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Elemental Origins #1-6
Elemental Origins: The Complete Series
Born of Water
My mother is a creature of the deep; a siren, a mermaid, and because her daughter is human, she can never go home.
A mysterious shipwreck could unlock ancient powers… or send her to a watery grave.
Targa MacAuley feels more at home on dry land than in the watery realm of her mermaid ancestors. After 17 years on solid ground, she fears she’ll never grow into the creature her mother hoped she’d become. To keep her mom’s homesickness and true identity under wraps, Targa signs on for a mysterious salvage dive in the Baltic Sea.
Her plan to blend in with the rest of the crew is spoiled when she catches the eye of a handsome local. A freak accident and a strange connection to the ancient shipwreck below attract even more unwanted attention. With both her mom’s secret—and her life—in danger, Targa must finally find the courage to unleash the currents surging deep within.
"The Wreck of Sybellen", a companion novella is included.
Born of Fire
Welcome to the world of fire magi, where what doesn’t kill you (literally) makes you stronger.
Saxony Cagney counts herself lucky when she wins a position as an au pair in Venice for the summer. It’s her responsibility to take care of two young boys - speak to them in English, make sure they get to their swimming lessons on time. Piece of cake, right?
She unexpectedly forms a strong bond with the youngest boy–Isaia. She also meets two Italian men… both are smart, successful, sexy. So far things are going her way. Who doesn’t like options?
When she discovers Isaia is actually dying, and his mom is trying to keep it a secret from his dad, things get a violent shove into complicated…
And then contagious––She’ll never be the same again.
Just when she’s got more on her plate than she can handle, she accidentally gets tangled up with the most powerful crime family in Venice.
Will Saxony survive long enough to learn the secrets of her new abilities, or will they kill her?
The novella "Pyro" has been renamed as "Born of Fire Part III".
Born of Earth
A trip abroad. A dark secret. Her family's legacy of magic may cost a teen her life…
Georjie’s summer is shaping up to be a big disappointment. Trapped in Ireland with her aunt’s gorgeous but cold adopted son Jasher, her "vacation" gets worse with each passing day. But when a trip to the greenhouse reveals glowing cocoons she shouldn't be able to see, she embarks on a quest to solve a magical mystery…
In the pages of an ancient diary, Georjie learns of her dark family history and unearths an incredible elemental power. But as she digs deeper and realizes she isn't the only one with a touch of magic, the ghosts of the past may do much more than haunt her.
Can Georjie provide justice for her ancestors before she becomes the next family victim?
Born of Aether
They say if you tell a lie long enough, you'll eventually believe it, but Akiko will never forget who she really is.
Akiko Susumu is not what she seems. Her life as a normal teen living in a coastal Canadian town is a complete sham. The old man she lives with is not her grandfather, he's her captor. And Akiko isn't a teen. In fact, she isn't even human.
But Akiko isn't allowed to share the reality of her true nature with a single soul. Not even her three best friends know of the power she could wield, given the chance.
So, when she's sent back to her homeland to steal an ancient samurai sword, she jumps at the chance to secure her freedom, only to get caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the most dangerous crime syndicate in Japan.
Can Akiko escape with her life and her soul, or is true freedom as elusive as the Aether she was born from?
Born of Air
A terrifying family secret will awaken her power. Embracing it may cost Petra her life.
All Petra Kara wants in life is to study Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. And she's so close. She's got the grades, she's got the ambition. All she needs now is an outrageous sum of money and experience on an Old World archaeological excavation. If only she could find a way to get rid of her annoying low-grade telepathy. There's nothing Petra hates more than a cheat and a liar and it's too easy to cheat when you can read people's minds.
When Petra spies an ad for a volunteer position on an excavation to North Africa, she knows its meant for her. But there is more waiting for her in Libya than broken pottery and human remains. A heart-pounding race through the desert under a sky full of stars with Jesse, her sexy dig-mate and newfound crush, ends when Petra slides into an ancient cave-system with strange stones embedded in the walls.
That's where her life changes forever.
As her powers manifest, there are those who think they have a good reason to destroy her before she becomes too powerful.
Petra knows she is far more than just gales of wind. Just how old is she? Has she lived before? Who is the man in her vision wi...
My mother is a creature of the deep; a siren, a mermaid, and because her daughter is human, she can never go home.
A mysterious shipwreck could unlock ancient powers… or send her to a watery grave.
Targa MacAuley feels more at home on dry land than in the watery realm of her mermaid ancestors. After 17 years on solid ground, she fears she’ll never grow into the creature her mother hoped she’d become. To keep her mom’s homesickness and true identity under wraps, Targa signs on for a mysterious salvage dive in the Baltic Sea.
Her plan to blend in with the rest of the crew is spoiled when she catches the eye of a handsome local. A freak accident and a strange connection to the ancient shipwreck below attract even more unwanted attention. With both her mom’s secret—and her life—in danger, Targa must finally find the courage to unleash the currents surging deep within.
"The Wreck of Sybellen", a companion novella is included.
Born of Fire
Welcome to the world of fire magi, where what doesn’t kill you (literally) makes you stronger.
Saxony Cagney counts herself lucky when she wins a position as an au pair in Venice for the summer. It’s her responsibility to take care of two young boys - speak to them in English, make sure they get to their swimming lessons on time. Piece of cake, right?
She unexpectedly forms a strong bond with the youngest boy–Isaia. She also meets two Italian men… both are smart, successful, sexy. So far things are going her way. Who doesn’t like options?
When she discovers Isaia is actually dying, and his mom is trying to keep it a secret from his dad, things get a violent shove into complicated…
And then contagious––She’ll never be the same again.
Just when she’s got more on her plate than she can handle, she accidentally gets tangled up with the most powerful crime family in Venice.
Will Saxony survive long enough to learn the secrets of her new abilities, or will they kill her?
The novella "Pyro" has been renamed as "Born of Fire Part III".
Born of Earth
A trip abroad. A dark secret. Her family's legacy of magic may cost a teen her life…
Georjie’s summer is shaping up to be a big disappointment. Trapped in Ireland with her aunt’s gorgeous but cold adopted son Jasher, her "vacation" gets worse with each passing day. But when a trip to the greenhouse reveals glowing cocoons she shouldn't be able to see, she embarks on a quest to solve a magical mystery…
In the pages of an ancient diary, Georjie learns of her dark family history and unearths an incredible elemental power. But as she digs deeper and realizes she isn't the only one with a touch of magic, the ghosts of the past may do much more than haunt her.
Can Georjie provide justice for her ancestors before she becomes the next family victim?
Born of Aether
They say if you tell a lie long enough, you'll eventually believe it, but Akiko will never forget who she really is.
Akiko Susumu is not what she seems. Her life as a normal teen living in a coastal Canadian town is a complete sham. The old man she lives with is not her grandfather, he's her captor. And Akiko isn't a teen. In fact, she isn't even human.
But Akiko isn't allowed to share the reality of her true nature with a single soul. Not even her three best friends know of the power she could wield, given the chance.
So, when she's sent back to her homeland to steal an ancient samurai sword, she jumps at the chance to secure her freedom, only to get caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the most dangerous crime syndicate in Japan.
Can Akiko escape with her life and her soul, or is true freedom as elusive as the Aether she was born from?
Born of Air
A terrifying family secret will awaken her power. Embracing it may cost Petra her life.
All Petra Kara wants in life is to study Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. And she's so close. She's got the grades, she's got the ambition. All she needs now is an outrageous sum of money and experience on an Old World archaeological excavation. If only she could find a way to get rid of her annoying low-grade telepathy. There's nothing Petra hates more than a cheat and a liar and it's too easy to cheat when you can read people's minds.
When Petra spies an ad for a volunteer position on an excavation to North Africa, she knows its meant for her. But there is more waiting for her in Libya than broken pottery and human remains. A heart-pounding race through the desert under a sky full of stars with Jesse, her sexy dig-mate and newfound crush, ends when Petra slides into an ancient cave-system with strange stones embedded in the walls.
That's where her life changes forever.
As her powers manifest, there are those who think they have a good reason to destroy her before she becomes too powerful.
Petra knows she is far more than just gales of wind. Just how old is she? Has she lived before? Who is the man in her vision wi...
1591 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2018
3413 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Knorr
66 books701 followersA.L. Knorr is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning Canadian conjurer of clean fantasy for teens and the young at heart. Her stories blend elemental magic, epic adventure, fierce female leads, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter (without needing to hide the book from your grandma).
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.
No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.
And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.
Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
www(dot)alknorrbooks(dot)com
Find her on IG @alknorrbooks
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01NBAUVKO
Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/alknorrbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
July 29, 2018
AL Knorr’s Elemental Origins series was an utterly fantastic and enchanting read. It is well worth the nearly $32 you’d pay for the individual novels and now it’s a total steal at 99¢ for The Complete Series: (the six main novels, Water, Fire, Earth, Air, Aether and the Ensemble Novel, plus two companion novelettes, The Wreck of Sybellen and Pyro). I read these individually, so here are my reviews. All I can say is that if you’ve not read these already then you’re in for a treat. Recommended? That’s an understatement.
Born of Water
AL Knorr is a wonderful writer and this is reflected in a number of ways. One is the ability of putting a new twist on something "everybody knows" all about, in this case memaids. Another is the ability to build complex characters that resonate with her readers thanks to how developed they are yet continue to grow while interacting realistically with the world around them, their family interests (here mother-daughter) and romantic interests. Add in strong plotting and excellent writing and the outcome is sn excellent book and a sign that the Elrmentals books to come are something to look forward to.
The Wreck of Sybellen - Excerpt from the Diary of Aleksandra Iga Novak
This is a fun companion novelette to Born if Water in which new mermaid Targa MacAuley takes a deep dive (yes, pun intended) into her family’s personal history. Deep secrets and a tragic shipwreck, this is fun stuff for those who have read the first Elemental Origins book.
Born of Fire
AL Knorr's Elemental Origins novels have been a true pleasure. One if the reasons for this is how the author immerses her readers in the experience and locales of her stories. Along with this is how she ties this locale to the appropriate elemental power and relates it to her original twist on appropriate fantasy of mythology. Thus, first (for me at least, as these books truly can be read in any order) it was Born of Water's shipwreck in the Baltic and the author's take on mermaids, then, in Born of Earth, the beautiful Ireland and the Fae, and now, in born of Fire, Venezia and the Magi. It's really an impressive achievement, especially since each of these novels mirrors Born of Fire in having a great plot and wonderful lead and supporting characters. That's why, as I noted at the start, reading this book - and the series to date - has been a true pleasure.
Pyro
I fell in love with Saxony in AL Knorr's Born of Fire novel, part of her excellent Elemental Origins series of stories. She really is a superb character and I've been looking forward to following her story further. Well, look no more. Pyro takes her to the next step of her journey, school for magi, telling the fam what she is and ... more. Thoroughly enjoyable but now I'm going to be craving the next one. Highly recommended.
Born of Earth
So much of fantasy these days are the same tropes (vampires and shape shifters, elves and orcs, etc., et. al.). I love fantasy so that doesn't really upset me too much, but it does make it especially appreciated when a fantasy (especially one set in modern days, i.e. urban fantasy, my "sweet spot") is both well written AND original. AL Knorr's Elemental Origins novels definitely fit into that category, and Born of Earth is an absolutely fantastic take on Earth magic. Add in the fact that the author does a really great job of creating interesting and well developed characters, who are a pleasure to watch grow, and a plot that's just plain fun, and you just know that this book is yet another winner for enjoying.
Born of Aether
This really has been a fantastic series and I've totally adored each of its prior books. As a result, I was really looking forward to this book and expecting a fun read. I did not get what I expected - I got much more. Quite simply, this book is superb. The way that AL Knorr brings in Japanese mythology and samurai culture in the form of the "born of Æther" demon hunting Akuna Hanta is hugely original and wonderfully entertaining. Akiku Susumu, the heroine of this particular tale, is a truly compelling character and it's really neat following along as she starts developing her powers as she faces everything thrown at her. Add in a kick-a** plot, a great cast of supporting characters and excellent writing and you'll understand why I felt obligated to rate this book five stars (which I generally avoid doing) and am happy to highly recommend it.
Born of Air
I’ve been reading AL Knorr’s Elemental Origins books since the first one, the totally wonderful yet horribly addictive Born of Water. But this one is special. It’s star, Petra, is actually much more than what’s indicated by the book title... but I won’t say more as I don’t want to give things away. So what we have here is a frankly superb character who develops freaking amazing powers in the course of her adventures. Action, intrigue, mystery ... and a look into a greater conspiracy that I’m sure we will see more of. A fantastic plot which hints at even more to come, a wonderful cast and the excellent writing I’ve come to expect from this author. A fantastic achievement, and of course highly recommended.
The Elementals
I’ve been overwhelmed with delight each time I’ve had the (truly total) pleasure of reading one of of A.L. Knorr’s Elemental Origins series novels. Now, in The Elementals, we get all five elementals together in action. It’s a total treat getting Targa (water), Saxony (fire), Georjayna (earth), Akiko (aether) and Petra (air) all at once - sort of like one of the most recent Marvel super-movie where all of the characters from prior films got together, but much (MUCH) better. This book really had it all. It was superbly written. It had a superb plot. It had a superb supporting cast of characters. Frankly everything I wanted was there and just, well, superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. Really the only bad thing about this book is that it’s the penultimate one in the series. Now I love that word, penultimate, as it’s such a classy way of saying “next to last”, but darn it that means it’s the next to last! I’m now both desperately looking forward to and dreading getting that next book since it will be the last of a - you guessed it - superb series.
Born of Water
AL Knorr is a wonderful writer and this is reflected in a number of ways. One is the ability of putting a new twist on something "everybody knows" all about, in this case memaids. Another is the ability to build complex characters that resonate with her readers thanks to how developed they are yet continue to grow while interacting realistically with the world around them, their family interests (here mother-daughter) and romantic interests. Add in strong plotting and excellent writing and the outcome is sn excellent book and a sign that the Elrmentals books to come are something to look forward to.
The Wreck of Sybellen - Excerpt from the Diary of Aleksandra Iga Novak
This is a fun companion novelette to Born if Water in which new mermaid Targa MacAuley takes a deep dive (yes, pun intended) into her family’s personal history. Deep secrets and a tragic shipwreck, this is fun stuff for those who have read the first Elemental Origins book.
Born of Fire
AL Knorr's Elemental Origins novels have been a true pleasure. One if the reasons for this is how the author immerses her readers in the experience and locales of her stories. Along with this is how she ties this locale to the appropriate elemental power and relates it to her original twist on appropriate fantasy of mythology. Thus, first (for me at least, as these books truly can be read in any order) it was Born of Water's shipwreck in the Baltic and the author's take on mermaids, then, in Born of Earth, the beautiful Ireland and the Fae, and now, in born of Fire, Venezia and the Magi. It's really an impressive achievement, especially since each of these novels mirrors Born of Fire in having a great plot and wonderful lead and supporting characters. That's why, as I noted at the start, reading this book - and the series to date - has been a true pleasure.
Pyro
I fell in love with Saxony in AL Knorr's Born of Fire novel, part of her excellent Elemental Origins series of stories. She really is a superb character and I've been looking forward to following her story further. Well, look no more. Pyro takes her to the next step of her journey, school for magi, telling the fam what she is and ... more. Thoroughly enjoyable but now I'm going to be craving the next one. Highly recommended.
Born of Earth
So much of fantasy these days are the same tropes (vampires and shape shifters, elves and orcs, etc., et. al.). I love fantasy so that doesn't really upset me too much, but it does make it especially appreciated when a fantasy (especially one set in modern days, i.e. urban fantasy, my "sweet spot") is both well written AND original. AL Knorr's Elemental Origins novels definitely fit into that category, and Born of Earth is an absolutely fantastic take on Earth magic. Add in the fact that the author does a really great job of creating interesting and well developed characters, who are a pleasure to watch grow, and a plot that's just plain fun, and you just know that this book is yet another winner for enjoying.
Born of Aether
This really has been a fantastic series and I've totally adored each of its prior books. As a result, I was really looking forward to this book and expecting a fun read. I did not get what I expected - I got much more. Quite simply, this book is superb. The way that AL Knorr brings in Japanese mythology and samurai culture in the form of the "born of Æther" demon hunting Akuna Hanta is hugely original and wonderfully entertaining. Akiku Susumu, the heroine of this particular tale, is a truly compelling character and it's really neat following along as she starts developing her powers as she faces everything thrown at her. Add in a kick-a** plot, a great cast of supporting characters and excellent writing and you'll understand why I felt obligated to rate this book five stars (which I generally avoid doing) and am happy to highly recommend it.
Born of Air
I’ve been reading AL Knorr’s Elemental Origins books since the first one, the totally wonderful yet horribly addictive Born of Water. But this one is special. It’s star, Petra, is actually much more than what’s indicated by the book title... but I won’t say more as I don’t want to give things away. So what we have here is a frankly superb character who develops freaking amazing powers in the course of her adventures. Action, intrigue, mystery ... and a look into a greater conspiracy that I’m sure we will see more of. A fantastic plot which hints at even more to come, a wonderful cast and the excellent writing I’ve come to expect from this author. A fantastic achievement, and of course highly recommended.
The Elementals
I’ve been overwhelmed with delight each time I’ve had the (truly total) pleasure of reading one of of A.L. Knorr’s Elemental Origins series novels. Now, in The Elementals, we get all five elementals together in action. It’s a total treat getting Targa (water), Saxony (fire), Georjayna (earth), Akiko (aether) and Petra (air) all at once - sort of like one of the most recent Marvel super-movie where all of the characters from prior films got together, but much (MUCH) better. This book really had it all. It was superbly written. It had a superb plot. It had a superb supporting cast of characters. Frankly everything I wanted was there and just, well, superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. Really the only bad thing about this book is that it’s the penultimate one in the series. Now I love that word, penultimate, as it’s such a classy way of saying “next to last”, but darn it that means it’s the next to last! I’m now both desperately looking forward to and dreading getting that next book since it will be the last of a - you guessed it - superb series.
October 31, 2022
Enjoyed this series much more then the last I read by A.L. Knorr. This box set includes 6 novels and two novellas about 5 young women who have supernatural powers. I enjoyed the time the author spent on creating great individual characters and character arcs but also wove them together for the final book. It is stated the books can be read in any order and while that is probable I personally liked reading the order in this set.
February 12, 2019
Enjoyed
I have really enjoyed all of these books. The characters are great, and I love the relationship the friends have with each other. The one that holds my interest the most, and intrigues me the most, is Targa. I can’t get enough of her and her mother’s stories. Thanks for the journey.
I have really enjoyed all of these books. The characters are great, and I love the relationship the friends have with each other. The one that holds my interest the most, and intrigues me the most, is Targa. I can’t get enough of her and her mother’s stories. Thanks for the journey.
January 5, 2020
Couldn't put it down
Love the pace of the all the books. They interlink just fine and ended perfectly. Can't wait to see if there will be a story for Akiko after this.
Love the pace of the all the books. They interlink just fine and ended perfectly. Can't wait to see if there will be a story for Akiko after this.
Read
June 16, 2025This was an interesting read..
I think this was geared more toward YA but it was a great read that was hard to put down.
There's a lot of action and growth in the world of the characters. A lot of different cultures and beliefs.
I would recommend it to urban fantasy and paranormal fans.
I think this was geared more toward YA but it was a great read that was hard to put down.
There's a lot of action and growth in the world of the characters. A lot of different cultures and beliefs.
I would recommend it to urban fantasy and paranormal fans.
December 16, 2019
I listened to each one of these separately before I got the boxset. The audio is wonderful for these books. Here are my reviews for each story if you’d like to read them. If not then the quick version is that I really enjoyed all them and look forward to reading future books about these girls.
Born of Water (5⭐️)
Targa’s adventure is exciting and captivating. Once I started I didn’t want to stop. Targa has always known she was different but was never able to access that side of herself. This is her journey to discovering her true self and possibly true love too. I loved the characters in this book. I like how they develop and grow. Though the story has a good ending it felt like it was just the beginning for Targa. I look forward to seeing where the other books take Targa and her friends.
Born of Earth (5⭐️)
I think Georjie’s journey is my favorite so far. I love that it takes place in Ireland. A place rich with both folklore and history. I felt the author did a wonderful job weaving Georjie’s tale. Her attention to detail made it easy for me to imagine and I quickly got swept up in the story. It has a great plot with a few good twists and surprises.
I’m excited to dive into the next adventure.
Born of Fire (4⭐️)
Saxony’s adventure takes place in Venezia and I have to say the setting is perfect for her story. I love how the author builds her stories around real places and imparts some of their history and culture in them. There was a good amount of suspense and mystery to Saxony’s tale. Her element definitely fits her well. I enjoyed getting to know her and the other characters in this book.
Born of Aether (5⭐️)
Born of Aether is an enthralling adventure. It’s a tale of redemption, forgiveness and love. I enjoyed the twists and surprises in Akiko’s tale. I liked how the lives of each character were woven together and connected by something.
Once I started on this quest with Akiko I didn’t want to stop. I can’t wait to see where her new life will take her.
Born of Air (5⭐️)
Petra’s story is amazing. I really liked her character. She has a sad past but she’s doesn’t let it bring her down. Petra is very strong, compassionate and perseverant. I really loved going on this journey with her. I have so many questions. I can’t wait to find out if the next book holds the answers.
The Elementals (5⭐️)
It was wonderful to see all the girls together again. This segment of their story was full of surprises. I felt for Petra when she found out some of the answers to the question she was looking for. Betrayal hurts but Petra will have to decide if she can forgive and move forward.
The ending of their story was full of emotion.
I’m excited for each of them as the being their new adventures but I’m a bit sad to see them go their separate ways, especially Akiko.
I can’t wait to find out where their journeys will lead them.
Born of Water (5⭐️)
Targa’s adventure is exciting and captivating. Once I started I didn’t want to stop. Targa has always known she was different but was never able to access that side of herself. This is her journey to discovering her true self and possibly true love too. I loved the characters in this book. I like how they develop and grow. Though the story has a good ending it felt like it was just the beginning for Targa. I look forward to seeing where the other books take Targa and her friends.
Born of Earth (5⭐️)
I think Georjie’s journey is my favorite so far. I love that it takes place in Ireland. A place rich with both folklore and history. I felt the author did a wonderful job weaving Georjie’s tale. Her attention to detail made it easy for me to imagine and I quickly got swept up in the story. It has a great plot with a few good twists and surprises.
I’m excited to dive into the next adventure.
Born of Fire (4⭐️)
Saxony’s adventure takes place in Venezia and I have to say the setting is perfect for her story. I love how the author builds her stories around real places and imparts some of their history and culture in them. There was a good amount of suspense and mystery to Saxony’s tale. Her element definitely fits her well. I enjoyed getting to know her and the other characters in this book.
Born of Aether (5⭐️)
Born of Aether is an enthralling adventure. It’s a tale of redemption, forgiveness and love. I enjoyed the twists and surprises in Akiko’s tale. I liked how the lives of each character were woven together and connected by something.
Once I started on this quest with Akiko I didn’t want to stop. I can’t wait to see where her new life will take her.
Born of Air (5⭐️)
Petra’s story is amazing. I really liked her character. She has a sad past but she’s doesn’t let it bring her down. Petra is very strong, compassionate and perseverant. I really loved going on this journey with her. I have so many questions. I can’t wait to find out if the next book holds the answers.
The Elementals (5⭐️)
It was wonderful to see all the girls together again. This segment of their story was full of surprises. I felt for Petra when she found out some of the answers to the question she was looking for. Betrayal hurts but Petra will have to decide if she can forgive and move forward.
The ending of their story was full of emotion.
I’m excited for each of them as the being their new adventures but I’m a bit sad to see them go their separate ways, especially Akiko.
I can’t wait to find out where their journeys will lead them.
November 1, 2018
Awesome Series!
Really enjoyed watching these individual stories tie in the text messages between Targa, Saxony, Georjie, and Akiko. Can't wait to see what A. L. Knorr has in store for these friends and their elemental abilities. Would recommend this series for teens. The romance scenes are not to in-depth-kissing, hand holding, loving feelings. However, there is procreation talk about mermaids/sirens.
Really enjoyed watching these individual stories tie in the text messages between Targa, Saxony, Georjie, and Akiko. Can't wait to see what A. L. Knorr has in store for these friends and their elemental abilities. Would recommend this series for teens. The romance scenes are not to in-depth-kissing, hand holding, loving feelings. However, there is procreation talk about mermaids/sirens.
January 7, 2019
I enjoyed these books, they were an easy read and the characters were likeable. For me though, there wasn’t enough grit. I think that as beautifully as the books were wrote, including so many characters meant that the depth of the individuals was lost. I feel like I only got an overview on each and that this introductory series was definitely the stage for the forthcoming novels it has initiated.
May 27, 2019
To be completely honest the first book was great, but i found myself getting bored as the other books progressed, it seemed like a story with a bunch of forced plot points and romances that seemed unrealistic, but it’s fantasy so there’s not much you can do. Not my favorite series, not the worst thing I’ve ever read.
December 12, 2019
Born of Water: An Elemental Origins Novel, my fifth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I originally got this book back in January of 2017 & one thing lead to another and I never got around to reading it until November of 2018. My mistake. Now I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily re-reading & reviewing it and since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story.
Born of Fire: An Elemental Origins Novel (The Elemental Origins Series Book 2), my tenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I originally got this book back in May of 2017 & one thing lead to another and I never got around to reading it until now. My mistake. Now I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it and since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written.
Born of Earth (Elemental Origins #3), my 13th read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I was given an Audible copy of this book, included in Born of Fire, & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment.
Born of Aether (Elemental Origins #4), my 13th read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I was given an Audible copy of this book, included in Born of Fire, & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written.
Born of Air (Elemental Origins #5), my fourteenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. Extremely well written.
The Elementals (Elemental Origins #6), my fifteenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. Extremely well written. I’ll be reading more from this author! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Born of Fire: An Elemental Origins Novel (The Elemental Origins Series Book 2), my tenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I originally got this book back in May of 2017 & one thing lead to another and I never got around to reading it until now. My mistake. Now I’ve been given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it and since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written.
Born of Earth (Elemental Origins #3), my 13th read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I was given an Audible copy of this book, included in Born of Fire, & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment.
Born of Aether (Elemental Origins #4), my 13th read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Incredible read! I was given an Audible copy of this book, included in Born of Fire, & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Gabra Zachman’s talented narration adds to the well-written book's enjoyment. Extremely well written.
Born of Air (Elemental Origins #5), my fourteenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. Extremely well written.
The Elementals (Elemental Origins #6), my fifteenth read from author A.L. Knorr. WOW! Extremely well written, the characters, even the minor ones, are well developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. Extremely well written. I’ll be reading more from this author! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 28, 2019
A Bundle of Elementals
I read Targa’s story first, and intrigued I sought out the Elemental Origins bundle, which I proceeded to read straight through. What a ride! The Elementals, Targa, Saxony, Georjie, and eventually Petra, plus Akiko, are all powerful and solidly on the side of Good, in a world where Bad tries to rule through any means possible.
Examples of the Good are all based on the concept of love. They include the love of family, by which I mean both birth family and the families we create for ourselves that, although not shaped by shared genetics, are nonetheless as strong and enduring. They also include a deeply-felt appreciation of the natural world accompanied by the deep-seated desire to protect and heal it wherever possible. As Elementals, the protagonists each has an affinity for a particular element (water, fire, earth, or air), but they understand that these four are parts of a whole, just as each girl is a part of their larger sisterhood.
Examples of bad actions include everything from a wicked Canadian man striping sharks of their fins and throwing the creatures back into the ocean hopelessly maimed, to an Italian mafia leader who has no trouble holding threats over the head of a small boy while his power-mad son tortures a potential girlfriend, to a case where supernatural tattoos force already-evil-minded Japanese Yakusa to commit acts of cruelty, to the ultimate Bad: a gigantic demon bearing down on a helpless, unsuspecting city with the goal of total destruction.
Championing good and challenging bad, the girls’s stories take us from a small city in Eastern Canada to Poland, Italy, Japan, and Libya, and from our familiar Earth into the realm of myth and Æther. I read long into the night, eager to learn what was coming. The prose is excellent and the first person narration is compelling, emotionally taut; these novels are really fun to read.
Each novel in the bundle is separate from, and yet part of, the whole. This group of books also includes novellas that address missing material, and fill in essential gaps. Each heroine, whether she was born with her supernatural abilities or grew into them, grapples with the complications of family and friends when dealing with her powers, and returns to their shared hometown of Saltford after an international, life-changing trip, to unanswered questions about the ways in which her new status will affect her future. The final novel in the bundle concerns this time in our heroines’s lives.
After the roller-coaster, globe-trotting world of The Essentials bundle, many questions are unaddressed and left hanging. I am ecstatic that author Abby Knorr has continued to write about these young women in more novels. I can’t wait to read on.
I read Targa’s story first, and intrigued I sought out the Elemental Origins bundle, which I proceeded to read straight through. What a ride! The Elementals, Targa, Saxony, Georjie, and eventually Petra, plus Akiko, are all powerful and solidly on the side of Good, in a world where Bad tries to rule through any means possible.
Examples of the Good are all based on the concept of love. They include the love of family, by which I mean both birth family and the families we create for ourselves that, although not shaped by shared genetics, are nonetheless as strong and enduring. They also include a deeply-felt appreciation of the natural world accompanied by the deep-seated desire to protect and heal it wherever possible. As Elementals, the protagonists each has an affinity for a particular element (water, fire, earth, or air), but they understand that these four are parts of a whole, just as each girl is a part of their larger sisterhood.
Examples of bad actions include everything from a wicked Canadian man striping sharks of their fins and throwing the creatures back into the ocean hopelessly maimed, to an Italian mafia leader who has no trouble holding threats over the head of a small boy while his power-mad son tortures a potential girlfriend, to a case where supernatural tattoos force already-evil-minded Japanese Yakusa to commit acts of cruelty, to the ultimate Bad: a gigantic demon bearing down on a helpless, unsuspecting city with the goal of total destruction.
Championing good and challenging bad, the girls’s stories take us from a small city in Eastern Canada to Poland, Italy, Japan, and Libya, and from our familiar Earth into the realm of myth and Æther. I read long into the night, eager to learn what was coming. The prose is excellent and the first person narration is compelling, emotionally taut; these novels are really fun to read.
Each novel in the bundle is separate from, and yet part of, the whole. This group of books also includes novellas that address missing material, and fill in essential gaps. Each heroine, whether she was born with her supernatural abilities or grew into them, grapples with the complications of family and friends when dealing with her powers, and returns to their shared hometown of Saltford after an international, life-changing trip, to unanswered questions about the ways in which her new status will affect her future. The final novel in the bundle concerns this time in our heroines’s lives.
After the roller-coaster, globe-trotting world of The Essentials bundle, many questions are unaddressed and left hanging. I am ecstatic that author Abby Knorr has continued to write about these young women in more novels. I can’t wait to read on.
August 3, 2019
A gripping and enchanting series!
Since I first picked up Born of Water, this series has had me positively enraptured. A tale of friends who diverge for a summer and return with elemental, mystical powers made for a fun read that I seriously devoured (I think I started reading them just a couple weeks ago). I love that the books took me around the world and acquainted me with new mythologies and legends. The way their powers work is well illustrated—I feel like I could see these in a series of films or in a TV show.
A couple side notes per book:
Born of Water: The sexiest of the bunch with one of my favorite love stories. I’m in love with Targa and her mom and I’m eager to read the other books of their experience. They weaved their spell on me!
Born of Fire: Loved the family dynamics in this book, going back to Italy, and it definitely had a couple sexy scenes. I love Saxony’s spice and her compassion.
Born of Earth: This one felt the least climactic for me, but it was still very endearing, and I loved the magic and how it tied into the paranormal and not just supernatural.
Born of Aether: Probably my absolute favorite of the stories and mythologies. The most emotional for me. Love to finally see the perspective of the most elusive of the Saltford girls. This one I devoured the quickest.
The love and family elements were so strong that it really tore at my heartstrings. Akiko has my heart. The most original in terms of story arcs in the series.
Born of Air: Unexpected, but cool! Again, another one where the climax got a little lost; but it’s great to meet someone new in the series since I had been confused about where Petra was coming from (not until Elementals can you really see the scope of her power though).
Elementals: I liked bouncing through the different perspectives for this book and seeing how all the girls try to manage their abilities together in the face of an unknown threat. It really tied all the abilities together well and brought together most of the bread crumbs that had been dropped since the beginning. Nicely done series (my only critique would be a proofread—since the editor in me cringed quite a few times, but I was so enraptured in the story I had to keep going! So there’s that!)
Loved them! Eager for more of AL Knorr’s stories!
Since I first picked up Born of Water, this series has had me positively enraptured. A tale of friends who diverge for a summer and return with elemental, mystical powers made for a fun read that I seriously devoured (I think I started reading them just a couple weeks ago). I love that the books took me around the world and acquainted me with new mythologies and legends. The way their powers work is well illustrated—I feel like I could see these in a series of films or in a TV show.
A couple side notes per book:
Born of Water: The sexiest of the bunch with one of my favorite love stories. I’m in love with Targa and her mom and I’m eager to read the other books of their experience. They weaved their spell on me!
Born of Fire: Loved the family dynamics in this book, going back to Italy, and it definitely had a couple sexy scenes. I love Saxony’s spice and her compassion.
Born of Earth: This one felt the least climactic for me, but it was still very endearing, and I loved the magic and how it tied into the paranormal and not just supernatural.
Born of Aether: Probably my absolute favorite of the stories and mythologies. The most emotional for me. Love to finally see the perspective of the most elusive of the Saltford girls. This one I devoured the quickest.
The love and family elements were so strong that it really tore at my heartstrings. Akiko has my heart. The most original in terms of story arcs in the series.
Born of Air: Unexpected, but cool! Again, another one where the climax got a little lost; but it’s great to meet someone new in the series since I had been confused about where Petra was coming from (not until Elementals can you really see the scope of her power though).
Elementals: I liked bouncing through the different perspectives for this book and seeing how all the girls try to manage their abilities together in the face of an unknown threat. It really tied all the abilities together well and brought together most of the bread crumbs that had been dropped since the beginning. Nicely done series (my only critique would be a proofread—since the editor in me cringed quite a few times, but I was so enraptured in the story I had to keep going! So there’s that!)
Loved them! Eager for more of AL Knorr’s stories!
May 8, 2021
Some books in the series were better than others so I’m averaging them out to a 4-4.5 stars.
My 2 favorite books were Born of Fire and Born of Air with Born of Earth following behind them.
I really didn’t care for Born of Water at all and didn’t like most of the explanation and logic the author used for mermaids/sirens. I also thought the romance was a bit insta-love.
I also didn’t really like Born of Æther much, either, but it was mostly because it felt cold and foreign and strange and I never quite felt a connection with Akiko, even though I liked her. Maybe she - or the mythology - was just too foreign to me. I can say I really liked Toshi and my heart broke at the end with him. And I liked Yuumai(or whatever his name was). But I was a bit sad we didn’t end up with a love interest.
As for The Elementals...man. I mean, this really could’ve been Book 1 of the next series! It could’ve been all about how the girls come together and start fighting bad guys and doing all kinds of epic stuff....instead of the end of an origins series. I really, truly think that the other girls’ series should’ve been the girls origin stories as book 1, then their adventures, growth, etc and then the girls come back together in another series called The Elementals where they take names and kick-ass. The mark was sorely missed on this one.
Lastly, unless it’s still in the works and forthcoming, I’m highly disappointed we don’t have a continuation of Petra’s story. At first she seemed so out of left field and why was she even included because she wasn’t one of the ‘original 4,’ but I grew to like HER (and her powers) the best. But then....?!! Nothing. She’s gone? Same with Akiko? We get vague notions about what they’ll be doing...almost like a distorted ‘happily ever after,’ but in a completely different vein for each of them. SMH. IDK. I’m disappointed. And in that disappointment, I guess I’ll knock off another .5 star and five this series a solid 4 star rating.
But, I’m still holding out hope Akiko and Petra will have their own series coming. And please please please let all the girls come back together again and make an ‘Elementals’ series?!! Because that would be so amazing to have all of these storylines weave together ... kind of like the MCU. You’ve got all of the Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, etc. movies, but then they all come together for the Avengers movies and that just makes it go from awesome to epic!
My 2 favorite books were Born of Fire and Born of Air with Born of Earth following behind them.
I really didn’t care for Born of Water at all and didn’t like most of the explanation and logic the author used for mermaids/sirens. I also thought the romance was a bit insta-love.
I also didn’t really like Born of Æther much, either, but it was mostly because it felt cold and foreign and strange and I never quite felt a connection with Akiko, even though I liked her. Maybe she - or the mythology - was just too foreign to me. I can say I really liked Toshi and my heart broke at the end with him. And I liked Yuumai(or whatever his name was). But I was a bit sad we didn’t end up with a love interest.
As for The Elementals...man. I mean, this really could’ve been Book 1 of the next series! It could’ve been all about how the girls come together and start fighting bad guys and doing all kinds of epic stuff....instead of the end of an origins series. I really, truly think that the other girls’ series should’ve been the girls origin stories as book 1, then their adventures, growth, etc and then the girls come back together in another series called The Elementals where they take names and kick-ass. The mark was sorely missed on this one.
Lastly, unless it’s still in the works and forthcoming, I’m highly disappointed we don’t have a continuation of Petra’s story. At first she seemed so out of left field and why was she even included because she wasn’t one of the ‘original 4,’ but I grew to like HER (and her powers) the best. But then....?!! Nothing. She’s gone? Same with Akiko? We get vague notions about what they’ll be doing...almost like a distorted ‘happily ever after,’ but in a completely different vein for each of them. SMH. IDK. I’m disappointed. And in that disappointment, I guess I’ll knock off another .5 star and five this series a solid 4 star rating.
But, I’m still holding out hope Akiko and Petra will have their own series coming. And please please please let all the girls come back together again and make an ‘Elementals’ series?!! Because that would be so amazing to have all of these storylines weave together ... kind of like the MCU. You’ve got all of the Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, etc. movies, but then they all come together for the Avengers movies and that just makes it go from awesome to epic!
September 11, 2025
The Elemental Origins Series (Boxed Set) by A.L. Knorr
The Elemental Origins Series (Boxed Set) by A.L. Knorr ~~ Targa pulled me right in—quiet, thoughtful, and more at home in the water than on land. She thinks she’s just a girl from Greenland, but once her summer takes her to Italy, the truth about her heritage crashes over her like a wave: she’s half-mermaid. Watching her struggle with the pull of the sea, the secrets her mother has kept, and the fear of losing control made her journey so much more than just another “discovering powers” story. I loved how A.L. Knorr weaves the bond between Targa and her three best friends. Each girl sets off in a different direction—Saxony with fire magic, Georjayna with fae entanglements, and Akiko carrying the weight of a samurai spirit—but Targa’s mermaid legacy feels like the heart of the group. She’s the one who has to learn not only to swim in deeper waters (literally) but also to rise above the isolation that comes with being different. What really hooked me were the stakes. The girls think their biggest challenge will be adjusting to their powers, but when an ancient evil shows up immune to their combined strength, the suspense skyrockets. I won’t spoil the identity of the mysterious fifth elemental, but I will say that the reveal was both surprising and satisfying. The boxed set format is the best way to read this series—you can dive (pun intended) straight from one girl’s story into the next, and by the time they all come together, you’re fully invested in their friendship and fate. If you love elemental magic, mermaid lore with a fresh twist, and teen heroines who have to earn their victories through loyalty, sacrifice, and grit, this series will grip you from the first page. Targa’s journey especially stood out for me, and by the end, she felt like a real friend I didn’t want to say goodbye to.
The Elemental Origins Series (Boxed Set) by A.L. Knorr ~~ Targa pulled me right in—quiet, thoughtful, and more at home in the water than on land. She thinks she’s just a girl from Greenland, but once her summer takes her to Italy, the truth about her heritage crashes over her like a wave: she’s half-mermaid. Watching her struggle with the pull of the sea, the secrets her mother has kept, and the fear of losing control made her journey so much more than just another “discovering powers” story. I loved how A.L. Knorr weaves the bond between Targa and her three best friends. Each girl sets off in a different direction—Saxony with fire magic, Georjayna with fae entanglements, and Akiko carrying the weight of a samurai spirit—but Targa’s mermaid legacy feels like the heart of the group. She’s the one who has to learn not only to swim in deeper waters (literally) but also to rise above the isolation that comes with being different. What really hooked me were the stakes. The girls think their biggest challenge will be adjusting to their powers, but when an ancient evil shows up immune to their combined strength, the suspense skyrockets. I won’t spoil the identity of the mysterious fifth elemental, but I will say that the reveal was both surprising and satisfying. The boxed set format is the best way to read this series—you can dive (pun intended) straight from one girl’s story into the next, and by the time they all come together, you’re fully invested in their friendship and fate. If you love elemental magic, mermaid lore with a fresh twist, and teen heroines who have to earn their victories through loyalty, sacrifice, and grit, this series will grip you from the first page. Targa’s journey especially stood out for me, and by the end, she felt like a real friend I didn’t want to say goodbye to.
September 19, 2018
A beautiful collection that hums with love and sisterhood amid adversity.
Five close friends from high school in a town where three ley-lines cross find themselves with powers non of them expected. In some cases, there were hints, but no one could possibly take them seriously. Akiko was a Japanese girl who lived simply with her grandfather. Georjie was from an affluent home where she and her mother lived, barely speaking to one another. Petra was an orphan whose Jordanian mother had died giving birth to her. Targa lived with her mother who worked as a diver for sea salvage company specializing in shipwrecks. Saxony lived with her parents and two brothers, one older and one younger.
One glorious summer, all five girls are separated, each to go on her own path to unknowingly gain unspeakable powers of different types. Akiko goes to Japan to retrieve a precious samurai relic, Georjie goes to Ireland to stay with her aunt and explore her roots, Petra goes on an archeological dig in Jordan, Targa travels to Poland with her mom to explore a surprising shipwreck, and Saxony takes a job as an au pair for a young mute boy in Italy. Each girl follows a unique and special path and every story is as enthralling as the last one.
All in all, a wonderful read!
Five close friends from high school in a town where three ley-lines cross find themselves with powers non of them expected. In some cases, there were hints, but no one could possibly take them seriously. Akiko was a Japanese girl who lived simply with her grandfather. Georjie was from an affluent home where she and her mother lived, barely speaking to one another. Petra was an orphan whose Jordanian mother had died giving birth to her. Targa lived with her mother who worked as a diver for sea salvage company specializing in shipwrecks. Saxony lived with her parents and two brothers, one older and one younger.
One glorious summer, all five girls are separated, each to go on her own path to unknowingly gain unspeakable powers of different types. Akiko goes to Japan to retrieve a precious samurai relic, Georjie goes to Ireland to stay with her aunt and explore her roots, Petra goes on an archeological dig in Jordan, Targa travels to Poland with her mom to explore a surprising shipwreck, and Saxony takes a job as an au pair for a young mute boy in Italy. Each girl follows a unique and special path and every story is as enthralling as the last one.
All in all, a wonderful read!
February 15, 2019
What an incredible collection of novels! These books follow four friends plus one other emerging elemental as they spend their summers going on incredible adventures and finding a little romance. All the stories build up to the final one, where everyone comes together again, only to get approached by a major corporation to assist with an exciting new project. But what is the true motive?
I loved how the four friends are connected through the summer via text. Each girl goes on her own journey, each one reveals different facets of the same timeline, and each story gets you curious about the next. What is really going on behind those elusive texts?
And it's neat how the different elementals come together. Like, I would never have guessed Georgiana or Akiko's roles.
The only thing I found wrong with this bundle is that though the final book brings some sense of closure, in many ways it does not. But I imagine that has something to do with the world continuing (and it better, because I'm particularly curious about Arcturus. I mean, come on!). Well done and keep them coming!
I loved how the four friends are connected through the summer via text. Each girl goes on her own journey, each one reveals different facets of the same timeline, and each story gets you curious about the next. What is really going on behind those elusive texts?
And it's neat how the different elementals come together. Like, I would never have guessed Georgiana or Akiko's roles.
The only thing I found wrong with this bundle is that though the final book brings some sense of closure, in many ways it does not. But I imagine that has something to do with the world continuing (and it better, because I'm particularly curious about Arcturus. I mean, come on!). Well done and keep them coming!
July 17, 2021
Hard to believe even though I just read it.
Though I am an elderly male, I admit to enjoying YA fantasy and science fiction. If the writing is done well it doesn't matter how old the protagonist is.
No one is going to identify these novels as great literature. But what is often touted as "great literature " is often deadly boring. Check Donald Sutherland's great line about Milton in Animal House - similarly, perhaps not "great cinema, but who cares? It's hilarious.
I cannot remember encountering such an array of varied characters, events, situations, and relationships. Ever. I am thinking of this series as one extended novel since read it straight through.
Targa's story start off slowly. It will grow on you. As the overall story moves through successive stages your curiosity and patience will be rewarded, but not in any way you might expect.
I have not checked to see if there are more volumes of these girls' adventures. I will find out and will definitely give this author's other works a look.
Though I am an elderly male, I admit to enjoying YA fantasy and science fiction. If the writing is done well it doesn't matter how old the protagonist is.
No one is going to identify these novels as great literature. But what is often touted as "great literature " is often deadly boring. Check Donald Sutherland's great line about Milton in Animal House - similarly, perhaps not "great cinema, but who cares? It's hilarious.
I cannot remember encountering such an array of varied characters, events, situations, and relationships. Ever. I am thinking of this series as one extended novel since read it straight through.
Targa's story start off slowly. It will grow on you. As the overall story moves through successive stages your curiosity and patience will be rewarded, but not in any way you might expect.
I have not checked to see if there are more volumes of these girls' adventures. I will find out and will definitely give this author's other works a look.
November 14, 2019
Goosebumps ... real ones!
I wondered how will they all get together, and let me tell you I did not expect this. In this book they all shine as bright as stars, it all made sense, every ability, emotion, situation they encountered before - it just clicked, like those beautiful intricate puzzles of old, where if you made a mistake it would either break apart or spray your face with acid.
I ended up with tears in my eyes, heart constricted, and then with elation I finally felt goosebumps.
I enjoyed how Petra merged with the group - very honest and open. How "too good to be true" as the deal they got with the TNC made them into a fierce team. How Jessie even though not a supernatural had something even better in today's world - magic of a hacker.
Ending, and the monsters they dealt with had me shaken, I will enjoy reading these books many times to come.
I wondered how will they all get together, and let me tell you I did not expect this. In this book they all shine as bright as stars, it all made sense, every ability, emotion, situation they encountered before - it just clicked, like those beautiful intricate puzzles of old, where if you made a mistake it would either break apart or spray your face with acid.
I ended up with tears in my eyes, heart constricted, and then with elation I finally felt goosebumps.
I enjoyed how Petra merged with the group - very honest and open. How "too good to be true" as the deal they got with the TNC made them into a fierce team. How Jessie even though not a supernatural had something even better in today's world - magic of a hacker.
Ending, and the monsters they dealt with had me shaken, I will enjoy reading these books many times to come.
March 8, 2023
Great read
I loved Elementals Origin series. My favorite was Saxony. Her story hooks you from the start and I feel her character is the most fleshed out. Georgayna is my next favorite, followed by Targa, then Akiko. I didn’t like Petra at all.
I feel like if Petra was going to be Air, she should have been one of the friends from the start. I honestly felt Akiko should have been Air. And Akiko’s outcome should be traded out with Petra. I still don’t have any feelings for Petra.
One other thing I wasn’t too keen on were the non-relationships in each story. Antoni was hard to buy as being in love. Raf was great but then Gage is introduced and so what what was the point of Raf. I loved Jasher but again, the author just doesn’t use him. Yuddai was useless really and Toshi only served for heartbreak twice. And Jesse was pointless.
Aside from that, I loved the series
I loved Elementals Origin series. My favorite was Saxony. Her story hooks you from the start and I feel her character is the most fleshed out. Georgayna is my next favorite, followed by Targa, then Akiko. I didn’t like Petra at all.
I feel like if Petra was going to be Air, she should have been one of the friends from the start. I honestly felt Akiko should have been Air. And Akiko’s outcome should be traded out with Petra. I still don’t have any feelings for Petra.
One other thing I wasn’t too keen on were the non-relationships in each story. Antoni was hard to buy as being in love. Raf was great but then Gage is introduced and so what what was the point of Raf. I loved Jasher but again, the author just doesn’t use him. Yuddai was useless really and Toshi only served for heartbreak twice. And Jesse was pointless.
Aside from that, I loved the series
February 26, 2019
I could not put this down!
I bought this on Thursday. I finished it on Sunday.
Every twist and turn left me begging for more; I cried when I ran out of pages (figuratively speaking...but I did dive right into the next book in the series following what is in this box set and I've already finished it.)
Targa, Saxony, Gerojie, Akiko and Petra are relatable characters that you want for your best friends. I can't wait to see what adventures they go on next (and I hope to see more of all of them together!)
Now forgive me while I go pout because book 8 is up for pre order currently and I want to read it! *in my best Verruca Salt voice* Yes I enjoyed it that much that I wish I could read it right NOW! Haha <3
I bought this on Thursday. I finished it on Sunday.
Every twist and turn left me begging for more; I cried when I ran out of pages (figuratively speaking...but I did dive right into the next book in the series following what is in this box set and I've already finished it.)
Targa, Saxony, Gerojie, Akiko and Petra are relatable characters that you want for your best friends. I can't wait to see what adventures they go on next (and I hope to see more of all of them together!)
Now forgive me while I go pout because book 8 is up for pre order currently and I want to read it! *in my best Verruca Salt voice* Yes I enjoyed it that much that I wish I could read it right NOW! Haha <3
October 3, 2018
Unexpectedly engaging.
I skimmed the description and caught the line "Mermaid" and thought 'ugh' and passed it by. I picked some other book I cannot remember the name of and was not happy with it. When Amazon one again prearranged me with this option, I decided to give it a very brief shot. After only a couple pages, I was impressed with the writing. A few more pages in, I was hooked! I loved all the characters and the stories. I was so unhappy when I had finished it. I want more! I hope she writes more soon!
I skimmed the description and caught the line "Mermaid" and thought 'ugh' and passed it by. I picked some other book I cannot remember the name of and was not happy with it. When Amazon one again prearranged me with this option, I decided to give it a very brief shot. After only a couple pages, I was impressed with the writing. A few more pages in, I was hooked! I loved all the characters and the stories. I was so unhappy when I had finished it. I want more! I hope she writes more soon!
December 28, 2018
An engaging tale about a town with more than meets the eye going on and four teen friends whose summers are beyond belief, then a fifth.
Mostly, it's light reading, but no less fun for that. Probably a bit to het-romance for some tastes, but not for many others.
I enjoyed it more than enough to want to read more about some of the characters and to seek out more by the same author.
And that's plenty good to say about any first exposure to a new writer! Worth it at $10. Really worth it at $1!!
Mostly, it's light reading, but no less fun for that. Probably a bit to het-romance for some tastes, but not for many others.
I enjoyed it more than enough to want to read more about some of the characters and to seek out more by the same author.
And that's plenty good to say about any first exposure to a new writer! Worth it at $10. Really worth it at $1!!
October 17, 2019
This series is amazing. Especially in audio format with Gabra as the narrarator. She takes Knorrs storytelling to a new level with the voices. I enjoyed reading them and listening to them. Each girl in the series has her own battles to face and they all come together like all good super hero books do. But with the exception of Petra in born in air all the girls are best friends. If you enjoy mermaids, fire mages, shape shifters and those who can control the elements this series is a must read.
November 14, 2023
READ THE BOOKS💞 Excellent ride, A+++
What a high flying ride these books are. My head is spinning with the joy, love and hope these stories have left on my ❤. I could not stop reading until finished and oh what a finish it was. WELL DONE A.L. KNORR!
I am a new reader to this amazing author and am soooo glad to be.
Love conquers all and the girls friendship and high morals are what made these books so much fun to read and left a lasting impression on this grateful reader. Good news is their individual stories continue❤️👍🔥💦💨🍀💫.
READ THE BOOKS💞
What a high flying ride these books are. My head is spinning with the joy, love and hope these stories have left on my ❤. I could not stop reading until finished and oh what a finish it was. WELL DONE A.L. KNORR!
I am a new reader to this amazing author and am soooo glad to be.
Love conquers all and the girls friendship and high morals are what made these books so much fun to read and left a lasting impression on this grateful reader. Good news is their individual stories continue❤️👍🔥💦💨🍀💫.
READ THE BOOKS💞
July 6, 2025
3.5 not sure I would read them again. Each book has different content issues. All of them seem to have flings which makes it kind of a romance book but none of them have happily ever afters (which makes sense because they are high school students. I would rather have them been college students).
The first book (siren) and the fourth (paleontology) were better. The third book was so strange with demons. The second book her personality didn’t match who she was In Her texts of the other books. Working on book 5.
The first book (siren) and the fourth (paleontology) were better. The third book was so strange with demons. The second book her personality didn’t match who she was In Her texts of the other books. Working on book 5.
August 30, 2018
Amazing series
Reading the complete elemental origin series gives you insight to many complex issues that teens face today. It also surprisingly gives you a great insight to a world of the supernatural that co-exists with our reality. You will be pleasantly surprised as you come to love these well developed characters and hope that together they can face anything thrown at them. It’s hard to put down once you start reading it.
Reading the complete elemental origin series gives you insight to many complex issues that teens face today. It also surprisingly gives you a great insight to a world of the supernatural that co-exists with our reality. You will be pleasantly surprised as you come to love these well developed characters and hope that together they can face anything thrown at them. It’s hard to put down once you start reading it.
November 11, 2018
Great Read!
This series of stories kept me hooked throughout. With no thoughts of the directions they took, they grabbed me from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to read more about each of these amazing characters.
The writing was intelligent, the plot was unpredictable and the characters well developed. So glad I read these books and I will definitely share them with my friends.
Thank you for this visit into an alternative reality.
This series of stories kept me hooked throughout. With no thoughts of the directions they took, they grabbed me from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to read more about each of these amazing characters.
The writing was intelligent, the plot was unpredictable and the characters well developed. So glad I read these books and I will definitely share them with my friends.
Thank you for this visit into an alternative reality.
April 29, 2019
Beautiful Stories
This collection of stories was wonderful. Each girl has their own special skill, their own secret summer, but they each love and trust one another as a true sister. When a new girl is introduced to the group, they hold fast and true. They even bond with her in their own way. The final test is an amazing twist that I really enjoyed.
I recommend reading this series.
This collection of stories was wonderful. Each girl has their own special skill, their own secret summer, but they each love and trust one another as a true sister. When a new girl is introduced to the group, they hold fast and true. They even bond with her in their own way. The final test is an amazing twist that I really enjoyed.
I recommend reading this series.
December 14, 2019
I’ve read all of these books and had a wonderful time doing it. Each story is unique as each one is about a different girl with a talent that is tied to a different element. The last book is about all the girls as they come back together at the end of the summer and relate their stories to one another. I highly recommend reading this series. It’s especially a great deal with the box set being only 99 cents! How cool is that?!
March 20, 2020
Loved them!
Love this series! You learn something new with every book and the character development is excellent! The stories captivate anyone who reads them because the concepts are classic but the details are advanced, allowing young adults to read them as well as older folks. The pg13 relationships are joined with a high intellectually stimulating plot so the readers are never bored and are constantly thrown into something new and educational.
Love this series! You learn something new with every book and the character development is excellent! The stories captivate anyone who reads them because the concepts are classic but the details are advanced, allowing young adults to read them as well as older folks. The pg13 relationships are joined with a high intellectually stimulating plot so the readers are never bored and are constantly thrown into something new and educational.
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