Welcome to Freyshire! The quiet little town where one might appreciate historic Tudor-style homes, mysterious cobblestone streets…and the occasional creature. Including me. And, actually, my life was extraordinarily average.
Except that I was half-vampire.
It wasn’t a big deal. I was basically like any other 19-year-old in town who was ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. I was about to start my first semester at St. Anne’s Academy, the prestigious collegiate home to some of the most gifted, talented, and, well, not exactly human, students since 1536. It was my time to finally come out of hiding and be myself, to meet new people, learn how to hone my “special” skills, and just enjoy being a college student. But then I met Oliver, the guy that I had shamelessly crushed on from my bedroom window behind the veil, and everything changed.
Oliver was smart, funny, perfect. And human. At least, that’s what I thought until he started exhibiting some special talents of his own. Now it was up to me to help him uncover the truth about who he really was. And the truth could make our relationship a bit more complicated. If not deadly.
Jen Drapp, who writes under this and also under the name of J.D. Corbett, was raised in Charleston, South Carolina. As a girl, she was obsessed with learning and reading about historical and fictional characters; one of her favorites being Scarlett O'Hara. Jen has always loved writing, whether it was short stories about made-up worlds or even essays for school. She has five contemporary romances published and continues to learn and grow as an author. Jen currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a 4 year-old Cattle Dog.
Thank you Jen Drapp for asking me to read Elemental Stalking before the release of book 2 for the Freyshire series called Firestarter which will be released May 12th.
While not the most exciting book I have read this year, I did enjoy the plot. This is a romantasy but it almost leans in the direction of cozy fantasy rather than high stakes in this book. There wasn’t big battles or fights amongst gods, most of the battles were internal battles of the mind. Learning who you are or accepting who you are no matter the flaws that may come with being who you are.
Of course I have theories about what will happen for this series and the characters. As a broad overview, there are characters I actively dislike, one I disliked at first but somehow clearly knows more than they are saying hence a certain interaction with Celina and another character, and characters I really hope don’t end up being the villain because I’ll be sad!!
This is a YA book so spice is very minimal and non descriptive. I won’t lie, compared to What Claws Beneath The Crown, this feels very tame but I still very much enjoyed this and will be reading book 2 soon!
Some troped include single POV, slow burn, hidden magic, paranormal romance, academy setting. It did not really leave off on a cliffhanger but you are left with questions from the main plot of the book.
Jen Drapp is a new to me author, and I really enjoyed her writing style so I will be reading more in the future. Celina is a half vampire behind the scenes of her life, but now she gets to St. Anne's Academy to hang out with her own paranormal people & be who she really is. Things get a tad complicated when she meets Oliver, a human she's already been crushing on behind the veil & there's a connection forming. However, Oliver starts showing some gifts (the kind in her world) of his own, so now the journey of fun & mystery pops off. This means there are twists to make things really interesting as they try to uncover what's really going on with him so things get exciting because danger is now part of the program. Elemental Stalking was a real page turner, and I didn't want it to end especially since there were questions left unanswered in my mind. Anyway, I hope there's more, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This book was pretty good! I can see why it was targeted for a YA audience.
This is a paranormal romance about Celina, who is a half-vampire. She sees this not behind the veil and can’t stop looking at him. She eventually meets him and they both feel an instant connection. Along the way, Celina believes that Oliver also has some sort of magic to him as well. While they spend more time together, they find more about Oliver’s parents and what he truly is.
I felt that the ending left us off with more to come in the book, but I didn’t see any information on a second book. A second book would be needed IMO, since it left off with Celina keeping secrets from Oliver about his father. I hope there is a second book so that the story can continue! 🥰
Another 5 star read from one of my fave Indie Authors. I am usually not into the college/academy setting but Jen nails this one. It has just enough of the academy setting but she focuses on the small town vibe surrounding it. Cali is a 19 year old half vamp half fae whose best friend is an Egyptian Gods daughter. I mean, immediately sold! The story follows Cali and a handsome guy, Oliver that she watches thru the veil every full moon. So sweet right?! Turns out that Oliver may have some hidden, possibly dangerous magic behind those sweet guitar playing fingertips. This story is so sweet, a little spicy, and the magical pieces are perfectly pieced together.
Elemental Stalking by Jen Drapp is a fast, engaging, character-driven fantasy that’s easy to get pulled into. The story follows a determined, resilient heroine navigating danger alongside a complex, guarded male lead whose intentions keep you guessing. Their dynamic adds just the right amount of tension and intrigue.
The pacing keeps things moving, and the emotional moments land well, making it a really enjoyable read from start to finish. It does leave off unfinished, but fortunately the next book is out soon! Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something compelling and hard to put down.
What a quick read! I absolutely loved the world in this book it was absolutely wonderful and different! Very easy to read and get into. I loved the magic system and the different characters. I loved the fact the main characters love interest smelled like Christmas. The twists were really great too! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wanted more about the classes she was taking and I wanted more answers than I got but hopefully the next book will provide. Over all I really enjoyed reading this. :) I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
So this was a new author to me and I really enjoyed Celina and Oliver. The chemistry and connection these two have for one another is instant you feel that spark immediately. These two have a very strong bond from the get go and you feel that through out the entire book while they dig deeper into the mystery and Oliver’s parents and what is happening. This was a great surprise and I cannot wait for more.
✨ARC Review ✨ *** Thank you to Jen Drapp and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC to review. *** Elemental Stacking was a cute and fun read. I loved the easiness in Calina's and Oliver's relationship. St. Anne's sounds wonderful and I loved reading about all the different types of supernatural beings. This was a great first book and intro into this world and I am excited to see what else happens. *** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ***
Celina is a half-vampire who begins school at St. Anne’s Academy with other paranormals. She is surprised to meet Oliver there since he is supposedly a human and the one she had been spying and crushing on. Both of them seem attracted to each other from the start. But Celina does feel that Oliver may have some sort of magical gift as well. Will they work together to find out more about his parents? Will they uncover the truth along the way?
So this book was really good! It’s not like what I’ve been reading lately but I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and secondary characters. I can’t wait for more! Only problem I had with it is that it ended too soon lol
This book feels fresh and fun! Its a super cute story between a boy and girl. I loved the little surprises about magic and the fresh take on a collage romance. I love the little bit of back story and world building. Im excited to see this is the first of a series! Cant wait for more.