I will not close my eyes. I will meet my fate with my eyes wide open.
The colonists of Xon 9 are dying. The Imminent Darkness has unleashed its ultimate weapon: a bio-contagion that is a ticking time bomb of death. Ka Waylon must save them. But first, she must break out of a maximum security prison. Then, if she survives that, she must travel to the Land of Metal and retrieve the final Elemental stone. Metal has many secrets. The Metal queen and the tribes of her land: the Fulgurs and the Tonitrui—should not be trusted. Ka is running out of time. A decision must be made that cannot be undone. Should she risk the fate of many or the fate of one?
Ka’s journey comes to an end in this thrilling conclusion to The Elementals.
I write YA and women’s fiction with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. No matter the setting — present day, a dystopian future, or even another planet — my stories share a common thread: the belief that spirit, heart, and human connection can carry us through even the hardest seasons.
When I’m not writing, I’m the creator of Salt & Flame Candles, a small-batch, hand-poured soy candle shop inspired by story, nostalgia, and faith. It grew out of my love of books and storytelling and remains a creative extension of that same love — just in scent instead of words.
I share my days with my fur child, who makes sure we walk five miles every day, rain or shine. I’m also a certified yoga teacher (CYT-200) and a voracious reader, especially of historical fiction and mystery. Some of my favorite authors include Victoria Thompson (Gaslight Mysteries), Tasha Alexander (Lady Emily), Marie Benedict, Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody), and J.K. Rowling.
In a former life, I was a middle school language arts teacher; by day, I’m a marketing wizard for a small engineering firm. Words, stories, and creativity have always been the common thread.
*Author sent me a free e-ARC in exchange of an honest review.*
I am so thankful that I got the privilege to follow Ka's journey in The Elementals series. It has been a wonderful adventure.
The fifth book picked up where the fourth book ended. At first, I do not know what to expect with this book. What are the secrets of metal that is yet to be revealed? How can Ka defeat the Imminent Darkness?
There's still an adventure in this book but I must say that I think it focused more on the sci-fi side, with all the explanations about the Metal element as well as during Ka and the squad's stay in the Land of Metal. I loved learning all about the metal element as well as everything about the Land of Metal.
The book has a more serious note, because of all the decision making involved in here as well some incidents. But, I am glad that every now and then, there are characters who would make the situation less serious with their witty lines!
I can feel the bittersweet feeling while reading this book, because I loved the series so much but I don't think I could say goodbye to the characters yet! Though it wasn't the ending that I thought would happen, (I really have no idea what would happen in the end) I think the characters finally got what they all deserve.
The last stone. The last bit of her self restored. The last mission to face off against the Imminent Darkness. Ka has come a long way in her journey since the start of 'Army of Fire'. She has been through the fire, literally, and swam out with new abilities and strength. I have felt like I watched a friend grow and change, meet all challenges, and persevere when things looked their worst.
Metal is strange and forever fluid, changing. This was the hardest test yet. Or it should have been. Though I found the newest world fascinating and truly scifi, the score happened rather quickly. I would have enjoyed a bit more time in Ka's Aunt Isa's alien world. I had many questions that, at the end of a series, will forever go unanswered. Yes, things back home on Xon9 have all gone pear-shaped and only Ka can save the day. She is The Impossible Girl and she's foretold to be their savior. A vile sickness is spreading, wiping out the people of her planet. Ka's friends and true love are threatened. In the end, she's left with two choices - neither is the "right" choice.
I'm only giving The Secret of Metal three stars because it felt so rushed. Everything that happened was very predictable, down the the choice she made to conclude the series. I suppose I can understand that after five books a character and the world that's been built may have become stale to write. I had hoped for so much more to close out Ka's story. Instead I was left feeling a bit cheated, like we had ended up exactly in the same place that the story started. This is not to say I wasn't entertained, that beloved characters Li, Sloan, Bina, weren't fully represented and given great thought. I was also happy to learn more of Finn, though, once again, I am left with so many questions!
*I must thank the author, Jennifer L Kelly, who kindly let me go on this adventure for my honest opinion and review. It's been a pleasure, thank you!
I hope you enjoy the fifth and final book in The Elementals Series! It's always bittersweet when a series comes to an end but not every story has been told. 11.21.17 you can get just a teensy bit more! :)
Ka is on her mission to find the last stone. She has come so far since the beginning, and now, she is accompanied by friends on her journey to the Land of Metal. She meets her aunt Isa and the inhabitants of the Land of Metal, and she knows that failure is not an option. After acquiring the stone, Ka is faced with a choice, a decision that cannot be undone. The fate of one, or the fate of many? WOW! This final installment in the Elementals series is intense. It definitely lives up to "the thrilling conclusion" that is in the synopsis. Ka and crew have seen and experienced so much, and in this book, it shows. They seem wise beyond their years, but it is because they have to be. Throughout the series, Ka second guesses herself on multiple occasions, and in Secret of Metal, she finally comes into her own, being who she is meant to be. There were so many feelings I had as well, I had moments where I was laughing, crying, nervous. (I literally bit my nails off in anticipation in some portions) I could feel the same things that the characters were feeling because of how well they are written. Jennifer L Kelly's writing is flawless as usual. She gives so much depth and uniqueness to each individual character, and the story shines even more because of it. This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and while I was sad to see its end, this book was the perfect ending. There really is all you could ask for in The Elementals, but Secret of Metal specifically. There are good and bad, morally gray characters, descriptive setting, well developed characters, strong plotline with areas that can change, meaning the story does not get predictable. I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone. It is a scifi, fantasy, dystopian, that literally has something for everyone. **I was honored to receive an ARC of this book, all opinions are 100% my own.