Bound by the Elements

by Charlie Alexander

When Elements Stir

Anya Miller thought college would be her fresh start. Instead, she’s been accepted to a school that doesn’t exist on any map.

Hidden in a mirror realm, the Elementum Institute trains students to command water, air, earth, and fire. For Anya, who’s just discovering she can bend water to her will, it should be the adventure of a lifetime.

But something is wrong at the school.

Students whisper about incidents no one will explain. Professors exchange worried glances behind closed doors. And then there’s the guy whose smile makes her forget that her heart was supposed to stay guarded—at least until she learns that danger seems to follow wherever they go.

As she learns to navigate floating cabins and enchanted classrooms, Anya discovers that some secrets run deeper than spells—and some forces can’t be controlled, only survived.

Magic changes everything. But some bonds run deeper than spells.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

Reviews

[Alefiyah Ghadiali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by the Elements drops you straight into a magical school you didn’t expect to exist. Anya Miller thinks college will be her new beginning, only to find herself enrolled at a mysterious academy hidden in a mirror realm where students learn to command water, air, earth, and fire. As she discovers she can bend water to her will and navigates enchanted classrooms and floating cabins, the story balances magic, mystery, and self-discovery.

What makes this book fun to read is the blend of classic fantasy school vibes with fresh worldbuilding. The Elementum Institute feels alive with secrets, and watching Anya grow into her powers keeps you turning pages. You get intrigue, a hint of romance, and enough mystical tension to keep things exciting.

If you like immersive fantasy settings with young magic users and slow unfolding secrets, this is a solid start to a series worth exploring.

[Kathy Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Elements (The Awakening Elements Book 1)by Chalie Alexander is like a Harry Potter story on steroids. The author does not hold back. Anya Miller is perhaps a little naive in her hopes for the Elementum Institute and as she settles in, she realises that there is more to the school than meets the eye. This is an intense adventure and for readers of fantasy who enjoy the thrill of the unknown and magical, this book delivers. Underlying the story are the tensions that exist in any community, and the reader gets sucked into the minds of the characters who drive the narrative. The book is never static, moving with good pace and keeping us on the edge throughout. Though the author has drawn on the original premise of Harry Potter, with students learning magic, this book is very different in feel and in the powers that cause havoc. Imagine, for example, being strangled by vines and the breath being squeezed out of you: what could you do?

[Shiks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Elements is a intriguing fantasy adventure story. The unique world building of the mirror realm and the Elementum Academy catches our attention along with the underlying suspense and action which is maintained till the end of the book. I kept turning the pages to know "why things were happening the way they were" and with the anticipation of finding out "how they turn out next". Overall a wonderful fantasy adventure. I am looking forward to read the sequel to know how things turn out next... the book definitely kept things interesting for me throughout. Would definitely recommend this book.

[T. Isajanyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really did like this one!

Not usually one to enjoy the teen aspects of late, but this was really nice. love how it began with something normal like friends drifting apart, and then it moved into finding magic, changing the course of your life, and learning how to navigate it all. An easy read, and in some ways, it reminded me of some of the top books of the past two years without the deep dive into the angst and without the swearing. Honestly, that was refreshing. Could have done with more description and a bit more in terms of literary style, but it's meant for teens, it's about teens, and it does teens justice.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an engaging introduction to a hidden world of magic, mystery, and self-discovery. The concept of a secret institute existing beyond the normal world is fascinating, and the elemental magic system adds a strong sense of wonder. The story balances adventure, romance, and suspense well, with hints of danger that keep the tension alive. As secrets unfold and trust is tested, the emotional stakes grow alongside the magic. A captivating read for fans of magical academies, elemental powers, and slow-building intrigue.

[Mohammed Husain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character work is impressive, focusing primarily on Anya, the driven protagonist who must learn to control her newly acquired Water abilities, all the while trying to survive a secret-laden school full of possible antagonists. Anya's attempts to master Water magic, all while trying to learn the mysteries of her past, form the emotional center of the book. Anya's character work and her relationships with the other students of the other elements make the book a real page-turner.

A world that can already be explored more and that is already quite captivating.

[Pampy Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating introduction to a world shaped by magic, elemental powers, and hidden destinies. The story pulls you in with a strong premise and a richly imagined setting where the elements feel alive and central to the plot. The characters are engaging, and their emotional journeys add depth to the fantasy framework. A solid, enjoyable read for fans of elemental magic and character-driven fantasy, and a strong foundation for future installments.

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Alexander’s Bound by the Elements (The Awakening Elements Book 1) is a gripping young adult novel in the fantasy genre, shaped around magical academies and element-based powers. The story is taking shape with Anya Miller discovering her ability to control the water element at the Elementum Institute, hidden in a mysterious realm. I think that this work, which combines classic fantasy elements with an original worldbuilding, will be appreciated by fans of the genre.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

Okayyyy, so I wasn’t sure if I would like this since I’ve never read anything written by Charlie Alexander. But, this was awesome. It was well written and immersive. I can’t wait to read more.

[Gabriel Grejtak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me of early Harry Potter mixed with Avatar: The Last Airbender. I liked that the magic isn’t just flashy.. it actually ties to emotion and trust. Great pacing, believable dialogue, and a main character who’s not a cliché prodigy.

[Puja Naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not just about magic, but about choices and responsibility. The elemental powers are interesting, and the world-building is easy to imagine without being confusing. I enjoyed the quiet moments as much as the intense ones. A good beginning for an epic fantasy series.

[Arianna Holmstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Bound by the elements is such a good book. Anya Miller and childhood that she ends up no longer beings friends end up going there seperate ways. They all end up at the magic school bound together. I would recommend this book to anyone such a good book!