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Legend of the Elementals #1
Reintroduction
Get tricked. Get trapped. Get trained. Get free?
Ryan, Erin, Kris, and Jason are heroes defined by the villain, unwitting assistants in a cataclysm brought about by an old man who calls himself... Devidis. The four modern, international teens awaken deep within a jungle canyon, a prison in the post-apocalyptic empire established by the tyrannical Devidis. Surrounded by danger, the four Elementals quickly embrace their new-found super-powered control of the elements—wind, fire, water and stone—under the guidance of Sensei, an imprisoned freedom fighter who believes that Devidis’ near omnipotence is a clear sign that the world is a persistent illusion in the mind of its evil emperor. And so the Elementals are forced to come of age in an increasingly hostile land. Though supernaturally capable, they are faced with a frightening possibility: are their hopes, goals, powers, friends, enemies, surroundings and selves... all an illusion?
Ryan, Erin, Kris, and Jason are heroes defined by the villain, unwitting assistants in a cataclysm brought about by an old man who calls himself... Devidis. The four modern, international teens awaken deep within a jungle canyon, a prison in the post-apocalyptic empire established by the tyrannical Devidis. Surrounded by danger, the four Elementals quickly embrace their new-found super-powered control of the elements—wind, fire, water and stone—under the guidance of Sensei, an imprisoned freedom fighter who believes that Devidis’ near omnipotence is a clear sign that the world is a persistent illusion in the mind of its evil emperor. And so the Elementals are forced to come of age in an increasingly hostile land. Though supernaturally capable, they are faced with a frightening possibility: are their hopes, goals, powers, friends, enemies, surroundings and selves... all an illusion?
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Timmermeyer
13 books11 followersKyle Timmermeyer has been a writer and lover of adventure for as long as he can remember. When he gets old and starts going senile, he will probably have been an English teacher and world traveler for as long as he can remember. He may also start to consider himself a turnip, and reminisce fondly about the Great Vegetable War. In addition to LEGEND OF THE ELEMENTALS, he has written far too much about the dimwitted superhero Bucketman.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 27, 2012
2 1/2 stars....
I did receive a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start with the cover. It's awful. It reminds me of something I would expect to find as the cover of a manga comic book. And perhaps that's what the author wants. Just not my style. But I've seen worse covers over better books so I still held out hope.
From the very beginning this book was confusing. What parent, a cop nonetheless, is going to bring his son to Japan from the US, to confront a madman who just flipped over a car and killed his partner? Especially when a huge natural disaster had just hit Japan?! Anyone remember the tsunami? What person in their right mind would willingly bring their child into a situation such as that to go after a madman? All of this defies any human instinct.
But let's get beyond that, because then, logic goes way out the window when the son, Jason, meets up with another few kids, and finally confronts the madman (no adults present). The storyline goes from not quite logical to even worse as somehow they end up in a post-apocolyptic world where no one remembers the existence of basic geography such as the US, Japan, or any other county for that matter. And it deteriorates from there.
Now I'm not saying this is an absolutely awful book. It was an okay read. There were parts of it, specifically the middle where they were training, where it was pretty good. But the beginning and ending where just so out there as to make this book just a bad book.
I did receive a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start with the cover. It's awful. It reminds me of something I would expect to find as the cover of a manga comic book. And perhaps that's what the author wants. Just not my style. But I've seen worse covers over better books so I still held out hope.
From the very beginning this book was confusing. What parent, a cop nonetheless, is going to bring his son to Japan from the US, to confront a madman who just flipped over a car and killed his partner? Especially when a huge natural disaster had just hit Japan?! Anyone remember the tsunami? What person in their right mind would willingly bring their child into a situation such as that to go after a madman? All of this defies any human instinct.
But let's get beyond that, because then, logic goes way out the window when the son, Jason, meets up with another few kids, and finally confronts the madman (no adults present). The storyline goes from not quite logical to even worse as somehow they end up in a post-apocolyptic world where no one remembers the existence of basic geography such as the US, Japan, or any other county for that matter. And it deteriorates from there.
Now I'm not saying this is an absolutely awful book. It was an okay read. There were parts of it, specifically the middle where they were training, where it was pretty good. But the beginning and ending where just so out there as to make this book just a bad book.
October 24, 2012
This totally reminded me of a cross between the films 'Chronicle' and 'X-men'!!
However compared to the usual books I read this is an original approach the urban fantasy/paranormal genre and Kyle Timmermeyer's plot is exciting with strong characters; 'Reintroduction' is not a long story and I finished it in one sitting but the plot had captivated me and I would have read regardless of the length!
In summary the book is about four teenagers who are tricked by Devidis, a powerful supernatural, who spells them into another dimension where they find themselves with new talents. Their world changes as they adapt, learn and ultimately try and escape to fight Devidis again.
Ryan, Jason, Kris and Erin begin the story as relatively naive teenagers and as the plot develops, so do they. Ryan is the lead character so the one the reader connects with most, as he learns from Sensei and comes to terms with his air element ability. Ryan does not question his new environment, instead helping his friends to reach their potential.
'Reintroduction' is the first of a series and it establishes the story perfectly - making readers want to reach for the sequel straight after the ending to find out if the four succeed in their quest.
This may be a Young Adult novel but I enjoyed the escapism, adventure and the lack of a love triangle lol!!!
I thank Kyle Timmermeyer for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
However compared to the usual books I read this is an original approach the urban fantasy/paranormal genre and Kyle Timmermeyer's plot is exciting with strong characters; 'Reintroduction' is not a long story and I finished it in one sitting but the plot had captivated me and I would have read regardless of the length!
In summary the book is about four teenagers who are tricked by Devidis, a powerful supernatural, who spells them into another dimension where they find themselves with new talents. Their world changes as they adapt, learn and ultimately try and escape to fight Devidis again.
Ryan, Jason, Kris and Erin begin the story as relatively naive teenagers and as the plot develops, so do they. Ryan is the lead character so the one the reader connects with most, as he learns from Sensei and comes to terms with his air element ability. Ryan does not question his new environment, instead helping his friends to reach their potential.
'Reintroduction' is the first of a series and it establishes the story perfectly - making readers want to reach for the sequel straight after the ending to find out if the four succeed in their quest.
This may be a Young Adult novel but I enjoyed the escapism, adventure and the lack of a love triangle lol!!!
I thank Kyle Timmermeyer for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2012
What worked: We're introduced straight away to a really cool fight scene with a baddie called Devidis who kind of gave me the heebie-jeebies. Ryan, Jason, Kris and Erin are very likeable characters who are dealt a hand that they just have to get on with. If you were realised that you had superpowers or "talents" wouldn't that just be freaking amazing? Well thankfully with the Elementals, they were very careful and controlled with their talents. There's nothing more frustrating than having a superhero running around like an idiot thinking he's the bee's knees! The majority of the first book is spent getting to know the characters and getting to know their talents but at the same time, Kyle Timmermeyer paints a really vivid picture of the surroundings.
What irked: Quite often they were referred to as "The Stone Elemental" or "The Fire Elemental" which I felt kind of de-humanised them and distanced the characters from me. Also, being a shorter book, the pace is quite quick so you really have to pay attention to detail!
Unfortunately, I'm sick so I found myself having to go back a page to check what was going on and who was where.
Recommended to: Definitely fans of Science Fiction and superhero powers. You have the opportunity to start on a fresh, unique new series that will definitely pique your interest.
What irked: Quite often they were referred to as "The Stone Elemental" or "The Fire Elemental" which I felt kind of de-humanised them and distanced the characters from me. Also, being a shorter book, the pace is quite quick so you really have to pay attention to detail!
Unfortunately, I'm sick so I found myself having to go back a page to check what was going on and who was where.
Recommended to: Definitely fans of Science Fiction and superhero powers. You have the opportunity to start on a fresh, unique new series that will definitely pique your interest.
October 28, 2012
I really loved the book.
First, the theme of the novel "the elements" isn’t a new idea, but this idea in particular is very special, the idea about the elements of nature never dies and it always amuses us, I never get bored of this idea. I love it and I love everything that talks about the four elements. I give one star for choosing the idea.
Second, the begging of the book was so exciting it really attracted me to read more. I give second star for the begging.
Third, the evil emperor Devidis, his twisted mind, black eyes, and evil laugh and comments. I loved his character. The third star for Devidis character.
The idea of the wind element wearing a glasses and have to tie it is pretty new for me. The star number four for this creative idea.
And finally, the star number five for the narration switching between Ryan and Jason and the settling on Ryan.
When I came to the end of book 1 I was very disappointed. I really wanted to read the conflict between Devidis and the elements.
The book would really make a great movie.
And I would really like to read the book 2.
Special thanks to “Kyle Timmermeyer” for the free copy.
First, the theme of the novel "the elements" isn’t a new idea, but this idea in particular is very special, the idea about the elements of nature never dies and it always amuses us, I never get bored of this idea. I love it and I love everything that talks about the four elements. I give one star for choosing the idea.
Second, the begging of the book was so exciting it really attracted me to read more. I give second star for the begging.
Third, the evil emperor Devidis, his twisted mind, black eyes, and evil laugh and comments. I loved his character. The third star for Devidis character.
The idea of the wind element wearing a glasses and have to tie it is pretty new for me. The star number four for this creative idea.
And finally, the star number five for the narration switching between Ryan and Jason and the settling on Ryan.
When I came to the end of book 1 I was very disappointed. I really wanted to read the conflict between Devidis and the elements.
The book would really make a great movie.
And I would really like to read the book 2.
Special thanks to “Kyle Timmermeyer” for the free copy.
December 29, 2021
Marked DNF at 75% through the story. I just couldn't slog through the rest. The main characters, who I initially presumed were early 20s based on how one was treated by his father (allowed to help in the police investigation - which made no sense anyway), acted as though they were 14. The 'girls' were consistently written as something to be protected, or someone it was shameful to lose a match to, or an object to lust over. They had few lines and little personality, though honestly the same could be said for the boys. Their choices made sense if they were 14. Japan was spoken about by both (male) narrators almost as an exotic fetish, rather than a real place. There was a lot of telling rather than showing (we were told that the main four made friends with some others in their dorms, but never given names). Sorry, I know the author can read this, but it was not at all for me, I hated it from about 20% in but decided to finish it. I couldn't keep going though.
October 16, 2012
I have to admit I was really excited to read this since I‘ve read so many other books where teenagers have extraordinary powers. When I saw the cover I was a little hesitant and thought maybe this was too much of a YA book, but it definitely wasn’t!!
The teenagers, Ryan, Erin, Kris, and Jason, are transported by an evil man named Devidis into the far future. They all come from different backgrounds and cultures, but suddenly it doesn’t matter because they are stuck in this foreign land. On top of that they find out that they have powers over the elements; air, fire, water, and earth. It was interesting to see the teens reactions to their new powers. They were separated for most of the book so that they could work on their individual powers, so unfortunately we see very little interaction between them. Timmermeyer sets it up in the ending so that the next book will focus on the group together, which I’m looking forward to reading.
I liked the characters, and how they learned from one another the few chances they got to work together. Ryan, who has the ability to manipulate air has a scientific mind and begins to understand the air currents so that he can manipulate his flying and the power of air in battle. Now, I don’t have that scientific of a mind, so I would probably just be flying all over the place! The story is told in the 3rd person, but the main character seemed to be Ryan. He will become the leader of the group I believe in the next book.
I did enjoy reading this book, but to me it was more of a novella that is leading up to the actual series. In other books like this I’ve seen more character development, and I would like to see that from Timmermeyer. The Legends of the Elementals didn’t really get into much character development. I did enjoy reading the interactions between Ryan and Sensei, I just hope that in the 2nd book there is a much deeper development. If I had been thrown into the far future and discovered I had some awesome abilities I would be torn between the excitement of having powers, but extremely upset and anxious and focused on trying to get home. This sentiment didn’t really come across in the book, but I’m hoping that it will in the next book.
Overall, it’s a good quick read but it didn’t capture my attention the way some of the other books have in this genre. Although, there is a great twist in the end that throws everything you know on its head. If Timmermeyer develops his characters more in the next book I think this will be a great series.
The teenagers, Ryan, Erin, Kris, and Jason, are transported by an evil man named Devidis into the far future. They all come from different backgrounds and cultures, but suddenly it doesn’t matter because they are stuck in this foreign land. On top of that they find out that they have powers over the elements; air, fire, water, and earth. It was interesting to see the teens reactions to their new powers. They were separated for most of the book so that they could work on their individual powers, so unfortunately we see very little interaction between them. Timmermeyer sets it up in the ending so that the next book will focus on the group together, which I’m looking forward to reading.
I liked the characters, and how they learned from one another the few chances they got to work together. Ryan, who has the ability to manipulate air has a scientific mind and begins to understand the air currents so that he can manipulate his flying and the power of air in battle. Now, I don’t have that scientific of a mind, so I would probably just be flying all over the place! The story is told in the 3rd person, but the main character seemed to be Ryan. He will become the leader of the group I believe in the next book.
I did enjoy reading this book, but to me it was more of a novella that is leading up to the actual series. In other books like this I’ve seen more character development, and I would like to see that from Timmermeyer. The Legends of the Elementals didn’t really get into much character development. I did enjoy reading the interactions between Ryan and Sensei, I just hope that in the 2nd book there is a much deeper development. If I had been thrown into the far future and discovered I had some awesome abilities I would be torn between the excitement of having powers, but extremely upset and anxious and focused on trying to get home. This sentiment didn’t really come across in the book, but I’m hoping that it will in the next book.
Overall, it’s a good quick read but it didn’t capture my attention the way some of the other books have in this genre. Although, there is a great twist in the end that throws everything you know on its head. If Timmermeyer develops his characters more in the next book I think this will be a great series.
July 13, 2012
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Legend of the Elementals – since this is my first book dealing with people who have powers to control actual elements: wind, water, air, fire [at least that I can currently recall...] I’m always interested in ordinary people who are gifted with supernatural powers though, so I was definitely intrigued with the premise. I am quite into post-apocalyptic books so I keen to dig in.
Legend of the Elementals sucked me in from the first chapter. There is no slow start of here! We meet Devidis in the first chapter and are left in no doubt as to his evilness. He’s quite the villain – and I have to admit I love villains. Devidis is fascinating to me, I hope we learn more about him in the upcoming books.
Now we have the four young adults who become the Elementals. Seriously, who can resist a story where regular teens are given super powers? Makes me want to whine “I want some!!” My favorite character by far is Ryan, he’s just awesome. He’s pretty much the main narrator for this one. It was a lot of fun reading the goings on from his perspective. His talent is “air” – which yes, that does mean flying. I think Legend of the Elementals has one of the best flying scenes I’ve ever read. I really could imagine myself flying and having to deal with the air currents. I was pretty impressed!
Continue reading my review - and also find the rest of the blog tour links at: My Shelf Confessions - Legend of the Elementals Review & Tour
Legend of the Elementals sucked me in from the first chapter. There is no slow start of here! We meet Devidis in the first chapter and are left in no doubt as to his evilness. He’s quite the villain – and I have to admit I love villains. Devidis is fascinating to me, I hope we learn more about him in the upcoming books.
Now we have the four young adults who become the Elementals. Seriously, who can resist a story where regular teens are given super powers? Makes me want to whine “I want some!!” My favorite character by far is Ryan, he’s just awesome. He’s pretty much the main narrator for this one. It was a lot of fun reading the goings on from his perspective. His talent is “air” – which yes, that does mean flying. I think Legend of the Elementals has one of the best flying scenes I’ve ever read. I really could imagine myself flying and having to deal with the air currents. I was pretty impressed!
Continue reading my review - and also find the rest of the blog tour links at: My Shelf Confessions - Legend of the Elementals Review & Tour
October 8, 2012
I enjoyed this book right from the start. It started off powerful and quickly grabbed my attention. I really enjoy how this stems off from my usual reads and dives into an unknown world of the Elementals. Ryan is such a strong character and I am so glad he came to his own towards the end of the book. I'm excited to continue this journey with them as they go out against Devidis into the unknown world. Great read!
October 20, 2012
This book was just awesome. It reminded me of Avatar, with a different layout. It really was refreshing to read this. I could honestly see it turn into a cartoon or movie. I know I would watch it. I definitely want to keep reading to see what happens. The story is similar in the aspect of elements that are used like Avatar, but its so different that makes it really unique. I would recommend this book to my friends.
June 28, 2012
Who doesn't love an 'average person turned superhero' story...and this one had 4 of them! Granted its geared more toward teens, but it is well written and worth the time to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and hope to see more from Mr. Timmermeyer in the future.
June 23, 2012
this book was absolutely amazing. i think i have fallen in love with Whisper, aka Ryan... i cant wait to get my hands on the next book!
October 20, 2012
When I read this book, it didn't exactly catch my eye. But when I read that blurb, it got me excited. Well, until I read the next following pages. I'm sorry but it didn't connect with me. I thought the characters were great. The first chapter was quite exciting but in the following pages after that, it didn't seem to well, dot-to-dot, I didn't feel the excitement. Reintroduction can be better!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews