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The Elementalist #1
Quest
Every lock has a key, every riddle an answer.
Jack's always been about finding the answer, the key, to everything, but his riddles and locks were always larger than the people in his life suspected.
What holds everything together? How could the ancients’ understanding of the elements connect to our modern understanding?
If Jack understood that, would it mean he could control them?
But answers come with consequences, and knowledge always has a price.
Jack’s thirst for knowledge and his will to succeed no matter the danger leads him to discover that truth. When he makes his greatest revelation, his lab is burned to the ground and he finds himself at the sharp end of a very dangerous situation.
With the presumption he is no longer among the living giving him some breathing room, Jack must do the only thing he knows how. He must search for the answers.
What will finding those answers cost him? How far is he willing to go to get them?
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to grab your copy of the first book in this extraordinary new series today!
Jack's always been about finding the answer, the key, to everything, but his riddles and locks were always larger than the people in his life suspected.
What holds everything together? How could the ancients’ understanding of the elements connect to our modern understanding?
If Jack understood that, would it mean he could control them?
But answers come with consequences, and knowledge always has a price.
Jack’s thirst for knowledge and his will to succeed no matter the danger leads him to discover that truth. When he makes his greatest revelation, his lab is burned to the ground and he finds himself at the sharp end of a very dangerous situation.
With the presumption he is no longer among the living giving him some breathing room, Jack must do the only thing he knows how. He must search for the answers.
What will finding those answers cost him? How far is he willing to go to get them?
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to grab your copy of the first book in this extraordinary new series today!
- GenresFantasy
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 29, 2024
Not bad for a first book. The teenage brother Matthew made you want to scream!!!the action scenes are pretty good, the story is what it is.
July 26, 2023
Totally typical…. PHENOMENAL world and paradigm-building
Ok, this one is for the diminutive Asian assassin (not trademarked)…. Stealing inspiration from the ancient scrolls of Will and Grace, I am forced to admit….
I’m a Fanderle (and maybe even a little bit Fanilow, too), so, let’s face it , it’s pretty much a given that in the very least I’m gonna like it…. And I do.
The concept is well crafted, the magic system appears to be clearly and fully developed (Although, at the moment, we really know only as much as the hero does, so we are still learning, even as he is) and the essential elements (no puns intended.) of the story and plot are both “believable” and reasonable.
I had some problems with the dialogue, however, and this series bears the designation “Created by Michael Anderle,” rather than naming him the author. I’ve noticed this previously and again also note the differences in writing style so I’m leaning towards a ghost writer concept (or possibly, ***GASP*** an electronic Idiot!).
Overall, the writing shows exceptional promise with a first-class fluidity with language and word-choice. But the dialogue couldn’t sustain that. It’s difficult to describe my dissatisfaction, but much of the dialogue simply felt flat, and where it didn’t, it felt like it was rushed and the conversations over-simplified - with the characters reaching conclusions but lacking any road map showing us how they did so.
But believe me when I tell you that such consideration are but a trifle in comparison to the fun the book offers overall. So grab it, buy it, sit down and enjoy!
Ok, this one is for the diminutive Asian assassin (not trademarked)…. Stealing inspiration from the ancient scrolls of Will and Grace, I am forced to admit….
I’m a Fanderle (and maybe even a little bit Fanilow, too), so, let’s face it , it’s pretty much a given that in the very least I’m gonna like it…. And I do.
The concept is well crafted, the magic system appears to be clearly and fully developed (Although, at the moment, we really know only as much as the hero does, so we are still learning, even as he is) and the essential elements (no puns intended.) of the story and plot are both “believable” and reasonable.
I had some problems with the dialogue, however, and this series bears the designation “Created by Michael Anderle,” rather than naming him the author. I’ve noticed this previously and again also note the differences in writing style so I’m leaning towards a ghost writer concept (or possibly, ***GASP*** an electronic Idiot!).
Overall, the writing shows exceptional promise with a first-class fluidity with language and word-choice. But the dialogue couldn’t sustain that. It’s difficult to describe my dissatisfaction, but much of the dialogue simply felt flat, and where it didn’t, it felt like it was rushed and the conversations over-simplified - with the characters reaching conclusions but lacking any road map showing us how they did so.
But believe me when I tell you that such consideration are but a trifle in comparison to the fun the book offers overall. So grab it, buy it, sit down and enjoy!
August 29, 2023
OK 3.7 stars
First book starts at 2.5 stars...slightly terrible style, very melodramatic etc. But it did improve quickly once the first few awkward introductory chapters were past. I wouldn't say it reached an average of quite 4 stars. More like it peaked at 4 star quality about 2/3 rds through then wavered down and up again through out the remainder. So 3.7 average being possibly a little generous.
But I am hopeful that book 2 will avoid a lot of the more awkward moments of book 1 in establishing a new story arc. Every sign points to 4+ material being quite possible...assuming the author themselves don't lose interest in the concept or creativity for where the story should go.
First book starts at 2.5 stars...slightly terrible style, very melodramatic etc. But it did improve quickly once the first few awkward introductory chapters were past. I wouldn't say it reached an average of quite 4 stars. More like it peaked at 4 star quality about 2/3 rds through then wavered down and up again through out the remainder. So 3.7 average being possibly a little generous.
But I am hopeful that book 2 will avoid a lot of the more awkward moments of book 1 in establishing a new story arc. Every sign points to 4+ material being quite possible...assuming the author themselves don't lose interest in the concept or creativity for where the story should go.
October 25, 2023
Help me read more books
Quite the amusing story. There's parts that aren't as funny as they were intended I'm sure, since in some places, the humor seems to be junior high level, but for the most part, the book hangs together well, and I'd be happy to read more books in the series. It's always good to see the bad guys get their butts kicked, especially when they've been at the top of the food chain for so long, and believe they can't be challenged, and for no other purpose, because they can. I hate a bully, no matter it's shape or form, and since most folks never get to fight back, it';s always good to see a character do just that. I'll be reading more in this series for sure.
Quite the amusing story. There's parts that aren't as funny as they were intended I'm sure, since in some places, the humor seems to be junior high level, but for the most part, the book hangs together well, and I'd be happy to read more books in the series. It's always good to see the bad guys get their butts kicked, especially when they've been at the top of the food chain for so long, and believe they can't be challenged, and for no other purpose, because they can. I hate a bully, no matter it's shape or form, and since most folks never get to fight back, it';s always good to see a character do just that. I'll be reading more in this series for sure.
June 21, 2023
An Explosive Start
Jack's parents are apparently dead and left some interesting notebooks about their research. Jack find a way to continue their research with surprising results. This brings some government agencies in to stop his research permanently. He needs to understand what he has found while keeping him and his friends alive.
Lots of action, a somewhat psychotic AI, an almost girlfriend, her mom, her conspiracy theory brother, and Jack's professor. Will it be enough?
Jack's parents are apparently dead and left some interesting notebooks about their research. Jack find a way to continue their research with surprising results. This brings some government agencies in to stop his research permanently. He needs to understand what he has found while keeping him and his friends alive.
Lots of action, a somewhat psychotic AI, an almost girlfriend, her mom, her conspiracy theory brother, and Jack's professor. Will it be enough?
February 5, 2024
Michael continues to produce another really entertaining and enjoyable series!!!!!
Again, congratulation to Michael Anderle for another really amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Again, congratulation to Michael Anderle for another really amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 18, 2023
Controlling the elements
Jack has been researching the elements with his AI Bart, but when someone finds out where his research is leading they try to kill him. Now Jack is on the run not knowing who he can trust. This is a good first book in the series, there is plenty of action, humor and mayhem in it, and it definitely keeps you wanting to read the next book.
Jack has been researching the elements with his AI Bart, but when someone finds out where his research is leading they try to kill him. Now Jack is on the run not knowing who he can trust. This is a good first book in the series, there is plenty of action, humor and mayhem in it, and it definitely keeps you wanting to read the next book.
January 15, 2024
Good new world and interesting characters
I'd had this one for a bit and kept going back to others, which I assumed were in the same universe.
I'm very pleased to see that it isn't. I like to have a few books in the series, so I can dive into more detail before I start. I'm going to enjoy the time spent getting to know this cast of people and their place in the series.
I'd had this one for a bit and kept going back to others, which I assumed were in the same universe.
I'm very pleased to see that it isn't. I like to have a few books in the series, so I can dive into more detail before I start. I'm going to enjoy the time spent getting to know this cast of people and their place in the series.
June 15, 2023
Not bad
Pretty much liked book but not sure how hero got the powers and he didn't seem to smart by going to meet girl at target since he is on the run - also didn't like that the girl didn't tell her dumb brother to keep his mouth shut lol- but looking forward to next book
Pretty much liked book but not sure how hero got the powers and he didn't seem to smart by going to meet girl at target since he is on the run - also didn't like that the girl didn't tell her dumb brother to keep his mouth shut lol- but looking forward to next book
July 14, 2023
Great read
Take the time to enjoy one of the many writing styles of Michael Anderle. In short order you will be transported into a fast paced world where anything can happen and often does. Keep writing!
Take the time to enjoy one of the many writing styles of Michael Anderle. In short order you will be transported into a fast paced world where anything can happen and often does. Keep writing!
July 19, 2023
Cannot wait for book 2 - Showdown
As with Michael's other books, I read the Quest (Elementalist book 1) too fast; I couldn't put it down. Now I have to wait for my calendar reminder to begin reading Showdown. : - {
As with Michael's other books, I read the Quest (Elementalist book 1) too fast; I couldn't put it down. Now I have to wait for my calendar reminder to begin reading Showdown. : - {
February 3, 2024
Quest(The Elements list Book 1
Okay I enjoyed the fun with James learning from Plato's elementalist approach and James learning controling the elemental. Amazing that he learns so much, so quickly.(even when he learns the abilities for levitating etc.
Okay I enjoyed the fun with James learning from Plato's elementalist approach and James learning controling the elemental. Amazing that he learns so much, so quickly.(even when he learns the abilities for levitating etc.
February 11, 2024
plot is fascinating, but a little too much like a comic!
I enjoy Sci fi and so it is completely in character for me to enjoy a book with a fantastic plot. This plot was out there, but I enjoyed it!
I enjoy Sci fi and so it is completely in character for me to enjoy a book with a fantastic plot. This plot was out there, but I enjoyed it!
September 11, 2023
Very high school level writing and plotting 🙄
October 1, 2023
Great story
Very good story very inventive and nicely written. I really like this author and will continue to read his books they are fun and entertaining
Very good story very inventive and nicely written. I really like this author and will continue to read his books they are fun and entertaining
January 16, 2024
Very Interesting Start!
This book was really interesting. It takes hold of you and makes you think as well as enjoying the journey! I'm looking forward to more!
This book was really interesting. It takes hold of you and makes you think as well as enjoying the journey! I'm looking forward to more!
April 28, 2024
OMG
This is such an awesome series I'm glad that I got the series as a block now I can binge read it! Of course I'll be bummed when I finish!
This is such an awesome series I'm glad that I got the series as a block now I can binge read it! Of course I'll be bummed when I finish!
November 29, 2024
Great book. This is more of a middle school read but I enjoyed it.
June 25, 2025
Such a great read! Not only is the adventure and action great, but you can also learn something while enjoying this awesome read! Enjoy!
April 26, 2026
very good. i'm not a scientist, but this was a great story bringing in the elements. i loved it
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews