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A review by vwalklate
Elemental by Whitney Hill
4.0
4.25 stars :) Always a pleasure when you discover an awesome new series. Elemental was a fantastic read with some seriously epic worldbuilding and a kick-ass, relatable main character.
Arden Finch is a PI with a difference - she's actually part of the Otherside (a collective term for the supernaturals, which humans don't know about) - but as a dangerous sylph elemental with power over the wind, she has to pretend she's human or risk being killed by elves. She reminded me of Anita Blake in the early days of that series, except a lot more likeable and much less Mary-Sue. I loved her interactions with the supporting characters, who were all fully fleshed out and intriguing with their own agendas. Maria in particular was good fun to read.
The worldbuilding was so thorough and involved that I felt a bit bombarded at the beginning, but the book found its flow and settled quickly into a fast-paced, 'omg-just-one-more-chapter-I don't-want-to-stop' read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The only thing I felt was missing was a gentler, perhaps more humorous supporting character to soften the overall feel of aggressiveness. Arden's snark and outer toughness were great, but all the characters had similar personalities to her, and a gentler presence would have made a great juxtaposition. But hey, it's the first of a series so I might get my wish!
I'm really pleased to have found an adult urban fantasy I can get my teeth into, and can't wait to read the next one.
Arden Finch is a PI with a difference - she's actually part of the Otherside (a collective term for the supernaturals, which humans don't know about) - but as a dangerous sylph elemental with power over the wind, she has to pretend she's human or risk being killed by elves. She reminded me of Anita Blake in the early days of that series, except a lot more likeable and much less Mary-Sue. I loved her interactions with the supporting characters, who were all fully fleshed out and intriguing with their own agendas. Maria in particular was good fun to read.
The worldbuilding was so thorough and involved that I felt a bit bombarded at the beginning, but the book found its flow and settled quickly into a fast-paced, 'omg-just-one-more-chapter-I don't-want-to-stop' read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The only thing I felt was missing was a gentler, perhaps more humorous supporting character to soften the overall feel of aggressiveness. Arden's snark and outer toughness were great, but all the characters had similar personalities to her, and a gentler presence would have made a great juxtaposition. But hey, it's the first of a series so I might get my wish!
I'm really pleased to have found an adult urban fantasy I can get my teeth into, and can't wait to read the next one.