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Incomplete
No one who enters the Council chambers leaves it alive.
25,000 feet (7,620 meters) above the Gulf of Mexico floats Elementōrum Patriam, the eighth continent for the elementalist people, where the seven-member Council rules. Those born with the elementalist gene mutation are taken to Elementōrum Patriam, but if they can’t control one of the seven elements, they are killed.
Nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon knows the fate that awaits him when he doesn’t pass his last Water element test. He walks willingly into the Council chambers and faces the seven. There’s only one problem.
The Council can’t kill him.
On Earth’s surface, irate humans, sick of having their children taken from them, seize their opportunity to destroy the elementalists forever. The Council faces their biggest war since the separation of Pangea, and they need Ethan on their side.
Ethan must find his place among the Council, or they will fall together.
25,000 feet (7,620 meters) above the Gulf of Mexico floats Elementōrum Patriam, the eighth continent for the elementalist people, where the seven-member Council rules. Those born with the elementalist gene mutation are taken to Elementōrum Patriam, but if they can’t control one of the seven elements, they are killed.
Nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon knows the fate that awaits him when he doesn’t pass his last Water element test. He walks willingly into the Council chambers and faces the seven. There’s only one problem.
The Council can’t kill him.
On Earth’s surface, irate humans, sick of having their children taken from them, seize their opportunity to destroy the elementalists forever. The Council faces their biggest war since the separation of Pangea, and they need Ethan on their side.
Ethan must find his place among the Council, or they will fall together.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
315 pages, ebook
Published February 16, 2024
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 28, 2024
This was such a fascinating read! The dynamics and world building were amazing and it always kept me wondering what was going to happen next! It also shows that things can be lost to history and that leaders don’t always know everything! I love the diversity of the characters in this book and that the elementist except everyone no matter where they’re from, well unless they aren’t an elementalist! I can’t wait to read more from this series!
January 18, 2024
Ratings - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Incomplete' is the first book in the Elementalists trilogy, and I truly enjoyed it from chapter one. It's highly intriguing, making it difficult for me to predict where the story headed 🙃
I had a satisfying time commenting on the scenes and the characters. I didn't plan to annotate the book initially, but it eventually led me to annotate the entire book after underlining some sentences. I must say, this is the very first fiction book I've ever annotated. I enjoyed it so much because the plot is genuinely interesting ✨️ This isn't a book I read in a few sittings; it took me 9 days to finish.
The story begins with Ethan, who escaped death twice, losing his parents and grandparents in the process. The third time, when the orphanage crashed into the ocean, he somehow remained unharmed. That's when the Elementalists scooped him up for Elementorum Patrium. After 5 years in the Academy, he was labeled as a Rogue, someone not supposed to exist. After several killing attempts and council investigations done by the council, he was discovered as a death Elementalist. He completed one of the missing elements, altering the council members' count from seven to eight. But there's still one element to find 👨🚒
Things get even more intense when they remove a five-year-old girl confirmed as a fire Elementalist. Her father, devastated by the separation, declares war against Elementalists, backed by the fathers of two council members who think their children are dead. Meanwhile, a lost Elementalist, yet to be found by the council, is on the run from the police, clueless about her true identity 🌠 The book ends on a cliffhanger, and now I'm anxiously waiting for the second one 👀
As I read, I could vividly imagine the whole system in Elementorium Patrium, like it’s taking me to another fantasy dimension 🏙️ The author's detailed explanations of scientific facts and bringing past scenes to life really stood out.
I love how the characters of council members are implied; each has unique characteristics, much like the elements they rule. Despite their emotions and freedom, they are doing their best to govern the country. They all share secrets and carry around memories from a not-so-great childhood. I'm finding these emotional barriers and the laws affecting the Uns—people born to Elementalists—kind of irritating.
Overall, the story was super interesting, and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book 👀
Big thanks to the author for sending me a physical copy all the way to my country.
If you're into science fiction and fantasy, I highly recommend this one 🌟💙
'Incomplete' is the first book in the Elementalists trilogy, and I truly enjoyed it from chapter one. It's highly intriguing, making it difficult for me to predict where the story headed 🙃
I had a satisfying time commenting on the scenes and the characters. I didn't plan to annotate the book initially, but it eventually led me to annotate the entire book after underlining some sentences. I must say, this is the very first fiction book I've ever annotated. I enjoyed it so much because the plot is genuinely interesting ✨️ This isn't a book I read in a few sittings; it took me 9 days to finish.
The story begins with Ethan, who escaped death twice, losing his parents and grandparents in the process. The third time, when the orphanage crashed into the ocean, he somehow remained unharmed. That's when the Elementalists scooped him up for Elementorum Patrium. After 5 years in the Academy, he was labeled as a Rogue, someone not supposed to exist. After several killing attempts and council investigations done by the council, he was discovered as a death Elementalist. He completed one of the missing elements, altering the council members' count from seven to eight. But there's still one element to find 👨🚒
Things get even more intense when they remove a five-year-old girl confirmed as a fire Elementalist. Her father, devastated by the separation, declares war against Elementalists, backed by the fathers of two council members who think their children are dead. Meanwhile, a lost Elementalist, yet to be found by the council, is on the run from the police, clueless about her true identity 🌠 The book ends on a cliffhanger, and now I'm anxiously waiting for the second one 👀
As I read, I could vividly imagine the whole system in Elementorium Patrium, like it’s taking me to another fantasy dimension 🏙️ The author's detailed explanations of scientific facts and bringing past scenes to life really stood out.
I love how the characters of council members are implied; each has unique characteristics, much like the elements they rule. Despite their emotions and freedom, they are doing their best to govern the country. They all share secrets and carry around memories from a not-so-great childhood. I'm finding these emotional barriers and the laws affecting the Uns—people born to Elementalists—kind of irritating.
Overall, the story was super interesting, and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book 👀
Big thanks to the author for sending me a physical copy all the way to my country.
If you're into science fiction and fantasy, I highly recommend this one 🌟💙
March 14, 2025
DNF. This review is long but in good faith, as I hope to put some of my frustrations into words.
I want to give full credit to the author, for publishing her debut novel. That is an impressive feat, and I wish her nothing but success in her writing journey. Thank you to BookFunnel and the author for providing me with a free copy to honestly review.
Overall, this book has a compelling concept, and moments where Foote’s creative world building shine. But in this debut novel, the internal clock is broken, the characters are undefined, and the stakes fade into the background as death loses all importance by chapter two.
The concept of this book is fascinating, and I really like the world that Foote was creating. The plot overall was also interesting and some of the scenes were well written. I thought the author did an excellent job writing pain and the nightmares were confusing in the perfect way.
That said, there were some issues in particular regarding the writing itself that, for me, diminished my interest in the book a substantial amount. The book falls into a problem of too much description of irrelevant information. There is an excess of world building which drags on, drowning pages in exposition that isn’t necessary for our understanding of the world. World building is important to fantasy, but here there is an overemphasis on mechanics and what could have been compelling and creative becomes monotonous and grating. There is a dissonance in pacing which plagues the entire story.
This book struggles with an internal clock. Weeks pass in a paragraph and then hours pass over several pages, and it is never clarified. I don’t mean regarding the multiple perspectives, I mean within one perspective. It made reading a rather confusing of backtracking to figure out if I missed lines or details. There is a scene wherein the counselor members are running, and it has an intense urgency which feels unearned. It is resolved in moments, and yet has dramatic description which extends to make the speed at which everything is occurring feel off. Long lines linger past their welcome. Short lines are cut off and chopped together.
This oddness extends to the characters as well. As someone who loves books with tons of perspectives, this book struggles with a too large cast of characters which do not differentiate strongly enough from one another to the point where I was often mixing them up with one another. Ethan and Luana are the only two characters for which I could consistently keep their characters straight. And this is, I think in part, because all of the characters lack an internal or external voice. Yes, sometimes they have a character trait emerge, but when it is not relevant it fades to the background, leaving everyone as just “background council member #4.” The book bounces between perspectives, timelines, and nightmares, never allowing you to become particularly attached to any of the characters or any of their stories. Their growth feels unearned, their individual complexities turned into caricatures. And then they are merged into a singular entity which must change for the sake of the story, with no relevance to their individual growth.
I want to give full props however, some of the dynamics between the characters are very sweet, and I like them quite a bit. Hans and Luana in particular were well done.
Ethan’s parents are introduced and killed in two pages of the second chapter, and most of it is spent on the appearance of a Rogue. His grandparents are introduced and killed off in the next two pages, after a four year time skip, and most of it is focused on the Black Riders. The next page, after a 5 year time skip, involves the little girl who appears in multiple nightmares. She is introduced and unceremoniously killed in one singular page.
She is alive for 328 words.
In six pages, nine years pass, and five relevant characters in Ethan’s life are killed. It isn’t even fridging. Their deaths play no role on Ethan, except for the girl. They are mere conduits for more information to be shared. The story is racing to give readers all of Ethan’s backstory, and to give them all of the world building, and so sacrifices pacing. The death of Ethan's parents is irrelevant except for what it world builds. There are no stakes. Death is irrelevant.
This is also a problem, because it both makes what the council is doing horrifying in concept but irrelevant in execution. I genuinely for a great deal of the book was not sure what I was supposed to be rooting for because in fantasy, my morals are not necessarily coded to match the ones I maintain in reality. The book yet provides gravitas and horror and yet expects you to commiserate with the power that is treated as a plague. The council, in theory, is horrifying. They’re killing off kids for being Rogues. But in execution, as 7 of our 8 main characters, it seems we are meant to be on their side.
I also found the plot to be a bit predictable and the foreshadowing heavy handed. Despite barely understanding the characters, I had correctly determined the entire plot by chapter 5. By chapter 6, 1/3 of the way into the book, I had not interest in finishing. The problem felt much like inconsistency and irrelevance as I failed to connect to anything more than an idea.
I was incapable of finishing this book. It has been marked as “in progress” or perhaps “incomplete” for over a year now, as I desperately wanted to return and give it a fair shot, but could not bring myself to. It honestly just did not work for me.
DNF. 1.5 stars rounded up.
I want to give full credit to the author, for publishing her debut novel. That is an impressive feat, and I wish her nothing but success in her writing journey. Thank you to BookFunnel and the author for providing me with a free copy to honestly review.
Overall, this book has a compelling concept, and moments where Foote’s creative world building shine. But in this debut novel, the internal clock is broken, the characters are undefined, and the stakes fade into the background as death loses all importance by chapter two.
The concept of this book is fascinating, and I really like the world that Foote was creating. The plot overall was also interesting and some of the scenes were well written. I thought the author did an excellent job writing pain and the nightmares were confusing in the perfect way.
That said, there were some issues in particular regarding the writing itself that, for me, diminished my interest in the book a substantial amount. The book falls into a problem of too much description of irrelevant information. There is an excess of world building which drags on, drowning pages in exposition that isn’t necessary for our understanding of the world. World building is important to fantasy, but here there is an overemphasis on mechanics and what could have been compelling and creative becomes monotonous and grating. There is a dissonance in pacing which plagues the entire story.
This book struggles with an internal clock. Weeks pass in a paragraph and then hours pass over several pages, and it is never clarified. I don’t mean regarding the multiple perspectives, I mean within one perspective. It made reading a rather confusing of backtracking to figure out if I missed lines or details. There is a scene wherein the counselor members are running, and it has an intense urgency which feels unearned. It is resolved in moments, and yet has dramatic description which extends to make the speed at which everything is occurring feel off. Long lines linger past their welcome. Short lines are cut off and chopped together.
This oddness extends to the characters as well. As someone who loves books with tons of perspectives, this book struggles with a too large cast of characters which do not differentiate strongly enough from one another to the point where I was often mixing them up with one another. Ethan and Luana are the only two characters for which I could consistently keep their characters straight. And this is, I think in part, because all of the characters lack an internal or external voice. Yes, sometimes they have a character trait emerge, but when it is not relevant it fades to the background, leaving everyone as just “background council member #4.” The book bounces between perspectives, timelines, and nightmares, never allowing you to become particularly attached to any of the characters or any of their stories. Their growth feels unearned, their individual complexities turned into caricatures. And then they are merged into a singular entity which must change for the sake of the story, with no relevance to their individual growth.
I want to give full props however, some of the dynamics between the characters are very sweet, and I like them quite a bit. Hans and Luana in particular were well done.
Ethan’s parents are introduced and killed in two pages of the second chapter, and most of it is spent on the appearance of a Rogue. His grandparents are introduced and killed off in the next two pages, after a four year time skip, and most of it is focused on the Black Riders. The next page, after a 5 year time skip, involves the little girl who appears in multiple nightmares. She is introduced and unceremoniously killed in one singular page.
She is alive for 328 words.
In six pages, nine years pass, and five relevant characters in Ethan’s life are killed. It isn’t even fridging. Their deaths play no role on Ethan, except for the girl. They are mere conduits for more information to be shared. The story is racing to give readers all of Ethan’s backstory, and to give them all of the world building, and so sacrifices pacing. The death of Ethan's parents is irrelevant except for what it world builds. There are no stakes. Death is irrelevant.
This is also a problem, because it both makes what the council is doing horrifying in concept but irrelevant in execution. I genuinely for a great deal of the book was not sure what I was supposed to be rooting for because in fantasy, my morals are not necessarily coded to match the ones I maintain in reality. The book yet provides gravitas and horror and yet expects you to commiserate with the power that is treated as a plague. The council, in theory, is horrifying. They’re killing off kids for being Rogues. But in execution, as 7 of our 8 main characters, it seems we are meant to be on their side.
I also found the plot to be a bit predictable and the foreshadowing heavy handed. Despite barely understanding the characters, I had correctly determined the entire plot by chapter 5. By chapter 6, 1/3 of the way into the book, I had not interest in finishing. The problem felt much like inconsistency and irrelevance as I failed to connect to anything more than an idea.
I was incapable of finishing this book. It has been marked as “in progress” or perhaps “incomplete” for over a year now, as I desperately wanted to return and give it a fair shot, but could not bring myself to. It honestly just did not work for me.
DNF. 1.5 stars rounded up.
January 20, 2024
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book.
The character building was great, back stories and banter that made them come to life in my head. The world building was great and all I would highly recommend this book.
This story is S.I. Foote's first novel and I honestly can't wait to see what happens in the next one. She has made an amazing new world that I am invested in. It is hard for me to choose my favorite character because I loved them all. Some of things I really enjoyed were: There were ACE characters, the conversations flowed beautifully, it was 236 pages of intense emotions and detailed world building, I didn't want it to end and the cliff hanger left me wanting more.
I preordered the physical copy, because I know that I will be buying the rest of the trilogy.
The character building was great, back stories and banter that made them come to life in my head. The world building was great and all I would highly recommend this book.
This story is S.I. Foote's first novel and I honestly can't wait to see what happens in the next one. She has made an amazing new world that I am invested in. It is hard for me to choose my favorite character because I loved them all. Some of things I really enjoyed were: There were ACE characters, the conversations flowed beautifully, it was 236 pages of intense emotions and detailed world building, I didn't want it to end and the cliff hanger left me wanting more.
I preordered the physical copy, because I know that I will be buying the rest of the trilogy.
December 14, 2023
Fast, light-hearted and charismatic - Incomplete is strongly character-driven and boy did I love these characters.
Thank you to Reedsy Discovery and the author for providing me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Incomplete shows us a complex world where a genetic mutation allows part of Earth's population to control certain elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Storm, Fortune, or Life. In this world divided between the aloof elementalists and humans, Ethan Silverspoon is fated to die. He is a Rogue, an elementalist with no proper grasp on any of the seven elements. He is a threat. The Council kills him - or they try to, only to realize that they can't. Meanwhile, humans move to rise against the elementalists, thinking them the threat. The Council might need Ethan after all - and those like him.
We start with a lot of information we need to take in at the beginning of the story, which is typical for the genre. From there, we quickly meet our cast of characters and expand our understanding of the world and the people therein. Incomplete feels deeply character-driven to me and getting to know the characters got us to further the plot in a smooth and light-hearted way. In the second half of the book, the initial plot diverges unexpectedly. It felt like the story tried to be a lot of things at once before building a solid base with what it gave us at first. The story would have benefitted from staying in part one for longer than it did before moving to the bigger plot.
The way this story hooked me came unexpected, but the way it tends to happen for me: the lovable cast of characters. You start out, confused by who is who and which nickname matches which person, and then all of the sudden you find yourself thinking about these characters in the day-to-day. Incomplete truly has an adorable cast, and while comprehending them seems to be a solid wall of confusion at first, halfway through you realized that it was never there in the first place.
One thing I did not know before picking this up was the representation this book covered. As a fellow person on the asexual spectrum, seeing a story with multiple factettes of being Ace was heartwarming. S.I. Foote, the author, is asexual themself and gave us a witty Aro Ace boy, a quiet demisexual girl, and another asexual character. I personally enjoyed the way it was handled with care yet with comforting ease. Aside from the Ace representation, Incomplete also offers characters from backgrounds I rarely see in Fantasy fiction, yet I liked the way the book introduced me to them.
This Young Adult Fantasy story is a little gem perfect for readers who enjoy a bigger, but intricate cast of characters working as a team to solve problems.
April 10, 2024
Book Stats:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
Spice Level: N/A
Tropes: The Chosen One
Publisher: From the Vines Publishing
Review:
*Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of their book in exchange for a honest review*
Where do I begin with this book? I gotta say, I had my doubts but this book yall! IT. WAS. AMAZING. This was probably the best book I have read in the last year and a half.
So, in a world of seven elements, when Ethan tests out of all seven of them, he is offically a rouge. So, the council decides to do what they always do, kill him. But Ethan doesn't. The Council tries everything until they realize Ethan may be more special than they orginally thought. But the story doesn't stop there, as now the human race wants war on the elementist and won't take defeat as an answer.
The world building? Amazing. I was all in the world of the council and the elementist world. The backstory for this dystopia made sense. Another race that is a genetic mutation of humans that have3 there own country up in the sky above the rest of the world? totally seems realstic. Though the plot sounds very repetitive (2014 dystopian era who?) Incomplete stands out, as yes it has the chosen trope but it doesn't beat it into the ground. The book takes a very different approach to the trope and fits into the plot perfectly that is still constantly building in the novel.
The magic system? perfectly built. It's realistic. I feel with a lot of the Si Fi/Fanasty novels power doesn't come with a price, and in Incomplete the characters face challenges due to the cost of their power and it works perfectly.
I also loved how each of the elements themselves are different than the typical ones we see. Like a fortune element? I have never seen that- not in any kind of fantasy or dystopian/Si-fi novel. It makes the book stand out majorly.
Literally the only complaint I have about this is as much as I love the world building-there was almost too much of it. The book was little hard to read- but aren't most high fanasty novels?
I think the author has a amazing debut on their hands and think they have huge potential for a five, maybe even six book series. I applaud them for making such a stunning debut.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
Spice Level: N/A
Tropes: The Chosen One
Publisher: From the Vines Publishing
Review:
*Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of their book in exchange for a honest review*
Where do I begin with this book? I gotta say, I had my doubts but this book yall! IT. WAS. AMAZING. This was probably the best book I have read in the last year and a half.
So, in a world of seven elements, when Ethan tests out of all seven of them, he is offically a rouge. So, the council decides to do what they always do, kill him. But Ethan doesn't. The Council tries everything until they realize Ethan may be more special than they orginally thought. But the story doesn't stop there, as now the human race wants war on the elementist and won't take defeat as an answer.
The world building? Amazing. I was all in the world of the council and the elementist world. The backstory for this dystopia made sense. Another race that is a genetic mutation of humans that have3 there own country up in the sky above the rest of the world? totally seems realstic. Though the plot sounds very repetitive (2014 dystopian era who?) Incomplete stands out, as yes it has the chosen trope but it doesn't beat it into the ground. The book takes a very different approach to the trope and fits into the plot perfectly that is still constantly building in the novel.
The magic system? perfectly built. It's realistic. I feel with a lot of the Si Fi/Fanasty novels power doesn't come with a price, and in Incomplete the characters face challenges due to the cost of their power and it works perfectly.
I also loved how each of the elements themselves are different than the typical ones we see. Like a fortune element? I have never seen that- not in any kind of fantasy or dystopian/Si-fi novel. It makes the book stand out majorly.
Literally the only complaint I have about this is as much as I love the world building-there was almost too much of it. The book was little hard to read- but aren't most high fanasty novels?
I think the author has a amazing debut on their hands and think they have huge potential for a five, maybe even six book series. I applaud them for making such a stunning debut.
March 4, 2024
2.5 / 5 stars for me.
I think this book had some good qualities and some bad qualities. By the end of the book, I was finally getting a bit into it! Unfortunately, it just took reading 80% of it before I was there. The writing was hard for me to get into and it seemed repetitive and overly descriptive of things of little to no importance. I liked the world they were living in, but was confused by the storyline. I simultaneously think this book wasn't long enough and was too long. There wasn't any real emotion this book brought out. Excitement, joy, sadness, thrill, nothing of note. I do not think I will continue reading this series. I don't think I would recommend this book unless you were really into sci-fi still set on Earth.
I think this book had some good qualities and some bad qualities. By the end of the book, I was finally getting a bit into it! Unfortunately, it just took reading 80% of it before I was there. The writing was hard for me to get into and it seemed repetitive and overly descriptive of things of little to no importance. I liked the world they were living in, but was confused by the storyline. I simultaneously think this book wasn't long enough and was too long. There wasn't any real emotion this book brought out. Excitement, joy, sadness, thrill, nothing of note. I do not think I will continue reading this series. I don't think I would recommend this book unless you were really into sci-fi still set on Earth.
July 3, 2024
Holy crap was this good! A bit of X-Men but with a more defined magic system.
The real world.azpects of the book felt very real, sometimes in a bit of an uncomfortable way. I 100% recommend it.
The real world.azpects of the book felt very real, sometimes in a bit of an uncomfortable way. I 100% recommend it.
January 27, 2024
Highly recommend this book!
I'm still new to the Fantasy world but this book was so easy to follow as the world building was very detailed without dragging on and being too much.
I found it hard to choose a favourite character or pick sides, and I attribute that to the creative descriptions of them all and the depth of connection felt with each individual.
Grateful to be a part of the ARC team and super interested to see how the story will follow after this first book.
I'm still new to the Fantasy world but this book was so easy to follow as the world building was very detailed without dragging on and being too much.
I found it hard to choose a favourite character or pick sides, and I attribute that to the creative descriptions of them all and the depth of connection felt with each individual.
Grateful to be a part of the ARC team and super interested to see how the story will follow after this first book.
January 21, 2024
I was lucky enough to be included as an ARC reader for this exciting, dystopian, sci fi novel.
The book centers around Elementalists, a new group of people who are born with a genetic mutations that gives them powers in an element, for instance there are air, fire, and water elementalists. There are some interesting elements I would not have thought of included in the group, but I won't spoil those for you!
The elementalists rule their own separate country, Elementōrum Patriam, the 8th continent of the world, which floats somewhere above the Gulf of Mexico. The book deals with discrimination against elementalists outside of their country, as well as discrimination against "uns" (humans born with no powers to elementalist parents) in Elementōrum Patriam.
Elementōrum Patriam is ruled by a counsel of the strongest elementalists in each element. Along the way, some of their history was lost or purposely removed, and as the book progresses we see them relearning some basic truths which force them to change the way they live and rule.
While we get to know the counsel and their histories, we are also introduced to a counter elementalist movement which starts due to anger about how elementalists not born in Elementōrum Patriam are brought into the country. Seems like we'll learn more about this in book two.
I thought the story ideas were interesting. A new race of "humans" with new enhancements but also new weaknesses. The author works really hard to make sure each character has a detailed backstory that helps you get attached to them throughout the story.
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW----------------
Many of the introductions are done through flashback, and I wish the book had had less of them, or spent more time with just one counsel member at a time. The flashbacks became a bit confusing as it became hard to keep all the characters straight until I was almost finished with the book.
I also have some confusion about how elementalists are identified. Many children are removed from their parents and home as the counsel identifies them, but then there is an adult elementalist who was never identified as far as I can tell, and a child elementalist who is kidnapped in the United States from the mall by the counter movement. One, how did they know she was an elementalist, and two, how did they know what kind she was? Because she is a very specific and rare type.
There are no perfect books, but overall I would say this is an enjoyable story, and I am looking forward to the sequel. I would rate this 3.5 stars, since there's no half stars on Goodreads I round up because it's NOT a 3 star book :) :)
The book centers around Elementalists, a new group of people who are born with a genetic mutations that gives them powers in an element, for instance there are air, fire, and water elementalists. There are some interesting elements I would not have thought of included in the group, but I won't spoil those for you!
The elementalists rule their own separate country, Elementōrum Patriam, the 8th continent of the world, which floats somewhere above the Gulf of Mexico. The book deals with discrimination against elementalists outside of their country, as well as discrimination against "uns" (humans born with no powers to elementalist parents) in Elementōrum Patriam.
Elementōrum Patriam is ruled by a counsel of the strongest elementalists in each element. Along the way, some of their history was lost or purposely removed, and as the book progresses we see them relearning some basic truths which force them to change the way they live and rule.
While we get to know the counsel and their histories, we are also introduced to a counter elementalist movement which starts due to anger about how elementalists not born in Elementōrum Patriam are brought into the country. Seems like we'll learn more about this in book two.
I thought the story ideas were interesting. A new race of "humans" with new enhancements but also new weaknesses. The author works really hard to make sure each character has a detailed backstory that helps you get attached to them throughout the story.
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW----------------
Many of the introductions are done through flashback, and I wish the book had had less of them, or spent more time with just one counsel member at a time. The flashbacks became a bit confusing as it became hard to keep all the characters straight until I was almost finished with the book.
I also have some confusion about how elementalists are identified. Many children are removed from their parents and home as the counsel identifies them, but then there is an adult elementalist who was never identified as far as I can tell, and a child elementalist who is kidnapped in the United States from the mall by the counter movement. One, how did they know she was an elementalist, and two, how did they know what kind she was? Because she is a very specific and rare type.
There are no perfect books, but overall I would say this is an enjoyable story, and I am looking forward to the sequel. I would rate this 3.5 stars, since there's no half stars on Goodreads I round up because it's NOT a 3 star book :) :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
S.I. Foote's 'Incomplete' launches readers into the fantastical world of Elementōrum Patriam, an eighth continent floating above the Gulf of Mexico, home to individuals endowed with the power to control the elements. The novel is set in a society where the ability to wield an element determines one's right to live, and follows the journey of Ethan Silverspoon, a young elementalist facing execution for his inability to control water. However, an unexpected twist of fate reveals that Ethan is not as powerless as he believes.
Rating this book at 4 out of 5 stars, 'Incomplete' stands out for its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters. The premise of a floating continent and the elemental powers that dictate the society's hierarchy is both unique and engaging. Foote skillfully navigates the complexities of this world, creating a plot that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The characters, particularly Ethan, are the heart of the story. Ethan's journey from acceptance of his fate to discovering his true potential is masterfully depicted. His interactions with the Council and the evolving dynamics as the elementalists face threats from the human world below add depth to the narrative.
However, the novel's rapid shifts in point of view occasionally hinder the development of a deeper connection with the characters. While these transitions aim to provide a multifaceted perspective on the unfolding events, they sometimes disrupt the flow, making it challenging to fully immerse in the experiences of Ethan and the supporting cast.
Despite this, 'Incomplete' is an enthralling read that successfully blends elements of fantasy and suspense. The novel's exploration of themes such as identity, power, and belonging is both meaningful and relevant. Foote's world-building is a highlight, offering readers a glimpse into a society that is both fantastical and eerily reflective of our own.
In summary, 'Incomplete' by S.I. Foote is a captivating addition to the fantasy genre. Its unique setting, intriguing plot, and dynamic characters make it a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. While the frequent POV switches may be a slight drawback, the overall story remains engaging and leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in Ethan's journey.
I'd like to thank S.I. Foote for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'Incomplete.' This review is based on my honest opinions and reflections on the book.
Rating this book at 4 out of 5 stars, 'Incomplete' stands out for its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters. The premise of a floating continent and the elemental powers that dictate the society's hierarchy is both unique and engaging. Foote skillfully navigates the complexities of this world, creating a plot that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The characters, particularly Ethan, are the heart of the story. Ethan's journey from acceptance of his fate to discovering his true potential is masterfully depicted. His interactions with the Council and the evolving dynamics as the elementalists face threats from the human world below add depth to the narrative.
However, the novel's rapid shifts in point of view occasionally hinder the development of a deeper connection with the characters. While these transitions aim to provide a multifaceted perspective on the unfolding events, they sometimes disrupt the flow, making it challenging to fully immerse in the experiences of Ethan and the supporting cast.
Despite this, 'Incomplete' is an enthralling read that successfully blends elements of fantasy and suspense. The novel's exploration of themes such as identity, power, and belonging is both meaningful and relevant. Foote's world-building is a highlight, offering readers a glimpse into a society that is both fantastical and eerily reflective of our own.
In summary, 'Incomplete' by S.I. Foote is a captivating addition to the fantasy genre. Its unique setting, intriguing plot, and dynamic characters make it a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. While the frequent POV switches may be a slight drawback, the overall story remains engaging and leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in Ethan's journey.
I'd like to thank S.I. Foote for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'Incomplete.' This review is based on my honest opinions and reflections on the book.
July 17, 2024
If "Divergent" and "Harry Potter" have a child, this book is it. "Incomplete" by S.I. Foote is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that dives deep into a world where the stakes are high for those born with extraordinary abilities. Set against the unique backdrop of Elementōrum Patriam, a floating continent 25,000 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, Foote introduces readers to a society ruled by a stringent seven-member Council. Children with the Elementalist gene mutation are taken from their homes and trained to master one of the seven elements. Failure to do so results in death, a chilling ultimatum that underscores the ruthless governance of the Council.
The protagonist, nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon, faces a dire fate as he struggles to pass his last element test which is the Water element. Because of this, he is labeled as a Rogue, someone not supposed to exist. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when the Council, despite their lethal mandate, finds themselves unable to kill him. This twist propels the narrative into unknown territory, raising questions about Ethan's true nature and the possible existence of a deeper, more profound power within him.
Foote's writing is both vivid and immersive, painting a detailed picture of Elementōrum Patriam and its harsh, yet fascinating society. The author skillfully explores themes of power, survival, and identity, challenging readers to consider the implications of a world where one's worth is determined by their ability to wield elemental forces.
Ethan's character is well-developed, eliciting empathy and admiration as he confronts his own perceived inadequacies and the Council's brutal expectations. The suspense surrounding his unique immunity to the Council's decree adds a layer of mystery that keeps readers hooked.
"Incomplete" is a thought-provoking and imaginative tale that combines the thrill of elemental magic with the depth of a young man's quest for self-discovery. S.I. Foote has crafted a compelling narrative that promises to engage and inspire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The protagonist, nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon, faces a dire fate as he struggles to pass his last element test which is the Water element. Because of this, he is labeled as a Rogue, someone not supposed to exist. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when the Council, despite their lethal mandate, finds themselves unable to kill him. This twist propels the narrative into unknown territory, raising questions about Ethan's true nature and the possible existence of a deeper, more profound power within him.
Foote's writing is both vivid and immersive, painting a detailed picture of Elementōrum Patriam and its harsh, yet fascinating society. The author skillfully explores themes of power, survival, and identity, challenging readers to consider the implications of a world where one's worth is determined by their ability to wield elemental forces.
Ethan's character is well-developed, eliciting empathy and admiration as he confronts his own perceived inadequacies and the Council's brutal expectations. The suspense surrounding his unique immunity to the Council's decree adds a layer of mystery that keeps readers hooked.
"Incomplete" is a thought-provoking and imaginative tale that combines the thrill of elemental magic with the depth of a young man's quest for self-discovery. S.I. Foote has crafted a compelling narrative that promises to engage and inspire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
October 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⚡️Science Fantasy
⚡️ Alternative history
⚡️Elemental powers
⚡️Fast paced
⚡️Easy to love characters
This was a really interesting read! Set in an alternative to our world 300 years in the future, Elementalists, humans with mutated genes, have been living separate from the human world since Pangea split. The world building was so incredible, using references to our history, countries and culture really made this fantasy future seem like maybe Elementalists really do live in our world. The science fiction aspects were also well thought out, advanced technologies and weapons and I loved the weapons guide which I referred to several times!
I also really enjoyed the characters, there are many main characters to keep track of which at first I found a little confusing, but once I started to understand I found them multifaceted, and loved how each character had their own distinct mannerisms, quirks and identity. The author has done a fantastic job at creating such a large multicultural cast of 3 dimensional characters. I'm really excited to learn more about each of them in the future books.
The plot of Incomplete, while very interesting, can get a little confusing, especially since this is a complex read that is fast paced and told in multiple timelines. It is so important to pay attention the the dates at the start (and sometimes in the middle) of chapters. I think this was the hardest thing for me while reading. The story skips along weeks, sometimes a month at a time and while this is an interesting writing technique, it made reading a little confusing while I was still getting acquainted with the world and characters. I constantly needed to flip backwards to check dates which took me out of my reading zone and because of this it, I wouldn't suggest this to beginners who are just starting to read sci-fan or fantasy.
Having said that, I really did enjoy the read, and I immediately picked up book 2 to see what happens next. I'm definitely hooked into the story, but the issues I found with the timeline taking ke out of my reading zone is what lowered my star rating.
⚡️Science Fantasy
⚡️ Alternative history
⚡️Elemental powers
⚡️Fast paced
⚡️Easy to love characters
This was a really interesting read! Set in an alternative to our world 300 years in the future, Elementalists, humans with mutated genes, have been living separate from the human world since Pangea split. The world building was so incredible, using references to our history, countries and culture really made this fantasy future seem like maybe Elementalists really do live in our world. The science fiction aspects were also well thought out, advanced technologies and weapons and I loved the weapons guide which I referred to several times!
I also really enjoyed the characters, there are many main characters to keep track of which at first I found a little confusing, but once I started to understand I found them multifaceted, and loved how each character had their own distinct mannerisms, quirks and identity. The author has done a fantastic job at creating such a large multicultural cast of 3 dimensional characters. I'm really excited to learn more about each of them in the future books.
The plot of Incomplete, while very interesting, can get a little confusing, especially since this is a complex read that is fast paced and told in multiple timelines. It is so important to pay attention the the dates at the start (and sometimes in the middle) of chapters. I think this was the hardest thing for me while reading. The story skips along weeks, sometimes a month at a time and while this is an interesting writing technique, it made reading a little confusing while I was still getting acquainted with the world and characters. I constantly needed to flip backwards to check dates which took me out of my reading zone and because of this it, I wouldn't suggest this to beginners who are just starting to read sci-fan or fantasy.
Having said that, I really did enjoy the read, and I immediately picked up book 2 to see what happens next. I'm definitely hooked into the story, but the issues I found with the timeline taking ke out of my reading zone is what lowered my star rating.
February 17, 2024
Rating: 3.8⭐ - I received an advance reader copy (ARC) and I’m voluntarily giving my honest opinion about this book. Thank you Vine Publishing & S.I. Foote for the copy!
I really love the concept of this book! Elementalists emerged from a genetic mutation on the 13th chromosome & they were separated from humans when Pangea was split.
The story was more character-driven than plot-driven. We get to know the different members of the Council & how their lives changed when they discovered their powers. The story also focused on giving backstories about the different characters - their past and present struggles and what they think of the current policies being implemented.
Both humans and elementalists have a strong point why the laws were put in place & I myself was wondering whose side I will be on.
The book also mentioned different topics that are emotionally sensitive, which most people can relate to. Even though they are elementalist powers, they are still like “humans” who experience, joy, pain, guilt, etc.
I gave this book 3.8⭐because of how the story developed from a peaceful co-existence with the humans to a complicated one which soon turned into war. I think the author had an amazing way to tell the story of the characters. Ethan’s story was mentioned in the beginning and I really liked how the story started but during the middle, I was hoping to see more of Ethan, and how he would actually help in the war. Will he be the one to save the day?
Also, I think some of the timelines about the characters were confusing for me, going back and forth between past, present & in-between. Plus, there were past stories about the villains, too!
However, that being said, I would still be interested to know what will happen to Ethan, the Council, and the war & I hope the 2 characters’ love story will be seen more in the second book!
Trigger warnings: torture, rape, abuse, suicide, grief, parental abandonment, fire, death, war.
I really love the concept of this book! Elementalists emerged from a genetic mutation on the 13th chromosome & they were separated from humans when Pangea was split.
The story was more character-driven than plot-driven. We get to know the different members of the Council & how their lives changed when they discovered their powers. The story also focused on giving backstories about the different characters - their past and present struggles and what they think of the current policies being implemented.
Both humans and elementalists have a strong point why the laws were put in place & I myself was wondering whose side I will be on.
The book also mentioned different topics that are emotionally sensitive, which most people can relate to. Even though they are elementalist powers, they are still like “humans” who experience, joy, pain, guilt, etc.
I gave this book 3.8⭐because of how the story developed from a peaceful co-existence with the humans to a complicated one which soon turned into war. I think the author had an amazing way to tell the story of the characters. Ethan’s story was mentioned in the beginning and I really liked how the story started but during the middle, I was hoping to see more of Ethan, and how he would actually help in the war. Will he be the one to save the day?
Also, I think some of the timelines about the characters were confusing for me, going back and forth between past, present & in-between. Plus, there were past stories about the villains, too!
However, that being said, I would still be interested to know what will happen to Ethan, the Council, and the war & I hope the 2 characters’ love story will be seen more in the second book!
Trigger warnings: torture, rape, abuse, suicide, grief, parental abandonment, fire, death, war.
December 29, 2023
“No one who enters the Council chambers leaves it alive.25,000 feet (7,620 meters) above the Gulf of Mexico floats Elementōrum Patriam, the eighth continent for the elementalist people, where the seven-member Council rules. Those born with the elementalist gene mutation are taken to Elementōrum Patriam, but if they can't control one of the seven elements, they are killed.Nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon knows the fate that awaits him when he doesn't pass his last Water element test. He walks willingly into the Council chambers and faces the seven. There's only one problem.The Council can't kill him.On Earth's surface, irate humans, sick of having their children taken from them, seize their opportunity to destroy the elementalists forever. The Council faces their biggest war since the separation of Pangea, and they need Ethan on their side.Ethan must find his place among the Council, or they will fall together.”
The world building!! First and foremost the world building, the society building in this book was an absolute thing of beauty. The pitting of humans against the elementalists in the way the world currently is hits hard to your heart and soul. This beautifully binding and twisting dystopian story pulls you in and keeps you infused into the characters and everything they face. I haven't been as enthralled by a book like this in a very long time. I'd recommend for any dystopian or sci-fi lovers.
The world building!! First and foremost the world building, the society building in this book was an absolute thing of beauty. The pitting of humans against the elementalists in the way the world currently is hits hard to your heart and soul. This beautifully binding and twisting dystopian story pulls you in and keeps you infused into the characters and everything they face. I haven't been as enthralled by a book like this in a very long time. I'd recommend for any dystopian or sci-fi lovers.
July 15, 2024
When I started "Incomplete" by S.I Foote, I was excited about reading something different from the books I had just finished. The book is set in a future earth in the 2300s, in which there are elementalists and Uns, humans born to elementalist parents. For many years, the nine-member Council which comprised seven distinct elements, had ruled the society. However, a discovery of an unknown element leads them to go back into the history of their existence. Here, they must deal with personal fears and recreate a world where they do not have to be separated from their families.
As someone who has always enjoyed the science of genetics and mutations, one part of the novel that appealed to me was the history of the elementalists which the author wrote about. It spoke about genetic mutations on chromosome thirteen, which gave such individuals the ability to control one element. While this was fictional, I felt a twinge of excitement as I considered being able to control one element.
What I disliked about this book was that it had many stories to tell. Every single character had a backstory and while this formed the basis of the storyline, it was hard to keep up. However, one thing I liked was the willingness of the Council to lead its society right despite generations of ruling a separated nation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories with futuristic themes with an element of science. It is an interesting book.
As someone who has always enjoyed the science of genetics and mutations, one part of the novel that appealed to me was the history of the elementalists which the author wrote about. It spoke about genetic mutations on chromosome thirteen, which gave such individuals the ability to control one element. While this was fictional, I felt a twinge of excitement as I considered being able to control one element.
What I disliked about this book was that it had many stories to tell. Every single character had a backstory and while this formed the basis of the storyline, it was hard to keep up. However, one thing I liked was the willingness of the Council to lead its society right despite generations of ruling a separated nation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories with futuristic themes with an element of science. It is an interesting book.
September 24, 2024
Wow! This book is exactly what is promised and pardon me for the gen-z slang, but it ate and left no crumbs!
The story is set in the 2300s, where another species, The Elementalists have emerged and are ruling as a governing body in their country of Elementōrum Patrium. The main council, composed of seven anonymous figures face and impossible scenario when a rogue (someone without elementalist power), Ethan Silverspoon cannot be killed, thrusting them in a world of doubts and discovery.
This book is slow and takes its sweet time with the world building with immaculate details. The cast is huge but everyone has a significant backstory where you can feel their resentment, anguish, horror and power. The plot picks up pace in the second half where visions of an impending war threaten to destroy everything known.
I absolutely loved the character development in the first book! I love some and loath some characters, which shows the amount of effort put in by the author to have a diverse cast and reaction.
It is a fantastic premise with a lot of promise to be explored in the next two books of the series. As a separate book, Incomplete establishes a strong foothold in the sci-fi dystopian genre and makes one excited for all that is yet to come!
10/10 recommended for lovers of fantasy, exquisite worldbuilding and slow burn (added bonus: cute nicknames, a budding brewing romance and an awkward teenager)
The story is set in the 2300s, where another species, The Elementalists have emerged and are ruling as a governing body in their country of Elementōrum Patrium. The main council, composed of seven anonymous figures face and impossible scenario when a rogue (someone without elementalist power), Ethan Silverspoon cannot be killed, thrusting them in a world of doubts and discovery.
This book is slow and takes its sweet time with the world building with immaculate details. The cast is huge but everyone has a significant backstory where you can feel their resentment, anguish, horror and power. The plot picks up pace in the second half where visions of an impending war threaten to destroy everything known.
I absolutely loved the character development in the first book! I love some and loath some characters, which shows the amount of effort put in by the author to have a diverse cast and reaction.
It is a fantastic premise with a lot of promise to be explored in the next two books of the series. As a separate book, Incomplete establishes a strong foothold in the sci-fi dystopian genre and makes one excited for all that is yet to come!
10/10 recommended for lovers of fantasy, exquisite worldbuilding and slow burn (added bonus: cute nicknames, a budding brewing romance and an awkward teenager)
July 15, 2024
"Incomplete" by S. I. Foote, is a book set in the early 2300s. In a world where some are born with certain elemental powers and others are seen as "Rogues," Ethan Silverspoon soon becomes the gateway to the discovery of the "Death" and a search for the "Supernatural" elementalists. This new development puts the Council on edge as they must work together to find these newly found elements and face the humans that now threaten their existence.
The best part of this novel was the beginning. It was not the classic introduction that one would read in other books. I also liked the futuristic terms used like the Luminis Sclopetum and the Arcus. I liked how the writer wrote from a perspective that differed from the futuristic earth I anticipated seeing. I loved Ethan Silverspoon's character, who proved to not be beaten down despite everything that he had gone through.
I disliked the storyline, not because the characters lacked intricate descriptions, but because of how complex it was. The characters all had their individual stories and backgrounds, but the entire novel seemed jumbled up. As I read, it felt like the writer had the story all figured out and I could not follow. However, it was a good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sci-fi, futuristic, and somewhat complex novels. You'd like this one!
The best part of this novel was the beginning. It was not the classic introduction that one would read in other books. I also liked the futuristic terms used like the Luminis Sclopetum and the Arcus. I liked how the writer wrote from a perspective that differed from the futuristic earth I anticipated seeing. I loved Ethan Silverspoon's character, who proved to not be beaten down despite everything that he had gone through.
I disliked the storyline, not because the characters lacked intricate descriptions, but because of how complex it was. The characters all had their individual stories and backgrounds, but the entire novel seemed jumbled up. As I read, it felt like the writer had the story all figured out and I could not follow. However, it was a good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sci-fi, futuristic, and somewhat complex novels. You'd like this one!
September 30, 2024
Nineteen-year-old Ethan Silverspoon knows the fate that awaits him when he doesn’t pass his last Water element test. He walks willingly into the Council chambers and faces the seven. There’s only one problem.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦!
......................
📚 Incomplete by S.I Foote
1st Book In The Series "ELEMENATALISTS"
I'm not someone who reads si-fi nor did I thought I'm gonna like this genre but this book proved me wrong! I was so addicted to this book since the starting of the book. The plot, the characters, the setting everything was so perfectly potrayed and written that it was so hard to put this book down!
Ethan who has been named as Rogue (Someone who's not supposed to exist, someone who needs to die) after he fails to pass the tests to be an Elementalist has been sent to council (Consists of 7 members having different powers each) to welcome his long awaited death. But when the council members couldn't kill him no matter whatever ways they came up with, it created havoc in them and that's when they made a surprising discovery. Council isn't supposed to be of 7 members but of 9 and Ethan seems to be the 8th missing council as DEATH ELEMENATALIST. And now they must find the 9th Elemantalist to be a complete council. But will be it easy for them? Especially when a human declares a war with them because the council took his daughter who is discovered to be Fire Elemantalist.
Trust me when I say this story is so addicting, you wouldn't want a miss reading this! I'm so grateful to the author for sending this all the way to my country. So grateful I picked this book!
I have started 2nd book in the series and damn I'm so loving it!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐦!
......................
📚 Incomplete by S.I Foote
1st Book In The Series "ELEMENATALISTS"
I'm not someone who reads si-fi nor did I thought I'm gonna like this genre but this book proved me wrong! I was so addicted to this book since the starting of the book. The plot, the characters, the setting everything was so perfectly potrayed and written that it was so hard to put this book down!
Ethan who has been named as Rogue (Someone who's not supposed to exist, someone who needs to die) after he fails to pass the tests to be an Elementalist has been sent to council (Consists of 7 members having different powers each) to welcome his long awaited death. But when the council members couldn't kill him no matter whatever ways they came up with, it created havoc in them and that's when they made a surprising discovery. Council isn't supposed to be of 7 members but of 9 and Ethan seems to be the 8th missing council as DEATH ELEMENATALIST. And now they must find the 9th Elemantalist to be a complete council. But will be it easy for them? Especially when a human declares a war with them because the council took his daughter who is discovered to be Fire Elemantalist.
Trust me when I say this story is so addicting, you wouldn't want a miss reading this! I'm so grateful to the author for sending this all the way to my country. So grateful I picked this book!
I have started 2nd book in the series and damn I'm so loving it!
February 3, 2024
A refreshing and novel take on a dystopian world where people born with special abilities must learn to navigate environments that are as hostile to them as they are familiar. Author S.I. Foote gives us a view of an alternate timeline of our world, where the ability to control the elements is common; but those with these natural abilities must separate themselves from humankind for their safety, if not the safety of the world. The beautifully diverse and varied primary character groups are well fleshed out, and dialogue and interactions between the contrasting personalities feels natural. Foote also gives us an in-depth look at how these characters navigate the complex inter-personal relationships that develop through the story’s progress, and all the murkiness that can develop when one catches feelings. In this world, nothing is as cut and dried as it seems. The plot progresses with an organic growth that mimics a wild ivy, beautifully chaotic, in a structured way, that leaves the reader hungry for more. This is an excellent addition to any reader’s TBR list, and I count myself lucky to have added it to my Log count! I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. 5/5 paws!
February 6, 2024
'Incomplete' is the first book in the Elementalists trilogy, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy. The review below is my unbiased view.
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, initially following Ethan, an Elementalist who has failed his final elemental exams, labelling him a 'Rogue' and handing him a death sentence.
Although I loved the plotline, I found the multiple different POV's to be distracting and detracted from the overall storytelling. This meant I also found it hard to connect to the characters. The placement of the flashbacks also took away from the pace of the book, with it almost confusing me at some points until I checked the year reference at the start of the section. I felt that the story missed some build up of Ethan being declared a 'Rogue' in order to develop some bond with him and his story before delving into the next part of the plot. The almost light hearted scenes surrounding the harsh experience that Ethan was going through detracted from a pivotal moment for Ethan.
The diversity of the characters in this book was incredible, and I really enjoyed the world that S.I. Foote has built. There is so much potential here that I am looking forward to the next book to see what develops.
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, initially following Ethan, an Elementalist who has failed his final elemental exams, labelling him a 'Rogue' and handing him a death sentence.
Although I loved the plotline, I found the multiple different POV's to be distracting and detracted from the overall storytelling. This meant I also found it hard to connect to the characters. The placement of the flashbacks also took away from the pace of the book, with it almost confusing me at some points until I checked the year reference at the start of the section. I felt that the story missed some build up of Ethan being declared a 'Rogue' in order to develop some bond with him and his story before delving into the next part of the plot. The almost light hearted scenes surrounding the harsh experience that Ethan was going through detracted from a pivotal moment for Ethan.
The diversity of the characters in this book was incredible, and I really enjoyed the world that S.I. Foote has built. There is so much potential here that I am looking forward to the next book to see what develops.
Read
September 19, 2024Although ‘science-fantasy’ is not a term of which I am particularly fond, it does describe ‘Incomplete’ as well as any other. It could also be considered a superhero story of sorts; the ‘Nine’ are very much in the same vein as the X-Men, the Justice League, and so on. With their own unique quirks, to be sure.
Anyway, it’s pretty decent science-fantasy. Oh, sure I can find things to criticize. There are some plot holes and inconsistencies; e.g. why did Plan AZ exist when there had never been any problem killing a Rogue before? We have a ‘magic’ system that does not make a lot of sense, but does, for the most part, respect its own internal logic. There is quite a bit of reliance on coincidence to tie the plot elements together. A certain amount of slightly clumsy info-dumping occurs.
But the story holds together and is written well enough. Certainly interesting enough and entertaining enough to keep me reading and to get me started on the sequel. The characters are well realized and their actions are believable. They are people we can care about, sympathize with—even the antagonists. I can recommend ‘Incomplete’ to fans of speculative fiction and to readers in general.
Note: I do not much believe in the ‘stars’ ranking system and have not assigned any here.
Anyway, it’s pretty decent science-fantasy. Oh, sure I can find things to criticize. There are some plot holes and inconsistencies; e.g. why did Plan AZ exist when there had never been any problem killing a Rogue before? We have a ‘magic’ system that does not make a lot of sense, but does, for the most part, respect its own internal logic. There is quite a bit of reliance on coincidence to tie the plot elements together. A certain amount of slightly clumsy info-dumping occurs.
But the story holds together and is written well enough. Certainly interesting enough and entertaining enough to keep me reading and to get me started on the sequel. The characters are well realized and their actions are believable. They are people we can care about, sympathize with—even the antagonists. I can recommend ‘Incomplete’ to fans of speculative fiction and to readers in general.
Note: I do not much believe in the ‘stars’ ranking system and have not assigned any here.
October 19, 2024
In SI Foote's Incomplete, a council of young elementalists governs a futuristic world. The Council carries out governance, and humans adhere to its rules. The Council abruptly removes children born with the mutation gene from their parents and sends them to the Elementōrum Patriam. Some of the children taken are considered "Rogues" and unable to control their powers. The Council orders the death of these "Rogues".
Among the parents whose children were taken, one stands up and leads a rebellion to bring down the elementalists.
This book's concept exhibits a striking combination of imagination and suspense. Foote vividly describes and convincingly explains the supernatural powers displayed by the Council members. Foote's writing transports the reader along with the characters.
The Council didn't seem likeable, and I didn't feel emotionally invested in their fate. My favorite character was Tyr, whose daughter was taken. His flight against the Council was well written and relatable. If I were a character in this book, I would also join his revolt.
Book one leaves the reader with no answers, so be prepared to grab book two.
Fans of Supernatural, Dystopian, and Sci-Fi should check out this book.
Among the parents whose children were taken, one stands up and leads a rebellion to bring down the elementalists.
This book's concept exhibits a striking combination of imagination and suspense. Foote vividly describes and convincingly explains the supernatural powers displayed by the Council members. Foote's writing transports the reader along with the characters.
The Council didn't seem likeable, and I didn't feel emotionally invested in their fate. My favorite character was Tyr, whose daughter was taken. His flight against the Council was well written and relatable. If I were a character in this book, I would also join his revolt.
Book one leaves the reader with no answers, so be prepared to grab book two.
Fans of Supernatural, Dystopian, and Sci-Fi should check out this book.
January 25, 2024
In a world where there are strict rules about how your abilities work, it is life-threatening to be different. Ethan failed to fit into one of the councils neat little boxes regarding his abilities. As per the rules, his sentence is death. But will they follow through with his sentence, or will the discovery that he may be something different, perhaps something forgotten, leading the council down a different path? I really enjoyed this book. There was so much thought put into building this world that you can basically step right into it when reading. I think the characters are very well developed. Ethan is absolutely hilarious. I love it when they give him poison, that doesn't kill him, and then ask him to leave the room. He asks if he could bring the poison and then drinks it all. I feel like his personality was a breath of fresh air in this dark world. As do a lot of the other characters we get to know. I'm super excited to see what happens next. If dystopian books are your thing, you should definitely add this to your tbr.
February 15, 2024
Following Ethan, we hit the ground running in this unique elemental world. I literally was laughing out loud at some of his dialogue and retorts at the beginning and I fell in love with his character! He has all but failed his element tests and will be labeled a Rogue and be killed. As you meet more elementalists, including the council who will decide his fate, you are drawn more and more into the complex society where human, uns, and elementalists are kept separate. The plot twists were phenomenal and I just wanted more and more with every page. The characters back stories were captivating and draw you into the characters more and more. You feel the human frustration when their kids are taken from them and the weight on the council of the decision they must make. My only negative for this was I wanted more of Ethan and sometimes the placement of the backstories made the flow of the book feel a little rough. Overall a heart wrenching and beautifully written book and I cannot wait for book two!
January 30, 2024
I was hooked. S.I. Foote's debut novel had me reading in a genre I don't often go to and I was enraptured. Foote managed to interweave world building into the character progression through different points of view of the characters. This made the building of this sci-fi world multidimensional and highlighted that even higher ranking people can interpret current social and political dynamics in different ways. We may question the historical directives or we can choose to blindly follow socialital norms until someone puts a wrench in those beliefs.
I really enjoyed the diversity of the character pool and how so many perspectives were highlighted. This gave the reader more of a companion feel to the story. We were able to see not only their current dynamics but what in their past started them in their current trajectory.
This series is not one to sleep on. I believe Foote has quite the world one would enjoy to immersify themselves in.
I really enjoyed the diversity of the character pool and how so many perspectives were highlighted. This gave the reader more of a companion feel to the story. We were able to see not only their current dynamics but what in their past started them in their current trajectory.
This series is not one to sleep on. I believe Foote has quite the world one would enjoy to immersify themselves in.
September 29, 2024
What a wonderful read about people with powers trying to survive in a world where people without powers fear them. Assuming Ethan was to be killed because he was thought to be rogue, that had no control over his power. Only to realize he had a power that the counsel had no idea existed.
The characters have colorful personalities and diversity that are clear. Even though their are forms of diversity that go so far, it's nice to see the characters recognize that their is room for improvement. They have an understanding that even though they have particular diversity their is still room to improve diversity in other ways.
It will be nice to see them explore the history and developments of these characters and any other characters that come along in book 2.
War is coming, and the outcome is unclear. What will come of the counsel and the people that are elementalists and non elementalists? I can't wait to see what happens in book 2. 🤩
The characters have colorful personalities and diversity that are clear. Even though their are forms of diversity that go so far, it's nice to see the characters recognize that their is room for improvement. They have an understanding that even though they have particular diversity their is still room to improve diversity in other ways.
It will be nice to see them explore the history and developments of these characters and any other characters that come along in book 2.
War is coming, and the outcome is unclear. What will come of the counsel and the people that are elementalists and non elementalists? I can't wait to see what happens in book 2. 🤩
February 22, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Incomplete by S.I. Foote is the first book in the Elementalists series which left me (not so patiently) waiting for book 2 to release.
The character development was great and the location as well as elementalist abilities were so well described that I could picture it all in my mind. It’s so well written that it was easy to imagine their surroundings, I just wish I could jump into the book.
Without giving away the story too much, it begins with the discovery of Ethan’s ability… one not seen in the Council's lifetime. This discovery is made in the nick of time to save a life.
After his house burns to the ground and his daughter’s Nanny perishes in the fire, Tyr comes home just in time to discover that his daughter is a fire Elementalist as she’s forcefully taken away by the Council for training. His heart breaks and his anger rages against all Elementalists as he vows to get her back and destroy all Elementalists and their supporters.
This story had me hooked right from page one and I just couldn’t put it down. There were many unexpected twists and a “to be continued…..” ending that had me here literally with my jaw hanging open. What?!!!
I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys plot twists and great character development… and dare I say cliff hangers?! No official romance in this novel except between the lines but I’m quite sure there is some coming in book 2.
Incomplete by S.I. Foote is the first book in the Elementalists series which left me (not so patiently) waiting for book 2 to release.
The character development was great and the location as well as elementalist abilities were so well described that I could picture it all in my mind. It’s so well written that it was easy to imagine their surroundings, I just wish I could jump into the book.
Without giving away the story too much, it begins with the discovery of Ethan’s ability… one not seen in the Council's lifetime. This discovery is made in the nick of time to save a life.
After his house burns to the ground and his daughter’s Nanny perishes in the fire, Tyr comes home just in time to discover that his daughter is a fire Elementalist as she’s forcefully taken away by the Council for training. His heart breaks and his anger rages against all Elementalists as he vows to get her back and destroy all Elementalists and their supporters.
This story had me hooked right from page one and I just couldn’t put it down. There were many unexpected twists and a “to be continued…..” ending that had me here literally with my jaw hanging open. What?!!!
I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys plot twists and great character development… and dare I say cliff hangers?! No official romance in this novel except between the lines but I’m quite sure there is some coming in book 2.
February 15, 2024
Quote by K.M. Weiland: “Don’t kill your story’s tension with too many points of view.”
This book was really hard to get through. It had an intriguing idea, but I felt like the story was…messy. The antagonist was not introduced until around the middle of the story. And there were so many different points of view. Every few pages, sometimes every few paragraphs, there was a point of view shift. Some of these point of view shifts went back in time as well. So not only did I have to try and keep the different characters straight (some of them weren’t even introduced before the POV shift to them), I also had to keep the dates straight too… It made following the story difficult.
This book was really hard to get through. It had an intriguing idea, but I felt like the story was…messy. The antagonist was not introduced until around the middle of the story. And there were so many different points of view. Every few pages, sometimes every few paragraphs, there was a point of view shift. Some of these point of view shifts went back in time as well. So not only did I have to try and keep the different characters straight (some of them weren’t even introduced before the POV shift to them), I also had to keep the dates straight too… It made following the story difficult.
December 29, 2023
This debut novel for S.I. Foote’s Elementalists series has an outstanding premise, strong, inclusive characterization and absolutely makes you want to read the next one!
The beginning is a little clunky - lots of world building for our main character, very little initial information about everyone else - but hang in there. This is an author worth watching and I am grateful for the opportunity to review her arc.
The beginning is a little clunky - lots of world building for our main character, very little initial information about everyone else - but hang in there. This is an author worth watching and I am grateful for the opportunity to review her arc.
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