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Five Elements #2
Five Elements: The Shadow City
The second book in an epic middle grade series with awesome elemental powers, nightmarish creatures, and nonstop adventure that will thrill kids who love The Last Airbender, Rick Riordan, and Brandon Mull.
Five elements. Two worlds. One city…and one chance to save it.
In the past two weeks, Gabe Conway has fought a six-winged dragon, bound himself to the element of fire, and rescued one of his best friends from the twisted parallel dimension known as Arcadia. Now he has to find a way to do something even more destroy Arcadia forever—before a sinister cult unleashes its nightmare of death and destruction across San Francisco.
“Thrilling entertainment. This fast-paced fantasy adventure should please readers of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black’s Magisterium series.”—School Library Journal
Five elements. Two worlds. One city…and one chance to save it.
In the past two weeks, Gabe Conway has fought a six-winged dragon, bound himself to the element of fire, and rescued one of his best friends from the twisted parallel dimension known as Arcadia. Now he has to find a way to do something even more destroy Arcadia forever—before a sinister cult unleashes its nightmare of death and destruction across San Francisco.
“Thrilling entertainment. This fast-paced fantasy adventure should please readers of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black’s Magisterium series.”—School Library Journal
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
26 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 14, 2017
My name is Gabe, and I have the power to control fire. The Eternal Dawn once again is trying to open a gate to Arcadia and bring back Jonathan Thorn. He wants to unite Arcadia, a magical shadow city of San Francisco, with our world and unleash the poison and deadly creatures into our world. My friends and I barely defeated a leviathan sent to destroy us, and we were forced to face it again on our way to Alcatraz. However, we unwittingly leaped into a trap! Now, I find myself lying atop a table, with a knife looming over my chest during a sacrificial ceremony. I don't know if Brett, Lily, Kaz, and Jackson will be able to help me. Brett's been behaving strangely, and he's ready to come to blows with Jackson. Those guys really seem to hate each other. But if they can't save me and stop the Eternal Dawn, who will?
I suggest you read the first book to understand how the five main characters came together. The tensions with Jackson continued in this book, but the author revealed more about Jackson's past to help Lily understand his behavior. The other characters had their own complications too. Brett's the leader of the group, and his behavior has been off. His decisions were questionable, and the conflicts with Jackson became extreme. Kaz had the most "normal" family situation, and his parents' concerns added an unexpected twist to the plot. It was understandable, but it wasn't necessary. Jackson's character became more prominent in this plot, while Kaz seemed to take a lesser role. What will you like about this book? You'll enjoy the battles with strange monsters, and the conflict between the kids and the Eternal Dawn. Thorn is nuts, and that's not a good thing for a powerful leader of a cult. Part of the setting moved to Arcadia, just like in the first book, and that world is pretty strange. I'm still not totally sure how things work there. Characters were affected by the magick, but it wasn't equal. Steve was affected physically but not mentally, while Aria didn't change as much physically but was mentally gone. Overall, it's an entertaining series, and I think you'll enjoy it if my description appeals to you at all.
I suggest you read the first book to understand how the five main characters came together. The tensions with Jackson continued in this book, but the author revealed more about Jackson's past to help Lily understand his behavior. The other characters had their own complications too. Brett's the leader of the group, and his behavior has been off. His decisions were questionable, and the conflicts with Jackson became extreme. Kaz had the most "normal" family situation, and his parents' concerns added an unexpected twist to the plot. It was understandable, but it wasn't necessary. Jackson's character became more prominent in this plot, while Kaz seemed to take a lesser role. What will you like about this book? You'll enjoy the battles with strange monsters, and the conflict between the kids and the Eternal Dawn. Thorn is nuts, and that's not a good thing for a powerful leader of a cult. Part of the setting moved to Arcadia, just like in the first book, and that world is pretty strange. I'm still not totally sure how things work there. Characters were affected by the magick, but it wasn't equal. Steve was affected physically but not mentally, while Aria didn't change as much physically but was mentally gone. Overall, it's an entertaining series, and I think you'll enjoy it if my description appeals to you at all.
July 15, 2017
THE SHADOW CITY starts off where I expected it to. The elementals are trying to decide on their next move. There's Gabe, Lily, Brett, Kaz, and Jackson and the fate of the world is in their hands.
There's a cult trying to combine the alternate universe of Arcadia and Earth into one, starting with San Francisco. They're trying to do so by bring back Gabe's ancestor Jonathan Thorne and they need Gabe in their clutches for it to be possible. But the elementals have an agenda of their own and it's stopping the cult by any means.
I loved how things didn't always go as expected. Instead, there were many twists and turns that kept you in the dark about what would happen next. It kept things interesting and there was plenty of action to keep you reading. In THE SHADOW CITY friendships will be tested, trouble is hiding within the shadows, and one decision will change everything.
Final Verdict: THE SHADOW CITY is perfect for fans of middle grade fantasy/adventure and those who love the incredible things elements can do. I also recommend it to fans of Percy Jackson and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
There's a cult trying to combine the alternate universe of Arcadia and Earth into one, starting with San Francisco. They're trying to do so by bring back Gabe's ancestor Jonathan Thorne and they need Gabe in their clutches for it to be possible. But the elementals have an agenda of their own and it's stopping the cult by any means.
I loved how things didn't always go as expected. Instead, there were many twists and turns that kept you in the dark about what would happen next. It kept things interesting and there was plenty of action to keep you reading. In THE SHADOW CITY friendships will be tested, trouble is hiding within the shadows, and one decision will change everything.
Final Verdict: THE SHADOW CITY is perfect for fans of middle grade fantasy/adventure and those who love the incredible things elements can do. I also recommend it to fans of Percy Jackson and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
November 14, 2017
The second book in the Five Elements series, readers can fairly easily jump into this one without having read the first since Jolley does a good job of weaving details from the first book to fill in the reader, but they will probably want to read them in order.
In this modern fantasy, the five elementalist teens (Gabe, Lily, Brett, Kaz and Jackson) continue their quest to destroy the Doomsday Cult and their homeland, Arcadia. Use of modern technology (iPads, tablets) and current pop culture (CSI) in the text, a lot of conversation between team members and their opponents, and a very casual writing style makes this both very appealing and a quick read for middle graders. Description of battles with the slimy creature with tentacles that could replicate parts cut off, the leviathan, and the ultimate faceoff with leader Jonathan Thorne are icing on the cake. The ending is left wide open for the next title in the series.
A step up book to recommend for kids who have finished The 39 Clues series, but not quite ready for the Percy Jackson series. Recommended for grades 4-7.
In this modern fantasy, the five elementalist teens (Gabe, Lily, Brett, Kaz and Jackson) continue their quest to destroy the Doomsday Cult and their homeland, Arcadia. Use of modern technology (iPads, tablets) and current pop culture (CSI) in the text, a lot of conversation between team members and their opponents, and a very casual writing style makes this both very appealing and a quick read for middle graders. Description of battles with the slimy creature with tentacles that could replicate parts cut off, the leviathan, and the ultimate faceoff with leader Jonathan Thorne are icing on the cake. The ending is left wide open for the next title in the series.
A step up book to recommend for kids who have finished The 39 Clues series, but not quite ready for the Percy Jackson series. Recommended for grades 4-7.
November 6, 2018
I thought this was an interesting book. I would give this book a three and a half out of five stars. We all know that the first book is always better than the second or third book. To me this is a fair statement I thought. the first book ended on a cliff hanger and the second book took some time to get into the story again. The climax took a lot of time to get into. I would say to me that the real climax was about at 80% percent of the way through the book. If you like fantasy books and are of a younger age I recommend this book for you.
June 29, 2018
Overall, a very well-written novel. It not only picked up where "The Emerald Tablet" left off, but it also caught you up from what happened in the first installment in case you missed it. We finally realize who Jackson is and what is purpose is, sorry Brett (read it and you'll understand). Thorne is alive and well, but our heroes stick together.
That ending though...I was not prepared!
That ending though...I was not prepared!
February 7, 2018
I liked this book because I like the elements of magic and modern day combied. It feels like the Avatar The Last Airbender with all the elemental magic and evil cults and stuff. Can't wait for book three!
August 7, 2018
SLJ review featured in Amazon editorial reviews:
From School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—The second installment of this series continues the momentum of The Emerald Tablet as the four child elementalists and the Ghost Boy work together to channel their powers and save Gabe's uncle and mother from the evil shadow dimension, Arcadia. Their efforts are dogged by the terrifying creatures hunting them on behalf of the Eternal Dawn, the apocalyptic cult bent on merging the shadow city with the real San Francisco to a destructive end. When one of the elementalists is possessed by cult leader Jonathan Thorne, his behavior turns treacherous and Thorne's bloodthirsty plans are revealed. Jolley provides thrilling entertainment as his child heroes deal with problems young readers may recognize, such as the emotional aftermath of a death in the family. The importance of books, teamwork, and perseverance is stressed, but amid the seriousness of the children's quest is a continuous stream of lighthearted, appropriate humor that is sure to bring a smile to any reader's face. VERDICT This fast-paced fantasy adventure should please readers of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black's "Magisterium" series as well as fans of the lesser-known but equally engaging "Century Quartet" series by Pierdomenico Baccalario.—Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH
From School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—The second installment of this series continues the momentum of The Emerald Tablet as the four child elementalists and the Ghost Boy work together to channel their powers and save Gabe's uncle and mother from the evil shadow dimension, Arcadia. Their efforts are dogged by the terrifying creatures hunting them on behalf of the Eternal Dawn, the apocalyptic cult bent on merging the shadow city with the real San Francisco to a destructive end. When one of the elementalists is possessed by cult leader Jonathan Thorne, his behavior turns treacherous and Thorne's bloodthirsty plans are revealed. Jolley provides thrilling entertainment as his child heroes deal with problems young readers may recognize, such as the emotional aftermath of a death in the family. The importance of books, teamwork, and perseverance is stressed, but amid the seriousness of the children's quest is a continuous stream of lighthearted, appropriate humor that is sure to bring a smile to any reader's face. VERDICT This fast-paced fantasy adventure should please readers of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black's "Magisterium" series as well as fans of the lesser-known but equally engaging "Century Quartet" series by Pierdomenico Baccalario.—Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews