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Series or Novel? I received this book from the author, Kate Fuentes.
Book series come in several varieties. There are those based on a
character or characters that are present in each book of the series. The
characters may not change much from book to book in the series and the
plot of any book in the series may not depend significantly on what
occurred in previous books. To some extent, Tom Clancy’s books about
Jack Ryan and the John Wells Series by Alex Berenson fall into this
category and could therefore be read in any order. The Harry Potter
books are an example of a series that must be read in order because the
characters change and the series itself has an ongoing storyline. Some
series – like Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Series – have a storyline that
continues throughout the series, but any book in the series can be read
as a standalone or as an integral part of the series. Elements: The
Beginning is the first book in a different kind of “series”; something I
would call a cliffhanger series. There are several reasons – none good,
in my opinion – that I can think of for turning a story into such a
series. Regardless of the reason for doing so, the result is several
incomplete books since all but the last have no ending and the last in
the series has no beginning in itself. The Elements Series is the story
of Gage and Talon Thorn – twins born in Montana but moved to New Zealand
by their father when they are six months old. Under the guidance of
their Maori nanny’s uncle, Maui, they learn to control and use the
supernatural powers they’ve inherited from their mother and her Gaelic
family. On their eighth birthday, they discover that they are
instrumental in a prophecy related to the king of the underworld,
Maradati, and his desire to destroy humankind. As the twins learn more
about their powers, they realize that they are stronger together than
they are separately. This knowledge is of little use as Talon is left
behind when Gage dives through a closing portal in pursuit of Maradati.
At about 150 pages, I see no reason to make this the first book of a
series. Even the title screams for a single book called Elements. If the
series contains three books, combining them would only create a
moderately long novel that would likely allow for a less jumbled
approach to the story. With dream/vision sequences and changes in tense
and point of view, it’s often difficult to tell where in the story one
is. Also distracting is the frequent mischoice and misuse of words –
such as “detour” where “deter” is clearly intended. Ardent paranormal
fantasy fans – regardless of context – will likely enjoy this one.
Brianna1
Posted February 4, 2012
Elements (The Beginning) was a thrilling read, that incorporated many twist and turns! Things are not always as they look is an old adage, which shows itself to be true in this wonderful book. Ms. Fuentes, creates an edge of your seat adventure! From the extraordinary events that surround Gage and Talon’s birth; to the description of the ancient evil. Plus, I literally let out a surprised, gasp!…at a certain part (do not wish to spoil it for you:), when Ms. Fuentes tossed in a surprising twist in the story. There hasn’t been many stories, that have actually surprised me; You know where there is supposed to be an…oh wow moment…and it actually turns into a…what now?…
Not here in Elements, my mouth actually dropped open with…you’re kidding me right?!:)(Keep your eye on the birdies in the story:)
When that happens, now…that’s a good story:)
I recommend Elements(The Beginning) by Kate Fuentes, a Top Pick!:) Check out Ms. Fuentes second installment in the Element series!
Read_A_Book
Posted August 5, 2011
Fuentes has created an epic tale of adventure in her debut novel, Elements: The Beginning. Born to a "gifted" mother and human father, Gage and Talon must learn to tailor their powers as an age old war between humanity and the underworld begins to threaten their very existence. I found this novel very interesting and really enjoyed the many different characters Fuentes brings to the novel. Watching Gage and Talon grow throughout the story was exceptionally interesting, especially as most novels gloss over these developmental stages, yet Fuentes follows the young boys from childhood all the way to their teens as they find new abilities and learn to overcome new challenges. I really enjoyed this first book in the series and am interested to know what happens next for the Thorn twins, especially as this novel concludes in medias res. Three stars.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mousy75
Posted May 3, 2011
Exciting new author with unlimited possibilities! This is well written and very intriguing book which will appeal to a wide range of age groups. Can't wait for the next...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.connie17
Posted April 26, 2011
Book sounds amazing can't wait to read!!
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