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The Lightning Conjurer #1
The Awakening
Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself), woke up in an abandoned cabin without a single memory. Forced to start her life from scratch and exist entirely off the grid, she’s led a lonely life, but a quiet one... Until now. Suddenly, strange things are happening all around her: phantom tornadoes, exploding fireplaces, massive sink holes – not to mention the strange man that's been following her everywhere she goes.
When Aspen audits a college class for a much-needed dose of normalcy, she’s shocked by the assistant professor’s cold disdain for her, and her alone. Their heated confrontation turns a corner when Aspen panics, accidentally shattering every bulb in the classroom. That’s when Aiden realizes what she is... but he's not the only one who’s been paying attention.
In her mission to discover who – and what – she is, Aspen must learn to control her powers, navigate her budding feelings for this new and mysterious ally, and, finally, unearth the shocking truth about her past.
When Aspen audits a college class for a much-needed dose of normalcy, she’s shocked by the assistant professor’s cold disdain for her, and her alone. Their heated confrontation turns a corner when Aspen panics, accidentally shattering every bulb in the classroom. That’s when Aiden realizes what she is... but he's not the only one who’s been paying attention.
In her mission to discover who – and what – she is, Aspen must learn to control her powers, navigate her budding feelings for this new and mysterious ally, and, finally, unearth the shocking truth about her past.
Unknown Binding
First published September 12, 2018
About the author
Rachel Rener
20 books565 followersRachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, #1 bestselling romantasy author who loves blurring the line between science and magic.
She graduated from the University of Colorado after focusing on Psychology and Neuroscience. Since then, she has lived on three continents and has traveled to nearly 50 countries.
When she's not writing or reading, Rachel enjoys art of all kinds, riding her motorcycle, going to rock shows (both musical and mineralogical), Vulcanology (the lava kind as well as the pointy-eared variety), and hanging out with her readers in her Facebook group, Rachel's Renergades.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and a feisty umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (a.k.a “Jungle Chicken”) that hangs out on her shoulder as she writes – whether invited or not.
*
Find out more about Rachel and her books at: www.RachelRener.com
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
@AuthorRachelRener across all socials
She graduated from the University of Colorado after focusing on Psychology and Neuroscience. Since then, she has lived on three continents and has traveled to nearly 50 countries.
When she's not writing or reading, Rachel enjoys art of all kinds, riding her motorcycle, going to rock shows (both musical and mineralogical), Vulcanology (the lava kind as well as the pointy-eared variety), and hanging out with her readers in her Facebook group, Rachel's Renergades.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and a feisty umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (a.k.a “Jungle Chicken”) that hangs out on her shoulder as she writes – whether invited or not.
*
Find out more about Rachel and her books at: www.RachelRener.com
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
@AuthorRachelRener across all socials
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 18, 2022
✅ Elemental magic
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Secret organization
🆗 Characters
🆗 Romance
I realize this is an unpopular rating as I see all the 5 stars reviews.
The concept of an elemental magic-wielder hidden in our modern society and of a girl who can wield all of the elements even though it has not been heard of for over 300 years has the potential to be interesting, but the way it was developed was nothing extraordinary. Add to that the fact that the characters however were bland and boring and it sums up The Lightning Conjurer pretty well.
The beginning of the story with Aspen waking up in an abandoned cabin with no memories of who she is or how she arrived is intriguing. The relationship with her elder neighbor and the way she tries to mingle with the community although she has no paper and no ID is also interesting, but as soon as the organization controlling the elementalists in the area gets involved, everything becomes predictable. She also meets the mysterious assistant professor at the university and there is a dash of romance there, but honestly, it did not change much in the story whether they liked each other romantically or not. It was also bordering on the insta-love and I don't really care for insta-love stories.
When I met Aspen at first, I was hoping for a book about a strong, independent and resilient main character, but she ended up being pretty average and even being childish at times. Add to that the almost insta-love, the lack of real character development, and the fact that Aspen was ridiculously powerful, and it turned out to be a bit of a letdown.
The plot was also problematic for me because it was all so predictable and cliché. Insert a few of the usual YA tropes here and there with the usual almost-caricatured bad guys, insta-love with the gorgeous guys that comes out of nowhere, and a cliché secret magical group, and there you go! It just made it even harder to get involved into the book because nothing was surprising or original.
Overal, it was not a bad book, but it was honestly quite ordinary and I will not read the next one because I have so many more promising books on my TBR already!
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✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Secret organization
🆗 Characters
🆗 Romance
I realize this is an unpopular rating as I see all the 5 stars reviews.
The concept of an elemental magic-wielder hidden in our modern society and of a girl who can wield all of the elements even though it has not been heard of for over 300 years has the potential to be interesting, but the way it was developed was nothing extraordinary. Add to that the fact that the characters however were bland and boring and it sums up The Lightning Conjurer pretty well.
The beginning of the story with Aspen waking up in an abandoned cabin with no memories of who she is or how she arrived is intriguing. The relationship with her elder neighbor and the way she tries to mingle with the community although she has no paper and no ID is also interesting, but as soon as the organization controlling the elementalists in the area gets involved, everything becomes predictable. She also meets the mysterious assistant professor at the university and there is a dash of romance there, but honestly, it did not change much in the story whether they liked each other romantically or not. It was also bordering on the insta-love and I don't really care for insta-love stories.
When I met Aspen at first, I was hoping for a book about a strong, independent and resilient main character, but she ended up being pretty average and even being childish at times. Add to that the almost insta-love, the lack of real character development, and the fact that Aspen was ridiculously powerful, and it turned out to be a bit of a letdown.
The plot was also problematic for me because it was all so predictable and cliché. Insert a few of the usual YA tropes here and there with the usual almost-caricatured bad guys, insta-love with the gorgeous guys that comes out of nowhere, and a cliché secret magical group, and there you go! It just made it even harder to get involved into the book because nothing was surprising or original.
Overal, it was not a bad book, but it was honestly quite ordinary and I will not read the next one because I have so many more promising books on my TBR already!
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
June 8, 2020
5 lightning hot stars!!
Addictive, spellbinding, electrifying! The Lightning Conjurer is an exhilarating adventure from cover to cover!
You know those rare books that, once you open and start reading you simply cannot set down until you've turned the very last page?! This book is one of them!
Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself) awoke alone in an empty cabin in the forest, not knowing her name, where she came from, or where she was. Since then, she’s been forced to live entirely off the grid, without gas, internet, or electricity. Not because she couldn't have gotten any legal papers, but because one key instinct forced its way through her mental haze from Day One: Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you.
And if you were wondering how Aspen looks like, here she is, the girl on the cover:
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
Since Aspen is hiding and mostly getting by, she lives an unsurprisingly and unrelentingly dull life. Until the day a tornado appears out of nowhere and knocks down a truck that was about to run her over. It could have been a fluke of nature, especially since Aspen herself can't explain where it came from, but then her fireplace suddenly explodes while she sits brooding in front of it, and the icy water in her tub suddenly turns steaming hot, just when she was wishing for a hot bath.
So Aspen can't help wondering if she either has malevolent poltergeists haunting her, or she's turned into a hallucinating lunatic. Perhaps both.
The cherry on the incredulity cake is set at the college class she’s auditing, when the associate professor, Aiden, has a problem with her from the moment she sets foot in the lecture and confronts her. She panics, causing the ceiling lights to burst in a shower of sparks and runs off home only to find herself followed by an angry professor who accuses her of spying. And the fact that Aspen is determined to use her cast iron frying pan to bash his head with, only makes him laugh out loud.
Why would an Electromancer use a frying pan for self-defense? he asks? And this is how Aspen finds out what she really is! As Aiden explains, she is like him - an Elementalist; someone who can wield one, maybe two, of the five Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning.
But there’s something very remarkable about Aspen – she’s the first Elementalist in centuries who can wield all five, catching the attention of an ancient organization called the Asterian Order.
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
The Asterian Order promises to help Aspen out with everything. From documents to money and help in learning about her powers. It could be the answer to everything, if Aspen would only trust it!
For the first time in the three years she can remember, Aspen starts finding clues about her past and despite being terrified and unsure of what she'll find, she is dead set on getting answers. Since The Asterian Order seems to be the best lead, she allows herself to be courted by them. And this is how her adventure really begins. With powers let out of control and sparks flying! No. Not romantically that is! But literally, like this:
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
In a beautifully flowing prose, Rachel Rener gives us here a mesmerizing fast-paced adventure with a unique take on elemental magic and a superb female lead. I loved Aspen and her build-up as a character. She isn't one of those cool heroines who know and are able to do everything from the very beginning and this is exactly what makes her both real and wonderfully written. She is afraid and alone and insecure. She is hungry for affection but aware that she may not be considered "worthy of attention". And despite all that, she gathers her courage and grabs the proverbial bull by the horns!
Yes, by the end of the book you may end up considering her the most badass Elementalist in modern history , but her journey to achieve that status is what makes her real special!
'biker babes wallpaper' - portal.agileit.com
I've read The Lightning Conjurer in one single session, glued to the pages and spellbound. And right now I'm diving straight into the sequel, because I want more!!
If you like magic and adventure, superb characters and a great slow burn romance, this is the perfect book for you!
You have got to read this people!
It's so so good!!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Addictive, spellbinding, electrifying! The Lightning Conjurer is an exhilarating adventure from cover to cover!
You know those rare books that, once you open and start reading you simply cannot set down until you've turned the very last page?! This book is one of them!
Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself) awoke alone in an empty cabin in the forest, not knowing her name, where she came from, or where she was. Since then, she’s been forced to live entirely off the grid, without gas, internet, or electricity. Not because she couldn't have gotten any legal papers, but because one key instinct forced its way through her mental haze from Day One: Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you.
And if you were wondering how Aspen looks like, here she is, the girl on the cover:
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
Since Aspen is hiding and mostly getting by, she lives an unsurprisingly and unrelentingly dull life. Until the day a tornado appears out of nowhere and knocks down a truck that was about to run her over. It could have been a fluke of nature, especially since Aspen herself can't explain where it came from, but then her fireplace suddenly explodes while she sits brooding in front of it, and the icy water in her tub suddenly turns steaming hot, just when she was wishing for a hot bath.
So Aspen can't help wondering if she either has malevolent poltergeists haunting her, or she's turned into a hallucinating lunatic. Perhaps both.
The cherry on the incredulity cake is set at the college class she’s auditing, when the associate professor, Aiden, has a problem with her from the moment she sets foot in the lecture and confronts her. She panics, causing the ceiling lights to burst in a shower of sparks and runs off home only to find herself followed by an angry professor who accuses her of spying. And the fact that Aspen is determined to use her cast iron frying pan to bash his head with, only makes him laugh out loud.
Why would an Electromancer use a frying pan for self-defense? he asks? And this is how Aspen finds out what she really is! As Aiden explains, she is like him - an Elementalist; someone who can wield one, maybe two, of the five Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning.
But there’s something very remarkable about Aspen – she’s the first Elementalist in centuries who can wield all five, catching the attention of an ancient organization called the Asterian Order.
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
The Asterian Order promises to help Aspen out with everything. From documents to money and help in learning about her powers. It could be the answer to everything, if Aspen would only trust it!
For the first time in the three years she can remember, Aspen starts finding clues about her past and despite being terrified and unsure of what she'll find, she is dead set on getting answers. Since The Asterian Order seems to be the best lead, she allows herself to be courted by them. And this is how her adventure really begins. With powers let out of control and sparks flying! No. Not romantically that is! But literally, like this:
image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
In a beautifully flowing prose, Rachel Rener gives us here a mesmerizing fast-paced adventure with a unique take on elemental magic and a superb female lead. I loved Aspen and her build-up as a character. She isn't one of those cool heroines who know and are able to do everything from the very beginning and this is exactly what makes her both real and wonderfully written. She is afraid and alone and insecure. She is hungry for affection but aware that she may not be considered "worthy of attention". And despite all that, she gathers her courage and grabs the proverbial bull by the horns!
Yes, by the end of the book you may end up considering her the most badass Elementalist in modern history , but her journey to achieve that status is what makes her real special!
'biker babes wallpaper' - portal.agileit.com
I've read The Lightning Conjurer in one single session, glued to the pages and spellbound. And right now I'm diving straight into the sequel, because I want more!!
If you like magic and adventure, superb characters and a great slow burn romance, this is the perfect book for you!
You have got to read this people!
It's so so good!!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
August 24, 2020
This caught me from beginning to end and I just couldn't stop reading. Aspen knows nothing of her life prior to waking up in a deserted cabin in the middle of nowhere. Since then she has been living off the grid, with no identification and no bank account. Something tells her that she needs to stay out of sight and not draw attention, but she has no idea who or what she is meant to be hiding from. Her quiet life is disturbed however when she has a close call on her bike, with a tornado coming out of nowhere to save her from the path of an oncoming lorry. Things get even stranger when she meets Aiden, an Associate Professor at a local university, who seems to know something about her and the powers she can wield.
From a mysterious beginning, this novel picks up the pace quickly as Aspen begins to get to grips with her new powers and forms a relationship with Aiden. Through him she learns of a shadowy organisation, the Asterian Order, that would take great interest in her abilities, but that knowledge may have come too late. Aiden quickly realises just how much power Aspen has, but her trick with the tornado has already caught the attention of the powers that be and something about them doesn't sit right with either Aiden or Aspen. Aiden is certain that they are hiding something important about her past, but her drive to find out what may put both of them in more danger than they had banked on.
I flew through this book in two sittings, unable to take my eyes off the page. I loved Aspen and her relationship with her elderly neighbour Evelyn. She's a strong yet flawed lead character and she really resonated with me. The romance between her and Aiden was less of a draw, but whilst important to the character development, it doesn't interfere overly with the narrative. I was fascinated by how the use of elemental magic has been incorporated into the real world and the use of pseudo-science made it believable and interesting. I loved how magic and reality intertwine throughout the story and how the elements are used in interesting and innovative ways.
All in all, I certainly recommend this and I will be moving onto the next book in the series in short order. This is a fast and punchy take on contemporary fantasy and is one that really caught and held me throughout.
From a mysterious beginning, this novel picks up the pace quickly as Aspen begins to get to grips with her new powers and forms a relationship with Aiden. Through him she learns of a shadowy organisation, the Asterian Order, that would take great interest in her abilities, but that knowledge may have come too late. Aiden quickly realises just how much power Aspen has, but her trick with the tornado has already caught the attention of the powers that be and something about them doesn't sit right with either Aiden or Aspen. Aiden is certain that they are hiding something important about her past, but her drive to find out what may put both of them in more danger than they had banked on.
I flew through this book in two sittings, unable to take my eyes off the page. I loved Aspen and her relationship with her elderly neighbour Evelyn. She's a strong yet flawed lead character and she really resonated with me. The romance between her and Aiden was less of a draw, but whilst important to the character development, it doesn't interfere overly with the narrative. I was fascinated by how the use of elemental magic has been incorporated into the real world and the use of pseudo-science made it believable and interesting. I loved how magic and reality intertwine throughout the story and how the elements are used in interesting and innovative ways.
All in all, I certainly recommend this and I will be moving onto the next book in the series in short order. This is a fast and punchy take on contemporary fantasy and is one that really caught and held me throughout.
July 14, 2019
Holy Smokes on a cracker! This is one heck of a ride and I couldn’t put it down. It has so many twists and twists throughout the story. It pulls you in and glues you to your seat. Aspen is an excellent female lead, she is intelligent, kind, warm, with a side of feisty. She is down to earth but not letting anyone push her around. Aiden is a superb male lead where he is supportive and caring. He adds a beautiful element to the story.
Our other support characters like Evelyn makes the story have those amazing funny moments that just makes you laugh out loud. Of course no story such as this can’t not have its evil characters too. That made the story flow so greatly that you can just fell their sliminess. The descriptions throughout the story added a fabulous element so you were easily able to picture the scenes in your mind. Talk about one action packed amazing story, this is one definitely worth reading.
Our other support characters like Evelyn makes the story have those amazing funny moments that just makes you laugh out loud. Of course no story such as this can’t not have its evil characters too. That made the story flow so greatly that you can just fell their sliminess. The descriptions throughout the story added a fabulous element so you were easily able to picture the scenes in your mind. Talk about one action packed amazing story, this is one definitely worth reading.
February 16, 2019
The Lightning Conjurer: The Awakening was an amazing read, absolutely great debut from this author. It's written from the perspective of Aspen, an early to mid-twenties woman with no memory of who she is.
I sincerely enjoyed that this 'finding out who you are' novel was written from an older perspective, I would call this New Adult (versus young or just plain adult) as it is a sense of discovery with more mature undertones and higher stakes. I don't want to spoil too much of anything because honestly the secrets and hidden information along with their revelations are what make this book so great. But I will say that it made me feel like I didn't need to be eleven years old waiting for my Hogwarts letter to come to have something likewise amazing and interesting happen in this character's life.
In short, really refreshing storyline and plot, very minimal formatting errors (I did not find any typographical errors!) so I definitely feel that this indie book is high quality and well worth the read. Plus, look at her amazing new cover! I cannot wait for the next to come out.
I sincerely enjoyed that this 'finding out who you are' novel was written from an older perspective, I would call this New Adult (versus young or just plain adult) as it is a sense of discovery with more mature undertones and higher stakes. I don't want to spoil too much of anything because honestly the secrets and hidden information along with their revelations are what make this book so great. But I will say that it made me feel like I didn't need to be eleven years old waiting for my Hogwarts letter to come to have something likewise amazing and interesting happen in this character's life.
In short, really refreshing storyline and plot, very minimal formatting errors (I did not find any typographical errors!) so I definitely feel that this indie book is high quality and well worth the read. Plus, look at her amazing new cover! I cannot wait for the next to come out.
February 25, 2021
The Lighning Conjurer: the Awakening (book 1 in a trilogy) was such a fun ya fantasy that even the most mundane parts were entertaining and kept me reading.
5/5 stars
We are introduced to Aspen who 3 years ago woke up in a cabin with no memory of who she is or how she got there. She doesn’t have any id, and she hasn’t received any mail since she woke up. Everything changes when she attends a lecture at a university.
Let’s start with Aspen. Aspen was such a great solid main character who had everything you want in a ya main character. She was fun, her inner dialogue quite intriguing and her secrets while being slowly revealed were so much fun to discover. Aiden was so easy to love as well. He was super supportive and although you’ll find yourself hating him at times, he’s such a perfect counterpart to Aspen. Evelyn is perfect. If there is such thing as having a book grandma, I am fully claiming her as mine!
The plot… this plot was captivating. It starts out so slow and snowballs into me wanting to rush into the next book immediately. The magic system in this book isn’t something we haven’t seen, but the actual powers themselves are so fascinating, and I can’t wait to know the actual depth of them.
This is a really fun and easy ya fantasy series and I honestly can’t wait for books 2 and 3. They are out now available in ebook and paperback on Amazon!
5/5 stars
We are introduced to Aspen who 3 years ago woke up in a cabin with no memory of who she is or how she got there. She doesn’t have any id, and she hasn’t received any mail since she woke up. Everything changes when she attends a lecture at a university.
Let’s start with Aspen. Aspen was such a great solid main character who had everything you want in a ya main character. She was fun, her inner dialogue quite intriguing and her secrets while being slowly revealed were so much fun to discover. Aiden was so easy to love as well. He was super supportive and although you’ll find yourself hating him at times, he’s such a perfect counterpart to Aspen. Evelyn is perfect. If there is such thing as having a book grandma, I am fully claiming her as mine!
The plot… this plot was captivating. It starts out so slow and snowballs into me wanting to rush into the next book immediately. The magic system in this book isn’t something we haven’t seen, but the actual powers themselves are so fascinating, and I can’t wait to know the actual depth of them.
This is a really fun and easy ya fantasy series and I honestly can’t wait for books 2 and 3. They are out now available in ebook and paperback on Amazon!
September 1, 2021
I loved it! This is one for fans of mystery, secret societies, college-age antics rather than school age shenanigans, and superb magic based on real-world principles. The world building was great and the characters relatable. Perfect fast read and a great introduction to the world Rachel has built!
October 26, 2018
The Lightning Conjurer – The Awakening is the contemporary fantasy story that I’ve been longing for. Meet Aspen, a twenty-something-year-old woman living off the grid without any knowledge of who or what she is. The book is a real page turner and I could hardly put it down. The magical realism in the story transforms the Colorado landscape into a mesmerizing backdrop for Aspen’s journey of self-discovery. Furthermore, I appreciate how the author creates a magical world that still exists within logical boundaries. The clever elements of science (and pseudo-science) kept me enthralled and made for fun table-talk over dinner at our house (without getting overly technical). Seriously, pick up a copy and be transported by Aspen’s journey and the mysterious world of elementists.
August 11, 2021
This was such a fun read and exactly what I needed!
Aspen is a great main character. She's strong without being obnoxious, and she still likes being girly sometimes. She can save herself, but she also has strong ties with her family and love interest.
The plot is pretty standard for a paranormal YA, but there were some interesting twists, and all in all I think it was a fresh take. There are certain tropes you always come to expect, but this one was different in all the right ways. The magic system and tattoos are really well developed.
And it's been a long time since I swooned over a love interest along with the main character. Cute assistant professor YESSSSSS.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this book for a giveaway! I loved it!
Aspen is a great main character. She's strong without being obnoxious, and she still likes being girly sometimes. She can save herself, but she also has strong ties with her family and love interest.
The plot is pretty standard for a paranormal YA, but there were some interesting twists, and all in all I think it was a fresh take. There are certain tropes you always come to expect, but this one was different in all the right ways. The magic system and tattoos are really well developed.
And it's been a long time since I swooned over a love interest along with the main character. Cute assistant professor YESSSSSS.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this book for a giveaway! I loved it!
November 10, 2019
I initially rated this first book as 4 stars, but then I read the rest of the series and better understood the set up. The 2nd and 3rd books explode after #1, and the plot becomes more powerful and suspenseful. This is a powerhouse of a contemporary fantasy series. I'd recommend to anyone, save for fans of Cassandra Clare, perhaps. Also, for the two reviews skewering this for "insta-love", read the rest of the series and you'll see that that simply isn't the case. There is nuance and complexity here for sure.
August 23, 2023
I love this book. It starts with us knowing just as little as Aspen does but oh so quickly we learn more about the world Aspen has forgotten about.
The writing is fun, and the characters are wonderfully complicated. The majority of the book is first person from Aspen’s POV and I did find myself screaming a few times at the screen for her NOT TO TRUST THEM. But did she listen? No, she’s stubborn and wonderful and human and determined. Well she did listen, but that didn’t stop her doing what needed to be done anyway.
I adore Rachel Rener’s writing voice and her humour is fabulous.
Can’t wait to read the next book. This first one ended perfectly, enough things tied up to make this reader happy and satisfied while opening up a whole other can of WTF so that I NEED the next book.
The writing is fun, and the characters are wonderfully complicated. The majority of the book is first person from Aspen’s POV and I did find myself screaming a few times at the screen for her NOT TO TRUST THEM. But did she listen? No, she’s stubborn and wonderful and human and determined. Well she did listen, but that didn’t stop her doing what needed to be done anyway.
I adore Rachel Rener’s writing voice and her humour is fabulous.
Can’t wait to read the next book. This first one ended perfectly, enough things tied up to make this reader happy and satisfied while opening up a whole other can of WTF so that I NEED the next book.
July 19, 2021
This story really grabbed me and didn't let go. Although I mostly read Epic and Sword & Sorcery type Fantasies, this Urban Fantasy has me rethinking my preferences. Rachel Rener writes in such a straightforward way that the story takes on a life of its own. Her characters are likeable and I cared about what happened to them (as well as enjoying when their enemies get a bit knocked around!). There's a mystery in this book and it's going to take the entire series to solve that mystery--a good thing because I want to revisit Aspen and Aiden to continue on their journey with them.
The romance contained in this book is appropriate for young adult readers, and is what I personally prefer. I'm so glad I started reading this series.
The romance contained in this book is appropriate for young adult readers, and is what I personally prefer. I'm so glad I started reading this series.
December 21, 2021
Aspen has lived for the past three years without any form of ID or any memory of who she was. A kind neighbor helped her from time to time and she found a cash-paying job at the local diner, but since she didn't know the cause of her memory loss, she tried to stay off the grid. When she learned that she could audit courses at the local college (without any registration), she jumped at the chance, only to find that the assistant professor instantly hated her.
But that synopsis makes the story sound a bit too ordinary, if mysterious. Let's try again.
As Aspen was riding her motorcycle, she saw a semi coming her way and was immediately thrown out of its way by a tornado, although the weather had previously been calm. Back at home, she lowered herself into a cold bath, wishing the water was warm, only to find it heating up around her. Then when she had a confrontation with Aiden, the assistant professor, the light bulbs exploded around her. She soon realized, now with the help of Aiden, that she had remarkable powers - in fact, the extent of her powers hadn't been seen for hundreds of years.
The magic system in The Lightning Conjurer series is elemental by nature. Some people are able to control fire, others water, still others wind, electricity, or earth. A few people have control over two or three elements, but that is uncommon. Aspen has all five. As the pacing of the story picks up and Aspen begins to uncover what may have been her past and is certainly her future, she is summoned by a powerful agency that promises to protect and train her. But they have their own secrets. Will she want to stay with them as those secrets come to life? Will she be able to leave if she chooses to?
Aspen and Aiden were fantastic characters, both with unrevealed pasts that impacted their responses to the world and to each other. Evelyn and Robert were delightful secondary characters. And the villain was believable, a woman willing to go to any length necessary for power. Although, I suspect we will find a much bigger baddie as the story continues. The romance worked, it built over time.
Content warning: There is one scene where a man climbs through a woman's window and begins taking off his clothes and forcing himself on her. It doesn't go very far, isn't what it seems, and is the only such scene in the book, but I felt the need to mention it because it did throw me off.
Overall, this was a fantastic story, with so many twists I did not see coming. I cannot believe this is Rachel's first book! The writing was so polished, it read like she had been doing this for years. I will definitely be finishing this series.
But that synopsis makes the story sound a bit too ordinary, if mysterious. Let's try again.
As Aspen was riding her motorcycle, she saw a semi coming her way and was immediately thrown out of its way by a tornado, although the weather had previously been calm. Back at home, she lowered herself into a cold bath, wishing the water was warm, only to find it heating up around her. Then when she had a confrontation with Aiden, the assistant professor, the light bulbs exploded around her. She soon realized, now with the help of Aiden, that she had remarkable powers - in fact, the extent of her powers hadn't been seen for hundreds of years.
The magic system in The Lightning Conjurer series is elemental by nature. Some people are able to control fire, others water, still others wind, electricity, or earth. A few people have control over two or three elements, but that is uncommon. Aspen has all five. As the pacing of the story picks up and Aspen begins to uncover what may have been her past and is certainly her future, she is summoned by a powerful agency that promises to protect and train her. But they have their own secrets. Will she want to stay with them as those secrets come to life? Will she be able to leave if she chooses to?
Aspen and Aiden were fantastic characters, both with unrevealed pasts that impacted their responses to the world and to each other. Evelyn and Robert were delightful secondary characters. And the villain was believable, a woman willing to go to any length necessary for power. Although, I suspect we will find a much bigger baddie as the story continues. The romance worked, it built over time.
Content warning: There is one scene where a man climbs through a woman's window and begins taking off his clothes and forcing himself on her. It doesn't go very far, isn't what it seems, and is the only such scene in the book, but I felt the need to mention it because it did throw me off.
Overall, this was a fantastic story, with so many twists I did not see coming. I cannot believe this is Rachel's first book! The writing was so polished, it read like she had been doing this for years. I will definitely be finishing this series.
October 21, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. But the characters weren't interesting or new or exciting or gave me any reason to cheer for them. I thought this book was going to be more of a strong, independent, self-made woman story, but the instalove; the rapid development of powers, not to mention that she is as overpowered as possible; the lame excuse of character development - it was all so cliché. Even the cult and the tattoos and different clingy groups are so childish. There are so many books that you read and you can tell the author is just throwing everything they dream of at the main character - heterochromia, pendent, megapowered, motorcycle, random house that no one pays for, the hot guy, '$4000 a month stipend', tattoo, etc. - it's boring. There's no struggle. This book needs an editor. I won't read another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
This book paved the way to what seems to be an epic series. Love Aspen, and I have always loved the idea of Elementalists. The beginning was a little slow burning for me (which is NOT a negative in my book AT ALL) but you need everything, no information given goes wasted. I have a feeling there will be some interesting twists and reveals in book 2, diving in now!
November 23, 2019
For me, this was a really interesting story, and Rachel told it very well. Some parts were predictable, but it was fast-paced and interesting. I would love to see this made into a movie. I'm going to look into getting the next in the series.
May 15, 2020
A few things about this book:
1) if you want the long, slow, flowery pacing found in epic fantasy or other slow-paced lit fic like Austen or Bronte, you're picking up the wrong book. The pacing is swift, cliffy, and every chapter ends in a punch.
2) the prologue of every book in the series is written in third person omniscient, but the actual meat of the story is written in first person POV. The brilliance of and reason for this is fully revealed at the end of the third book.
3) to truly appreciate the journey, depth, and nuance of the main character, you must read all three books. Things aren't as they seem. TO the handful of folks who complained about choices made during (and before) the first book will understand the reasoning once they meet a certain character at the end of Book 2.
All that said, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this series. But The Awakening was a great book from cover to cover and the sequels only get better. If only there had been more of my favorite character in books 2 and 3. Ms. Rener, please write a prequel based on the life of Barish!
1) if you want the long, slow, flowery pacing found in epic fantasy or other slow-paced lit fic like Austen or Bronte, you're picking up the wrong book. The pacing is swift, cliffy, and every chapter ends in a punch.
2) the prologue of every book in the series is written in third person omniscient, but the actual meat of the story is written in first person POV. The brilliance of and reason for this is fully revealed at the end of the third book.
3) to truly appreciate the journey, depth, and nuance of the main character, you must read all three books. Things aren't as they seem. TO the handful of folks who complained about choices made during (and before) the first book will understand the reasoning once they meet a certain character at the end of Book 2.
All that said, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this series. But The Awakening was a great book from cover to cover and the sequels only get better. If only there had been more of my favorite character in books 2 and 3. Ms. Rener, please write a prequel based on the life of Barish!
October 25, 2021
This was sooo amazing!!!!
Aspen wakes up in a dark cabin, alone, with no memories of who she is. When she starts manifesting powers, the corrupt Asterion Order will do anything to get her in their ranks. This book was completely and utterly amazing, as in so amazing someone needs to make a movie out of it! This fantasy subgenre is not something I dabble in much, but omg! It was so good, I couldn’t stop reading! I burned through it faster than any book I’ve read this year! The elemental magic, the corrupt order, the lies … it has almost a Divergent feel to it. And that damn Savannah Clark, the recruiter of the Asterion Order … ugh!!! She is the kind of character you instantly hate and every mention of her, every lie, every fake smile of this power-hungry b*tch just crawls under your skin! Like a Delores Umbridge! I can’t say enough of how much I loved this book and how amazing and phenomenally in-depth its magic system is!
Aspen wakes up in a dark cabin, alone, with no memories of who she is. When she starts manifesting powers, the corrupt Asterion Order will do anything to get her in their ranks. This book was completely and utterly amazing, as in so amazing someone needs to make a movie out of it! This fantasy subgenre is not something I dabble in much, but omg! It was so good, I couldn’t stop reading! I burned through it faster than any book I’ve read this year! The elemental magic, the corrupt order, the lies … it has almost a Divergent feel to it. And that damn Savannah Clark, the recruiter of the Asterion Order … ugh!!! She is the kind of character you instantly hate and every mention of her, every lie, every fake smile of this power-hungry b*tch just crawls under your skin! Like a Delores Umbridge! I can’t say enough of how much I loved this book and how amazing and phenomenally in-depth its magic system is!
April 15, 2019
Admittedly, I (too) rarely find myself reading a truly considerable number of pages in a book in a single sitting. Also, I tend to lean towards the classics rather than new publications. This book by Ms. Rener was an exception to the latter - and turned out to be an exception to the former as well.
Perfectly balancing description and action, the story was enticing from the get-go. (And the last 70-odd pages had me forget all about the world around me.) The author excels at summoning the desired atmosphere in just a couple of sentences, resulting in a smoothly flowing narrative. However, smoothly flowing as it is, it is by no means predictable. The story has credible and relatable characters, who sometimes make you laugh because of the entirely human way they talk and act, without resulting in flat-out comedy. Rarely have I shared every single attitude towards the characters presented with the main character. Masterfully done, in my humble opinion.
As a matter of fact, I will also be getting the printed edition, which I tend to only do for books that I really appreciate. Despite the categorization of "young adult" and "women's fiction", this not-so-young adult man is very much impressed - and eager to get his hands on the second and third volume of this trilogy.
Perfectly balancing description and action, the story was enticing from the get-go. (And the last 70-odd pages had me forget all about the world around me.) The author excels at summoning the desired atmosphere in just a couple of sentences, resulting in a smoothly flowing narrative. However, smoothly flowing as it is, it is by no means predictable. The story has credible and relatable characters, who sometimes make you laugh because of the entirely human way they talk and act, without resulting in flat-out comedy. Rarely have I shared every single attitude towards the characters presented with the main character. Masterfully done, in my humble opinion.
As a matter of fact, I will also be getting the printed edition, which I tend to only do for books that I really appreciate. Despite the categorization of "young adult" and "women's fiction", this not-so-young adult man is very much impressed - and eager to get his hands on the second and third volume of this trilogy.
June 7, 2020
Little bit in love with aspen and aiden.
Very well written book with lots going on.
The story develops at a steady pace, has twists and turns and keeps you wanting more with each chapter.
The villain is the type of character you wish you could conjur up just to slap! The scenes set out for you are easy to imagine which helps you take your mind to the wonderful fantasy world we can hide away in.
The story did not end the way I thought it might, which is a relief, as with some paranormal romances the endings to first books can become quite predictable. Bravo Mrs Rener.
I'm looking forward to beginning the second saga. Off to download now!
Very well written book with lots going on.
The story develops at a steady pace, has twists and turns and keeps you wanting more with each chapter.
The villain is the type of character you wish you could conjur up just to slap! The scenes set out for you are easy to imagine which helps you take your mind to the wonderful fantasy world we can hide away in.
The story did not end the way I thought it might, which is a relief, as with some paranormal romances the endings to first books can become quite predictable. Bravo Mrs Rener.
I'm looking forward to beginning the second saga. Off to download now!
April 13, 2019
interesting world, characters are flat or types
The story was most interesting at its beginning with Aspen’s missing memories and relationships with her next door neighbor and boss. Then the evil overlord organization showed up, the plot got rather formulaic, the characters felt very superficial and unreal, while the main characters started to do things that were just too dumb for words. Given the instalove, the superpowers and the idiocy, my interest in the story dropped right off and I had to push to finish it. I won’t try another book by this author
The story was most interesting at its beginning with Aspen’s missing memories and relationships with her next door neighbor and boss. Then the evil overlord organization showed up, the plot got rather formulaic, the characters felt very superficial and unreal, while the main characters started to do things that were just too dumb for words. Given the instalove, the superpowers and the idiocy, my interest in the story dropped right off and I had to push to finish it. I won’t try another book by this author
March 4, 2020
READ THIS BOOK (and series)!!!! I was completely blown away when I read these. There have only ever been a handful of books/authors in my life who have pulled me in and held me captive the way The Lightening Conjurer did! The characters are all well developed, the story believable, and the whole series is written with such emotion, you feel every emotion the main character feels, from the first page to the last. I cannot recommend this series enough!!!
February 26, 2019
This was a genuinely remarkable book. I thoroughly enjoyed its unique take on magical realism (the "science" behind the magic was riveting!), and I also appreciated the suspenseful and romantic elements as well. I could not put this book down; every single chapter was a cliff-hanger that made me insatiable for the next scene. Cannot recommend enough, VERY excited for book 2 in March!!
April 16, 2019
I finally got around to reading this and finished it today - it was amazing!
I love the way Rachel wrote Aspen's personality. And I love the way Aspen carries herself.
You feel like you're in the book with her as she figures out who she really is.
Favorite character? Aspen - that's a given - but Evelyn for sure is my favorite.
I love the way Rachel wrote Aspen's personality. And I love the way Aspen carries herself.
You feel like you're in the book with her as she figures out who she really is.
Favorite character? Aspen - that's a given - but Evelyn for sure is my favorite.
January 28, 2021
This series is a fresh face on magical realism with real science backing magical skill. I loved every minute. The mystery, the reveals, the peril was perfect. She paints such clear pictures as I could be the main character. I enjoyed every minute!
August 7, 2019
This story is such a great spin to normal elementals type books!! Loved it!!! Can’t wait to read book 2!! 💖💖
January 29, 2023
So…when I picked up this 1st book—the Awakening—in the Lightening Conjurer series I had absolutely NO DOUBTS that it was going to be AMAZING! However, I was extremely unprepared for how PHENOMENAL it really would be.
As a person that generally use to avoid urban fantasy, Rener and her Gilded Blood Series flipped my whole perception of it upside down. Then after completely devouring The Girl Who Talks to Ashes I quickly came to the realization that not only could urban fanatsy be absolutely fabulous, but that Rener is one HELL of an AUTHOR! Able to not only write hilariously funny stories, but also gut wrenching, and heart and soul filled MASTERPIECES! And now after finishing The Awakening I am left utterly spelled bound and completely captivated.
Aspen can remember nothing before the moment she woke up in a strange, deserted cabin, in Colorado three years before. Everything from her name, to birthday, to her age, and every memory in between were lost to her and so…she did the only thing she could think to do…she recreated herself. Choosing a life of solitude and secrecy the only true friend she makes in the next three years is her elderly neighbor, Evelyn. Although her life, basically living off the grid, is anything but normal, that is what Aspen yearns for most. After a terrifying accident that ends with a strange and mysterious tornado saving her life Aspen is left injured and confused. Things are all about to take a dramatic change, however, when she finds an advertisement for auditing college classes in a textbook Evelyn has brought her from the library. Aspen decides it’s finally her chance to seize opportunity. And what follows is a story filled with a top secret society, amazing and breathtaking elemental magic, friendship, loyalty, deception, love and romance and it was all SPECTACULAR!
My favorite character was Aiden (Shocker right…I know…I’m predictable). I found him loveing, sweet, protective, and absolutely devastating in the most perfect of ways. When it comes to writing dreamy male leads Rener is TOP NOTCH! She couldn’t have written Aiden more amazing (and I thought Zayn was her greatest creation)!
But there are some really fantastic side characters in this book as well. One of them, which really truly and completely blew me away was Dr. Chen. I don’t mean to give any spoilers, but just know, I really appreciated his character and thought he was so well done.
So if you love a story with amazing characters, intriguing and captivating magic, lots and lots of intrigue and so many secrets just waiting to be revealed, happiness, heartache, wonder, and every emotion in between, and a story that will leave you enthralled and unable to hardly wait to crack open The Enlightening then you absolutely MUST begin by escaping into The Awakening.
As a person that generally use to avoid urban fantasy, Rener and her Gilded Blood Series flipped my whole perception of it upside down. Then after completely devouring The Girl Who Talks to Ashes I quickly came to the realization that not only could urban fanatsy be absolutely fabulous, but that Rener is one HELL of an AUTHOR! Able to not only write hilariously funny stories, but also gut wrenching, and heart and soul filled MASTERPIECES! And now after finishing The Awakening I am left utterly spelled bound and completely captivated.
Aspen can remember nothing before the moment she woke up in a strange, deserted cabin, in Colorado three years before. Everything from her name, to birthday, to her age, and every memory in between were lost to her and so…she did the only thing she could think to do…she recreated herself. Choosing a life of solitude and secrecy the only true friend she makes in the next three years is her elderly neighbor, Evelyn. Although her life, basically living off the grid, is anything but normal, that is what Aspen yearns for most. After a terrifying accident that ends with a strange and mysterious tornado saving her life Aspen is left injured and confused. Things are all about to take a dramatic change, however, when she finds an advertisement for auditing college classes in a textbook Evelyn has brought her from the library. Aspen decides it’s finally her chance to seize opportunity. And what follows is a story filled with a top secret society, amazing and breathtaking elemental magic, friendship, loyalty, deception, love and romance and it was all SPECTACULAR!
My favorite character was Aiden (Shocker right…I know…I’m predictable). I found him loveing, sweet, protective, and absolutely devastating in the most perfect of ways. When it comes to writing dreamy male leads Rener is TOP NOTCH! She couldn’t have written Aiden more amazing (and I thought Zayn was her greatest creation)!
But there are some really fantastic side characters in this book as well. One of them, which really truly and completely blew me away was Dr. Chen. I don’t mean to give any spoilers, but just know, I really appreciated his character and thought he was so well done.
So if you love a story with amazing characters, intriguing and captivating magic, lots and lots of intrigue and so many secrets just waiting to be revealed, happiness, heartache, wonder, and every emotion in between, and a story that will leave you enthralled and unable to hardly wait to crack open The Enlightening then you absolutely MUST begin by escaping into The Awakening.
July 23, 2022
The Awakening (The Lightning Conjuror #1) is a Magical Realism story set in Denver, Colorado. The main character, Aspen is something of an enigma. She is a loner who has forgotten her past and who awoke three years ago in a mountain cabin with no electricity, living off grid, with a distinct feeling that she should keep away from people as much as possible. One thought dominates her psyche:
“Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you.”
Her only friends are Gina who owns the restaurant she works in and her elderly neighbour, Evelyn, who keeps an eye on her to make sure she is eating well and staying safe. Evelyn also gave her late husband’s motorcycle to Aspen, which is her only mode of transport.
All of a sudden strange things start to happen around Aspen. The elements begin behaving strangely when she is feeling emotional - a tornado appears to save her from a crash into a truck, her fire flares up unexpectedly in its grate and her bath water becomes warm despite there being no heat source. She attends a university lecture and the electric lights start acting weirdly. The assistant lecturer glares at her in a most unfriendly manner but she has no idea what is going on.
The plot thickens as she gets to know the assistant lecturer, Aiden who tells her he can control fire and believes she also has powers enabling her to control the elements. Aiden, who I liked immensely, has escaped from a cult of Elementalists known as the Asterists and warns her to avoid them, at all costs. However her need to find out more about herself and her family gets the better of her. Will she find the answers she seeks to her mystery? Or will the Cult win out in the end? The story moves along at a nice pace and the chapters are short enough that I found myself reading more at a time than I intended to. There are a couple of unexpected twists which I enjoyed.
The characters in this book are realistic and believable. I liked Aspen and admired her tenacity, living in a meager cabin for three years. I did wonder how likely this would have been in reality - since she didn’t remember why she was hiding out I wondered why she would adhere to these self-imposed restrictions and austere conditions for so long, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief in order to enjoy the story. I did thoroughly enjoy the story - the author’s background in psychology and neuroscience shone through, helping to make the science understandable and the concept of people having elemental powers was intriguing, if not entirely original (Marvel’s X-Men came to mind as I was reading). Aiden the attractive and gentlemanly assistant professor, who becomes Aspen’s love interest (a little too quickly for my liking) was my favourite secondary character. Two-faced Savannah was the kind of villain you love to hate.
The ending was a little unsatisfactory for me - nothing was really concluded and the next books in the series will need to be read to find out what happens.
“Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you.”
Her only friends are Gina who owns the restaurant she works in and her elderly neighbour, Evelyn, who keeps an eye on her to make sure she is eating well and staying safe. Evelyn also gave her late husband’s motorcycle to Aspen, which is her only mode of transport.
All of a sudden strange things start to happen around Aspen. The elements begin behaving strangely when she is feeling emotional - a tornado appears to save her from a crash into a truck, her fire flares up unexpectedly in its grate and her bath water becomes warm despite there being no heat source. She attends a university lecture and the electric lights start acting weirdly. The assistant lecturer glares at her in a most unfriendly manner but she has no idea what is going on.
The plot thickens as she gets to know the assistant lecturer, Aiden who tells her he can control fire and believes she also has powers enabling her to control the elements. Aiden, who I liked immensely, has escaped from a cult of Elementalists known as the Asterists and warns her to avoid them, at all costs. However her need to find out more about herself and her family gets the better of her. Will she find the answers she seeks to her mystery? Or will the Cult win out in the end? The story moves along at a nice pace and the chapters are short enough that I found myself reading more at a time than I intended to. There are a couple of unexpected twists which I enjoyed.
The characters in this book are realistic and believable. I liked Aspen and admired her tenacity, living in a meager cabin for three years. I did wonder how likely this would have been in reality - since she didn’t remember why she was hiding out I wondered why she would adhere to these self-imposed restrictions and austere conditions for so long, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief in order to enjoy the story. I did thoroughly enjoy the story - the author’s background in psychology and neuroscience shone through, helping to make the science understandable and the concept of people having elemental powers was intriguing, if not entirely original (Marvel’s X-Men came to mind as I was reading). Aiden the attractive and gentlemanly assistant professor, who becomes Aspen’s love interest (a little too quickly for my liking) was my favourite secondary character. Two-faced Savannah was the kind of villain you love to hate.
The ending was a little unsatisfactory for me - nothing was really concluded and the next books in the series will need to be read to find out what happens.
November 8, 2021
An enjoyable and well written first book in the Lightening Conjurer series. In the first book we meet Aspen, who has being living a quiet life, as having suffered memory loss she doesn’t know who she is. The one time she steps out into the open she draws the attention of more people than is healthy and so begins her journey to discover who and what she is.
Aspen is a great heroine and easy to relate to, though I think she is a little naive in the people she trusts considering the events are so recent and traumatic, but you can understand her desperation to find out about her past.
The Asterians sound suitably controlling, even though some of the members seem really nice and supportive. Aidan is a great love interest, though I am worried about where he fits in and whether he should really be trusted, as he has secrets of his own.
This first book is a little heavy on setting up the magic system, which I must admit I ended up skimming a bit, as there was so much detail about each type of elemental magic, (which if you like the mechanics is great!) whereas it may have been better to introduce it as it was needed instead of trying to explain it all in its glorious detail at once.
Even so, an enjoyable read, even better that the series is complete and you can just pick up the next book, which is ready and waiting on my kindle!
Aspen is a great heroine and easy to relate to, though I think she is a little naive in the people she trusts considering the events are so recent and traumatic, but you can understand her desperation to find out about her past.
The Asterians sound suitably controlling, even though some of the members seem really nice and supportive. Aidan is a great love interest, though I am worried about where he fits in and whether he should really be trusted, as he has secrets of his own.
This first book is a little heavy on setting up the magic system, which I must admit I ended up skimming a bit, as there was so much detail about each type of elemental magic, (which if you like the mechanics is great!) whereas it may have been better to introduce it as it was needed instead of trying to explain it all in its glorious detail at once.
Even so, an enjoyable read, even better that the series is complete and you can just pick up the next book, which is ready and waiting on my kindle!
August 23, 2021
I loved this book, starting from the amnesiac girl, to how she starts discovering talents and organizations she never knew existed. Her life of living in a cabin deep in the woods, her motorcycle that was the only source of transportation she had and the visits to the kind, friendly neighbor all changed when she was barely saved from a car crash by a freak tornado she may have made. Aspen's, as the girl names herself, life changes even more when she signs up for a college class that has Aiden, an assistant professor who seems suspicious of her. Suspicions Aspen is entirely confused by but soon a couple things are clear: She is powerful, she is in danger and Aiden, the assistant professor may be her only hope to help her with her powers, the ones that grant her the ability to control all the elements, something that hasn’t been done in millions of years.
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