What do you think?
Rate this book
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author L.B. Gilbert, a paranormal romance to sink your teeth into!
Invested with the powers of Mother Nature, four women have been charged with the almost impossible task of maintaining order in the supernatural world and—when the crimes are extreme—the human world as well.
Diana, a fire Elemental, is almost burned out. Alone in the world (save for her Elemental sisters), she takes satisfaction in punishing those who’ve strayed so far into the black they’ve disrupted the balance. But her contentment is increasingly short-lived as she struggles with the limitations of her ability. An Elemental can track murderers to the ends of the earth, but not before it’s too late for their victims.
So when a child from a previous case goes missing, Diana is determined to find her. The only problem is, she may have to take on an entire coven of vampires to do it.
The Complete Series
Book 1: Fire
Book 2: Air, Available November 28th
Book 3: Water, Coming Soon
Invested with the powers of Mother Nature, four women have been charged with the almost impossible task of maintaining order in the supernatural world and—when the crimes are extreme—the human world as well.
Diana, a fire Elemental, is almost burned out. Alone in the world (save for her Elemental sisters), she takes satisfaction in punishing those who’ve strayed so far into the black they’ve disrupted the balance. But her contentment is increasingly short-lived as she struggles with the limitations of her ability. An Elemental can track murderers to the ends of the earth, but not before it’s too late for their victims.
So when a child from a previous case goes missing, Diana is determined to find her. The only problem is, she may have to take on an entire coven of vampires to do it.
The Complete Series
Book 1: Fire
Book 2: Air, Available November 28th
Book 3: Water, Coming Soon
362 pages, ebook
First published September 24, 2015
494 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Gilbert
16 books373 followersA 7-time Readers' Favorite Medal Winner. USA Today Bestselling Author. Former scientist. Recovering geek. Mom. WOC.
L.B. Gilbert is another name for USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy Leroux. She is an award-winning novelist who spent years getting degrees from the most prestigious universities in America, including a PhD that she is not using at all. She moved to France for work and found love. Her family moved back to California a few years ago after a decade abroad.
Lucy has always enjoyed reading books as far from her reality as possible but eventually the voices in her head told her to write her own. And so far the voices are enjoying them.
You can check out the geeky things she likes on twitter @elementalauthor, facebook www.facebook.com/elementalsauthor, or visit www.elementalauthor.com/newsletter for special offers and free reads.
**If you like a little more steam with your Fire, check out the author's award-winning Lucy Leroux titles, FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited**
L.B. Gilbert is another name for USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy Leroux. She is an award-winning novelist who spent years getting degrees from the most prestigious universities in America, including a PhD that she is not using at all. She moved to France for work and found love. Her family moved back to California a few years ago after a decade abroad.
Lucy has always enjoyed reading books as far from her reality as possible but eventually the voices in her head told her to write her own. And so far the voices are enjoying them.
You can check out the geeky things she likes on twitter @elementalauthor, facebook www.facebook.com/elementalsauthor, or visit www.elementalauthor.com/newsletter for special offers and free reads.
**If you like a little more steam with your Fire, check out the author's award-winning Lucy Leroux titles, FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited**
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 20, 2019
Diana, a fire Elemental, is searching for a missing child. She visits a vampire coven household to start her questioning when she meets Alec, the son and heir to the head of the coven.
Alec is immediately drawn to Diana even as she threatens their very existence with her fire power. When he finds out she is searching for a child, he relentlessly follows her to help since he too is searching for a missing child.
I really enjoyed this story. Diana was pretty fierce. Alec is not intimidated by Diana's powers at all and relentlessly pursues her as he helps search for the missing children. No matter how hard Diana tried to discourage him, he never gave up on her. I like that in a hero.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was very good. I didn't even mind when she impersonated the male voices, which is something I’m picky about. Great start to a new series!
Alec is immediately drawn to Diana even as she threatens their very existence with her fire power. When he finds out she is searching for a child, he relentlessly follows her to help since he too is searching for a missing child.
I really enjoyed this story. Diana was pretty fierce. Alec is not intimidated by Diana's powers at all and relentlessly pursues her as he helps search for the missing children. No matter how hard Diana tried to discourage him, he never gave up on her. I like that in a hero.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was very good. I didn't even mind when she impersonated the male voices, which is something I’m picky about. Great start to a new series!
July 10, 2017
Whoop whoop, we've got a winner!
This was great. A fun Urban Fantasy with an amazingly bad-ass heroine, a sophisticated but totally adorkable vampire hero, fantastic world building and an intriguing mystery case. What more could you want?
Ah right, the one tiny reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five: the romance. So much teasing and build-up and rooting for those two and all I get is a lousy kiss on the forehead? Disappointing!
Other than that, though... Definitely recommended.
unfinished-business
November 20, 2019OK Mindy...
September 25, 2016
Actual rating 4,5.
You can read this review and some more on my blog Atta's Bibliophilia. I occasionally post in english though they are not much. For now...
I was given this eBook copy of Fire for an honest review.
I loved it! After two weeks of a terrible reading slump, resulting in four books I hated, this one returned my faith in the decent unpredictable stories.
I love books about elementals but I haven't come across such a good and original one before! It is amazing.
The story is built very well and there is nothing I want to complain about.
When I first started to read it, I was surprised how quickly I was engaged with it but the writing is so good that I couldn't really help it. I enjoyed Fire completely.
I loved the story, the plot and the characters. Oh, the characters! Their development is awesome! They were good even from the beginning but after learning to work together and to consider themselves partners they became almost perfect!
Diana is a Fire Elemental, she has power over it and does the Mother Nature's bidding, punishing bad people who've caused a disturbance in the balance of the universe. She is a strong woman with a complex past icluding the death of her mother and some foster families. She is used to working well on her own until she crosses paths with Alec- a vampire who cannot seem to mind his own business especially since his kind is extremely flammable.
It is hard for Diana to learn to trust him and work with him but after he proves usefull she is more willing to work with him.
I like how the book is not fixed on them falling in love but on developing their friendship, learning to work together and trust each other. The thing that I really liked and at the same time I disliked is that there was no love included. I mean, I wanted to see some, but I don't really look for it, not in this kind of book, where everything is focused on the case they are working on. That's why I am a little conflicted here, because I don't like it but I really like it. Does this make sense? I highly doubt it.
Anyway, I like Diana and Alec, I really loved reading about them working together and making progress with their investigation. (It is literally a kick-ass heroine meets a vampire nerd. :D) They both demonstrated their power, Diana more than Alec but in the end they both surprised me with how powerful they actually are and I loved it. There is nothing more that I love than a good, powerful MC with a character of their own to suite their abilities.
(I specifically enjoyed one beheading scene *smirk*)
I think I already said the book is action packed and I love it even more because if it.
The mystery is well written, I really like books where some sort of criminal and fantasy intertwine so I loved it! One of my favourite series is like that so this is another good thing.
Overall, I didn't expect much about this book. I didn't know what to expect, I just read the summary and decided it was interesting enough to claim the book and store it on my computer until I decided it was too late for prolonging it anymore. Well, I don't think I am too late with reviewing it and I totally regret not reading it sooner! I would have saved myself some reading time and read some more of this kind.
As usual, it turns out that the books I procrastinate are the best I could read. Sometimes I do it on purpose, other times it just happens. The most important thing in this case is that I loved the book and highly recommend it to everybody interested. Even if you are not, give it a chance! It's worth it.
You can read this review and some more on my blog Atta's Bibliophilia. I occasionally post in english though they are not much. For now...
I was given this eBook copy of Fire for an honest review.
I loved it! After two weeks of a terrible reading slump, resulting in four books I hated, this one returned my faith in the decent unpredictable stories.
I love books about elementals but I haven't come across such a good and original one before! It is amazing.
The story is built very well and there is nothing I want to complain about.
When I first started to read it, I was surprised how quickly I was engaged with it but the writing is so good that I couldn't really help it. I enjoyed Fire completely.
I loved the story, the plot and the characters. Oh, the characters! Their development is awesome! They were good even from the beginning but after learning to work together and to consider themselves partners they became almost perfect!
Diana is a Fire Elemental, she has power over it and does the Mother Nature's bidding, punishing bad people who've caused a disturbance in the balance of the universe. She is a strong woman with a complex past icluding the death of her mother and some foster families. She is used to working well on her own until she crosses paths with Alec- a vampire who cannot seem to mind his own business especially since his kind is extremely flammable.
It is hard for Diana to learn to trust him and work with him but after he proves usefull she is more willing to work with him.
I like how the book is not fixed on them falling in love but on developing their friendship, learning to work together and trust each other. The thing that I really liked and at the same time I disliked is that there was no love included. I mean, I wanted to see some, but I don't really look for it, not in this kind of book, where everything is focused on the case they are working on. That's why I am a little conflicted here, because I don't like it but I really like it. Does this make sense? I highly doubt it.
Anyway, I like Diana and Alec, I really loved reading about them working together and making progress with their investigation. (It is literally a kick-ass heroine meets a vampire nerd. :D) They both demonstrated their power, Diana more than Alec but in the end they both surprised me with how powerful they actually are and I loved it. There is nothing more that I love than a good, powerful MC with a character of their own to suite their abilities.
(I specifically enjoyed one beheading scene *smirk*)
I think I already said the book is action packed and I love it even more because if it.
The mystery is well written, I really like books where some sort of criminal and fantasy intertwine so I loved it! One of my favourite series is like that so this is another good thing.
Overall, I didn't expect much about this book. I didn't know what to expect, I just read the summary and decided it was interesting enough to claim the book and store it on my computer until I decided it was too late for prolonging it anymore. Well, I don't think I am too late with reviewing it and I totally regret not reading it sooner! I would have saved myself some reading time and read some more of this kind.
As usual, it turns out that the books I procrastinate are the best I could read. Sometimes I do it on purpose, other times it just happens. The most important thing in this case is that I loved the book and highly recommend it to everybody interested. Even if you are not, give it a chance! It's worth it.
April 4, 2018
4.5 ⭐️!
Just flatout amazing-kickass heroine! The book had depth,action,emotion, humor and more, save for romance. There wasn’t even a kiss scene.The hero was very supportive and patient with the heroine. The dialogues were soo good! There was several instances where I laughed my head off. I love the mystery and secondary characters. The suspense and twists were very good. Along with the plot and writing. But somehow I think heroine overshadowed hero several times. And about the black magic twist I wanted to know more about their motives.
If you love female kickass protagonist like ‘Mercy thormpson’ series and ‘Grave witch’ series I would say this book is for you.
Recommended.
Just flatout amazing-kickass heroine! The book had depth,action,emotion, humor and more, save for romance. There wasn’t even a kiss scene.The hero was very supportive and patient with the heroine. The dialogues were soo good! There was several instances where I laughed my head off. I love the mystery and secondary characters. The suspense and twists were very good. Along with the plot and writing. But somehow I think heroine overshadowed hero several times. And about the black magic twist I wanted to know more about their motives.
If you love female kickass protagonist like ‘Mercy thormpson’ series and ‘Grave witch’ series I would say this book is for you.
Recommended.
December 7, 2020
3 MEH STARS
This didn't have me engaged like book 2. The MCs were nice but didn't draw me in. Found myself skim reading at one point.
Acquired via KU.
This didn't have me engaged like book 2. The MCs were nice but didn't draw me in. Found myself skim reading at one point.
Acquired via KU.
Want to read
October 30, 2021This book is free on Amazon today (10/29/2021). 🙂
September 25, 2018
SPOILER ALERT!
I've read many paranormal novels where the heroine is some kind of elemental (air, stone, fire), so the theme is not new to me. Lucky me, Fire was a wonderful surprise as the author breathes new life with the paranormal genre, giving her readers a new take on elementals.
Sept. 25, 2018 I just finished reading Fire a second time and I loved it (even more than the first read). So, I've changed my rating from four (4) stars to five (5) stars. It definitely deserves that extra star.
I've read many paranormal novels where the heroine is some kind of elemental (air, stone, fire), so the theme is not new to me. Lucky me, Fire was a wonderful surprise as the author breathes new life with the paranormal genre, giving her readers a new take on elementals.
Sept. 25, 2018 I just finished reading Fire a second time and I loved it (even more than the first read). So, I've changed my rating from four (4) stars to five (5) stars. It definitely deserves that extra star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
AUDIBLE
Diana is a fire elemental who works for Mother Nature to keep balance in the supernatural realm. Upon occasion she must hunt in the human realm in order to bring justice. When a young human child has gone missing for the second time, her sources send her to a vampire coven. There she meets Alec, a vampire academic who has learned to day walk. He pretty much forces himself into her investigation and as the case builds she acknowledges that he makes a pretty good side-kick.
I loved the dynamic between Diana and Alec. Although Alec is not your typical alpha hero, I liked the fact that he appreciated the talent and abilities of the woman he came to recognize as his mate. What started out as a struggle for dominance in the relationship was eventually worked out to a place where they knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses and yielded when necessary.
This is a fast paced story that has so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Listening to the audiobook I found myself constantly having to rewind due to the wealth of action that was taking place. The narrator was pleasant to listen to although I did struggle a time or two to discern which male character might be talking due to no significant inflection at that point of the reading. It was only a small matter and one I was able to easily overlook.
Dual POV
Safe
Possible Triggers – children kidnapped and
Diana is a fire elemental who works for Mother Nature to keep balance in the supernatural realm. Upon occasion she must hunt in the human realm in order to bring justice. When a young human child has gone missing for the second time, her sources send her to a vampire coven. There she meets Alec, a vampire academic who has learned to day walk. He pretty much forces himself into her investigation and as the case builds she acknowledges that he makes a pretty good side-kick.
I loved the dynamic between Diana and Alec. Although Alec is not your typical alpha hero, I liked the fact that he appreciated the talent and abilities of the woman he came to recognize as his mate. What started out as a struggle for dominance in the relationship was eventually worked out to a place where they knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses and yielded when necessary.
This is a fast paced story that has so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Listening to the audiobook I found myself constantly having to rewind due to the wealth of action that was taking place. The narrator was pleasant to listen to although I did struggle a time or two to discern which male character might be talking due to no significant inflection at that point of the reading. It was only a small matter and one I was able to easily overlook.
Dual POV
Safe
Possible Triggers – children kidnapped and
March 29, 2020
DNF'd at 60.7% (page 336/553)
I'm torn. The book isn't bad per se, but it was so slow that I started skimming only to realize I was halfway through and there was little to no progress in the plot. On top of that, I got frustrated with the female lead being so abrasive when the blurb had led me to believe that she had few personal connections as a result of circumstance. Instead, the way her character was written made it seem like she didn't want any more people in her life.
It's unfortunate; I actually liked the male lead, but without plot or relationship development, reading the book was like watching paint dry.
I'm torn. The book isn't bad per se, but it was so slow that I started skimming only to realize I was halfway through and there was little to no progress in the plot. On top of that, I got frustrated with the female lead being so abrasive when the blurb had led me to believe that she had few personal connections as a result of circumstance. Instead, the way her character was written made it seem like she didn't want any more people in her life.
It's unfortunate; I actually liked the male lead, but without plot or relationship development, reading the book was like watching paint dry.
November 25, 2019
It is very sad, when some books so beautifully written (like this one), don't have the recognition that it deserves! I have read three books in the series, and I am awaiting the last one, on the seat of my edge.
This author has just moved on the top of my list of favourite writers and I have immensely enjoyed her other works too.
This books has very well written plot, amazing main characters and great world building! I don't understand the hype of those dark and possessive vampires, when there are Alecs around! He was kind, geeky and absolutely charming! He was only shadowed by Diana, who was bad-ass, powerful and completely enamoring!
The only thing that others might find lacking, was erotica. The book is clean, with nothing more explicit than some kissing. I didn't care though; I found the chemistry and slow simmer of their love, charming. The insta-love haters would love this book!
There were few typos that I hardly noticed, but worth mentioning. Mostly, I am really excited for this series, and happy that I have found this gem of a series, that I will be now following religiously!
This author has just moved on the top of my list of favourite writers and I have immensely enjoyed her other works too.
This books has very well written plot, amazing main characters and great world building! I don't understand the hype of those dark and possessive vampires, when there are Alecs around! He was kind, geeky and absolutely charming! He was only shadowed by Diana, who was bad-ass, powerful and completely enamoring!
The only thing that others might find lacking, was erotica. The book is clean, with nothing more explicit than some kissing. I didn't care though; I found the chemistry and slow simmer of their love, charming. The insta-love haters would love this book!
There were few typos that I hardly noticed, but worth mentioning. Mostly, I am really excited for this series, and happy that I have found this gem of a series, that I will be now following religiously!
October 13, 2016
This was so awesome!!! I loved it!! Diana is a fire elemental, which means she is totally badass! She is so strong and kicks major butt! Diana is 1 of 4 elementals that are tasked with taking down evil doers by Mother. The 4 elementals each have an affinity, there is Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, and all of them are pretty much indestructible, and each of them have the ability to use each of their elements, such as Diana can produce and control fire. This book focuses on Diana, but we do get a bit of some of the other elementals. Diana is after a circle of black witches that has kidnapped 2 children for nefarious reasons, so Mother has tasks Diana with bring this circle down, and she is also tasked with taking down a corrupt corporation. Along the way, Diana meets vampire, Alec, who has a connection to 1 of the kidnapped children, so he and Diana team up to find and destroy the black circle. Fire has chapter POV's from both Diana and Alec, and I loved that because I liked getting a deeper insight into each characters psyche. This whole book was absolutely entertaining and wonderful, and the writing really flowed; I loved the world building. I enjoyed the mystery of finding out who was involved in the circle and what their plans are, and I was entertained as the characters hunt for clues to find the black witches, and I loved that the characters travel to different places; I especially love when books go to New Orleans! There are also some awesome action scenes, and it was great to read strong, confident, smart women! Diana and Alec are adorably sweet with each other, and I liked the slow build to their relationship; it's nice that they have time to build a strong connection, and I liked the little quirks to both Alec and Diana. I loved that Diana has a bit of a sense of humor, and I loved that Alec is a scholar, but he is still badass as well! This whole book was very entertaining for me; even the slow parts of this story were interesting and enjoyable! I will definitely read the next book in the series! And check out more from L.B. Gilbert!
September 25, 2020
Wow
Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I read the whole book in 24 hours. It races you along at a breathless pace!
Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I read the whole book in 24 hours. It races you along at a breathless pace!
February 8, 2022
Ever since I read Anne Bishop’s The Others series, I have wanted a really good series based on elementals. I think I’d really like a darker, smuttier one. This wasn’t it, but was still a good UF story, but with zero spice.
December 19, 2022
This is an amazing paranormal romance/urban fantasy! I liked it. Intense and exciting, with suspense and mystery..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2020
I'm not a fan of vampires, and while this was pretty tame in that whole scheme, I still didn't like it that much because of it. I went into this totally blind so maybe that was my fault. Anyhoo, the rest of it was fine. The world building wasn't complete since the author introduced a lot of aspects of the Supers but didn't fully develop them. Maybe she did that as a way of laying the groundwork for the subsequent books. I'm not sure. I liked the crime solving, the slow burn romance between the MCs, and the absence of intimate scenes. This was safe, the H had been celibate for over a century . However, as a series starter, I'm not quite sure I'm convinced to keep going. Because, vampires.
April 20, 2020
decent light read
a decent story, but too slow for me. Im sorry to say I was bored here and there. some fire elemental action that was neat, but only one minor battle. even with some talk about all their weapons and knowledge of use, but not using at all. also suppose to be a romance, but that is VERY low key, eat out a couple times, a kiss to the forehead. no steam. its like they compliment each other's work and that makes them a couple. I gave three stars as it is a decent and light read.
a decent story, but too slow for me. Im sorry to say I was bored here and there. some fire elemental action that was neat, but only one minor battle. even with some talk about all their weapons and knowledge of use, but not using at all. also suppose to be a romance, but that is VERY low key, eat out a couple times, a kiss to the forehead. no steam. its like they compliment each other's work and that makes them a couple. I gave three stars as it is a decent and light read.
December 15, 2022
This was a fast paced read for me. I have read the Mortal Instruments, but this was a much better Elementals book. I love the characters, the story, the writing. I liked the interaction between Alec & Diana & loved the humor the author used to keep the story from becoming too dark. I will definitely be reading more by Ms. Gilbert!
November 18, 2016
This is an awesome start to the series with a fantastic story line and characters. I can't wait to read book 2 now.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 1 of the Elementals series by the author.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 1 of the Elementals series by the author.
November 12, 2016
As Donald Stevens follows Diana into the darkness of the alley, the entrapment readers predict is lost on the rapist and murderer as he's lost in his usual musings. His past with women he 'went too far' with in his rage, though he perceived them as his perfect match at the time, is revealed through his sickened inner dialogue. Donald's woolgathering and his planned delights are so enthralling he fails to comprehend he was the one being lead. As insinuated by the context, Diana is one of several hands of deliverance. There as bait to ensure he can no longer partake any further in his deadly fantasies. Diana obtains a smattering of satisfaction in revealing his folly and explaining why she's there. As a scowl replaces the smile on Donald's face a faint glee plays across hers; unlike Donald's which comes from his insanity, there's nothing about Diana's that isn't one-hundred percent sane. Whilst Donald realises he's finally the prey, the pace and flavours of Fire is decidedly set.
Diana's one of Mother Nature's Fire elementals, empowered to kill predators; as her sisters are too (Gia - Earth; Serin - Water; and Logan - Air). Whilst there's a certain satisfaction gained from dealing out their suffering it is slowly becoming not enough. For a time she and her sisters believed they might actually be able to catch up. Now, predators are becoming like the head of the Hydra, for each one taken down, two more rise up. Always the number of innocent victims exceeds the number of dead perpetrators in their dust. Its hard seeing the constant bruised, battered, defiled and dead who would never get enough justice from the deaths of their killers. Despite making these painful, none could ever even the scales of suffering, whilst still seeking to retain who they once was. No matter how justified their deaths, she still feels tainted by her actions and disgust. Dealing in death they walk a fine line. The moment Mother's agents begin killing for reasons only their own, they cross a similar bridge leading to where their prey comes from. Mother, under said circumstances would surely withdraw her support; and then perhaps She would send one of their own for the other's life.
To humanity and the gifted Mother gave guidance on how the balance must be retained. This regime over time, become known as the Covenant. Of all those races she gifted, elementals have become the police. Although gifted their elements to hold against others with different skills, its of late been mostly human monsters they've had to contain: just as Donald was. The prodigy Logan is the youngest Air of all time. Gia and Serin are the oldest, their lives measured in centuries. Elements are matrilineal and mostly pass from mother to daughter. The most frequently policed supernatural race has been the witches. Only just recently Logan had been forced to remind them of their constraints, which she'd done so in spectacular style. Through the fifth element aether, the women communicate and keep watch over each other, no matter the distances they're apart. As things continue to escalate there might come a time when punishment must extend past the individual
Her last mission before Donald, was six-year old Katie's abduction and molestation. This left Diana heartsick and questioning her faith. Retrieving Katie, but not before some of her vitality was bled from her eyes, Diana now learns through Logan's relay of whispers on the wind, that Katie is missing again. After Diana ended the beast that last took the innocent girl and returned her to her mum, it seems that Katie's mum has now gone missing too. If the whispers of the wind are correct, then vampires might be involved. That Katie suffered so much, only to go missing again, plays havoc with Diana's resolve in Mother's rule for her police that stipulates balance is necessarily maintained. Her surprise becomes surpassed only by the knowledge of what is to blame and the implications it raises.
Evil is hard to accept as being necessary, harder still when it deals in children. What's grappled with the most is the victims they cannot save, the child victims are what begins to eat them away. Diana's prior retrieval of Katie was sanctioned by the Mother, but this time it is not. Little does she know that another is also hunting similar leads on yet another missing child from around the same age and time. He's a prince of sorts with a vicarious tie to her unsanctioned investigation. He's also the absolute very last thing she might have expected to cross paths with. It goes to show that sometimes things are encountered only when you're not looking for them. Despite the fleeting nature of their first unknown observation of the other, its hard not to wonder before they ever meet, if they might share some commonality other than the different missing children they seek.
Diana is much like the cop that is still staring at the computer screen after everyone else has gone home. Who has a spate of partners left behind because they could not get between him and his job. The kind that never posts overtime because if they did they'd never have the hours needed to get the job done. The kind that retires old and lonely, or dies young, because they could never let the cold or current case go. The type who lives to see justice for victims but drinks themselves sober because they don't know how it can be done. Whilst not strictly immortal elementals do stop aging once they enlist in the Mother's service, and continue to work on maintaining the balance. Her sidekick only now discovered is the type to get eaten by the tiger whilst counting how many stripes it has.
In a similar but equally different way Alec's true nature, regardless of his race, slowly reshapes the inevitable prejudice she has towards his kind. Being an agent of balance for the Mother, Diana couldn't help but come to the field with myriad preconceptions of everything Alec's not. A prince of sorts in his region he's amongst the most, if not the absolute most, eligible bachelor around. That he resists the attention shoved in his face by the most buxom and voluptuous females there are makes him an oddity within his own circles; and definitely those of his parents. Despite her begrudged jealousies that increase in frequency as time goes on, this rejection becomes an endearing trait.
A rare born vampire who turned at one of the youngest ages on accounts, his non-typical abilities set him apart as much as any of his attitudes. Whilst as far from having ever sought any companionship, shallow or otherwise, as Diana could be, Alec manages to begin eliciting a small number of things Diana's not experienced since before her magical inheritance, or at all. Growing up in state run foster systems never really primed her for trust. Living the lives of solitude most of Mother's elementals have done has left Diana ill-equipped to recognise the building bond between. The small musings and blatant denials each use to rationalise, in lieu of an emotional appraisal, the growing friendship between them seeks to deny the evidence before them. Indeed the greatest confirmation of reader' suspicions comes when neither are together.
As Alec keeps a blaze going whilst awaiting Diana's return from her efforts communing with the Mother, a strange observation and occurrence takes place; one in stark contrast to the reality which should be, even more so given his race. Not long after her return and in Alec's subsequent absence, Diana's unexpected meeting with Logan reveals an explanation for the former, that comes as a comment in passing. The realisation, if it is dawn on these two loved characters, builds a wanted expectation in reader enjoyment. The whole closeness breeds fondness whether actively intended or not, is a mechanism you can't help but approve of as you see Diana struggle with developments. Its never wise to kick a gift-horse in the mouth, regardless of whether you know what its bestowing or not.
Just as the interactions between the sisters draw readers in so too does the bi-play created between Alec and Diana. His intellectual curiosity is second only to his boyish good looks and wonder. Diana has created a fire around her soul to burn off any residue from the sorts she pursues. The byproduct of this is of course the heat that melts any possible contenders for affection. From the moment she blazes into the coven's mansion, walking in a halo from the flames beneath the mantle, Alec is struck by an avenging angel. Despite her long and varied efforts to put him off, his curiosity and scholarly study turn to affection right before his nose. Hardly a damsel, let alone one in distress, Diana draws out the loving affection and protector's instinct he's denied for the past fifty to sixty years. Despite Diana being able to protect both him and her, Alec can do nothing but feel the need nonetheless. Slowly his astute resolve turns the constant array of frowns and groans to smiles and flutters. The comedy of errors and the slowly growing bond provide many a humourous moment. Bringing smiles to readers faces, as the same are down behind each other's backs.
People that change the balance earn for themselves a mark. Just like another kind of mark, all that's needed for those is the right kind of assassin. Marks are extinguished everyday, and whilst some marks are worst than others, so too can be the method of extinction. The Mother's elementals have an important role, but saddest too is that it may come too late. Having written the covenant to maintain the balance, Mother usually notifies her assassins when things aren't going well. Of late this notice has been getting later and later, until finally it happens that no notice comes at all. History has shown this is not unprecedented, but history has marked those as the times of greatest suffering for all. Is this just a case of Mother being absentminded, enthralled in the constant suffering that's increasing amongst the races? Or is Mother preparing to slumber once again? If not for the whispers for Air to have heard on the wind, this latest attrocity would have skipped Fire's notice, and then there'd have been no assassin to collect these latest marks.
Serial killers, witches, vampires, weres, deities, black magic, elementals, the list goes on. Action, suspense, humour, intrigue, and many another adjective could be added to the list. A hard-shelled heroine with power in trumphs and spades combines for the first time in her hunting career with a scholarly, loyal and principled vamp; so as to get a job increasingly weighing her down done. The economy of words keeps the pace running smoothly as minutes reading quickly turn to hours. Clues and hints mark the direction of the plot, and as one duo get their lives in order the series works on to introduce the next heroine to come. Powerful magic and well developed lore keep the fantastical as natural as it could become. The mystery and the hunt captivate the mind while the emotional distress and small joys endear you to the lives the series will lead. An outstanding elemental urban fantasy that if you like to think whilst delving into a world of possibility then this is the right mix for you. Fire is a rewarding read and The Elementals series is already wrought with satisfaction, can't wait to get stuck into Air. The little pocket rocket only introduced herein already shows a potential to make the series soar.
Diana's one of Mother Nature's Fire elementals, empowered to kill predators; as her sisters are too (Gia - Earth; Serin - Water; and Logan - Air). Whilst there's a certain satisfaction gained from dealing out their suffering it is slowly becoming not enough. For a time she and her sisters believed they might actually be able to catch up. Now, predators are becoming like the head of the Hydra, for each one taken down, two more rise up. Always the number of innocent victims exceeds the number of dead perpetrators in their dust. Its hard seeing the constant bruised, battered, defiled and dead who would never get enough justice from the deaths of their killers. Despite making these painful, none could ever even the scales of suffering, whilst still seeking to retain who they once was. No matter how justified their deaths, she still feels tainted by her actions and disgust. Dealing in death they walk a fine line. The moment Mother's agents begin killing for reasons only their own, they cross a similar bridge leading to where their prey comes from. Mother, under said circumstances would surely withdraw her support; and then perhaps She would send one of their own for the other's life.
To humanity and the gifted Mother gave guidance on how the balance must be retained. This regime over time, become known as the Covenant. Of all those races she gifted, elementals have become the police. Although gifted their elements to hold against others with different skills, its of late been mostly human monsters they've had to contain: just as Donald was. The prodigy Logan is the youngest Air of all time. Gia and Serin are the oldest, their lives measured in centuries. Elements are matrilineal and mostly pass from mother to daughter. The most frequently policed supernatural race has been the witches. Only just recently Logan had been forced to remind them of their constraints, which she'd done so in spectacular style. Through the fifth element aether, the women communicate and keep watch over each other, no matter the distances they're apart. As things continue to escalate there might come a time when punishment must extend past the individual
Her last mission before Donald, was six-year old Katie's abduction and molestation. This left Diana heartsick and questioning her faith. Retrieving Katie, but not before some of her vitality was bled from her eyes, Diana now learns through Logan's relay of whispers on the wind, that Katie is missing again. After Diana ended the beast that last took the innocent girl and returned her to her mum, it seems that Katie's mum has now gone missing too. If the whispers of the wind are correct, then vampires might be involved. That Katie suffered so much, only to go missing again, plays havoc with Diana's resolve in Mother's rule for her police that stipulates balance is necessarily maintained. Her surprise becomes surpassed only by the knowledge of what is to blame and the implications it raises.
Evil is hard to accept as being necessary, harder still when it deals in children. What's grappled with the most is the victims they cannot save, the child victims are what begins to eat them away. Diana's prior retrieval of Katie was sanctioned by the Mother, but this time it is not. Little does she know that another is also hunting similar leads on yet another missing child from around the same age and time. He's a prince of sorts with a vicarious tie to her unsanctioned investigation. He's also the absolute very last thing she might have expected to cross paths with. It goes to show that sometimes things are encountered only when you're not looking for them. Despite the fleeting nature of their first unknown observation of the other, its hard not to wonder before they ever meet, if they might share some commonality other than the different missing children they seek.
Diana is much like the cop that is still staring at the computer screen after everyone else has gone home. Who has a spate of partners left behind because they could not get between him and his job. The kind that never posts overtime because if they did they'd never have the hours needed to get the job done. The kind that retires old and lonely, or dies young, because they could never let the cold or current case go. The type who lives to see justice for victims but drinks themselves sober because they don't know how it can be done. Whilst not strictly immortal elementals do stop aging once they enlist in the Mother's service, and continue to work on maintaining the balance. Her sidekick only now discovered is the type to get eaten by the tiger whilst counting how many stripes it has.
In a similar but equally different way Alec's true nature, regardless of his race, slowly reshapes the inevitable prejudice she has towards his kind. Being an agent of balance for the Mother, Diana couldn't help but come to the field with myriad preconceptions of everything Alec's not. A prince of sorts in his region he's amongst the most, if not the absolute most, eligible bachelor around. That he resists the attention shoved in his face by the most buxom and voluptuous females there are makes him an oddity within his own circles; and definitely those of his parents. Despite her begrudged jealousies that increase in frequency as time goes on, this rejection becomes an endearing trait.
A rare born vampire who turned at one of the youngest ages on accounts, his non-typical abilities set him apart as much as any of his attitudes. Whilst as far from having ever sought any companionship, shallow or otherwise, as Diana could be, Alec manages to begin eliciting a small number of things Diana's not experienced since before her magical inheritance, or at all. Growing up in state run foster systems never really primed her for trust. Living the lives of solitude most of Mother's elementals have done has left Diana ill-equipped to recognise the building bond between. The small musings and blatant denials each use to rationalise, in lieu of an emotional appraisal, the growing friendship between them seeks to deny the evidence before them. Indeed the greatest confirmation of reader' suspicions comes when neither are together.
As Alec keeps a blaze going whilst awaiting Diana's return from her efforts communing with the Mother, a strange observation and occurrence takes place; one in stark contrast to the reality which should be, even more so given his race. Not long after her return and in Alec's subsequent absence, Diana's unexpected meeting with Logan reveals an explanation for the former, that comes as a comment in passing. The realisation, if it is dawn on these two loved characters, builds a wanted expectation in reader enjoyment. The whole closeness breeds fondness whether actively intended or not, is a mechanism you can't help but approve of as you see Diana struggle with developments. Its never wise to kick a gift-horse in the mouth, regardless of whether you know what its bestowing or not.
Just as the interactions between the sisters draw readers in so too does the bi-play created between Alec and Diana. His intellectual curiosity is second only to his boyish good looks and wonder. Diana has created a fire around her soul to burn off any residue from the sorts she pursues. The byproduct of this is of course the heat that melts any possible contenders for affection. From the moment she blazes into the coven's mansion, walking in a halo from the flames beneath the mantle, Alec is struck by an avenging angel. Despite her long and varied efforts to put him off, his curiosity and scholarly study turn to affection right before his nose. Hardly a damsel, let alone one in distress, Diana draws out the loving affection and protector's instinct he's denied for the past fifty to sixty years. Despite Diana being able to protect both him and her, Alec can do nothing but feel the need nonetheless. Slowly his astute resolve turns the constant array of frowns and groans to smiles and flutters. The comedy of errors and the slowly growing bond provide many a humourous moment. Bringing smiles to readers faces, as the same are down behind each other's backs.
People that change the balance earn for themselves a mark. Just like another kind of mark, all that's needed for those is the right kind of assassin. Marks are extinguished everyday, and whilst some marks are worst than others, so too can be the method of extinction. The Mother's elementals have an important role, but saddest too is that it may come too late. Having written the covenant to maintain the balance, Mother usually notifies her assassins when things aren't going well. Of late this notice has been getting later and later, until finally it happens that no notice comes at all. History has shown this is not unprecedented, but history has marked those as the times of greatest suffering for all. Is this just a case of Mother being absentminded, enthralled in the constant suffering that's increasing amongst the races? Or is Mother preparing to slumber once again? If not for the whispers for Air to have heard on the wind, this latest attrocity would have skipped Fire's notice, and then there'd have been no assassin to collect these latest marks.
Serial killers, witches, vampires, weres, deities, black magic, elementals, the list goes on. Action, suspense, humour, intrigue, and many another adjective could be added to the list. A hard-shelled heroine with power in trumphs and spades combines for the first time in her hunting career with a scholarly, loyal and principled vamp; so as to get a job increasingly weighing her down done. The economy of words keeps the pace running smoothly as minutes reading quickly turn to hours. Clues and hints mark the direction of the plot, and as one duo get their lives in order the series works on to introduce the next heroine to come. Powerful magic and well developed lore keep the fantastical as natural as it could become. The mystery and the hunt captivate the mind while the emotional distress and small joys endear you to the lives the series will lead. An outstanding elemental urban fantasy that if you like to think whilst delving into a world of possibility then this is the right mix for you. Fire is a rewarding read and The Elementals series is already wrought with satisfaction, can't wait to get stuck into Air. The little pocket rocket only introduced herein already shows a potential to make the series soar.
January 14, 2019
So. Tough bad girl fire lady meets powerful vampire scholar, who is actually interested in not only what she is (elemental), but also who she is. Said bad girl would prefer to keep her distance from him altogether, but when an essentially handsome, and oh so adorable puppy just intends to follow you, how long can you say no?
Add in the search of a little girl, some bastardly black witches, some soon to be dead criminals and other bad guys, and you've even got an entertaining plot that's not that predictable, but that's mostly because this is a search-by-each-lead story and not a detective story per se ("who's the murderer? Well, obviously that person over there, always around, always in the background!")
So thus not much information is given about the villains and their motivations per se, as we only actually get to meet these characters near the end. We do get the POV from minor, human criminals though (serial killers and the like), and those were highly entertaining. Frankly, the main motivation for reading this should be the romance anyway, the plot was solid and entertaining, but if I never actually found out its conclusion, I wouldn't have really cared either.
The romance itself was a bit different than I expected it to be. Mostly because I didn't expect a mates-story where the people involved weren't aware from the get-go that they were mates. Just instant attraction first, followed by denial by her and following along by him ("I swear myhandsome male interest puppy didn't follow me back home!").
I have to admit, I liked the first part a lot more, when they were getting over their prejudices over each other, than the actual romance part. I just didn't feel it. He was smitten by her, she didn't instantly turn him into ash. Can you feel the love?
The worldbuilding might be more interesting to others than to me. I really don't like the whole evil-and-good concept, even if there was a grey area in this book. And the actual refreshing worldbuilding parts were based on this evil-and-good concept, otherwise it's the usual vamps, werewolves and you know what.
If you want to read my reasoning, click the spoiler:
So, would I recommend it? Well yes, if you like paranormal romance, you should definetly give this a try. Otherwise you might want to skip it, especially if you don't like romance.
Add in the search of a little girl, some bastardly black witches, some soon to be dead criminals and other bad guys, and you've even got an entertaining plot that's not that predictable, but that's mostly because this is a search-by-each-lead story and not a detective story per se ("who's the murderer? Well, obviously that person over there, always around, always in the background!")
So thus not much information is given about the villains and their motivations per se, as we only actually get to meet these characters near the end. We do get the POV from minor, human criminals though (serial killers and the like), and those were highly entertaining. Frankly, the main motivation for reading this should be the romance anyway, the plot was solid and entertaining, but if I never actually found out its conclusion, I wouldn't have really cared either.
The romance itself was a bit different than I expected it to be. Mostly because I didn't expect a mates-story where the people involved weren't aware from the get-go that they were mates. Just instant attraction first, followed by denial by her and following along by him ("I swear my
I have to admit, I liked the first part a lot more, when they were getting over their prejudices over each other, than the actual romance part. I just didn't feel it. He was smitten by her, she didn't instantly turn him into ash. Can you feel the love?
The worldbuilding might be more interesting to others than to me. I really don't like the whole evil-and-good concept, even if there was a grey area in this book. And the actual refreshing worldbuilding parts were based on this evil-and-good concept, otherwise it's the usual vamps, werewolves and you know what.
If you want to read my reasoning, click the spoiler:
So, would I recommend it? Well yes, if you like paranormal romance, you should definetly give this a try. Otherwise you might want to skip it, especially if you don't like romance.
November 30, 2019
𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆, The Elementals Book #1
by L.B. Gilbert
I was bound and determined to finish this book (a pseudo bet with an old friend that I could complete it before the end of the month), so even though I started out disliking it intensely, especially the main character, I pushed through. I'm glad I did, as I ended up really liking this book, though I still like the secondary character better than the main character.
Here's what I liked: the plotting and pacing and flow were good, the characters developed well once the story got going, there was plenty of action, there was an interesting story, there was danger to the characters, there was no cliff hanger ending.
Here's what I didn't like: I had to wade through about a quarter of the story before the main character, Diana, the fire elemental, began to be somewhat likeable, the proofing and editing needed to be better. Okay, I'm the first to admit that proofreading is not for sissies, especially if one is proofing his/her own work. But that's why authors need to hire proofreaders (and not proof readers who are close friends or relatives). I only felt stopped three times, two for obvious proofing errors, and once for an awkward, out of character, word use. Here they are:
Chapter 5, page 33, 11% on Kindle -- "They wanted to use one the houses..." I imagine this should have read "...one 𝐨𝐟 the houses..."
Chapter 14, page 123, 35% on Kindle -- Diana is speaking about the protective spells put into place: "Don't know. There are meant to keep black witches out." Oh boy. Did the author mean "...they are meant..." or "...They're meant..."? Whatever, it stopped me dead in my tracks and pulled me right out of the story.
Chapter 28, page 259, 70% on Kindle -- Here, Diana is talking about the motorcycles she has for herself and Alec. She uses slang for the word modified that is unusual, if only because she hasn't been one for using unusual slang or idioms previously in the story, but also because, a bit later in the story, she uses the the word modified speaking about a spell. The slang phrases come here: "They've been specially modded by specialists I found in Tokyo...With the mods, they leave the Dodge Tomahawk in the dust..." As I've never run across these two slang terms for modified and modification, it definitely popped me out of the story to wonder about why they were used by this character instead of the full words.
While there may have been other instances of proofing errors or author choices I didn't particularly like, these three were the ones that made me stop reading, stop being in the action, to note them down. The reader being pulled out of a story by things that should be caught by a proofreader or editor I wouldn't think is what authors want for their work.
In any case, I did end up enjoying the book. Will I read more in the series? As it looks as if the series (as it stands now, at least) will feature a different Elemental in each book, I probably won't. I tend to like to follow the development of characters, rather than start from scratch with a new character each book. Maybe if they show up on the free or low cost lists.
by L.B. Gilbert
I was bound and determined to finish this book (a pseudo bet with an old friend that I could complete it before the end of the month), so even though I started out disliking it intensely, especially the main character, I pushed through. I'm glad I did, as I ended up really liking this book, though I still like the secondary character better than the main character.
Here's what I liked: the plotting and pacing and flow were good, the characters developed well once the story got going, there was plenty of action, there was an interesting story, there was danger to the characters, there was no cliff hanger ending.
Here's what I didn't like: I had to wade through about a quarter of the story before the main character, Diana, the fire elemental, began to be somewhat likeable, the proofing and editing needed to be better. Okay, I'm the first to admit that proofreading is not for sissies, especially if one is proofing his/her own work. But that's why authors need to hire proofreaders (and not proof readers who are close friends or relatives). I only felt stopped three times, two for obvious proofing errors, and once for an awkward, out of character, word use. Here they are:
Chapter 5, page 33, 11% on Kindle -- "They wanted to use one the houses..." I imagine this should have read "...one 𝐨𝐟 the houses..."
Chapter 14, page 123, 35% on Kindle -- Diana is speaking about the protective spells put into place: "Don't know. There are meant to keep black witches out." Oh boy. Did the author mean "...they are meant..." or "...They're meant..."? Whatever, it stopped me dead in my tracks and pulled me right out of the story.
Chapter 28, page 259, 70% on Kindle -- Here, Diana is talking about the motorcycles she has for herself and Alec. She uses slang for the word modified that is unusual, if only because she hasn't been one for using unusual slang or idioms previously in the story, but also because, a bit later in the story, she uses the the word modified speaking about a spell. The slang phrases come here: "They've been specially modded by specialists I found in Tokyo...With the mods, they leave the Dodge Tomahawk in the dust..." As I've never run across these two slang terms for modified and modification, it definitely popped me out of the story to wonder about why they were used by this character instead of the full words.
While there may have been other instances of proofing errors or author choices I didn't particularly like, these three were the ones that made me stop reading, stop being in the action, to note them down. The reader being pulled out of a story by things that should be caught by a proofreader or editor I wouldn't think is what authors want for their work.
In any case, I did end up enjoying the book. Will I read more in the series? As it looks as if the series (as it stands now, at least) will feature a different Elemental in each book, I probably won't. I tend to like to follow the development of characters, rather than start from scratch with a new character each book. Maybe if they show up on the free or low cost lists.
December 5, 2022
This was okay at best. I did finish it, so there’s that. But I was very disappointed by the writing, the MC’s personality, and her relationship dynamics with the hero.
Diana was totally overpowered. There is almost nothing she cannot magically do. And if she personally cannot accomplish an impossible task, one of her three Elemental sisters can. God-like heroines like this bore me because there is no limits to their abilities, no weakness or struggle for them.
Diana was overly abrasive in multiple ways. Just one example: while acting as her assistant, the hero Alec became distracted by bad news and gave her a kiss on the forehead as he left. This was a liberty he had never taken before and she thought, “Had the same thing happened a week ago the vampire would have gone up like a Roman candle.” Really? Diana would murder someone for kissing her forehead? Whether this is just bluster or actually truth, it is just one of countless examples of her overall prickly personality.
She continued to be rude to Alec well past the period where it could be considered socially acceptable between strangers. She mocked him, belittled him, and dismissed him. And he kept coming back like a pathetic puppy, looking for her approval. They were not equals in their relationship. He was desperate to get her to agree to let him be her sidekick, and she was determined to play hard to get until the bitter end. I actually didn’t like either of them very much.
The chemistry was almost nonexistent. They never kiss the entire book. Not once. But he begins to exhibit abilities that only an Elemental’s “mate” would have, so at the end of the book they acknowledge that they are mates. And wow was that declaration impassively made to the entire vampire council NOT romantic.
Anyway, I guess Diana can only fight off a clingy barnacle for so long, and I guess said barnacle likes volatile, aggressive, overly independent, emotionally-closed-off women. That’s one romance I will happily never come across again.
Content:
Language- a handful of f-words. Some other swears.
Sex- no sex or kissing. A couple random and obscure references to his body reacting to her (not due to anything romantic being said or happening). The ending scene he leads her to his bedroom.
Violence- non-explicit references to a child sexual abuser. A scene where a rapist takes out his grizzly keepsake collection from past murders. Stuff like that.
Cover- okay
I read this on KU.
Diana was totally overpowered. There is almost nothing she cannot magically do. And if she personally cannot accomplish an impossible task, one of her three Elemental sisters can. God-like heroines like this bore me because there is no limits to their abilities, no weakness or struggle for them.
Diana was overly abrasive in multiple ways. Just one example: while acting as her assistant, the hero Alec became distracted by bad news and gave her a kiss on the forehead as he left. This was a liberty he had never taken before and she thought, “Had the same thing happened a week ago the vampire would have gone up like a Roman candle.” Really? Diana would murder someone for kissing her forehead? Whether this is just bluster or actually truth, it is just one of countless examples of her overall prickly personality.
She continued to be rude to Alec well past the period where it could be considered socially acceptable between strangers. She mocked him, belittled him, and dismissed him. And he kept coming back like a pathetic puppy, looking for her approval. They were not equals in their relationship. He was desperate to get her to agree to let him be her sidekick, and she was determined to play hard to get until the bitter end. I actually didn’t like either of them very much.
The chemistry was almost nonexistent. They never kiss the entire book. Not once. But he begins to exhibit abilities that only an Elemental’s “mate” would have, so at the end of the book they acknowledge that they are mates. And wow was that declaration impassively made to the entire vampire council NOT romantic.
Anyway, I guess Diana can only fight off a clingy barnacle for so long, and I guess said barnacle likes volatile, aggressive, overly independent, emotionally-closed-off women. That’s one romance I will happily never come across again.
Content:
Language- a handful of f-words. Some other swears.
Sex- no sex or kissing. A couple random and obscure references to his body reacting to her (not due to anything romantic being said or happening). The ending scene he leads her to his bedroom.
Violence- non-explicit references to a child sexual abuser. A scene where a rapist takes out his grizzly keepsake collection from past murders. Stuff like that.
Cover- okay
I read this on KU.
November 16, 2017
My Summary: Diana is one of four elementals created to protect and govern the earth. She spends her days and nights hunting down bad guys and rescuing innocents. She’s ruthless and badass, and even a little cold when it comes to exacting vengeance on evildoers. She’s sent on a mission to find a little girl who has gone missing, one she’s already saved once before.
Alec is a scholarly, yet extremely powerful, vampire and “heir to the throne” so to speak in regards to his coven. He returns home to search for a missing boy belonging to a family servant, only the situation seems to go much deeper than simple human interference.
Alec and Diana reluctantly team up in order to find the two missing children, whose cases appear to be closely intertwined, and deal justice to all involved.
My Rating: 4/5
My Review: For the first few chapters of Fire, I was blown away. Soon after, the novel became weighed down with overt description, little to no action, and obvious lack of an editor. Because of this, I was only going to give it three stars. However, toward the second half it began to pick up and by 70% I was hardly able to put it down. The ending was also quite satisfying, even if it wasn’t quite as revealing as I’d expected.
Now that I’ve finished the book and had time to reflect on the story, I wouldn’t say the slow parts should be cut. They all come together nicely in the end. I don’t feel like the reluctant friendship was rushed into a once-in-a-lifetime romance, because I was there for the slow climb. However, I do believe the many typos and errors should be addressed, if for nothing more than simple respect for future readers.
L.B. Gilbert blends mystery, crime, and romance with the supernatural genre in an interesting way, and I didn’t feel like I was reading a young adult novel where the characters are one-sided and underdeveloped. Alec and Diana are two adults with real pasts and genuine emotions. Diana is a kickass heroine who doesn’t need or want Alec’s help—though he’s no pushover—and I loved watching both characters evolve during the length of the story.
I would highly recommend Fire to anyone who likes strong female protagonists with an equally powerful male lead, with slow, realistic, falls in the romance category, and a rich backstory about which I’m eager to learn more in the next book.
Alec is a scholarly, yet extremely powerful, vampire and “heir to the throne” so to speak in regards to his coven. He returns home to search for a missing boy belonging to a family servant, only the situation seems to go much deeper than simple human interference.
Alec and Diana reluctantly team up in order to find the two missing children, whose cases appear to be closely intertwined, and deal justice to all involved.
My Rating: 4/5
My Review: For the first few chapters of Fire, I was blown away. Soon after, the novel became weighed down with overt description, little to no action, and obvious lack of an editor. Because of this, I was only going to give it three stars. However, toward the second half it began to pick up and by 70% I was hardly able to put it down. The ending was also quite satisfying, even if it wasn’t quite as revealing as I’d expected.
Now that I’ve finished the book and had time to reflect on the story, I wouldn’t say the slow parts should be cut. They all come together nicely in the end. I don’t feel like the reluctant friendship was rushed into a once-in-a-lifetime romance, because I was there for the slow climb. However, I do believe the many typos and errors should be addressed, if for nothing more than simple respect for future readers.
L.B. Gilbert blends mystery, crime, and romance with the supernatural genre in an interesting way, and I didn’t feel like I was reading a young adult novel where the characters are one-sided and underdeveloped. Alec and Diana are two adults with real pasts and genuine emotions. Diana is a kickass heroine who doesn’t need or want Alec’s help—though he’s no pushover—and I loved watching both characters evolve during the length of the story.
I would highly recommend Fire to anyone who likes strong female protagonists with an equally powerful male lead, with slow, realistic, falls in the romance category, and a rich backstory about which I’m eager to learn more in the next book.
November 8, 2016
Fire by L. B. Gilbert is the first story in a new series, The Elementals. Diana is the fire elemental. She and her sisters, one from each element, are responsible for restoring the balance of good and bad in the supernatural races and for protecting the environment. In this story, Diana is searching for the kidnappers of a little girl who she had previously rescued from a child molester. She doesn't know until she has interviewed a vampire clan that the son of one of their servants has also gone missing. As she begins digging into the disappearances, she finds that Alec Broussard, the crown prince of the Broussard Vampire Family is also investigating the disappearances. Diana always works alone, but she can't seem to shake the prince, who is also an anthropologist and scholar, and is by definition a danger to the elementals because he is in a position to reveal their secrets.
This book grabbed my interest from the beginning. It is a paranormal mystery, a story of building relationships and trust, and love story all rolled into one. The characters are very well developed, and the scenarios are believable and realistic. There are clues throughout, but also enough mystery that the whodunit is a surprise. I was especially surprised with what happened after the mystery was solved and Diana and Alec returned to Boston. I had not really seen that coming based on the relationship building up to that point.
Another plus for me in this story is that there is no explicit or gratuitous sex. I think that makes me like the characters of Diana and Alec because they didn't immediately jump into bed and have mind blowing sex. There was much more character development than there would be if there was sex from the beginning. It became more about the story and the plot. I would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending this book for teens and adults.
I requested a copy of this book from the author with the intention of voluntarily submitting an honest review.
This book grabbed my interest from the beginning. It is a paranormal mystery, a story of building relationships and trust, and love story all rolled into one. The characters are very well developed, and the scenarios are believable and realistic. There are clues throughout, but also enough mystery that the whodunit is a surprise. I was especially surprised with what happened after the mystery was solved and Diana and Alec returned to Boston. I had not really seen that coming based on the relationship building up to that point.
Another plus for me in this story is that there is no explicit or gratuitous sex. I think that makes me like the characters of Diana and Alec because they didn't immediately jump into bed and have mind blowing sex. There was much more character development than there would be if there was sex from the beginning. It became more about the story and the plot. I would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending this book for teens and adults.
I requested a copy of this book from the author with the intention of voluntarily submitting an honest review.
October 21, 2022
This story is fantastic! It’s written well, the plot points are interesting and exciting, the characters are incredible, the dialogue is believable and the details are great. I do wish there had been a little more physicality between the two MCs, as far as the romance goes. They don’t have to jump into the sack, but a peck on the forehead is very grandmotherly, so there was that. Lol, the book is great though, and that’s such a minor issue that it should not discourage anyone from getting this book!
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2021
I absolutely adored Diana. She was sassy, strong, compassionate, and not afraid to speak her mind. I also liked that she embraced how others in the Supe world feared her, rather than making it a 'woe is me' moment. I really felt for her with her childhood and the horrors she saw on a daily basis. I really think L.B. Gilbert emphasised this well. It parallels with those that work in the police force, hospitals, etc. Her first meeting with Alec was fabulous and I loved their slow-burn romance. He was quick to take notice whilst she was cool a detached. A nice twist from the usual girl meets boy, girl falls in love, boy finally realises he loves her too. I have to say though, as hot and nerdy as Alec was (mmm, my kinda vamp), it did annoy me how he thought he was right all the time and intervened even when he knew Diana could handle it herself. I guess that's part of his protective nature though so I couldn't begrudge him for it. He was also quick to admit when he was wrong and prove that he'd learned from his mistakes.
The storyline was fab! It was engaging and kept me hooked. Not to mention how the witty one-liners proved humorous and enlightening and had me cracking up. I enjoyed the introduction to the other Elementals too, especially because we got to see their personalities too rather than just being mentioned. I can't wait to read their stories.
I loved the action and the connections the author made to myths and legends. It was really well-written and paced nicely, with Gilbert taking time to introduce and explain key points and moments without slowing the story down too much. This is a must-read for sure!
The storyline was fab! It was engaging and kept me hooked. Not to mention how the witty one-liners proved humorous and enlightening and had me cracking up. I enjoyed the introduction to the other Elementals too, especially because we got to see their personalities too rather than just being mentioned. I can't wait to read their stories.
I loved the action and the connections the author made to myths and legends. It was really well-written and paced nicely, with Gilbert taking time to introduce and explain key points and moments without slowing the story down too much. This is a must-read for sure!
March 8, 2021
I was looking forward to this book, but I am sorry to say that I was disappointed. My biggest disappointment was that I felt nothing reading this book; there was no taste, no flavor, it was quite bland. I didn't care about the other three elementals, not even Logan. I didn't like the way Diana treated Alec but he kept coming back like a little puppy. I've read books where the male is not the badass and it works; this didn't. They tiptoed so much around each other that I began to not even care about either one of them, although I tried. I read up to about the middle of the book, but sadly decided to skim the rest ONLY to find out about Katie (sorry to say she just barely made it on my care-o-meter but not by much). I don't read books for the sex because I have immensely enjoyed series where the two don't even kiss until the middle of the second book, but you love the feel of the flirt or the light foreplay. But Diana and Alec's back and forth was fricking annoying. I get not telling each EVERYTHING about their peoples, but towards the end of the book, and there is only one book with them exclusively, it's like they still are not sure they like each and still way too careful. I don't expect things to be completely worked out, but good grief.....come on already. I could have been a little interested at the ending of the book, but I had to wade thru the book itself to get there. It's possible that later on I will continue with the series to see if the 2nd book has life for me, but for now I have several other books I want to check out. Good luck LB Gilbert.
March 17, 2019
This book is absolutely packed with great action, events and characters from start to finish. Diana, the fire elemental, is a strong competent heroine who is one of the four Elementals working to keep the balance. Alec is a vampire with a difference, but most of the characters in this book are different in one way or another. The author has a great imagination and the talent to share that with the reader in such a way that you feel that you know these people, the interaction between characters is believable and amusing, the story is exciting and full of action. I was totally immersed in the book from the first chapter.Unlike some of the ebooks I have read recently this one actually is a full length novel. There are two major storylines due to the two cases that Diana is working on, both of which are tied up at the end without any cliffhangers. I was lucky enough to be given this book as a gift and I have voluntarily left this review. I enjoyed the book so much that I immediately started reading the next book in the series.
I like these kick ass elementals and the strong, intelligent men that are attracted to them. The plot is good and the story well written.
I recieved a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like these kick ass elementals and the strong, intelligent men that are attracted to them. The plot is good and the story well written.
I recieved a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2017
Fire by L.B. Gilbert.
4 out of 5 stars.
The first book, in what I would imagine will be a four part series, turns out to be a very enjoyable read. It's just the kind of story I like to lose myself in with Four Elementals (Fire and Air being the first and second out so far) in their everyday lives as the guardians that keep the balance of light and dark.
Diana is the Fire Elemental and you would have thought the last person to be her mate would be a vampire! But when investigating a case of a missing child, she comes across Alec Broussard of the Broussard vampire Coven, she's immediately suspicious when he seems to be a little bit too interested. But she soon realizes that his ulterior motives are that he is also investigating a missing child too. Diana is looking for a young girl that went missing the previous year and Alec is looking for the young boy of one of his human servants.
This book had a few editing mistakes it shouldn't have had, missing words and words around the wrong way, but overall, it is good enough to recommend it on to others to read.
4 out of 5 stars.
The first book, in what I would imagine will be a four part series, turns out to be a very enjoyable read. It's just the kind of story I like to lose myself in with Four Elementals (Fire and Air being the first and second out so far) in their everyday lives as the guardians that keep the balance of light and dark.
Diana is the Fire Elemental and you would have thought the last person to be her mate would be a vampire! But when investigating a case of a missing child, she comes across Alec Broussard of the Broussard vampire Coven, she's immediately suspicious when he seems to be a little bit too interested. But she soon realizes that his ulterior motives are that he is also investigating a missing child too. Diana is looking for a young girl that went missing the previous year and Alec is looking for the young boy of one of his human servants.
This book had a few editing mistakes it shouldn't have had, missing words and words around the wrong way, but overall, it is good enough to recommend it on to others to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews