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The House of Shadows
Melody Grace always wondered why she could see ghosts and why one killed her great-grandfather seven years ago. On the day of her sixteenth birthday, she discovers the answer. Melody is the Earth Elemental.
Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground. There, they meet different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
With help from their guardians, the four of them must train to heighten their powers. They are the only ones who can defeat the evil creature threatening to rise and destroy the world.
However, one Elemental is betraying the others as he is doing tasks for the evil creature. These tasks will lead to a sacrifice for power so the evil one may gain strength.
Melody will need to keep her emotions in check while trying to balance her normal and magical life.
Will Melody figure out who to trust?
Will the Elementals be able to stop the sacrifice?
Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground. There, they meet different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
With help from their guardians, the four of them must train to heighten their powers. They are the only ones who can defeat the evil creature threatening to rise and destroy the world.
However, one Elemental is betraying the others as he is doing tasks for the evil creature. These tasks will lead to a sacrifice for power so the evil one may gain strength.
Melody will need to keep her emotions in check while trying to balance her normal and magical life.
Will Melody figure out who to trust?
Will the Elementals be able to stop the sacrifice?
486 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2019
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Michele Skaggs
4 books27 followersAward-Winning Author, Michele Skaggs, lives in Indiana with her four kids. She has been writing poems and fictional stories her entire life. When she was seven, she wrote part of her first book in the Elemental series. When she was 20, she went back to that story, transforming it into what it is now. Many things have inspired her writing, but mainly, it’s been her childhood.
The Elementals of Sacred Lake: the House of Shadows, is her first published novel. It won an award in 2020
The Elementals of Sacred Lake: the House of Shadows, is her first published novel. It won an award in 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 2, 2021
Melody Grace is a protagonist you can root for. She is a rare combination of typical teenage insecurities and internal strength. Often when this is tried, the character feels forced or unbelievable. Yet Skaggs manages to pull it off, creating a likeable heroine you empathize with completely.
In addition, there are an endless supply of magical creatures (unicorns, mermaids, thunderbirds to name a few) throughout the story. Skaggs often puts a fun twist on them, so the characters feel familiar, but also unique.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series and seeing how the characters grow.
In addition, there are an endless supply of magical creatures (unicorns, mermaids, thunderbirds to name a few) throughout the story. Skaggs often puts a fun twist on them, so the characters feel familiar, but also unique.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series and seeing how the characters grow.
June 28, 2021
So far I absolutely love this book and the characters, I’m not one to usually like books but this one is definitely good!
March 10, 2021
Dragons, mermaids, witches, fairies… and teen angst
Disclaimer: I am not a YA reader
The House of Shadows is the first book of the Elements of Sacred Lake, a young adult epic fantasy series.
The book follows Melody Grace and her three friends Ashton Embers, Dustin Skye and Zander Rivers, three ordinary teenagers who discover they are elementals tasked with saving the magical world ‘The Underground’ from an evil force.
I enjoyed the Underground and the magical creatures who live there. The world is well described and easy to envision. Each magical being has a unique personality and they all play key roles in the story. I was impressed with the author's worldbuilding and mythology. The role of the barrier between good and evil and how it is maintained was a highlight, as were the thunderbirds.
The main characters were also well realised, Skaggs’ captures the angst and drama of being a teenager. Small things are frequently blown out of proportion and the pain of young love is pretty accurate.
Some of the story did drag a bit for me. The constant arguments between the three characters in a love triangle started to get on my nerves. I would’ve cut a few of these as they were repetitive. I also found some dialogue over the top – there were a lot of exclamation marks – which was jarring. However, the editing was good, it was always clear who was talking and what was happening throughout the book, and every action and scene ultimately served the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book from Michele Skaggs and it is clear the writer has a lot of talent. It is impressive that Skaggs’ went back to a story she made up in her childhood and turned it into a book in her twenties. I love that the author has kept this connection to her inner child alive and created a world to be enjoyed by young people.
I look forward to seeing Michele Skaggs develop as an author and am intrigued to hear she is now planning an adult orientated fantasy.
Disclaimer: I am not a YA reader
The House of Shadows is the first book of the Elements of Sacred Lake, a young adult epic fantasy series.
The book follows Melody Grace and her three friends Ashton Embers, Dustin Skye and Zander Rivers, three ordinary teenagers who discover they are elementals tasked with saving the magical world ‘The Underground’ from an evil force.
I enjoyed the Underground and the magical creatures who live there. The world is well described and easy to envision. Each magical being has a unique personality and they all play key roles in the story. I was impressed with the author's worldbuilding and mythology. The role of the barrier between good and evil and how it is maintained was a highlight, as were the thunderbirds.
The main characters were also well realised, Skaggs’ captures the angst and drama of being a teenager. Small things are frequently blown out of proportion and the pain of young love is pretty accurate.
Some of the story did drag a bit for me. The constant arguments between the three characters in a love triangle started to get on my nerves. I would’ve cut a few of these as they were repetitive. I also found some dialogue over the top – there were a lot of exclamation marks – which was jarring. However, the editing was good, it was always clear who was talking and what was happening throughout the book, and every action and scene ultimately served the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book from Michele Skaggs and it is clear the writer has a lot of talent. It is impressive that Skaggs’ went back to a story she made up in her childhood and turned it into a book in her twenties. I love that the author has kept this connection to her inner child alive and created a world to be enjoyed by young people.
I look forward to seeing Michele Skaggs develop as an author and am intrigued to hear she is now planning an adult orientated fantasy.
February 22, 2021
Meet your new heroine, Melody Grace
This ambitious saga has two things that I love in fiction: rich world building, and a well developed cast of characters. I expected to love Melody Grace, but the ensemble cast were so enjoyable to follow, too.
There is a lot going on here, and Skaggs balances it all wonderfully. The series is set up, the adventure begins. Love triangles smolder. Danger circles close. And Melody continues to step into her own powers. Sometimes I read her storyline at face value, and enjoyed its magical escape. Sometimes I read it as an allegory for each young adult, who must discover and develop their own true authentic self and embrace their own special light and power.
This ambitious saga has two things that I love in fiction: rich world building, and a well developed cast of characters. I expected to love Melody Grace, but the ensemble cast were so enjoyable to follow, too.
There is a lot going on here, and Skaggs balances it all wonderfully. The series is set up, the adventure begins. Love triangles smolder. Danger circles close. And Melody continues to step into her own powers. Sometimes I read her storyline at face value, and enjoyed its magical escape. Sometimes I read it as an allegory for each young adult, who must discover and develop their own true authentic self and embrace their own special light and power.
December 17, 2020
The House of Shadows: Book One (The Elementals of Sacred Lake) by Michele Skaggs is the first installment in her debut YA series.
Following the main character, Melody Grace, she discovers the answer to why she's different. She is the Earth Elemental. She soon finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground. There, they meet many different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
This book sets up the series and the main characters as they learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. The author pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you enthralled throughout the book. An easy to read novel with a great flow, you will soon lose track of time as you dive into the world Skaggs weaves. I look forward to seeing more from this author, especially how the characters (especially Ashton) evolve and grow.
November 1, 2020
I read all the reviews and decided to read this book.I don't understand why one person gave it one star.This really is a well written book.I couldn't put it down great job Michele!!I heard you have more of the series coming can't wait.Dont worry about the one person who wrote that review because in my book experience there is always that one person that tries to ruin it.
January 5, 2021
Great book, great author, and highly recommend!!!!
April 18, 2021
I very much enjoyed this read! It was fun, magical, and adventurous. An epic story for YA! The description was well detailed, and I loved the authors writing style. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what happens next.
January 22, 2021
Great read! Imaginative story telling at it's best! Wonderful first work from this young author. Can't wait to see more from her.
February 2, 2020
What a great book to start a series! I cant wait for the next one to come out. I'm already on my second time reading it, it has great detail and humor that everyone can enjoy!
January 27, 2020
This book is amazing! If you love adventures please read this book! This is the next big series!
January 18, 2020
I just finished the book I absolutely loved it.The author wrote with such great detail that I couldn't put the book down.She's the next great writer please let there be more.
January 7, 2021
I enjoy reading Michele's works and talking with her about writing. She puts so much heart and work into her stories! The magic is realistic to me and builds up in a way that is realistic, and the struggles the protagonists have drive the story forward instead of setting it back. I can't wait for the next book!
September 26, 2021
One of the best books that I have read. I loved the author’s humor throughout the book. Can’t wait for the next one!!
January 28, 2021
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍.
Melody Grace always wondered why she could see ghosts and why one killed her great-grandfather seven years ago and soon discovers the answer. Melody is the Earth Elemental. Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground.
To me, the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by parents which was a good thing because YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonist's parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒔 reads as pretty believable for the time period; hardscrabble for most, but people are still people. This book is really good, from the first page I was engrossed. The characters had believable reactions and actions especially Melody. I quickly came to adore the characters. Melody was awesome. She is fierce and sweet and loyal. I loved getting to know more about Melody.
Just the involving, intriguing read to get me out of a string of always a driving book. Great characters, well developed with family complications and secrets, and a mystery to solve certainly helped maintain the interest and the tension. It also takes them into dangerous situations that add so much action to the book. We’re introduced to so many new characters, different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
Overall, this was a fantastic first -in-series, slow-burning book that strengthened the plot and the characters were amazing. This novel has a little bit of everything and is the kind of story that you could read again and again. I am so delighted that I chose to read this series. There is a lot more happening in the story but I will let you read it find out this all out.
Melody Grace always wondered why she could see ghosts and why one killed her great-grandfather seven years ago and soon discovers the answer. Melody is the Earth Elemental. Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground.
To me, the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by parents which was a good thing because YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonist's parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒔 reads as pretty believable for the time period; hardscrabble for most, but people are still people. This book is really good, from the first page I was engrossed. The characters had believable reactions and actions especially Melody. I quickly came to adore the characters. Melody was awesome. She is fierce and sweet and loyal. I loved getting to know more about Melody.
Just the involving, intriguing read to get me out of a string of always a driving book. Great characters, well developed with family complications and secrets, and a mystery to solve certainly helped maintain the interest and the tension. It also takes them into dangerous situations that add so much action to the book. We’re introduced to so many new characters, different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
Overall, this was a fantastic first -in-series, slow-burning book that strengthened the plot and the characters were amazing. This novel has a little bit of everything and is the kind of story that you could read again and again. I am so delighted that I chose to read this series. There is a lot more happening in the story but I will let you read it find out this all out.
January 28, 2021
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍.
Melody Grace always wondered why she could see ghosts and why one killed her great-grandfather seven years ago and soon discovers the answer. Melody is the Earth Elemental. Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground.
To me, the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by parents which was a good thing because YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonist's parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒔 reads as pretty believable for the time period; hardscrabble for most, but people are still people. This book is really good, from the first page I was engrossed. The characters had believable reactions and actions especially Melody. I quickly came to adore the characters. Melody was awesome. She is fierce and sweet and loyal. I loved getting to know more about Melody.
Just the involving, intriguing read to get me out of a string of always a driving book. Great characters, well developed with family complications and secrets, and a mystery to solve certainly helped maintain the interest and the tension. It also takes them into dangerous situations that add so much action to the book. We’re introduced to so many new characters, different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
Overall, this was a fantastic first -in-series, slow-burning book that strengthened the plot and the characters were amazing. This novel has a little bit of everything and is the kind of story that you could read again and again. I am so delighted that I chose to read this series. There is a lot more happening in the story but I will let you read it find out this all out.
Melody Grace always wondered why she could see ghosts and why one killed her great-grandfather seven years ago and soon discovers the answer. Melody is the Earth Elemental. Shortly after she realizes what she is, Melody finds the other three Elementals. Together, they embark on a quest in search of a magical land known as the Underground.
To me, the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by parents which was a good thing because YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonist's parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒔 reads as pretty believable for the time period; hardscrabble for most, but people are still people. This book is really good, from the first page I was engrossed. The characters had believable reactions and actions especially Melody. I quickly came to adore the characters. Melody was awesome. She is fierce and sweet and loyal. I loved getting to know more about Melody.
Just the involving, intriguing read to get me out of a string of always a driving book. Great characters, well developed with family complications and secrets, and a mystery to solve certainly helped maintain the interest and the tension. It also takes them into dangerous situations that add so much action to the book. We’re introduced to so many new characters, different creatures and beings thought only to exist in myths.
Overall, this was a fantastic first -in-series, slow-burning book that strengthened the plot and the characters were amazing. This novel has a little bit of everything and is the kind of story that you could read again and again. I am so delighted that I chose to read this series. There is a lot more happening in the story but I will let you read it find out this all out.
January 29, 2020
This book reads with the same typical troupe. Teenagers are gifted with powers, in this case elements, and go on to save the world. If this is a series waiting to happen, it can end right here with the first book. The writing is childish, the characters are very typical and trite, and all seem to be in love with the self inserted Mary Sue of a character called Melody Grace that doesn't seem all that special in the long run. Just bratty. I paid a little over 25 dollars for a book that I was hoping would be a good read, but I was given the typical fantasy spiel that writers seem to go for nowadays. Don't waste your time.
March 29, 2022
In this first book she creates a world/worlds and many characters w/ storylines and relationships that are woven together very thoughtfully.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews