Recurve (The Elemental Series)

Thumbs up! It's a great start to a series. I loved that it didn't end on a cliffhanger; while it is the first in the series you could read this as a standalone book as it doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger per se. It had a great concept; girl has powerful magic that's been blocked from her by her evil stepmother so all the other elemental think she is useless. Eventually she gets kicked out of the only job she could do and is then allowed to train as an Ender. She totally excels at it and you'll love how badass she is, especially after how bleak her life reads beforehand. The characters were engaging and had plenty of depth with well executed dialogue so that you could hear the voices instead of just reading them and feel the emotions. It had me feeling bad for the MC, gritting my teeth,rooting for the home time, and totally enjoying all the action. That being said, the plot progresses at a fast pace and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I wouldn't describe this as a romance though there are bits that tell of her w a boyfriend they are diluted and suitable for a younger audience. All in all, I devoured the book in a day and am on to the next one thanks to the entertaining story that was so solidly written and we'll thought out!

I was hesitant to start this book as many of the top reviews were not promising. However, I decided to jump in since I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile... and I’m glad I did! I suspect a lot of the disappointment for other reviewers comes from expecting this to fall into a similar space to what people have come to expect from the fantasy genre due to many of the well known series greats... complex storylines, complex characters, and rich worldbuilding. To put it plainly, it’s not that sort of book. This book is very simple in its storytelling and characterizations. For me, I think that’s what was enjoyable about it. Those epic fantasy books have their place, but sometimes I just don’t want to work so hard for a good story, you know? I found the storyline and worldbuilding to be fleshed out enough to give a good base to the events of the plot. Hopefully, it will be expanded on as the series progresses, but for the first book I thought it was sufficient. I quite enjoyed the overall premise and it kept me captivated and intrigued throughout all the plot happenings. The characters are mostly where this book stumbled, I think. The heroine was likable and tenacious. She was able to pull herself through some difficult situations without falling into the “whiney brat hero/ine” trope. She just kept moving forward and trying her best. I admired her strength. However, there wasn’t a lot of insight into her motivations. And I felt more time could have been spent on exploring how each of these events were affecting her emotionally. This was true for most of the characters in the book... only hints of emotions and brief glimpses of motivations. It made it hard to fully understand why the events of the book were happening the way they were happening. Moral of the story... An easy and simple read with a likable heroine and an engaging plot. Don’t read if you’re expecting a complex fantasy book. I would recommend for people just looking for an enjoyable fantasy book that they don’t have to think too hard about. **Side Note: There was no romance in this first book, however, it looks like there is a set up for a male lead for the future books.

Love this book. Has great potential and i am eager awaiting the next book. Ill keep this simple as i suck at reviews Pro Spoiler free this is a good story, if you like magic and elementals (kinda like humans who can use elemental powers/ immortal [age wise]) you cant go wrong with this book, Magic, weapons, elemental gods, and mystery. Great author and great ideas and the potential for greatness is there. The book moves at a very quick pace because it dosn't really have that useless page filler that some books get. (some people wont like it but the STORY is what you remember (the who what when where) and now what beer they had at the tavern on apple street (no this is not in the book) or the cute top in the store she tried on (also not in the book kinda). Con Little criticism. The father figure was a little ummmm how to best put underdeveloped and confusing. Of all the characters the Father i just could not get a grip on. I know (spoiler spoiler spoiler) and (spoiler) but really there is a fine line on how stupid someone can be. Also the ending could of been better. Little more light into how the bad person did what the bad person did and how it worked would of been nice but i can see that being held in the next book.... IM WAITING FOR IT!!! SOON PLEASE!!! Only thing i don't like is that i have to wait for the next book!!! How are these other reviews here so fast i just got it!! I didn't want to put it down and ended up reading it in class a little bit :) shhh don't tell my professor. As for the author I have read a few of Shannon Mayer and i love her style and her cost/page count ratio. She keeps it real unlike some trends where authors break 1 500 page book in 3 books.... Ok only reason i said predictable was because i think everything is predictable.

Larkspur is the epitome of a Mayer heroine. Lark may be down and out but she wipes the dirt off, stands up to the challenges placed before her, and faces them head on. Her compassion runs deep. No matter how cruel people are to her, she’s willing to fight for them. This book is filled with amazing world building. I was completely hooked from page one. It’s face paced, action packed, filled with mystery and adrenaline. Above all it’s intriguing and addictive as I couldn’t put it down.

Lässige Serie! Mehr davon und wann kommt das nächste ? Ist Griffins o' Shea der Wolf Guardian aus der anderen Serie?

This book blew me away. I have been a fan of Shannon Mayer since Priceless was released and have avidly followed her Rylee Adamson series ever since. Her new series being a spin off to this fantastic series has had me itching to read it ever since she first mentioned it on social media. As usual she has not let me down. Recurve was fantastic, the new, yet not quite new world is wonderful, original and creative and it all falls into place so beautifully with what we have learnt from Rylee. Lark is a fantastic heroine and I loved her from pretty much the first page. Already I don't think I could pick between her and Rylee, they are both awesome and I simply cannot wait to read more. Lark, rather like Rylee, has had a tough life and an even rougher ride to follow but there the similarities end and the whole magic of the Elementals was intriguing with characters that I really really want to know more about. There are many mysteries, and I have many questions, only a few of which are resolved in this instalment and whilst the book was not ended on a cliff hanger as such I was desperate to read what happened next! The villain was a true villain and I could see shades of evil fairy tale step mother there, but it was so well done. I think I hated her as much as Lark did. I am greatly intrigued by Ash and Cactus too, I am really looking forward to reading more about these people and this world. A wonderful story that had me totally captivated and took me through a huge range of emotions, I don't have enough good words to say about it. Beautiful.

I really enjoy reading fantasy novels with female protagonists by female authors. I'm male and I like to see their perspective on life, death, and intrigue. Some, I have found to be superficial and flighty and for those I have left honest reviews stating my disappointment. Not this author however. This book is engrossing and moving from beginning to end. The main character is strong willed and resourceful, and faces many challenges on many levels. An absolute page turner. I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to her next ! Highly recommend.

Unfortunately a bit shallow at times, if u r looking for a quick non brainer read this is an option..

so yea, i think i loved this book. Dear Shannon Mayer, this book was awesome. I read your Rylee Adamson series and while i will say that i read most of it, i wasn't a ginormous fan. This one...this one was amazing!!! Okay let's talk plot. Madness is a place where I hide from those who would silence me." Larkspur is a royal Princess who is held in disdain. None will acknowledge her as a member of the royal family due to her lack of elemental power. Useless. a shell of an elemental. worthless. Or is she? The Queen of the Elemental seeks for power at all cost, more is never enough...any who stand in her way will die. Larkspur being accused of trying to assassinate the Queen, now faces banishment, when another thing is proposed. Make her an Ender they say. Make her a protector and defender of the family who is trying to kill her. Larkspur's life was in danger before, but now, she faces more arduous odds. Can she survive the training or will she die under the heavy yoke of secrets she discovers? "Maybe not today, but today is not tomorrow, and tomorrow may prove to be the day your world changes. side note- When this book started, i had a bit of a double take thinking 'oh this is a new adult book' that's because there was some language and sexual situations. However, after those first couple of pages, the book deviates back into the realm of young adult...and that's when everything goes epic. I think the author did this to appeal to two different groups. Well played Mayer, well played. I loved this book, i feel obsessed with knowing what the heck is going to happen to Larkspur. The suspense. the villain. the hero. the world-building. the fantasy! Now you guys know I'm a fantasy nut, and this one made me a happy munchkin for sure. this story is all about the integrity of the oppressed, the bravery of one who is hated. The epitome of the unsung hero. I happen to love that. Larkspur is not the best at everything, she struggles, but she never, ever gives up. Especially when it comes to her family, even though that family has spurned her love all her life. She's the kind of heroine i like reading about. Okay, now I know what the next question is. Love interest anyone? Now, it starts off with one, but this story is by.no.means all about a romance. I actually really enjoyed that. There is the possibility of one, and it might happen. But this story is all about epic fights against evil, the beautiful but frightening world of the elemental, the characters are way too busy to focus solely on falling in love. That being said, we do get a swoon-worthy, slightly dark and brooding male character who could become the love interest. I guess we'll just have to tune in and keep reading this series! I certainly will! like I said...well played Mayer, well played. I think you should read this. It really was such a pleasure to read. Mayer's writing is almost addictive, not even kidding. Remember how I said i wasn't a ginormous fan of the Rylee Adamson series but i read most of it anyway? It's because that woman knows how to suck you into her world and haunt you with her characters until you have no choice but to keep reading! seriously! anyway, Stay wonderful my lovelies! -The Book Herald tweet me @thebookherald