The synopsis actually gives you a lot of information and I am terrible with not giving away spoilers, so read on at your own risk. I received the book in exchange for an honest review so here goes:
In summary, I did get pulled into the story and read it in less than 24 hours. Did I love it? No, but I did love parts of it. And to be really honest, I don't rate many books above 4. I have to REALLY love a book or author's style to do that. Would I recommend the book, yes, but I don't think the book is going to appeal to all age groups.
What I loved about the book...Alec, Aunt Avalene, and Brea. Don't get me wrong, I liked Ava, but as is typical with the main character she made me sigh more often than not. Why? Well, she has a gift...yes, a gift...just because her mother did not want her living with her does not mean it is a curse. She can control elements...how awesome is that? Raising the dead, nope, that is a curse. So really? She is a teenager!!! What teenager would not want a gift of magic? That is what I loved about Brea, among other things. She understood how cool it was to wish for things and the wishes come true. Unfortunately, you don't learn more about Ava's mother's history to understand why she did what she did until later in the book, but even then, I still think she was being selfish. Rape is not a pretty thing, but how you overcome it says a lot about you. Ava assumed being gifted was the reason she was dumped on her aunt. And learns that yes, in part that is true, but she also learns that it is her heritage and that her mother knew she could choose to walk away from the magic once she turned 18 (just as she did), yet her mother still walked away from her when she was 5.
Why I loved Brea, Avalene, and Alec...Brea was Ava's friend through thick and thin. Even when she was being held in the cell and going to die, she stayed with her. She worried about her mom, and she was tough. Aunt Avalene was just plain cool. She practiced her magic and encouraged Ava to do so also. She wasn't overly strict with the girls and had cool friends too. I honestly could not see what Ava saw in Troy. I knew something was off about him from the minute he dumped his girlfriend suddenly. And he played her well. The book did have a few twists that I did not see...like who Troy's father and mother were. although that would explain why Ava was attracted to both Troy and Alec. Now for Alec...loved him. There really wasn't anything to NOT like about Alec. He was one of the Queen's guards, who became disillusioned with his role and was trying to orchestrate finding the True Elementris to overthrow the Queen. He learns that Ava is that person after dreaming about her since he was a child. He also knows he is bound to her, but fights it while still trying to do the right thing for all Elementris/Elementors. He does eventually fall in love with her and helps convince her to accept her magic and fight the Queen. All around good guy. So yes, I liked / loved the characters and the story line was good with some interesting twists.
What didn't I love...well, at times the magic parts were a little cheesy...hey, I was a fan of Charmed and lord knows they did cheesy too, but still loved the show. In the book, didn't love it so much, but I still liked the book. There were also times when it read a little off to me. Some areas too rushed. Not enough to seriously detract from the story, but enough to be noticed. And it could have just been me. I'll definitely read the next book to see what does happen with the true V curse and to follow up with Bianca, Shawn, Alec, Ava, and Brea.