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Elwin Escari Chronicles #1
Taming the Elements
A young man, Elwin, seeks to become an elementalist. But with war looming and an accident that could cost him his freedom, Elwin finds himself fleeing for his life and evading the Guardians of Life. The Guardians think Elwin guilty of the most grievous of crimes, and as he trains the gifts of his bloodline, he will discover a secret from long in his past.
426 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2014
65 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
David Ekrut
6 books46 followersI grew up in a small town in Arkansas, roaming through rural fields and trudging through forests, living out Tolkien-like adventures with my closest friends. In college, I studied theatre, playing a multitude of roles, but won an Irene Ryan nomination for my role in MacBeth as the lead. As I finished this first degree, I became engrossed with physics and mathematics, then placed my writings and thespian endeavors on hold while I learned the language behind the workings of our universe.
While earning a B.S. in applied mathematics at University of Central Arkansas, I received a SURF grant for mathematical research and for the first time was paid for my skills as a mathematician and researcher. To continue studying symmetry analysis of partial differential equations, I remained at UCA for a master’s degree, earning awards for teaching undergraduates and for my exemplary scholastic record.
After this, I received a fellowship to pursue my doctoral degree at Florida State University, where I studied biomedical mathematics, learning how to model the interstitial workings of the biological processes of the human body. While earning my PhD at Florida State University, I wrote my first fantasy novel, which sold over 2,000 copies in the first month and tens of thousands of copies since.
Graduating from FSU was bitter-sweet. It was satisfying to solve pieces of some of the world’s oldest mathematical problems and to earn my doctorate, but it was also the climax of my career as a mathematician and teacher.
Although I continue to write novels and engage in journalism, I have moved back into the classroom full-time, teaching college-level mathematics. Engaging with inquisitive minds has always been a passion of mine and I get to do so now on the collegiate level.
A note to my fans: As long as I breathe, I promise to create and lose myself in the worlds of my imagination, crafting stories and helping others develop theirs. More books are coming soon, in Elwin’s world and others. Thank you for your patience!
While earning a B.S. in applied mathematics at University of Central Arkansas, I received a SURF grant for mathematical research and for the first time was paid for my skills as a mathematician and researcher. To continue studying symmetry analysis of partial differential equations, I remained at UCA for a master’s degree, earning awards for teaching undergraduates and for my exemplary scholastic record.
After this, I received a fellowship to pursue my doctoral degree at Florida State University, where I studied biomedical mathematics, learning how to model the interstitial workings of the biological processes of the human body. While earning my PhD at Florida State University, I wrote my first fantasy novel, which sold over 2,000 copies in the first month and tens of thousands of copies since.
Graduating from FSU was bitter-sweet. It was satisfying to solve pieces of some of the world’s oldest mathematical problems and to earn my doctorate, but it was also the climax of my career as a mathematician and teacher.
Although I continue to write novels and engage in journalism, I have moved back into the classroom full-time, teaching college-level mathematics. Engaging with inquisitive minds has always been a passion of mine and I get to do so now on the collegiate level.
A note to my fans: As long as I breathe, I promise to create and lose myself in the worlds of my imagination, crafting stories and helping others develop theirs. More books are coming soon, in Elwin’s world and others. Thank you for your patience!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 27, 2015
History is decided by single lives, not armies. As war creeps from the darkness in the once peaceful island of Justice, two childhood friends are conscripted from innocence and forced into conflict. When Elwin Escari finds out he’s an Elementalist—persons with the power to bind nature to their essence—he is taken away from his home to enlist in the growing war effort. Now, as he and his best friend Feffer train to become soldiers, they may find out that their fates are far more darkly woven into the annuls of history and a prophecy that could mean the end of life as they know it.
David Ekrut’s first novel is brimming with a unique flare that spurs the reader forward. Watching the young characters mature and grow is like revisiting the uncertainty and triumphs of my own adolescence. Like George R. Martin crossed with J.K. Rowling, Ekrut seamlessly mixes themes of growing up, political subversion, and the joys and consequences of power (both physical, magical, and of heart) all while maintaining a unique vision of a thriving world and the mystic underpinnings that bind it together. Taming the Elements is a delightful start to a series, and I can’t wait to read more. It’s a solid bet for fans of epic fantasy and those who want a new take on classic themes.
David Ekrut’s first novel is brimming with a unique flare that spurs the reader forward. Watching the young characters mature and grow is like revisiting the uncertainty and triumphs of my own adolescence. Like George R. Martin crossed with J.K. Rowling, Ekrut seamlessly mixes themes of growing up, political subversion, and the joys and consequences of power (both physical, magical, and of heart) all while maintaining a unique vision of a thriving world and the mystic underpinnings that bind it together. Taming the Elements is a delightful start to a series, and I can’t wait to read more. It’s a solid bet for fans of epic fantasy and those who want a new take on classic themes.
January 15, 2015
Okay, an interesting book, magic system is especially very interesting.I don't know why but found a lot of similarities with 'the wheel of time', the abbadon meeting in dream state, annoying female character(Zarah), A very powerful hero etc. But that's the good thing because i'm a huge fan of the wheel of time series. so it worked out for me pretty well. Now I only hope that the hero stops whining a little in the subsequent books, which I'm eagerly awaiting for.....
September 16, 2016
My original Taming the Elements audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is a delightful fantasy book involving magic, sacrifice, war, and deep friendships. Elwin Escari and his friend, Fifer, best friends tend to find themselves in trouble. The day the army arrived to recruit boys to the war effort was no different.
Elwin always wanted to be an elementalist and Fifer wanted to be a soldier. Their wishes are granted and off they go but not before Elwin comes into his power and accidentally kills another. Elwin is the Son of Bane – an evil man seeking to awaken the dragons and bring about death and destruction in his search for power.
It is through the efforts of Jasmine and her daughter Zara to teach Elwin to control his power and Fifer to keep Elwin safe. Secrets that have been kept for years begin to unravel.
David Ekrut, author, does an excellent job of building a world where magic, adventure and action walk hand in hand. His development of characters is well done and complete. As one listens to the audiobook, one can visualize the growth of each character. One cannot help but gasp as Elwin comes into each of his powers or when Fifer battles the black savants. Listeners come to feel the pain as younger children are used as pawns to further the growth of evil.
Ekrut’s writing style is smooth, full and easy to follow. It is a long audiobook but one well worth listening through to the end. The action is captivating and engrossing. One cannot put the audiobook down.
Chris MacDonnell’s performance is strong and clear. His voice reflects the energy and action going on in the book; he captures and holds the attention of the listener. He becomes each character in the book and helps bring the book to life. MacDonnell is an excellent narrator!
I was not looking forward to hearing this 19+ hour book but once I began it, I could not put it down!
There were no issues whatsoever with production of this audiobook – everything was clear and concise.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
This is a delightful fantasy book involving magic, sacrifice, war, and deep friendships. Elwin Escari and his friend, Fifer, best friends tend to find themselves in trouble. The day the army arrived to recruit boys to the war effort was no different.
Elwin always wanted to be an elementalist and Fifer wanted to be a soldier. Their wishes are granted and off they go but not before Elwin comes into his power and accidentally kills another. Elwin is the Son of Bane – an evil man seeking to awaken the dragons and bring about death and destruction in his search for power.
It is through the efforts of Jasmine and her daughter Zara to teach Elwin to control his power and Fifer to keep Elwin safe. Secrets that have been kept for years begin to unravel.
David Ekrut, author, does an excellent job of building a world where magic, adventure and action walk hand in hand. His development of characters is well done and complete. As one listens to the audiobook, one can visualize the growth of each character. One cannot help but gasp as Elwin comes into each of his powers or when Fifer battles the black savants. Listeners come to feel the pain as younger children are used as pawns to further the growth of evil.
Ekrut’s writing style is smooth, full and easy to follow. It is a long audiobook but one well worth listening through to the end. The action is captivating and engrossing. One cannot put the audiobook down.
Chris MacDonnell’s performance is strong and clear. His voice reflects the energy and action going on in the book; he captures and holds the attention of the listener. He becomes each character in the book and helps bring the book to life. MacDonnell is an excellent narrator!
I was not looking forward to hearing this 19+ hour book but once I began it, I could not put it down!
There were no issues whatsoever with production of this audiobook – everything was clear and concise.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
January 24, 2015
If you like Tolkien, Martin, Butcher, or Rothfuss, you’re going to like Ekrut. He crafts a world that I was easily immersed in and didn’t want to leave. I quickly grew to like the characters. Elwin and Feffer reminded me of Frodo and Sam at times with a dash of Merry and Pippen’s mischief thrown in, although I don’t know how anyone could not like a character who’s called Feffer. Ekrut just does it right. As you progress along in the story, you’ll find more good names. Like any good epic fantasy, Taming the Elements has a fair amount of details about the world and how the magic works. I can’t say enough good things about this book, so it’d be easiest if you’d just pick it up and read it.
August 6, 2015
Good book
This is a good book. I really enjoyed it. I want to know,what happens next. How is his powers going to grow? How is the prophecy going to be realized? Or is it going to happen at all.
This is a good book. I really enjoyed it. I want to know,what happens next. How is his powers going to grow? How is the prophecy going to be realized? Or is it going to happen at all.
April 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this book, it kept my interest throughout. I am very eager for the next book. Audible edition is available
I really enjoyed this book, it kept my interest throughout. I am very eager for the next book. Audible edition is available
December 31, 2022
Really fun read! Enjoyed the character development of Elwin on his journey to becoming an Elementalist. The entire system of magic was fascinating, and I appreciated the limitations. Too often magical systems allow the user to accomplish anything (which really could break the plot), but these magic rules were clearly defined, and the story held to these rules. Additionally, enjoyed the “boot camp” training of the character Feffer. Those scenes echoed some of my favorite military fiction. Overall… interesting characters, fascinating system of magic, and compelling plot!
This book was recommended by a friend, as I don’t typically seek out epic fantasy novels. My own predisposition against fantasy left me skeptical at first, but quickly found myself interested in the characters and setting. Halfway through the book, I was surprised to find I was deeply invested in the two leads and desperately wanted to know how the book would end. Beyond my recommendations of the story itself, that’s probably the highest praise I can share – this book turned this fantasy-skeptic into a fan!
Highly recommended!
This book was recommended by a friend, as I don’t typically seek out epic fantasy novels. My own predisposition against fantasy left me skeptical at first, but quickly found myself interested in the characters and setting. Halfway through the book, I was surprised to find I was deeply invested in the two leads and desperately wanted to know how the book would end. Beyond my recommendations of the story itself, that’s probably the highest praise I can share – this book turned this fantasy-skeptic into a fan!
Highly recommended!
January 19, 2019
I like a good coming-of-age epic fantasy, and the Elwin Escari Chronicles is shaping up to be just that. I particularly like the two main characters, Elwin and Feffer. That said, the book has its weaknesses. Elwin is made out to be a bookish smart kid early on, but later keeps doing dumb things, including leaving a special book behind. Twice. And the female characters just seem to be there to be foils to male characters. Elwin apparently has a crush on Zarah, but as far as I can tell, the only thing he likes about her is that she is pretty. Other than pretty, she is portrayed as strong, but in a particularly annoying way common to epic fantasies (Wheel of Time, I'm looking at you). Please, Mr. Ekrut, in future volumes, pretend as if your female characters are humans with their own hopes and desires, and they will start seeming more real.
July 8, 2018
DNF at 25%. Couldn't get into characters or story.
December 19, 2022
Sandpaper tongues. Forests thick with trees. Water running through cracks in the ceiling.
November 30, 2019
"There are two sides to every coin, but it takes both sides to make the coin whole."
Taming of the Elements is the debut novel and self published book by David Ekrut. It follows a boy named Elwin Escari as he grows into a power that has not been seen in quite some time. The story is split into a couple different perspective as well including Feffer his childhood friend and his new friend/love interest Zarah. The book is pretty straight forward and doesn't really do anything new that hasn't been seen before in the genre. Despite that I thought the book was good not great, and still enjoyed myself while I read it.
The world and characters are good but they did seem a little flat. Zarah I felt could have been written with a little more depth and I felt her character could have been given a little more substance. Elwin and Feffer were good throughout although I did find a little bit of the dialogue to be a little off, but not enough to drag me out of the story. The world it self I found interesting but we see very little of it throughout the book. The magic system is also interesting and I am eager to learn more about it as the series progresses.
Overall I thought the book was good. It didn't jump out at me like some others do, but I will definitely keep on reading. The little flaws here and there weren't big enough to pull me from the story and I think this does have the potential to be a good series, if not something new or refreshing.
“Anyone can speak to an animal. It is listening that requires patience.”
Taming of the Elements is the debut novel and self published book by David Ekrut. It follows a boy named Elwin Escari as he grows into a power that has not been seen in quite some time. The story is split into a couple different perspective as well including Feffer his childhood friend and his new friend/love interest Zarah. The book is pretty straight forward and doesn't really do anything new that hasn't been seen before in the genre. Despite that I thought the book was good not great, and still enjoyed myself while I read it.
The world and characters are good but they did seem a little flat. Zarah I felt could have been written with a little more depth and I felt her character could have been given a little more substance. Elwin and Feffer were good throughout although I did find a little bit of the dialogue to be a little off, but not enough to drag me out of the story. The world it self I found interesting but we see very little of it throughout the book. The magic system is also interesting and I am eager to learn more about it as the series progresses.
Overall I thought the book was good. It didn't jump out at me like some others do, but I will definitely keep on reading. The little flaws here and there weren't big enough to pull me from the story and I think this does have the potential to be a good series, if not something new or refreshing.
“Anyone can speak to an animal. It is listening that requires patience.”
November 25, 2016
Well written
I found the book to be well written and a compelling read and can't wait to get the next one in my greedy hands.
I found the book to be well written and a compelling read and can't wait to get the next one in my greedy hands.
April 21, 2017
You know... if you like this sort of thing ;)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews