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A Human Element

by Donna Galanti (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 91 ratings · 52 reviews

One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next.

Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite–her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldsto...more

Paperback, 310 pages

Published March 10th 2012 by Echelon Press Publishing (first published March 7th 2012)

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May 15, 2012 Sia McKye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Donna Galanti writes a gripping debut of supernatural suspense and edge of your seat danger!

It will capture you from the first page and hold until the last.

Holy Cow!

This book just grabs you and I wasn't expecting that. It's a seriously engrossing tale. A Human Element reminds me, in some ways, of The Watcher by Koontz. Premise isn't anything like the story—this is more sci-fi—but the escalating tension, suspense, and villain of the piece does. The darkness of the villai...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Shelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews-requested

Review originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover

I really enjoyed this book. I am finding that I am really liking a lot of the new authors I have been come across or been contacted by since this blog started getting out there a bit more. For all the tons of mediocre small or self published books out there there are a handful (likely many more!) that are really, really good. I love that I am able to read these books that I probably never would have come across if I hadn't started this bl...more Review originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover

I really enjoyed this book. I am finding that I am really liking a lot of the new authors I have been come across or been contacted by since this blog started getting out there a bit more. For all the tons of mediocre small or self published books out there there are a handful (likely many more!) that are really, really good. I love that I am able to read these books that I probably never would have come across if I hadn't started this blog. This is one of those books. In my searches on Goodreads and Amazon, and all the blogs I read, there is probably a 95% chance I never would have seen this book. The author, Donna Galanti, contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if it's something I would be interested in reading and reviewing here. I read the synopsis and knew immediately that it's something that I would enjoy.

This book has a strong Science Fiction influence and that's one of the things I love about it. If you know anything about me then you know that I am a Sci-Fi junkie. It all started when I was really young and I watched some of the old Dr. Who episodes. I loved those, but it re-surfaced when I discovered The X-Files back when it was probably in it's first season. Generally, my Sci-Fi fixes are strictly related to TV and Movies, but occasionally I will come across a book that pulls me in. This was one of those books.

I am going to try not to spoil the plot! The book covers a span of 26 years or so. It starts in the late 70's when an event takes place that alters a young boy's life and, unbeknownst to him, sets him on a path that will eventually bring him back to this exact place where he will discover his destiny. Less than a year later a young woman dies giving birth to twin babies who could not be more completely opposite. One, a grotesquely deformed boy, is whisked away by a mysterious man in black. The other baby, a perfectly formed tiny girl, is given to the family that took in the pregnant mother.

We get little scenes throughout the years as Laura is growing up. Things that are happening that she doesn't understand. She meets Mr. B. and suffers tragedy after tragedy, and all the while there is this mysterious man in black watching her whenever one of these events take place. Elsewhere, Ben is also going through his own share of grief, but the man in black is watching over him as well. Then, we get glimpses of X-10. He is being raised in a government facility and used as a test subject. There is such a stunning darkness that is written in all of his scenes. It's hard to feel his pain because of how is he is using it to destroy so much, but it's also hard not to feel for him because of how he has been raised. He is truly a product of his environment, as much as it seems the opposite. There are still tiny glimpses of light in him at times.

Things culminate throughout the years bringing them all to the present. All these things that have happened have been bringing them all closer together even though they don't know it yet. They all discover why they have felt as though there has been something missing all these years. One of them has all the answers.

There is a sweet love story intertwined here with the main story. For me it was kind of a story of acceptance, though. They each have to come to terms with their role and until they do it's all a big jumbled up mess. This book is a pretty fast paced read with plenty of action that takes you all the way up to the final confrontation. Laura is the one who is supposed to be the only one who can face the evil in the end. She has to be the one to save them, but is she up to it? Will their love for one another survive the final battle and beyond?

I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it for anyone who likes this genre or really anything paranormal. This is more a Sci-Fi than a romance, although there is a wonderful love story here.
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Apr 22, 2012 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, mystery-thriller, first-reads

I received a copy of this book through First Reads and am I glad about that!
This book is more 4.5 stars but I haven't figured out if you can set the stars that way :)

The strengths of this book were the pacing and the way each character had their own distinct personalities. Donna Galanti chose alternating view points of her characters at formative periods in their lives to create individual personalities and to hook you into the rising suspense of their inevitable meeting and onto the final conf...more

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May 10, 2012 Kit Grindstaff rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been hard pushed to find books recently that keep me gripped, and A HUMAN ELEMENT did. I was reading 3 books at the time, and this is the one that was my first go-to.

A sci-fi thriller/mystery, the plot barrels along from page one. I'm not a fan of books told from several points of view - 2 or 3 is Ok, when the plot is weighted between them - but ELEMENT is not only told from that Laura, whose story this essentially is, and Ben, whose story weaves around hers, and eventually into it, but al...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Angie Hardy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I just received a copy of this book thanks to GoodReads and to Galanti. I was so excited to see that the book is sign by the author as well as a note with the book. What a nice touch, really makes you feel appreciated as a reader. I look forward to reading this book as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading. I will write my review as soon as possible.

Update:
I loved this book. I ended up staying up quite late finishing it, it was impossible to put down. The story line was very interesti...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Kathy LaMee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-reviews-on-tracyriva-com, favorites

Absolutely one of my favorite books in a long while. Parananormal suspense- what a genre! This book has it all, and Galanti is a master story teller. The story begins with a young Ben experiencing what appears to me a meteorite hit a small lakeside community, forever changing his life. Nine months after that fateful night, Laura is born. Laura's life is one of loss; it seems every time she gets close to someone, they wind up dead, beginning with her mother. Years later, we follow Ben, as he retr...more Absolutely one of my favorite books in a long while. Parananormal suspense- what a genre! This book has it all, and Galanti is a master story teller. The story begins with a young Ben experiencing what appears to me a meteorite hit a small lakeside community, forever changing his life. Nine months after that fateful night, Laura is born. Laura's life is one of loss; it seems every time she gets close to someone, they wind up dead, beginning with her mother. Years later, we follow Ben, as he retraces his steps back to that same small town, trying to get answers about his parents' deaths. Ben's life intersects with Laura, who is also back in that same small town trying to get answers herself about herself, her mother, and ultimately, why she is the way she is- and why everyone she gets close to dies.

Galanti weaves a fantastic story of suspense and real characters. Being normal and 'human' is something we all struggle with on various levels; for Laura it's more than just an expression. For her nemesis it's merely a dream and drives his anger. At the end, when it is all coming out in the open- I love that Laura still has a profound sense of hope for her nemesis and doesn't give up. Laura is a strong female lead in this story and I love it! She is nurturing and caring to her elderly friend at the lake, as well as sensitive and able to love, even after years of strife. One of my favorites aspects of this book is hope. Galanti gives us hope in Laura, that things will all work out okay; hope for Ben, that he can wrestle his inner demons, and hope for the 'evil' that there is a glimmer of a human side to him that might allow Laura to rescue him from himself.

Galanti does a great job at not only telling a fantastic story, but really drawing us into the various plot lines and feeling for the characters as they each battle their own demons. The pace is perfect and natural as breathing. It kept me coming back to see what happened next. I'm a sucker for a tragic character and the evil antagonist is perfectly tragic. Definitely going on my Goodreads 'Favorites' Shelf! A copy of this book was provided in return for an honest review on TracyRiva.com.(less)

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Sep 15, 2012 Julie Ramsey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: done

The Human Element

On the night the meteor struck Coopersville, NY, young Ben became an orphan and Laura was conceived. Their Lives were markedly different. Ben had a horrific childhood and grew to be a damaged adult. Laura's life was idyllic - aside from a few grisly murders and weird "powers". Eventually, they meet fall in love. Both of them struggle with themselves and each other to come to grips with their past, Ben has to forget a history of abuse while Laura deals with being human- Maybe. in...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Marianne Arkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sff

I was intrigued first by the cover to this book, and then by the premise. It has all my hot buttons: serial killers, psychic powers, romance ... what's not to like?

The book starts off with a bang, literally. A meteor falls to earth while a little boy watches. In another place and time, a few months later, babies are born and one is surrendered to a mysterious man in black, putting into play everything that matters in the book.

We spend about half this book watching our hero and heroine grow up. I...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Pavarti Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi

DISCLAIMER - I received a copy of this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I do not know Donna personally.

The Human Element is beyond all else a good story. It's original in concept and approach and had me invested in the story from the very beginning. I love the way the back stories were fleshed out and developed, creating a long timeline of suspense. Galanti has done a great job weaving together lit fic/horror/romance/suspense and fantasy. I read it in two days,...more DISCLAIMER - I received a copy of this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I do not know Donna personally.

The Human Element is beyond all else a good story. It's original in concept and approach and had me invested in the story from the very beginning. I love the way the back stories were fleshed out and developed, creating a long timeline of suspense. Galanti has done a great job weaving together lit fic/horror/romance/suspense and fantasy. I read it in two days, unable to stop until I saw it through to the conclusion.

That being said, I'm finding this to be a hard review to write! I really liked The Human Element and from a pure reading perspective was mostly able to loose myself, but there were some things that bugged me and I'm finding that the more I like a book the harder I am on it. I find it easier to write a 2 or 5 star review than one like this, where I fall somewhere around a 4. So quickly, before I get lost in the muddle of trying to make a point, I'm going to list the issues I had and then get back to telling you why this is a great book and you should give it a try regardless of my complaints:

* - The first two chapters have a date. After that all chapters are dateless, even though there is significant time jumping. This made it hard to read. Sometimes you didn't get what age the characters were until a full page into the chapter, which for me meant having to go back and reread now that I knew where I was situated in time. An easy fix would be to at least year date all chapters. This was frustrating enough to make me stop reading for a while after chapter 4 or 5. When I came back to it I loved the story, but if I wasn't reviewing I may have just walked away.
* - Characterization was consistent - mostly. I had a hard time jumping from Laura the girl who just lost her parents to Laura the party drinkers hungover in college 4 years later. I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, it probably would, and I'm not saying the characterization was off. The problem was that we made the time jump with no warning and it felt like a whiplash.
* - Formal speech patterns were used for the dialogue. It was easy to see which scenes the author either wasn't interested in or struggled with. Its interesting because for the most part Galanti's use of language is beautiful. It flows easily and naturally from description to dialogue, except every now and because it's usually so lovely, the hilted conversations really stand out. People, when speaking, usually don't use the word "as" in a sentence. The scene in the coffee shop was particularly jarring.
* - There was a niggling amount of "damsel in distress", but I'll forgive it mostly. I think Laura is supposed to be the "heart" kind of like LeLu in 5th element, and needs to be loved to fulfill her destiny. However, the number of times she's carried through the woods, cradled against Ben's chest got annoying. Hubby and I tried this, it really doesn't work. Granted, we're both pretty out of shape, but we came to the conclusion that in an emergency (like someone passing out in the woods or a cave collapsing on top of you) you would carry someone fireman style and there would be no cradling.

Despite these things, which could be more me as a reader than huge issues with the book, The Human Element is a fun read. It's deep enough to make you think, possible enough to make you question and human enough to make you feel. *Edited to add - it's now two weeks after I read this and I'm still thinking about the plot.*

I thoroughly enjoyed Ben's story, which is probably some of the best written work in the book. It's dynamic, violent and graphic. Just the way I like it. I was thoroughly impressed with Galanti's characterization, world building and vivid descriptions. My favorite character though had to be Felix. His role was on the periphery from the beginning, creating mystery and suspense around him. The need to know more about him drove me to read faster and when his story was revealed I wasn't disappointed. I won't ruin the adventure for those of you out there, but his use of language, his appearance and his watchful presence all work together perfectly to create a really empathetic character.

I'm thrilled I got to read The Human Element and hope that some of you out there will give it a try, there's a great old school horror feel to the beginning and scenes with X-10 as well as some excellent contemporary romance. Well done Miss Galanti, can't wait to hear what you're working on next.(less)

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Aug 16, 2012 Books Mom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, thriller

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Jul 27, 2012 Cham Cuartero rated it 3 of 5 stars

Earlier this month, a package came in the mail for me... Oh those little perks that you get from blog-hopping! It was a month before when I received an email from Ms. Donna Galanti herself, saying that I won a paperback copy of her book, through her giveaway at Jersey Girl Book Reviews. For a self-confessed book monster, this is definitely a treat!

The Story...
A Human Element revolves around Laura Armstrong, a girl who, at a young age, discovered that she has special powers, including the abilit...more
Earlier this month, a package came in the mail for me... Oh those little perks that you get from blog-hopping! It was a month before when I received an email from Ms. Donna Galanti herself, saying that I won a paperback copy of her book, through her giveaway at Jersey Girl Book Reviews. For a self-confessed book monster, this is definitely a treat!

The Story...
A Human Element revolves around Laura Armstrong, a girl who, at a young age, discovered that she has special powers, including the ability to heal. However, her life turns upside down when one by one, her family and loved-ones are being brutally murdered by a mysterious killer, and she couldn't do anything to stop it, even with her special powers. As she tries to move on with her life alone, her life gets intertwined with that of Ben Fieldstone, a man whose parents have been killed in a meteorite crash more than twenty years before. Together, they realize that they share a connection which will be helpful in finding who is doing the killings and what the notes left with Laura in the scenes of each crime actually mean.

The Characters...
Not a lot of characters, but just enough to give substance to the story. My favorite this time? Mr. B! I'm so thankful that he took care of Laura from childhood until she grew up. I can't imagine living Laura's life. She's probably felt very helpless that she couldn't do anything to help her loved-ones. She even felt that she's cursed and was afraid to get close to anyone for fearing of causing harm to anyone. And of course, there's Felix... and his "The One Who Got Away" love story. And poor Charlie... Sigh... (OK, OK, I must stop talking now lest I reveal too much. LOL).

The Verdict...
At first I got restless while reading the book. Because after about twenty pages, I already knew who the killer was. But because I always finish any book I start reading (Uhm... let's say 99% of the time.), I continued to read. My husband was the first one to read the book, the day after it came in the mail, and he had positive comments for it. However, things turned a bit predictable for him towards the middle of the story.

Even if I already know who the killer was early on the story, the ending was still a bit surprising for me. A Human Element is a story of love and loss and you can't help but sympathize with each character. There really is no single evil character, you know, a villain that you'd love to hate. None of that. It's about family, friendship, forgiveness, and the faith that everything will be alright in the end.... after a creepy game of hide-and-seek, that is.

Clearly written in simple sentences, you won't get lost in sentences which are too long. (I noticed that it's my newest requirement for me to like a book.) Very easy to understand the words, making it easier to focus on the meat of the story. A Human Element is a good read for young adults and adults alike. A balanced mix between a thrilling chase and the warmth of a love story. And of course, this is my first signed book so it's really special to me. ☺

Original Post:
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Jun 26, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This talented, lovely author, Donna Galanti, completely blew me away with her paranormal story, A Human Element. Her characters have evolved from children to adults due to weird and supernatural circumstances that actually boggled my mind and made me wanting to learn MORE. The story line and premise was clean, presented with class and imagination, and I'm proud to know her.

I am not biased. I am a very discriminating reader and an author with a WIP. I pick and choose wisely. I don't have time to...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie, read-2012

A Human Element is the story of Laura Armstrong, a female heroine who entered the world as a surprise and destined to save the world from pure evil. We follow Laura as she grows up, discovering that she has special abilities that include saving lives and moving objects around her, as well as watch her deep sorrow as she drastically loses each of her loved ones to horrific deaths. When fate brings Ben Fielding into Laura's world, they start to unravel the truth behind who has killed Laura's frien...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Mina Burrows rated it 4 of 5 stars

Today I’m reviewing Donna Galanti's upcoming debut novel, A HUMAN ELEMENT. Donna must have picked up on my weakness for Dean Koontz, because A HUMAN ELEMENT echoes the bestselling author in terms of creativity, the supernatural and overall dark allure. Add in a little paranormal romance and you've got one delicious literary paranormal mashup.

A HUMAN ELEMENT starts off with a bang, literally. To the world, a meteorite has crashed near Coopersville's lake located in a remote region in New York sta...more Today I’m reviewing Donna Galanti's upcoming debut novel, A HUMAN ELEMENT. Donna must have picked up on my weakness for Dean Koontz, because A HUMAN ELEMENT echoes the bestselling author in terms of creativity, the supernatural and overall dark allure. Add in a little paranormal romance and you've got one delicious literary paranormal mashup.

A HUMAN ELEMENT starts off with a bang, literally. To the world, a meteorite has crashed near Coopersville's lake located in a remote region in New York state. To a secret government operative, something else crashed near that lakefront…something out of this world. At the time Ben Fieldstone was only nine and lost everything in the destruction, including his parents. From that moment on, his life changed miserably as he was then forced into the foster system. Ben lived under deplorable conditions, always having to watch his back. With a life like that, no wonder he chose a solitary existence for the bulk of his life. The crash not only caused devastation, it sparked life in a form of beautiful woman name Laura Armstrong. Born out of desperation, she was adopted and lived a semi-normal, peaceful life with her family and neighbors near the crash site. Laura is truly a remarkable heroine. She represents happiness, love, forgiveness and above all hope. But with her existence, lurks a dark presence; one that haunts her and eventually kills those that she loves.

With the government’s debauching schemes and a strange man in black always watching, does Laura have what it takes to battle the darkness, uncover the truth and save the ones that she loves, including Ben? What type of a future can two misfits like Ben and Laura have together? Are they only connected by the crash site or is there more? Um…I’m not tell’n ya! You’ll just have to get A HUMAN ELEMENT and find out. And boy let me tell you it is goooood!

Dark is coming my friends and it’s called A HUMAN ELEMENT. This book peaked my interest from the start. If you love adult sci-fi/supernatural novels (like a Koontz), but you’re looking for more romance...this is your book. On my RIP meter, Donna Galanti's A HUMAN ELEMENT is a 4. The book releases March 15. Visit Donna's website for more details.

Mina B.(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the summer of 1979, in the Catskills Mountains of New York, a meteorite crashed into a lakeside community of cabins and forever changed the life of nine-year-old Ben Fieldstone. In May of 1980, a runaway girl gives birth to twins: a deformed boy, who was given to a mysterious man in black with bright green eyes; and a normal girl, who is adopted to a childless farm couple, and is named Laura Armstrong. But Laura isn't your average normal little girl, she has special powers: she can read peopl...more In the summer of 1979, in the Catskills Mountains of New York, a meteorite crashed into a lakeside community of cabins and forever changed the life of nine-year-old Ben Fieldstone. In May of 1980, a runaway girl gives birth to twins: a deformed boy, who was given to a mysterious man in black with bright green eyes; and a normal girl, who is adopted to a childless farm couple, and is named Laura Armstrong. But Laura isn't your average normal little girl, she has special powers: she can read people's thoughts and heal people through utilizing visualization and the touch of her hands. Through the years, both Ben and Laura are watched over by the mysterious man in black with the bright green eyes ... who is he, and what does he want from them? Ben and Laura's lives unknowingly intertwine and eventually they meet, but with a killer on the prowl, named X-10, who makes Laura his top prey, Laura must decide how to use her powers when she comes face-to-face with the killer. Can their relationship survive or will their destiny have an untimely and fatal end?

A Human Element is a fast-paced paranormal suspense thriller that will keep you engrossed as you turn the pages. The storyline is well written and full of intriguing and suspenseful twists and turns; the author masterfully interweaves a plot with paranormal, sci-fi, murder mystery and romance themes. The characters are realistic, their complex individual personalities and stories add a powerful and compelling depth to the story. I found both Laura's and Ben's stories intriguing, the author does a great job of intertwining their lives and developing their relationship. The settings are cleverly described, the author utilizes such beautiful settings as the Catskill Mountains and Hawaii, mixed with sci-fi / paranormal happenings that I found fascinating.

I generally do not read paranormal, sci-fi, or fantasy novels, but A Human Element peaked my interest with the interweaving of the paranormal - suspense thriller - romance themes, and I found myself pulled into Laura and Ben's story, I couldn't help but want to go on their journey with them.

A Human Element is a story that will immediately grab your attention, and it won't let go until the very end! It is a story that will have the reader pondering about supernatural powers and the evil forces of humanity, this suspenseful tale will stay with you long after you have read the last word. Bravo to the author on her debut novel, I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Disclaimer: Upon the request of the author, a PDF version of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.

Virtual Book Tour Event: On Monday, April 9, 2012, author Donna Galanti participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post and Book Contest Giveaway on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

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May 14, 2012 Ghostleegirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading the blurb, I thought that this book sounded like something I'd enjoy, and enjoy it I did! The two lead characters are likable, and as you learn more and more about each one, you realize that there are many layers to each. The reader follows these characters from childhood into adulthood, and gets to know and understand them along the way.

I really was impressed with the way that Ms Galanti kept her characters so real, even when unreal things were happening, to them and around them....more

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Jul 25, 2012 Chucha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-girl-falls-for-bad-boy, not-a-love-story, photography, psych-problems-or-related, revenge, sci-fi

Rate: 3.5

Here we go…
I am not an avid fan of sci-fi. Although I have read a couple of books that I can count on my ten fingers since I started reading. However, Human Element had me hooked. It was as if I was running hard on the field – eager to find what is waiting for me on the finish line. It was exhilarating ride from start to finish.

The story started in Coopersville Lake in the summer of 1979, where Ben who was then 9 years old and his parents were enjoying their summer vacation. Ben ran...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Kirsten rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rating: 3.5 stars

Recommended for: Adults only, those who can handle sex scenes and some
swearing

I was excited to win A Human Element in the Goodreads First Reads contest, and I set to work reading it at once. Ms. Galanti spins a wonderful tale of love, loss, and alien contact in her magnificent debut novel. I loved Laura’s strength and compassion, Ben’s need for love and acceptance. I felt true sympathy for Charlie/X-10, the monster created by human cruelty. The story was wonderfully written and...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book through First Reads and I think Donna Galanti's debut novel is the debut of a great author whose writing, thrillingly, will improve further over time.
Enough people have written about the plot to save me doing that but the story itself is very interesting. Ms Galanti has an interesting insight into the human spirit and what it takes to make us human that I look forward to seeing her develop in her future books (please Donna keep writing).
I loved the character of Mr...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Susan Cartwright rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, murder-mystery

This self-published author can write! I was drawn in immediately to this story, and had to keep reading to see what happened.

She writes in multiple point of view, which is my favorite style of writing, and a type of writing that few authors can do. Ms Galamti does it really, really well.

I have only given a 4 star as I think IMHO that the book could benefit from an editor who would look at the "over all" aspect. The story arc, the beginning, middle and end. It is difficult to explain, but there...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Stephanie Moakes rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down, this book is truly one of a kind and Galanti’s writing is stunning. I was so impressed with how Galanti covered issues such as rape, depression and death in such a real and gritty way, the events in this book haven’t been sugar-coated and I respect her immensely for this. It was refreshing to really get inside all of the character’s heads so thoroughly. I also loved being able to watch Laura and Ben grow from young children to adulthood, i...more I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down, this book is truly one of a kind and Galanti’s writing is stunning. I was so impressed with how Galanti covered issues such as rape, depression and death in such a real and gritty way, the events in this book haven’t been sugar-coated and I respect her immensely for this. It was refreshing to really get inside all of the character’s heads so thoroughly. I also loved being able to watch Laura and Ben grow from young children to adulthood, it was great to see how they changed and grew through the years

I loved that Galanti switched between both of the main characters in the book so easily and I never felt lost or confused about where I was in the story. In the beginning I really believed it was a story about Laura but as it progressed I realised that although she is the main character, she isn’t the only one with a story to tell. I found her character very likeable and as a young girl she is very sweet and innocent and although this is always at the heart of her character, she does change a lot towards the end of the book. She becomes stronger and learns to accept herself for exactly who and what she is and I believe this was point Galanti was trying to make with her character. That you can’t change who you are, you just have to believe in yourself.

I loved Ben, I found him to be a very believable character and I could relate to him in many ways despite not having anything in common with him, he is a brilliant example of how someone can turn their life around and I loved that everything about him was far from perfect and Galanti wasn’t afraid to write about his many flaws in excruciating detail. He is a seriously troubled character and I really didn’t think he would ever find his happy ending until practically the last page but in the end I was pleasantly surprised.

My favourite character was Mr B. and I have a major soft spot for him, he begins the book as a grumpy, lonely old man (or at least that’s what he wants us to believe) but his character grows into a lovely open and honest person by the end of the story, I loved his and Laura’s relationship and especially their little thesaurus competitions, it may seem strange to some that an old man befriends an eleven year old girl but their relationship was sweet and enjoyable throughout the whole book, it really lightened the tone with all the drama going on.

X-10/ Charlie was the character that I really wanted to hate from start to finish but somehow couldn’t quite bring myself to feel anything but sorry for him. He is such a self-destructive character and his actions are nothing short of evil but I couldn’t help but see the lost little boy inside of him. His character surprised me the most in the end and I have to say Galanti developed him beautifully. He really is one of a kind.(less)

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Jan 18, 2013 Liese Sherwood-Fabre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Throughout history, philosophers have addressed the question of what it means to be human. Cognitive thinking, a sense of self, emotions, the ability to empathize, etc. have all been identified as separating man as an animal from other species. Donna Galanti explores this concept in her science fiction thriller The Human Element.

Ben Fieldstone and Laura Armstrong are tied by an event that sent their lives on a trajectory manipulated by forces outside their control. Only when they seek out the t...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Catherine Stine rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: twenty-somethings & older who love thrillers

In A Human Element, Donna Galanti has created a thriller with a huge, aching heart. Her main characters, Ben and Laura are conjured in delicious detail, as are their personal trials.

Laura longs to know who her birth parents are, who the hulking man with green eyes is, and why he follows her through the years. She’s also tortured by the mystery of why people closest to her are dying gruesome deaths. She fears she is jinxed, or worse, next in the line of victims.

Ben, who’s had quite a traumatic c...more

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May 26, 2012 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, reviewed, paranormal-favourites, highly-recommend

What an amazing read. I absolutely loved it. I knew I was hooked after I read the first couple of chapters. So engrossed, I didn’t stop until the very end. For a debut novel, Donna Galanti has knocked it out of the park. It’s a fast-paced, beautifully written story, with well-rounded, believable characters with such depth that you can feel their emotions. Galanti weaves an amazing tale by blending various genres such as intrigue, suspense, romance, a little horror, and elements of paranormal and...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I really enjoyed A Human Element and look forward to reading this authors other books. I won this book in a first reads give away.

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Aug 08, 2012 Mindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: meh

This book was a quick, easy read, but it was just OK. It wasn't poorly written (thank God!), but neither did it blow me away. I was coming off a long historical fiction bender and was in the mood to read something less...realistic. I felt rather unfulfilled at the end of this book because there just wasn't much "meat" to it. It felt more like a story and less like a "book," if you know what I mean.

One thing I didn't like was that I was completely unable to get a sense of what Ben looks like, de...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-review-books

Imagine the worst disaster you can think of happening so suddenly~there is no warning. We follow this tale thru the eyes of Ben Fieldstone and Laura Armstrong. Neither of them is a stranger to tragedy which makes Ben feel unworthy and Laura always knowing love. Ben is haunted by his parent's death at age 9 and continually moved from one foster home to the next. Escapes the life his foster dad had planned for him until he could join the Navy. Laura continues to grow and discovers that she can do...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Christopher Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fast-paced, great read from a debut author. The story of Laura and Ben takes off from the first page with an explosive beginning. And Galanti keeps the cliffhangers coming, using a great mix of the paranormal, sci-fi, love, loss, redemption, and horror to ramp up the excitement. It's like early Dean Koontz with a little more romance. Galanti is skilled at creating characters to root for as well as pity and fear. As the story reached the final lap I wanted to keep turning the pages - yet not want...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Mark Mitchell rated it 3 of 5 stars

First, a disclaimer: I don't generally read paranormal fiction so I don't have much in my head against which I can compare this. I've followed Donna Galanti's writing blogs for a few years and I've always found her to be very thoughtful and insightful, so I was intrigued to see how her thoughts about the craft played out in her fiction. So, caveat lector: If you are a fan of the paranormal my three-star rating may seem unreasonably parsimonious; someone more familiar with this genre might well g...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Laura Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

What makes us human? A good question. Find out when you read A Human Element.
Ben is hiding from his parents on the shore of Coopersville lake when it happens.
A meteorie crashes in to the group of 12 or so cabins, one of which contains his parents, and all that remains is a huge crater of steam and fire. In one bright green flash, Ben's life is forever changed, and for another, it has just begun.
No one could know the long-reaching consequences of that fatal night.
9 months later.
A young girl strug...more What makes us human? A good question. Find out when you read A Human Element.
Ben is hiding from his parents on the shore of Coopersville lake when it happens.
A meteorie crashes in to the group of 12 or so cabins, one of which contains his parents, and all that remains is a huge crater of steam and fire. In one bright green flash, Ben's life is forever changed, and for another, it has just begun.
No one could know the long-reaching consequences of that fatal night.
9 months later.
A young girl struggles to bring her child into the world. She came to the doctor in secret. Not even the Armstrongs, the kindly couple who took her in, know where she is.
The doctor doesn't know why the mysterious man waiting outside wants the baby, he just cares about getting paid.
In a rush, the baby enters the world. Sadly, the young mother does not survive. But wait, there is another baby fighting to be born, a beautiful baby girl.
An exchange is made, but the doctor doesn't mention the baby girl, he will give her to the Armstrongs to raise.
Many years later, that baby girl, Laura, is all grown up and back home trying to find out why the people closest to her are being slaughtered. The answers lie here. She has always had the headaches and nightmares and she knows everything is coming together - the monster chasing her in her nightmares, the mysterious man in black who has always been on the periphery of her life, and whatever happened the night of the meteorite crash. It is all connected.
Laura and Ben are thrown together as death races towards them. They need answers about that fatal night if they are to survive what is coming.
I want to keep telling you more. I have barely scratched the surface of this story.
Two babies were born that night, Laura and the boy child called X-10. One looked human in every way and the other looked like a monster.
The many secondary characters made this story real for me.
Everybody should have a friend like Jim, a grumpy curmudgeon with a gentle soul and a fierce love and loyalty for Laura.
The Armstrong's, Laura's adoptive parents, who despite knowing she is different and has special talents, still love her as their own.
The mysterious man in black who has always been around, lurking in the shadows.
The cruel and sadistic Dr. Bjord, who thrills in tormenting X-10, his failed experiment.
And X-10. The monstrosity who's only thought is getting out, finding Laura, and tearing her to pieces.
From the first page to the bittersweet end, I was completely immersed in this book. A story of wonder, love, humanity, and absolute evil.
Donna Galanti's debut novel has, at its core, an energy, an essence, that gives it life.
Superb writing and a thrilling all- out race to the end, A human Element is an excellent read.(less)

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About Donna Galanti

Donna Galanti is a 2012 International Thriller Writers Debut Author of the paranormal suspense novel A HUMAN ELEMENT (Echelon Press). She writes suspense and middle grade fiction and has lived from England as a child to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna lives with her family in an old farmhouse with lots of nooks, fireplaces, and stinkbugs but sadly no ghosts.

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“We all have something redeemable in us, no matter how small." - Laura Armstrong, A Human Element” — 4 people liked it

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