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Four Elements #1
The Elementalist
First in the "Four Elements" series of supernatural mysteries, by #1 bestselling authors J.R. Rain and Matthew S. Cox!
In a small town where people go missing all the time, one might think a private detective would have no trouble finding work.
Except for Max Long. His luck really is that bad—at least until a blonde bombshell hires him to look into the strange circumstances surrounding her sister's death. The blonde might be good luck, or more likely, entirely the opposite. Drop-dead gorgeous women aren't exactly common in Shadow Pines, nor do they walk into his office.
Everyone in town knows there's something unusual about the place. The excuse of animal attacks claiming the unwary hiker works only so long before a rational person suspects the irrational. Blood stolen from the hospital, strange howls at night, and a girl with an overly innocent face that spells trouble all lead to one conclusion: Max is in way over his head.
Or is he?
The night after a strange meteorite streaked across the sky, the wind responds to his desires. He soon discovers he can manipulate water, fire, and earth as well.
Shadow Pines is out of balance, and Mother Nature has sent Max to fix it.
In a small town where people go missing all the time, one might think a private detective would have no trouble finding work.
Except for Max Long. His luck really is that bad—at least until a blonde bombshell hires him to look into the strange circumstances surrounding her sister's death. The blonde might be good luck, or more likely, entirely the opposite. Drop-dead gorgeous women aren't exactly common in Shadow Pines, nor do they walk into his office.
Everyone in town knows there's something unusual about the place. The excuse of animal attacks claiming the unwary hiker works only so long before a rational person suspects the irrational. Blood stolen from the hospital, strange howls at night, and a girl with an overly innocent face that spells trouble all lead to one conclusion: Max is in way over his head.
Or is he?
The night after a strange meteorite streaked across the sky, the wind responds to his desires. He soon discovers he can manipulate water, fire, and earth as well.
Shadow Pines is out of balance, and Mother Nature has sent Max to fix it.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
About the author
J.R. Rain
2,694 books1,731 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 27, 2019
Good start on a new series
The Elementalist by Matthew Cox and J..R. Rain starts a new series featuring a guy that finds he can control wind, fire, water, and earth. He is a PI and gets hired by a gorgeous gal that turns out not to be what she seems. Witty and fun story with great fantasy!
The Elementalist by Matthew Cox and J..R. Rain starts a new series featuring a guy that finds he can control wind, fire, water, and earth. He is a PI and gets hired by a gorgeous gal that turns out not to be what she seems. Witty and fun story with great fantasy!
March 5, 2024
A pretty solid start to the series. 3.5 stars. Max and Crystal are pretty solid and play well if each other as main characters.
May 7, 2019
This was my first look at these writers and I think the series has potential. I don't know why I didn't love this book but I think it might be because it was a little strange in how quickly the PI trusts people. Anyway, it had all the elements of a great series and I will read the next one; this one just fell a little short for me. It is well written and edited though, I only found one typo.
April 11, 2019
This is a very fast paced book. Have a guy find out his has powers, that the supernatural world is real. That his home town is a hotbed for them, the rumors are real. He meets a woman he falls for. That is only part I was not to found of as the feeling and relationship felt rushed. I am looking forward to book 2 to see how Max learns to learn more about his powers, more supernatural characters that will be introduced to him. See what is next for this relationship with Crystal.
Like how the writing style blend between JR Rain and Matthew S Cox. I have read several of JR Rains books, this one does not disappoint. I could not put it down until I finished it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for my honest review.
Like how the writing style blend between JR Rain and Matthew S Cox. I have read several of JR Rains books, this one does not disappoint. I could not put it down until I finished it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for my honest review.
March 2, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book, Vampires and other creatures plus Max an elementalist. He can control earth, water, wind and fire which all come in handy against the bad guys. I can't wait to read the next book.
I enjoyed reading this book, Vampires and other creatures plus Max an elementalist. He can control earth, water, wind and fire which all come in handy against the bad guys. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 16, 2019
Max is and isn’t your stereotypical private eye. Little does he know that the winds of change are about to blow his world apart. On the flip side, the supernatural world is going to find out that it’s not good to fool with Mother Nature. I loved the story and I can’t wait to read book two.
I have never read a book by the authors and not loved it. I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I have never read a book by the authors and not loved it. I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
October 20, 2021
I had no idea what kind of book this would be, but since I enjoy J. R. Rain's books, I was pretty sure I'd like it. It was a little of a slow start, but it grew on me. I rate it 4.5 stars.
February 4, 2020
It wasn't a BAD book, per se. My comments leading up to this review pretty much say most of what I found wrong with it. The writing began really well. The voice was a breath of fresh air; you can TELL it's a new author because it doesn't droll on like most over-used formulaic stories do. But I was a little disappointed to see that as time went on, the writing began to lose its elegance. I'm not saying the author rushed through anything, but the creativity of the prose waned. The story was still creative; the characters and the paranormal aspects were rather well thought out. The emotions as he figures out his powers were pretty neat. I especially liked how REAL the author made his reactions to his own powers.
But the creativity of the writing style disappeared about midway through, if not a little after the halfway point. There was an excess amount of "said" tags. You know, the dialogue tags used at the end of the quotation dialogues. Sometimes, if the author wrote the characters to have such a stand-out voice, these tags would be an unnecessary waste of space that slows the reading down. I feel like this author would have benefited from just a little more thoughtful editing. (just my opinion, so hate on yourself and not the reader)
The thing that really bothered me, however, was how the succubus/human interaction sorta... stunted the human's nervous and/or musculatory system. I have NEVER read anything that explained the succubus zapping all strength out of the human and leaving said human in a state of near comatose. Seriously, as time went on he was able to start moving his fingers again. Yet he was able to move his mouth and talk? Move his chest to breathe? Just wasn't able to move his muscles? Look, this just bothered me so much, I can't explain it. I felt like it was far unbelievable. I don't know. Maybe it was how the author wrote these parts out, but it felt almost... as if the author had play-pretended these scenes themselves to make sure they were recorded perfectly. I don't know... it just really didn't sit right with me. I can't really decide if I'd want to read on to the next book in the series, or bow out and sell the book. I don't think I'll even see myself rereading it anytime soon.
It's not "bad", per se. Just... doesn't set with me as amazing for some reason.
But the creativity of the writing style disappeared about midway through, if not a little after the halfway point. There was an excess amount of "said" tags. You know, the dialogue tags used at the end of the quotation dialogues. Sometimes, if the author wrote the characters to have such a stand-out voice, these tags would be an unnecessary waste of space that slows the reading down. I feel like this author would have benefited from just a little more thoughtful editing. (just my opinion, so hate on yourself and not the reader)
The thing that really bothered me, however, was how the succubus/human interaction sorta... stunted the human's nervous and/or musculatory system. I have NEVER read anything that explained the succubus zapping all strength out of the human and leaving said human in a state of near comatose. Seriously, as time went on he was able to start moving his fingers again. Yet he was able to move his mouth and talk? Move his chest to breathe? Just wasn't able to move his muscles? Look, this just bothered me so much, I can't explain it. I felt like it was far unbelievable. I don't know. Maybe it was how the author wrote these parts out, but it felt almost... as if the author had play-pretended these scenes themselves to make sure they were recorded perfectly. I don't know... it just really didn't sit right with me. I can't really decide if I'd want to read on to the next book in the series, or bow out and sell the book. I don't think I'll even see myself rereading it anytime soon.
It's not "bad", per se. Just... doesn't set with me as amazing for some reason.
June 16, 2022
Overall I am giving this first book in the Four Elements series a okay rating. It was a somewhat simple but enjoyable read.
I am always a bit partial to stories where the main protagonist discovers that things that go bump in the night actually exists. In this book Max discovers not only that there are plenty of things going bump but that he has become one of them.
I found Max to be a quite likable chap as well as his mysterious client who, of course, is more than she appears.
The story is simple enough but also original enough that it doesn’t feel like the author typed it out while reading Urban Fantasy for Dummies.
I thought that I had read most of the various permutations of vampires but this author delivered a new take on them. It worked but I cannot say that I was overly thrilled about this take. I mean, what is wrong with the classic vampires?
Another gripe I have with this book is that the part where Max discovers that he has elemental powers followed by the training felt really rushed.
Still, overall, I liked the book. The story isn’t bad, it has some originality although some parts are somewhat predictable. Like Max getting a crush on his gorgeous client for example.
It was definitely good enough that I will give the second book a chance. Especially since this book was, not surprisingly, doing a bit of setting up of the characters and the surroundings.
I am always a bit partial to stories where the main protagonist discovers that things that go bump in the night actually exists. In this book Max discovers not only that there are plenty of things going bump but that he has become one of them.
I found Max to be a quite likable chap as well as his mysterious client who, of course, is more than she appears.
The story is simple enough but also original enough that it doesn’t feel like the author typed it out while reading Urban Fantasy for Dummies.
I thought that I had read most of the various permutations of vampires but this author delivered a new take on them. It worked but I cannot say that I was overly thrilled about this take. I mean, what is wrong with the classic vampires?
Another gripe I have with this book is that the part where Max discovers that he has elemental powers followed by the training felt really rushed.
Still, overall, I liked the book. The story isn’t bad, it has some originality although some parts are somewhat predictable. Like Max getting a crush on his gorgeous client for example.
It was definitely good enough that I will give the second book a chance. Especially since this book was, not surprisingly, doing a bit of setting up of the characters and the surroundings.
July 9, 2024
As a new series by J.R. Rain I had to try it. Started a bit slow and confusing due to not knowing location, situation etc., but then got interesting. The characters are personable and unique. Ends with the start of a new case for next book.
Max Long is a small-town private detective. Lately, the town of Shadow Pines has been having a of rash of ‘animal attack’ type of deaths. After seeing a meteor cross the sky, Max discovers he can control the 4 elements. I love how he uses his new abilities.
Crystal Bradbury is not an ordinary human, but has her own secrets and abilities. When she hires Max to find out why her sister was killed and by who or what, both of their lives twist in an interesting direction.
Took me some searching to figure where this takes place. There was a brief mention of California Tech, but with technology that doesn’t really mean anything. Pine trees, spruce, oak, streams, falls, iron mining, average weather, could be almost anywhere. Then Max says he’s using a Rocky Mountain Trail App and it becomes clear. Probably Colorado or close by.
Fave scenes: Max testing the wind by the waterfall, Max’s visit by the two vampires and getting Crystal out her trap.
Max Long is a small-town private detective. Lately, the town of Shadow Pines has been having a of rash of ‘animal attack’ type of deaths. After seeing a meteor cross the sky, Max discovers he can control the 4 elements. I love how he uses his new abilities.
Crystal Bradbury is not an ordinary human, but has her own secrets and abilities. When she hires Max to find out why her sister was killed and by who or what, both of their lives twist in an interesting direction.
Took me some searching to figure where this takes place. There was a brief mention of California Tech, but with technology that doesn’t really mean anything. Pine trees, spruce, oak, streams, falls, iron mining, average weather, could be almost anywhere. Then Max says he’s using a Rocky Mountain Trail App and it becomes clear. Probably Colorado or close by.
Fave scenes: Max testing the wind by the waterfall, Max’s visit by the two vampires and getting Crystal out her trap.
November 16, 2019
In She Walked
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read "The Black Rose"!
Living in the small town of Shadow Pines does not give a PI like Max Long an abundance of work. Honestly he rarely gets cases but without him, his landlord would get NO rent so he works with Max instead of kicking him out. When a gorgeous bombshell of a woman shows up looking to hire him it seems too good to be true. What would a Founding Family member like Crystal want to hire a guy like him for? Is she for real? Since when do people go to PIs to investigate wrongful deaths? Especially High Society mysterious wrongful deaths? Could Dana and her husband have truly been murdered and the police are covering it up?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy modern small town noiresque PI stories with a paranormal twist and a dash of romance :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read "The Black Rose"!
Living in the small town of Shadow Pines does not give a PI like Max Long an abundance of work. Honestly he rarely gets cases but without him, his landlord would get NO rent so he works with Max instead of kicking him out. When a gorgeous bombshell of a woman shows up looking to hire him it seems too good to be true. What would a Founding Family member like Crystal want to hire a guy like him for? Is she for real? Since when do people go to PIs to investigate wrongful deaths? Especially High Society mysterious wrongful deaths? Could Dana and her husband have truly been murdered and the police are covering it up?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy modern small town noiresque PI stories with a paranormal twist and a dash of romance :)
December 21, 2019
This is the first book in The Elementalist
This is a decent start to a new supernatural/paranormal/Urban fantasy series I liked the main protagonist he is a decent character this wasn't a deep book interesting lore . We have four founding families who control a town there are all kinds of strange and bazaar death that happen all the time that the town's folk have become use too them . But what's really going on in this town and how do the founding families have to do with all the weird death's . Find out as our protagonist who works as a P.I is task to find out what happened to one of the town's socialites and her husband were they really attacked by a animal or was it something else .
This is a decent start to a new supernatural/paranormal/Urban fantasy series I liked the main protagonist he is a decent character this wasn't a deep book interesting lore . We have four founding families who control a town there are all kinds of strange and bazaar death that happen all the time that the town's folk have become use too them . But what's really going on in this town and how do the founding families have to do with all the weird death's . Find out as our protagonist who works as a P.I is task to find out what happened to one of the town's socialites and her husband were they really attacked by a animal or was it something else .
April 13, 2019
Good, and different
I only have 3stars because it was just good. But, this series has potential. A succubus? An Elemental that has control of all the elements? I'm in. Since J.R. Rain and Mathew Cox are very good storytellers, this series should get better. It is definitely worth reading, and entertaining.
I only have 3stars because it was just good. But, this series has potential. A succubus? An Elemental that has control of all the elements? I'm in. Since J.R. Rain and Mathew Cox are very good storytellers, this series should get better. It is definitely worth reading, and entertaining.
December 14, 2020
Max the PI discovers his elemental powers and uses them against an infestation of murderous vampires and a few powerful people (from old, landed, wealthy families) in league with them. Just the right amount of crime solving, suspense, paranormality, romance, stumbling around and butt kicking for my reading tastes.
July 12, 2019
Great supernatural twist
I enjoy vampire, werewolf stories and the Elementalist is a nice different to just the “regular” supernatural characters. JR Rain is a very good story teller.
I enjoy vampire, werewolf stories and the Elementalist is a nice different to just the “regular” supernatural characters. JR Rain is a very good story teller.
October 5, 2019
Elementally Good
Good storyline and very likeable characters. A little slow on the action. The authors spend a little too much time describing instead of moving the story. Looking forward to the next book.
Good storyline and very likeable characters. A little slow on the action. The authors spend a little too much time describing instead of moving the story. Looking forward to the next book.
December 7, 2019
A Grand New Adventure
First I really liked the characters as soon as they appeared,and the twists in the story itself really made for a great ride. I'm getting ready to get book two.
First I really liked the characters as soon as they appeared,and the twists in the story itself really made for a great ride. I'm getting ready to get book two.
February 5, 2021
Terrific Read!
Interesting twist on the paranormal genre. Great characters, and the story keeps you engaged all the way through. I read all three of the trilogy in four days and enjoyed it immensely. I hope to see this set of characters again!
Interesting twist on the paranormal genre. Great characters, and the story keeps you engaged all the way through. I read all three of the trilogy in four days and enjoyed it immensely. I hope to see this set of characters again!
October 9, 2023
Loved it!
The story grabbed me like a fishing hook and slowly reeled me in. It's a detective story where the man gets a few shocks of his life and comes out a changed person. Can't wait for the next story!
The story grabbed me like a fishing hook and slowly reeled me in. It's a detective story where the man gets a few shocks of his life and comes out a changed person. Can't wait for the next story!
February 9, 2024
Fun Read
Like so many of JR Rain’s books, this was a fun read with a paranormal twist that, for me, is an enjoyable way to leave reality behind. I love the idea of having elemental powers and I enjoyed discovering them with the main character, Max.
Like so many of JR Rain’s books, this was a fun read with a paranormal twist that, for me, is an enjoyable way to leave reality behind. I love the idea of having elemental powers and I enjoyed discovering them with the main character, Max.
May 9, 2019
Powers
I loved this book as much as all her others I have read. What intriguing thoughts ... Maybe we do have others among us...
I loved this book as much as all her others I have read. What intriguing thoughts ... Maybe we do have others among us...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews