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The Essential Elements #1
Elemental Secrets
With her mother long deceased and her father recently deployed, Valerie Moore is sent to live with her eccentric aunt in a tiny town nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Being a Navy brat has made her into a bit of a loner, and making friends isn’t high on her list.
Time with her aunt, however, soon convinces her that a life of loneliness really isn’t what she wants. So, she opens up and makes a few friends - friends with secrets.
Her love life quickly becomes a mess. Torn between the conflicted heartbreaker next door, the persistent jock at the top, and the rugged college bad boy, Valerie finds it almost impossible to choose just one guy.
Romance isn’t her only problem, though.
Secrets are revealed about her family, her friends and relationships, and her whole world…
But the biggest secret of all is unveiled when Valerie discovers she has Elemental powers, unleashing a rapid chain of irreversible events.
Time with her aunt, however, soon convinces her that a life of loneliness really isn’t what she wants. So, she opens up and makes a few friends - friends with secrets.
Her love life quickly becomes a mess. Torn between the conflicted heartbreaker next door, the persistent jock at the top, and the rugged college bad boy, Valerie finds it almost impossible to choose just one guy.
Romance isn’t her only problem, though.
Secrets are revealed about her family, her friends and relationships, and her whole world…
But the biggest secret of all is unveiled when Valerie discovers she has Elemental powers, unleashing a rapid chain of irreversible events.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2016
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953 people want to read
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Elle Middaugh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 1, 2016
Valerie Moore is a Navy brat and when her father gets deployed yet again she gets sent off to live with her eccentric aunt in a tiny town nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Her mother passed away years ago and with all the moving around Valerie has always found it hard to make new friends and fit in.
Valerie soon finds that her family has secrets that she never knew about with the passing of her mother. This new town she finds herself in is full of those with Elemental powers and Valerie finds that she herself is a descendant of those powers.
Elemental Secrets sounds like a really good fantasy read that I should have loved but unfortunately with this one it lost my interest fairly early on concentrating more on the high school drama portion of the book instead of the magical abilities.
Early in the story Valerie already finds herself in a fist fight over a boy in the school. She also can't make up her mind out of two that are interested in her who she likes more. Normally I'm fine with a love triangle situation but next we know this turns into a love square with a third that interests Valerie. She just seemed to be all over the place with oh it's a good looking guy and the description talked of her being a loner, didn't make sense.
Then I have to mention the slowness of involving any depth to the Elemental side of the story. I think I was halfway before it gets any real notice and interest in the story due to wading through the drama portion. Then really it was a lot longer before it became the focus of what was going on, maybe 75-80%. Just not enough by then to care anymore after becoming irritated with the teen drama.
Overall, 2.5 stars for Elemental Secrets. Just wasn't one for me but I'm sure some others would like this one a bit more than I did.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Valerie soon finds that her family has secrets that she never knew about with the passing of her mother. This new town she finds herself in is full of those with Elemental powers and Valerie finds that she herself is a descendant of those powers.
Elemental Secrets sounds like a really good fantasy read that I should have loved but unfortunately with this one it lost my interest fairly early on concentrating more on the high school drama portion of the book instead of the magical abilities.
Early in the story Valerie already finds herself in a fist fight over a boy in the school. She also can't make up her mind out of two that are interested in her who she likes more. Normally I'm fine with a love triangle situation but next we know this turns into a love square with a third that interests Valerie. She just seemed to be all over the place with oh it's a good looking guy and the description talked of her being a loner, didn't make sense.
Then I have to mention the slowness of involving any depth to the Elemental side of the story. I think I was halfway before it gets any real notice and interest in the story due to wading through the drama portion. Then really it was a lot longer before it became the focus of what was going on, maybe 75-80%. Just not enough by then to care anymore after becoming irritated with the teen drama.
Overall, 2.5 stars for Elemental Secrets. Just wasn't one for me but I'm sure some others would like this one a bit more than I did.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 26, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was so relatable to everything in life. I loved the characters, the storyline, the romance, etc.
I absolutely cant wait to read the next in the series and find out what happens. The ending was truly spectacular. Would definitely recommend this book to absolutely everybody 😊
I absolutely cant wait to read the next in the series and find out what happens. The ending was truly spectacular. Would definitely recommend this book to absolutely everybody 😊
February 28, 2017
The main character in this story is Valerie Moore. Brought up by her widower father, Valerie is use to having to change schools whenever he is deployed but this time she’s going to stay with her weird Aunt Marge and returning to school with folks she spent time in school with years ago. She’s always been a loner, socially awkward, likely to say just what she thinks without a filter, never bothering to make friends as she has always known she’ll soon be moving on. This time, seeing her aunt’s isolated life, has made her determined to be more social, to mix and make friends.
For someone who is normally so reticent, the change is dramatic. She goes from not mixing to going out with a group, drinking alcohol and celebrating as they basically destroy someone’s previously beautifully maintained garden! She also can’t make her mind up between initially two but in the end three potential boyfriends! However, all this is nothing to the secrets being kept by her friends and family. Unknown to her, they have powers over at least one element and as she comes into her own powers she also discovers the angst, turmoil and the conflicting political stands taken by adults with elemental powers - and these will put her own life in danger.
This is a young adult fantasy - I usually love this sort of story and the plot is intriguing, however the dramatic personality changes Valerie undergoes, especially going from a quiet, rule follower to condoning and participating in some of the group’s destructive actions, just didn’t gel with me - it just happened too instantaneously. The discord in the world of the Elementals was the trigger that puts Val’s life directly into danger. With people able to control the four elements, battles will never be straightforward and as Val learns more she’ll be in the centre of events. Will she survive? The story ends on a cliffhanger ready for the sequel, Elemental Lies, to continue the story.
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
For someone who is normally so reticent, the change is dramatic. She goes from not mixing to going out with a group, drinking alcohol and celebrating as they basically destroy someone’s previously beautifully maintained garden! She also can’t make her mind up between initially two but in the end three potential boyfriends! However, all this is nothing to the secrets being kept by her friends and family. Unknown to her, they have powers over at least one element and as she comes into her own powers she also discovers the angst, turmoil and the conflicting political stands taken by adults with elemental powers - and these will put her own life in danger.
This is a young adult fantasy - I usually love this sort of story and the plot is intriguing, however the dramatic personality changes Valerie undergoes, especially going from a quiet, rule follower to condoning and participating in some of the group’s destructive actions, just didn’t gel with me - it just happened too instantaneously. The discord in the world of the Elementals was the trigger that puts Val’s life directly into danger. With people able to control the four elements, battles will never be straightforward and as Val learns more she’ll be in the centre of events. Will she survive? The story ends on a cliffhanger ready for the sequel, Elemental Lies, to continue the story.
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
September 11, 2016
3'5 stars
When I read the summary of the book I thoght I was going to read about normal high school trouble, with a main character suffering from isolation and anxiety. But this book has a fantastic element which is great. As I didn't know about it when I began reading, and it did make my reading more amazing, I am keeping my mouth shut on this one haha
I have to say that the plot is very nicely drawn out, clearly written and with great narrative. The characters are very rounded (but for Cade, who I couldn't get) and I liked them all. I had a bit of a problem with the main character "slutiness" and the way she thought it out to suit herself on some ocasions, but nothing couls be done, sooo...
This is a good interesting read. Something different from sure.
When I read the summary of the book I thoght I was going to read about normal high school trouble, with a main character suffering from isolation and anxiety. But this book has a fantastic element which is great. As I didn't know about it when I began reading, and it did make my reading more amazing, I am keeping my mouth shut on this one haha
I have to say that the plot is very nicely drawn out, clearly written and with great narrative. The characters are very rounded (but for Cade, who I couldn't get) and I liked them all. I had a bit of a problem with the main character "slutiness" and the way she thought it out to suit herself on some ocasions, but nothing couls be done, sooo...
This is a good interesting read. Something different from sure.
August 21, 2017
Despite what my rating might suggest, I had a pretty good time reading this book. It's poorly written with irredeemable plot and characterisation, but it falls into the territory of "so bad it's good." You know which ones I mean--the books that aren't even guilty pleasures because they don't offer much pleasure, but just train wrecks so spectacular that you have to stick with them until the end.
I am happy to report that Elemental Secrets has a) more of a plot than Fifty Shades and b) a heroine with greater self-awareness than Bella Swan. Hooray, we've passed the bare minimum test of what can acceptably be called a novel! Unfortunately, Elemental Secrets only just scrapes by that requirement. I would add that this book has zero literary merit, but to even mention "literary merit" in the same sentence as it feels like a disservice to actual literature everywhere.
So let me talk about a few highlights to be found in this trash--and why you, provided you're willing to turn off large sections of your brain, might possibly enjoy reading it:
1 - Yup, she's a ditz
I don't like calling characters Mary Sues, because it reduces them (mostly women) to a stock trope. But Valerie is a Mary Sue. Weird girl who "doesn't fit in"? Check. Has the super special powers that makes her the key to everything? Check. Every guy within a twenty-mile radius in love with her? Check! We're not even talking a love triangle. Nope, two guys drawn to the magically beautiful-but-doesn't-know-it girl isn't enough. We're gonna have three guys form a love square! There's nothing wrong with having a lot of guys fall for your heroine. You know what, I'm convinced when said heroine is a Daenerys or even a Celaena, because they have traits that make them desirable. But when your heroine is Too Stupid to Live with the personality of a sponge? Yeah, suspension of belief only goes so far.
The silver lining: At some point Valerie's inane ditzy style of narration became sort of hilarious to read. Sort of.
2 - Exclamation marks! Everywhere!
Remember in primary school when your teacher taught you to mix up punctuation and "show, not tell?" It's like the author took that lesson to heart and never bothered taking another writing class. At times Elemental Secrets reads like a preteen girl's fantasy. At the same time, there's a serious disconnect between the way that the author thinks that teenaged girls behave and the way that teenaged girls actually behave, so I guess it's more like a grown woman's perception of what a preteen girl's fantasy would be like. Complete with exclamation! Marks! Every! Other! Sentence! And the whole gamut of rhetorical clichés. It only took until the first page of the second chapter to encounter the infamous Evil Sentence: "A breath I hadn't known I'd been holding escaped as I crossed the threshold". Sorry, Valerie, you're not the first heroine to have a curiously poor awareness of your respiratory functions.
The silver lining: For all aspiring authors, this book contains some very good examples of how not to write.
3 - Did someone say drama?
If you can't stand gossip, oh man, you're really not gonna like this.
Elemental Secrets is, to phrase it tactfully, an extremely unflattering portrayal of small-town lily-white America. The lily-white part is true, for sure. I don't think a single non-Caucasian person appears over the course of the novel. For that matter, everyone is also supermodel-level attractive. Thank God that the author is at least aware of everyone's statistically dubious attractiveness--it's mentioned to death how Center Allegheny's "won the genetic lottery," "all the boys are so hot," yada yada. Everyone is also shallow as hell, a fact of which the author sadly does not seem to be aware. It's marketed as a fantasy novel, but it's 50% the main character ogling hot boys and staying up to date with the latest high school gossip.
The silver lining: If you're into this kind of tabloid-calibre drama, you're in for a real treat.
4 - The author's strange obsession with global warming
Okay, I can't lie, this is a funny one. Global warming--yeah, global warming, "climate change" is never used--is mentioned so much that I begin to wonder if Elemental Secrets wasn't written as a soapbox for climate change denial. The plot justification for shoving climate skepticism in our faces is flimsy at best, especially the revelation at the end that global warming is a hoax (wow, never heard that one before!), which is completely nonsensical. Look, I'll excuse it if your protagonist is a climate change skeptic. Valerie declares her ideological stance in the first chapters and I didn't DNF, despite a strong temptation to. Whatever. I can ignore it. But mentioning it again and again in a fictional fantasy novel whose premise is tangentially related at best is pretty distracting. This is far from the only plot hole--other reviews have mentioned, for example, the numbers that don't add up: If there were only eight Elementals to begin with, and each Elemental can pass down their magic gene only once, and Elementals regularly kill each other off for petty reasons...how do so many Elementals exist??? There are hundreds of them walking around in this book. The only possible rationale I can think of is that more humans mutated into Elementals as the years went on, in addition to the original eight, but like most of the other inconsistencies, this is never addressed.
The silver lining: I tried, but there just isn't one.
Pity that such a lovely cover couldn't go with an equally good story. I have nothing against the author, who definitely knows her audience--I suspect there's a niche group of readers out there who will eagerly read and love Elemental Secrets. I'm just not one of them.
*Thanks to Live Laugh & Love Books and the author for providing a review copy of this book! All opinions represented remain my own.*
I am happy to report that Elemental Secrets has a) more of a plot than Fifty Shades and b) a heroine with greater self-awareness than Bella Swan. Hooray, we've passed the bare minimum test of what can acceptably be called a novel! Unfortunately, Elemental Secrets only just scrapes by that requirement. I would add that this book has zero literary merit, but to even mention "literary merit" in the same sentence as it feels like a disservice to actual literature everywhere.
So let me talk about a few highlights to be found in this trash--and why you, provided you're willing to turn off large sections of your brain, might possibly enjoy reading it:
1 - Yup, she's a ditz
I don't like calling characters Mary Sues, because it reduces them (mostly women) to a stock trope. But Valerie is a Mary Sue. Weird girl who "doesn't fit in"? Check. Has the super special powers that makes her the key to everything? Check. Every guy within a twenty-mile radius in love with her? Check! We're not even talking a love triangle. Nope, two guys drawn to the magically beautiful-but-doesn't-know-it girl isn't enough. We're gonna have three guys form a love square! There's nothing wrong with having a lot of guys fall for your heroine. You know what, I'm convinced when said heroine is a Daenerys or even a Celaena, because they have traits that make them desirable. But when your heroine is Too Stupid to Live with the personality of a sponge? Yeah, suspension of belief only goes so far.
The silver lining: At some point Valerie's inane ditzy style of narration became sort of hilarious to read. Sort of.
2 - Exclamation marks! Everywhere!
Remember in primary school when your teacher taught you to mix up punctuation and "show, not tell?" It's like the author took that lesson to heart and never bothered taking another writing class. At times Elemental Secrets reads like a preteen girl's fantasy. At the same time, there's a serious disconnect between the way that the author thinks that teenaged girls behave and the way that teenaged girls actually behave, so I guess it's more like a grown woman's perception of what a preteen girl's fantasy would be like. Complete with exclamation! Marks! Every! Other! Sentence! And the whole gamut of rhetorical clichés. It only took until the first page of the second chapter to encounter the infamous Evil Sentence: "A breath I hadn't known I'd been holding escaped as I crossed the threshold". Sorry, Valerie, you're not the first heroine to have a curiously poor awareness of your respiratory functions.
The silver lining: For all aspiring authors, this book contains some very good examples of how not to write.
3 - Did someone say drama?
If you can't stand gossip, oh man, you're really not gonna like this.
Elemental Secrets is, to phrase it tactfully, an extremely unflattering portrayal of small-town lily-white America. The lily-white part is true, for sure. I don't think a single non-Caucasian person appears over the course of the novel. For that matter, everyone is also supermodel-level attractive. Thank God that the author is at least aware of everyone's statistically dubious attractiveness--it's mentioned to death how Center Allegheny's "won the genetic lottery," "all the boys are so hot," yada yada. Everyone is also shallow as hell, a fact of which the author sadly does not seem to be aware. It's marketed as a fantasy novel, but it's 50% the main character ogling hot boys and staying up to date with the latest high school gossip.
The silver lining: If you're into this kind of tabloid-calibre drama, you're in for a real treat.
4 - The author's strange obsession with global warming
Okay, I can't lie, this is a funny one. Global warming--yeah, global warming, "climate change" is never used--is mentioned so much that I begin to wonder if Elemental Secrets wasn't written as a soapbox for climate change denial. The plot justification for shoving climate skepticism in our faces is flimsy at best, especially the revelation at the end that global warming is a hoax (wow, never heard that one before!), which is completely nonsensical. Look, I'll excuse it if your protagonist is a climate change skeptic. Valerie declares her ideological stance in the first chapters and I didn't DNF, despite a strong temptation to. Whatever. I can ignore it. But mentioning it again and again in a fictional fantasy novel whose premise is tangentially related at best is pretty distracting. This is far from the only plot hole--other reviews have mentioned, for example, the numbers that don't add up: If there were only eight Elementals to begin with, and each Elemental can pass down their magic gene only once, and Elementals regularly kill each other off for petty reasons...how do so many Elementals exist??? There are hundreds of them walking around in this book. The only possible rationale I can think of is that more humans mutated into Elementals as the years went on, in addition to the original eight, but like most of the other inconsistencies, this is never addressed.
The silver lining: I tried, but there just isn't one.
Pity that such a lovely cover couldn't go with an equally good story. I have nothing against the author, who definitely knows her audience--I suspect there's a niche group of readers out there who will eagerly read and love Elemental Secrets. I'm just not one of them.
*Thanks to Live Laugh & Love Books and the author for providing a review copy of this book! All opinions represented remain my own.*
January 26, 2018
DNF nach 45 Seiten
Ich weiß gar nicht mehr, wieso ich das Buch vor ein paar Monaten so unbedingt haben wollte und nicht mal in die Leseprobe geschaut habe. Ich hätte direkt gemerkt, dass es nichts für mich ist.
Was ich in den ersten Kapiteln erfahren habe:
-Val ist die Neue an der Schule, aber nicht richtig, weil sie schon zum dritten Mal an dieser Schule anfängt (die Kombinierungsmöglichkeiten der Klischees sind unendlich!)
-Love Interest Cade IST einfach nur und seine einzige herausstechende Eigenschaft ist sein gutes Aussehen 🙄 Nach Ewigkeiten (Jahren?) spricht er sie ausgerechnet heute zum ersten Mal an
-ähnlich verhält es sich mit ihrer Tante, sie hat schon öfter und über längere Zeiten bei ihr gewohnt, aber als die beiden am Abend zusammen kochen, "sind sie sich so nah wie noch nie", wobei absolut nichts Besonderes passiert. Wie zur Hölle sah dann ihr Alltag die letzten Jahre aus?
-Vals Mutter ist bei einem Autounfall gestorben, an dem, so oft, wie er jetzt schon erwähnt wurde, mehr dran ist. Mindestens drei Mal auf 45 Seiten, ein Mal davon seeehr ausfühlrich miterlebt.
-Ehemalige Freundin Sienna zieht nun am Wochenende auch in Vals Stadt, nachdem die zwei ewig keinen Kontakt mehr hatten und es macht den Eindruck, als wäre sie nur da, damit Val zumindest einen sozialen Kontakt hat
-Die Anxiety. Ich habe im letzten Jahren einige sehr gute Bücher gelesen, in denen die Krankheit auftauchte, da musste fr��her oder später eines kommen, dass das nicht schafft. Meiner Meinung nach hat die Autorin es zwar versucht, aber komplett falsch angepackt
Ich habe keine Hoffnung, dass sich noch irgendwas ändern wird, also lese ich nicht mehr weiter...
Ich weiß gar nicht mehr, wieso ich das Buch vor ein paar Monaten so unbedingt haben wollte und nicht mal in die Leseprobe geschaut habe. Ich hätte direkt gemerkt, dass es nichts für mich ist.
Was ich in den ersten Kapiteln erfahren habe:
-Val ist die Neue an der Schule, aber nicht richtig, weil sie schon zum dritten Mal an dieser Schule anfängt (die Kombinierungsmöglichkeiten der Klischees sind unendlich!)
-Love Interest Cade IST einfach nur und seine einzige herausstechende Eigenschaft ist sein gutes Aussehen 🙄 Nach Ewigkeiten (Jahren?) spricht er sie ausgerechnet heute zum ersten Mal an
-ähnlich verhält es sich mit ihrer Tante, sie hat schon öfter und über längere Zeiten bei ihr gewohnt, aber als die beiden am Abend zusammen kochen, "sind sie sich so nah wie noch nie", wobei absolut nichts Besonderes passiert. Wie zur Hölle sah dann ihr Alltag die letzten Jahre aus?
-Vals Mutter ist bei einem Autounfall gestorben, an dem, so oft, wie er jetzt schon erwähnt wurde, mehr dran ist. Mindestens drei Mal auf 45 Seiten, ein Mal davon seeehr ausfühlrich miterlebt.
-Ehemalige Freundin Sienna zieht nun am Wochenende auch in Vals Stadt, nachdem die zwei ewig keinen Kontakt mehr hatten und es macht den Eindruck, als wäre sie nur da, damit Val zumindest einen sozialen Kontakt hat
-Die Anxiety. Ich habe im letzten Jahren einige sehr gute Bücher gelesen, in denen die Krankheit auftauchte, da musste fr��her oder später eines kommen, dass das nicht schafft. Meiner Meinung nach hat die Autorin es zwar versucht, aber komplett falsch angepackt
Ich habe keine Hoffnung, dass sich noch irgendwas ändern wird, also lese ich nicht mehr weiter...
January 31, 2017
3.5 Stars in my Sky!
I love myself a YA fantasy so am always on the hunt for my next favourite series, so I jumped at the chance to read Elemental Secrets. As the first book in Elle Middaugh's Essential Elements series it sets the scene and introduces us to Valerie and her powers.
When Valerie is sent to live with her Aunt she quickly becomes embroiled in more than the just the usual high school drama. Don't get me wrong there's lots of teen angst surrounding Valerie and the big love triangle or square (more on this later).
It's difficult to discuss the plot without giving much away, but I really enjoyed the elemental powers aspect which had me thinking about the crazy weather we often get here (yes I'm a Brit who loves chatting about the weather). I'm not sure about the Avatar: the Last Airbender & X-Men comparisons but I did see another reviewer refer to the story as being like Captain Planet, which I have to agree with at least partly (now I've got the theme the stuck in my head).
I'm going to be honest and admit that as the story progress I did find Valerie difficult to like at times, especially in the later stages of the story. My initially empathy for her social anxiety and loneliness began to falter and I didn't really know what to do with the developing romance issues. The triangle *ahem* square was a bit much for me at times.
Overall I enjoyed Elemental Secrets. The action is well written and I found myself intrigued by Valerie's situation, I just wish I'd been able to feel this all the time - perhaps it's my age?!
I received a copy from YA Bound in exchange for an honest review!
I love myself a YA fantasy so am always on the hunt for my next favourite series, so I jumped at the chance to read Elemental Secrets. As the first book in Elle Middaugh's Essential Elements series it sets the scene and introduces us to Valerie and her powers.
When Valerie is sent to live with her Aunt she quickly becomes embroiled in more than the just the usual high school drama. Don't get me wrong there's lots of teen angst surrounding Valerie and the big love triangle or square (more on this later).
It's difficult to discuss the plot without giving much away, but I really enjoyed the elemental powers aspect which had me thinking about the crazy weather we often get here (yes I'm a Brit who loves chatting about the weather). I'm not sure about the Avatar: the Last Airbender & X-Men comparisons but I did see another reviewer refer to the story as being like Captain Planet, which I have to agree with at least partly (now I've got the theme the stuck in my head).
I'm going to be honest and admit that as the story progress I did find Valerie difficult to like at times, especially in the later stages of the story. My initially empathy for her social anxiety and loneliness began to falter and I didn't really know what to do with the developing romance issues. The triangle *ahem* square was a bit much for me at times.
Overall I enjoyed Elemental Secrets. The action is well written and I found myself intrigued by Valerie's situation, I just wish I'd been able to feel this all the time - perhaps it's my age?!
I received a copy from YA Bound in exchange for an honest review!
June 20, 2016
Round two - thanks GR for deleting the first review!
ARC provided
With her mother gone and her father overseas, Valerie is once again living with her rather strange Aunt Marge. She's been the new girl in this town and at this school too many times to count and it never gets easier. She's socially awkward, jumps to conclusions, and doesn't see a reason to try to fit in. Until she does. Quiet and attractive Cade might have somethign to do with it, or maybe its the handsome Holden. After several strange occurences Valerie begins to think there is somehting strange about the time. She soon finds out it isnt the town though, it's her, and several others. Secrets unfold as she discovers she has Elemental powers.
Valerie is a character I really liked at first, I love that she decides to finally get out and participate in high school. She's got extremely interesting family history and the dynamics at her school are not that of a normal high school. Combined with the strange things happening, I could see why she has so much anxiety. As she makes friends I definitely started guessing with the elemental storyline and couldn't want to figure out why there was so much uproar between teens with the power. Elle Middaugh made the elements come to life with her writing, both within the characters actions and how the world worked, from insane weather and earthquakes to battles involving the elements. I could easily picture each character with their unique abilities. As the book continues on we discover there is tension in the world, between Elementals only, but involving humankind as well. I wanted to know more, to understand better the world of Elementals.
Despite how much I enjoyed the idea of Elementals mixed in with real life, as well as appreciated the extensive world building, Elemental Secrets fell short for me. The sequence of events and how quickly Valerie adapted to the strange ongoings of her brand new friends really took away from the believability of the story line. She went from shy to IT girl in no time, she was suddenly a party girl who took to a group of friends so easily. On top of that, some of the actions are things I couldn't picture the character condoning or feeling comfortable around. It was too much of a character shift. Incidently, just as the shift in her character happens, so does the shift in the elements being a much larger part of the story. I wasn't prepared for the story shifting from school life to a focus on just the elementals, it felt drastic. Plus, there are a few questions unanswered regarding the elementals and Valerie's strength. I generally liked the story, but I wish it had flowed better.
I think Elemental Secrets is a unique young adult fantasy novel, the elemental portion of the story was really intriguing for me. Unfortunately, I just felt like it missed the mark for me. I think the development of the characters could be drawn out and the storyline really fleshed out. I think YA readers will enjoy the unique story, especially with elementals living amongst humans.
ARC provided
With her mother gone and her father overseas, Valerie is once again living with her rather strange Aunt Marge. She's been the new girl in this town and at this school too many times to count and it never gets easier. She's socially awkward, jumps to conclusions, and doesn't see a reason to try to fit in. Until she does. Quiet and attractive Cade might have somethign to do with it, or maybe its the handsome Holden. After several strange occurences Valerie begins to think there is somehting strange about the time. She soon finds out it isnt the town though, it's her, and several others. Secrets unfold as she discovers she has Elemental powers.
Valerie is a character I really liked at first, I love that she decides to finally get out and participate in high school. She's got extremely interesting family history and the dynamics at her school are not that of a normal high school. Combined with the strange things happening, I could see why she has so much anxiety. As she makes friends I definitely started guessing with the elemental storyline and couldn't want to figure out why there was so much uproar between teens with the power. Elle Middaugh made the elements come to life with her writing, both within the characters actions and how the world worked, from insane weather and earthquakes to battles involving the elements. I could easily picture each character with their unique abilities. As the book continues on we discover there is tension in the world, between Elementals only, but involving humankind as well. I wanted to know more, to understand better the world of Elementals.
Despite how much I enjoyed the idea of Elementals mixed in with real life, as well as appreciated the extensive world building, Elemental Secrets fell short for me. The sequence of events and how quickly Valerie adapted to the strange ongoings of her brand new friends really took away from the believability of the story line. She went from shy to IT girl in no time, she was suddenly a party girl who took to a group of friends so easily. On top of that, some of the actions are things I couldn't picture the character condoning or feeling comfortable around. It was too much of a character shift. Incidently, just as the shift in her character happens, so does the shift in the elements being a much larger part of the story. I wasn't prepared for the story shifting from school life to a focus on just the elementals, it felt drastic. Plus, there are a few questions unanswered regarding the elementals and Valerie's strength. I generally liked the story, but I wish it had flowed better.
I think Elemental Secrets is a unique young adult fantasy novel, the elemental portion of the story was really intriguing for me. Unfortunately, I just felt like it missed the mark for me. I think the development of the characters could be drawn out and the storyline really fleshed out. I think YA readers will enjoy the unique story, especially with elementals living amongst humans.
May 16, 2016
With no-one to look after her as her mother has passed away and since her dad is in the Navy, Valerie has been sent to live with her Aunt in a smalltown. A town which Valerie hasn't stepped foot in since she was younger and it seems a lot has changed for the people in the town and Valerie who is a lot older and more awkward than ever especially when it comes to reading and understanding people is in for a huge awakening. Turns out this smalltown is not your ordinary town - the town is filled with Elementals - each covering a different element. When Elementals turn a certain age, they can come into their powers and their elements and knowledge are passed through the family from one to another once they reach a certain age. For Valerie , of course all this is strange and she is about to discover that she is one of those elementals. Her Aunt is a Nature Element which makes sense ,seeing as she is always gardening . For Valerie though as she learns, she has to be human since in order to make an Elemental heir - both parents have to have Elemental abilities and for Valerie - her dad is human. However, when strange occurences start to happen everything Valerie has ever known about her family is about to unravel as she is introduced to Grandparents she never knew she had , a history she was unaware of and questions that will make her doubt her on whether her dad is her real father or not ? I enjoy reading about the fantasy and the Elements part and in a way with the four elements made me think a little of the TV show Captain Planet which I loved as a child. If you loved LJ Smith's book and the TV Series "The Secret Circle" then you will love Elle Middaugh's new series "Essential Elements" and Book #1 Elemental Secrets.
July 8, 2020
I was a little disappointed in this one. Mainly teenager drama up to about 75%. I really didn't like what Holden and the group did property destruction wise and the fact that Valerie just got drunk and went along with it. Wish the story was more about the Elemental past history and current happenings instead of the childish drama. Also wasn't a fan of how she switched between guys so much. I do like reverse harems but this didn't feel that way. A lot was hidden. Past the 75% mark was better and had all the true action.
August 5, 2020
This whole series is a page-turner! I don't usually like love triangles, but I still enjoyed this in spite of the fact. I'm glad I stuck around and finished the whole thing because the characters, world-building, and action are just so good! And that love triangle didn't ruin the whole story for me, the way it was handled didn't rip out my heart like I expected it would. Definitely a great read if you like a good YA PNR!
Quick & Dirty Facts:
- High School age main characters
- Slow burn
- Low steam
- Love-triangle
- Complete trilogy
- Author's first book
Quick & Dirty Facts:
- High School age main characters
- Slow burn
- Low steam
- Love-triangle
- Complete trilogy
- Author's first book
March 29, 2021
Elemental Secrets
Captivating first book, well written but a bit jumpy in parts and a little confusing when people were talking in big scenes. Otherwise pretty good!
Captivating first book, well written but a bit jumpy in parts and a little confusing when people were talking in big scenes. Otherwise pretty good!
June 20, 2016
Like and frustrated with the main character Valerie. Frustrated because she is frustrating. She wants no one to keep secrets but doesn’t think that the secrets may be to keep people safe. It is only about her for her. She doesn’t think of the consequences. She acts off of emotion and doesn’t think of what her actions do to others or how they may feel. Take Cade. He likes her and gets to know her even though it is dangerous for him to do so. He tries to get her to understand but she doesn’t care it is only about her being happy and what is what she wants. Yes he can be confusing but when he does try to tell her that there is danger and even gives her help she still throws things in his face. Take the garden incident she goes to apologize but when he points out that would she think it was wrong if it was someone else she said she didn’t care but since it was him she felt bad. That is wrong and it is things like this that frustrate me about her. Cade is a great guy. He keeps to himself and tries to do what is right. He to me is more than meets the eye and at the end I do hope that his grief and revenge over what happened doesn’t harm him for I believe he can implement change. So although a good character Valerie is frustrating.
Holden I am on the fence about. He is arrogant and thinks he can do what he wants. I do like that him and his friends stick by Valerie after all that went down in the woods but I also think that there is a agenda behind that. I think the one that is going to be hurt the most is not only Cade but Chase. Chase is the sweetest guy. He helps valerie learn to control her emotions and elements but also believes in her. he doesn’t take sides in this war but also stands with Valerie and only wants to help her. Cade wants to be with Valerie and is at war with his emotions and expectations as is Holden except Holden doesn’t care about the expectations. Even after the fallout from Valerie, they both still like her and want to help her but Cade is fearful because of her power and she is with Holden.
The story itself is fast paced and interesting. I love the way the elementals play a part in our world and the different factions that are amongst the elemental people. We see valerie is on the periphery of worlds and not understanding all of what is happening. When she learns the truth it puts those around her in danger and also has unexpected consequences. In the story we get a romantic square- we have Cade, Holden and in a way Chase who like Valerie and she likes them as well. She pits Cade and Holden at each other and in a way uses them against each other. Cade tries to stay away for her own good but she uses this to feed off her confusion and turns to Holden who becomes her new interest. She sees him as a nice guy. I see some niceness but he is arrogant and what he does to Cade is stupid on his part and only adds fuel to the fire. It also gets Valerie to ask more question and open pandora’s box that begins a descent into violence and taking sides. This is the story of how Valerie discovers her families secret and who she is. She learns to be more selfish and sees things need to change and is caught in the middle. Her actions have consequences that are dangerous and deadly. The ending has you wondering where things will be when the dust settles and who will be with whom at the end of it all. I see Cade’s side, Holden’s side but am lost on Nicolai’s side. I don’t trust him and am irked with his manipulation of Valerie. her aunt has done so much for her but she only sees the fact that her aunt is alone and that is wrong. Her aunt is more protective and loving that others believe. She sits on the sidelines but knows more of what is going on than people in their world realizes. She also sees more to Cade than others do. This is a emotional and character driven book and we see some answers come but more questions arise. Like why did Siena suddenly move? And her dad what is up there? And the politics where will the chips fall? Who will get through to Cade? How about Chase what will happen there? And Holden? what more will Valerie learn and will she change? Will she learn her actions have some tremendous consequences and take responsibility for them? And her grandfather what is happening there?
A story of learning your heritage and who you are. Of coming out of your shell and learning to live but also about seeing the complexity of the world around you and figuring out what to do and who to believe. A interesting look at elements and magic in a fascinating way that incorporates so many concepts-politics, tradition, love, loyalty, secrets to keep you safe, and growth of characters to become who they are meant to become in time. Can say I am hoping the next comes soon because I want to know what happens and the fallout of what occurred…
Holden I am on the fence about. He is arrogant and thinks he can do what he wants. I do like that him and his friends stick by Valerie after all that went down in the woods but I also think that there is a agenda behind that. I think the one that is going to be hurt the most is not only Cade but Chase. Chase is the sweetest guy. He helps valerie learn to control her emotions and elements but also believes in her. he doesn’t take sides in this war but also stands with Valerie and only wants to help her. Cade wants to be with Valerie and is at war with his emotions and expectations as is Holden except Holden doesn’t care about the expectations. Even after the fallout from Valerie, they both still like her and want to help her but Cade is fearful because of her power and she is with Holden.
The story itself is fast paced and interesting. I love the way the elementals play a part in our world and the different factions that are amongst the elemental people. We see valerie is on the periphery of worlds and not understanding all of what is happening. When she learns the truth it puts those around her in danger and also has unexpected consequences. In the story we get a romantic square- we have Cade, Holden and in a way Chase who like Valerie and she likes them as well. She pits Cade and Holden at each other and in a way uses them against each other. Cade tries to stay away for her own good but she uses this to feed off her confusion and turns to Holden who becomes her new interest. She sees him as a nice guy. I see some niceness but he is arrogant and what he does to Cade is stupid on his part and only adds fuel to the fire. It also gets Valerie to ask more question and open pandora’s box that begins a descent into violence and taking sides. This is the story of how Valerie discovers her families secret and who she is. She learns to be more selfish and sees things need to change and is caught in the middle. Her actions have consequences that are dangerous and deadly. The ending has you wondering where things will be when the dust settles and who will be with whom at the end of it all. I see Cade’s side, Holden’s side but am lost on Nicolai’s side. I don’t trust him and am irked with his manipulation of Valerie. her aunt has done so much for her but she only sees the fact that her aunt is alone and that is wrong. Her aunt is more protective and loving that others believe. She sits on the sidelines but knows more of what is going on than people in their world realizes. She also sees more to Cade than others do. This is a emotional and character driven book and we see some answers come but more questions arise. Like why did Siena suddenly move? And her dad what is up there? And the politics where will the chips fall? Who will get through to Cade? How about Chase what will happen there? And Holden? what more will Valerie learn and will she change? Will she learn her actions have some tremendous consequences and take responsibility for them? And her grandfather what is happening there?
A story of learning your heritage and who you are. Of coming out of your shell and learning to live but also about seeing the complexity of the world around you and figuring out what to do and who to believe. A interesting look at elements and magic in a fascinating way that incorporates so many concepts-politics, tradition, love, loyalty, secrets to keep you safe, and growth of characters to become who they are meant to become in time. Can say I am hoping the next comes soon because I want to know what happens and the fallout of what occurred…
April 27, 2019
Wow! What an amazing book.
This book was absolutely fantastic and I couldn't put it down. It was fun and exciting, suspenseful and lite. The characters were great and I fell in love with Valerie almost instantly she was amazing and resilient. The supernatural aspect to this book was so good and different from others I really enjoyed that. Cant wait to read the next one.
This book was absolutely fantastic and I couldn't put it down. It was fun and exciting, suspenseful and lite. The characters were great and I fell in love with Valerie almost instantly she was amazing and resilient. The supernatural aspect to this book was so good and different from others I really enjoyed that. Cant wait to read the next one.
May 6, 2019
Elemental Secrets is the first book in The Essential Elements series by Elle Middaugh.
After Valerie returns back to live with her aunt, strange things relating to the elements begin happening. With secrets hidden all around her and battles building between the elements - Earth, Wind, Water and Fire, Valerie is on a mission to discover what is occurring and who are involved.
The characters and emotions are well written and expressed throughout the story.
Initially I’d wish there was a little bit more introduction to Valerie’s character earlier on the story, rather than just her observations as it made me think I missed something. However once I progressed a few more pages further into the story this became a non issue and her backstory was revealed throughout.
I highly recommend Elemental Secrets and can’t wait to begin Elemental Lies.
After Valerie returns back to live with her aunt, strange things relating to the elements begin happening. With secrets hidden all around her and battles building between the elements - Earth, Wind, Water and Fire, Valerie is on a mission to discover what is occurring and who are involved.
The characters and emotions are well written and expressed throughout the story.
Initially I’d wish there was a little bit more introduction to Valerie’s character earlier on the story, rather than just her observations as it made me think I missed something. However once I progressed a few more pages further into the story this became a non issue and her backstory was revealed throughout.
I highly recommend Elemental Secrets and can’t wait to begin Elemental Lies.
August 31, 2017
Elemental Secrets by Elle Middaugh
A book review by Kathleen S. Schmitt
If one likes fantasy and magic and exciting plots, forge ahead. You will be rewarded with plenty of action and suspense.
At a superficial level, Elemental Secrets is a teen fantasy book that is well-written and fully entertaining, although I found the pace a little slow in the first third of the book. Until the arrival of a magic action, I could not tell if this was anything but a teen romance novel. However, the appearance of magic in a rather sweet way hinted that the story was going to take some turns that would be intriguing.
So, on with the plot. Protagonist Valerie appears as a reticent loner (due to changing schools so often as a military brat), but decides this time she is going to turn into an extravert. Furthermore, she finds the will and the energy to make this metamorphosis, which, in the first part of the book feels utterly contrived by the author. Valerie not only wins friends, she spirits herself at speed into the most popular group in the school where she finds ready acceptance. Okay. Nice. The reader who has experienced this kind of social interaction may enjoy this interplay. Readers who aspired to such status but did not attain it might find some of their vicarious needs being met through Valerie’s transformation. But readers who have lived differently through high school, meaning most of us, just might be somewhat put off. For a start, I am often suspicious of a beautiful protagonist. But wait. The author has a reason for this leap that feels, well, unreal.
Unfortunately, for me to explain much more would turn this review into one big spoiler. How to communicate what’s in store is difficult without just saying what happens. However, I will try. If one likes fantasy and magic and exciting plots, forge ahead. You will be rewarded with plenty of action and suspense.
If you are of a philosophical bent, think Nietzsche. What? You say. Well, around the first part of the Twentieth Century, a lot of writers and thinkers were pondering Nietzsche's philosophy. In American literature, this interest moved into what was called ‘literary naturalism.’ George Bernard Shaw wrote a play entitled “Man and Superman” based not only on the Don Juan legend but delving into the naturalistic myths of ancient deities (Think Venus and Zeus and other mythical gods). If you find the superhero enticing, or even if you are newly into Wonder Woman, read Elemental Secrets.
Also, if you teach high school literature classes, you might want to check out this book as a possible choice for students to read when studying early Twentieth Century English/American literature.
An internet contributor pointed to an interesting site: https://superheronovels.com/, stating that this old comic book genre may be the new genre in prose literature. You may wonder what I’m talking about, since I haven’t told you the plot. However, if any of this rambling tickles your curiosity, then read Elemental Secrets.
This first-in-a-series novel performs on various levels. While we will not find clarity in this first story, a whole series is emerging through which we can trust we will come to understand this different perception of the world – and perhaps the mind of the author. Is Elle Middaugh just writing a teen fantasy? Or is there something deeper here? Something that is profoundly political for our day and rolling out a scenario for world destiny?
Thoughts about a master race arise, evoking shades of mid-Twentieth Century fascism. Demigods – kindly or malevolent? Human suppression or empowerment? Alarming suppositions about global warming...? This book offers much fodder for thought, a definite plus in my mind. Read intelligently, and you will find Elemental Secrets involving and rewarding.
A book review by Kathleen S. Schmitt
If one likes fantasy and magic and exciting plots, forge ahead. You will be rewarded with plenty of action and suspense.
At a superficial level, Elemental Secrets is a teen fantasy book that is well-written and fully entertaining, although I found the pace a little slow in the first third of the book. Until the arrival of a magic action, I could not tell if this was anything but a teen romance novel. However, the appearance of magic in a rather sweet way hinted that the story was going to take some turns that would be intriguing.
So, on with the plot. Protagonist Valerie appears as a reticent loner (due to changing schools so often as a military brat), but decides this time she is going to turn into an extravert. Furthermore, she finds the will and the energy to make this metamorphosis, which, in the first part of the book feels utterly contrived by the author. Valerie not only wins friends, she spirits herself at speed into the most popular group in the school where she finds ready acceptance. Okay. Nice. The reader who has experienced this kind of social interaction may enjoy this interplay. Readers who aspired to such status but did not attain it might find some of their vicarious needs being met through Valerie’s transformation. But readers who have lived differently through high school, meaning most of us, just might be somewhat put off. For a start, I am often suspicious of a beautiful protagonist. But wait. The author has a reason for this leap that feels, well, unreal.
Unfortunately, for me to explain much more would turn this review into one big spoiler. How to communicate what’s in store is difficult without just saying what happens. However, I will try. If one likes fantasy and magic and exciting plots, forge ahead. You will be rewarded with plenty of action and suspense.
If you are of a philosophical bent, think Nietzsche. What? You say. Well, around the first part of the Twentieth Century, a lot of writers and thinkers were pondering Nietzsche's philosophy. In American literature, this interest moved into what was called ‘literary naturalism.’ George Bernard Shaw wrote a play entitled “Man and Superman” based not only on the Don Juan legend but delving into the naturalistic myths of ancient deities (Think Venus and Zeus and other mythical gods). If you find the superhero enticing, or even if you are newly into Wonder Woman, read Elemental Secrets.
Also, if you teach high school literature classes, you might want to check out this book as a possible choice for students to read when studying early Twentieth Century English/American literature.
An internet contributor pointed to an interesting site: https://superheronovels.com/, stating that this old comic book genre may be the new genre in prose literature. You may wonder what I’m talking about, since I haven’t told you the plot. However, if any of this rambling tickles your curiosity, then read Elemental Secrets.
This first-in-a-series novel performs on various levels. While we will not find clarity in this first story, a whole series is emerging through which we can trust we will come to understand this different perception of the world – and perhaps the mind of the author. Is Elle Middaugh just writing a teen fantasy? Or is there something deeper here? Something that is profoundly political for our day and rolling out a scenario for world destiny?
Thoughts about a master race arise, evoking shades of mid-Twentieth Century fascism. Demigods – kindly or malevolent? Human suppression or empowerment? Alarming suppositions about global warming...? This book offers much fodder for thought, a definite plus in my mind. Read intelligently, and you will find Elemental Secrets involving and rewarding.
April 13, 2017
One of my favorite books by far. Couldn't put it down!! Finished it in about 19 days.
February 21, 2017
This was the first book I have read from Elle Middaugh and I was very impressed with her work. From the story line, to the characters, and through all the twists and turns, I fell in love with the story.
The book starts off with a Love triangle. Who doesn't love those. The love triangles make you want to choose one or the other but sometimes you just cannot choose one! Valerie finds herself stuck in an interesting situation with two different crushes... Cade and Holden. Cade is dark and mysterious, but he wants to keep Valerie as a secret friend. You find out why later in the story, but he is nothing but a jerk to her after she finds out why he wanted to keep her a secret. Personally, I don't ever want Valerie to end up with Cade but there is something about him that seems to pull the two of them together. Or maybe I just really like the darkness about him. Then there is Holden... I was team Holden right from the start as he was a gentleman and nothing but chivalrous to Valerie.
I did really like this story, but it was a little too Twilight meets the Elementals for me, but it jumped too quickly into Valerie being an elemental (which was a given) to finding out her grandfather is a powerful elemental who scares the crap out of everyone else in the town. I think this could be flowed better, but I did like the story and want to find out what happens. Question?!? When will book 2 be coming out???
The book starts off with a Love triangle. Who doesn't love those. The love triangles make you want to choose one or the other but sometimes you just cannot choose one! Valerie finds herself stuck in an interesting situation with two different crushes... Cade and Holden. Cade is dark and mysterious, but he wants to keep Valerie as a secret friend. You find out why later in the story, but he is nothing but a jerk to her after she finds out why he wanted to keep her a secret. Personally, I don't ever want Valerie to end up with Cade but there is something about him that seems to pull the two of them together. Or maybe I just really like the darkness about him. Then there is Holden... I was team Holden right from the start as he was a gentleman and nothing but chivalrous to Valerie.
I did really like this story, but it was a little too Twilight meets the Elementals for me, but it jumped too quickly into Valerie being an elemental (which was a given) to finding out her grandfather is a powerful elemental who scares the crap out of everyone else in the town. I think this could be flowed better, but I did like the story and want to find out what happens. Question?!? When will book 2 be coming out???
June 29, 2016
Endless Elements of Surprises . . .
This book is "Avatar: The Last Airbender" meets "X-Men" in a high school. The fact the lead girl finds herself in a world of super hot super powered high school is totally crazy (and lucky), but by the end you'll be so wrapped up in her drama looking for the next book. I know I'm excited to read more even if the girl can't pick a boy, literally to save her life!
When her naval officer father is sent out on deployment, Valerie Moore is sent to live with her aunt in a small Pennsylvania town. Valerie is used to being the new girl thanks to her dads career, but now being forced to return to Center Allegheny high as a senior is sure to put a bump in her plan to stay unnoticed. It's not long before Valerie is quickly noticed by all as the "new" gorgeous girl around and she eventually makes friends. Of course it helps that there are so many hot guys at the school three of which confuse her mind and heart. Valerie quickly notices that along with great looks there is more to her classmates and is determined to find out what is happening around them that could change the weather or start other strange occurrences in town. Now Valerie's search begins to point home when her own family history comes up and questionable truth is revealed. In the end Valerie is left with more questions and than answers, especially when a powerful stranger drops in when she needed him he most.
Overall, I really enjoyed it for the action and SciFi, but the love interest was killing my interest. Most of the book is centered around Valerie discovering herself but also figuring out her love-likes. Valerie like a boy she liked since childhood, a new charming athlete who adores her and a smoking hot college boy who's a little bad. Gotta envy the girl for 3 "problems". The drama became tiring because when I finally figured out my pick for her, then another guy got added to the suitor list, I started waiting for other men to pop up every chapter. I'm truly hoping the 'who is right for me' questioning with be resolved in the next book, because it's rather sad to be tied to three guys so deeply all at once. Now despite all the man drama, I was very excited about the powers of the elements and exploring Valerie's family history. The fight scenes were nuts, especially the Lauren vs. Valerie fight, no elements were used but I was like "Oh Dang! That had to hurt!" There is a cliff hanger ending but it will make you want to read more. So if you want to read about a girl finding out she comes from a society of elemental wielding people living amongst humans who are either fighting for dominance, secrecy, or complacency then this series is going to peak your interest.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
This book is "Avatar: The Last Airbender" meets "X-Men" in a high school. The fact the lead girl finds herself in a world of super hot super powered high school is totally crazy (and lucky), but by the end you'll be so wrapped up in her drama looking for the next book. I know I'm excited to read more even if the girl can't pick a boy, literally to save her life!
When her naval officer father is sent out on deployment, Valerie Moore is sent to live with her aunt in a small Pennsylvania town. Valerie is used to being the new girl thanks to her dads career, but now being forced to return to Center Allegheny high as a senior is sure to put a bump in her plan to stay unnoticed. It's not long before Valerie is quickly noticed by all as the "new" gorgeous girl around and she eventually makes friends. Of course it helps that there are so many hot guys at the school three of which confuse her mind and heart. Valerie quickly notices that along with great looks there is more to her classmates and is determined to find out what is happening around them that could change the weather or start other strange occurrences in town. Now Valerie's search begins to point home when her own family history comes up and questionable truth is revealed. In the end Valerie is left with more questions and than answers, especially when a powerful stranger drops in when she needed him he most.
Overall, I really enjoyed it for the action and SciFi, but the love interest was killing my interest. Most of the book is centered around Valerie discovering herself but also figuring out her love-likes. Valerie like a boy she liked since childhood, a new charming athlete who adores her and a smoking hot college boy who's a little bad. Gotta envy the girl for 3 "problems". The drama became tiring because when I finally figured out my pick for her, then another guy got added to the suitor list, I started waiting for other men to pop up every chapter. I'm truly hoping the 'who is right for me' questioning with be resolved in the next book, because it's rather sad to be tied to three guys so deeply all at once. Now despite all the man drama, I was very excited about the powers of the elements and exploring Valerie's family history. The fight scenes were nuts, especially the Lauren vs. Valerie fight, no elements were used but I was like "Oh Dang! That had to hurt!" There is a cliff hanger ending but it will make you want to read more. So if you want to read about a girl finding out she comes from a society of elemental wielding people living amongst humans who are either fighting for dominance, secrecy, or complacency then this series is going to peak your interest.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
December 29, 2016
Book Review- Elemental Secrets by Elle Middaugh
Valerie is staying with her aunt again as her dad is deployed. This is not the first time she has been sent to live with her aunt. When she starts school, she just wants to be left alone. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen. Her crush walks home with her. Then after realizing she doesn’t want to become like her aunt. She is determined to make more friends. Relief floods her when she learns her best friend Sienna is moving back. She is also approached by Holden and ends up as his lab partner in chemistry. He is friendly and open about liking her unlike Cade. She is torn. She likes Cade, always has and now she is developing feelings for Holden. She is struggling with her choice.
Plus something is going on with Cade. He wants her to leave him alone. It is better that way. Yet Holden and his friends seem to be at odds with Cade. Something isn’t right and everyone is keeping secrets from Valerie, even her aunt.
The weather is weird as are the environmental events happening around her. Valerie finally learns the truth and ends up thrust into a war between two groups, the traditionalists and the modernists. She finally learns more about her mother, her aunt and her grandfather. However nothing is as it seems and Valerie seems caught in the middle as the two groups fight each other. She doesn’t know what to think or who to believe as sides are being chosen.
This story was full of mystery. At first you weren’t sure what her dad’s role was. Then her aunt appeared very odd. When Cade enters the story and basically ignores her, I wasn’t sure what direction the author would go. I was also a bit disappointed with Valerie’s withdrawal from life. She avoided all interaction at first.
Then when she changed her mind, I didn’t like how she couldn’t decide who she liked. I hated how she seem to ‘date’ all three. She seem to justify it by saying she was young and not ready to settle down. Her attitude all of a sudden sucked.
I liked the storyline between elementals and where Valerie fit in that world. I thought the secrets revealed by the author really moved things along well. I also started liking Valerie more as time went on. I was hooked completely as I read the last page. I am really looking forward to reading the next book. I really want to see what happens. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
Valerie is staying with her aunt again as her dad is deployed. This is not the first time she has been sent to live with her aunt. When she starts school, she just wants to be left alone. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen. Her crush walks home with her. Then after realizing she doesn’t want to become like her aunt. She is determined to make more friends. Relief floods her when she learns her best friend Sienna is moving back. She is also approached by Holden and ends up as his lab partner in chemistry. He is friendly and open about liking her unlike Cade. She is torn. She likes Cade, always has and now she is developing feelings for Holden. She is struggling with her choice.
Plus something is going on with Cade. He wants her to leave him alone. It is better that way. Yet Holden and his friends seem to be at odds with Cade. Something isn’t right and everyone is keeping secrets from Valerie, even her aunt.
The weather is weird as are the environmental events happening around her. Valerie finally learns the truth and ends up thrust into a war between two groups, the traditionalists and the modernists. She finally learns more about her mother, her aunt and her grandfather. However nothing is as it seems and Valerie seems caught in the middle as the two groups fight each other. She doesn’t know what to think or who to believe as sides are being chosen.
This story was full of mystery. At first you weren’t sure what her dad’s role was. Then her aunt appeared very odd. When Cade enters the story and basically ignores her, I wasn’t sure what direction the author would go. I was also a bit disappointed with Valerie’s withdrawal from life. She avoided all interaction at first.
Then when she changed her mind, I didn’t like how she couldn’t decide who she liked. I hated how she seem to ‘date’ all three. She seem to justify it by saying she was young and not ready to settle down. Her attitude all of a sudden sucked.
I liked the storyline between elementals and where Valerie fit in that world. I thought the secrets revealed by the author really moved things along well. I also started liking Valerie more as time went on. I was hooked completely as I read the last page. I am really looking forward to reading the next book. I really want to see what happens. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
September 20, 2017
The author is looking for an honest review of this book'
4 stars
This is a series book and so it does end in a cliff hanger, but no fear the second book is out and ready for you to read. With that being said I want to tell you my feelings of this book because they were confusing to me at times. At firs this book I didn't get I was confused until I hit the fifth chapter. I was not going to read the whole thing. I was going to tell the person that I review for that I couldn't make it through, but my problem was that I really loved the blurb of this story and I thought there was something there that I was missing. I was absolutely right. I was missing out on something great. By the sixth chapter I was full blown in love with the characters and the whole story line. I wanted more as I kept reading and the whole story fantasized me. Every character in this book has a pivotal part in the book. They are needed because of everything that happens. I loved the little triangle going on with Val, Holden, Cade, hey it might be a square with chase in the picture, but it was so much more than that. There is a war brewing. Everyone seems to be on different sides and you don't know who is going to win. That is why I am so happy I was able to continue on in this book. The way each character is brought into this book is perfect. You don't know what is going to happen next, but you do know there is going to be fights left and right in this book.
I am not going to go into what really happens in this book, but will tell you that when things are hidden from you and then you find out, it can be a total shock. Val is an example of that. She came back to a school that she had known, but really didn't. She never knew was lurking in the hallways and that she could be part of something bigger. Holden and his crew welcomed Val, but Cade wanted her to stay hidden. Then her grandfather comes in and gives another option. All of this is happening when she is learning what she is. It is an amazing story and I want to get to the next book as soon as I am done with this review. I want to know what is going to happen everyone that is involved.
I am so glad that I stayed with this book. I would have missed out on something great. I can't wait to read the next book and I can only hope everyone gives this book a chance.
4 stars
This is a series book and so it does end in a cliff hanger, but no fear the second book is out and ready for you to read. With that being said I want to tell you my feelings of this book because they were confusing to me at times. At firs this book I didn't get I was confused until I hit the fifth chapter. I was not going to read the whole thing. I was going to tell the person that I review for that I couldn't make it through, but my problem was that I really loved the blurb of this story and I thought there was something there that I was missing. I was absolutely right. I was missing out on something great. By the sixth chapter I was full blown in love with the characters and the whole story line. I wanted more as I kept reading and the whole story fantasized me. Every character in this book has a pivotal part in the book. They are needed because of everything that happens. I loved the little triangle going on with Val, Holden, Cade, hey it might be a square with chase in the picture, but it was so much more than that. There is a war brewing. Everyone seems to be on different sides and you don't know who is going to win. That is why I am so happy I was able to continue on in this book. The way each character is brought into this book is perfect. You don't know what is going to happen next, but you do know there is going to be fights left and right in this book.
I am not going to go into what really happens in this book, but will tell you that when things are hidden from you and then you find out, it can be a total shock. Val is an example of that. She came back to a school that she had known, but really didn't. She never knew was lurking in the hallways and that she could be part of something bigger. Holden and his crew welcomed Val, but Cade wanted her to stay hidden. Then her grandfather comes in and gives another option. All of this is happening when she is learning what she is. It is an amazing story and I want to get to the next book as soon as I am done with this review. I want to know what is going to happen everyone that is involved.
I am so glad that I stayed with this book. I would have missed out on something great. I can't wait to read the next book and I can only hope everyone gives this book a chance.
December 15, 2016
Wow – this book completely surprised me! I guess I was expecting your typical teenage paranormal romance. This book was anything but typical!
Valerie lost her mom at a young age and has been raised on and off by her navy enlisted father. During the time while he is deployed, she stays with her strange aunt. That’s where she’s headed this time around, and she’s a little more excited knowing she’ll be enrolled in a school where she has already gone through the new-girl process. Oh, and there’s also her quiet crush/entertainment in the form of Cade. He seems to be just a removed from the social scene as her, and she passes her days by watching him. Unlike last time, though, it seems that Valerie can’t stay out of the spotlight. She’s been asked out by the quarterback, Holden, and already gotten into a fight with the school’s popular girl. Oh, and there’s also been some very strange weather incidents.
Rolling all of this together, the fact that Cade suddenly wants to talk to her (in secret), shouldn’t be such a shock, but it certainly sets off shockwaves in Valerie’s “staying under the radar” plan. Even her aunt, who seems mostly satisfied to stay on the periphery of Valerie’s life, is suddenly more interested in who she’s spending time with and what she’s been up to. So – what’s the paranormal twist? Well, the weather changes are a little more than just global warming related phenomena. There’s a whole culture that revolves around people with powers and Valerie is thrown right into the middle of an already brewing war.
Some fair warning – this book takes a walk on the dark side for a little bit. There’s bullying and fighting, war and discrimination, and lots of betrayal and secrets. I liked being surprised and that’s really what kept me completely engaged. I could do without the love triangle aspect, but it really helps drive the plot along. The Valerie that starts this book is not the one that we see at the end. She grows in more ways than I can count, and I hope we see even more in this series.
Valerie lost her mom at a young age and has been raised on and off by her navy enlisted father. During the time while he is deployed, she stays with her strange aunt. That’s where she’s headed this time around, and she’s a little more excited knowing she’ll be enrolled in a school where she has already gone through the new-girl process. Oh, and there’s also her quiet crush/entertainment in the form of Cade. He seems to be just a removed from the social scene as her, and she passes her days by watching him. Unlike last time, though, it seems that Valerie can’t stay out of the spotlight. She’s been asked out by the quarterback, Holden, and already gotten into a fight with the school’s popular girl. Oh, and there’s also been some very strange weather incidents.
Rolling all of this together, the fact that Cade suddenly wants to talk to her (in secret), shouldn’t be such a shock, but it certainly sets off shockwaves in Valerie’s “staying under the radar” plan. Even her aunt, who seems mostly satisfied to stay on the periphery of Valerie’s life, is suddenly more interested in who she’s spending time with and what she’s been up to. So – what’s the paranormal twist? Well, the weather changes are a little more than just global warming related phenomena. There’s a whole culture that revolves around people with powers and Valerie is thrown right into the middle of an already brewing war.
Some fair warning – this book takes a walk on the dark side for a little bit. There’s bullying and fighting, war and discrimination, and lots of betrayal and secrets. I liked being surprised and that’s really what kept me completely engaged. I could do without the love triangle aspect, but it really helps drive the plot along. The Valerie that starts this book is not the one that we see at the end. She grows in more ways than I can count, and I hope we see even more in this series.
September 6, 2017
I really liked Elemental Secrets, it gave me the same vibes I had when I was reading Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein.
It is really a slow start and it allows Elle to set the story and discover things little by little the same way Val does in the book. We all know that my usual preference is to dive in as quickly as possible but the slower pace of discovery works out really well.
We have teenage hormones, secrecy and a lot of other things going on that we get to see unfold as Val's story progresses and it is pretty good if I may say so.
A love triangle which kinda shifts into a quad, I mean I suppose so since all the guys are described as pretty much McHotties! As I mentioned earlier, it does take quite a bit for the story to start unfolding and what an unfolding it is!
I gotta say, even I was a bit stunned at the great display of torture, so just be weary cause it is quite a bit gruesome.
However in itself, I suppose it had to happen so we hit the right turning point for the group.
I like Val, she is a nice kid and really relatable and existing in some extraordinary circumstances. Out of all the boys, I cannot say that I have made up my mind in terms of the one I like best. I do kinda like the college bad boy, but he is the one we know the least about so not sure. I have yet to decide on their actions in the next book.
I will know for sure by next book and keep you all posted!
I am not sure if this is a Duology or a Trilogy to be honest with you, but there is a lot that needs to take place in the next book and I am expecting fireworks people!
I have really enjoyed Elemental Secrets and highly recommend it, I cannot wait for book 2 to be out and see what happens next!
It is really a slow start and it allows Elle to set the story and discover things little by little the same way Val does in the book. We all know that my usual preference is to dive in as quickly as possible but the slower pace of discovery works out really well.
We have teenage hormones, secrecy and a lot of other things going on that we get to see unfold as Val's story progresses and it is pretty good if I may say so.
A love triangle which kinda shifts into a quad, I mean I suppose so since all the guys are described as pretty much McHotties! As I mentioned earlier, it does take quite a bit for the story to start unfolding and what an unfolding it is!
I gotta say, even I was a bit stunned at the great display of torture, so just be weary cause it is quite a bit gruesome.
However in itself, I suppose it had to happen so we hit the right turning point for the group.
I like Val, she is a nice kid and really relatable and existing in some extraordinary circumstances. Out of all the boys, I cannot say that I have made up my mind in terms of the one I like best. I do kinda like the college bad boy, but he is the one we know the least about so not sure. I have yet to decide on their actions in the next book.
I will know for sure by next book and keep you all posted!
I am not sure if this is a Duology or a Trilogy to be honest with you, but there is a lot that needs to take place in the next book and I am expecting fireworks people!
I have really enjoyed Elemental Secrets and highly recommend it, I cannot wait for book 2 to be out and see what happens next!
April 19, 2018
Valerie’s Mom is deceased and her dad deployed, no option but to live with her aunt. Soon she realizes she doesn’t want a quiet life. Awesome book.
October 21, 2017
Elemental "Secrets" ( Essential Elements. )
Book 1 in the Elemental series.
By Elle Middaugh.
Review in short.
Very enjoyable read. Grabbed me from page one. Enjoyed reading about Elementals and joining Valeri in her story.
* 5/5 stars for me!
* A bit of a love triangle. ( Subtle to begin with )
* Likeable characters.
* Good story-line, developed very well!
* plenty of swoon-worthy male characters...
This I must admit is my first experience of reading a book by Author Elle Middaugh. And it most certainly isn't going to be the last! I love her writing style along with her super imagination.
I love the Elemental series. I found it highly addictive & completely captivating. I love reading anything paranormal and fantasy. Ellie has hit the nail on the head with Elemental beings who aren't like normal "Humans" But aren't witches either. They can control certain elements i.e Wind, Fire, Earth Water.... Now you would think by seeing/hearing that, that we are reading about witches, but think again. I think this is a brilliant turn to the book the fact that Elle has brought something new to the world of fantasy & books. or certainly new for me!
I loved all the characters. Each one was very enjoyable and I found that each one had a likable personality and were more 3D. Elle has done very well with her character building and developed each character very well.
I can confirm I have just finished book #2 and I can fully recommend to read them! Book #2 is brilliant! Lots of action! ;)
Book 1 in the Elemental series.
By Elle Middaugh.
Review in short.
Very enjoyable read. Grabbed me from page one. Enjoyed reading about Elementals and joining Valeri in her story.
* 5/5 stars for me!
* A bit of a love triangle. ( Subtle to begin with )
* Likeable characters.
* Good story-line, developed very well!
* plenty of swoon-worthy male characters...
This I must admit is my first experience of reading a book by Author Elle Middaugh. And it most certainly isn't going to be the last! I love her writing style along with her super imagination.
I love the Elemental series. I found it highly addictive & completely captivating. I love reading anything paranormal and fantasy. Ellie has hit the nail on the head with Elemental beings who aren't like normal "Humans" But aren't witches either. They can control certain elements i.e Wind, Fire, Earth Water.... Now you would think by seeing/hearing that, that we are reading about witches, but think again. I think this is a brilliant turn to the book the fact that Elle has brought something new to the world of fantasy & books. or certainly new for me!
I loved all the characters. Each one was very enjoyable and I found that each one had a likable personality and were more 3D. Elle has done very well with her character building and developed each character very well.
I can confirm I have just finished book #2 and I can fully recommend to read them! Book #2 is brilliant! Lots of action! ;)
February 6, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But love manifests in its own time. It doesn’t care about age, race, class, intelligence, or anything. It doesn’t see soft skin, or straight teeth, or shiny hair. It doesn’t see time; it sees souls.”
When her father is re-deployed, Valerie is shipped off to her Aunt’s again - unaware of her family’s past secrets. Descended from a long line of elementals, a human Val is in the middle of the modernist and traditionalist war between elementals (supernatural users of earth, wind, fire, and water). I was greatful that there was no “insta love” that generally plagues the YA genre. There are multiple romantic prospects, however, I found that the main drive of the novel was the magic and family history - that is a big breath of fresh air.
I’m so pumped for the next book in the series!
Get “Elemental Secrets” by Elle Middaugh: https://www.amazon.com/Elemental-Secr...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephfafahh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephfafahh/
Tumblr: http://stephfafahh.tumblr.com/
Snapchat: stephfafahh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“But love manifests in its own time. It doesn’t care about age, race, class, intelligence, or anything. It doesn’t see soft skin, or straight teeth, or shiny hair. It doesn’t see time; it sees souls.”
When her father is re-deployed, Valerie is shipped off to her Aunt’s again - unaware of her family’s past secrets. Descended from a long line of elementals, a human Val is in the middle of the modernist and traditionalist war between elementals (supernatural users of earth, wind, fire, and water). I was greatful that there was no “insta love” that generally plagues the YA genre. There are multiple romantic prospects, however, I found that the main drive of the novel was the magic and family history - that is a big breath of fresh air.
I’m so pumped for the next book in the series!
Get “Elemental Secrets” by Elle Middaugh: https://www.amazon.com/Elemental-Secr...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephfafahh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephfafahh/
Tumblr: http://stephfafahh.tumblr.com/
Snapchat: stephfafahh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
This is the first book that I have read by Elle, and I know that it isn't going to be the last. Elemental Secrets is the first book in the Essential Elements series. When I first started this book I was immediately drawn in. The beginning grabs you and it gently sets you down after the roller coaster is over. But that doesn't happen until the end. Not only does this have parts in it that you just want to reach through the book to slap a person stupid (Loren), but it has moments that you just want to keep smiling a huge grin because you are so happy for Valerie everything seems to be falling nicely in place, until it doesn't. There are definitely things that Val can't explain. Things start to become very strange the closer she gets to Holden. But her 18th birthday will be day that she will not forget.
Elle is a wonderful writer that makes everything she writes very vivid. She has a way to capture the characters personality and transform it into a great story. I can't wait until she releases her second book. I have a feeling that I will be re-reading this until the next book comes out. I just want to make sure that I didn't miss anything. If you like elemental persons, if you like SYFY, if you like YA this book is for you. If you don't like any of those, then you are missing out!
This is the first book that I have read by Elle, and I know that it isn't going to be the last. Elemental Secrets is the first book in the Essential Elements series. When I first started this book I was immediately drawn in. The beginning grabs you and it gently sets you down after the roller coaster is over. But that doesn't happen until the end. Not only does this have parts in it that you just want to reach through the book to slap a person stupid (Loren), but it has moments that you just want to keep smiling a huge grin because you are so happy for Valerie everything seems to be falling nicely in place, until it doesn't. There are definitely things that Val can't explain. Things start to become very strange the closer she gets to Holden. But her 18th birthday will be day that she will not forget.
Elle is a wonderful writer that makes everything she writes very vivid. She has a way to capture the characters personality and transform it into a great story. I can't wait until she releases her second book. I have a feeling that I will be re-reading this until the next book comes out. I just want to make sure that I didn't miss anything. If you like elemental persons, if you like SYFY, if you like YA this book is for you. If you don't like any of those, then you are missing out!
June 22, 2016
Just okay, wow. Starts off kind of slow, wondering okay what kind of secrets are people hiding?? Why does this female Loren day stay away from "him" ? Which him? Ha because for sort of new girl Valerie she is attracting two guys and as the story moves further a 3rd guy comes hanging around. Weird things start happening and it's brushed off as global warming... As Valerie says how is there an Earthquake in Pennsylvania?
Anyhow while staying with her Aunt while her dad is out for work with the military.
She starts learning more about her heritage. These secret elemental powers, that people have and are not allowed to talk about it. But the friends she's making she realizes they all are hiding something.
Because she feels she will never be one of them, she wants to know more and wishing she was one of them.
This book from after chapter 2 or 3 it was like whoa... I wanted to be Valerie and find out more about Cade and Holden.
Anyhow while staying with her Aunt while her dad is out for work with the military.
She starts learning more about her heritage. These secret elemental powers, that people have and are not allowed to talk about it. But the friends she's making she realizes they all are hiding something.
Because she feels she will never be one of them, she wants to know more and wishing she was one of them.
This book from after chapter 2 or 3 it was like whoa... I wanted to be Valerie and find out more about Cade and Holden.
July 31, 2017
Valerie is sent to live with her aunt since her father is once again deployed. She is returning her old school that she previously attended years ago. Valerie eventually learns that her friends and family have elemental powers. Her powers have been released and now she is in the center of danger.
Cade never draws attention to himself, but yet there is something dark and mysterious about him. Valerie feels sparks when she is near her crush. When Valerie is with him, she seems grounded. Is it his powers?
Loren was still up to her old tricks. Sassy mouth and trying to bully Valerie but Valerie always stands her ground. Who does Valerie end up fighting with?
Holden is a fiery, careless character. When Valerie is with him, she acts careless as well. Is it his powers affecting her?
The author's creative imagination and scenes made me feel like I was in movie with them. So descriptive. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book of the series.
Cade never draws attention to himself, but yet there is something dark and mysterious about him. Valerie feels sparks when she is near her crush. When Valerie is with him, she seems grounded. Is it his powers?
Loren was still up to her old tricks. Sassy mouth and trying to bully Valerie but Valerie always stands her ground. Who does Valerie end up fighting with?
Holden is a fiery, careless character. When Valerie is with him, she acts careless as well. Is it his powers affecting her?
The author's creative imagination and scenes made me feel like I was in movie with them. So descriptive. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book of the series.
October 3, 2017
The story starts with the death of her mother in a car accident. Her father is at sea for work. Valerie is to live with her quiet aunt.
One night after valeries aunt goes to bed valerie finds a book and opens up her family and towns history.
One night after valeries aunt goes to bed valerie finds a book and opens up her family and towns history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews