The Force of Wind (Elemental Mysteries, #3)

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The Force of Wind (Elemental Mysteries #3)

by Elizabeth Hunter (Goodreads Author)

4.37 of 5 stars 4.37 · rating details · 2,547 ratings · 188 reviews

How far would you go to protect the ones you love?

What would you sacrifice to kill the one you hate?

Join Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo as they travel to a hidden island on the far edge of China to seek the help of an ancient immortal court. Can they weave their way through the tangled web of centuries-old alliances and ruthless feuds to find what they’ve been looki...more

ebook, 262 pages

Published March 3rd 2012 by E. Hunter (first published March 1st 2012)

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Nov 08, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, paranormal-romance-vampire, arc

There are triumphs and tears both in this excellent third installment of Elizabeth's Hunter's Elemental Mysteries. The hunt for Beatrice's father and the coveted 'book' leads library researcher B further into Gio's vampire world - this time to the island of the Eight Great Immortals in the China homeland of ancient wind vampire Tensin – and to some of the answers that they seek.

Over the course of the series we've witnessed the slowly growing relationship between B and Gio. So after all that they...more There are triumphs and tears both in this excellent third installment of Elizabeth's Hunter's Elemental Mysteries. The hunt for Beatrice's father and the coveted 'book' leads library researcher B further into Gio's vampire world - this time to the island of the Eight Great Immortals in the China homeland of ancient wind vampire Tensin – and to some of the answers that they seek.

Over the course of the series we've witnessed the slowly growing relationship between B and Gio. So after all that they've gone through it is nice that, even though they don't exactly see eye to eye on the role that B wants to take in Gio's world, B's and Gio's relationship is finally solid. And for those who have been waiting, there is a fair amount of very subtly done steamy stuff - though Hunter definitely subscribes to 'less is more' in that department which worked just fine for me.

As much as I love B and Gio together, I also really like B's other relationships and this time we get more of her friendship with Tensin and as a result get to learn quite a bit more of Tensin's background. Also a lot of fun was B's sparring with Baoji - one of B's “grandfather's” “children” and a character that I hope to see more of - and there are a some amusing verbal ripostes to go with the literal ones during weapons training as B continues build her battle skills with an eye to the future. And another standout was one exceedingly cagey vamp whose brilliant maneuver was one of the high points of the book. If I had one nit with B this time around, it would be that for such a smart character B places herself in danger several times, both wittingly and unwittingly, and it never ends well.

I normally don't accept ARCs directly from an author, but The Force of the Wind was on my must buy list for March, so I just couldn't resist getting an early peek. And wow, there is so much that I liked about this book and, drat, so little that I can share without being spoilerish. So even though I tried to keep to vague hints so as not to ruin the emotional journey, I can say that everything that has been building in the first two books comes together here and if you're like me you'll cheer, rage and grieve as the story unfolds and be counting the days until B and Gio's story and the mystery of the book wrap up in The Fall of Water which is slated for release in June of 2012.

If you are new to Hunter's Hidden Mysteries you are really going to want to start at the beginning and read A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth before reading The Force of the Wind, because there isn't a lot of backtracking to bring new readers up to speed and there is a fair amount of character development and world building that was done in the previous books. Also, if you are like me, you are going to want to read the two stories back to back - after finishing the first book I had to immediately buy the second book to see how thing played out between B and Gio - there is no HEA after the first book and B and Gio's relationship is still evolving even in this third book.

ARC provided by the author.(less)

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Nov 15, 2012 Katya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, suspense-mystery, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow....Amazing 5 Stars

How to write a review without giving it away.

I won't tell you about this book but I will tell you about one scene that I feel is one of the most powerful passages I have ever read.

In this scene (how to write this without giving out clues) the heroine is not just teased with a devastating blow - only to have her hero save the day or good triumph over evil - as it usually occurs in most romance novels....she actually experiences a horrifying loss. Her inability to effect tha...more

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May 15, 2013 Sandra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Maybe this review is about how I loved this book less than the previous ones.

The book takes place mainly in China, being this exotic setting a factor that kept me engaged since the very first moment.

The plot (the Elders, politics, the book hunting, alchemy theories); the action, the pace (there were scenes (view spoiler) that kept me reading nonstop) , the characters (hey, this is a book where Tenzin has greater protagonism!) all add up but, it reall...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Douglas Meeks rated it 5 of 5 stars

I should start by saying I purchased the first 2 books in this series A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth with no real expectations other than it looked mildly interesting. I could not have been more shocked to find myself pulled into a continuing story of which The Force of Wind is the 3rd installment of what is to be 4 books (One for each element Fire, Earth, Air and Water for book 4). So what I write here can be applied to the story as a whole because it is difficult to separate the parts from...more I should start by saying I purchased the first 2 books in this series A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth with no real expectations other than it looked mildly interesting. I could not have been more shocked to find myself pulled into a continuing story of which The Force of Wind is the 3rd installment of what is to be 4 books (One for each element Fire, Earth, Air and Water for book 4). So what I write here can be applied to the story as a whole because it is difficult to separate the parts from the whole. It is rare that a self published author writes a novel that can pull me into an emotional bond with the story and its characters. Starting with A Hidden Fire and through This Same Earth and now The Force of Wind I have been captured by the story of Gio and B. The simple romance with a bit of mystery thrown in that was the start of this journey has now come to a point where you are pulled though the characters growth and tragedy. Along with a cast of characters that is so memorable that you don’t need a listing to keep up with them, you learn in pieces the history of these people and you start to be emotionally bonded to them (as any great book should do). The Force of Wind has the most character growth, the most action and the most heartbreak and tragedy which is a step up from the usually PNR type books. I can truly say I have not gotten this involved in a story of this type in years and possibly the last time was Nora Roberts Circle Trilogy (which was an exceptional trilogy and 1 of only 2 of hers I ever read). I can’t really impart too much of the story because since each book builds on the last I could ruin it for people starting the books. Let me say that if you enjoy an evolving romance, characters that actually make mistakes and learn from them, secondary characters that are more than cutouts filling a page, this is a series for dedicated readers who may have tired of the typical “MINE” that comes with many PNR/UF novels. This 3rd installment takes us from the romance in book 1 to the complex background of many characters in book 2 and starts to become an epic story and I think the author grew along with her characters since each sequel has been better than its predecessor. This is a MUST READ for those with a desire to enjoy an excellent story well written, I can hardly contain myself waiting for the last book (A Fall of Water) in what I assume will be a satisfying end to what has become an epic struggle for revenge, love, family and peace. Ms Hunter, a job well done and I cannot wait to read the finale.(less)

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Mar 08, 2012 Kara-karina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Those of you who've been reading this blog since last year know that Elizabeth's first book A Hidden Fire made it into my list of best reads of 2011.

It's hard to explain why her writing pushes so many right buttons for me.

Elizabeth created a smart and intoxicating paranormal mystery with romantic elements which takes you all over the world in search of ancient manuscripts containing the secrets of the immortality elixir. It introduces a classic villain, a complicated vampire hierarchy full of i...more Those of you who've been reading this blog since last year know that Elizabeth's first book A Hidden Fire made it into my list of best reads of 2011.

It's hard to explain why her writing pushes so many right buttons for me.

Elizabeth created a smart and intoxicating paranormal mystery with romantic elements which takes you all over the world in search of ancient manuscripts containing the secrets of the immortality elixir. It introduces a classic villain, a complicated vampire hierarchy full of intrigues, favours and a strange elemental magic. It brings you gorgeous martial art teachings and strong battle sequences. At last, it gives us an enigmatic pairing of Gio and Beatrice, whose relationship has a long, complicated and stormy past, but who're undeniably deeply in love with each other.

Maybe this is why I love this series so much.

The Force of Wind is a bittersweet, tumultuous and heartbreaking read. things we expect come to pass and things we don't expect at all come to pass.

Beatrice came a long way from being a snarky girl librarian to becoming a formidable opponent and warrior.

Book #3 takes her and Gio to a secret island in China where the Council of Eight Immortals lives ruling vampires of this world. The war with Lorenzo ended with a Mexican stand off, and the Council wants to make a peaceful decision concerning the manuscript which both Gio and Lorenzo consider theirs.

B feels that the clock is ticking and she is running out of time. She trains like mad with Baojia and Tenzin, preparing her body and mind to being turned because she feels that her humanity is a constant weakness in their battle with Lorenzo and she wants to eliminate it.

“I have to say, you do smell delicious. I kind of understand why he wants to keep you.”
Beatrice frowned. “Tenzin, please don’t make me feel any more like dinner than I already do.”
Her friend laughed long and hard. Finally, Beatrice did too. Then Tenzin reached over and stroked Beatrice’s hair back from her face, and the soft look she occasionally allowed herself peeked through.
“It will be all right. Relax.” Beatrice could feel the amnis start to creep across her skin as she stared at Tenzin. (taken out as a spoiler) held her hand and she allowed the soft
brush of her friend’s influence in her mind. She closed her eyes and listened to the hypnotic voice.
“Meditate. Just like we practiced. Calm. Let yourself relax.”
She drifted, focusing on a picture of Giovanni she held in her mind. It was the single minded look he gave her sometimes. When he was angry. When he made
love to her. When he killed for her. It was the look that told her she was the center of his world.
“I am your balance in this life,” she whispered to him, even though he was not there. “In every life.”
Her eyes flew open when she felt Tenzin’s fangs strike.

The finale is truly brutal and shocking. In each book of this series there are losses and sacrifices making a huge impact on every character, and this book is no exception. I also love how both the main and secondary characters have many facets and are constantly growing in each book. You don't see it often these days. We finally find out about Tenzin's past and why she is so estranged from her vampire's father. We also see more of an enigmatic Baojia, a Chinese assassin training and looking after B.

This is a gorgeous book in a fantastic series and a must read for fans of Anne Rice, Elizabeth Kostova and Dan Brown.(less)

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Nov 24, 2012 Zoe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, ebooks-kindle

Well,it come to the point when it becomes boring..
A few scenes were interesting, when I thought now the story will pick up and I will have to feel the thrill of the supernaturals action.

Still can't see where the brilliance of the Beatrice stays...

Last book, here I came ..

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Apr 09, 2013 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires

The third book in the Elemental Mysteries series by Elizabeth Hunter is the best of the series so far! I really don’t know what to write in my review. The truth is that this story made me cry. A lot. This book is all about feelings and sad stories and the fact that the story takes place in a remote place in China didn’t make my mood better.

Beatrice and Giovanni know where the book is and so they travel far away to take it. But this is not very easy. There they meet beloved ones and mortal enemie...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Lori McD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013_read, action, adventure, chick-lit, coming-of-age, contemporary-times, dark, drama, easy-read, faith-spirituality, fantasy, female-bonding, kindle-book, own, paranormal, romance, series, some-steam, spies, intrigue, tear-jerker, suspense, thriller, vampire, urban-fantasy, war

4+ stars

This series just seems to get better, as it continually weaves us into its spell and unfolds the mysteries of this elemental vampire world, Lorenzo, B's father, and the mysterious book and formula!

Again, a LOT happens in this book. And once again, we're introduced to a bunch of new characters and many of the previous characters seem to fade from focus.

There are a few uneven spots and places where the book seemed to be maddeningly slow unfolding what's REALLY going on, but overall, every...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star-read, hist-myth-elements, elizabeth-hunter, read-again, vampires, recommend-to-others

Ms. Hunter continues to up the ante with her Elementals series.

I fell in love with Gio and B in A Hidden Fire and the dynamic interaction between them left me panting for more. The storyline was totally engrossing and engaging and continued to grow even more in This Same Earth. The storyline took an absolutely explosive turn in this book. I was on pins and needles the whole time I was reading it. I love that element of a good book. There were so many pleasant twists and a few unpleasant ones th...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I was ecstatic to find that The Force of Wind had released a few days early, because I could not wait for more Giovanni and Beatrice. Thankfully, Elizabeth Hunter does not disappoint in the third installment of her Elemental Mysteries series. I loved seeing Gio and B’s relationship finally on solid ground. This entire book really showcased the strength and depth of their love for each other. It made me giddy – and Gio just keeps getting better (*sigh* sorry, fangirl moment!). He’s a great alpha-...more I was ecstatic to find that The Force of Wind had released a few days early, because I could not wait for more Giovanni and Beatrice. Thankfully, Elizabeth Hunter does not disappoint in the third installment of her Elemental Mysteries series. I loved seeing Gio and B’s relationship finally on solid ground. This entire book really showcased the strength and depth of their love for each other. It made me giddy – and Gio just keeps getting better (*sigh* sorry, fangirl moment!). He’s a great alpha-male, but I love to see how much of a match Beatrice is for him. They really do balance each other. And (view spoiler). The Force of Wind takes place in China and we get to see much more of Tenzin, whom I have grown to love as well. Unfortunately, there are only a few brief sightings of Carwyn, but I’m hoping for much more of him in book four. We also meet several new people, including Baojia, with whom Beatrice has some great banter, and (view spoiler). The story is filled with joy and pain, tender moments and fierce battles, and of course, what’s this series without a visit from our favorite blonde Botticelli faced villain?!

I continue to love the third person narrative, switching between Beatrice and Giovanni. Though there were times where it took me a bit to figure out whose head we were inside of. I can’t wait for the fourth book to come out this summer!

Looking ahead: (view spoiler)
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Mar 06, 2012 Sapphyria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge

Ms. Hunter does NOT disappoint in Book 3. This installment of the Elemental Mysteries series is right on target and just as entertaining as Books 1 & 2.

The search for both B's father and the "book" take Gio, B, Baojia, to China, where they align with Tenzin and appear before the court of Eight Immortals. While under the protection of the court, however, they face very intense and dangerous situations. They come face to face with the enemy, learn who their allies are, and face bitter disappo...more Ms. Hunter does NOT disappoint in Book 3. This installment of the Elemental Mysteries series is right on target and just as entertaining as Books 1 & 2.

The search for both B's father and the "book" take Gio, B, Baojia, to China, where they align with Tenzin and appear before the court of Eight Immortals. While under the protection of the court, however, they face very intense and dangerous situations. They come face to face with the enemy, learn who their allies are, and face bitter disappointment, utter and complete devastation, and there are surprises around every corner.

The relationship between B and Gio is hot, intense, and so romantic. The love they have for each other is clearly conveyed within the pages of this novel. Gio can be overprotective and completely unreasonable at times, but it just makes me love his character even more. B is fantastic, smart, and so fiercely independent that when she allows Gio to dominate her it shows her undying love.

Baojia is B's grandfather's "son" and was sent to China with B and Gio as B's guardian and protector. His character is great and I love his interactions with B and the love/hate relationship with Gio.

Tenzin, as always, is full of surprises.

I can't elaborate on much of the storyline as not to give it away. Just know that the book is phenomenal and if you haven't read this series yet, I encourage you to do so.

Some of Saph's favorite quotes:

Carwin in regards to Tenzin (pg. 86): "How's the ancient and drafty one? Has she killed anyone yet?"

B in regards to Lorenzo (pg. 93): "So, in addition to kidnappin and murder, the [Lorenzo]'s guilty of putting ancient documents at risk? I really have to kill him now."

Tenzin regarding men, in general (pg. 158): "Most advances in technology occur because they're either trying to impress women or blow things up."

This book draws you in from the beginning and doesn't let you go...even when you've gotten to the end. Ms. Hunter likes to tease you with the first chapter of the next book and in doing so makes us, the readers, crazy with anticipation.
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Mar 05, 2013 Didi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, alpha-male, favorites, finding-the-one, my-vampire-lover, paranormal-romance

You might think reading a multiple-book series may get boring or redundant after awhile.

Or, maybe the characters get annoying over time.

Or, the story loses it's lustre, leaving you dissapointed.

OR, maybe...IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER! THE STAKES GETTING HIGHER, THE CHARACTERS GETTING HOTTER, THE QUESTIONS GETTING LONGER, THE ANSWERS GETTING HARDER!!! ARGHHH!

As not to dissapoint or discourage, the third in the Elemental Mysteries series is kick-ass! I loved this book and would have given it 5 s...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Anissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-suspense-thriller-crime, paranormal-and-supernatural, romance-and-erotica, series

Not as great as the first two but still a good installment in this series. I did find Giovanni's tendency to lose all rational sense where Beatrice was concerned to be a bit tedious. He wasn't very much like that in the first two books & this time around it all centered on Beatrice taking steps to become more independent in her abilities to learn to protect herself. Paranoia, whiny & over-bearing doesn't translate very well as strength of love to me, so it put me off just a bit. I was gl...more Not as great as the first two but still a good installment in this series. I did find Giovanni's tendency to lose all rational sense where Beatrice was concerned to be a bit tedious. He wasn't very much like that in the first two books & this time around it all centered on Beatrice taking steps to become more independent in her abilities to learn to protect herself. Paranoia, whiny & over-bearing doesn't translate very well as strength of love to me, so it put me off just a bit. I was glad that Beatrice didn't suffer him and went ahead with whatever she was going to do anyway & told him he was being a dolt. I did tire a bit of her bravado when she clearly had no ability to win or even a plan. Her mouth ran ahead of her brain & physical capability more than it did in the last book. And then there's the relationship between Giovanni & Beatrice. Their couplehood is solid so there's really nothing that I read as a real threat. Not even Baojia. I didn't see the point of the pseudo-flirtation with a triangle. There seemed to be more romance & one on one bonding in this book and honestly, it started to get a little formulaic. After the third declaration of eternal love & "balance in this life & any life" in a vampire story, I've kinda had enough with the trope. I'm starting to want one of them to die in book 4, just to have the perverse thrill of the opposite or at least a very bittersweet, short union. I did like that there weren't just easy wins & smooth sailing when it came to vampire showdowns.

I missed Carwyn's presence a lot and hope he's featured a lot in the final book. Stephen was great to finally meet & get to know (& sad to see depart). Everything about Tenzin is interesting, as always. They mystery of the book & the alchemist's immortality formula is still running & as before, I wanted more of that in this book. It was interesting to spend so much time in the court at Penglai & I liked all the political intrigue. I'm hoping Rome is the big deal in the last book, because Livia... I think there's a story there.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. It took me a little longer to get through than the others but that's probably because I know what I'm looking for in the resolution department and I want to get there already. (less)

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Oct 26, 2012 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic story! It picks up right where the last one ended. The flow of this book is absolutely perfect! It grabs you right from page one and NEVER lets you go! There was literally no point in this story where I was bored. The characters are so expertly written , and so real you feel you could reach out and touch them. The thing I thing I love the most is that they are realistic in their emotions. The ups and downs , the anger, sadness, happiness, guilt its all there. In a lot of rom...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Recommended to Rachel by: Nobody. I bought it after completing the first book in the series

Shelves: adults-are-obsolete-children, books-that-have-collected-me, a-book-is-good-company, every-reader-finds-himself, rereading-we-find-a-new-book, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Warning!

Let me start with: I. LOVE! This. Series.

Love to Elizabeth Hunter! Love to B! Love to Gio! Love to Tenzin! Love to Stephen! Love to Baojia!

Ironically, I imagine Giovanni looking very much like Aidan Turner (as Mitchell. Also a vampire.) from UK's "Being Human".

Many boos to Lorenzo. And I'm waiting for Giovanni to go all scorchy on his evil ass.

Srsly. This is me every time he shows his evil, yet eternally beautiful, face.

Anywho, B and Gio find themselves in China in this book,...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Natalie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal

Giovanni and Beatrice are firmly in a relationship and the plot is well under way in Book 3. I'm still surprised at how much I've been enjoying this series. I'm looking forward to book #4.

They are memorable stories and all of the characters are truly unique and fabulous. They have distinctive personalities and I love that in a book. If the characters are weak it doesn't really matter how fabulous the plot is. Fortunately, this series has great characters and a great plot.

I still really love th...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Kelly Hart rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read these books in a whirlwind marathon, so I’m not going to review each one separately, instead, this review will cover the series as a whole (books 1 - 3).

A long missing, and once thought destroyed, ancient library … an Italian hottie with more than a few secrets … a young, beautiful 22 year old librarian and library sciences student … and a supernatural twist …

The Elemental Mysteries follows Dr. Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo in their search for Gio’s (as his close friends call him)...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Optimist rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, mystery, favorites

Balance

Earth, Fire, Wind, Water

These are repeated throughout & are the cornerstone to decoding this mystery. Now there’s a fifth element? The only thing I could think of was the Bruce Willis movie so now I’m on the lookout for Leeloo in book 4. There seem to just be plans within plans everywhere you look. Who has a hidden agenda or better yet who doesn’t have a hidden agenda? Thereby making it very difficult to tell who to trust & who not to all of which is part & parcel to what ma...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Janice (the_red1) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, vampires

Yes, back on track! Book 2 was a bit of a struggle for me, not quite what I was hoping it would be, but I am happy to say that book 3, The Force of Wind, fully restored my faith in the series.

The search for "the book" and Beatrice's father continues, this time taking us to China, into Tenzin's world - and what a fascinating world it is! The change in setting really helped, offering new perspectives on the vampire world and shedding more light on the different elemental forces that give each vam...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Madam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

The underlying story, itself, continues to be good, but we there are enough plot holes to bring this story down a notch for me. SPOILER ALERT: for example, am I really supposed to believe that Beatrice escaped her vampire security detail at the castle of the Eight Immortals? That Lorenzo was wandering around, unobserved, so that he could attack her? Really? Under the noses of some of the oldest and most powerful vampires on earth?

It came down even more notches because every 10 pages, unlike the...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Allison rated it 4 of 5 stars

I feel like the author created this Universe for me to dive into, talk about an escape from reality.

I had a few moments when I was got annoyed with the female lead Beatrice, she was stubborn and asked too many questions - then I realized I was annoyed in the way that I get annoyed with myself when I'm stubborn or can't turn my brain/curiosity off. The adage is true, sometimes the things you dislike in others are the things you dislike in yourself.

One of the best themes of the book for me was Ten...more I feel like the author created this Universe for me to dive into, talk about an escape from reality.

I had a few moments when I was got annoyed with the female lead Beatrice, she was stubborn and asked too many questions - then I realized I was annoyed in the way that I get annoyed with myself when I'm stubborn or can't turn my brain/curiosity off. The adage is true, sometimes the things you dislike in others are the things you dislike in yourself.

One of the best themes of the book for me was Tenzin opening up/growing closer to Beatrice - reminding me that people come into your life for all sorts of reasons - and while it can't be explained - things always work out the way they should. I love Tenzin's patience and confidence, since I'll never be a 5000 year old vampire, I can't even imagine that level of patience.

I like that each book focuses on one of the elements, not just in the title of the book - but by explaining the element and a vampire (or vampires) associated with it. The way the characters intertwine in each of the books shows me that the author carefully planned out this series instead of throwing words at the page and seeing what stuck.

*SPOILER ALERT*

My favourite scene was definitely right after Beatrice was turned, that whole scene in the bath tub when she was behaving like she was high on LSD was HILARIOUS. I love the type of vampire that Elizabeth has created for this series - I know types of vampires - strengths, weaknesses, qualities, etc. vary in legends, books and film - but Hunter has managed to stay true to the traditional concept of what we've come to expect of vampires while adding her own spin to the continuing definition of what a vampire is.

Another thing I liked was the (sexual and otherwise) tension between Beatrice and Baojia, I love Giovanni and Beatrice together, but it was interesting to see that sort of temptation and intrigue, and how Beatrice and Giovanni both handled it in their own way.

And last but not least, I was happy that Beatrice and her father were reunited - the way that line in the plot turned out was sad, but I liked the inclusion - and another testament to Tenzin's powers of foresight and canniness. Tenzin's actions are a sort of testament to her loyalty and affection for Beatrice, and by extension Giovanni.

Seeing the emphasis on the strength of the four elements and how interconnected the fates of Beatrice, Giovanni, Tenzin and Carwyn are...seeing the careful set up of the plot by the author...I love that. Also the emphasis on balance, fate and family ties/kinship and friendship. I don't think I've ever seen such intricate ties and themes emphasized in vampire themed books before this.

Once again pissed that Lorenzo got away, I hope Beatrice is the one to kill him, which I'm assuming will happen in the next book since it's the conclusion. Off to the Kindle store to buy it now...(less)

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Jan 23, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Elizabeth Hunter has done it again! The third installment in the Elemental Mysteries is another whirlwind book of intrigue, excitement, romance and lots of emotion. I was extremely lucky to receive an ARC of this story and I was itching to start reading it! Putting it down when I needed sleep became the ultimate battle.

We pick up right where "This Same Earth" ends, but with new details and a glimpse into how things came to be. From there, things explode into activity and never stop moving. Beat...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Kimberly - Book Reader Chronicles rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved

This review was originally posted on Book Reader Chronicles

When Book 2 ended, our favorite vampire and librarian were heading to China to meet with the legendary Eight Immortals of Penglai Island. This is exactly where Book 3 picks up, but Gio and B aren’t alone. They are joined by B’s grandfather’s most trusted son and warrior, Baojia, must to Gio’s irritation and appreciation. The pair, who have been on a journey to find B’s father, Stephen, and deceipher Lorenzo’s obsession with a book, know...more This review was originally posted on Book Reader Chronicles

When Book 2 ended, our favorite vampire and librarian were heading to China to meet with the legendary Eight Immortals of Penglai Island. This is exactly where Book 3 picks up, but Gio and B aren’t alone. They are joined by B’s grandfather’s most trusted son and warrior, Baojia, must to Gio’s irritation and appreciation. The pair, who have been on a journey to find B’s father, Stephen, and deceipher Lorenzo’s obsession with a book, know that China is where the answers lie.

Just as Book 2 was more about Gio & Beatrice’s relationship and romance, this book focuses more on the mystery of what Lorenzo’s plan is and how Stephen seems to be the key in figuring out what that plan really is. I was thrilled to be meeting the Eight Immortals and learn more about the vampire world and politics. In addition, we got to spend some more time with Tenzin and learn a little bit more about her back story. I’m sure everyone who has read these books agrees with me that Tenzin is one of the most fascinating characters in these books. (Side Note: Fans of Tenzin I have some scoop on a series that Ms. Hunter is going to develop. Stay tuned!)

“The Force of Wind” is probably tied with Book 2 for my favorite book of the series. It has more romance and playful banter,

“In the meantime, try not to bruise any internal organs on my woman, Tenzin.”

“Hey!” Beatrice scowled and smacked his arm. “Enough with the ‘my woman’ stuff already.”

“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.

It has humor,

“No, everyone should be as lucky as we are.”

“Lucky?” he smirked. “Kidnapped. Blackmailed. Chased around the globe. Targeted because of who we are and what we know. We’re lucky?”

And it has answers. For the past two books, we’ve been in the dark as to what Lorenzo’s intention has been and how Beatrice plays into his plan.

“So, in addition to kidnapping and murder, the bastard’s guilty of putting ancient documents at risk. I really have to kill him now.”

There are surprises, important events, saddness, and love that takes us to the final book in this most awesome series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Mar 10, 2012 Arthistorychick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-paranormal, paranormal

Holy cats! There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Elizabeth Hunter. The Force of Wind, the third installment of her Elemental Mysteries series is a force to be reckoned with. Honestly I feel like this book snuck up on me and b***h-slapped me. Are you kidding?

The Force of Wind is a sort of slow burn that opens in China and remains there for almost the entirety of the novel. Giovanni and Beatrice find themselves welcomed to Mount Penglai, the super-secret home of the council of Elders, the Immorta...more Holy cats! There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Elizabeth Hunter. The Force of Wind, the third installment of her Elemental Mysteries series is a force to be reckoned with. Honestly I feel like this book snuck up on me and b***h-slapped me. Are you kidding?

The Force of Wind is a sort of slow burn that opens in China and remains there for almost the entirety of the novel. Giovanni and Beatrice find themselves welcomed to Mount Penglai, the super-secret home of the council of Elders, the Immortal world’s version of the Supreme Court. Here’s the skinny: Gio and B have finally discovered the location of the illusive manuscript they have been hunting throughout the series; the evil-as-Satan-himself Lorenzo has shown up to petition the Elders of the court for possession of said book and Stephen de Novo; B is becoming a serious bad ass and a vampire; and Tenzin is offering up personal information about her background and she has a mate. What?? Tenzin has a mate? Stephen de Novo is alive and well? Lorenzo is playing nice and bowing to the will of the Elders? For those who have followed this series from the beginning these are the some of the questions that have been lingering and are finally answered. Believe me the long-awaited answers to these questions are quite satisfying and somewhat unexpected.

The pace and progress of this novel is truly like a slow burn with plenty of information being offered up but very little big action until the very end. While this may seem dull to some readers, followers of the series will find it quite informative, interesting, and above all intriguing as the information creates a whole list of new questions that . . . . are not answered in this novel. Damn you, Elizabeth Hunter - you’re an evil genius! As for the action at the end, it is fast, furious, and tragic; this is also the part of the novel that snuck up on me like a stealthy ninja, b***h-slapped me and then ran away. The end of the novel is one of the strengths of both the novel and the series as a whole. Hunter is not afraid to sacrifice some of her characters, beloved or otherwise, just to keep the reader happy. Although the reader may hate to discover who is lost, the reader will also understand that the loss is necessary and is done for the overall betterment and advancement of the plot and series.

The bottom line: The Force of Wind is yet another excellent read from the laptop and mind of Elizabeth Hunter. The pace, although slow at first, is not a problem as it pays off in spades by novel’s end. The standard characters evolve; the long-reaching plot line advances; the shorter novel-specific plot line is handled beautifully and; the cliff hanger is more than enough to have the reader begging for the fourth and final installment of this series, A Fall of Water.(less)

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Feb 15, 2013 Genea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-new-adult-reading-challenge, favorites

When I originally finished this book I was so flummoxed at what to say in my review that I put it off for more than a week. I am so obsessed with this series that I can't think straight after finishing a book. I had similar reactions after reading every book but I try my best to write what I felt from reading it. It just got harder has I moved through the series.

I just want to say that I love love this book and the rest of the series more than I can explain. I also want to say that Elizabeth Hu...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Elaine rated it 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is that my my emotions are running rampant. How the freak did I get so damn attached to these characters?!

The third book in the series was terrifically written, if a little slow in the first half whilst our heroes, heroines and villains were at the home of the Eight Immortals. My love of Tenzin has multiplied and I feel shattered for her - but I feel absolutely devastated for Beatrice.

How can Hunter write with so much conviction and persuasion that I'm not even scoffing at some o...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok y’all, I have said it before and I am so happy to be saying it again I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! At the end of last year when I made my Best of 2011 list, A Hidden Fire was on it. I have no doubt that at the end of this year Elizabeth Hunter will be there again. Do I sound a little fan-girlish…um, that’s because I totally am. Elizabeth Hunter has a way of making a story tell itself so smoothly that before you even realize it you are so invested in all the characters’ lives that you can’t wait to se...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Meg rated it 5 of 5 stars

These books just keep getting better. I have ignored all house work, my children, my husband and even skipped a tennis drill to read these books. I am totally hooked. I found Hunter's first book listed with a group of Indie authors that will be in Chicago this month. I've been working my way through several of the titles found on the list. Hunter's books do NOT read like Indie fiction. They are so well thought out and eloquently written. And I have to guess that she sprung for the extra editing...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, arc-books, mar-2012

Elizabeth has done it again! When I first read the blurb for A Hidden Fire I knew I was going to be hooked like a fish to this series and let me say this Elizabeth has not disappointed! She has once again weaved a story that tugs at my heart and makes you want to keep reading no matter what. I will say this the kids got takeout the night I read this book. I did not, no I could not put it down because I had to see what would happen to Gio and Bea.

In The Force of Wind Gio and Bea are on a journey...more Elizabeth has done it again! When I first read the blurb for A Hidden Fire I knew I was going to be hooked like a fish to this series and let me say this Elizabeth has not disappointed! She has once again weaved a story that tugs at my heart and makes you want to keep reading no matter what. I will say this the kids got takeout the night I read this book. I did not, no I could not put it down because I had to see what would happen to Gio and Bea.

In The Force of Wind Gio and Bea are on a journey to China to see if they can find any information on the where abouts of Bea's father Stephen. They have gone to council to seek advice and to see if Bea can figure out what Lorenzo wants with Bea's father. With Gio and there giving Bea instructions on how to act and what to say Bea is confident they will get some answers. But everything is not what it seems because they have a new travel companion and that is Bea's grandfather has sent his most trusted son to look after and protect Bea at all costs. Gio is not happy with this but he conceeds and they work together to get the answers Bea seeks.

As Bea starts to unravel the mystery of her father she gets a surprise and has to learn how to deal with it and she has to decide on whether or not she will turn into a vampire or remain human. She feels like her human self is a weakness and has to make decisions and choices that effect both her and Gio. She will have to decide what is right for them and how far she is willing to go to get the answers she needs.

Gio is there for her through and through and in the end she makes a choice that sets things into motion that can not be changed. They will effect Ben and her grandmother but in the end it is worth it because she will still be able to have her family and her friends.Plus she does not have to leave Gio's side. They have a secret to reveal and this secret will blow your mind. I know it did when I read it. Come along for a fantstical ride with Gio and Bea as they get closer to solving the mystery of Lorenzo and her father.

Favorite Quotes
“Tesoro mio, the lion may be a symbol of the sun…” He bent down, lifted her
body toward his, and gave one long, slow lick from her collar bone to her ear.
“But he hunts at night.”

This time, it was Beatrice that moved, stroking his face and kissing his lips as they lost themselves in each other again. After another hour, he had exhausted her,and she was sleeping again. He dressed and slipped from the room to walk through the gardens, calling one of Tenzin’s guards to watch Beatrice’s room.Baojia showed up anyway.

“Tesoro mio,” he murmured as he stroked her face. “So stubborn. How I love you."

This is Gio's song to Bea Far Away by Nickelback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTLEou...(less)

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Feb 06, 2013 Laura Laporta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Hunter has done it again, another fantastic addition to this amazing series. I did like the first two books better though this became a little monotonous. Gio was way too over protective, more so than before, I was tired of him pulling her on his lap and lighting in flames every five pages. Also, there was just too much sex. It got kind of boring, so it wasn't as special as it was the first thousand times. I missed Carwyn being around, but was happy to have Tenzin be so prominent. I lo...more

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About Elizabeth Hunter

Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy and romance author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College in the Department of English (Linguistics) and a former English teacher.

She currently lives in Central California with a seven-year-old ninja who claims to be her child. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, and bowling (despite the fact that she’s not very good at it.) Somed...more

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Books by Elizabeth Hunter

This Same Earth (Elemental Mysteries, #2)

A Fall of Water (Elemental Mysteries #4)

Building From Ashes (Elemental World, #1)

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“Most advances in technology occur because they’re either trying to impress women or blow things up. It’s as predictable as the sunrise.” — 10 people liked it

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The Force of Wind (Elemental Mysteries #3)

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