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raven_morgan's review
3.0
In this urban fantasy series, humans live alongside (but unaware of) elementals, the descendants of ancient earth magics. The elementals have the power to manipulate the elements - earth, ice, fire, water. As well as elementals, this world also includes shapeshifters (the origins of which are pretty much a turn off for me - I won't spoil it, but I think it was honestly something that was unnecessary. Your mileage may vary).
There is a decent amount of potential here - Marshall has created a somewhat unique urban fantasy world, and on the surface, her characters have charm. But unfortunately, it never goes deeper than that surface layer. We have the requisite amount of snark (I mean, seriously, every urban fantasy does not have to echo Buffy and her ilk), and Marshall has tried to write a decent mystery, but it all just never gelled for me.
The writing is also average. Nothing is terribly bad, but neither does anything stand out. Still, it is an easy read, which some people will likely count as a positive. I just felt like Marshall could have pushed things more with the imagery - we have characters who can control the elements, you should show that off a bit more. And the plot "twist", if you can even call it that, was pretty evident from early on in the book.
Cookie cutter urban fantasy, which some will like, no doubt, if you're not looking for anything especially novel.
There is a decent amount of potential here - Marshall has created a somewhat unique urban fantasy world, and on the surface, her characters have charm. But unfortunately, it never goes deeper than that surface layer. We have the requisite amount of snark (I mean, seriously, every urban fantasy does not have to echo Buffy and her ilk), and Marshall has tried to write a decent mystery, but it all just never gelled for me.
The writing is also average. Nothing is terribly bad, but neither does anything stand out. Still, it is an easy read, which some people will likely count as a positive. I just felt like Marshall could have pushed things more with the imagery - we have characters who can control the elements, you should show that off a bit more. And the plot "twist", if you can even call it that, was pretty evident from early on in the book.
Cookie cutter urban fantasy, which some will like, no doubt, if you're not looking for anything especially novel.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
A cracking mystery with great characters and a fascinating world of elemental magic users.
I really enjoyed this. The mystery element was so very strong and compelling. You could get away with calling it Urban Fantasy, but perhaps Paranormal Mystery would also work as it was so centred around that aspect. It had a great cast of characters, awesome magical abilities and some surprises you just won't see coming.
The story is presented in the 1st person through Aidan Brook (f), a water Elemental (someone who can control water, call it from the air or from a direct source and basically make it do anything she wants) who has been in exile for the last decade after a tragedy forced her to leave behind everything she once knew, including her best friend, a fire Elemental called Sera.
I was pretty much hooked from chapter one. After a brief introduction to Aidan and her current situation, a blast from the past in the form of her one-time BFF sends her whole world off kilter, and the mystery that drives the book is revealed.
I thought the writing was excellent; intelligent, witty, thought-provoking. It immediately showed the interesting but highly awkward friendship dynamic that is left after Aidan's 10-year absence. Even starting out cold, not knowing these character at all yet, I felt the tension and lost years stretching between the two. Watching the former best friends walk that shaky line between wanting to fall back into their old, familiar habits and camaraderie, but holding back through fear of being hurt again. It was great stuff.
I found the character voices were very clear and distinct. It ended up being a really diverse bunch of people (and supernatural races) once the motley "crime solving" crew was fully assembled, and I enjoyed each character in turn. The secondary ones were just as well drawn as the main two, and I particularly grew fond of Simon :).
The reason for their gathering is that they, led by Sera, have all decided to join forces to end this mystery Elemental's killing spree once and for all. The killer is not being careful about revealing them to the human population, and that puts them all at risk. It was bad enough when it was happening 10 years ago, and Aidan's been having nightmares about it ever since. She can barely believe it's happening again. But when Sera reveals that another of her close friends, second only to Sera, has been murdered, Aidan has no choice but to return to the scene of the killer's, and her, crimes.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the magical abilities of the Elementals and Shapeshifters, complete with their full and fascinating origin stories. There were several expertly dispersed sections of backstory and species history. I could see the sections coming, but rather than feeling like I needed to prepare myself for a dispassionate info-dump, it was done deftly through conversation, sometimes in a story-telling format, or other times just through the narrative, and felt perfectly natural. Also cleverly interspersed were the clues, suspicions and conjecture regarding the elemental killer's identity and motivations. I did manage to correctly guess one of the big surprises, but was TOTALLY side-swiped by another. Which was awesome.
If I could wish for anything, it would have been for more indications of the budding romantic feelings between Mac and Aidan. I don't mind a slow-forming romance at all, but while I'm waiting, I love watching all the little clues, gestures and lingering looks, etc.. So there could have been a whole boatload more of that for me. Also, a bit more emotional connection to Aidan, which may come naturally over the series as I get to know her more.
To sum up, if you love a good mystery and powerful magical abilities and can appreciate well-crafted characters, get this book.
Highly recommended to fans of Amanda Stevens' Graveyard Queen series. UF for grown-ups.
4 Stars ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the author for an honest review
I really enjoyed this. The mystery element was so very strong and compelling. You could get away with calling it Urban Fantasy, but perhaps Paranormal Mystery would also work as it was so centred around that aspect. It had a great cast of characters, awesome magical abilities and some surprises you just won't see coming.
The story is presented in the 1st person through Aidan Brook (f), a water Elemental (someone who can control water, call it from the air or from a direct source and basically make it do anything she wants) who has been in exile for the last decade after a tragedy forced her to leave behind everything she once knew, including her best friend, a fire Elemental called Sera.
I was pretty much hooked from chapter one. After a brief introduction to Aidan and her current situation, a blast from the past in the form of her one-time BFF sends her whole world off kilter, and the mystery that drives the book is revealed.
I thought the writing was excellent; intelligent, witty, thought-provoking. It immediately showed the interesting but highly awkward friendship dynamic that is left after Aidan's 10-year absence. Even starting out cold, not knowing these character at all yet, I felt the tension and lost years stretching between the two. Watching the former best friends walk that shaky line between wanting to fall back into their old, familiar habits and camaraderie, but holding back through fear of being hurt again. It was great stuff.
I found the character voices were very clear and distinct. It ended up being a really diverse bunch of people (and supernatural races) once the motley "crime solving" crew was fully assembled, and I enjoyed each character in turn. The secondary ones were just as well drawn as the main two, and I particularly grew fond of Simon :).
The reason for their gathering is that they, led by Sera, have all decided to join forces to end this mystery Elemental's killing spree once and for all. The killer is not being careful about revealing them to the human population, and that puts them all at risk. It was bad enough when it was happening 10 years ago, and Aidan's been having nightmares about it ever since. She can barely believe it's happening again. But when Sera reveals that another of her close friends, second only to Sera, has been murdered, Aidan has no choice but to return to the scene of the killer's, and her, crimes.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the magical abilities of the Elementals and Shapeshifters, complete with their full and fascinating origin stories. There were several expertly dispersed sections of backstory and species history. I could see the sections coming, but rather than feeling like I needed to prepare myself for a dispassionate info-dump, it was done deftly through conversation, sometimes in a story-telling format, or other times just through the narrative, and felt perfectly natural. Also cleverly interspersed were the clues, suspicions and conjecture regarding the elemental killer's identity and motivations. I did manage to correctly guess one of the big surprises, but was TOTALLY side-swiped by another. Which was awesome.
If I could wish for anything, it would have been for more indications of the budding romantic feelings between Mac and Aidan. I don't mind a slow-forming romance at all, but while I'm waiting, I love watching all the little clues, gestures and lingering looks, etc.. So there could have been a whole boatload more of that for me. Also, a bit more emotional connection to Aidan, which may come naturally over the series as I get to know her more.
To sum up, if you love a good mystery and powerful magical abilities and can appreciate well-crafted characters, get this book.
Highly recommended to fans of Amanda Stevens' Graveyard Queen series. UF for grown-ups.
4 Stars ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the author for an honest review
fmmiller88's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book in return for an honest review from LoP.
I really liked this book. Initially it felt like a version of "I Know What You Did Last Summer" because of the targeting of Sera and Aiden. When the story developed it felt like Avatar the last air bender. I enjoyed learning about the elementals life styles and categorizations such as Old Ones and half breeds. To me there was just enough predictability that I felt the need to continue reading to see if I was right. I knew Aiden wasn't a half human and suspected she was half fire because see talked about her anger and how she wasn't as fluid and easy going as other waters. I like that her elements are in opposition because it shows the real struggle within herself. Simon says there was something about Brian that he didn't like and he knew something was off about him and I felt the same throughout the book. He seemed too interested in Aiden, he seemed standoffish from others in the group at times, and he wasn't around...a lot. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read, it didn't have too much or too little detailed, it was a mystery, a love story, and a paranormal book all wrapped in a neat package.
I really liked this book. Initially it felt like a version of "I Know What You Did Last Summer" because of the targeting of Sera and Aiden. When the story developed it felt like Avatar the last air bender. I enjoyed learning about the elementals life styles and categorizations such as Old Ones and half breeds. To me there was just enough predictability that I felt the need to continue reading to see if I was right. I knew Aiden wasn't a half human and suspected she was half fire because see talked about her anger and how she wasn't as fluid and easy going as other waters. I like that her elements are in opposition because it shows the real struggle within herself. Simon says there was something about Brian that he didn't like and he knew something was off about him and I felt the same throughout the book. He seemed too interested in Aiden, he seemed standoffish from others in the group at times, and he wasn't around...a lot. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read, it didn't have too much or too little detailed, it was a mystery, a love story, and a paranormal book all wrapped in a neat package.
rachelini's review
4.0
I read an ARC of this (which is always fun). And how exciting to read urban fantasy that finds a unique approach to the genre - I liked the idea of the elementals, and that it was expanded beyond the traditional earth, water, fire, because it opened up possibilities and created a great world. Plus, no vampires, which I am really over for real this time.
The characters and the dialogue were great, so no surprise that I liked the books, since that's my favourite part, usually. I was a bit unconvinced by the ending, which seemed too sudden, but it did bring up something which is going to make for an interesting next book, so I can't wait for the series to continue. Definitely worth reading.
The characters and the dialogue were great, so no surprise that I liked the books, since that's my favourite part, usually. I was a bit unconvinced by the ending, which seemed too sudden, but it did bring up something which is going to make for an interesting next book, so I can't wait for the series to continue. Definitely worth reading.
setaian's review
3.0
Broken Elements has a promising start, then it loses its way in the middle before coming back for a strong ending. The beginning and the end are Die Hard...but the middle is 100% Hudson Hawk.
There are some good moments in this book, but they were too few and far between and I found myself struggling to finish. It might have even been a 2 Star book if it wasn't for the last 20% which was pretty good.
Many thanks to Match Books and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
lindca's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting premise that doesn't quite live up to its potential.
I had two problems with the story, pacing and the main character. For much of the book, I had a hard time relating to Aidan. Despite her age, she was emotionally very immature. Although this is at least partially explained later in the book, my initial ambivalence about her lingered. When she and others seemed oddly blind to some obvious things, it also became frustrating.
In terms of pacing, the beginning showed promise that ground to intermittent halts throughout. Moments of danger and discovery were interspersed with yawn-inducing stretches of eating, sleeping, tail-chasing, and navel-contemplating. The ending picked up again nicely, though, which, along with piqued interest in the whole elemental world, could induce me to say "maybe" to the next book in the series.
I had two problems with the story, pacing and the main character. For much of the book, I had a hard time relating to Aidan. Despite her age, she was emotionally very immature. Although this is at least partially explained later in the book, my initial ambivalence about her lingered. When she and others seemed oddly blind to some obvious things, it also became frustrating.
In terms of pacing, the beginning showed promise that ground to intermittent halts throughout. Moments of danger and discovery were interspersed with yawn-inducing stretches of eating, sleeping, tail-chasing, and navel-contemplating. The ending picked up again nicely, though, which, along with piqued interest in the whole elemental world, could induce me to say "maybe" to the next book in the series.
kearbetweenchapters's review
5.0
Read my 5-Star review on Book Chick City!!! http://www.bookchickcity.com/2013/08/5-star-review-broken-elements-by-mia-marshall.html
abookishtype's review
Mia Marshall’s Broken Elements is the opening novel in a series about people able to control elements like water, fire, ice, and so on. Our protagonist is young Aidan Brook, who is surprised when an old college friend tracks her down and tells her that the murders they thought they had stopped a decade before have started up again. Ten years before the novel opens, Aiden and Sera thought they had killed the killer by burning down a building around him. After that, Aidan had retreated to a remote house in Oregon and lived as a hermit. Sera drags a reluctant Aidan back into the hunt when Sera’s boyfriend is murdered. Sera also assembles a team of other alumni and supernatural beings to investigate, as the killer is using magical means to dispatch his victims. Sera knows that the regular authorities will never figure it out, so it’s up to them to find out if, perhaps, the killer escaped or if another person is a copycat...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
caitsidhe's review
3.0
check Books Are My Drug for more reviews.
My review copy was a free eARC provided by Red Queen Press through Netgalley.
I told you you’d get something different after the last two, didn’t I? Here it is. Broken Elements is a short-but-fun Urban Fantasy. I found it entertaining but forgettable.
There’s nothing really that special about Broken Elements – it follows a lot of the same trails that have been marked out by other writers. Even the writing is familiar. I’m not sure if it’s just that this is Marshall’s first novel, but she doesn’t really have a defined style that I can latch on to – it just reads like most Urban Fantasy novels that are already out there. You know, first person, sarcastic and witty, lots of one-liners and self-deprecation. Perhaps it’s a little better-written than most – there are no passages that make me cringe, and some that actually made me laugh.
I liked the concept – that’s fairly new in Urban Fantasy, as far as I know – and I liked the characterisation. One thing I really appreciated is that this avoided the usual technique of making the obsessive, needy man the love interest or ‘secretly a good guy’. No, he was a villain, and a stalker, and his actions were marked as solely his fault, not the fault of the woman who he was fixated on. This is rare in the genre. Another thing I appreciated was the way the MC has friendships with other women who are different to but just as capable as her. This is rare in most fiction. The MC isn’t the *one single woman* who is acceptable as a female.
The actual plot is perhaps a little obvious, but there’s nothing really wrong with that. Sometimes you just want a quick, mostly predictable read after a long day. If you;’e looking for great literature that will last the ages, that isn’t this book. But if you’re wanting something to read on the train or in the bath, you could do a lot, lot worse. It’s a fun book.
Book 2 in the Elements series will be released in April 2013, and I’ll probably pick it up.
mousegoddess's review against another edition
3.0
I have to start off by saying this was really well written. It's not the author's fault I read way way too much. I pegged the villains before the first quarter of the story was done. I'm not saying the author was inept, that isn't the case, far from it. I just read way too fucking much.
HOWEVER. While that part of the story was less suspenseful, the rest was really good. The main character's journey is the point of any story and that was a delight to read. The building abd rebuilding of relationships, journeys of self discovery, abd realistic banter. Excellent. recommend.
HOWEVER. While that part of the story was less suspenseful, the rest was really good. The main character's journey is the point of any story and that was a delight to read. The building abd rebuilding of relationships, journeys of self discovery, abd realistic banter. Excellent. recommend.