Elemental Games

Elemental Games #1

by Heidi Catherine, Tamar Sloan

When Aura and Hayze wake up with six others in a place they’ve never seen, they know three things.

They’re childhood enemies.
No one remembers how they got here.
And there’s no way out.

In a world with no rules or reason, there’s so much they don’t know. Why they’re so drawn to each other. Why they can bend an element to their will. And why each day is deadlier than the last.

Aura and Hayze need answers because one thing is certain. Their lives depend on uncovering what is truth and what is reality.

An intoxicating thrill ride packed with twists, romance and nail-biting action! Lovers of Maze Runner and Hunger Games will devour Elemental Games.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult, Romantasy, Science Fiction, Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2024

About the author

Heidi Catherine writes fantasy and dystopian novels, which gives her a chance to escape into worlds vastly different to her own life in the burbs. While she quite enjoys killing her characters (especially the awful ones), she promises she’s far better behaved in real life.

Other than writing and reading, Heidi’s current obsessions include watching far too much reality TV with the excuse that it’s research for her books.

You can find out more at www.heidicatherine.com

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of questions throughout the book. Just go with it. A few answered at the end, but there was a big cliffhanger. Loved the twist at the end with Hayze and Aura, which made waaay more sense at the end. I didn't trust that Cyclonus (sp) guy from the start. Why's Jewel so clingy?

[Devika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elemental Games is the start of a new series by Heidi Catherine and Tamar Sloan. It is said to be for the fans of Maze Runner and The Hunger Games, which I both really enjoyed. These authors have managed to create some unique stories before, but will this book be just as unique? What will they have in store?

Every part of this book is an adventure in another part of the world. It ends with a plottwist which an experienced fantasy reader could have predicted. This book is part of a series, but I feel like there are little open ends making me curious about what the next part will bring.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Aura and Hayze wake up on their 18th birthday they’re in an unknown place, with no memory of how they got there. The only thing they know is that they’re enemies, but they soon realise that they need to work together to try to solve the situation. When they come across six other youths with no recollection of how they ended up there, the mystery only gets bigger. What nightmare is this?

This new series is promoted as something for those who liked The Maze Runner and Hunger Games, and I can see the resemblance. In the beginning I'm also reminded of one of the authors earlier series, The Thaw Chronicles, and I almost get a feeling of deja vu. But luckily it soon develops into something different, although both series has the outset of a world more or less destroyed by climate change.

As main characters, we get Aura's and Hayze's POV's, but we also get to know Tempo, Pace, Atmos, Skylar, Geo and Jewel. Their world is divided in four: Deadwaters (Water), Stormsphere (Air), Scorchlands (Fire) and Quakelands (Earth). Everyone keep to their area and never meet. Until now, when two youths from each quadrant is pushed together and end up in one life-threatening situation after another.

There's a lot of action and memorable characters. There's a twist I didn't expect and, as usual with these authors, it ends with a cliffhanger. Luckily for me I already have the second book downloaded!

* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Trey U · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 2% (Page 6)

“She drags in a deep breath, pushing down the impulse to silence him by pressing her lips to his smart mouth. This situation must be really getting to her. Normally she’d be fighting the desire to slap him across the face.”…I’m sorry but they’re “enemies” but already at page 5 and reiterated on page 6, she’s suddenly wanting to press her body to him and/or kiss? I’m out. This ain’t enemies at all. It’s just a dude not giving you the time of day.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written YA dystopian story! Well thought out characters & plot, always interesting ideas! Good levels of action & pace, a really fun read!

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsure

I was so excited about this new series by these amazing authors. However, I struggled with this all the way through. It has its moments but it keeps treading water and never quite reaching its destination. Unlike their other books characters I couldn't connect with any of them. Hopefully the next book will be more of what I am used to coming from them.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Elemnetal Games series and the main characters are a pair from each of the four Quadrants left in this world, Aura and Hayze from Water, Tempo and Pace from Fire, Atmos and Skylus from Air, and Jewel and Geo from Earth. Hayze and Aura are enemies, even though they are form the same Quadrant, due to an issue between their parents, when Hayze’s parents managed to buy their way into the capital of the water Quadrant, Aqua, while her parents were left to work their fingers to the bones. The pair from fire quadrant can’t seem to be more than a foot apart, whilst the pair from the air quadrant believe in Eterna, a sort of Mother Nature to this remnant of Earth, as it is now. They find out that they have all turned eighteen on this day and have woken up on a raft all alone, in the frozen waste of the water quadrant. They managed to find each other and joined together for safety, but soon find themselves attacked by creatures acting strangely. It seems they are to face dangers of unknown origin, in areas of their quadrant they have never seen before. Soon, one of them is dragged away to their death and the others are shocked at how it happened and so quickly!

Everything seems completely real to them, but when they awaken after what was a cold night on their rafts, they find themselves in a different quadrant, and so it continues. They face different dangers in this quadrant than in the first, with each pair whose quadrant it is, not recognising where they are, but thankfully knowing of some of the dangers they will face whilst there. They have one pair, Atmos and Syklus, who because of their belief in Eterna, won’t move until they receive a sign from her, who have to be dragged behind them as death stares them all in the face! They believe that each of them should be able to control their own element, which the others think is mad! Each of the quadrants have been brought up to hate and fear each other, but also have to trade their goods with each other in order to survive. The longer they are left together to survive, the closer Aura and Hayze get, with the occasional reminder of why they supposedly hate each other. Matters get more dangerous as the days progress, sometimes with a new twist or reward, none of which they can trust, as no real reason for any of them being there emerges. It seems that all of their very lives will depend upon them mastering these abilities, something most of them had thought was just folklore and stories. Hayze and Aura seem to be the only ones concerned with why this is happening to them, as the others react to what happens in each quadrant and stick mostly to their own kind! Not the best way to figure out what is really happening to them, but it seems there is nobody else to ask, until one of the quadrant leaders appears before them. Even them they are not safe! A mix of a few great film series in this one, as each must play their part in what looks like a battle for survival. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Nicole S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm drawn to this book because i like to read things about nature element. And this book capture me with that.
The story begins with eight people find themselves deserted in the vast ocean on their eighteenth birthday, bewildered by their circumstances. Forced to form a team and trust one another, they must navigate the challenges thrown at them by nature. Despite facing near-death experiences, they awaken in different locations, surrounded by mysteries that unfold throughout their survival journey. Over time, they discover they can control elemental powers based on their origins.

Among the eight are Hayze and Aura, both from the water tribe. They hate each other due to their parents' history, but their survival through natural hazards prompts a reevaluation of their relationship. The story unfolds through the perspectives of both Hayze and Aura, offering a unique outlook on their experiences. And their chemistry could be categorize in the clean romance troop.

While the novel falls within the survival genre, it is layered with mysteries surrounding the characters' purpose in this ordeal. The answers unravel slowly, hinting at an external force observing them. Despite its survival theme, the story carries a deliberate, slow pace. If you're intrigued by a survival mystery novel with a methodical narrative, this one is worth exploring.

✨ 4.5 star

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Hildyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aura and Hayze are natural enemies due to a feud between their parents. Until they find themselves in grave danger. They have to work together with 6 other teenagers to figure out how to survive in the four quadrants - Water, Earth, Air and Fire. Will they be able to put aside their hate for each other and work together?

The story line on this book is a fantastic concept and Heidi and Tamar have been able to create an amazing story from it. It has you guessing and wondering what is happening and how they are all surviving these natural disasters in each quadrant. You root for Aura and Hayze to stay alive and get wrapped into their complicated feelings for each other. The storyline keeps you on your toes and flipping to the next page and before you know it you finished book one and in utter shock at the ending and needing to continue the saga.

I would recommend this book to those who love books such as the hunger games or divergent. It's similar but completely different at the same time. The authors have been able to create a whole new world and real life scenarios that have you gripped.

[Destiny Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You only have one chance"

A world torn apart by mother nature and divided by humans into quadrants. Air, Earth, Fire and Water, each with a healthy dislike of the other.

Aura wakes up, floating on a raft in the Water quadrant, with no memory of how she got there. Confused and alone, she finds Hayze, her childhood enemy, also with no memory. Family history breeds distrust, but they must work together with 6 others to conquer the Elemental Games and unlock latent powers. Three  problems - elemental powers are a myth, they only have one chance and they don't know they are taking part in the Games.

Will the 8 succeed or will they fall? Who put them on those rafts? Why only 1 chance?

The start of another great series from the Authors that brought you the Thaw Chronicles and the Sovereign Code. Full of twists, turns and unexpected moments that will leave you needing to know what happens next.

If you are a fan of dystopian worlds, this is a book for you. Maze Runner meets Divergent with a twist.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

☄️☄️ONE TEMPESTUOUS TREAT☄️☄️
Dastardly deets Dale! This sensationally impressive dynamic duo hit the mark, presenting one skillfully composed, artfully crafted, tantalizingly compelling, bewitchingly enthralling, tilt-our-world tempest. Confusion and mistrust descend in a churning edy, teeming with arresting drama, captivating intrigue, unabated suspense and turbulent situations, attentive to the perilous twists and astonishing turns as the thrilling ups and pensive downs arise. The characters are spot-on authentic with separate distinctions and engaging attributes along with the charismatic personalities, adding depth and range, playing off one another beautifully. The scenes are remarkably insightful with abundant depictions and graphically descriptive, constructing perfected scenarios so refined and adorned it makes the storyline pop. Fabulous job guys, thanks for sharing this incredible treat with us.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this YA dystopia set on a future Earth that has been wracked and wrecked is a derivative mess of a book. About the only potentially original idea is having the main characters all having their 18th birthday just before waking up in the "game".
There are bits of The Hunger Games mixed in here, but mostly it reminds this reader of James Dashner's Maze Runner, just with all the quality that made that series intriguing sadly missing. And this is the first in the series... (perhaps that could mean the only way is up?).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 teens wake up and find themselves adrift on a stormy sea. They are in pairs, a boy and girl, each pair from a different element, fire, water, air, earth. They don't know how they got there or what they are supposed to do. When one of the group is attacked the rest of them fight for survival when all seems lost they find themselves somewhere else.
This story kept me guessing about what was happening and I was flabbergasted by the twist at the end. It was a mind blower.
Looking forward to finding out what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story unfolds in a dystopian world where elemental magic has been harnessed for a deadly competition. Teens are forced to fight for their lives, representing their districts and wielding the power of fire, water, earth, or air. The stakes are high, and the consequences for failure are dire. The story grabs you from the start and keeps you guessing with twists, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. The unique magic system based on the elements makes for interesting world-building.
Elemental Games is an action-packed read for fans of books like Hunger Games, Divergent, or Maze Runner and for those who enjoy high-stakes competition stories with a touch of magic.

[Kassy Labo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several books that apply the same start as the elemental games but never one that kept me guessing till the very end. I can’t believe the way it ended and I’m so looking forward to continuing the series. Aura and Hayze are from two very different sides of the wall, but when they’re plucked from their beds and dropped in the middle of the ocean they have to learn to work together. The consequences of failing to work together is death.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the books by this pair of authors. In general, they have the same theme some teenagers who live in apocalyptic worlds that have to go through horrendous trials.
While doing the trials, love blooms, and together, the couples forge ahead.
Each one of these authors' series has a very different yet very creative end of the world as we know it scenario.
The details of the teens' quest are well plotted.
I enjoyed this first book in this series.
I liked 6 of the main teen characters and tolerated the 2 odd ones who believe faith can save the world.
I was given a copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review.

[Jessica Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good with a fine storyline, but a little flat

Too much was left unsaid in the first book, it doesn't leave you with a sense of curiosity and more a sense of confusion. I don't feel the need to immediately pick up the second book and start reading. It just comes across as a inexperienced writer, but that's okay because we all have to start somewhere. It's a great concept and with a bit more filling it could be a great book, for now it's an okay book. Give it a read, it's interesting.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has rendered me speachless with awe... and at the same time I cannot hold back from writing this review any longer because it was that good. Where to begin? There were so many things I loved about this book! From the plot (with all it's intricate twists and turns), to the beautifully developed characters (each with their own flaws and yet full of love), and the ending made me love it even more. 5 out of 5 stars and I'm adding this book to my list of favorites. I cannot wait to read the next one!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

They all wake up confused (as to how they got on the rafts) and have to fight for their survival. Normally the elements don't get along, but to survive they might just have to learn how to get along. Hayze and Aura's family know each other, and don't get along now, wil this be a problem? Can all these teenagers beat the odds? I enjoyed this intriguing story and look forward to reading the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elemental Games is the first book in this exciting new series. It is not a stand-alone and there is a cucumber ending.

Slow to start but soon gathers pace and the story carries you along to the end and leaves you wanting to know what happens next.
A large array of characters make the book interesting yet is told from only two points of view.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next.
Highly recommend.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up having read books by these authors before, and dived into it very close to release day and was hooked from the first page. The idea of the story and the way it was expertly weaved through the words. I adored the characters and I loved the dynamic between them. Aura and Hayze were dynamic characters and the whole culmination to that ending made me desperate to read the next book in the series. Very much a series to watch and one to keep reading! Very much recommended!

[Vicky Quenault · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
After a slow start, this book starts to find its pace about half way through.
An original story idea, with a good twist at the end.
The characters could have used a little more development, some far more so than others.
All in all, an entertaining story that leaves you wondering whats coming in the next book.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun setup right from the beginning! Love that mystery and confusion to why they are there and what they are dealing with. Plus, special powers or something like it going on. The characters are thrown into the thick of things and must do what they can to survive in unknown circumstances. Interesting story! Looking forward to seeing how this stories develops in future books!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the day of her 18th birthday, Aura wakes up on a raft in the middle of the Deadwaters. She soon comes across Hayze, also on a raft. They attempt to paddle somewhere safe and meet another pair of rafts, and the two become four. The four become eight and they're off on a twisted journey. This story is full of action and romance, ending with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget about “Hunger Games”! This is better!
Some amazing characters, a very good plot, a lot of twists and turns.
The mouth dropping been about Water and Fire teens (no spoilers).
A brilliant adventure! Can’t wait for the next books!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This new series is off to an incredible start. Fast paced and action filled, we find ourselves in a strange dystopian world full of danger, drama and twists and turns that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. Brimming with action, mystery and suspense as we follow our characters on their magical journey of the elements and you have absolutely no idea what will happen next!

[TheLoveBertis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good until the end

The end was thoroughly drug out. I'm usually not ready to reach the end of a book but it just got confusing. It seemed like we had reached some sort of major discovery to wrap up the end of the book only to go through a whole slew of other battles just to reach a conclusion. It just seemed unnecessarily drug out

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was insane from start to finish!
Every page was action packed and the foreshadowing in this book is next level. The ending was absolutely insane and I did not see it coming at all. Heidi and Tamar are incredible authors and on my auto-buy list. I need to start the next book now! I’m so glad I got the whole series.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a story with a difference. Suspense and a thrill ride. A Touch of Ground Hog Day but with a need to survive or cease to exist.
This story will keep you guessing all the way.

Highly Recommended

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. Characters that will draw you in and keep you wondering what will happen to them next. Waking up in a strange place with unknown people seems dangerous. Fast paced , you never know what will happen next. Loved it.