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Elemental Academy #2

The Earth Awakens

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Having passed his first test at the Academy, most believe Tolan has proved he belongs. Only Tolan knows the truth: that his shaping required power from the borrowed bondar—and possibly from the elementals themselves. If he can’t find a way to shape without one, he’ll be expelled from the Academy.

When he intervenes to stop another attack on the city, he once again finds himself in the middle of the battle between Terndahl and the Draasin Lord. Worse, because of his continued reliance on the bondars, he begins to fear he might be responsible for releasing elementals.

Another test approaches. For him to remain at the Academy, he must find real power within himself, but a greater challenge distracts him. With increased attacks on the city, Tolan might be the only one to know what they’re after—and how to stop them.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2019

1200 people are currently reading
327 people want to read

About the author

D.K. Holmberg

329 books989 followers

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5 stars
472 (41%)
4 stars
431 (38%)
3 stars
189 (16%)
2 stars
37 (3%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Lyfranka.
97 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2023
The book got a bit slow. So not sure if I continue reading this series
Profile Image for Ryan Mueller.
Author 9 books83 followers
April 17, 2020
I loved this book. I've read quite a bit by Holmberg, and I feel like this series is his strongest. Then again, it might also be my Harry Potter nostalgia. There are definitely some similarities here, and it fills me with that same wonderful feeling. I also think it's different enough to be a great story on its own.

Rating: 9.5/10
37 reviews
July 31, 2019
COMPULSIVELY GOOD READING

Once again I'm binge-reading D.K. Holmberg. Every series I've started winds up being a marathon to the last page. What a lovely way to spend a day or two!
Profile Image for Steven Brown.
396 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2021
One of the better two star books that I have read.

Truthfully I have not rated too many books as two stars. From what I can remember most of them were for the middle books in series that didn't have a proper story and were more has placement filler for the story in the next book. While I was reading the story I realized that despite it having a beginning middle and end, as well as an interesting premise and a lot of possibility there were just too many holes and readers speed bumps for me. This series is looking more and more like a one-time Kindle unlimited read. That said it remains appropriate for preteens, young adults, and above.

While the author no doubt has talent I feel the story lacks in all regards. it almost feels as if the story itself was rushed and the author did not reread or edit much particularly when it comes to plot and context. Way too many times will something be stated and then contradicted by the same character not fall apart as if the author hadn't realized he brought that up already. There is repetitive info dumping as if all the characters were NPCs having to go over what is already been stated beforehand.

The magic system itself could be very interesting but the author simply uses the word shape shaping shapers for everything. oftentimes he does not give description as to what exactly is occurring only that they have shaped their way to doing something. It is repetitive and leaves the reader trying to figure out what exactly is going on. the magic is supposed to be the coolest thing in the story but for the most part all we get is him using the word shape in a few different ways.

When it comes to the characters lacking any real depth and interaction it really brings down the story. I feel if the author could have pulled this off it would have been a good three star book at least. There's the classic elitist Superior bully who is talented of course but that's all we get to see of them in brief glimpses of snotty superiority. The two main friends of our protagonist seem only to interact with him to argue against whatever he's thinking or believes, or to be in danger. The times that there might be more to the relationships or the story. There could be a lot there and I felt even hints of things but there was never depth to it. And the interaction between the two characters outside of the main character seems to have vanished from what they were in book 1. In many stories you feel as if characters have lives outside of the main character it seems that all the characters that we see only exist when the main character notices them.

The dialogue particularly between the friends is weak and repetitive. Even the internal dialogue and naval gazing is repetitive. There's also the nasty issue of character voice or the lack thereof when it comes to differentiating between the main character and his friends. Way too many times I have had to in this book and in the previous one skim a few paragraphs back to try to figure out who exactly is speaking and even then I'm not quite sure at times.

As interesting and as awesome as elemental magic is the struggle for the main character to figure out how to do what he does is a long NeverEnding process. He consistently debates steps 1 2 3 then discusses steps 1 2 and 3 with his friends who argues against steps 1 2 and 3 saying that's not how it's done. Then we are left with filler in which he's once again debating the steps an ads another or discover something and the process begins again. With the lack of description and nothing to really pull me in I found my eyes glazing over often.

As a hobby writer who is never published anything I freely admit I should not throw stones in glass houses. However as a reader I can tell that the author has a great story here but it was rushed and despite being edited perhaps for spelling and grammar it was not content edited. This leaves potholes and continuity errors. I can see habits that even I have that I had to catch on edits of my own work. where a character asked a question and then the author gets distracted by something shiny and completely ignores the question that was asked. This makes for a bumpy and frustrating ride when it's not smoothed out.

Once again the big bad at the end of the story seemingly comes out of nowhere while this time we did get a glimpse of him being bad the mystery of it and the reasons behind it is seemingly going to be left for future stories. It feels almost as if the character was retconned between the first book and second book. The author may have an overlying plot for all the books I'm not sure but it just felt disconjointed.

Still going to finish the series... if I got this in a writing group I would be really excited for the story that it could be
Profile Image for Bookworm.
2,311 reviews97 followers
January 25, 2020
Another book the Elemental Academy series starts off with a bang where young Tolan and his classmates are tested (and of course things go awry). Magic happens, Tolan learns things, there are confrontations big and small, etc. You know, all for book 2.

We continue on with Tolan and his journeys and the series continues to be okay. Initially I had really high hopes because the opening chapters where the students must deal with being separated from their magic was an intriguing prospect (perhaps reminded me of Korra from 'The Legend of Korra') but it's really a device for some drama. In itself I didn't mind since things started off so well but overall the quality of the book is like the first one.

It's slow, the writing isn't the best and I found there notable proofreading errors that really should have been resolved if an editor had actually looked at it. Maybe I'm just being picky, but issues like stand out a little more in a book that isn't quite up to par.

Still, it's a series that still intrigues me so I'll be continuing with book 3. I have to say, reading this in a digital, "bingeable" version where I can download the next in the series ASAP is helping me stick with this. If I had to wait for library holds or for the next book to be published in the series (!), I'd be less inclined to continue. Digital is best for me.
103 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2019
Repetitive but fun

The second book in the series and even more in need of an editor than the first book. Multiple times throughout the book a phrase is repeated almost exactly from one paragraph to the next, there are more than a few inconsistencies and typos. That said, the story is fun and the world building is interesting. I’ll keep reading but I’m glad these are on Kindle Unlimited because I would not have been happy had I paid for them.
Profile Image for Janet.
10 reviews
September 12, 2019
This is the second book in the series. I'm sorry to say that I found it very repetitive and dull. I think most of the book could have been condensed into two chapters! I did like the characters and I have enjoyed several other books from this author.
Unfortunately, this book was not one of those. If I read the word "hyza" one more time!!!!! I will try the next book in the series and hope for more action.
Profile Image for Jay Collins.
1,630 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2021
3 Stars and starting to go down hill. MC still has no idea what is going on and nor do you lol. Too many things are left unanswered but they keep talking about them with no real explanation. Starting to get a little bored of the MC and not enjoy it as much. On the fence if I will do the next book. Oh and if the author says "Shaping" one more time I will lose my mind lol.
Profile Image for Laura.
90 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2021
More HP rip offs... the restricted section of the library and a "shapers" duel that his buddy aka Ron told him he should do against his school bully. I can't even tell you what else happened in this book. So slow and boring. Only reason why I keep listening is because the audible reader is awesome.
4 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2019
Slow and repetitive

Great plot, but after reading for the umpteenth time that the main character is different, it gets boring fast.
The same descriptions are used over and over. Move on, speed it up please.
Profile Image for Bif Loucks.
10 reviews
February 12, 2020
Repetitive

End up scanning through much of the paragraphs. Repeats information over & over again. The dialogue(when not repetitive) & action is great. Most of the story isn’t great but I have to see how it ends.
Profile Image for James.
30 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2021
I dislike stories with stupid main characters. I thought he was 8 until he started to grow a beard. By book 2 the mc should have figured out how to use his magic without the crutch and the constant complaining about his deficiencies. I will try getting through this book in the hope the mc improves.
Profile Image for David Wylie.
11 reviews
December 29, 2022
Synopsis

Tolan has made his way past the first test and continued on to his second year at the academy along with his two friends. No longer plagued by doubts about whether he belongs at the academy, Tolan continues to study and learn how to better connect to his growing magic. While he has grown in power with fire, he still struggles to connect with the other elements and if he can't figure out a way, his journey at the academy will come to an end.

However, he finds himself once again embroiled in plots much bigger than himself. He discovers a potent artifact that grants him greater connection to the elemental power he wields. But little does he know, the power he has found is being sought by those who seek to destroy the academy and release the elementals.  

Overall, this book felt nearly identical to the first book in terms of pace, character development and discovery by the main character. Tolan didn't really develop and grow as a character at all from the first book. The only thing that really changed was his understanding of elementals. Even with that increase in knowledge he still can't seem to understand what he does.

I felt like the author doesn't really know how his magic system works. There are parts of the story that feel so contradictory. One minute the main character has this insight, but the very next scene he reverts back to this ignorance of his magic, it's super hard to follow as a the reader and kills the "magic" of the magic system. 

The character development was incredibly lacking this story. You learn a few things about his past, but his friendships with Ferrah and Jonas haven't changed at all, he still doesn't trust them to share his experiences, he hides things from them. Where Jonas was attached to him in the first book, somehow Tolan goes days without seeing his friend and when he finally does there is some basic conversation about what's been happening. 

For the most part, everything that wasn't good about the novel writing in the first book has continued on into this book, but without the initial discovery of the world that the reader experiences in the first book. I realized that it isn't just a trilogy, but is in fact a much larger series. Since I have books 1-3 I'll probably finish the third book, but I really don't know if I would continue reading. 

I would not recommend this series for advanced readers. If someone wanting to look at a school based series, they could learn things from this as far as using classes to explain magic and the world, without it feeling as if the author is just info dumping, but that's probably the only reason I would tell someone. With that being said, other books, like Name of The Wind, do a much better job at the school system, and have a better story.
Profile Image for Jamie Mcclimon.
57 reviews
July 3, 2023
Ahhh... another great adventure begins!

Another great start to a new series set in the Cloud Warrior World. New characters to get to know; new friends, new enemies, and of course, new challenges arise.

I've read the other books based in this world up until this point. I think my favorites were from the Endless War Series, but that's mainly because I felt a personal connection with both main characters.

I've read a few of the other series set in different worlds as well and I really loved those as well. I know some people complain some on the little things; like punctuation, or spelling, or that a wrong name was used in one conversation or another. Another complaint I've seen that people nit-pick about is that some of the characters seem to have a tendency to repeat themselves, or doubt themselves or their abilities into a redundant pudding.... but come on now... that happens in real life A LOT! I feel that it actually ADDS to the story, in a way, by making the characters seem more realistic. I know that I for one am very much like that. My insecurities and failings plague me on an endless revolving loop. So, a little redundancy here and there is certainly no deal breaker for me. By any means! No one wants a perfect main character.

Thanks D.K. Holmberg! Keep up the great work in all yours tales!! Ignore any nay sayers, and forgive them their petty criticisms. Fore they are apparently not a part of your true fan base! 😁
Profile Image for Stephie .
181 reviews
June 12, 2024

I would rate this a 4.5 because I was frustrated with Tolan not gaining his power sooner; the power build-up felt slow. I was relieved that he had a breakthrough at the end because it was frustrating to see him struggle to connect with elements other than fire. I also suspect his parents play a significant role in this. I have a theory that he might be the son of the Draasin lord, and his memory was wiped out through spirit shaping. There might be something in his memory that will be revealed later. His passing the second year wasn’t surprising since he worked hard to connect with all the elements on his own. I also predict that he might be a spirit shaper, create his own bondar, and become very skilled at runes.

I was a bit saddened that Jonas didn’t get to participate in most of the major fights. I’m curious why he’s always paired with Ferrah. It’s not that I don’t like her, but I wanted all three of them to have adventures together.


I am also eagerly anticipating Tolan's elemental duel with the cocky Draln.

I'm excited to delve into the third book and hope it provides answers about Master Daniels' involvement with Tolan. Did he spirit shape to wipe Tolan's memory, or was it his parents? The Draasin Lord? There are so many questions that need answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pamela Cunningham.
723 reviews
September 11, 2019
This is the second book in The Elemental Academy .

Like the first book the second was even better I really like this main character and his side kicks/best friends Lol he reminds me of Scooby and the gang these meddling kid's . There's still a great mystery to solve what are the Elementals and what were their true purpose and who exactly is behind all these attacks . Also what exactly happened too our heroes parents and why did they make it so it would be near impossible for him too shape all these questions and more need to be answered . On too the next book for some answers hopefully this mystery will start too unravel .
Profile Image for Sean Helms.
325 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2022
This cool series kind of goes along with others that Holmberg has written, so sliding into these books was simple enough for me. (See Cloud warriors)
The main protagonist, Tolan, is discovering that he carries more potential than he ever believed possible with the aid of something he finds along the way at the academy. You can guess by the title some of what I'm alluding to. He crosses paths with his previous master with some unexpected consequences. (I'm really trying to not give any spoilers, so you should read this series for yourselves and find out why I like this author's writing so much!).
Profile Image for Jack Vinson.
950 reviews48 followers
September 4, 2019
Too much self-doubt for me

Too much self-doubt for me.The main character clearly had hidden power in the last book, and it comes out now that he’s had a traumatic experience of some sort as a child. And of course he’s convinced that he doesn’t belong and will fail the tests. There was a kid in college who almost always thought this and almost always got A’s. They were called “flunker” behind their back.

I’m curious where this story will lead. But I don’t know if I’ll get the subsequent books.
359 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2019
Exciting and intriguing! The story gains in scope and power.

The second book builds on our hero's quest to find his power in both shapping the elements and learning about his connections to the elementals.

He worries and doubts himself, but cannot stay away from his yearning to remain at the Academy.

It is really a continuing test with his own powers.
3 reviews
November 22, 2019
Loved the book

Went straight from the first book into the second, and man was it a ride. Love books that keep you guessing and this book definitely did that. Can not wait to finish the third installment, I have some predictions and am curious to see if I'm right. Definitely worth the read for this series.
10 reviews
September 8, 2022
Self Abasement

The action is quick and cascades across the page like Yosemite Falls during snowmelt!! 🏔️ I can't believe that the main protagonist is so self debasing! For someone that came from a self described supportive environment he has less than zero self confidence. The kid has his head so far up his own a_ _ that he is his own worst enemy!! 🥺
Profile Image for Enzo.
927 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2023
Tolan keeps working at his weakness which is every element. As he works and they try to unlock him. Tolan and his friends keep getting caught in troubles as students they should not be involved in. But this is similar to that non-Mogul world. Its fun although this one is a little slow compared to the first.
21 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2019
Enjoyable

Again great imagination D.K. HolmBerg. Always enjoy his books. Characters are always developed where you have a sense they are real. A lot of books tell a story without character development but HolmBerg lets you feel you know the people.
155 reviews
May 23, 2019
Great second book in this magic adventure

This story returns to the Academy and it seems like the main characters are always slipping into and out of trouble.
Can not wait till the next book!
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,808 reviews
June 27, 2019
Another great series. The characters are compelling and have you routing for them. The story flows and very easy to follow. A few slow points but are easily over come, they don't last very long. Great Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Jan Wieruszewski.
11 reviews
July 2, 2019
Not as good as previous one

This part is not as good as the previous one, there are too many repeats, the action is very slow throughout most of the book and only in the end picks up the pace. Much more was expected Master Writer.
Profile Image for Michelle Thexton.
17 reviews
July 17, 2019
Wow

I couldn't put this down, talk about edge of you seat. I love the characters and how they learn about their powers but also about themselves. I can't wait for my children to be old enough to introduce them to this series.
Profile Image for Librad.
22 reviews
August 24, 2019
Wow, something new and exciting!!

I'm general these books are a coming of age story, but the magic system is so awesome, the characters interesting and the storyline keeps you reading!!! So happy I found these books!!!
8 reviews
October 22, 2019
Another great book.

Twists and turns. Just when you think you know what will happen it changes again. I would recommend this series to anyone that likes letting their imagination go with the adventure and action twisting story.
87 reviews
December 11, 2020
First level passed!

Again, I enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to the next - Water Ruptures. While I realize that Sy-Fy is not for everyone, if you have the slightest inclination, I am sure that he will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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