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Elemental Paladins #8
The Elemental Collective, Volume 1
Your favourite characters from the Elemental Paladins series return in The Elemental Collective: Volume One. This collection is filled with novellas and short stories featuring some of the characters you’ve been dying to hear more about – as well as your old favourites.
Mordecai
Mordecai has felt eyes watching him for years – and at the most inappropriate times! When he learns Dana – the Great Mother – has been lurking around, he realises it is the Goddess spying on him. But he can’t seem to figure out why. He thinks it has to do with their daughter, Max, but is that the whole truth? And what’s more, does he want it to be?
Dana is sick of being the good little Goddess who sits and watches her creations flounder from afar. But she is bound by rules not of her making. She already broke them once when she slept with the Death Warden and created the miracle that is their daughter. What is she willing to sacrifice to make her dreams come true this time?
Dawn
As one of the only female Life Wardens in the world, Dawn feels the heavy weight of responsibility with every breath. She has only ever wanted to be seen for the woman she is – not the role she must play. As she settles into her new job on the International Domain Council, she begins to think her luck might just be changing.
Knox has been blessed with a second chance at life. Once a warden, he became a chade after succumbing to the dark voices in his head. Now reunited with his triplet sons, he has a new lease on life. And when he is tasked to work closely with Dawn, he realises he may also have a new lease on love.
Max
Max is happy and more than a little relieved to see her society making strides after the corruption, prejudice, infections and battles that afflicted it for years. She has been blessed with a wonderful family – and more importantly – her man and the precious new life she carries. When Ryker surprises her with a holiday, she is thrilled to have some alone time with her baby-daddy. But will their unborn daughter derail their romantic plans?
Ryker is paladin, born to protect and serve. Sure, he’s mellowed ever since he fell in love with Max, but he’s still a surly, overprotective warrior. What does he know about delivering a baby – his baby?! Well, it looks like he’s about to find out when his daughter decides to make her unscheduled arrival in the world.
Mordecai
Mordecai has felt eyes watching him for years – and at the most inappropriate times! When he learns Dana – the Great Mother – has been lurking around, he realises it is the Goddess spying on him. But he can’t seem to figure out why. He thinks it has to do with their daughter, Max, but is that the whole truth? And what’s more, does he want it to be?
Dana is sick of being the good little Goddess who sits and watches her creations flounder from afar. But she is bound by rules not of her making. She already broke them once when she slept with the Death Warden and created the miracle that is their daughter. What is she willing to sacrifice to make her dreams come true this time?
Dawn
As one of the only female Life Wardens in the world, Dawn feels the heavy weight of responsibility with every breath. She has only ever wanted to be seen for the woman she is – not the role she must play. As she settles into her new job on the International Domain Council, she begins to think her luck might just be changing.
Knox has been blessed with a second chance at life. Once a warden, he became a chade after succumbing to the dark voices in his head. Now reunited with his triplet sons, he has a new lease on life. And when he is tasked to work closely with Dawn, he realises he may also have a new lease on love.
Max
Max is happy and more than a little relieved to see her society making strides after the corruption, prejudice, infections and battles that afflicted it for years. She has been blessed with a wonderful family – and more importantly – her man and the precious new life she carries. When Ryker surprises her with a holiday, she is thrilled to have some alone time with her baby-daddy. But will their unborn daughter derail their romantic plans?
Ryker is paladin, born to protect and serve. Sure, he’s mellowed ever since he fell in love with Max, but he’s still a surly, overprotective warrior. What does he know about delivering a baby – his baby?! Well, it looks like he’s about to find out when his daughter decides to make her unscheduled arrival in the world.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2020
131 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Montana Ash
25 books550 followersMontana is a self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading all genres from romance to crime fiction to sci fi, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men, just a little bit damaged, and Alpha women who don't seem to know they need looking after, are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven!
Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.
She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!
Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.
She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 6, 2023
Dana (Mother Nature) and Mordecai’s adventure, Knox (Chaden) and Dawn’s adventure and the impromptu arrival of “Sunshine” 🥰
July 18, 2020
I have been a fan of the fantasy world Montana Ash has created with the Elemental Paladins series since the very beginning. Her style of writing has had me both laughing and crying at the mixture of bawdy Aussie humour and heartfelt pathos contained within each of the seven books in series. Now that the main characters have all found their significant others any other author would’ve been more than happy to write “The End” on the final page and move onto something else. Of course her loyal fans weren’t going to let Montana off so easily especially when she had created an entire army of intriguing secondary characters who were all shouting to be heard. What we have in the Collective is more strong but fun female characters and scarred sexy heroes who deserve to have their turn in the spotlight.
The first couple up in this trilogy of novellas is mother nature herself, Dana and Death Warden, Mordechai AKA Max’s mum and dad. If you thought the chemistry between Max and Ryker was hot…. well all I can say is you ain’t seen anything yet! This pair nearly set the pages on fire.
The second story features Dawn, a very rare female Life Warden who must be one of the dumbest characters I’ve ever read. She is so clueless about what is under her very nose – you just want to shake some sense into her. Luckily for her Knox, a Chaden, is more than happy to let her set the speed & catching up with his identical triplet sons who are now his Paladins was definitely no hardship.
The final story features Max and Ryker as they decide to have a quiet restful trip away before their lives descend into the chaotic routine of dirty nappies and 3am feeds. A certain little hitch-hiker has other plans for their idyllic retreat.
Of course no story about the Elemental Paladins would be complete without the original characters making an appearance ready to give their own blend of expert advice on their friends romantic escapades as well as bicker and torment the life out of each other as only family can do.
This collection of short stories has more than lived up to the series that spawned it. Lots of comical banter, entertaining action and drama, heated love scenes and of course the moments where you can’t help but go awwww and feel squishy inside especially when a big, bad alpha Paladin shows the lengths he’s willing to go to for his ‘sunshine’. I for one can’t wait for the next collection to be released where a little bird told me a certain Ranger called Nicolai might finally meet his match.
The first couple up in this trilogy of novellas is mother nature herself, Dana and Death Warden, Mordechai AKA Max’s mum and dad. If you thought the chemistry between Max and Ryker was hot…. well all I can say is you ain’t seen anything yet! This pair nearly set the pages on fire.
The second story features Dawn, a very rare female Life Warden who must be one of the dumbest characters I’ve ever read. She is so clueless about what is under her very nose – you just want to shake some sense into her. Luckily for her Knox, a Chaden, is more than happy to let her set the speed & catching up with his identical triplet sons who are now his Paladins was definitely no hardship.
The final story features Max and Ryker as they decide to have a quiet restful trip away before their lives descend into the chaotic routine of dirty nappies and 3am feeds. A certain little hitch-hiker has other plans for their idyllic retreat.
Of course no story about the Elemental Paladins would be complete without the original characters making an appearance ready to give their own blend of expert advice on their friends romantic escapades as well as bicker and torment the life out of each other as only family can do.
This collection of short stories has more than lived up to the series that spawned it. Lots of comical banter, entertaining action and drama, heated love scenes and of course the moments where you can’t help but go awwww and feel squishy inside especially when a big, bad alpha Paladin shows the lengths he’s willing to go to for his ‘sunshine’. I for one can’t wait for the next collection to be released where a little bird told me a certain Ranger called Nicolai might finally meet his match.
July 22, 2020
Fantastic. 5 stars is not enough
I have been an avid stalker of Montana’s books ever since I read Warden, the beginning of the Elemental Paladins series. I have fallen in love with all the characters from every book and am overjoyed she decided to add the Collective and more to the series.
We start with Bk 1.
Dana and Mordecai. We delve into the history of Dana a goddess and Max’s mum a little more. She wants Mordecai Max’s dad and has always wanted him. The chemistry between these two is definitely electronic. Enough to shatter windows.
Bk 2
Knox and Dawn
I am so happy Knox got a little novella of his own. He’s had a rough time going through the infection of being a Chade and coming through the other side.
Dawn. A life warden. Rare female life warden has had bad luck with the male species. That luck is about to change.
Bk 3
Our very adorable. Hot. Sexy Ryker and Max.
After upsetting Max Ryker decides they need some time away before nappies and sleepless nights come into their life. That beautiful little bundle of sunshine has other ideas.
Absolutely loved this collection of Novellas. Riveting reads and Montana’s humour a plenty. So many lol moments. Can’t wait for the next Collective.
I have been an avid stalker of Montana’s books ever since I read Warden, the beginning of the Elemental Paladins series. I have fallen in love with all the characters from every book and am overjoyed she decided to add the Collective and more to the series.
We start with Bk 1.
Dana and Mordecai. We delve into the history of Dana a goddess and Max’s mum a little more. She wants Mordecai Max’s dad and has always wanted him. The chemistry between these two is definitely electronic. Enough to shatter windows.
Bk 2
Knox and Dawn
I am so happy Knox got a little novella of his own. He’s had a rough time going through the infection of being a Chade and coming through the other side.
Dawn. A life warden. Rare female life warden has had bad luck with the male species. That luck is about to change.
Bk 3
Our very adorable. Hot. Sexy Ryker and Max.
After upsetting Max Ryker decides they need some time away before nappies and sleepless nights come into their life. That beautiful little bundle of sunshine has other ideas.
Absolutely loved this collection of Novellas. Riveting reads and Montana’s humour a plenty. So many lol moments. Can’t wait for the next Collective.
July 22, 2020
I have been an avid stalker of Montana’s books ever since I read Warden, the beginning of the Elemental Paladins series. I have fallen in love with all the characters from every book and am overjoyed she decided to add the Collective and more to the series.
We start with Bk 1.
Dana and Mordecai. We delve into the history of Dana a goddess and Max’s mum a little more. She wants Mordecai Max’s dad and has always wanted him. The chemistry between these two is definitely electronic. Enough to shatter windows.
Bk 2
Knox and Dawn
I am so happy Knox got a little novella of his own. He’s had a rough time going through the infection of being a Chade and coming through the other side.
Dawn. A life warden. Rare female life warden has had bad luck with the male species. That luck is about to change.
Bk 3
Our very adorable. Hot. Sexy Ryker and Max.
After upsetting Max Ryker decides they need some time away before nappies and sleepless nights come into their life. That beautiful little bundle of sunshine has other ideas.
Absolutely loved this collection of Novellas. Riveting reads and Montana’s humour a plenty. So many lol moments. Can’t wait for the next Collective.
We start with Bk 1.
Dana and Mordecai. We delve into the history of Dana a goddess and Max’s mum a little more. She wants Mordecai Max’s dad and has always wanted him. The chemistry between these two is definitely electronic. Enough to shatter windows.
Bk 2
Knox and Dawn
I am so happy Knox got a little novella of his own. He’s had a rough time going through the infection of being a Chade and coming through the other side.
Dawn. A life warden. Rare female life warden has had bad luck with the male species. That luck is about to change.
Bk 3
Our very adorable. Hot. Sexy Ryker and Max.
After upsetting Max Ryker decides they need some time away before nappies and sleepless nights come into their life. That beautiful little bundle of sunshine has other ideas.
Absolutely loved this collection of Novellas. Riveting reads and Montana’s humour a plenty. So many lol moments. Can’t wait for the next Collective.
July 16, 2020
Grab a thesaurus and look up awesome and every word associated will be perfect in describing this collection of stories.
Book 1
Mordecai & Dana’s story answers some questions and gives a HEA to two people who deserve it more than anything.
Book 2
Knox & Dawn show us the very human side of a powerful Warden and a redeemed Chade. While building Eden and working on rebuilding their society these two get to know each other.
Book 3
Only Max & Ryker would find themselves in the situation they are in when they go on their Babymoon. We get to see a side to both that their responsibilities don’t often allow.
Book 1
Mordecai & Dana’s story answers some questions and gives a HEA to two people who deserve it more than anything.
Book 2
Knox & Dawn show us the very human side of a powerful Warden and a redeemed Chade. While building Eden and working on rebuilding their society these two get to know each other.
Book 3
Only Max & Ryker would find themselves in the situation they are in when they go on their Babymoon. We get to see a side to both that their responsibilities don’t often allow.
March 26, 2025
Absolutely Perfect!
This book is a bit different than the other books in the series, in that it’s a compilation of three novellas.
Part 1 : Mordecai & Dana
A lot of unresolved anger combined with an off the charts compatibility. Window shatteringly good.
Part 2: Knox & Dawn.
Angst, guilt, passion and a clueless Life Warden.
Part 3: Max, Ryder & baby makes three.
Being pregnant is not fun, scheduled emergency toilet breaks, distant memories of feet and all of the emotions.
Such a lovely addition to the series! I still have my fingers crossed for Nikolai and Blu to find their happiness.
This book is a bit different than the other books in the series, in that it’s a compilation of three novellas.
Part 1 : Mordecai & Dana
A lot of unresolved anger combined with an off the charts compatibility. Window shatteringly good.
Part 2: Knox & Dawn.
Angst, guilt, passion and a clueless Life Warden.
Part 3: Max, Ryder & baby makes three.
Being pregnant is not fun, scheduled emergency toilet breaks, distant memories of feet and all of the emotions.
Such a lovely addition to the series! I still have my fingers crossed for Nikolai and Blu to find their happiness.
January 23, 2021
The Elemental Collective Volume One ..Spin off series by Montana Ash
Ms. Ash brings you more laughter and heartwarming story with her continuing this series with this spin off collection.Thank you soooo much for them!!💖 I have fallen in love with all your characters(but Max is my favorite...how could she not be Lol).Please do write the next addition to this absolutely lmao series soon...can't wait to read more about the characters who have stolen my heart!😍
Ms. Ash brings you more laughter and heartwarming story with her continuing this series with this spin off collection.Thank you soooo much for them!!💖 I have fallen in love with all your characters(but Max is my favorite...how could she not be Lol).Please do write the next addition to this absolutely lmao series soon...can't wait to read more about the characters who have stolen my heart!😍
July 19, 2020
Unputdownable
Yet another five star read from Montana Ash. I loved catching up with all the characters that have become my book family. The writing is flawless and the characters are believable, the dialogue flowing, sounding just like family.
Although I wanted this book to last and last, I couldn't put it down and am now suffering from a book hangover.
Yet another five star read from Montana Ash. I loved catching up with all the characters that have become my book family. The writing is flawless and the characters are believable, the dialogue flowing, sounding just like family.
Although I wanted this book to last and last, I couldn't put it down and am now suffering from a book hangover.
July 24, 2020
We so needed this!
Montana must be psychic! She knew just what we needed as she filled in some much needed stories. Are they short? Yes, but she put a few together to give us our Collective fix! All I can say is thank you! And of course we want MORE! I am very excited for the next book!
Montana must be psychic! She knew just what we needed as she filled in some much needed stories. Are they short? Yes, but she put a few together to give us our Collective fix! All I can say is thank you! And of course we want MORE! I am very excited for the next book!
April 19, 2024
I'd I could give this more than 5 stars I would! I love Montnana's writing soo much. It makes you feel, laugh and grips you and you have to force yourself to put it down. The three stories in this collective I loved so much because I already loved the characters. This world is consuming in the best possible way.
July 27, 2020
Awesome
Wow what to say! I loved the three individual stories. Altho they’re a sorta continuation they’re Individually separate. I love the way your mind works Montana. So many hints and questions. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Wow what to say! I loved the three individual stories. Altho they’re a sorta continuation they’re Individually separate. I love the way your mind works Montana. So many hints and questions. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
October 27, 2025
This is a real cozy fantasy read. It has a unique magic system that I really liked and yes it does have those steamy scenes too so def for the more mature reader. Overall I really enjoyed this entire series and highly recommend it.
July 17, 2020
Brilliant
Fantastic Montana Ash has again brought amazing characters to life and woven a fantastic story ...Can’t recommend this series enough
Fantastic Montana Ash has again brought amazing characters to life and woven a fantastic story ...Can’t recommend this series enough
July 19, 2020
Amazing
Three fantastic short stories featuring some of my favourite characters. Especially thrilled about the one with Max and Ryker. I just hope it’s not the last one.
Three fantastic short stories featuring some of my favourite characters. Especially thrilled about the one with Max and Ryker. I just hope it’s not the last one.
September 18, 2020
It was nice to revisit this world after the series end. I enjoyed the stories but the whole changing of the gods was a bit ridiculous to me. But all in all the storytelling was great as usual.
September 20, 2020
Love
Just loved this continuation of this amazing and wonderful series. These novellas are the perfect way to visit some of my favorite characters
Just loved this continuation of this amazing and wonderful series. These novellas are the perfect way to visit some of my favorite characters
December 30, 2021
Great stories!
I really enjoyed this book. The stories are great and love the characters. I can't wait for the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. The stories are great and love the characters. I can't wait for the next book.
January 30, 2022
Second attempt at writing a review.
I loved these three short stories.
Enriching the world that Montana has created, we can eagerly follow what happens after the end if the series.
So special
I loved these three short stories.
Enriching the world that Montana has created, we can eagerly follow what happens after the end if the series.
So special
November 5, 2020
BOOK 1: Mordecai ~ 3.75/5 stars
Mordecai and Dana's novella was perhaps the novella I was most excited to read. But, Mordecai was an ass who was content to rage at Dana and not listen to her explanation–never mind that Dana is a freaking goddess!
I did appreciate that Mordecai grovels properly. It's alluded to that Mordecai was celibate after he was with Dana but more so because he was so grief-stricken that his daughter was out in the world, lost to him. But, that was a good 50 years... so the reality of Mordecai being celibate for that long seems unlikely to me.
Also, I'm SO over the trope where super-powerful women are virgins! Dana has been around since the dawn of time... and yet we're expected to believe she was completely innocent? It's not like she didn't have a body in the Otherworld and it's not like she couldn't have passed through the veil, had her fun and then returned. Dana wouldn't have accidentally gotten pregnant either. Dana intended for Max to be born–she just didn't realize how Max would manifest (as her own blood).
Dana–who has been spying on Mordecai since they were separated–has been in love with Mordecai for years. But, (understandably) Mordecai doesn't feel the same way. He wants the opportunity to love her but it takes longer than a few months to get over 50 years of self-conditioned hatred (Mordecai's own thoughts here). As a result, Mordecai–in this novella–never tells Dana he loves her.
Book 2: Knox ~ 3.5/5
I loved Knox from the previous books so I was really excited to see him get his HEA. I'm a bit disappointed though that Knox and Dawn never talked about Evangeline (the mother of Knox's children). Did Evangeline abandon him or did he love her and she died? It was very unclear (or maybe I read the novella too fast).
Dawn's quirky (and clueless) characterization was cute... to begin with. But, the whole kissing her friends (after kissing Knox) was thoughtless. Even if Knox hadn't seen she would've still had to explain.
Knox also falls in love with Dana very quickly–so quickly that Dana is unable to respond in kind. The addition of the insta-love dampened my enjoyability of this novella a bit.
Book 3: Sunshine ~ 4/5 stars
Ugh, this novella was so freaking cute. I loved seeing Max and Ryker settle into their domestic bliss. Their concern over the daughter (there better be a spin-off) was so awesome–especially once everyone realizes the magnitude of "Sunshine's" destiny.
My sole complaint was that in a moment of (admittedly) great uncertainty, Ryker does what he did best: take out his fear on the person he loves most... Max. This trait of Ryker's is why I didn't enjoy Warden as much as the rest of the books in the Elemental Paladins series.
What was worse (for me) in the novella was that Ryker lashed out (in fear) by intentionally hurting Max's feelings–he said things that he knew would hurt Max. He was deliberately mean. Ryker immediately regrets his words and grovels but it detracted from the star rating for me.
I did appreciate though how Max and Ryker take the time to sort out their fight. They both realize that their grievances originate from the same goal: protecting their daughter.
Overall thoughts ~3.75/5 stars
The readability and flow of the volume were great. I think almost all of my largest complaints would've been solved if the novellas were a bit longer but there's only so much room in a novella.
I can't wait to read Volume 2, I'm especially looking forward to Nikolai's story. I am very curious to see who he ends up with. I also can't wait to catch up with Caspian (and Leo)... it seems like he hasn't been a prominent supporting character since the middle of the Elemental Paladins series.
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Mordecai and Dana's novella was perhaps the novella I was most excited to read. But, Mordecai was an ass who was content to rage at Dana and not listen to her explanation–never mind that Dana is a freaking goddess!
I did appreciate that Mordecai grovels properly. It's alluded to that Mordecai was celibate after he was with Dana but more so because he was so grief-stricken that his daughter was out in the world, lost to him. But, that was a good 50 years... so the reality of Mordecai being celibate for that long seems unlikely to me.
Also, I'm SO over the trope where super-powerful women are virgins! Dana has been around since the dawn of time... and yet we're expected to believe she was completely innocent? It's not like she didn't have a body in the Otherworld and it's not like she couldn't have passed through the veil, had her fun and then returned. Dana wouldn't have accidentally gotten pregnant either. Dana intended for Max to be born–she just didn't realize how Max would manifest (as her own blood).
Dana–who has been spying on Mordecai since they were separated–has been in love with Mordecai for years. But, (understandably) Mordecai doesn't feel the same way. He wants the opportunity to love her but it takes longer than a few months to get over 50 years of self-conditioned hatred (Mordecai's own thoughts here). As a result, Mordecai–in this novella–never tells Dana he loves her.
Book 2: Knox ~ 3.5/5
I loved Knox from the previous books so I was really excited to see him get his HEA. I'm a bit disappointed though that Knox and Dawn never talked about Evangeline (the mother of Knox's children). Did Evangeline abandon him or did he love her and she died? It was very unclear (or maybe I read the novella too fast).
Dawn's quirky (and clueless) characterization was cute... to begin with. But, the whole kissing her friends (after kissing Knox) was thoughtless. Even if Knox hadn't seen she would've still had to explain.
Knox also falls in love with Dana very quickly–so quickly that Dana is unable to respond in kind. The addition of the insta-love dampened my enjoyability of this novella a bit.
Book 3: Sunshine ~ 4/5 stars
Ugh, this novella was so freaking cute. I loved seeing Max and Ryker settle into their domestic bliss. Their concern over the daughter (there better be a spin-off) was so awesome–especially once everyone realizes the magnitude of "Sunshine's" destiny.
My sole complaint was that in a moment of (admittedly) great uncertainty, Ryker does what he did best: take out his fear on the person he loves most... Max. This trait of Ryker's is why I didn't enjoy Warden as much as the rest of the books in the Elemental Paladins series.
What was worse (for me) in the novella was that Ryker lashed out (in fear) by intentionally hurting Max's feelings–he said things that he knew would hurt Max. He was deliberately mean. Ryker immediately regrets his words and grovels but it detracted from the star rating for me.
I did appreciate though how Max and Ryker take the time to sort out their fight. They both realize that their grievances originate from the same goal: protecting their daughter.
Overall thoughts ~3.75/5 stars
The readability and flow of the volume were great. I think almost all of my largest complaints would've been solved if the novellas were a bit longer but there's only so much room in a novella.
I can't wait to read Volume 2, I'm especially looking forward to Nikolai's story. I am very curious to see who he ends up with. I also can't wait to catch up with Caspian (and Leo)... it seems like he hasn't been a prominent supporting character since the middle of the Elemental Paladins series.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2022
Nice to read more about some of the more side characters of the main series, and to meet the baby.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews