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Four Worlds #1

Wounding Atlantis

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The world is ending. Everyone knows it. What they don't realize is that the culprit won't be an asteroid, or global warming, or even the sun turning into a red giant. No, the world is going to end because there are four other worlds just like it trying to exist in the same space.

I can either save the world or end it, the choice is mine, at least according to the four weird guys that I keep running into. They keep telling me that demons are after me, and that they want me to save the world. All I know is that I'm drawn to all four of them, and the only demon I know of is my oceanography professor.

Strange things are happening all around me though, and I'm starting to think their theories and warnings might be true. Either that or I'm finally starting to lose my mind.

My name is Tessa Morningstar and apparently I'm the Key, with a capital K, to this whole shebang. Now, let's hope I don't accidentally make the wrong choice and doom us all.

*Previously titled Water. 18+ #whychoose romance. Content Warning: Steamy love scenes and plenty of sexy warriors who will leave you wanting more.*

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2018

156 people are currently reading
305 people want to read

About the author

Helen Scott

106 books1,281 followers
USA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.

When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.

Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.

Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter

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5 stars
99 (38%)
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77 (30%)
3 stars
49 (19%)
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29 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Blendy.
432 reviews111 followers
November 12, 2018
As an unofficial "Reverse Harem Connoisseur", I found Water to be a decent start to a new series. While this particular storyline is different from other RH reads out there, there wasn't anything too specific that made it stand out for me. It contains the typical fated bonds, an asshole love interest, a nerdy love interest, a "nice-guy" love interest, and an H that is just like so super rare and powerful. (ugh).

With that being said, I plan on continuing with this series, but I'm not dying to get my hands on book two.
Profile Image for Christy deSade.
477 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2023
Interesting concept, but that's it

This story spun its wheels quite a bit. There was no real movement of the plot and it didn't read like a complete story, more like a serial. Once again, the author depended on info dumps rather than actual storytelling. The world building was lacklustre, the character development was negligible and the relationships between the characters was in no way believable. I definitely won't read the other episodes in this series.
Profile Image for Holly's Bookshelf.
581 reviews21 followers
February 21, 2026
Interesting, but not well executed. The writing and characters were weird. Not weird in the sense of quirky but weirdly written and their personalities made no sense. I found the FMC to be an idiot and a bit of a bitch. She refused to accept what they were telling her twice even with her past experiences. Nothing is ever explained and there is no rhyme or reason. How did she get the ring? Why can she interact with the 'dragons' in the end? How long have the men been on earth?
Profile Image for Katrina.
316 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2019
I was waiting for the story to really pick up but the lack of pace and the H denial of what she’s seen, twice, just did me in- considering she had to hoover the guys ashes up and had no coffee table after, due to the fight that happened in her apartment, how could you dismiss that as a figment of your imagination? She recognised the signs of another possession enough to avoid and eventually run away from a second attacker and had a bloody text on her phone. She also has witnesses to what happened. The woman is a god damn idiot. I can’t even.
Her character made very little sense, and I didn’t want to spend the next couple of hours reading about her mental gymnastics as she went between acceptance and denial.

With very little chemistry between her and her men it made for a torturous read.

** I did go back and finish the book after writing this as a DNF. The ending was a little better so I upped it to two stars. The idea was brilliant but the characters were flat and as a result it just didn’t work. Definitely not reading the rest of them.
16.9k reviews164 followers
November 22, 2018
The world is ending but no-one knows it yet but it will not be by an asteroid, global warming or even from the sun changing. It will be due to another planet trying to takes its place. She is followed by four weird men who tell her She is the key. She is not so sure. What will she do? Can she save them all? See if she can
Profile Image for Rachel Reads Romance.
383 reviews11 followers
March 27, 2019
I have no idea how this book has such a great rating. It had some interesting world building (dragons, and visiting worlds like El Dorado and Atlantis), but the interest stops there. Tessa's character was so one dimensional that i was craving the author to just switch back the story being in just the guys POV. There was no chemistry with her future harem, unless you call casual chat and then being pulled into a makeout session romance. It was also rampantly clear how much the book lacked editing. So many gramatical errors, and even a scene that made no sense. (I dont want you to know where I live even though you've been to my house 3 weeks ago?) It was all just so bizarre.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
November 15, 2018
Tessa Morningstar heard the sound of claws tapping across the floor and, without turning her head toward it, pretended to continue typing while using her peripheral vision to learn what she could. The ring on her finger got extremely warm, as she had expected it would. She quietly grabbed her sketch pad. When the purple filaments appeared, she knew a creature would appear shortly after. She quickly observed the size, usually no larger than a cat or small dog, and distinguishing features – claws, horns, tail, wings, tusks, or fangs. This one hadn’t appeared before.

The sound of a male voice noticing the dragon she drew brought Tessa’s mind back to the present situation, just as Brok grabbed her sketchbook from her hands. She angrily grabbed it back and ignored his flirting. His eyes always seemed dead of real emotion, and despite his good looks, she was not at all interested in him. There was something off about him that made her want to keep at a distance. But he grabbed her arm tightly and insisted she go out with him! When she refused, he shoved her hard against the wall. In fear now, she kneed him and ran to the door. Looking over her shoulder, she ran into what felt like another wall, but large hands guided her into the hallway as a very tall man asked if she was okay and helped her pick up her books. Despite his size, she didn’t fear him. As they left the building, he introduced himself as Finn Blackmoth.

Water is the first book in the Four Worlds series, introducing the reader to a world of demons, dragons and magic. Tessa has always seen dragons that no one else sees, and she started drawing them. She will meet her destiny in the form of Finn, Griff, Dres, and Kai who come from the other worlds to intervene and rescue Tessa as they try to convince her she is “The Key” to a prophecy and will save the five worlds. I loved the story line; the characters are amazing and likable. I am definitely fascinated with this new series and eagerly await the next book! This is looking to be a wonderful adventure – grab your book and join the adventure with Tessa and her companions!
Profile Image for Ada.
455 reviews45 followers
May 21, 2019
It took me one month to finish this book, I just couldn't get myself to read it when it was so lacklustre in every aspect! I had to crawl my way to the finish line with this one.

Tessa was so bland that she was undeserving to have any of the special snowflake powers of saving the world handed to her. She had absolutely nothing other than a reactionary personality that acted to the situation. She wasn't a character when everything feels like just an excuse to get the plot moving.

The harem was so lazily developed that I could barely separate the guys by the end. They had nothing except for the stereotypical traits usually seen in RH books. Not to forget how awkward it was to see their interactions with Tessa. At every point of attraction, hints of romance, lust or anything else, I couldn't feel shit happening between them. Just because I'm being told what the characters feel doesn't mean it's actually showing me that. It only ended up looking forced just for the sake of the plot.

The plot itself was vague and lost. To not even move the location to Atlantis until the end was such a waste. It's not like the whole college campus thing was getting utilised enough. I would have just loved to see Atlantis instead. There is just no flow to the story, no build towards anything, no good climax or a hook scene to have any reason to read the next book.
Profile Image for Erika Robles.
92 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2019
While this is not exactly original, using the the elements for worlds/class, it is well written. I quite liked that Tessa is not a push over, she makes her own choices and is not afraid to speak her mind and go after what she wants. The way she embraced her "crazy" is also commendable. As for the guys, it's not easy to write so many characters with such different personalities and have a reader know who's who and what tone to assert to a sentence by that alone, so kudos on that. I get this is a 4 book series, but and the titles are according to the guys magical elements, but this book is majorly set on earth, and Finn is not exactly the focal point of it, Tessa doesn't learn about each element in separate books (it would never work that way), so if you are expecting to see a lot of water magic and less of others, that's not how this series work, it also not yet a reverse harem hopefully in the next books. That said, I'm really curious about this prophecy and Kai.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tara Syrnyk.
823 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2018
This is the first in a new series by Helen and it is quite enjoyable! The world building in this book is unique and intricately described. I found the female main character to be likable. While she has moments where she could be a bit frustrating, her back story and upbringing makes her choices and decisions understandable. Tessa is a college student just trying to get by. She mostly keeps to herself and has her own secrets . Because she sees "things"and has had bad experiences when she spoke up about them, she finds it easier to just not get too close to anyone. When a situation she find herself in, gets dangerous, she is introduced to a few men who change her life and her world ( literally!) . I enjoyed the different personalities of the men, and how each have very distinct and unique roles. Overall I quite enjoyed this book, it has lots of action, a great plot and story line, romance and fun! I will be impatiently awaiting the next installment!
Profile Image for Mae Padua-janusas.
403 reviews
January 31, 2019
Interesting take on Elementals

I think this is a good start to this series. It gives a quick introduction to the worlds beyond ours and then is explained in further details as the story goes. Saves you from reading a long boring history, but instead made more interesting by integrating it very well to the story itself.

Tessa isn’t your typical self assured heroine. She is more realistic a sense that she has her past and her insecurities to deal with along the way while trying to accept the new worlds around her. She’s not in denial for long, which is greatly appreciated. Prolonged denials can get annoying at best. But she is open minded and willing to accept the things she knows she can’t change.

Finn seems to be a somewhat lead of the four elementals, but it’s not really too distinct. They all act as an equal unit, but I guess Finn is just the most personable out of all of them. Griff, Dres and Kai are still up in the air. We’ll see on the next book.
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,175 reviews23 followers
November 12, 2018
Oh my, I loved this story. It is a fantastic story. It has so much mystery and suspense with a lot of intrigue. The twists and turns throughout the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tessa is your quiet but intelligent and strong young lady. Then we get to our leading men with Finn, Giff, Kia, and Dres. They are all unique with strong alpha male qualities. They all lend a hand in the development of the story. It is off to a fabulous start and when it ended all I could say was noooo. I want more. Give me more please. Can’t wait to read the next in the series and see where the story is heading. Because the elements throughout just make it so unique. It is definitely worth reading and it will not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
4 reviews
November 24, 2018
Ms. Scott has me hook, line, & sinker with this new series!
by KrazyRed

This book is a great start to a new series. It revolves around Tessa Morningstar, a young woman getting ready to graduate college. Due to circumstances, she meets four very different, but intriguing men. This story is full of magic, and demons, and hot men, oh my!
Reverse Harems are all a rage currently, and I have read my share of them. Many focus so much on the physical aspect, that you never feel a connection to the characters, or the story line can be weak. I find that Helen Scott does a wonderful job of blending all aspects of the story together, that you are left waiting impatiently for more. Well done Ms. Scott! I will definitely be one-clicking your follow-up book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
895 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2018
Water is the great first book in a new series by Helen Scott. Tessa Morningstar is a regular college girl living a normal college life, or so she thought. She sees "dragons" and draws them all the time and this sight has gotten her in trouble a time or two. When she is attacked by a classmate, she is drawn into a world of demons, alternate worlds, prophecies, and hot guys. Finn, Griff, Dres, and Kai come from the other worlds and save Tessa from many perils before she finally believes that she is the key to the prophecy and is the only one who can save the five worlds. I found this book to be interesting. I like the characters and the world that Helen Scott has created. It drags you in and leaves you wanting more at the end. I am interested to see where the next installment takes us.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,358 reviews70 followers
November 10, 2018
Fun read full of danger, magic and steamy romance

This was a fab series opener with very dynamic characters in a detailed world. Ms. Scott did an awesome job pulling me into the life of Tessa and the four very different men that will be her mates. She has the fate of 5 worlds on her shoulders and I expect we're in for quite the wild ride in future installments. This story had action, danger, a glimpse into the tragedy of her past and wonderful chemistry with Finn, Kai, Griff and Dres, be it sparking or hot ;) This story focusses mainly on Finn as her first delve into a physical relationship but I'm looking forward to seeing her with the others as well. Yummy heat and a great story will definitely have me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Deborah Snowden.
136 reviews
November 13, 2018
Water is the first book of the Four Worlds series by Helen Scott. Helen Scott has created a unique book of demons, dragons and magic. The book is steamy, fast paced, and action packed. The book evolves around Tessa Morningstar who just finished her senior year in college and received an internship as a graphic designer. Tessa has always seen things that she can’t explain; no one’s believed her and thought she was crazy. Until demons try to kill her and four men, Finn, Dres, Griff and Kai, come to her rescue. She finally knows that the dragons she sees are real, caretakers of earth and the four other worlds. She is the Key to saving the four worlds and humanity. This series has everything I love in a reverse harem. I can’t wait to read Fire the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Aimee Dennis.
309 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2018
Tessa keeps finding herself in these bizarre scenarios where these gorgeous men seem to appear in the nick of time. She learns it’s no coincident these creatures are out to get her; they believe she is the Key to saving the worlds/dimensions. Will she relent and allow them to take her to their world or will she turn her back and walk away.
Great introduction to yet another great series! Fast-paced adventure with four delectable guys who will melt your panties off. *sigh* I have read three different series created by Helen Scott and she has not failed me yet! Totally recommend and can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,069 reviews19 followers
April 10, 2019
Wounding Atlantis: Tessa's Journey Begins

Tessa was always considered a freak, an outsider. She spent her days trying to not see "things" that looked like dragons; but she did, and always out of the corner of her eye. Then one day her world was turned upside down. She discovered the myth and magic weren't fantasy, they were real.

After being attacked by an acquaintance and rescued by an man she had just met, Tessa was even more confused... What had just happened, hadn't happened, had it? Four mysterious, devastatingly handsome men are telling her, she is the Key... The Key to saving the realms and the origin world. They only need to return to Atlantis and to the queen...
Profile Image for Jennifer.
79 reviews
January 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and want to read the rest, however for those like me that like to binge read a FULL series to avoid fucking cliff hangers and be able to stay in the story, this series is not finished with book 3!

It's now renamed (for the 3th time!) And is the same series as Of Demons and Dragons:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/3215...

This said book 4 is only coming out somewhere end of may 2022...

So I recommend waiting till then and enjoying the full story in 1 go if your like me, cuz I just hate losing that feeling of a story, needing to wait a year (or more) and then needing half a book to get back into it. Especially with stories that are just to enjoyable to read, it takes away from the experience.
Profile Image for Jocelyn LeDonne.
437 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2018
This book is different then I was expecting, in a good way. With the different worlds all trying to exist in one place, demons, dragons and magic all in one story it was great. Well written with loads of detail, this book is a fantastic start to a new series. Tessa is your average college student with the exception that she can see the dragons. When one of her classmates comes after her, she gets introduced to a whole new world. She meets Finn, Dres, Griff and Kai and as they explain what they think she is and what that has to do with them and their worlds. I can't wait to find out more of Tessa's story throughout this series. Thoroughly entertaining read!
Profile Image for Bonnie .
217 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2018
Leave us wanting more...

Adorable, not expecting something like this at all but I am so glad that I see started reading this Gem of a book. You have adventure, hotness from some demon guys who you just cannot stop thinking about and so wish you were in Tessa spot, so embarrassing when your mind can be read, but so hot at the same time don't have to say it out loud what you want, I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, bring it on !! We need it !! If you haven't started this book , your so missing out on and Amazing read . This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen
Profile Image for Ash.
471 reviews15 followers
February 24, 2019
Interesting. Very Interesting.

Paranormal. Rh. 4 demon guys. Multi POVs. Human in a supernatural setting. Multi worlds. Sexual Magnetism bond. Story starts with Tessa being harrased by a guy, who she knees in the balls to get away from. She runs into, Finn, one of the demon guys. Demon possessed humans start to attack her. It's a very interesting read to say the least. This was a into to everything so you don't really get to know everyone, just enough for you to want/need to know more. (Good writing tactic) The bond between the guys is very intense. Like you can feel it when reading intense. Will be reading the next one.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
678 reviews2 followers
Read
May 23, 2019
There's some inconsistency in the story.
-She was on her phone waiting for her taxi cab. Turns it off. Next thing shes checking her phone?
-She was saved from being hit by a car by being pushed to the ground. Shes picked up and was standing. It follows by saying she stays on the ground?

"The three of them had been flirting with me and I knew there was chemistry between each of them and me, whether or not I believed what I'd been seeing recently"

There wasn't any flirting. Much less any chemistry. She was too busy fighting off an assailant and running for her life most of the time.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,276 reviews33 followers
November 5, 2018
Very intriguing read. This was a very fast paced read that had me captivated from beginning to end. I had my moments where I didn't care much for Tessa but things changes quickly for me especially with everything she went through. Overall a enjoyable and entertaining read. Great start for a new series. I'm so looking forward for book 2 in the series. I received a free copy via Booksprout I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
114 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2018
Tessa..

Tessa has been seeing dragons all her life with a compulsion to draw them. But they aren't normal dragons they are gate keepers. While the distorted are trying to kill her for reasons unknown to her she meets four hot men that are considered demons. Tessa will tell you she don't care if they are demons, they are nice and that is all she needs to know about them. Now for Tessa to go to Atlantis and help these four hot guys to save the five worlds. I mean she is the key after all....
Profile Image for MaD.
719 reviews
February 9, 2019
A nice start to this series. A little slow at times, but there is a lot to learn (along with Tessa, our heroine) about this other world. She takes to it quite well (probably because she has been "seeing little dragons" most of her life and been criticized for it). She's feeling her way through but has some help, of course (this IS a reverse harem) Our four otherworldly hunks - Finn, Griff, Kai, Dres - are swoon worthy. The characters and their relationships are being to develop nicely. Awaiting book 2
Profile Image for Sherry Haynes.
1,230 reviews16 followers
March 16, 2019
Tessa is a not so average college student. Not only does she see and draw dragons but she has demons out to kill her. Four "out of this world sexy" men try to convince her that despite being told her whole life that she was crazy; that demons and dragons do exist. Can she trust them enough to do what it takes to save the world? Read to find out exactly what happens to force one person to accept being the Key to saving the universe.

Note: The copy I read was titled "Wounding Atlantis" but it was formerly named "Water"
Profile Image for Book Addict.
1,563 reviews
November 8, 2018
This is a very interesting start to the series where we get the first glimpses of all the MCs but we see the relationships between Tessa and the develop at a different pace. Finn is the focus in this boom with Tessa but we still get time with Giff (my fav), Kai (2nd fav) and Dres. They are all very different and bring a different dynamic to the group...cannot wait to see Kai fall on his sword with his feelings 😝. I can see that each book is going to concentrate on one guy each and the world they are from, while their relationship with Tessa builds and goes deeper. There were moments in the book that I felt were rushed over a bit and sometimes I felt left in the dark about the guys, but I understand that these gaps will be filled in the series goes on. Very intrigued to see what happens next and who is the focus! Bring on book 2!
Profile Image for Maureen.
503 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2018
This is the first in a new paranormal reverse harem series, and I loved it!

Strange things have always happened around Tessa, and now she's finally learning why, and that things aren't what they seem. The heroes - fours of them - are hot, and you learn of theit otherworldly natures gradually, which helps you empathise with Tessa's confusion.

Can't wait for book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
276 reviews
November 9, 2018
Must read

Tessa is just a normal, yet slightly reclusive girl who sees magic in a world that isn’t really supposed to have any, so she has been called crazy for most her life. Things take a weird turn when a guy starts aggressively coming on to her. This leads to her meeting the guys. They figure out she is the Key to saving all five realms. This story has an original MC, hot guys, and sexual tension. I recommend this book and can’t wait for book 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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