Elemental Hunger

Elemental #2

by Elana Johnson

The second installment in the Elemental series, a new futuristic fantasy for young adults and new adults from acclaimed author Elana Johnson, ELEMENTAL HUNGER is a full-length novel that continues the story that began in ELEMENTAL RUSH, an Elemental novella.

Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Kilpatrick can shoot fire from her hands, which would be great if she didn’t get blamed for a blazing inferno that kills 17 schoolmates. When Gabby is commanded to Manifest her Element, everyone knows what she is: a genetic abnormality. Not to mention guilty.

So she does two logical things to survive.
1. She runs.
2. She hacks off her hair to assume a new role—that of “Gabe”, because in her world, only boys are Firemakers.

Not only does she have to act like a guy, she has to pretend to know everything a Firemaker should know. When Gabby meets Airmaster Adam Gillman, he believes her act and pledges to serve on “Gabe’s” Council. But Adam has the mark of a sentry and spent years obeying Alex, the Supreme Elemental. And Alex wants Gabby-the-genetic-freak dead and gone before she can gather the magical protection of a full Council.

With Adam’s lies that sound like truths and rumors that Alex isn’t really a Firemaker—or a man—Gabby sets out to charter a Council of her own. In order to uncover the truth, Gabby will have to learn who she can trust, how to control her own power, and most of all, how to lead a Council of Elementals, most of whom have more control over their power than she does. If she can’t, she’ll find herself just like those 17 schoolmates: burned and six feet under.

Look for the third and final installment, ELEMENTAL RELEASE, an Elemental novella, coming on July 2, 2014.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Ebooks

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2014

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Marlene Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elana Johnson has woven an intricate world some 200 years after some human develop elemental powers. The Firemakers wield the most power and became the strongest leaders, creating rules by which the rest must live by. Some humans control water, some earth, and some wind. Those without a power are called Unmanifested. People group in “Councils” of one of each power plus a Unmanifested. If not chosen for a council, particularly the Unmanifested live lives of drudgery and hard labor. The only other catch to this orderly arrangement is when a woman becomes a Firemaker, as does Gabby, the main character, since that is considered an aberration. She must struggle to find those she can trust as well as survive with this huge target on her back.

I’m a big fan of elemental stories (have one in progress myself), so combining elemental with dystopian is a great mix for me.

The book opens with a fair amount of backstory. Not always the best start, but it is a complicated world. Ms. Johnson has a lyrical voice (as seen in her previous novel in verse, Elevated, also reviewed by me. Her voice was evident in this book as well, but sometimes harshly punctuated by the main character stabbing the word “see” throughout the book, as if she’s addressing the reader and a large number of colon punctuated lists. The lyrical descriptions sometimes muddled the action, leaving me to figure out what happened after the fact.

But aside from those tidbits, the story is full of action, beauty, and pain, both physical and mental. Gabby must grow beyond caring only for her own survival to working for the betterment of the whole organization of their society.

I’m giving this one 4 stars - I rarely award 5 and although I would probably come in somewhat under 4 stars for the minor issues mentioned above, this rounds to a 4 and is significantly better than what I would give a 3. It’s a solid story with a well described world and the next book promises to set the characters into significant difficulty. Looking forward to it.

[Laura Pauling · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about story characters developing powers that intrigue me, especially when we get the first view of how they learn to deal with them and control them. Along with that comes lots of mistakes, challenges, and sometimes, heartache. And this story has it all.

Elemental Hunger starts out with a bang, or I should say a sizzle, with Gabriella, a closet firemaker, running for her life. The elemental school is on fire and a rumor is spreading that she could be responsible. This starts out a story fraught with plot twists and the growing doubt whether we can trust everyone Gabby meets.

I enjoyed the writing, the story, and the conclusion. **wipes tears**

I highly recommend reading the free prequel novella, as I believe that will introduce even more tension to the story with background story of one of the main characters.

I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.
I must admit I was a bit worried when I realised that I was starting the series with the second book instead of the first one, but I was already too deep into it to stop reading when I did realise it. It's a wonder I found out before finishing my read though, because I don't remember reading a book so fast in ages!
I loved that the hero was female, and fighting for her rights as one at that! I loved the whole elemental universe. I was slightly disappointed to find that she seemed to be the only girl wanting to do something about her condition, but well.
The story was great, really absorbing, and very hard to leave for the couple of hours of sleep I needed before finishing the book.
Definitely a page-turner, and definitely recommended to anyone who even remotely likes fantasy as the plot isn't too far-fetched to make sense. :)
Edit, now that I'm thinking about it:
I was a bit disappointed to find out that despite having been such a curious student that she got one of her teachers terminated because of her questions, she doesn't seem to be either curious or amazed to discover in real the world "beyond Crylon's forest" that she had never seen before. While it does fit her character to be too proud and ashamed of her own lack of knowledge to ask the others things like how many cities and villages are there, why are there unmanifested villages, etc., and she is busy running for her life most of the time, isn't it strange that she would recognise a train without having ever seen one before, that she knows that they don't have much time, and that they can hop on it without it stopping? Of course she must have been told about trains during her educator classes, but just how much could she possibly have been told?
I'm not going back on what I said about the book being great, I guess I'm just hard to please.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Left me wanting even more! Reunited with some characters from Bk1 and sadly lost one of them in this book two. Full review to follow.

INITIAL THOUGHTS
As I had read the prequel/novella 1 in this series I was looking forward to reading more about the Supremist that was hiding her gender and her faithful guard/henchman Felix, who was head of the sentries.

MY REVIEW
These books have recently been given new covers and though I did like the old covers, I have to say I love the new ones even more. The cover for this book features the rail tracks and expanse on stone and deserted surroundings that Gabby has to flee through. I like the lines that represent elements that surround the series title on the cover. So do I like the cover, and would it make me pick it up in a bookstore? Yes I do like the cover though it doesn't necessarily hint of the book being YA, Dystopian as much as I think the novella covers do. I do think I'd pick this one up in a store and want to read the blurb.
This book didn't immediately go back to the Supremist, Felix and Adam, the characters I was curious about after reading Elemental Rush. This book was based in Crylon at one of the remaining elemental schools. The main character is Gabriella Kilpatrick, a young female who is experiencing the manifestation of her fire element, but there are no female firemaker's other than the Supremacist. Gabriella knows she must keep her firemaker abilities under wraps whilst she is working in the schools kitchen. Gabriella's only hope is that her best friend, also a firemaker Jarvis will pick her as his unmanifested member of his council. Gabriella secretly loves Jarvis, and regularly runs in the forest with him. They are more than just friends. Gabriella rushes through her kitchen duties to finish stoking the fires and rushes into the ceremony of councils at the very last moment possible. Jarvis takes to the stage, as the head of his council, he then chooses his earthmover, and his water maiden . . .and the time arrives where he has to name hi "unmanifested" . . . Gabriella holds her breath waiting. . .waiting for her name to be called from the lips of a boy she considers her best friend. It's going to be amazing being part of Jarvis's council with her other friends too. When Jarvis opens his mouth to speak and say's ". . Liz". Gabriella can hardly believe her ears . . .you can visualize the paleness of her face full of disbelief, and shock, her heart literally shattering into pieces. Now Gabriella's only chance of leaving the kitchen is to become an "educator".
Then things become more complicated when someone sets fire to the school and Gabriella is being framed as the culprit. Gabriella must flee and fast! That is when Gabriella gives herself a rather drastic make over, hacking off her hair and dressing like a boy. Travelling will be much easier as a boy. A boy can be a firemaker. A firemaker can form his own council. So Gabriella transforms into Gabe and goes off in a search for her own council. It's whilst fleeing that Gabe meets up with Adam, an Airmaster who also has a secret. A dark secret that will haunt him and Gabriella and her dreams in the near future. Gabe also meet Hanai a spiritual master, that talks to spirit and have healing abilities as well as some other useful talents that come into play later in the book. Initially Hanai keeps his gifts hidden and wishes to join Gabes council as the "unmanmifested". Spirit masters are kind of as unusual and looked down on as female Firemakers. So Gabe's council is coming together well, but the Supremacist and her head henchman are closing in on Gabriella framing her for the school fire. Gabe's cover is blown and it's a race against time for Gabriella to form a council and have it chartered (recognised) as well as join in the elemental rebellion against the Supremacist too. Another two of Gabriella's friend join her council, an earthmover and a water maiden. ....And that's about all I can say without giving anything a way. This book has action, drama, betrayal, heartbreak and sacrifice as well as a love triangle going on between Gabirella and Adam and Hanai. You really hope things work out for Gabriella, and get really behind her willing her on to suceed. I really like Elana's writing style,it's so detailed and helps you visualise the things, people and places she describes really easily. To me there were three main character's, the first being Gabriella, a female who is tough she has to be to do the job expected of her. I'd say the next main character is Adam Gillman, who has quite a few dark secrets he is holding back from his new friends, Gabriella senses this and wonders whether she can truly trust him Finally the third main character is Hanai, who is a more trustworthy, safer support to Gabriella. When Gabriella realises one of her dreams, she then has to confront the councils laws she disagree's with. However Gabriella is forced to obey the rules that are distasteful to her. Gabriella intends to change a lot of the rules and laws, if she and her council survive the battle that is looming.
This book isn't all doom and gloom as within the book you have the friendships within the council that Gabriella is making and the humour they share. Then there's the ultimate fight scene, who wins? You'll have to read the book! Sadly one of the characters I adored and wanted so much more from, was killed. There are some touching scenes written around water maidens who I'd say are closer to the Spiritual Masters too.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, it gripped my attention and held me right to the last words of the book. Would I recommend the book? Yes to all YA, Fantasy, Dystopian fans this is in my opinion a must read series! Would I like to read more in this series? Yesss! I want to read the next novella right now! The only down thing about the next novella is that it ends the series. I have so many questions and things in my head that need to play out, I'm wondering if all these things will be concluded. After just finishing Elemental Hunger I really don't want the series to end! Would you read other titles by this author? Of course yes, I already have read other titles by this talented author.

[Topsues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I don't leave spoilers. Secondly I do recommend to read Elemental Rush first as i feel this follows on from that book. Finally, I had to give 5 stars for this book, because I was left in tears, and couldn't put it down. I found myself speed reading in parts, then my heart clenched and I slowed. Elana Johnson has managed to describe a plot that felt so tangible to me, she bought forth a society that was characterised, some by human misery, some oppression and some with enthusiasm. The main characters strength shone through. I felt the emotions hammer through me, there was so many. Doubt, Disbelief, Mistrust, Affection, Hatred, Friendships, Joy and Love, some evolved into a constant struggle and changed, sometimes page by page. This story was fast paced and action packed. I could read it again and again, and I'm sure I would find things I had missed the first time round. Fantasy mixed with a hard world exploded with every chapter. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who like it with a hard edge, no faires, Fay or princes here. Just a very good thought out plot and story that deserves credit for its creator. I look forward to continuing with this series

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a free copy of this book, not realizing it was in the middle of a series. I was able to read it as a standalone novel, but I won't be able to read the first book now without already knowing a lot of what happens in it.

The story was interesting and held my attention. I enjoyed learning about Gabriella's world and life. At one point I did get tired of the "I trust him; I don't trust him", "I love him; I don't love him" type attitude. Also, I found that sometimes when Gabriella's memories came up, they were a little long and distracting from the story I was in the middle of reading.

I will likely get around to reading the other two books in the series.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Gabriella, a girl that has control over fire, something only guys are suppose to be able to do. She tries to hide her power, because she knows what happens to those that are different. But she is discovered and forced to run away and hide who she is. When Alex starts to hunt her down, she joins the rebellion and ends up being the hero, as usual. The story is pretty normal, including the love triangle and everything, but I liked it, not enough for a five, but enough to be more than a three stars.

So this is about Gabriella, her dream is being part of a council (formed by a firemaker, airmaster, earthmover, watermaiden and unmanifested, someone without powers) as the unmanifested, and she is hoping that her friend, and kind of romantic interest is going to include her in his council, but he chooses her friend instead of her and she feels betrayed. Days later she goes for a run, something that's not allowed, and returns to find the school burning. Jarvis, her friend, tells her that someone saw her starting the fire, and that they are blaming her, and confesses that he didn't chose her because he knows she is also a firemaker.

She starts running and finds Adam, an airmaster, and when she finds out she is running away from the same people joins forces with him. They go to the outcast people and have one of them join them as their unmanifested as they try to form a council. At first they try to pretend Gabriella is a man, but soon she is discovered, and of course, Adam and Hanai find her beautiful and fall in love with her. Adam says that he knows the right people to complete the group and soon they are joined by Isaiah, an earthmover, who is an old friend of Gabriella. They barely scape Alex and go looking for Cat. When they complete their group they go looking for the protection of another council, only Adam gets captured. Since he used to be a sentry (read Elemental Rush), Alex and Felix still have some power over him, and it looks like Adam is betraying them when Felix arrives to arrest them. Adam goes ahead with Isaiah and Cat while Felix takes Gabriella. Felix takes her to the same place where he tried to rape Cat and tries the same with her, but Hanai arrives just in time. While she is running away Adam arrives, and Gabriella runs away thinking he is trying to capture her, but he is trying to help. By the time Hanai and Adam find her again she is very hurt and it takes time for her to recover.

Gabriella doesn't trust Adam anymore, and she thinks she was wrong by choosing him instead of Hanai, and thinks that Hanai is the better choice. They go to face Alex, and in the way they find Jarvis, her old friend, who confesses that Alex manipulated him to burn the school and blame Gabriella, then he dies in her arms. While they are still outside the city Alex finds them and goes to face them, as was the plan, but their backup is late to arrive and Gabriella and Hanai end up fighting Alex, who is a spirit elemental, like Hanai and can still other people elemental magic. During the fight Gabriella release a lot of fire that kills most people there, including Hanai. She goes to rescue the rest of the elementals and tries to kill Felix, leaving him in a burning building, but he is saved at the last minute.

Still not sure that she trust Adam, Gabriella reform her council with Adam, Isaiah, Cat and the friend that was the unmanifested in Jarvis' council. With Alex dead, they can have a real chance of having a good life, and they start training their powers to become a strong council and maybe someday rule a city, and Gabriella pushes the new councilman to apply some changes in the laws to find more equality.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, dang. This book had me all mixed up in the feelings department. There were things about it that I totally loved and other things that I was more meh about. In all, it was a book I was satisfied with but not completely in love with.

For me, this book started off really slow. And I don't mean that like, the action took a long time because it didn't. Right from the start, things are happening which I normally really like. However, the writing style felt a little underdeveloped for me. There were some reoccurring descriptions and sentences which bothered me and it felt kind of forced. Because of this, I didn't immediately connect with the characters or the world.

However, once we got through the beginning, things started picking up. It was a lot more exciting and flowed more naturally the more I read. I began to really like Gabby. She was in interesting character and I admired her strength and will. I liked Adam a lot in this book, too. He was a nice balance for Gabby and it was fun seeing the way their relationship was turning out. There was a lot of tension between them and I just loved seeing that tension tested as they went forward.

The plot, like I said, was full of action from the start and became even more interesting once I really began to connect with Gabby. There was a lot of thrilling action and I liked seeing how it played with the elemental aspect of the novel. It really made everything a lot more exciting and heart-racing but there was still times when I put it down and didn't feel the need to pick it back up for a long time.

I'm excited to see what Elana releases in the future. This wasn't my favorite book but I had a good time while reading it. I hope in her next novels, the writing is a little tighter and we are able to connect more quickly with the characters!

For more reviews, check out Wonderland's Reader!

[Veray · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning I didn't realize that this was a dystopian story, but Gabby finds herself in and abandoned store looking for food and not knowing what all the things were that she was seeing. It wasn't explained exactly how things became how they were for her except for the fact that people began to manifest powers like being able to control fire, wind, earth and water. Their government is run by men and women have very few rights unless they are attached to a man, so society went backwards after the apocalypse. Gabby is able to control fire and has to hide because women don't do that. She cuts her hair and ties to act like a boy. Her thoughts on that are funny and she isn't sure she can pull it off. She meets Adam whom we met in Elemental Rush the prequel to this book. Adam is in a mess himself and running from his brother and his life as a sentry. He is hiding his ability to control air and they team up to find two others who can control water and earth. This story is full of action and fighting and running. There are thoughts about what is right and who is right and who to trust. Gabby has a hard time knowing who to trust. She falls in love with Adam and also Hanai. Adam is wild, hot and exciting. Hanai is calming, sweet and loving. It is a hard choice for her and in the end the choice is taken from her by an action of her own. It made me cry and I was sure if I liked it. It seemed to go against what they said her powers could do to her council members. Anyway things worked out in the end and of course I wanted to know more about what happened after. It will be interesting to see what she covers in the sequel novella Elemental Release. I would like to see them together and happy and working for a common purpose.

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a chameleon for me, when it started I thought it was straight up high fantasy but as a continued to read I realized that it’s actually a very cunningly written dystopian fantasy. I really like it when an author throws you a curve. I thought the Gabby was a pretty wonderful character, when she starts out she’s essentially a servant but with dreams to be more and she’s not about to let the status quo stop her. The thing is Gabby lives in world where certain people have the power to control the elements; earth, fire, air, and water. Gabby knows that she is a Firemaker, the only problem is that only men are allowed to be Firemakers. Gabby’s solution is to cut off all her hair and pretend to be a boy. But before she can start her Councilman training there’s a fire started at the school and Gabby is blamed. While she’s on the run from the authorities, she meets the rest of her council (air, earth, water, and unmanifested). She also starts falling for her Airmaster, Adam, who used to be a sentry and so she’s not sure if she can trust him entirely. There’s a lot of tension between Gabby, Adam, and Hanai. Hanai is an Unmanifested, which means he does not control one of the elements. I got to say that I am 100% Team Hanai….Adam can suck it. Although those you out there that enjoy a good alpha male bad boy will enjoy Adam. Gabby begins to develop more and more powers and with that she realizes that she has a great responsibility both to her country and her council. There are powers at play that try to manipulate Gabby but her journey has turned her into too strong a woman to let that happen. I’m very interested to see what happens in the next book because reading this one was a blast!

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I didn't realized in reading Elemental Hunger that I was coming into the series in book 2. Guess that means I'll have to go back and read Elemental Rush! And that I can now be excited about the third book in the series. Thank goodness, I'll only have to wait a few weeks!

Regardless, you can read this as a stand alone book. But if you're a fan of Ms. Johnson's Possession series, like me, you won't want to miss a word of this trilogy.

I was impressed to find that this book has a decidedly different voice to it than her other series. That takes work for an author. And I liked it. I liked it a lot! There is also a new well-crafted world to explore.

Gabby is a strong girl, with likable vulnerabilities, that I can get behind. I like the way she thinks and responds to the world around her. And it is a crazy elemental world she has to navigate.

The rest of the characters are just as developed. The writing on par with the high standard at which Ms. Johnson consistently works.

No swear words, unless you count BLAZES!, which I don't. It's one of my fave sayings of Gabby's.
A few intense kisses, but no nudity or sex. A word of caution, there are rape references, not an actual rape though. I would keep this one to 16+ and read it first to be sure your young adult would be comfortable in that regard only.

This was the first book I've read by Ms. Johnson that I didn't want to throw against the wall when I finished. This one for me had the best closure of her books.

While Ms. Johnson tends to stick to writing YA, her works are for everyone who enjoys good writing and adventure.

Where will her imagination take us next?

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Gabby who lives in a world where certain people have the power to control the elements; earth, fire, air, and water. Gabby finds out the she has the power of a Firemaker, but there is just one problem she has it. So one day Gabby’s decide to cut all of her hair and pretend that she is a boy. But before she is able to start her councilman training there’s is a fire that is started at the school. You guess right Gabby is being blamed for it. Gabby, does the only thing to do is to run from the authorities. While she’s is on the run from the authorities, she meets up with the rest of her council (air, earth, water, and manifested). Gabby begins to develop more and more powers and with that she realizes that she has a great responsibility both to her country and her council. There are powers that are at play trying to manipulate Gabby. While on this journey she has become a much stronger woman to let someone take advance for her.

While she on the run she meets a young man named Adam who can control the air. Gabby decides to teams up with him, even though there is a past alerting her to danger. The question I would have for her can she trusts him?

This book was very engaging from the very begin of the story. There was plenty of action that will keep you turning the pages. This was an enjoyable read for me.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby has control of fire and at will has it shoot from her hands. As a servant, she can secretly cook things faster than others can. She’s not supposed to have this power, so she hides it. One day, when a blazing fire occurs at her quarters, over a dozen people are killed. She’s on the run so that no one points fingers at her.

She cuts her hair and pretends she’s a boy. She meets a young man named Adam who can control air, so she teams up with him, even though his past alerts her to danger. Can he be trusted? And what are these feelings she’s developing for him and another boy named Hanai? Gabby, now Gabe, tries to find her place in a world that’s oppressive and hostile towards women.

This book was engaging from the start. The action and pacing were amazing and non-stop as I followed Gabby through all her difficulties. This dystopian novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This line: "I'm yours, as long as you want me." AHHHH that line! Adam I want you!

I started with a 4 star rating, but I can't stop thinking about it, so I raised it to 5 stars. I loved this book so much. Gabby was awesome, I loved her inner strength and her unrelenting spirit. I loved exploring with her each new power and what she could do.

Having read Elemental Rush first, I really really wanted to get into Adam's head in this book. I felt as confused as Gabby did at times, even though I KNEW Adam was good. Isaiah, Cat and Hanai, all were wonderful characters and I loved to get to know them again.

I can't wait to get into Adam's head again, and get his perspective on a few things in the final novella. Is it July yet?!

[Emmanuelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriella struggles to hide who she is in a society where she will not be accepted. As a female firemaker, the only one in existence, she would be immediately put to death of someone discovered who she was. When she gets framed for starting a fire falsely, she goes on the run. Along the way she meets Adam, whom we met in book one. Together they uncover secrets about the Supremist and the United Territories, and about a rising civil war.
The author created a society of rules with a domineering leader. The plot is thick with magic and danger as our fearless heroes seek a better world. The book does seem like it's dragging at times, and there's too much emphasis paced on the love triangle. Regardless, it was a great read.

[Tracy Banghart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really intriguing. I enjoyed how strong and self-sufficient Gabriella was. The world-building was also top-notch; Elana Johnson created a unique, believable world with a lot of moving parts that all meshed seamlessly together. This book definitely served up a ton of surprises, and I'm looking forward to reading the novellas in the series. My only complaint is that some of the action scenes were a little hard to follow, but that was a fairly minor quibble in my overall appreciation for the story. I would definitely recommend this series if you enjoy gritty, futuristic stories with kick-butt protagonists.

[Amanda Book-Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elemental Hunger was a fairly fast paced book that drew me in from the very beginning. I was always questioning the loyalty of Adam and could never pin him down as the good guy or the bad guy. I was never bored reading this book as something was always happening with the characters.
There was a bit of a love triangle that I wasn't too fond of. This book really reminded me of Defy by Sara Larson but lacked a wow factor.
Overall, Elemental Hunger is fun read but not one I plan to re-read in the future.

[Michelle McKellar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really do not know how this book has such a high review. You can not throw in a few rusty cars, make phones and guns seem like something barely anyone uses and call it a post apocalyptic book.

Not once did we find out what happened to make the world it was. Not once did we get any back story. When reading a "post apocalyptic" book I want to know these things.

This book seemed like it was going to be a good one. There were parts that I liked. I did like the characters for the most part. I just wish there was more. More meat. It was too simple and it seemed just thrown together.

[Deann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the start! The beginning felt a little rushed but the rest of the story made up for it. Been in a slight reading slump before picking this one up but found myself continually wanting to come back to it. Enjoyed the Elemental powers but was slightly confused sometimes about the whole council pairing stuff.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are there not more books like this? It was incredible! I loved the elemental magic, and kept thinking about it for days and days after. It was such an interesting magic system. The world was very well developed, too, and felt very real. The characters were compelling and fascinating and kept me reading long after I really needed to stop. I loved it!

[Nichole Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love Elana Johnson's writing style. Gabby and Adam are spunky and funny, and so lovable you can't help but root for them to find love (with each other), take down the bad guys, and save the world, if at all possible. This new series is bound to be a huge hit with Dystopian/fantasy readers. I loved it!

[Taffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you need a good book to read this summer? One that will keep you intrigued and thinking and wondering? And reading? Well, this book is for you.
This is another fantastic, can't-put-the-book down, ohmyword plot twist story by Elana Coolness Johnson.
A dystopian fantasy with believable characters and a harsh world and... you should just buy it.

[n🫶🏽]

DNF. It wasn't horrible, I just went into it expecting fantasy, not dystopian. The characters were dull and flat, the romance was unbearably sparkless and though it wasn't exactly insta-love, their relationship happened too quickly especially since there was no attraction aforehand. Not in the mood to read on knowing I won't like it.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Though I hate that in this book, us humans made some terrible mistakes (Elementals were human, you'd think some of them would've been able to gain up on the Fire Master) I really loved Gabby's voice, it was really awesome!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

REally enjoyed the dystopian aspects of this elemental fantasy. Great characters and premise.

For full review - http://allaboutyabooks.blogspot.ca/20...

[Kelesea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and many others can be found on my blog: literatureobsessed.blogspot.com.

[A.B.]

I stopped reading this book for the same reason I stopped reading Veronica Roth's Divergent. I just couldn't get into the premise. But hey! If you like the Divergent series, you might love this.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, hold on while I catch my breath. This book is a non-stop ride. Elana has created a very cool world full of fear, and very cool powers. Full review on Min Reads and Reviews June 19th, 2014.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I lot of action. Hanai and Adam were great characters.

[Dohina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is entertaining and realistic. It was a good read that made my day!