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Elemental Legacy #0.75

Omens and Artifacts

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In the elemental world, reputation is everything, but gaining it can get you killed.

Setting up shop as an antiquities hunter means nothing if you don’t have clients. Benjamin Vecchio, nephew of a famed vampire assassin, is the subject of widespread speculation, but so far that speculation hasn’t translated into work.
What Ben needs is a job. A big job. A profitable job.

A legendary job.

Finding the lost sword of Brennus the Celt, the mythical Raven King of the British Isles, would make Ben’s reputation in the immortal world, but it could also draw dangerous attention. The Raven King’s gold hoard isn’t famous for being easy to find. Luckily, Ben has his own legend at his side.

Tenzin is a wind vampire who doesn’t like digging, but she’s more than happy to let Ben do the dirty work while she provides the muscle he needs to make other immortals pay attention. They’re partners. Or so Ben thinks.

But when finding this treasure puts Tenzin’s future plans at risk, will their partnership survive? Tenzin isn’t used to taking orders from anyone, particularly from a young human who used to be her student. Digging into ancient Scottish history can get you dirty. It can also get you killed.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2017

441 people are currently reading
652 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Hunter

83 books6,288 followers
ELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.

She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Hunter.
Author 83 books6,288 followers
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February 10, 2017
Hey, guess what? I wrote another Ben and Tenzin caper!

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Also, I'm bringing back the word "caper." Because it's swell. Omens & Artifacts is coming out in just four days! That's right. January 31st. I'm doing a very short preorder. The book is available right now at

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kBtXoI
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

And all the other retailers should be coming on line in the next few days.

Have you been missing Benzin? You know you have.

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(And now you're thinking evil thoughts about Ben. You're welcome.)

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Profile Image for Kate.
2,277 reviews356 followers
February 22, 2017
3.5 Stars

“Vampires have lots of legends, Ben. We get bored. We enjoy lying. We enjoy conning others of our kind when we can. It makes us feel superior.”

Ben and Tenzin are building their business of searching for antiquities for the immortal world. Business has been slow so Ben has decided to follow a legend. A legend all the way to England to find The Sanguine Raptor, a powerful sword from The Raven King.

Ben manages to convince Tenzin to go along with this treasure hunt. Okay he blackmails her. I hate to say this Ben but you are a vampire, you just have to take the final step and we all know what will happen only you seem to be oblivious to the fact.

Tenzin caves and goes to London to help Ben. So, the hunt for the legend begins but with complications to accompany them Someone else is after the sword.

Tenzin and Ben are a dynamic duo. I love Tiny she is vicious, ruthless and has an odd yet intriguing sense of humour and together with Ben? Hilarious. After being so old she has learnt to set her priorities.

But she couldn’t decide how to organize her swords. Should she line them up in neat rows? Organize them by size? Arrange them in order of usefulness, historical era, or just make it random? Such a large blank wall. So many choices.

Ben was very reckless in this book and was playing with fire. That he nearly lost his life. All for improving his reputation. You can tell that things between Tenzin and Ben are changing. There is more coming between them. Ms. Hunter did a fantastic job with this to position them to start with their five-book series. She creates a magical world that leads you all over the place and makes you want to read more. From New York to London and from London to Scotland.

We get to see character from previous books. Gemma and Tywyll. As well as Cathy and Max from Scotland. Now one day. I hope we get a book with Max and Cathy.

Cathy and Tenzin in a room. Oh, my so much fun.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ben. Tenzin, you too.” “I don’t feel like we’ve actually met yet,” Tenzin said. “Though I feel that I’m well acquainted with your mate’s breasts.” Max lifted his head and looked at the hand resting under Cathy’s sweater. “Oh. Sorry about that.” “ ”I’m not,” Cathy said. Luckily, she straightened her sweater anyway and faced them. “Oh,” Tenzin said. “You both have faces. Imagine that.” “Is she always this way?” Cathy said. “Yes.” Ben took a drink.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I will mention it again. I love Ms. Hunter, I love her writing style, the balance of banter and suspense mixed in with a story that always blows my mind. She is one of the very few who knows how to write vampire books. With this series, I am a fan of the fang!
Profile Image for Douglas Meeks.
893 reviews238 followers
February 10, 2017
This was another quick little story about Ben and Tenzin which was entertaining but seemed to spend a significant page count doing nothing much unless you just like to read about Ben and Tenzin arguing, talking, etc.

Obviously, we do want to see where this relationship goes and some of the banter was good but some just burned pages.

Since I assume we will get a story about them with some meat on the bone soon, there are a couple of things that it seems might pop up again in the future so what might not look like much now might become something in a later story.

The actual search for lost sword of Brennus the Celt was highly entertaining and had a few twists that you were not expecting that were enjoyable.

Bottom Line: A good story, likable characters as always and you keep wondering about the future of this "partnership". 4 Stars and after reading A Stone-Kissed Sea which looked like it may be closing the "Elixir" themed stories I wonder if we may see more of Ben and Tenzin in full length novels.

Merged review:

This was another quick little story about Ben and Tenzin which was entertaining but seemed to spend a significant page count doing nothing much unless you just like to read about Ben and Tenzin arguing, talking, etc.

Obviously, we do want to see where this relationship goes and some of the banter was good but some just burned pages.

Since I assume we will get a story about them with some meat on the bone soon, there are a couple of things that it seems might pop up again in the future so what might not look like much now might become something in a later story.

The real push behind this story is that Ben and Tenzin have set themselves up as antiquities hunters but they have no clients, so the obvious solution, find something legendary that people have searched for centuries but never found to build a reputation for their new business. Enter the legendary sword of Brennus The Celt, King of Scotland, the Raven King and the actual search for lost sword of The Vampire King was highly entertaining and had a few twists that you were not expecting that were enjoyable.

Bottom Line: A good story, likable characters as always and you keep wondering about the future of this "partnership". 4 Stars and after reading A Stone-Kissed Sea which looked like it may be closing the "Elixir" themed stories I wonder if we may see more of Ben and Tenzin in full length novels soon.
Profile Image for Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥.
1,224 reviews146 followers
February 7, 2017
Did I detest a hint of flirting, from Tenzin? Not towards Ben, and Ben being extremely jealous and possessive. FFS, Hunter please put me out of my misery with these two. Let Tenzin take Ben down! We all see it coming, and it better not lead to any fade to black sex scenes either.

Not that I have that out of my system, let's move on. Another brilliant story with these two. Ben is out in the world making his own name. He's convinced that he needs to stand on his own two feet. He is partnering up with Tenzin and living together. This job that Ben has taken could prove to be to much. Tenzin tries to warn him, but they get into it, and as usual they work together well.

While these novellas are not much in the grand scheme of things, I'd like to think of them as complete warmups to their full length novels. E.Hunter, if you are reading this then I think 6 or 8 books for them seems adequate enough for me. I enjoyed the mystery/treasure hunting in this one. As usual her places end up on my travel list some day. I love visiting places through her characters eyes. Another great read.
Profile Image for Kara-karina.
1,712 reviews260 followers
February 11, 2017
I love that couple so much, ladies and gents! Maybe the mostest *grins* after Gio and Bi.


Tenzin and Ben have this rapport, this camaraderie & banter which are very hard to find in UF. It comes from long-term relationships. Kate Daniels and Curran have it with such a fun way of communicating with each other. I can't help but feel that Benzin is destined for great things.


This time, to my delight, Ben & Tenzin travel to Scotland to retrieve a legendary sword of The Raven King. Finding it is a gamble but Ben needs a boost for his professional reputation as a treasure hunter in order to start getting paying clients.


Only nothing is simple. Another treasure hunter is following in their footsteps, and The Raven King might not actually be as dead as the legend claims.


It's short, peeps, which is my only complaint. I know it's irrational, considering the format, but I wanted to hear more about Ben's research or Tenzin's day TV binging sessions. I wanted them to have more fun interactions with local vamps and visit old friends.


Alas, this was just one delicious appetiser, and now I'm really hungry for the main course. By the way, the hints were driving me crazy, Elizabeth!


Highly recommended.


* * *

Я так люблю эту парочку, дамы и господа! Может быть, больше всех после Джио и Би *смеясь*.


У Тензин и Бена есть фамильярность и лёгкость диалога друг с другом, которые не часто увидишь в городском фэнтези. Фамильярность многолетних отношений, как, например, у Кейт Дэниэлс и Куррана, что приводит к замечательным подколам и шуточным диалогам. Прям видно, что им светит грандиозное будущее.


В этой повести, к моему восторгу, Бен и Тензин приезжают в Шотландию в поисках легендарного меча Короля Воронов, который, если отыщется, подарит шикарную репутацию бизнесу Бена как начинающего охотника за сокровищами.


Только вот, всё не так уж и просто. По пятам Бена идёт ещё один охотник за сокровищами, и Король Воронов вполне возможно, что не умер, а просто находится в долгой спячке.


Моя единственная жалоба - краткость повествования. И да, я понимаю, что нелогично, так как она соответствует формату. Однако очень хотелось вытянуть детали расследования из Бена, взахлёб просматривать дневные программы внутреннего дизайна вместе с Тензин, покутить с местными вампирами и посетить старых друзей...


Но увы, это была вкусненькая закуска, и я теперь нагуляла аппетит для главного блюда. Кстати, намёки, разбрасываемые Тензин, меня просто сводили с ума!


Читайте, очень рекомендую.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,311 reviews41 followers
May 23, 2024
Although I adore the characters, they seemed somewhat underdeveloped in this instance. I missed the usual action associated with Ben and Tenzin as they strive to establish their business. The new characters didn't excite me, but there's always potential for growth if they reappear.

In the Elemental world, reputation is crucial, yet it's a double-edged sword. Benjamin Vecchio is venturing into the world of antiquities hunting and is in dire need of clients. His uncle's notoriety as a legendary fire vampire assassin has generated much intrigue but hasn't translated into job offers. Benjamin needs a significant find to earn the recognition and prestige he seeks. If he can recover Brennus the Celt's lost sword, he believes it could be his breakthrough. All he needs is for a descendant of Brennus to employ him for the search.

Securing his reputation might also endanger his life, but that's par for the course in the perilous realm of ancient vampires.

It remains an excellent choice for fans of the series.
2 reviews
February 6, 2017
That's what friends are for

I really enjoyed the adventure of Ben and Tinzin. They work very well together. They lift each other up. And got each other back. I laugh through most of the story, because they are serious about what they expect from one another. Yet the humor of how they provoke one another is hilarious. Thank you Miss Hunter for this heartfelt drama of these two characters. Watching Ben grow up, and Tinzin grow as well have been a really enjoyable read from all your element series. I'm looking forward to the next adventure of BenTin.
Profile Image for Lani.
422 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2017
3.5

While I usually love Ben and Tenzin's chemistry, this one was a little lacking. What was supposed to be funny banter seemed a little contrived. I know I overthought a few parts but they just didn't seem to fit what an elemental vampire would encounter. An example would be an Earth vampire (meaning they gain power and control the soil, rock or anything to do with the earth element) getting stuck in a hole IN THE DIRT and calling for help.

I am however, looking forward to the full length book.
Profile Image for Imagey.
340 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2017
Love, love the Elemental series. My only complaint is that the books for the Legacy series are too short. Ms. Hunter should have made them full novels instead of novellas. Can't wait for the next one.
6 reviews
March 3, 2017
OMG!! So Funny! Max & Cathy are Back Too!

This has to be the FUNNIEST Novella by Elizabeth Hunter!! I laughed so much while reading this!! A few times till I cried! Max and Cathy are Back to visit us. I never realized how hilarious she could be!! If their story hasn't been told yet, I WOULD LOVE TO READ IT!!

I wish Me. Hunter had written out Ben and Tenzin's whole visit to Max and Tavish's castle instead of summarizing it!! That's my ONLY gripe about this Novella.

We see Ben and Tenzin growing closer, but still you see he's little more than a bigger teenager at age 24. There are some teasers, which are very nice to see, then you witness the teenager impatience, impulsivity and general sulkiness of the kid on the edge of manhood. And Tenzin in more of a motherly role. It makes you hope for some more seasoning on Ben before his life changes drastically and/or their relationship becomes what we all hope to read about.

If the first two left you wishing for less action and more sweetness, READ THIS ONE!!!
Profile Image for G.M..
Author 1 book5 followers
February 3, 2017
Oh, boy! If you are not an Elizabeth Hunter fan, then I don't know why you're reading this. Please go and start at the beginning and read A Hidden Fire. You WILL read them all, and I promise you will come back to read this review of Omens and Artifacts. This second teaser in the Elemental Legacy series is a gem. The first book was the beginning of an adult mortal Ben, and his interaction and relationship with Tenzin, the "Wind Walker." This second teaser leaves so much unknown, but the possibilities are epic! I think that this book is about the "beginning" for Ben. He is a brash, impatient human adult who is trying to find his way in the vampire world that he is surrounded by. He wants to make his OWN name and reputation, and not just be the nephew of Gio and Beatrice. He wants to build a resume that is all him. In order to do this, Tenzin must help. And of course she will. This second book hints at the relationship that will be, and builds toward the first full length book in the series. Will Ben 'turn?" Will he be faced with deciding to turn, or be forced to turn? Willfully or not? Ben could be extremely powerful. More powerful than previously expected. Will he grab that opportunity? Will the relationship with Tenzin stay as it is, or change into something else? O&A shows that Tenzin has made Ben a little more "vampire", and Ben has made Tenzin a little more "human." This novella does not answer any questions, but it does make the perfect ending for Ben's beginning. I love these two characters, and cannot wait to see what other shenanigans they get themselves into!

Merged review:

Oh, boy! If you are not an Elizabeth Hunter fan, then I don't know why you're reading this. Please go and start at the beginning and read A Hidden Fire. You WILL read them all, and I promise you will come back to read this review of Omens and Artifacts. This second teaser in the Elemental Legacy series is a gem. The first book was the beginning of an adult mortal Ben, and his interaction and relationship with Tenzin, the "Wind Walker." This second teaser leaves so much unknown, but the possibilities are epic! I think that this book is about the "beginning" for Ben. He is a brash, impatient human adult who is trying to find his way in the vampire world that he is surrounded by. He wants to make his OWN name and reputation, and not just be the nephew of Gio and Beatrice. He wants to build a resume that is all him. In order to do this, Tenzin must help. And of course she will. This second book hints at the relationship that will be, and builds toward the first full length book in the series. Will Ben 'turn?" Will he be faced with deciding to turn, or be forced to turn? Willfully or not? Ben could be extremely powerful. More powerful than previously expected. Will he grab that opportunity? Will the relationship with Tenzin stay as it is, or change into something else? O&A shows that Tenzin has made Ben a little more "vampire", and Ben has made Tenzin a little more "human." This novella does not answer any questions, but it does make the perfect ending for Ben's beginning. I love these two characters, and cannot wait to see what other shenanigans they get themselves into!
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 40 books142 followers
February 7, 2017
You guys. I love Benzin. It's been so much fun to watch Ben grow up and the way his relationship with Tenzin has developed just makes me so happy. He's gone from a streetwise kid and ward of one of the scariest fire vamps out there to a badass in his own right. He's obviously cool, right? I mean he's besties with Tenzin!

Ben's been caught up in some shady shit, due to Tenzin. ('Shady Shit' is probably her middle name.) But now he's ready to step forward and own what he's doing. He knows his target audience and needs to make a name for himself - something that's probably easier if you're virtually immortal and have a couple of centuries to build a reputation. But, since Ben is [still] mortal, he needs to go big or go home. Obviously, going home would result in a boring book, so that's not the direction he chooses.

I really like how well Elizabeth transports her readers to the various settings. It's almost as good as having the travel budget to go there myself. I've never been to Scotland (booo!), but it's on my shortlist (top three after Romania and Sweden), but I feel like I have the lay of the land - at least a bit.

As always, the world building was fantastic. The consistency that Ms. Hunter shows throughout the various Elemental series is rather remarkable. Really, my only complaint is that she won't let me dictate who shows up where. (All my books would have Carwyn, Tenzin, Cathy, Baojia, and Caspar. Oh, and Patrick.) (And Ioan. *hard stare* And Stephen.)

The combination of humor, mystery, and intrigue equals a delightfully paced book that I was unable to put down once I started. Tenzin's relationship with Cara, the virtual assistant, made me so happy (as did her insistence on teasing Ben about putting holes in the walls of his NY loft to hang her weapons).

I cannot recommend this book more and am excited for the next Benzin adventure - which I'm assuming will continue to be filled with high jinks, gold, and witty banter (I'm a huge fan of witty banter).
Profile Image for Caroline Paquin.
476 reviews19 followers
August 14, 2025
Solid ending of the beginning!

Eh? What?! Well, the “prologue novellas” (I presume that it’s a good way to call them) end with this one, paving the way to more Ben and Tenzin adventures and research missions.

And this last one doesn’t disappoint, with the duo headed to England, then to Scotland, in search of a legendary immortal’s artefact. In this case, a mythical blade that belongs to Carwyn’s grandsire. (For those who don’t know Carwyn - and his no less legendary Hawaiian shirts - I highly recommend you read the Elemental Mysteries. You won’t regret it. Oh, also for B and Gio and teen Ben and books and so much more!)

As always with these two, there is not a dull moment to be had, as they are researching the veracity of the legend, and meet with an immortal thief, as well as several Scottish immortals.

A great conclusion before heading into the thick of the Elemental Legacy series.
Profile Image for Kim Howard.
812 reviews15 followers
February 19, 2019
This is the third and final short story in this series before the four novels come out. Once again, this short story packs some punch. There is a good mystery, characters are well developed, and the chemistry between the partners is addicting. This is not a stand alone story because of too many references to other characters in the other Elemental novels. If you read anything by Elizabeth Hunter than you'll love this one too. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rhode PVD.
2,466 reviews35 followers
November 21, 2017
Tenzin was great in this one, I love anyone who obsesses about decorating. Ben confused me though. He’s smarter than he acted during the big high point. It’s like he was dumbed down to give Tenzin something to do.

I was happy to see the use of languages again. Not everyone speaks modern English glibly.
Profile Image for Lindap.
1,496 reviews
March 6, 2017
4.25 / 4 Stars

EH writes good novellas, puts a lot into it. I really like Tenzin and Ben, and look forward to more adventures with the 2 of them...
Profile Image for Jen.
2,170 reviews155 followers
November 24, 2019
This was just enough. I read it out of order, but I did get a good sense of Ben Vecchio's character and Tenzin is much different than previously. I like the direction this is going and I love this whole world, so there's really nothing to dislike about this short story at all.
Profile Image for Andrea.
8 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2017
Love Tenzin

So enjoy Tenzin. I cannot wait to see where this journey leads. Angie Cason, I think you will like this one.
230 reviews13 followers
October 19, 2022
I was given and ARC of Omens and Artifacts in an exchange for an honest review.

When it comes to Elizabeth's books, I will always be unashamedly greedy. *gimme gimme gimme!!*
And I am a HUGE fan of the Ben and Tenzin stories (I'm super excited about the coming first full length Elemental Legacy Novel this year!! *squee*)

I feel that with each of these novellas, I am being pushed somewhere, driven towards a path that I can not yet see. (But I know it will be brilliant!) With each story, I can see Ben growing older. He has changed so much from the spunky 10 year old riding a bike that we met so long ago. Ben is no longer a child. He is a man looking to make his own way. I respect that he doesn't want to ride on his uncle Gio's coattails, that he is working to stand on his own two feet…And he has picked the most peculiar partner in crime to do it with. We get to see and learn more of Tenzin with each book, peeling back her many layers, but still she is riddled with oddities and mystery. The future type of relationship they have is unclear, but for now it remains a perfectly flawed, humorous friendship. They have a solid foundation and the tie between them, though unlabeled, continues to grow stronger. They are strong where the other is weak. I just know that Tenzin must be drawn to/intrigued by someone who challenges her so much, where not many people in her long life have dared.

As with each adventure before, Ben and Tenzin are after an extremely hard to come by object. But Ben is more determined than ever to find it, even if Tenzin thinks its a very bad idea. To him this is a defining moment, either he makes his mark or I think he will feel lost, afloat aimlessly drifting in life. If this isn't the job he is supposed to be doing, what is the right move for him? He is banking a lot on this treasure hunt. He won't take no for an answer no matter how many people warn him off, even if it means he could be killed. He has faced so many dangerous immortals in his life. I'm not sure if that makes him more bold, or if he is just so sick of being pushed around as a puny human that he is starting to push back. Ben has a little bit of darkness building up in him, something BIG is coming I just know it. I am so glad that Tenzin always has his back.

Merged review:

The build up of these novellas for the coming release of Midnight Labyrinth is perfection. The way that Ben is setting himself up for whatever future he chooses is so admirable. He is a mortal trying to make a name for himself in an immortal world, by using his cunning and skills….and his absolutely amazing partner in crime, Tenzin. This dynamic duo is one of the best combination of characters I have ever read. The possibilities for their stories and where their journey could take them is endless. I can't wait to see where life takes them!
Profile Image for keikii Eats Books.
1,079 reviews55 followers
February 13, 2019
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!

98 points, 5 STARS!

Benjamin and Tenzin have opened up shop hunting for the world's antiquities. Tenzin has had centuries to make a name for herself, but Ben is still human. He knows he has to find a job, a big job, to make a name for himself and prove he is capable. Capable of not only the job, but keeping the famously chaotic Tenzin in line. What better job could he find than looking for the lost sword of Brennus the Celt?

As good as Omens & Artifacts is, as much as I enjoy reading it in the moment, it is also the most forgettable of the three prequel novellas. In fact, I frequently have to think very hard to remember what this story is about at all. I have to think even harder what actually goes on. Yet it is still really good. I never want it to end when it comes to these stories. Luckily, this is the last novella before we get to the full length novels Elizabeth Hunter is going to treat us with.

Benjamin is determined to make a name for himself, no matter the costs. He'll stop at nothing, especially not good sense. In fact, this entire venture is costing him a lot of personal money, since they don't actually have a paying client yet. Tenzin is pretty introspective this time around. Tiny doesn't speak up much, but when she does it makes whatever scene they are in together. Mostly, this is just massive setup for the rest of the series, though. Plus, just a hint of flirting.

I wish that Benzin was real in real life. It would make me happy to know that these two together was a real thing.
Profile Image for Vicki Stiefel.
Author 16 books802 followers
February 13, 2017
What a great topper for the third installment of Elisabeth Hunter's trio of novellas dealing with adventurers, Ben, the human, and Tenzin, the ancient vampire. As partners in the capers they pull, they make a daring and often amusing team. Acquiring fabulous artifacts is their game, and this novella is a romp of an adventure. To quote Elisabeth, it's the end of the beginning. And what a beginning readers are anticipating. For a while, I’ve been shipping Ben and Tenzin, aka Benzin. I read the last page awaiting the conflagration that will be the pair’s forthcoming romance. I adore Ben, and watching him mature has been a treat. He’s bright, capable, determined, and utterly endearing. If you don't love Tenzin, please check your love meter because she’s simply fabulous. Caustic, powerful, at times clueless, at other times, wise. She's deep as the ocean and just as turbulent. This final caper in the novella trio, in which they attempt to steal a long-dead Celtic king’s powerful sword, froths with excitement, thrills, surprises, and marvelous characters. I walked away with a warm glow in my heart, knowing that Benzin's adventures are just beginning. I can't wait.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
847 reviews
April 12, 2017
Love love LOVE Ben & Tenzin. Sooo good can not wait for the full length book these novellas have been fabulous. When we first met Tenzin soooo long ago with B and Gio I wasn't a fan. She was... odd. But her and Ben click. He brings out her humanity and now I love her. Partners solving mysteries. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,367 reviews32 followers
December 17, 2022
Loved this final prequel to the Benzin series every bit as much on the re-read. And having just finished Paladin's Kiss, I'm amazed at how there are breadcrumbs even this early for plot threads that happen much later on.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,207 reviews30 followers
October 27, 2023
Elemental Legacy #0.75
Omens and Artifacts (Elemental Legacy #0.75) by Elizabeth Hunter Omens and Artifacts by Elizabeth Hunter is an awesome addition to the Elemental Legacy series.

Ben Veccio has a plan, and so far it's going smoothly. He and Tenzin have made the move to New York with the blessing of the O'Briens. They've moved into a loft that is perfect for both he and Tenzin. Now they just need clients, and to get those Ben knows that they have to make a name for themselves… Well, Ben needs to make a name for himself, because technically speaking Tenzin already has several titles that drive fear into the hearts of vampires far and wide. So whatever treasure Ben decides to hunt it has to be big and it has to be legendary. And for once, Ben will be the one dragging Tenzin along behind him.

The Elemental Universe is made up of three series: Elemental Mysteries, Elemental World and Elemental Legacy. If you want to get the most enjoyment out of this excellent universe, I suggest you read the books in the order I have posted below.

Elemental Universe books in my preferred reading order:
1. A Hidden Fire – Elemental Mysteries #1 – Giovanni (Gio) Vecchio and Beatrice (B) De Novo
2. This Same Earth – Elemental Mysteries #2 – Giovanni and Beatrice
3. The Force of Wind – Elemental Mysteries #3 – Giovanni and Beatrice
4. A Fall of Water – Elemental Mysteries #4 – Giovanni and Beatrice
5. Building From Ashes – Elemental World #1 – Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid MakeupConnor
6. A Not-so-Special Night found in The Stars Afire anthology - Elemental Mysteries #4.1 – Ben, Giovanni, Beatrice and Tenzin
7. Waterlocked – Elemental World #1.5 – Terrence (Terry) Ramsey and Gemma Melcombe
8. Blood and Sand – Elemental World #2 – Baojia and Natalie Ellis
9. Merry Christmas Tenzin found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.2 – Ben, Tenzin, Giovanni and Beatrice
10. The Bronze Blade – Elemental World #2.5 – Tenzin
11. All the Stars Look Down (Anthology) Lost Letters and Christmas Lights can also be found in The Stars Afire – Elemental Mysteries #4.5 – Giovanni and Beatrice as well as, Zeno Ferrera and Serafina (Fina) Rossi
12. A Very Proper Monster also found in the Anthology Beneath a Waning Moon – Elemental World #3.5 - Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw
13. The Scarlet Deep – Elemental World #3 – Patrick Murphy and Anne O’Dea
14. Shadows and Gold – Elemental Legacy #0.25 – Tenzin and Benjamin (Ben) Vecchio
15. Imitation and Alchemy – Elemental Legacy #0.5 – Tenzin and Ben
16. A Stone-Kissed Sea – Elemental World #4 – Lucien Thrax and Dr. Makeda Abel
17. Omens and Artifacts – Elemental Legacy #0.75 – Tenzin and Ben
18. Night in the Waking City, found in “A Very Proper Monster” – Elemental World #4.5 – Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw with a little help from Tenzin and Ben
19. Midnight Labyrinth – Elemental Legacy #1 – Tenzin and Ben
20. Finding Richard found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.6 – Giovanni, Beatrice, Ben, Tenzin, Gavin and Chloe
21. Desires of the Heart found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.7 – Giovanni & Beatrice
22. Blood Apprentice – Elemental Legacy #2 – Tenzin and Ben
23. The Devil and the Dancer – Elemental Legacy #2.5 – Gavin Wallace and Chloe Reardon
24. Night's Reckoning – Elemental Legacy #3 – Tenzin and Ben
25. Valley of the Shadow – Elemental World #4.5 – Baojia and Natalie
26. Dawn Caravan – Elemental Legacy #4 – Tenzin and Ben
27. Saint's Passage – Elemental Covenant #1 – Carwyn and Brigid
28. The Bone Scroll – Elemental Legacy #5 – Tenzin and Ben
29. Martyr's Promise – Elemental Covenant #2 – Carwyn and Brigid
33. Bishops Flight – Elemental Covenant #4 – Carwyn and Brigid
34. More to come…

Read:
February 6, 2017 - Kindle Edition
January 2, 2018 – Kindle Edition
March 18-19, 2019 – Audible Audiobook
December 6-7, 2019 – Audible Audiobook
July 24, 2020 – Audible Audiobook
September 5-6, 2021 – Audible Audiobook
December 5-6, 2022 – Audible Audiobook
October 20, 2023 – Audible Audiobook
Profile Image for The Book Worm.
749 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2017
Loved it. Of the three Elemental Legacy novellas so far, this one is clearly my favorite. I didn't care that much for the first two one way or the other - they were well written, but not much more than that. There was a spark missing and finally I found it here. Omens and Artifacts made me smile and believe that something big is coming our way.
This book, though technically still a novella, passes on the feeling of a full sized novel and the interaction between Ben and Tenzin is just fascinating. In the book's own words:

“Can I just say that the two of you are fascinating to me? I’m not really sure what’s going on, but it’s very interesting.”

Yes, that pretty much sums it up.
Omens and Artifacts is the end of the beginning. That is actually the closing sentence of the book and I will be anxiously waiting for the beginning.
Omens and Artifacts can be read independently of the other two novellas in my opinion (as I said, I don't think they add that much to the storyline), but I recommend you to read the Elemental Mysteries series first, starting right at the beginning with A Hidden Fire - not just because it will help you place all the characters in Omens and Artifacts but also because it's really that good.
Profile Image for Coralee Hicks.
569 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2020
Prior to publishing Book 1 of her Elemental Legacy Series, Hunter wrote several novellas to help set the stage. This series will focus on two popular secondary characters from her best selling Elemental Series. A novella, as many know is shorter than a full length novel but longer than a short story. In this case the e book was 155 pages. One hundred and fifty five face paced pages.

Our protagonists are Ben and Tenzin. Ben is now a young adult about 25 years old. Tenzin is still the amazing vampire who was once worshiped as a living god. They have formed a partnership as an artifact retrieval specialists. Ben is the charmer --Tenzin is the muscle. Ben has decided to find a legendary artifact, the Sanguine Raptor part of the treasure of Brennus. He hopes this will create enough 'buzz' to kick start his business. The setting moves to the UK where we are introduced to Rene` who has the characteristics of the big bad, taking the form of villain/trickster.

Hunter's comedic writing style is top drawer. The repartee is clever and diverting, helping to create a much lighter atmosphere than found in the elemental series. A delightful literary amuse bouche.
I look forward to Midnight Labyrinth.

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