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The Elemental Chronicles #1
Awakening
As the land is blanketed in shadows, the Vassals will rise. The elements have chosen their champions; one by one the Vassals awaken to sway the fate of the world.
As legend of a forgotten enemy begins to sweep the land and unrest rises in the kingdom, Princess Alicea answers the call of a Vassal, abandoning her kingdom to unveil the secrets hidden from her. The Princess and a thief stand together against the darkness as they begin their search to unite the Vassals for the upcoming war.
These are the chronicles of those chosen to wield the elements.
This is their Awakening.
As legend of a forgotten enemy begins to sweep the land and unrest rises in the kingdom, Princess Alicea answers the call of a Vassal, abandoning her kingdom to unveil the secrets hidden from her. The Princess and a thief stand together against the darkness as they begin their search to unite the Vassals for the upcoming war.
These are the chronicles of those chosen to wield the elements.
This is their Awakening.
- GenresFantasy
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2014
18 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 1, 2018
I can’t remember the last time I took a gamble on a book like this and loved it so much. This writing is excellent and the story is intricate.
There is a lot going on in this story. The kingdom of Gaia is recovering from a horrific battle of bloodshed and magic. In Gaia there are 6 elemental stones that help a chosen mage (Vassal) wield great magic and dominion over said element. (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light and Dark)
This story follows:
Rufus
“His hand reached up, running its fingers over the scratch he had received from the rose in the conflict earlier… The sting itself didn’t bother him… It was the fact that the only thing that had managed to injure him so far was a goddamn flower.”
Rufus is a thief, and a good one. He takes jobs and gets paid, no matter what kind of dirty deed he has to do. But Rufus may end up believing in someone (no matter how annoying he finds them) and suddenly it’s not about the gold anymore. Well, not entirely about the gold.
Alicea
Princess Alicea has lost her parents in battle and has been unable to rule in their place, much less leave the safety of her palace. Riddled with depression and sadness, she finally snaps out of her reverie when Rufus, who has just stolen a mysterious stone, whisks her out of the city. Thus begins a series of events that changes both of them forever. Alicea must find the courage to become the Vassal of Water and face her inner fears.
Lyrium, Arok and Stefan
“This is your trial, Lyrium; your companions will only hold you back. I know this very well.”
When mysterious ruins show themselves to Lyrium and the citizens of South Tremel, she and her lover Arok (the Chief’s son) and their close friend Stefan must face a set of trials to find a hidden stone, so that Lyrium can take her place as the Vassal of Earth.
Chase and Temperance
After some gruesome experiments in the underbelly of magical city Neibel-Haven go wrong, a woman who was forced to become the Vassal of Fire against her will, wreaks destruction on the city. Chase, who was partially responsible for the woman’s fate, feels compelled to escort her away to safety.
Katarina and Amelia
After losing their younger sister, Katarina and Amelia show up to respond to a magical spike of energy just in time to save a city of people from other enemies who sniffed out the power. Katarina must use her position as the Vassal of Wind to avenge her sisters.
Lucian
”The villagers had reason to be terrified of the figure in luminescent plate mail and it was just one part of the legend that Jemur had missed. It was Lucian.”
The main antagonist, bent on destroying the kingdom. Not much is known about him except he is very powerful and has some sort of necromancy/dominion over the dead.
Lyndell
Lyndell makes a formidable appearance as the mysterious Vassal of Darkness. At the original battle of magic, we find she has stolen the stone of Light and the Vassal of Light has fled into hiding. Lyndell is working alongside Lucian, but she is complacent and smug, not really on anyone’s side but her own.
This story comes to a close with Alicea discovering the power of friendship, and making a fierce decision to keep the people she loves safe.
June 22, 2020
I received a free copy from voracious readers in exchange for an honest review.
In a similar vein as Season of Cerulyn (another fantasy novel I reviewed for Voracious Readers), Awakening by Ross Kingston is a novel that is almost entirely a set-up for the rest of the series.
In this story we follow several perspective characters through their journey as they discover who they are and must unite to save the world. Unfortunately only the main threads of this idea are explored in this book.
There is a map, which was a bit helpful to understand what the country looks like. The main characters all seem to come from somewhere different and are pretty well developed, except for the main villain, the villain's lackey, Lyndell and Chase and Temperance. They have quite poor development and I think the inclusion specifically of Chase and Temperance was more detrimental to the book than beneficial. Same deal with Katarina and her sisters.
I liked the design of the magic and constraints of the heroes' powers, the stones were quite interesting. There was a little bit of world building including the introduction of a board game that incorporates magical elements of virtual reality. I also think the character names were really good and fit in with a fantasy setting.
The writing is a bit clunky and doesn't flow very well, at quite a few parts of the book things are described as minuscule and tiny, but are actually measured in yards. For example the space that Lyrium is trapped in when fighting Alicea is 10 yards across, that means it has a diameter of 9m, which is actually quite large. I couldn't understand how big Lyrium's wolf-bear projection was. I couldn't understand how old Rufus and Alicea were.
The swapping perspectives constantly felt jarring and confusing, I couldn't tell whether I was in the same year - especially when we changed to Chase and Temperance - and it seemingly happened with no reason. The three perspectives didn't come together like I expected them too, and we completely dropped any mention of Lucian and Lyndell after the fight at Neibel-Haven. I had assumed they would become the big bad in this book but there was a supplementary fight with a completely different villain who is introduced almost 80% through the book.
Alicea's bird is only tiny because it is a swan, but 8 inches isn't "tiny" by any measure.
I felt like a few sections of the story added nothing in terms of description. Did it require 4 sentences to say that combining 2 stones was stronger than both separately...?
There's one part when, in Scourge, Chase and Temperance are talking to the Scourge Nameless.
Then 2 sentences later:
Neibel-Haven, according to the map, is north-EAST of Scourge? And they already shunned the city because of their dragon worship - if this is how Neibel-Haven treated them in the past, it should be written before the first quote...?
The reasons I'm giving it 3 stars are that I liked the ideas, the inclusion of many female characters, most of which are able mages, magic-takes-a-toll as a core mechanism of the world (everyone has magic powers but if you use too much magic you can die), and that I liked Alicea and Rufus' perspective. Unfortunately I won't continue with the series but thanks for the chance to read this.
In a similar vein as Season of Cerulyn (another fantasy novel I reviewed for Voracious Readers), Awakening by Ross Kingston is a novel that is almost entirely a set-up for the rest of the series.
In this story we follow several perspective characters through their journey as they discover who they are and must unite to save the world. Unfortunately only the main threads of this idea are explored in this book.
There is a map, which was a bit helpful to understand what the country looks like. The main characters all seem to come from somewhere different and are pretty well developed, except for the main villain, the villain's lackey, Lyndell and Chase and Temperance. They have quite poor development and I think the inclusion specifically of Chase and Temperance was more detrimental to the book than beneficial. Same deal with Katarina and her sisters.
I liked the design of the magic and constraints of the heroes' powers, the stones were quite interesting. There was a little bit of world building including the introduction of a board game that incorporates magical elements of virtual reality. I also think the character names were really good and fit in with a fantasy setting.
The writing is a bit clunky and doesn't flow very well, at quite a few parts of the book things are described as minuscule and tiny, but are actually measured in yards. For example the space that Lyrium is trapped in when fighting Alicea is 10 yards across, that means it has a diameter of 9m, which is actually quite large. I couldn't understand how big Lyrium's wolf-bear projection was. I couldn't understand how old Rufus and Alicea were.
The swapping perspectives constantly felt jarring and confusing, I couldn't tell whether I was in the same year - especially when we changed to Chase and Temperance - and it seemingly happened with no reason. The three perspectives didn't come together like I expected them too, and we completely dropped any mention of Lucian and Lyndell after the fight at Neibel-Haven. I had assumed they would become the big bad in this book but there was a supplementary fight with a completely different villain who is introduced almost 80% through the book.
Nesting in her open palms sat a tiny bird comprised solely of water. It stood at maybe eight inches tall, its long neck curled gracefully as it looked curiously at the Princess.
Alicea's bird is only tiny because it is a swan, but 8 inches isn't "tiny" by any measure.
I felt like a few sections of the story added nothing in terms of description. Did it require 4 sentences to say that combining 2 stones was stronger than both separately...?
It wasn’t just a simple case of two forces combining and becoming a new one that was twice as powerful as either separately. The new being was far superior to either alone.
There's one part when, in Scourge, Chase and Temperance are talking to the Scourge Nameless.
"Neibel-Haven came; they had been watching us. They banished our god and turned their backs on us."
Then 2 sentences later:
"We were often attacked or shunned by outsiders. The only exception was those of Neibel-Haven to the north-west."
Neibel-Haven, according to the map, is north-EAST of Scourge? And they already shunned the city because of their dragon worship - if this is how Neibel-Haven treated them in the past, it should be written before the first quote...?
The reasons I'm giving it 3 stars are that I liked the ideas, the inclusion of many female characters, most of which are able mages, magic-takes-a-toll as a core mechanism of the world (everyone has magic powers but if you use too much magic you can die), and that I liked Alicea and Rufus' perspective. Unfortunately I won't continue with the series but thanks for the chance to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2018
Awakening (The Elemental Chronicles Book 1) by [Kingston, Ross]Awakening is the first book of The Elemental Chronicles. In this book, in the shadows, the elements have picked who they want as their champions and the Vassals awake.
One Vassal is Alicea. She leaves her kingdom to come to the call. Along with a thief, they take a stand against the darkness and prepare for the war that is going to come.
From the beginning I was enthralled with this story. It is a perfect lead-in to the next book in the series as it left me wanting to read more.
Excellent job. I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
One Vassal is Alicea. She leaves her kingdom to come to the call. Along with a thief, they take a stand against the darkness and prepare for the war that is going to come.
From the beginning I was enthralled with this story. It is a perfect lead-in to the next book in the series as it left me wanting to read more.
Excellent job. I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 3, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed the start to this series. The characters are great and the plot is solid. Alicea and Rufus both feel very real as characters which is always a plus. The book was a bit slow for me at times, just because it didn't end up being my preferred reading style. Overall, it is a really good start to the series and has definite potential.
I enjoyed the start to this series. The characters are great and the plot is solid. Alicea and Rufus both feel very real as characters which is always a plus. The book was a bit slow for me at times, just because it didn't end up being my preferred reading style. Overall, it is a really good start to the series and has definite potential.
January 23, 2019
A princess, a thief and a stone, what kind of combination is that? A great one!
I love this book and all the interaction between the characters. Between the princess and the thief, the barbarian and the shaman, and the scholar and the swordsman, this book is full of comedy.
That is just the start and it's a must read to find out what other characters there are. If you like magic and action and the chance to laugh this book is well worth the time to read.
I love this book and all the interaction between the characters. Between the princess and the thief, the barbarian and the shaman, and the scholar and the swordsman, this book is full of comedy.
That is just the start and it's a must read to find out what other characters there are. If you like magic and action and the chance to laugh this book is well worth the time to read.
May 4, 2022
Summary: I liked the premise and the plot is reasonable but I just found the characters too wooden, the the good guys are perfect in every way, the bad guys are completely evil. There are no shades of grey. I'll keep going with book 2 ... just.
Plotline: Reasonably well thought out plot that moves along nicely
Premise: Interesting premise, with plenty more to be discovered
Writing: Yukky
Ending: Ok, all set for the next book
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Reasonably well thought out plot that moves along nicely
Premise: Interesting premise, with plenty more to be discovered
Writing: Yukky
Ending: Ok, all set for the next book
Pace: Never a dull moment!
May 14, 2023
Oh, my gosh! It is amazing!
Reading this was like eating a banana split with all its flavors and textures. It had so many stories within the main story as it was being told. The characters became friends, whether playing a big parts or the smaller supporting parts. It is a diverse group of people that I just love. My minds eye could see it all because of the author's gift of storytelling! I'd give it a solid ten stars if it were possible.
Reading this was like eating a banana split with all its flavors and textures. It had so many stories within the main story as it was being told. The characters became friends, whether playing a big parts or the smaller supporting parts. It is a diverse group of people that I just love. My minds eye could see it all because of the author's gift of storytelling! I'd give it a solid ten stars if it were possible.
October 9, 2018
The kingdom of Gaia is recovering from a battle of bloodshed and magic. There are 6 elemental stones that help a chosen Vassal wield magic over the element. The Vassals must find courage to wield their element and stand against many threats to the kingdom. So far this is a good series can't wait to see what happens next
October 23, 2018
This is a good epic fantasy story that I really enjoyed. The characters are well defined and their roles flow together and enhance each other. The world building is good and I look forward to seeing more of it. This is a very good start in the Elemental Chronicles and can't wait to get my eyes on Reaper.
August 7, 2019
A fascinating quest, with many dangers and potentially fatal encounters along the way. All the major elements that make up an amazing story.
March 25, 2020
Fantastic read, great character development and kept me really intrigued. Couldn’t guess what was going to happen next, it really kept me on my toes. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
April 2, 2020
I received a free copy from voracious readers. This book sucked me in right away. Very enjoyable.
September 24, 2018
Very enjoyable fantasy read.
Well written, an absorbing fantasy with intricate world building and fully three-dimensional characters. Perfect amount of humour between Princess Alicea and Mr. Thief (aka Rufus) and watching Alicea turn the tables on her supposed kidnapper was fun.
Enjoyed the magic system, the battles were well depicted and each character had their own distinctive voice. Overall an immersive, compelling book.
I originally received this as a free eARC, but enjoyed it so much I purchased my own copy as it's definitely going onto my reread pile.
Needless to say I'm rather looking forward to the next book in the series to see just where this story goes.
Well written, an absorbing fantasy with intricate world building and fully three-dimensional characters. Perfect amount of humour between Princess Alicea and Mr. Thief (aka Rufus) and watching Alicea turn the tables on her supposed kidnapper was fun.
Enjoyed the magic system, the battles were well depicted and each character had their own distinctive voice. Overall an immersive, compelling book.
I originally received this as a free eARC, but enjoyed it so much I purchased my own copy as it's definitely going onto my reread pile.
Needless to say I'm rather looking forward to the next book in the series to see just where this story goes.
October 28, 2018
For a first book attempt I am stunned by the professional and polished product that has been presented.
The story is a very individual one, different in content and style to a lot on the market. A very refreshing change and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I believe the blurb should cover the basic concepts of the tale, six stones, with six different elemental enhancements for those selected to weild the stone's magical ability, fighting a dark foe that has evil intent for the kingdom.
The story is a very individual one, different in content and style to a lot on the market. A very refreshing change and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I believe the blurb should cover the basic concepts of the tale, six stones, with six different elemental enhancements for those selected to weild the stone's magical ability, fighting a dark foe that has evil intent for the kingdom.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews