The Water Princess Claiming of Earth

The Elemental Chronicles #1

by Gina Manis

For the last five years, I have been held captive by my sister, the Queen of Watergate. She cursed and bound my waters powers and turning me into a hideous hag.

Locked behind the walls of a convent in the holy lands kept me safe, but they also kept me from living. That is until I give myself in a sacrifice to the Elemental Powers. They send me three strong men in which I have to form a bond.

Tate, my earth element, was a childhood friend that I had fallen in love with. Seeing Tate again, my heart aches to be close to him, and I can’t control these new desires.

Lindon, my wind element, who is charming and seductive. We will discover our powers together as he is just learning his. That is if we can keep our hands off one another long enough.

Brier, my water element, the commander, is a force I feel stronger than the others. He has suffered the same as me, and it has broken his powers. I have to figure out a way to put him together again for what we must do.

They have freed me, but I am not safe until I am out of this realm. Ogres who want my blood because they are drawn to it by the curse are after us. The one I call Brown is the most dangerous of them all. I fear him the most, but I cannot let that stop me.

I want to live again, and I have made my sacrifice to do so. My promise to the Elementals has to be fulfilled, or else I will never get my water element back. The bond between each of us will strengthen the powers of the elements and give them new life.

Or else the Fire Elements will win. Their element has become too powerful, and they are claiming the earth in which we live. I intend to claim it again.

However, first, I have to find my balance with these three men and make it out of this realm…alive.

Get ready for a fantasy romance with paranormal magic and creatures based on the mythology of the four elements, earth, wind, fire, and water. Besides the powers of the elements, there is mage magic, witches and curses, ogres and shifters, and a whole lot more to this Fantasy Realm.

A daring action-adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat as Celine runs for her life. Packed fight scenes are full of suspense that will have you captivated with their elemental powers and magic.

Heart-felt characters who all have challenges to face and to overcome. It helps keep a contemporary feel to this reverse harem romance that is built around a fantasy world.

This paranormal romance is a slow burn but has very erotic sense. The mythology of the elements and their powers will contribute to the sexual content as bonds are formed among the characters.

This ebook is a Reverse Harem Romance Series and has a total of four books and one standalone edition. All ebooks will be published within four months of each other. The second book is due to release Dec. 2019

Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Royalty

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2019

About the author

Gina Manis grew up in South Alabama, where country living is a way of life. She has a small farm with lots of animals, and she is proud to live a simple life with her family.
She writes fantasy romance novels that are full of adventure and laughter, emotion, and the ever pleasurable heat. The worlds she builds in her books is almost as good as the characters themselves.
You can find out more about Gina Manis on her website. www.ginamanis.com

Reviews

[Talltree · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Water Princess Claiming of Earth

A wonderful start to this new fantasy reverse harem dealing with elemental magic and ogres. I enjoyed the premise and the characters are starting to grow on me more. I’m not sure if I have a favorite man yet but I look forward to discovering more about them especially the latest addition.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2020)! 🎁

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elementals

I have really enjoyed reading this fantasy fairytale. The world build was just the right amount of fantasy to be believable. I liked the characters that have been brought to life. The chemistry between Celine and her childhood sweetheart her earth element Tate is earth quaking. The playfulness with her wind element Lindon is fun to read.

Celine has been cursed by her older jealous sister the Queen and sent to a convent to suffer. There she meets a peculiar ogre that she names Brown because he does not look like the other ogres. After 5 years of being there she finally asks a mage to help her reach out to the elements to break her curse. She is told what she has to do and she asks that they will love her when they come for her.

The twists and turns of the story will keep you intrigued and not wanting to stop reading.

I would recommend this to any RH fantasy fan and even if you’re not sure about either I say give this a try. It is well worth the read.

[Megan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book and I enjoyed this fantasy book. This was a great book that I couldn’t put it down.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Water Princess Claiming of Earth is the first book in The Elemental Chronicles series, and we meet Celine - a Water Princess who has been banished from the kingdom to a convent for the past five years and had her powers locked so she can't use them, a victim of her sister Elizabeth's jealousy. Calling to the Elements, she makes a deal that if she is able to leave the convent, she will bear three children to help balance the Elements of Earth, Air, and Water, to balance out Fire. At the same time, Elizabeth is sending three men to bring Celine back from the convent as she says she wants to make amends. Whether she really does or not remains to be seen.

As you might have gathered from the title, this book is mainly focused on Tate, the Earth part of the equation. He was Celine's boyfriend before she was banished and his feelings for her never changed, even when he thought she was dead. It's not all about Tate though. You also have Lindon, the Wind Element, and Brier, the Water Element who thinks he is broken. Both of these have stories I can't wait to hear, especially Brier. And there is Brown, an ogre who has developed an obsession for Celine and doesn't behave the way an ogre should! Oh boy!!!

This story is slightly paradoxical. It is fast-paced and yet takes it's time so no scene is rushed. Told as first person/present tense, you get viewpoints from all the major players. The cast of characters were all outstanding, with plenty of 'supporting' characters I want to hear more from.

The plot is well thought out, with plenty of details so you never feel like you have missed out. The curse for Celine is a harsh one, and she explains what happened to her once the curse was cast, and how it has been for her to live under it's shadow.

Now - FAIR WARNING - this comes with a cliffhanger ending, complete with plot twist. I loved it for that, but I do know that some people really don't like cliffhangers. All I can say is this will definitely leave you wanting more... immediately!

I was thoroughly delighted by the debut novel and found it ticked many of my boxes. I am hooked on the series and can't wait for the next to come out. Absolutely recommended by me.

[C.J. Bolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great, but I feel that the Author really held back. I loved the fight scenes, the sex, and everything but there really wasn't much chemistry between the characters, especially with the main love interest who she's supposedly known her whole life. The author tells us that there is chemistry, yes, but we aren't really shown it. This is in no way a negative review, I absolutely love the book, this is just tips from one Author to another. I can't wait to read the others as soon as they are available.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book on my iPad for a while already, but I needed a little more motivation to actually read it. That motivation came when Manis was looking for people who wanted to review the first three books in her series. The concept sounded good, I have a little extra time on my hands, so I was quite happy to volunteer.

I have to admit that I was quite surprised this morning when I discovered the book is this big, but I've never fled from big books and I wasn't gonna start now. Luckily the book reads fast and easily. Maybe at times a little too easily. The characters are supposed to be past their teens already, but the writing style doesn't really support that. Writing however is an art and I can't wait to see how it develops in the next book.

Because the concept of the book is really good. The mythology is well thought out and although there are a few info-dumps here and there, it never feels like the author is trying to pump too much complicated information in my brain at once. It helps that the characters have to ease into their powers and the outside world too. In a way we are discovering this universe, their story and what they are capable of together.

This part of the story is mostly about the bonding between the characters. We get to know Celine and how she envisioned her life and future. And we get to meet the guys in her harem. Although all characters seemed well thought out and layered, I still didn't really get the feeling that I could really connect with them. I assume that's because the writing told us too much instead of giving us a chance to really feel it.

However, despite the flaws of this book and its writing, I think there is a lot of potential and I can't wait to see the author grow in the next books!

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the world of magic in this story. It's complicated, interesting, and has everything to be a great story. The curse is so weird and convoluted. I have no idea what to make of it. The complications are insane but I'm desperate for answers. Writing was easy and flowed from one thing to the next. Definitely a reverse harem, but done in such a way that it makes sense. Everything is connected but the answers aren't readily there. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Lindsay Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!

I love the world building in this story; the concept of “being” elements was really cool. As with most RH I love how unique each of the guys were and how they each appealed to Celine in different ways, for different reasons. I loved Tate & Linton and am so looking forward to how the other two fit in.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping paranormal romance that weaves its tale well and before you know it you are drawn in hook, line and sinker! A daring adventure filled with magic and elemental mythology as we follow Celine in the fight for her and her kingdoms freedom. The world building is incredible, the storyline action packed, well paced and filled with mystery and intrigue and the characters are relatable and mostly likeable.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful magical story. Loved the Water Princess, such a strong and smart lady. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Angel Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy molly! The story brought me to a different dimension! This book corrupted me from start to finish. I can’t stop from flipping its pages. I enjoyed every bit in a story and a little of its being “spicy” makes the book tastier. The words were weaved simple, clear and neat.
I really enjoyed reading. I loved the characters, the elements, the scenes, like I am seeing myself in those characters, like I have experienced those, like I have said those, like it brings me to a place where I have visited and lived. Reading am also blushing because like I have said those dialogues.
Love these lines --- “A shiver runs through me at the thought of his promise. I am
definitely in agreement with him on that. I can’t wait to be alone with
him again.”
The author so clever and talented to captivate me! A paranormal mixed with fantasy and some erotic beats, makes an exceptional masterpiece! Gina so smart in playing our emotions!
This a book is so entertaining, no boring scene, it flames your hot and reckless days! Definitely, I’ll share this to my friends and family.
I’ll get more of Gina’s books !
♥Nancy

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed thoughts on this book, both good and bad. There is a feel of a fairytale in the narrative, that wrapping of myth and lore that seeps through the pages - but it also feels a bit stunted, like the fairytale isn't quite sure it wants to be a fairytale. From a jealous sister to a devastating curse, it has all the hallmarks of a Snow White or a Cinderella type epic, without the flush of feeling behind it.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the story... it just lacked something I can't quite define. In many places, it was rushed - though I can understand that to a degree. This poor child has been locked behind the walls of a convent for 5 years, wearing the guise of a monster to all those that see her with an impure heart. That's enough to make anyone a bit impatient to really 'start' their life. That said, a touch more caution seems to be advisable, at least with the men she truly knows nothing about - even Tate, her childhood friend and almost lover.

Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV

Ending Type
Cliffhanger

Rating
Adult

Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF

Character Age Range
20+

My Final Verdict on The Water Princess Claiming of Earth

Intriguing story of lost potential, fate and the power of jealousy. It stumbles in places, but holds an aura of myth - offering just enough to make this a decent afternoon read.

[Sue Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Have Loved This Story OVER 18 READING

Betrayed by her sister she has been cursed for years living with the nuns for protection now suddenly she has been called home by the same sister the Queen. Having called for the earth, wind, water elements (men with power of each) but not fire she is not surprised at three men coming to take her home. Tate is the earth element and a guy she grew up with, he who she swore a pledge to the night before her sister betrayed and cursed her is one of the three who have come for her. He was told she had died all those years ago. She has had a protector near her all this time but he is an ogre ( he is really a man who she knew that is also cursed) that she has feared.. She figures out that Brown (the ogre )is really not one but not who he is or why he has followed her and the three elementals. As this book ends and they are traveling alone she will be able to let her see the real him and tell her who he is to her. I am going straight to the next book of this series to see how she deals with what she has been told and how she gets her other three men she is meant to bond to back.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I'm really excited for this series! I loved the concept of it and the characters are ones I'm dying to know more about. I really enjoyed how innocent Celine is. I think it adds a bit more to the story as we are getting to see how she experiences things for the first time. Her guys seem pretty balanced in personality and physical characteristics, and although we don't know too much about them quite yet, we know enough to connect with them. It's too early for me to decide which one I like the best, but I'm hoping more is divulged in the next book so we can really see who these men are and what makes them tick. I also am interested to see how Celine's elemental powers develop and whether it happens naturally despite the curse and bind on her or if her sister is necessary in the release of her powers. I know her sister claims she has good intentions by bringing Celine back to the kingdom, but I feel there is something that she is still hiding. Hopefully book two will give some answers.

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel bad writing a negative review, but this book was an experience.

I didn't realize this is the authors first book, but now that I do it explains a lot. The storyline aside, some of the writing needs work, the author frequently changes the tenses in the book from present to past, and 1st person to 3rd person, on the same page. This is something an editor should have corrected. It often distracts from the story.

The fantasy story itself is very engaging. I genuinely want to see what happens next to the point I somehow skimmed through book 2, but I can't go on anymore. Because as good as the fantasy story is, the "romance" part is utterly disturbing to me.

Celine isn't your typical kicka$$ heroine. She's sweet and innocent, and that innocence is used against her for the entirety of the book. She's basically a brood mare where sex and possession is used against her, and each time she's ok with it because what she's meant to do is wed several husbands and give them kids, and well she has no thoughts other than that. It's exhausting.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celine is a princess living in a convent because she was cursed by her jealous older sister. After asking help from the elements, three men are sent to her to free her from her curse: Brier, Lindon and Tate. Together they have to find a way back to the water kingdom, while avoiding ogres and other dangers on their path.

This is a second edition, and it feels like a lot of the issues that were posted in previous reviews are solved: the story flows easily and the author takes her time to do a decent character and world building. It makes for an original story where the author doesn't shy away from spicy scenes, but where story and plot have priority. I liked the fact that in this series it feels like the men have more personal struggles to overcome than the fmc. Another major plus for me is the fact that this isn't an instant harem; some relationships develop faster than others, and it feels like more men are waiting to be introduced.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this series, but I was pleasantly surprised and looking forward to the rest.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

G Manis has created a well-written story about a Princess, Celine, who is next-in-line to be Queen for Watergate. Until Celine comes of age to take the role of Queen, her sister Elizabeth is keeping the throne warm, so to speak. Jealousy issues arise and Elizabeth curses and banishes Celine from Watergate, leaving behind friends and her love-interest, Tate.

Fast forward five years and Elizabeth summons three Elementals to retrieve Celine from her banishment. The ten-day journey back to Watergate entails hungry ogres, wolves, Fire-Kingdom attacks, and an obsessive ogre, Brown. Add to this the connection and attraction between the three Elementals and Celine, and you have an intriguing fantasy story.

I love both Celine, Brier, Tate and Lindon's personalities and character development.

If you're into a bit of fantasy, a bit of love, an RH story about Elementals with a bit of magic and a well written book, this one is for you. It's not usually my choice of genre, but it has intrigued me well enough to keep reading!

[bersabea giudice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Ho sempre adorato la magia degli elementi, ed ero pronta a farmi piacere questo libro ad ogni costo, ma tutto ha un limite.
Ci sono libri che si mollano perché la storia non è particolarmente interessante o perché i protagonisti non piacciono abbastanza, ma in questo caso io tendo spesso a continuare a leggere, non si sa mai che la trama si incanali nella giusta direzione.
Poi ci sono i libri che non importa qual'è la storia che stanno raccontando, perché il problema è che chi la sta scrivendo non è capace di farlo.
Il problema di questo libro è proprio quest'ultimo, non ha spessore, è superficiale e puerile, i protagonisti non hanno la minima caratterizzazione, dal nulla cominciano a provare sentimenti come rabbia, gelosia, lussuria, amore addirittura, eppure non ho avvertito il minimo accenno di chimica tra di loro.
Ho resistito fino al 48%, ma ritengo inutile andare avanti, è impossibile che la serie ad un certo punto migliori, perché chi l'ha scritta non ne ha le capacità.

[Mrs R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't make my mind up on stars but I've gone with 3. The reason I've done this is because I just couldn't make my mind up about Celine. She's very innocence and very formal in her speech and mannerisms which are mirrored by the convent nuns but then she'll act a completely opposite way when talking to someone else, it just confused me a bit. She also seemed stuck on believing certain things even if it goes against others.
I also couldn't get my head around what kind of a world it was, seemed old and full of tradition but it wasn't fully explained. About a third of the way in it didn't really matter anymore. Other parts, especially thoughts or speech could sometimes be over explained.
The story itself was good, once it got going it did pull you into the story, there was lots of things going on to keep you interested and 'Brown' certainly added to the mystery.
There is a cliffhanger but you will want to continue to the next book just to see what happens to everyone.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina Manis recently renewed this book, I read the second edition, and it is an absolutely stunning fantasy tale that draws you into a world with the four elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.

As this is the first book of the series, we get to know the heroine's story and her men—especially her relationship with Tate, the Earth element. Celine's journey is subtly written, with many elements of how she comes into her power.

Especially love that the characters all have different layers and powers. When you read the book, you feel as if you are unwrapping an exceptional romantic gift with many wrappings.

The Water Princess is medium burn, which makes the tale more believable, as I would not expect a person going from a convent straight into a threesome with her men.

[Shawnna T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic adventure! I haven't read a book with the four elements quite like this, and it was so enjoyable. Celine, the FMC, is a beautiful princess destined to rule over the water realm. She was cursed at the age of 15 by her jealous sister, then banished to a convent.
Five years later she is rescued by her three elemental heroes only to be pursued by an ogre who is more than he seems.
Jump on and enjoy the ride as Celine and her elements run for their lives and begin to unravel what it means for them to all be tied together now.
I got the revised edition of this book, which I understand had a bit of new content, as this was the authors debut novel, so I can't compare it to the first edition, but the revision was fantastic.

[Inga O · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading this fantasy adventure RH story. The Princess Celine has been cursed by her abusive and jealous sister to bind her magic and make her appear to most as an evil hag. Five years on and her sister is dying and sends men to bring Celine back, Tate the earth elemental her old friend/love interest who she had agreed to marry hour before she was sent away. Lindon the wind elemental, playful and likes to play with death. Brier the water elemental stern, loyal and who thinks he is broken. Then there’s the strange ogre Brown who’s been chasing after Celine for years if by destroying walls or climbing trees he’s always watching. If you enjoy a book with a medium burn RH with more adventure and fantasy than romance that’s well written it’s definitely one to look out for.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freedom

A fantastic adventure, full of unpredictable suspense and surprises. There are magical creatures, hot handsome men, a beautiful woman, and evil queen, the characters are wonderful and realistic. There are many conflicting elements in play, good versus evil, pure magic and black magic, evil curses that must be broken. You fall in love with the characters as they fight for survival and to protect their princess, as they all fall in love with her. Their emotions overwhelm you, as they experience so many, fear, terror, anxiety, hope, caring, and love. Loved it, can’t wait to read the next adventure!

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love stories that revolve around the elements! The Water Princess kept me interested from the prologue to the last chapter. There was some great relationship development and steam, especially between Celine and Tate. I find that the story is more interesting when the conflict of sharing is added into the romance. It's nice to see the relationships develop at a natural pace rather than insta-love. There were some awesome twists and turns. That ending though! I can't wait to read book two!

[Squilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Water Princess
This is an interesting start to a series, easily read in a day. I am not normally fond of cliff hangers and would rather a series have multiple complete linked stories. That said, this had an appealing story with likeable characters. It was almost a quest like story very imaginative. I will read the rest of the series because I'm interested in the loose ends. Without giving to much away: the ogre/not ogre, the best friend nun/?not nun, the broken mate and I could go on but you will need to read to see if your questions are the same as mine. Enjoy!!

[Elia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

The 3 stars are for the actual story. The writing wasn't great even though it said this was a re-write. I dont like stories that tell you things instead of showing you. The other thing was the MFC was pretty dull and a pushover. She ignored clues and things stated literally 5 seconds before. I get she spent 5 years i a convent but she spent 15 outside of that. She should be less of a pushover and since they are telling her she will be queen, she makes zero effort to ask anything about her kingdom.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy with a twist

This is my first book by Gina Manis and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters are well written and strong, the world she created is another one to add to my fantasy bucket list! I loved the twists and turns throughout the story and definitely need more of Tate in his latest animal form! This is a great reverse harem for anyone who loves other worldly, strong characters and fast burn! Can't wait to get into book 2!

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The characters are great. It’s filled with element magic. Celine is a princess set to take over after her sister. Celines sister does something to her and sends her away. Celine must find a way to saver herself. A group of men come for her to take her home. It’s a fight to survive the
Ogres and make it to the border. Will Celine and the guys make it. Read the book to find out.