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Gathering Water #2
Tempering Earth
After discovering her true identity and coming to terms with an unimaginable heritage, Della Doe Deare finally thinks she has things figured out. She is learning the ropes of both her human, and non-human responsibilities; ones which will soon include leading an army, and may one day mean ruling a people. As the sole person able to control all five elements, she will have the power to protect everyone that she loves–and destroy anything that threatens them. But first, she has to survive the Elfennol training.
When an enemy with a reputation for torture sets his murderous sights on Della, she must submerge herself further into the Elfennol world, explore the other half of her inheritance, and move toward a destiny too large for mortal shoulders.
But not everything is as it appears; not all Clades are her enemies and the Elfennol aren’t as pure as they let on. When Della finds friendship – and protection – in the form of a troubled boy born on the wrong side of an endless war, she discovers that this new world operates only in shades of gray and the only difference between good and evil is which side you’re fighting for.
When an enemy with a reputation for torture sets his murderous sights on Della, she must submerge herself further into the Elfennol world, explore the other half of her inheritance, and move toward a destiny too large for mortal shoulders.
But not everything is as it appears; not all Clades are her enemies and the Elfennol aren’t as pure as they let on. When Della finds friendship – and protection – in the form of a troubled boy born on the wrong side of an endless war, she discovers that this new world operates only in shades of gray and the only difference between good and evil is which side you’re fighting for.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
164 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 8, 2022
3.5 stars
Delia's journey continues after discovering her legacy and mysterious powers after she leaves foster care at 18. Now living in her grandmother's old home in North Carolina with her cousin Cash, Delia finds out who her father is and just what that means in the scheme of things.
I did not enjoy this second book of a trilogy as much as the first book as it drags a lot in the middle, but in picking up dramatically by the end, I look forward to the conclusion. Delia is a good heroine with her faults and interesting journey.
Delia's journey continues after discovering her legacy and mysterious powers after she leaves foster care at 18. Now living in her grandmother's old home in North Carolina with her cousin Cash, Delia finds out who her father is and just what that means in the scheme of things.
I did not enjoy this second book of a trilogy as much as the first book as it drags a lot in the middle, but in picking up dramatically by the end, I look forward to the conclusion. Delia is a good heroine with her faults and interesting journey.
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars -- now THAT's what I'm talking about! After having fallen in so heavily with the last half of Gathering Water, this book just flowed so naturally out of that and kept me enthralled. I had kind of expected more epic battles throughout this whole book, but it was almost more about Della continuing on her quest to figure out who she is, how she fits into all these new worlds, and making up her own mind about what to think. And so I wasn't actually disappointed that there were only 2 major battles (disappointed b/c Ms. Claire writes gut-wrenching battle scenes, so I sadistically love them). Instead I found myself thinking a lot more than I expected to.
And that's the other thing that Ms. Claire does so well -- she makes these books feel so real. I actually don't mind insta-love, but I also really enjoy when things unfold more naturally. And that is how ALL of the relationships unfold in this trilogy. Not just the romantic ones, but the familial ones too. Everything is not easy and automatic (minus Cash, but he's hard not to love, even for Della). It's not that Della doesn't feel *something* for the people she's interacting with, but it doesn't go from "I don't know you" to "WE'RE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY" in 60 seconds. So when she finds out Derek is her Dad (not a spoiler unless you didn't read book 1, which then I'm going to have to stop you and make you go read it now), it's not immediate happiness and rainbows. Like everything else in life, there is potential, but it involves work. I really appreciated that.
I will say I was sad about the developments in the romance department, but in the end I understand why it all went down the way it did. I can't really say more without giving something away. I guess I'm just used to all these insta-love relationships, when in reality most people don't find their true love right off the bat.
I LOVED the burgeoning questions about the Clades and Elfennol that came up in this book. I loved that Della does take the time to explore what she thinks, and doesn't just buy into what she's told. I'm really eager to see how that unfolds, b/c shades of gray are so much more interesting than ALL black & white.
Occasionally it was hard to keep up with all the new things we were learning (along with Della) about the paranormal world. So I really loved that there was a Della cheat sheet at the beginning *AND* end of the book. But I still felt confused sometimes trying to remember what everything does (bending earth vs gathering water, etc... Tempering Fire is the easiest for me. I always remember that one), without having to flip back to the cheat sheet every time.
And while I totally expected humour in the book (I mean, Cash, need I say more), I was not entirely prepared for how *much* I would LAUGH OUT LOUD while reading it. And not just in the Cash parts. Totally unexpected bonus people. So awesome.
Finally, I totally call dibs on Cash. It's in writing, so you can all back off now. But seriously, I LOVE the role he fills in Della's life. He's one of my fave secondary characters of all time. Which is saying something, b/c I do have love for quite a few secondary characters....
It's going to be hard to wait for the next book....so many questions to be answered....
And that's the other thing that Ms. Claire does so well -- she makes these books feel so real. I actually don't mind insta-love, but I also really enjoy when things unfold more naturally. And that is how ALL of the relationships unfold in this trilogy. Not just the romantic ones, but the familial ones too. Everything is not easy and automatic (minus Cash, but he's hard not to love, even for Della). It's not that Della doesn't feel *something* for the people she's interacting with, but it doesn't go from "I don't know you" to "WE'RE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY" in 60 seconds. So when she finds out Derek is her Dad (not a spoiler unless you didn't read book 1, which then I'm going to have to stop you and make you go read it now), it's not immediate happiness and rainbows. Like everything else in life, there is potential, but it involves work. I really appreciated that.
I will say I was sad about the developments in the romance department, but in the end I understand why it all went down the way it did. I can't really say more without giving something away. I guess I'm just used to all these insta-love relationships, when in reality most people don't find their true love right off the bat.
I LOVED the burgeoning questions about the Clades and Elfennol that came up in this book. I loved that Della does take the time to explore what she thinks, and doesn't just buy into what she's told. I'm really eager to see how that unfolds, b/c shades of gray are so much more interesting than ALL black & white.
Occasionally it was hard to keep up with all the new things we were learning (along with Della) about the paranormal world. So I really loved that there was a Della cheat sheet at the beginning *AND* end of the book. But I still felt confused sometimes trying to remember what everything does (bending earth vs gathering water, etc... Tempering Fire is the easiest for me. I always remember that one), without having to flip back to the cheat sheet every time.
And while I totally expected humour in the book (I mean, Cash, need I say more), I was not entirely prepared for how *much* I would LAUGH OUT LOUD while reading it. And not just in the Cash parts. Totally unexpected bonus people. So awesome.
Finally, I totally call dibs on Cash. It's in writing, so you can all back off now. But seriously, I LOVE the role he fills in Della's life. He's one of my fave secondary characters of all time. Which is saying something, b/c I do have love for quite a few secondary characters....
It's going to be hard to wait for the next book....so many questions to be answered....
November 20, 2014
Regan, like all my favorite authors, likes to blindside me and this book is no exception. I seriously want to scream and cry and make her re-write some things. However, I loved this book, just as I absolutely ADORE this series, and how could I not? Regan's sense of humor shines through, and some of the scenes actually made me laugh out loud, and few of them do that.
Della is in for the ride of her life, her life is in danger, her closest girl friend has no understanding of what life above the sea is, and then there is Ezra. I don't like Ezra...but I do...I get it...but DANGIT REGAN! Seriously! I don't know how she is going to fix this, but she dang well better...
Okay, anyway, If you haven't read Gathering Water, do it! It's such a great start to what is turning out to be one of my most favorite series! This book is AWESOME!
Della is in for the ride of her life, her life is in danger, her closest girl friend has no understanding of what life above the sea is, and then there is Ezra. I don't like Ezra...but I do...I get it...but DANGIT REGAN! Seriously! I don't know how she is going to fix this, but she dang well better...
Okay, anyway, If you haven't read Gathering Water, do it! It's such a great start to what is turning out to be one of my most favorite series! This book is AWESOME!
August 18, 2019
In this second book of the trilogy, Della starts to come to grips with her half-Elfennol heritage, which included being something of a princess among these people, even as she has been given a leadership status through her maternal line of energy controlers as well. She also discovers how evil the Clade leader can be, and that he has his eye on her. She notices some troubling bigotries among the Elfennol while learning their underwater ways, and also gets a new love interest, a mysterious boy she meets while on a holiday in Bermuda, in a Voodoo Woman's kithcen.
The typos and punctuation errors are more frequent in this volume than the previous one. Perhaps it was rushed a bit more? This is troubling, and needs to be noted.
The typos and punctuation errors are more frequent in this volume than the previous one. Perhaps it was rushed a bit more? This is troubling, and needs to be noted.
July 29, 2019
Second in the Gathering Waters series. I read the first novel in this series and although I do not read fantasy books I found this series to be well written and interesting. This continues a young woman”s story about how she has super powers based on earth, wind, fire, water. As well as a power the rest of her family doesn’t have. She must learn the identity of her father to explain why she has these additional powers. After finding her father who is the leader of a mystical community, she must go to their sworn enemy to get help for her cousin. The book ends when she is captured by the Cludes and you must read the third novel to see what happens.
July 20, 2019
Okay
Still 4 though I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Some of the things that happened are making me question whether I like Della anymore or not. The next book, which I’m absolutely going to read, will be the deciding factor. Got weird towards the end. Really good writing, though. Not too many errors.
Still 4 though I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Some of the things that happened are making me question whether I like Della anymore or not. The next book, which I’m absolutely going to read, will be the deciding factor. Got weird towards the end. Really good writing, though. Not too many errors.
April 1, 2017
Captivating
I couldn't put this captivating story down. I just had to find out what happens next and feel compelled to get the next book. Thank you for a great read
I couldn't put this captivating story down. I just had to find out what happens next and feel compelled to get the next book. Thank you for a great read
December 16, 2017
Amazing. Better than volume 1.
Della Deare is beginning to become a force to be reckoned with. She found her father, is learning many of the skills she needs and is learning to believe in and trust her family.
Della Deare is beginning to become a force to be reckoned with. She found her father, is learning many of the skills she needs and is learning to believe in and trust her family.
August 19, 2018
Ugh! Another MAJOR cliffhanger
I enjoyed the book, I’m enjoying the progression of Della’s character, but I HATE cliffhangers, especially major ones. I’m enjoying the series, the premise etc so I would have bought another book. The cliffhanger is totally unnecessary, and fortunately I found this series AFTER it was written because I hate waiting for resolution.
I enjoyed the book, I’m enjoying the progression of Della’s character, but I HATE cliffhangers, especially major ones. I’m enjoying the series, the premise etc so I would have bought another book. The cliffhanger is totally unnecessary, and fortunately I found this series AFTER it was written because I hate waiting for resolution.
March 24, 2025
The story continues but won't
Thrust suddenly into a world where everyone wants you, most are family, and you still have no control over your life, whats what's a girl to do? Keep dressing to find it where the story goes next and where Della loses control...
Thrust suddenly into a world where everyone wants you, most are family, and you still have no control over your life, whats what's a girl to do? Keep dressing to find it where the story goes next and where Della loses control...
August 1, 2019
Love this series!!
I am absolutely hooked! This is quite literally the BEST series I have read in a long time!! Major kudos to Regan Claire.
I am absolutely hooked! This is quite literally the BEST series I have read in a long time!! Major kudos to Regan Claire.
July 5, 2020
Can't wait to read book #3!!
I read the first book and was immediately hooked. I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days. This one I read in the equivalent of a day. It's an easy read BUT unlike many trilogy's, the author didn't rehash the entire first book, only made short references when necessary. I want more. I need more than 3 books (as of now). The ending leaves you needing to read more and wanting to read more.
I read the first book and was immediately hooked. I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days. This one I read in the equivalent of a day. It's an easy read BUT unlike many trilogy's, the author didn't rehash the entire first book, only made short references when necessary. I want more. I need more than 3 books (as of now). The ending leaves you needing to read more and wanting to read more.
February 22, 2018
An Outstanding Second Installment
Claire really knows how to pace her stories. Full of intrigue, suspense, a little angst, and a lot of "not magic," it's a must read for lovers of YA fantasy.
Claire really knows how to pace her stories. Full of intrigue, suspense, a little angst, and a lot of "not magic," it's a must read for lovers of YA fantasy.
July 4, 2018
Love, love, love!
I loved this story line with the first book in the series, Gathering Water, so had to immediately buy the remaining two books. This second book in the series is equally as good. I am immensely going to read book three. I recommended it to my 15 year old daughter, who enjoys reading as much as I. I love this series!
I loved this story line with the first book in the series, Gathering Water, so had to immediately buy the remaining two books. This second book in the series is equally as good. I am immensely going to read book three. I recommended it to my 15 year old daughter, who enjoys reading as much as I. I love this series!
September 2, 2019
Exciting
An exciting book that keeps one wanting to read more. The twists and surprised keeps one guessing to follow the characters in their journeys.
An exciting book that keeps one wanting to read more. The twists and surprised keeps one guessing to follow the characters in their journeys.
April 24, 2025
Loved this second book. Author left a lot of open ended things that would have been nice to seek them answered. Still loved it and finished in a day.
April 14, 2020
If you read my previous review on the first book you will know I am a huge advocate for this series. The storyline once again in this book was enthralling and I was completely hooked by every single word. You get to learn so much more about the main characters and the roles they play. There is a perfect balance of intense, clam, and romantic, all while keeping you interested throughout the story. This author did a great job making her characters come alive, and you really feel like these people are real.
While I was completely mesmerized by this series, I strongly advise you to read my third review on the final book.
While I was completely mesmerized by this series, I strongly advise you to read my third review on the final book.
December 30, 2019
Couldn't put it down. Finished it in one day
August 29, 2019
I liked the first book just a bit better but I still enjoyed Della and Cash and this next part of the adventure as she gets to know more of her Elfennol self!
March 16, 2018
Tempering Earth was such a fascinating story; as a middle book in a trilogy, it carried it's weight and did not lose my interest at all. I shall pick up the finale to Della's adventures very soon. I surely hope that the Clade are able to save *BLANK* from his horrific injuries. Della has come a long way from being introduced to her very interesting heritage and powers that are growing within her.
August 27, 2019
Great story and characters
Book 2 is just as interesting and fun to read. I love how this author takes all the fairy tale creatures and characters and brings them to life.
The world and story building are very well done they are easy to imagine and bring so much color to the storyline.
Looking forward to the next and last book in this series.
Book 2 is just as interesting and fun to read. I love how this author takes all the fairy tale creatures and characters and brings them to life.
The world and story building are very well done they are easy to imagine and bring so much color to the storyline.
Looking forward to the next and last book in this series.
December 11, 2020
Another fast and good read. This book dragged a little more unlike the first, but the story development was important to the end of the book. Another cliffhanger ending.
Really hoping this is truly a trilogy and there’s not a cliffhanger at the end of the 3rd book too...
Really hoping this is truly a trilogy and there’s not a cliffhanger at the end of the 3rd book too...
August 24, 2019
I liked this book better than the first one. Della is only 18 and is thrown into this whole new magical world. I like she is strong, I like the relationship with her cousin Cash. I figured it would end leaving me hanging so I will read the next one. Good clean book.
April 28, 2018
Enjoyed
Della definitely has some opinions that are going to cause problems. I mean I agree with her that the children born to the Clades shouldn't be deemed evil because their parents are, and it sounds like the Ellfen......(sp) are pushing people out for silly reasons which forces them into siding with the Clades. So yes I like the controversies that will be developing as Della tries to navigate what's coming and showing association doesn't make you evil. And am really pulling for Cash. Kind of sad about Dove, but see how she fits with Ezra.
Della definitely has some opinions that are going to cause problems. I mean I agree with her that the children born to the Clades shouldn't be deemed evil because their parents are, and it sounds like the Ellfen......(sp) are pushing people out for silly reasons which forces them into siding with the Clades. So yes I like the controversies that will be developing as Della tries to navigate what's coming and showing association doesn't make you evil. And am really pulling for Cash. Kind of sad about Dove, but see how she fits with Ezra.
February 2, 2020
What's happening next?
I took some time off reading anything for about 3 months so I had to re-read the first book . I finished it quickly, of course and was excited for this one. I was not disappointed. I loved it and all I can think is, where is the next one!!!😁
I took some time off reading anything for about 3 months so I had to re-read the first book . I finished it quickly, of course and was excited for this one. I was not disappointed. I loved it and all I can think is, where is the next one!!!😁
August 14, 2020
Hate what happened to Cash.
November 20, 2020
The story is wonderful
The story continues. The characters are awesome and the story line is very good. Awesome is the only word I have.
The story continues. The characters are awesome and the story line is very good. Awesome is the only word I have.
January 17, 2015
Della’s world gets even stranger as she’s just discovered who her father is and that he’s going to proclaim her his heir; and he’s the leader of the largest Elfennol city on the planet and one of three elders that rule their race. But that also puts her at even more risk by those who fear what she might be, as well as enemies who want to use what she can do.
Welcome to what is otherwise a very normal world. But there are a couple of families that have some abilities to manipulate elemental energy. And there is a human-looking alien race that can manipulate spirit energy called the Elfennol who work in tangent with the few accepted humans to fight their enemy, the Clade, an offshoot of the Elfennol that are considered pure evil. Della is shocked to learn that you can’t even get caught speaking to one without being labeled as one of them and that’s just one area Della would like to see changed.
What I really like about this series are Della and the other characters close to her. I feel the character building is well done and the situations between the different relationships seem very realistic. It’s easy to get into Della’s head and feel her feelings as well as experience how and why she’s changing. But you also feel for the other characters as well. You might want to have some tissues handy for this one.
Welcome to what is otherwise a very normal world. But there are a couple of families that have some abilities to manipulate elemental energy. And there is a human-looking alien race that can manipulate spirit energy called the Elfennol who work in tangent with the few accepted humans to fight their enemy, the Clade, an offshoot of the Elfennol that are considered pure evil. Della is shocked to learn that you can’t even get caught speaking to one without being labeled as one of them and that’s just one area Della would like to see changed.
What I really like about this series are Della and the other characters close to her. I feel the character building is well done and the situations between the different relationships seem very realistic. It’s easy to get into Della’s head and feel her feelings as well as experience how and why she’s changing. But you also feel for the other characters as well. You might want to have some tissues handy for this one.
January 20, 2016
This book did not go down the road I thought it was going to.
And I am glad.
First off, the dialoge! Oh, the dialoge is fantastic. Della's personality shines through when she talks. RC has a great sense of character interaction. It flowed effortlessly.
Cash is by far my favorite in this book. He is funny, protective and he tells Della what she NEEDS to hear as opposed to what she wants to hear. She is lucky to have him as a friend and cousin. Ezra comes in a close second. He is delish. I have no other words than that.
Della Deare, sorry, you are third. (I know you are the MC but I stand firm on my opinion.) Her character grew so much in this book though, you could see how her place in the world had shifted. From having no control and being thrust into this violent world to actively participating in this war.
Favorite quotes:
"I licked my lips half expecting him to kiss me right then, when he instead grasped my hand, gently pressed his lips against it, and then dragged me through the door. I'd never been jealous of my own hand before."
How can you NOT want to read this book after that?
And I am glad.
First off, the dialoge! Oh, the dialoge is fantastic. Della's personality shines through when she talks. RC has a great sense of character interaction. It flowed effortlessly.
Cash is by far my favorite in this book. He is funny, protective and he tells Della what she NEEDS to hear as opposed to what she wants to hear. She is lucky to have him as a friend and cousin. Ezra comes in a close second. He is delish. I have no other words than that.
Della Deare, sorry, you are third. (I know you are the MC but I stand firm on my opinion.) Her character grew so much in this book though, you could see how her place in the world had shifted. From having no control and being thrust into this violent world to actively participating in this war.
Favorite quotes:
"I licked my lips half expecting him to kiss me right then, when he instead grasped my hand, gently pressed his lips against it, and then dragged me through the door. I'd never been jealous of my own hand before."
How can you NOT want to read this book after that?
August 10, 2015
Tempering Earth begins with Della getting a chance to talk to her actual father. Which is a huge change for her, she thought she had no family and now she has pretty much everyone she needs. She's still learning her fighting and shielding. Learning to control these new powers, that not to long ago, she didn't realize she had.
Now, I was a little bored in the middle of the book. I felt that it was a tad slow, I wanted more of Dove and Cash. But I knew, that the journey she was on, was an important one.
I really hoped for more Dove and Della. I loved them together and I'm hoping the third in the series will push them back together. I did enjoy this book, the author really did well with the second. But I didn't love it as much as the first. Maybe if it had been a little longer.
There's a lesson in this book, we do anything for our family. Even if it may not be the best option. I'm looking forward to the third, I want to know what happens!...Lissa
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Now, I was a little bored in the middle of the book. I felt that it was a tad slow, I wanted more of Dove and Cash. But I knew, that the journey she was on, was an important one.
I really hoped for more Dove and Della. I loved them together and I'm hoping the third in the series will push them back together. I did enjoy this book, the author really did well with the second. But I didn't love it as much as the first. Maybe if it had been a little longer.
There's a lesson in this book, we do anything for our family. Even if it may not be the best option. I'm looking forward to the third, I want to know what happens!...Lissa
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews