluded forest, Paige and Aeden suddenly find themselves transported to the magical land of Aellethia. While Aeden is in Costa, discovering his newfound powers of water, fire, and earth, Paige learns she is the daughter of the tyrannical Mora of Prydia, Gedeon Airborne. On Gedeon's orders, Paige reluctantly trains under the enigmatic Lord Eoghan of Hydrasel to pass the deadly trials of the Triad. Meanwhile, Aeden is determined to rescue Paige from her father's clutches. But first, he must find a dragon.

Of Air and Fire is the perfect book for fantasy romance readers. The central underlying love story is at the heart of the narrative, aptly complemented by a plot full of mystery, magic, and action. E.S. Portman has built an enthralling fantasy world featuring fae wielders of different elements, mermaids, pixies, dwarves, and a host of other magical creatures. Narrated from the perspectives of both Paige and Aeden, the author masterfully introduces readers to the different conflicting factions involved in the tale. Aeden and Paige's yearning for each other is genuine, and you can't help rooting for them to end up together. I also very much enjoyed the character of Eoghan, whose loyalties are difficult to discern in the first half. All in all, this is a stellar first installment of a fantasy series, and I can't wait to read the sequels. Recommended to young adult fantasy fans.

In the small town of Jessup, Paige and Aeden have been neighbors and classmates since they were young. Their bond is strong, but it's put to the test when Paige's world is shattered by the loss of her mother to addiction. Aeden becomes her pillar of support, helping her navigate the overwhelming grief and confusion. As their friendship deepens, a subtle undercurrent of something more emerges between them. The lines between friendship and love become blurred, leaving both grappling with their emotions and the uncertainty of their relationship. In Of Air and Fire by E.S. Portman, readers are drawn into Paige and Aeden's compelling journey. The story takes an unexpected turn as they are transported through a mystical portal into the enchanting yet treacherous Fae world of Aellethia. Little do they know that this journey will irrevocably alter the course of their lives.

Of Air and Fire introduces readers to the captivating world of Aellethia in this first book in the Mora Chronicles series by E.S. Portman. The narrative swiftly immerses readers in a rich tapestry of mythical creatures, presenting daunting challenges and the emergence of elemental powers. From the ferocity of trolls to the enigmatic power of hags, from the majestic presence of dragons to the mysterious allure of mermaids, Aellethia is a realm filled with vibrant life and dangerous beauty. This enthralling story sets the stage for a series that will captivate young adult readers, transporting them to a realm where the threads of friendship, love, and destiny intertwine in extraordinary ways.