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Elemental Hall #1
Elemental Hall: Nautica
From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes the long-awaited debut of a thrilling new epic fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Brandon Sanderson, and Sarah J. Maas.
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Seraphina Stormborn is recruited into Elemental Hall, a brutal, five-year magic academy where recruits learn to harness the powers of the five primal elements for both creation and destruction, she faces trials, monsters and power surpassing her wildest dreams. Yet her greatest trial of all may be as she makes friends and enemies, Sera finds herself romantically torn between the noble-born Orion and the mysterious, shadowy Darius…
ELEMENTAL HALL propels us into an adventurous new fantasy realm filled with peril and promise, where the forces of destiny intertwine with love and magic, and where only the strong and self-sacrificing can survive. This series takes us on a gripping journey with unexpected turns and edge-of-your-seat suspense, drawing us deep into its brutal and magical universe. Catering to both young adult and mature audiences, ELEMENTAL HALL presents a clean, innovative twist on the fantasy genre, ensuring that you'll be hooked until the very last page.
Future books in the series will soon be available!
From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes a long-awaited new epic fantasy series. ELEMENTAL NAUTICA is the first book in the ELEMENTAL HALL series.
“Morgan Rice's imagination is limitless!”
--Books and Movie Reviews (Roberto Mattos)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A spirited fantasy ….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series.”
--Midwest Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A powerful opener to a series [that] will produce a combination of feisty protagonists and challenging circumstances to thoroughly involve not just young adults, but adult fantasy fans who seek epic stories fueled by powerful friendships and adversaries.”
--Midwest Book Review (Diane Donovan) (re A Throne for Sisters)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Morgan is one of my favorite authors and is close to the very top of my list. Another little pick up ‘Transmission’ by miss Rice.
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Seraphina Stormborn is recruited into Elemental Hall, a brutal, five-year magic academy where recruits learn to harness the powers of the five primal elements for both creation and destruction, she faces trials, monsters and power surpassing her wildest dreams. Yet her greatest trial of all may be as she makes friends and enemies, Sera finds herself romantically torn between the noble-born Orion and the mysterious, shadowy Darius…
ELEMENTAL HALL propels us into an adventurous new fantasy realm filled with peril and promise, where the forces of destiny intertwine with love and magic, and where only the strong and self-sacrificing can survive. This series takes us on a gripping journey with unexpected turns and edge-of-your-seat suspense, drawing us deep into its brutal and magical universe. Catering to both young adult and mature audiences, ELEMENTAL HALL presents a clean, innovative twist on the fantasy genre, ensuring that you'll be hooked until the very last page.
Future books in the series will soon be available!
From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes a long-awaited new epic fantasy series. ELEMENTAL NAUTICA is the first book in the ELEMENTAL HALL series.
“Morgan Rice's imagination is limitless!”
--Books and Movie Reviews (Roberto Mattos)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A spirited fantasy ….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series.”
--Midwest Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A powerful opener to a series [that] will produce a combination of feisty protagonists and challenging circumstances to thoroughly involve not just young adults, but adult fantasy fans who seek epic stories fueled by powerful friendships and adversaries.”
--Midwest Book Review (Diane Donovan) (re A Throne for Sisters)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Morgan is one of my favorite authors and is close to the very top of my list. Another little pick up ‘Transmission’ by miss Rice.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2024
About the author
Morgan Rice
593 books3,420 followersMorgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 12, 2025
TL;DR
I didn't see the YA tag but this book felt like one. I liked the places and the challenges our main protagonist has to go though. The book is fast paced, it's action scene then a bit of breathing room and then straight back into more action. I just have one problem which is a very personal thing for me. I DESPISE love triangles and there is one here.
My Scoring System
I have five things I look for in a book, if the book checks all five it's a 5/5 stars book, if it checks none it's a 1/5 stars and everything else is a combination:
✓ - Main Story: Interesting and it kept me engaged. I liked the world this is set in.
X - Side Stories (if it applies): I didn't like the side stuff problems with our protagonist love interests. Thankfully they weren't the main focus of the story.
✓ - Characters: They were okay, I didn't like one of the love interest because he was the typical perfect guy who had no flaws. Boring...
✓ - Setting/Ambiance: The strong point of this book, I really liked the descriptions of the school and the different islands.
X - Ending: Okay ending. The first school training ends and they have to keep going to the next one.
Extensive Review
Like I said this is a personal thing for me but I don't like love triangles at all and there's this stupid subplot about a guy and our main protagonist pretending to be a couple just so his parents don't take him out of the training. I didn't like it.
I don't know how it happens but every single encounter goes like this. Our protagonist and one of the two guys train for something, the guy says "you're good but you need to do it like this" and then proceeds to touch her making her start her normal cycle of lusting over whichever guy is she training with her that day. Whenever she was training with a guy I kept thinking "Okay, let's see how is she going to think about kissing him this time."
I'm not even going to address the fact our protagonist says "I love you" to a guy who she spent a few weeks at most with. Reinforcing my feeling that this is a YA book.
I didn't see the YA tag but this book felt like one. I liked the places and the challenges our main protagonist has to go though. The book is fast paced, it's action scene then a bit of breathing room and then straight back into more action. I just have one problem which is a very personal thing for me. I DESPISE love triangles and there is one here.
My Scoring System
I have five things I look for in a book, if the book checks all five it's a 5/5 stars book, if it checks none it's a 1/5 stars and everything else is a combination:
✓ - Main Story: Interesting and it kept me engaged. I liked the world this is set in.
X - Side Stories (if it applies): I didn't like the side stuff problems with our protagonist love interests. Thankfully they weren't the main focus of the story.
✓ - Characters: They were okay, I didn't like one of the love interest because he was the typical perfect guy who had no flaws. Boring...
✓ - Setting/Ambiance: The strong point of this book, I really liked the descriptions of the school and the different islands.
X - Ending: Okay ending. The first school training ends and they have to keep going to the next one.
Extensive Review
Like I said this is a personal thing for me but I don't like love triangles at all and there's this stupid subplot about a guy and our main protagonist pretending to be a couple just so his parents don't take him out of the training. I didn't like it.
I don't know how it happens but every single encounter goes like this. Our protagonist and one of the two guys train for something, the guy says "you're good but you need to do it like this" and then proceeds to touch her making her start her normal cycle of lusting over whichever guy is she training with her that day. Whenever she was training with a guy I kept thinking "Okay, let's see how is she going to think about kissing him this time."
I'm not even going to address the fact our protagonist says "I love you" to a guy who she spent a few weeks at most with. Reinforcing my feeling that this is a YA book.
October 9, 2024
Exciting!
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! The characters are interesting and likeable. The premise is that those who have the ability to learn to work with the various elemental powers are sent to schools to develop those powers, the catch being that they must survive various brutal and life threatening challenges to be able to remain. The plot is exciting and there is obviously more to come, so I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! The characters are interesting and likeable. The premise is that those who have the ability to learn to work with the various elemental powers are sent to schools to develop those powers, the catch being that they must survive various brutal and life threatening challenges to be able to remain. The plot is exciting and there is obviously more to come, so I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
February 18, 2026
Parecido com o Oathborne, mas noutro universo. Personagens um pouco mais desenvolvidos, narrativa ligeiramente mais coerente. Ainda assim, soube-me a pouco.
Talvez ainda leia o 2o volume. Para tirar teimas. Ou quando estiver demasiado cansada para ler livros com mais substância.
Talvez ainda leia o 2o volume. Para tirar teimas. Ou quando estiver demasiado cansada para ler livros com mais substância.
October 19, 2024
Following the tradition of John Flannagan, Pedro Urvi, and Tui T. Sutherland, Ms. Rice creates a world in conflict where talented youth are taken apart to be trained in their elemental magic to defend their kingdom. The pattern is predictable, where a young woman—who has exceptional raw talent but who comes from a simple heritage—is faced with joining a team of better trained, socially and politically elite peers. As expected, the training involves deadly trials, harsh directors and treacherous peers.
While this seems more prescriptive than I’m used to with Morgan Rice’s books, she still does a good job of developing her main character, but her supporting cast is flat and predictable. The world building is excellent, the elemental magic is fun, and the challenges are full of unexpected twists.
That said, I was sad to see the lack of honor and virtue one sees presented in her Sorcerer’s Ring series. The teens hop in and out of bed with each other, no one considering the significance of such engagement emotionally. Furthermore, there is no concern about the possibility of parenting a child in such folly. The motives for treachery seem shallow and childish. I encountered no memorable quotes.
While I enjoyed the world and Serafina’s storytelling, I wouldn’t recommend this series.
While this seems more prescriptive than I’m used to with Morgan Rice’s books, she still does a good job of developing her main character, but her supporting cast is flat and predictable. The world building is excellent, the elemental magic is fun, and the challenges are full of unexpected twists.
That said, I was sad to see the lack of honor and virtue one sees presented in her Sorcerer’s Ring series. The teens hop in and out of bed with each other, no one considering the significance of such engagement emotionally. Furthermore, there is no concern about the possibility of parenting a child in such folly. The motives for treachery seem shallow and childish. I encountered no memorable quotes.
While I enjoyed the world and Serafina’s storytelling, I wouldn’t recommend this series.
May 13, 2026
First of all, I want to write a review in Amazon but unable to do so because some arbitrary rules they have. It has sea creatures, seraphim, and sunken city. I like more the world building. The guy from nobility Orion made a deal with Sera because his family keep dogging him to get married, they will stop if he tell them that he is with someone. Sera will be a less pariah if she is with him. They agree with feign relationship they present themselves in Nautica. Who will find out? The world building got me curious and how threaten are the Umbrae.
July 22, 2024
I was given an ARC of this book and I enjoyed it.
Seraphina has an affinity with water, lives in a small village and is promised to a man she doesn't really know. Along comes a stranger...
Making her way to a school for elementals, she discovers even more about her talent; then arrives at Nautica.
There is a good mix of characters, all suited to the plot. There is a great sense of place, some romance and plenty of adventures.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining. I loved the magical atmosphere.
Recommended.
Seraphina has an affinity with water, lives in a small village and is promised to a man she doesn't really know. Along comes a stranger...
Making her way to a school for elementals, she discovers even more about her talent; then arrives at Nautica.
There is a good mix of characters, all suited to the plot. There is a great sense of place, some romance and plenty of adventures.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining. I loved the magical atmosphere.
Recommended.
August 9, 2024
Meh
So I have read most of Morgan Rice's books and really enjoy and look forward to them. His most recent books, however lack development of plot and characters and feel half finished and rushed. I feel like I'm reading a rough draft that needs a lot of further fleshing out. I certainly hope that this is not how all of his books going forth are going to be, however I do not have high hopes. 😕
So I have read most of Morgan Rice's books and really enjoy and look forward to them. His most recent books, however lack development of plot and characters and feel half finished and rushed. I feel like I'm reading a rough draft that needs a lot of further fleshing out. I certainly hope that this is not how all of his books going forth are going to be, however I do not have high hopes. 😕
September 26, 2024
love!
A different adventure, unlike most of the academy themed stories this blends understanding of self and bigger issues of complexity. Chose to serve self, serve an unknown enemy or face the known enemy.
It’s quite an easy read yet you don’t want to miss the nuances. The powers that be see all. Wins are acknowledged not celebrated.
See you all at Skyhold.
A different adventure, unlike most of the academy themed stories this blends understanding of self and bigger issues of complexity. Chose to serve self, serve an unknown enemy or face the known enemy.
It’s quite an easy read yet you don’t want to miss the nuances. The powers that be see all. Wins are acknowledged not celebrated.
See you all at Skyhold.
September 27, 2024
A rollicking coming of age tale
This grabs your attention right from the start. Meet Seraphina a girl from a small village who travels to a school for people with elemental affinities. You are swept along as she begins to make her way into the larger world of which her village is a tiny speck. First in a series that promises to be very compelling.
This grabs your attention right from the start. Meet Seraphina a girl from a small village who travels to a school for people with elemental affinities. You are swept along as she begins to make her way into the larger world of which her village is a tiny speck. First in a series that promises to be very compelling.
October 4, 2024
A very quick read.
Okay, the book is very enjoyable and equipped weed. However, I felt the characters were not developed enough. And the plot not developed a laugh. It's very easy to get into it, but it seems so shallow. It's like feed pot water. 1 spot 1, what is the dog that type of context? It could be so much better.
Okay, the book is very enjoyable and equipped weed. However, I felt the characters were not developed enough. And the plot not developed a laugh. It's very easy to get into it, but it seems so shallow. It's like feed pot water. 1 spot 1, what is the dog that type of context? It could be so much better.
October 22, 2024
fantastic
I always know that when I read a Morgan Rice book it will be good. It took me a bit to get started and figure things out, but watching Sera grow and become something she has always wanted was interesting and fun! The characters are well developed and painting the scenes really comes to life! I can’t wait to start the next book
I always know that when I read a Morgan Rice book it will be good. It took me a bit to get started and figure things out, but watching Sera grow and become something she has always wanted was interesting and fun! The characters are well developed and painting the scenes really comes to life! I can’t wait to start the next book
July 14, 2025
Además de "fantasía", en el apartado Géneros de GoodReads, se debería incluir también "romance". En varios capítulos no se centran en el aprendizaje de la magia ni en otros elementos fantásticos, sino en los sentimientos entre la protagonista y los dos posibles pretendientes. Aun así, el libro está bien.
October 6, 2024
this book grabs hold and doesn’t let go !
I enjoyed this book so much ! I can’t wait to read the next in the series. The story is well thought out and characters are easy to relate to. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.
I enjoyed this book so much ! I can’t wait to read the next in the series. The story is well thought out and characters are easy to relate to. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.
October 23, 2024
Good story, could be better. reiterated too many times about what had to done not to fail. Over all good story, but Synthesized voice reader was terrible. It kept saying names differently so was a bit confusing.
December 27, 2024
Always a good and entertaining read. Morgan Rice writes about magic, and good and evil; yet he has an entertaining story-line in each of his series. Enjoyed this book and was able to go from it directly into the next book.
March 2, 2025
great read
This was the first time that I have ever read this particular author, and I was pleasantly surprised. Very fun book. Only a couple mistakes which I appreciate, because it drives me crazy. Looking forward to reading what’s next.
This was the first time that I have ever read this particular author, and I was pleasantly surprised. Very fun book. Only a couple mistakes which I appreciate, because it drives me crazy. Looking forward to reading what’s next.
April 13, 2025
A very fertile mind to create this wonderful story. Hate to compare it to anything else but enjoyed as much as the Harry Potter stories. Looking forward to reading the next book. I've also started reading another story written by this author.
March 8, 2026
its solid, but ever the same: this is all this author ever does: strong female character gets to chose between being ordinary and training to become special in some academy, and depending on how many books there are the training will last anywhere between five to ten years. gotcha.
August 1, 2024
This is a wonderful new book by Morgan Rice that seems to be a promising beginning book of a fantastic series. I can't wait till the next book.
September 7, 2024
Just not for me. Too slow.
October 2, 2024
That was action- packed. Looking forward to the rest in this series
October 5, 2024
Slow going
January 7, 2025
Awesome
This was an awesome read, I love how an unsuspecting character finds out that they are destined for so much more. To find out that they are more then can imagine.
This was an awesome read, I love how an unsuspecting character finds out that they are destined for so much more. To find out that they are more then can imagine.
April 15, 2025
Enjoyable! Good ending!
July 11, 2025
Really didn't enjoy this. Poorly written and a completely predictable story. Didn't even reach the 'quick and easy read' mark. DNF
May 29, 2026
Nice new story
I have always enjoyed Morgan Rice's stories . She knows how to build you into the story line , and make you want to read rather than put the book down.
I have always enjoyed Morgan Rice's stories . She knows how to build you into the story line , and make you want to read rather than put the book down.
May 12, 2025
If you are looking for a book that is a quick read, full of action, and you really don’t want to think that hard, this is for you.
Was I entertained? Yes! Was I also constantly asking questions and wondering why this book felt so surface level? Also yes!
In all seriousness, this story had a very interesting premise. I really enjoyed the bones of this book, but nothing got fleshed out enough to truly make it good. Nothing was explained in detail, there were quite a few things that contradicted each other, and because we had no ability to really focus in and build the world or the characters, things felt like they moved way too fast. Moments were laughable because they felt so out of place. There were moments where this book definitely felt like it was for a YA reader, so it is possible I was the completely wrong audience for this book.
Would I continue reading the series? Most likely no, but maybe if I wanted something mindless I’d continue on in this series. Again, the story is there. The way it was told needed so much more.
Was I entertained? Yes! Was I also constantly asking questions and wondering why this book felt so surface level? Also yes!
In all seriousness, this story had a very interesting premise. I really enjoyed the bones of this book, but nothing got fleshed out enough to truly make it good. Nothing was explained in detail, there were quite a few things that contradicted each other, and because we had no ability to really focus in and build the world or the characters, things felt like they moved way too fast. Moments were laughable because they felt so out of place. There were moments where this book definitely felt like it was for a YA reader, so it is possible I was the completely wrong audience for this book.
Would I continue reading the series? Most likely no, but maybe if I wanted something mindless I’d continue on in this series. Again, the story is there. The way it was told needed so much more.
November 10, 2024
A school that trains likely students in the magical use of elements - fire, water, air, earth and spirit. That sounds okay.
Challenges during the training may result in student death - Pity but them's the breaks! The main characters don't die which is very important.
Very enjoyable
Challenges during the training may result in student death - Pity but them's the breaks! The main characters don't die which is very important.
Very enjoyable
December 6, 2024
I love how easy it is to read Morgan Rice's books. I read an array of books and some is for knowledge and some relaxation. Morgan Rice's books are easy to read and let me unwind, sinking into the story where I no longer see the words on the page, but watch the story unfold in front of me. I always look forward to her next series and book showing up on my reading list. She creates characters that you can get invested in, for good or bad. There is a moral centre to her main characters that reminds me of Burroughs hero characters that had set moral codes that their actions were governed by. Once you pick this up, you will binge read past your bedtime because you can't put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews