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Book 1 of the Shadows of Otherside series
Enter an urban fantasy world where elves, vampires, weres, djinn, and others maintain a precarious balance of power in North Carolina. Welcome to Otherside.
Private investigator and sylph Arden Finch is determined to come out of the shadows and practice her forbidden magic. There's just one the elves have a bounty on elementals like her.
When an elf hires Arden without realizing what she is, she seizes the chance to gain leverage in the dangerous world of Otherside—even if it means risking exposure. But as the case grows more perilous, Arden draws the attention of the region's deadliest power players.
Fans of Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, and the early Anita Blake series will find a kick-ass heroine in Arden.
Content swearing, light consensual sex, physical violence, death, slurs (not toward any real racial or ethnic group/identity), threat of sexual violence.
Praise for Elemental
"The fantasy element, though complex, has a pleasingly lived-in feel, and that comfortable familiarity extends to the characters. Arden is a winning protagonist, pushing against PI stereotypes in small but telling ways, and the denizens of Otherside—particularly the vampires and djinn—have well-developed personalities. Hill also has a fine ear for dialogue and a good sense of timing, and the story builds steadily and believably, resulting in a genuine page-turner." - Kirkus Reviews
Grand Prize winner of the Writer’s Digest 8th Annual Self-Published E-book Awards (2020)
Enter an urban fantasy world where elves, vampires, weres, djinn, and others maintain a precarious balance of power in North Carolina. Welcome to Otherside.
Private investigator and sylph Arden Finch is determined to come out of the shadows and practice her forbidden magic. There's just one the elves have a bounty on elementals like her.
When an elf hires Arden without realizing what she is, she seizes the chance to gain leverage in the dangerous world of Otherside—even if it means risking exposure. But as the case grows more perilous, Arden draws the attention of the region's deadliest power players.
Fans of Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, and the early Anita Blake series will find a kick-ass heroine in Arden.
Content swearing, light consensual sex, physical violence, death, slurs (not toward any real racial or ethnic group/identity), threat of sexual violence.
Praise for Elemental
"The fantasy element, though complex, has a pleasingly lived-in feel, and that comfortable familiarity extends to the characters. Arden is a winning protagonist, pushing against PI stereotypes in small but telling ways, and the denizens of Otherside—particularly the vampires and djinn—have well-developed personalities. Hill also has a fine ear for dialogue and a good sense of timing, and the story builds steadily and believably, resulting in a genuine page-turner." - Kirkus Reviews
Grand Prize winner of the Writer’s Digest 8th Annual Self-Published E-book Awards (2020)
307 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2020
145 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Hill
20 books117 followersWhitney Hill (whitneyhillwrites.com) is the author of the Shadows of Otherside contemporary fantasy series. The bestselling first book in the series, Elemental, was the grand prize winner of the 8th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards.
Whitney is also the founder of Benu Media (benumedia.com), an indie publishing imprint and creative consulting business. She leverages over a decade of marketing experience to offer resources that help indie authors rise and shine.
When she’s not writing or consulting, Whitney enjoys hiking in North Carolina’s beautiful state parks and playing video games.
Join Whitney on Twitter and Instagram: @write_wherever.
Whitney is also the founder of Benu Media (benumedia.com), an indie publishing imprint and creative consulting business. She leverages over a decade of marketing experience to offer resources that help indie authors rise and shine.
When she’s not writing or consulting, Whitney enjoys hiking in North Carolina’s beautiful state parks and playing video games.
Join Whitney on Twitter and Instagram: @write_wherever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 10, 2021
Arden Finch is a private investigator in North Carolina who is hiding that she is a sylph. As a sylph she has elemental magic though she spends most of her time pretending to be human so she doesn't really know how to use her powers to their full capacity. In between her investigator jobs she's basically an errand runner for her adoptive mother of sorts, Calista. All her life she's been taught to steer clear of elves however when when one hires her to investigate the disappearance of their elder she finds herself deep into the dangerous world of the Otherside.
Arden isn't an easy to love character. She's snarky and can be fun sometimes but she also frustrated me throughout the story. Especially with her refusal to actually use her powers in a world where vamps, weres, elves, and djinn are all trying to stake their claim. She's very aware of the real danger elves are to her but she was determined to still keep the human façade at all costs even while in danger. And she would just jump into situations sometimes without thinking. But then there were moments that I really felt for her. I was glad to see her finally start to take charge towards the end and do what's best for her upon realizing everyone wanted to use her as a pawn for their own gain.
One thing I thought Whitney Hill did well was actually have her react realistically to traumatic situations. Most of the fantasies I read the characters don't have time to react to the violence towards and around them. After a near death experience Arden is jumpy when anyone comes near here.
There's some romance in here with Roman, a werewolf from a notable family who can't fully transform so he's been cast out of his pack. They have what they describe as an ass and cash relationship. They hook up on an off and she pays him to help her with cases. She keeps him at a distance but he starts to gain feelings and I love when the man is the one who falls in love first.
Even though we got introduced to many magical creatures I don't feel like the magic system was overly complicated. I didn't have to sit down and take notes to keep everything straight and was still able to follow along. It got a little rocky for me in the middle but it picked back up. I would actually check out the rest of the series because I want to know what was the meaning was of that pendant Arden's father gave her and hear more about her parents.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Arden isn't an easy to love character. She's snarky and can be fun sometimes but she also frustrated me throughout the story. Especially with her refusal to actually use her powers in a world where vamps, weres, elves, and djinn are all trying to stake their claim. She's very aware of the real danger elves are to her but she was determined to still keep the human façade at all costs even while in danger. And she would just jump into situations sometimes without thinking. But then there were moments that I really felt for her. I was glad to see her finally start to take charge towards the end and do what's best for her upon realizing everyone wanted to use her as a pawn for their own gain.
One thing I thought Whitney Hill did well was actually have her react realistically to traumatic situations. Most of the fantasies I read the characters don't have time to react to the violence towards and around them. After a near death experience Arden is jumpy when anyone comes near here.
There's some romance in here with Roman, a werewolf from a notable family who can't fully transform so he's been cast out of his pack. They have what they describe as an ass and cash relationship. They hook up on an off and she pays him to help her with cases. She keeps him at a distance but he starts to gain feelings and I love when the man is the one who falls in love first.
Even though we got introduced to many magical creatures I don't feel like the magic system was overly complicated. I didn't have to sit down and take notes to keep everything straight and was still able to follow along. It got a little rocky for me in the middle but it picked back up. I would actually check out the rest of the series because I want to know what was the meaning was of that pendant Arden's father gave her and hear more about her parents.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
January 12, 2021
This book is going to be a difficult one to review. I really liked the concept of this book and the first part and then the second part didn't work for me. The pretty cover and blurb pulled me in and then I had a look at the sample and the writing style clicked with me too. I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book. And for a while I did. This book feels like it's broken up in two parts for me, not literally as the divide isn't that clear. For me there is the part I enjoyed at first and then once the mystery is solved it somehow turned into a book I didn't enjoy. And that just makes me sad as the start was so good. And I am not even quite sure what changed so drastically that it soured the whole book for me.
Elemental is about Arden Finch, she's a private investigator for humans. Secretly she's also part of the Otherworld, the supernatural community. She's an elemental, a sylph, who can control wind. Only a few people know what she is though as elementals are hunted by the elves. Arden has kept her powers a secret for a long time, but now that an elf has hired her to solve the mystery of his missing grandma she's walking a dangerous path.
The story gripped me from the start, I liked how capable Arden was when she gained access to the headquarters of a startup company in a smart way. She seemed good at her job and that was interesting to read about. Slowly we get these hints of things being stirred up. An elf hires her for an unusual job and there is some unrest in the otherworld community. She tries to keep her distance, but slowly gets pulled deeper into it all.
At first it's mostly reads like a paranormal mystery as Arden tries to solve the mystery of the missing elf. I enjoyed this part, seeing how she dealt with humans and otherworlders alike and also kept her powers a secret. There are some big things she has to deal with and things she have to figure out that relate to her, as well as this mystery that is more than it seems. Once the mystery is solved around midway through the book it got less enjoyable for me.
I felt like Arden got less capable, I thought she handled some things in a not so smart way and I also thought I wasn't as interesting how she just wanted to be left alone mostly. I felt like she got pulled into multiple directions by other people and what they wanted, it got spun in a way so it also fit what she wanted, but it still felt like other people decided the direction and she just made the most out of it to suit her own needs. And then other times she seemed overly aggressive or angry and while it kinda made sense, I also didn't quite like it.
There were some plot points that didn't quite make sense to me, like why she needed leverage to gain her independence as we never knew what Calista had over her or why she wouldn't let Arden go or what their work relationship really entailed. Only at the end I felt like we got this piece of the puzzle, but as it was such a big part of the plot I would've liked that earlier. Then there is the big part of how elves kill elementals on sight. It was such a crucial part of the plot, but we never find out why. Arden kinda comes up with a possible explanation, that to me didn't make sense as the elves their power seemed way more creepy, but we never got the explanation from the elves.
It also felt at times that the plot and the main feel of the story changed directions. At first is a mystery with more going on then it seems to be more about the different otherworld factions and by the end there is this whole new level that gets added. The last one didn't even have any build-up and it felt like that plot point came out of nowhere. The same with some side characters, there are some introduced early on or important for part that we don't see later on and I wanted to know what happened to them by the end of the book. While part of the plot gets wrapped up, it also is clearly a first book in the series in the sense how bigger plot lines are left open, so some of my questions might be answered later.
There are some interesting side characters, but none that I would really say are likable. Everyone has their own agenda and most are quite selfish. This gives a certain vibe to the world and interactions and it didn't quite work for me or fit with what I had expected of the book. I think there is one person that helps her and discloses information out of the goodness of her heart instead of bargaining for it. I just would like to read more about nice people nowadays.
There is a hint of possible romance and Arden has a agreement with a werewolf that she works and sleeps with, but they aren't dating. I quite liked their relationship at first and the way they interacted, there are no strings attached and they both seemed happy with the arrangement. I liked how caring he seemed. Although later in the book their relationship seemed to get soured a bit due to some plot developments. I can totally understand his motive, but I also was a bit sad he seemed to have his own goals as well now.
I mostly liked the world building, the general idea of this otherworld communicate hidden in plain sight from the humans. It was nice to see how every type of supernatural had a bit of their own community and their own skills and powers. And it feels like there are even more than we see so far. Although there were some specific details I wanted to know more of or that didn't quite make sense to me.
I am not even sure what my main issue with this book was. It just felt like I was enjoying the book and then slowly multiple things started bothering and by the end I was happy I finished reading so I could start a new book. It's like a lot of small things, plot related, character related and so forth that just started not workign for me and then adding up.
To summarize: This book had a great start with a capable main character, a tricky mystery and some fun paranormal elements. I really enjoyed the first part of the book when Arden tries to solve the mystery, after that I slowly lost interest. It's a multitude of different small things that didn't quite work for me. From the plot and vibe going into a direction I didn't really like, to the main character becoming less capable and being pulled into directions by others, side characters that seemed mostly focused on their own gain and some big plot elements that didn't quite make sense. Unfortunately by the time I finished the book I was happy it was over. There are some parts and scenes I did really like, but the second part of the book kinda ruined the book for me. It has an unique twist on the magical/ paranormal world that I like and I enjoyed seeing and learning more of the different paranormal species.
Elemental is about Arden Finch, she's a private investigator for humans. Secretly she's also part of the Otherworld, the supernatural community. She's an elemental, a sylph, who can control wind. Only a few people know what she is though as elementals are hunted by the elves. Arden has kept her powers a secret for a long time, but now that an elf has hired her to solve the mystery of his missing grandma she's walking a dangerous path.
The story gripped me from the start, I liked how capable Arden was when she gained access to the headquarters of a startup company in a smart way. She seemed good at her job and that was interesting to read about. Slowly we get these hints of things being stirred up. An elf hires her for an unusual job and there is some unrest in the otherworld community. She tries to keep her distance, but slowly gets pulled deeper into it all.
At first it's mostly reads like a paranormal mystery as Arden tries to solve the mystery of the missing elf. I enjoyed this part, seeing how she dealt with humans and otherworlders alike and also kept her powers a secret. There are some big things she has to deal with and things she have to figure out that relate to her, as well as this mystery that is more than it seems. Once the mystery is solved around midway through the book it got less enjoyable for me.
I felt like Arden got less capable, I thought she handled some things in a not so smart way and I also thought I wasn't as interesting how she just wanted to be left alone mostly. I felt like she got pulled into multiple directions by other people and what they wanted, it got spun in a way so it also fit what she wanted, but it still felt like other people decided the direction and she just made the most out of it to suit her own needs. And then other times she seemed overly aggressive or angry and while it kinda made sense, I also didn't quite like it.
There were some plot points that didn't quite make sense to me, like why she needed leverage to gain her independence as we never knew what Calista had over her or why she wouldn't let Arden go or what their work relationship really entailed. Only at the end I felt like we got this piece of the puzzle, but as it was such a big part of the plot I would've liked that earlier. Then there is the big part of how elves kill elementals on sight. It was such a crucial part of the plot, but we never find out why. Arden kinda comes up with a possible explanation, that to me didn't make sense as the elves their power seemed way more creepy, but we never got the explanation from the elves.
It also felt at times that the plot and the main feel of the story changed directions. At first is a mystery with more going on then it seems to be more about the different otherworld factions and by the end there is this whole new level that gets added. The last one didn't even have any build-up and it felt like that plot point came out of nowhere. The same with some side characters, there are some introduced early on or important for part that we don't see later on and I wanted to know what happened to them by the end of the book. While part of the plot gets wrapped up, it also is clearly a first book in the series in the sense how bigger plot lines are left open, so some of my questions might be answered later.
There are some interesting side characters, but none that I would really say are likable. Everyone has their own agenda and most are quite selfish. This gives a certain vibe to the world and interactions and it didn't quite work for me or fit with what I had expected of the book. I think there is one person that helps her and discloses information out of the goodness of her heart instead of bargaining for it. I just would like to read more about nice people nowadays.
There is a hint of possible romance and Arden has a agreement with a werewolf that she works and sleeps with, but they aren't dating. I quite liked their relationship at first and the way they interacted, there are no strings attached and they both seemed happy with the arrangement. I liked how caring he seemed. Although later in the book their relationship seemed to get soured a bit due to some plot developments. I can totally understand his motive, but I also was a bit sad he seemed to have his own goals as well now.
I mostly liked the world building, the general idea of this otherworld communicate hidden in plain sight from the humans. It was nice to see how every type of supernatural had a bit of their own community and their own skills and powers. And it feels like there are even more than we see so far. Although there were some specific details I wanted to know more of or that didn't quite make sense to me.
I am not even sure what my main issue with this book was. It just felt like I was enjoying the book and then slowly multiple things started bothering and by the end I was happy I finished reading so I could start a new book. It's like a lot of small things, plot related, character related and so forth that just started not workign for me and then adding up.
To summarize: This book had a great start with a capable main character, a tricky mystery and some fun paranormal elements. I really enjoyed the first part of the book when Arden tries to solve the mystery, after that I slowly lost interest. It's a multitude of different small things that didn't quite work for me. From the plot and vibe going into a direction I didn't really like, to the main character becoming less capable and being pulled into directions by others, side characters that seemed mostly focused on their own gain and some big plot elements that didn't quite make sense. Unfortunately by the time I finished the book I was happy it was over. There are some parts and scenes I did really like, but the second part of the book kinda ruined the book for me. It has an unique twist on the magical/ paranormal world that I like and I enjoyed seeing and learning more of the different paranormal species.
October 9, 2024
ELEMENTAL was a really interesting read and I loved Arden a lot! She's smart and tough and once she realizes what's really going on in Otherside she works to gain her independence and fight for her presence in the community. Most of Otherside thought Elementals were all killed long ago by the Elves, who continue to hold a death warrant for all Elementals, so Arden keeps her powers wrapped up tight and hasn't even tried to see what all she can do as an Air Elemental. In addition, Arden doesn't get involved with the Otherside community and as a result doesn't know a lot of the power players or history of the different types of Otherside beings. This all creates a bit of a mess once Arden finds herself right in the middle of Elven and Vampire politics.
The world-building starts out a little slow in the beginning and because Arden has been kept in the dark about a lot of Otherside, the reader is also in the dark. It takes a little bit to get a footing in the world but once we start to learn more it gets really interesting and I loved learning about the dynamics of the different supernatural beings. This is definitely a series you can get really immersed in. ELEMENTAL is told from Arden's point of view and I liked that even though her life has been hard and she hasn't had much family she's not too cynical. She keeps to herself out of necessity but I liked seeing her realize her strength as she starts to fight for her voice and her place in Otherside. She's been manipulated and kept powerless on purpose and once she realizes what's going on, she goes all in on taking back control of her life.
Because this is Urban Fantasy it's primarily focused on Arden as a character, but there is a small love story that made me happy. Arden has a friends-with-benefits relationship with a werewolf and I'll be curious to see if that grows through the series.
Content Warning: On page drowning death
The world-building starts out a little slow in the beginning and because Arden has been kept in the dark about a lot of Otherside, the reader is also in the dark. It takes a little bit to get a footing in the world but once we start to learn more it gets really interesting and I loved learning about the dynamics of the different supernatural beings. This is definitely a series you can get really immersed in. ELEMENTAL is told from Arden's point of view and I liked that even though her life has been hard and she hasn't had much family she's not too cynical. She keeps to herself out of necessity but I liked seeing her realize her strength as she starts to fight for her voice and her place in Otherside. She's been manipulated and kept powerless on purpose and once she realizes what's going on, she goes all in on taking back control of her life.
Because this is Urban Fantasy it's primarily focused on Arden as a character, but there is a small love story that made me happy. Arden has a friends-with-benefits relationship with a werewolf and I'll be curious to see if that grows through the series.
Content Warning: On page drowning death
August 7, 2020
The story follows Arden Finch, a private investigator that holds a dangerous secret: she is one of the last elementals, and very likely the only sylph left (she can control air). She can't risk using her powers for fear of being discovered, for elementals are hunted by one of the most dangerous and powerful species in the triangle: the elves.
I absolutely love the world-building that the author has masterly crafted for this series. The world is intertwined with all supernatural species in such a perfectly detailed backstory that is easy to grasp and coherent. I love the variety of supernatural creatures involved and all their magical skills! My favorite character is our underdog and charming werewolf; Roman.
"A werewolf, a vampire, an elf, and an elemental go hunting. What could possibly go wrong?"
The novel is action packed, full of suspense and deadly creatures, with lots of mysterious deaths for our clever PI to solve, as well as a tint of romance. The characters that have been introduced are all so intriguing, and I'm loving the formation of this unique bond between them! Can't wait for more!
I absolutely love the world-building that the author has masterly crafted for this series. The world is intertwined with all supernatural species in such a perfectly detailed backstory that is easy to grasp and coherent. I love the variety of supernatural creatures involved and all their magical skills! My favorite character is our underdog and charming werewolf; Roman.
"A werewolf, a vampire, an elf, and an elemental go hunting. What could possibly go wrong?"
The novel is action packed, full of suspense and deadly creatures, with lots of mysterious deaths for our clever PI to solve, as well as a tint of romance. The characters that have been introduced are all so intriguing, and I'm loving the formation of this unique bond between them! Can't wait for more!
July 20, 2021
The next time someone tries to slander indie authors, I'll refer them to this book!
It was so fun - I liked the setting in North Carolina, and learning about all of the different creatures of the Otherside. I am also biased, cuz I love paranormal fantasies where the MC is some kind of detective or private investigator, and inevitably uncovers some nefarious plot.
Arden is a great heroine, and I'm looking forward to learning more about her past and watching her expand her powers and influence. And the characters surrounding her are yummy, with their own dark pasts and darker intents.
Solid opener for a series - ready for Book 2!
It was so fun - I liked the setting in North Carolina, and learning about all of the different creatures of the Otherside. I am also biased, cuz I love paranormal fantasies where the MC is some kind of detective or private investigator, and inevitably uncovers some nefarious plot.
Arden is a great heroine, and I'm looking forward to learning more about her past and watching her expand her powers and influence. And the characters surrounding her are yummy, with their own dark pasts and darker intents.
Solid opener for a series - ready for Book 2!
May 26, 2022
I've found my newest favorite author. While I have heard her writing compared to early Laurel Hamilton's Anita Blake books, she reminds me more of Jim Butcher and his Dresden Files. Her writing is crisp and her characters bring it all to the table. In this first book of her five book series, she introduces us to Arden Finch, a private investigator. Arden is very insecure and knows little of her familial background. Orphaned as an infant, she was plucked from foster care by Calista, a mysterious being, who controls the different species residing in the area. Arden is also protected by two Djinn who are charged with ensuring that she stays under the radar of all the other beings of the Otherside. All she knows that she is an Elemental, a sylph capable of controlling air and under the treat of death if her secret ever comes out. Passing as a human she is hired by an Elf to investigate the disappearance of his grandmother. During the course of her investigation we are introduced to Vampires, Weres and other Elves who all will have critical roles in the outcome of this story. A very enjoyable read.
July 30, 2021
Rating 3.5
This is a urban fantasy with a mix of mystery. With werewolves, djinn, elves, vampires, and of course elementals! I loved that the setting was in North Carolina and the main MC was a Private investigator. It really provided the storyline to be more realistic and gave me CSI and Jessica Jones vibes!
Arden is such a admirable character who is just trying to live her life the best way she can. Trying to be independent and not live in the shadows of being afraid of who she is and what others perceive her as. I loved that this 1st book she was just coming into her powers and I can't wait to see how she evolves as a character in the subsequent books!
This is a urban fantasy with a mix of mystery. With werewolves, djinn, elves, vampires, and of course elementals! I loved that the setting was in North Carolina and the main MC was a Private investigator. It really provided the storyline to be more realistic and gave me CSI and Jessica Jones vibes!
Arden is such a admirable character who is just trying to live her life the best way she can. Trying to be independent and not live in the shadows of being afraid of who she is and what others perceive her as. I loved that this 1st book she was just coming into her powers and I can't wait to see how she evolves as a character in the subsequent books!
March 10, 2021
A well written urban fantasy set in North Carolina.
Arden is a Private Investigator but has to hide her Elemental powers as there are those who will kill her if she is discovered. She is hired by an Elf to look into a disappearance and finds herself in trouble with the beings of “Otherside” (those that live alongside humans) while desperately trying to keep her powers secret.
As she learns more about the Otherside, she starts to learn more about herself and her powers.
There is a proper plot in here and well defined characters so this ends up being rather fun.
Arden is a Private Investigator but has to hide her Elemental powers as there are those who will kill her if she is discovered. She is hired by an Elf to look into a disappearance and finds herself in trouble with the beings of “Otherside” (those that live alongside humans) while desperately trying to keep her powers secret.
As she learns more about the Otherside, she starts to learn more about herself and her powers.
There is a proper plot in here and well defined characters so this ends up being rather fun.
June 24, 2020
From my experience, I've found that self-published or small press published books can be hit or miss, so I went into this book cold with no expectations. I won the title in a giveaway from the author's IG account and my luck didn't stop at simply winning a free book, I have found my next favorite series!
Elemental is the first book in an Urban Fantasy series. I love the UF genre, but most books that fall in this genre I feel are a bit contrived. Not this book!
The story follows Arden Finch, a PI with a little bit extra; she is also an elemental with the power to control air. Finch was raised an orphan, knowing little about her background or the extent of her powers aside from the fact that if anyone finds out what she is, she is as good as dead. Finch's relationship with Callista, the mysterious woman who raised her, and her two djinn companions Duke and Grimm, is complicated. The care they show towards her has layers of manipulation to ends that seem like there might be an apocalypse brewing...
There is a lot of depth to Finch's character and the motivations of all the other beings in her life are questionable. Poor Finch just wants to be left alone, but the creatures of Otherside have something else in store for her.
This book is paced well and lays the groundwork for the world much better than most other first books in a series. I was left wanting more but also felt like the story wrapped up sufficiently enough that it didn't feel like a cliffhanger. To me, this feels like a fresh take on a genre that has been explored many times over. Ms. Hill, please keep the books coming!!
Also, I'm totally on team Roman...I'm rooting for you buddy! Just take care of some of that toxic family issues stuff...you don't need them!
Elemental is the first book in an Urban Fantasy series. I love the UF genre, but most books that fall in this genre I feel are a bit contrived. Not this book!
The story follows Arden Finch, a PI with a little bit extra; she is also an elemental with the power to control air. Finch was raised an orphan, knowing little about her background or the extent of her powers aside from the fact that if anyone finds out what she is, she is as good as dead. Finch's relationship with Callista, the mysterious woman who raised her, and her two djinn companions Duke and Grimm, is complicated. The care they show towards her has layers of manipulation to ends that seem like there might be an apocalypse brewing...
There is a lot of depth to Finch's character and the motivations of all the other beings in her life are questionable. Poor Finch just wants to be left alone, but the creatures of Otherside have something else in store for her.
This book is paced well and lays the groundwork for the world much better than most other first books in a series. I was left wanting more but also felt like the story wrapped up sufficiently enough that it didn't feel like a cliffhanger. To me, this feels like a fresh take on a genre that has been explored many times over. Ms. Hill, please keep the books coming!!
Also, I'm totally on team Roman...I'm rooting for you buddy! Just take care of some of that toxic family issues stuff...you don't need them!
October 5, 2020
This was such a fun read! Elementals managed to combine so many of my favorite things into one charming novel, building the foundation for a gripping Adult Fantasy series that I am super looking forward to. In a sentence I'd describe this book as Veronica Mars meets Artemis Fowl, set in the heart of North Carolina.
This first book in the Shadows of Otherside series stars a crime solving bad ass, Arden Finch, who secretly wields the element of Air. Though there's few she can trust, she is often working for and with a wide array of supernatural beings, including a few djinn allies, several elven enemies, a werewolf (kinda)boyfriend, and more. Throughout the story Arden has to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Triangle, all while keeping her secrets safe and balancing the precarious relationships she has with her fellow Othersiders. In the end Arden fights not just to survive, but to make her own place in this dangerous and magical world.
I am so glad that the sequel comes out next month because I'm dying to see what Arden and the gang get up to next! Eldridge Sparks is already pre-ordered!
This first book in the Shadows of Otherside series stars a crime solving bad ass, Arden Finch, who secretly wields the element of Air. Though there's few she can trust, she is often working for and with a wide array of supernatural beings, including a few djinn allies, several elven enemies, a werewolf (kinda)boyfriend, and more. Throughout the story Arden has to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Triangle, all while keeping her secrets safe and balancing the precarious relationships she has with her fellow Othersiders. In the end Arden fights not just to survive, but to make her own place in this dangerous and magical world.
I am so glad that the sequel comes out next month because I'm dying to see what Arden and the gang get up to next! Eldridge Sparks is already pre-ordered!
August 1, 2020
Whitney Hill breaks out of the gate with a debut urban fantasy set in North Carolina--a North Carolina home to vampires, witches, elves, and more. Arden is an elemental, raised with the knowledge that she must hide what she is. Not just from humans, but also from the other supernatural peoples--Otherside. Arden can't keep her head down anymore when an elf comes to retain her services as a private investigator to find his missing grandmother.
Part sleuthing mystery, part walk among fantastical creatures, and part coming of age, Elemental's heart and soul is the main character, Arden. Tough yet vulnerable, Arden has to figure out how to stand on her own, trust others, and stay alive, while the threads of the missing grandmother weave a web of intrigue that goes dark and ever more dangerous.
Absolutely recommended!
Part sleuthing mystery, part walk among fantastical creatures, and part coming of age, Elemental's heart and soul is the main character, Arden. Tough yet vulnerable, Arden has to figure out how to stand on her own, trust others, and stay alive, while the threads of the missing grandmother weave a web of intrigue that goes dark and ever more dangerous.
Absolutely recommended!
September 20, 2020
Enjoyable urban fantasy with an unusual protagonist species
It's pretty hard these days to surprise me with an urban fantasy novel, but this book was recommended to me by my physical therapist, and I really enjoyed it. The politics went beyond the normal nor detective issues, and I was really surprised by how things escalated at the end. Reminded me a bit of the first season of the modern remake of Charmed actually, but in a good way.
It's pretty hard these days to surprise me with an urban fantasy novel, but this book was recommended to me by my physical therapist, and I really enjoyed it. The politics went beyond the normal nor detective issues, and I was really surprised by how things escalated at the end. Reminded me a bit of the first season of the modern remake of Charmed actually, but in a good way.
December 1, 2020
Couldn't put it down!
I rarely write reviews, but this book is a must read. Love the main character, she is very relatable, down to earth and likeable... I don't usually find that in paranormal books. The story is fast paced and well written. I already bought the second book, and an reading it before my other favorite author's books. Whitney Hill is my new favorite author! Definitely but this book, you won't regret it!
I rarely write reviews, but this book is a must read. Love the main character, she is very relatable, down to earth and likeable... I don't usually find that in paranormal books. The story is fast paced and well written. I already bought the second book, and an reading it before my other favorite author's books. Whitney Hill is my new favorite author! Definitely but this book, you won't regret it!
November 7, 2020
Strong, sassy, fascinating urban fantasy. This story captivated me with flawed, determined characters and A+ plot twists. I had to keep reading to find out what happened next, and devoured the book in two days. The world building is excellent, and I was absolutely invested in the emerging mystery. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
September 29, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I wasn't disappointed. Arden's voice is just awesome, and the worldbuilding gave me heart eyes. I'm looking forward to the next :) Keep them coming!
June 30, 2022
This one is hard to rate. It was interesting and kept me engaged. I cared about the characters and wanted to get to know them more. But it didn’t wrap up very well and left a bunch of plot holes. I will read the next in the series.
August 22, 2022
Man oh man. I'm gonna say the thing I say too much and too often in my reviews that I've recently been trying to avoid: I really wanted to like this more than I did.
The book is an urban fantasy about a sylph elemental who has to lie low so the other magical races don't kill her, while also trying to live a normal life as a private investigator. The story is set in North Carolina, which I've never been to, but I already am fond of as a fantasy setting because of Legendborn by Tracey Deonn.
I'm giving this three stars because there were parts that were really, really good. There were parts where I really had no idea what was going to happen. But these parts were far and few in between and could not make up for the rest of the book, which I often found dull.
My main gripe were the characters. It's clear from the start that this was going to mainly be a solitary journey for our protagonist, Arden. This is not by itself a bad thing, but Arden is not interesting or compelling enough to carry this book on her own. Arden desperately needed to pair up with interesting side characters to sell me on this.
Now, the first half is mostly a solitary journey, while she does team up with others in the second half. However, these characters left much to be desired.
At the beginning, her only "friends" are two djinn, Duke and Grimm. Duke and Grimm are very obviously sus from the beginning. The djinn are uninteresting, unhelpful, and take way too much space in this novel. They mostly speak in riddles, which is super annoying.They work for Callista, Arden's abusive adoptive mother/slaver. Callista is indirectly the main antagonist of the novel.
As the main plot progresses, Arden recruits the help of Roman, her tech guy and fuckbuddy who happens to be a werewolf runt; Maria, your quintessential sultry vampire; and Troy, an elf prince playing double agent against Arden's client, Leith.
So here's the thing, as soon as we meet Roman, I knew this would not work. There is 0 chemistry. Z-E-R-O. It felt too forced between them, with Roman getting attached way too deep and way too quickly considering that he only saw Arden sporadically when she needed a tech guy for her investigations. Even though they're kind of together at the end, you don't get that she's particularly into him.
Actually, Arden had much more chemistry with Troy, which is rich considering that, as an elf, he actively seeks to eradicate elementals. Thing is, their interactions were the most interesting. The best parts of the book for me to read were actually the parts Arden and Troy are forced to interact together. It's very obvious they are going to get together at some point. I mean, they felt electricity during their first handshake. Static discharges don't exist in fiction. When two characters feel electricity at skin-to-skin contact, you know it's meant to be. And, honestly, I much prefer it. They both make one another more interesting and it felt genuine when they made little concessions to further one another's goals. The series now has 4 books, so I imagine it will take a while for these two to get together considering Troy has to go through a redemption arc after straight up drowning Arden.
If the next book was just Arden and Troy I would be down to continue the series, but I just can't take the extended snoozefest that are 99% of the characters, but especially Roman as a love interest.
So yeah, I wanted to like it. There are parts I actually do like, but it was overall a slog to get through this. Shame.
The book is an urban fantasy about a sylph elemental who has to lie low so the other magical races don't kill her, while also trying to live a normal life as a private investigator. The story is set in North Carolina, which I've never been to, but I already am fond of as a fantasy setting because of Legendborn by Tracey Deonn.
I'm giving this three stars because there were parts that were really, really good. There were parts where I really had no idea what was going to happen. But these parts were far and few in between and could not make up for the rest of the book, which I often found dull.
My main gripe were the characters. It's clear from the start that this was going to mainly be a solitary journey for our protagonist, Arden. This is not by itself a bad thing, but Arden is not interesting or compelling enough to carry this book on her own. Arden desperately needed to pair up with interesting side characters to sell me on this.
Now, the first half is mostly a solitary journey, while she does team up with others in the second half. However, these characters left much to be desired.
At the beginning, her only "friends" are two djinn, Duke and Grimm. Duke and Grimm are very obviously sus from the beginning. The djinn are uninteresting, unhelpful, and take way too much space in this novel. They mostly speak in riddles, which is super annoying.They work for Callista, Arden's abusive adoptive mother/slaver. Callista is indirectly the main antagonist of the novel.
As the main plot progresses, Arden recruits the help of Roman, her tech guy and fuckbuddy who happens to be a werewolf runt; Maria, your quintessential sultry vampire; and Troy, an elf prince playing double agent against Arden's client, Leith.
So here's the thing, as soon as we meet Roman, I knew this would not work. There is 0 chemistry. Z-E-R-O. It felt too forced between them, with Roman getting attached way too deep and way too quickly considering that he only saw Arden sporadically when she needed a tech guy for her investigations. Even though they're kind of together at the end, you don't get that she's particularly into him.
Actually, Arden had much more chemistry with Troy, which is rich considering that, as an elf, he actively seeks to eradicate elementals. Thing is, their interactions were the most interesting. The best parts of the book for me to read were actually the parts Arden and Troy are forced to interact together. It's very obvious they are going to get together at some point. I mean, they felt electricity during their first handshake. Static discharges don't exist in fiction. When two characters feel electricity at skin-to-skin contact, you know it's meant to be. And, honestly, I much prefer it. They both make one another more interesting and it felt genuine when they made little concessions to further one another's goals. The series now has 4 books, so I imagine it will take a while for these two to get together considering Troy has to go through a redemption arc after straight up drowning Arden.
If the next book was just Arden and Troy I would be down to continue the series, but I just can't take the extended snoozefest that are 99% of the characters, but especially Roman as a love interest.
So yeah, I wanted to like it. There are parts I actually do like, but it was overall a slog to get through this. Shame.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel for so many reasons. The author, Whitney, creates a gripping crime case within the society of Otherside. The relationships and politics with Otherside are interesting and realistic, I mean humans can’t even get along and we’re all the same species. Whitney also adds in species that are not always mentioned in fantasy, like Dijin. I’m really excited to see the development of Otherside politics in book 2!
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Furthermore, the protagonist created by Whitney is well rounded and refreshing. Arden has an abusive past, and this is well explored without being romanticized. Arden works on herself and tries to come to terms with her past throughout the novel. She undergoes dramatic hardship and what I love about it is that Whitney allows Arden to feel it. She allows Arden to be injured and scared and to have realistic emotional reactions to what happened to her. I’m sick of protagonists who go through hell and come out perfect, that’s not how humans work!
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To summarize: Arden undergoes a personal transformation while solving a griping criminal case within the fantasy society of Otherside. This was the first urban fantasy I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. I recommend Elemental to anyone who wants to go on a fantasy thrill!
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Furthermore, the protagonist created by Whitney is well rounded and refreshing. Arden has an abusive past, and this is well explored without being romanticized. Arden works on herself and tries to come to terms with her past throughout the novel. She undergoes dramatic hardship and what I love about it is that Whitney allows Arden to feel it. She allows Arden to be injured and scared and to have realistic emotional reactions to what happened to her. I’m sick of protagonists who go through hell and come out perfect, that’s not how humans work!
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To summarize: Arden undergoes a personal transformation while solving a griping criminal case within the fantasy society of Otherside. This was the first urban fantasy I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. I recommend Elemental to anyone who wants to go on a fantasy thrill!
July 28, 2021
This is a really cool mashup of urban fantasy and mystery. It’s also set in my hometown of Durham, North Carolina which made it all the more entertaining.
In fact the main character, Arden, lives in a house in Eno River State Park which is about 10 minutes from my childhood home.
The plot itself is very interesting and for a non fantasy reader like myself the Otherworld (fantasy) part was easy to understand.
In this book, Arden is a private investigator in the human world but she also has the elemental power of Air. Arden tries to hide her powers as she takes on a case of a missing woman that may tie into a series of mysterious drownings.
There are elves, vampires, djinns, and a werewolf living in the area. (I’ll be looking over my shoulder next time I go visit my mom!) These different groups normally hate each other but they need to end up working together for a common goal.
Arden is a wonderful main character. I love her vibe of determination and grit.
In fact the main character, Arden, lives in a house in Eno River State Park which is about 10 minutes from my childhood home.
The plot itself is very interesting and for a non fantasy reader like myself the Otherworld (fantasy) part was easy to understand.
In this book, Arden is a private investigator in the human world but she also has the elemental power of Air. Arden tries to hide her powers as she takes on a case of a missing woman that may tie into a series of mysterious drownings.
There are elves, vampires, djinns, and a werewolf living in the area. (I’ll be looking over my shoulder next time I go visit my mom!) These different groups normally hate each other but they need to end up working together for a common goal.
Arden is a wonderful main character. I love her vibe of determination and grit.
February 23, 2022
It's been too long since I've picked up an Urban Fantasy! And this one—THIS ONE—is fantastic! Hill's writing is so vivid, and her magic system completely hooked me. Now I've gotta jump right into book two to see what happens next!
Read if you're in the mood for: well-written UF, tons of paranormal beings interacting, elementals, vivid imagery, and a strong heroine.
Read if you're in the mood for: well-written UF, tons of paranormal beings interacting, elementals, vivid imagery, and a strong heroine.
sampled-not-interested
February 2, 2021Too bad. Looked fun. Great cover and concept. Thought it might be fun to read a fantasy set in the old stompin' grounds, but it just didn't work for me.
Want to read
November 27, 202111/27/2021 - Books 1 & 2 are on sale for 99¢ all the places this weekend.
September 16, 2023
We’ve got familiar creatures (weres, djinn, elves, vampires) so our world building feels more like an episode of a tv crime drama (Criminal Intent). We know our world’s vices (species (aka racial) prejudice, misogyny, serial killers, etc) so we start with the crime and stay to unravel the why and who. Honestly, I liked how near to reality this felt for an urban fantasy (even with the veiled presence of Klan like behaviors).
February 9, 2021
An Extremely Enjoyable read that had me on the edge of my seat!
First thing I have to say is WOW! This is so beautifully and well written and I absolutely love Arden as a character. She's extremely realistic and isn't just someone that got everything handed to her off the bat. As I read, I could feel the pain in her narrative voice, and revel in the victories she accomplished.
The world built here itself is exceptional. Urban fantasy is my all time favorite genre, especially with dark elements. I could see the action scenes playing in my mind as well as the grisly battles.
Note that the rest of this review and my thoughts might contain minor spoilers.
I could remember the characters distinctly. Their personalities and arcs were very well built, and I didn't find myself lost.
Duke and Grimm were extremely interesting and I didn't expect that twist. I will say that despite Duke using Arden, I trust him far more than Grimm. I feel like he honestly does have threads of caring. Grimm... I'm wary of her. I'm curious to see how much of a problem she'll be as the series caries on.
Maria was great! I really didn't trust her at first but she reminds me so much of a feline. Which is an awesome characteristic for a vampire. I really hope to see more of her as I read.
Troy--oh dear. I'm an emotional rollercoaster with him. In the end though I feel like he might come through. He could have betrayed Arden so many times but is still kind of there. I'm wary but not as much as I am with, say, Callista.
Roman is so neat! I personally think the visual I have of his form in my mind is way cooler than just a wolf, but that's me.
Those old gods are eerie and I'm super excited to see how this continues.
All in all though, Arden is the star of the show. I could really feel for her, and she had to work hard for her victories.
5 stars hands down for world building, writer voice, and character development. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat so much during intense scenes and ADORE this. Whitney is bringing life to the urban fantasy genre that it needs.
First thing I have to say is WOW! This is so beautifully and well written and I absolutely love Arden as a character. She's extremely realistic and isn't just someone that got everything handed to her off the bat. As I read, I could feel the pain in her narrative voice, and revel in the victories she accomplished.
The world built here itself is exceptional. Urban fantasy is my all time favorite genre, especially with dark elements. I could see the action scenes playing in my mind as well as the grisly battles.
Note that the rest of this review and my thoughts might contain minor spoilers.
I could remember the characters distinctly. Their personalities and arcs were very well built, and I didn't find myself lost.
Duke and Grimm were extremely interesting and I didn't expect that twist. I will say that despite Duke using Arden, I trust him far more than Grimm. I feel like he honestly does have threads of caring. Grimm... I'm wary of her. I'm curious to see how much of a problem she'll be as the series caries on.
Maria was great! I really didn't trust her at first but she reminds me so much of a feline. Which is an awesome characteristic for a vampire. I really hope to see more of her as I read.
Troy--oh dear. I'm an emotional rollercoaster with him. In the end though I feel like he might come through. He could have betrayed Arden so many times but is still kind of there. I'm wary but not as much as I am with, say, Callista.
Roman is so neat! I personally think the visual I have of his form in my mind is way cooler than just a wolf, but that's me.
Those old gods are eerie and I'm super excited to see how this continues.
All in all though, Arden is the star of the show. I could really feel for her, and she had to work hard for her victories.
5 stars hands down for world building, writer voice, and character development. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat so much during intense scenes and ADORE this. Whitney is bringing life to the urban fantasy genre that it needs.
May 21, 2021
Arden is a Dud
*****Spoilers*****
This one had a lot of things I normally like about books. Different supernatural beings, intrigue, a mystery, shaky alliances, and danger all make the list and usually means I'll enjoy where the book takes me as I go along for the ride. Despite those attributes though, the book didn't get off of just okay for me. Arden is a private investigator under the thumb of her adoptive mother Callista, not much love between them. Although Callista took Arden in as an orphan, their relationship isn't the normal mother daughter dynamic. And with Arden being an elemental and told to hide her magic her whole life, the book starts at a place where it makes sense for her to start using it. But the book doesn't quite pull off that transition well at all. Arden's emotions weren't felt but told and I was curiously lost when she began her quest for independence and anger all of a sudden at the life she'd lived up to that point. She's tough kind of, then not so much as she shakes in her boots at the mention of elves, then even tougher than before, to getting beat up and tossed in a lake to drown. Who Arden is wasn't pinned down, she's mutable which is different but I found it hard to get behind her.
*****Spoilers*****
This one had a lot of things I normally like about books. Different supernatural beings, intrigue, a mystery, shaky alliances, and danger all make the list and usually means I'll enjoy where the book takes me as I go along for the ride. Despite those attributes though, the book didn't get off of just okay for me. Arden is a private investigator under the thumb of her adoptive mother Callista, not much love between them. Although Callista took Arden in as an orphan, their relationship isn't the normal mother daughter dynamic. And with Arden being an elemental and told to hide her magic her whole life, the book starts at a place where it makes sense for her to start using it. But the book doesn't quite pull off that transition well at all. Arden's emotions weren't felt but told and I was curiously lost when she began her quest for independence and anger all of a sudden at the life she'd lived up to that point. She's tough kind of, then not so much as she shakes in her boots at the mention of elves, then even tougher than before, to getting beat up and tossed in a lake to drown. Who Arden is wasn't pinned down, she's mutable which is different but I found it hard to get behind her.
February 10, 2022
3.5 stars.
Humans. Easiest prey there was. It was almost unfair they didn’t know about the rest of us: the beings of myth and legend, collectively known as Otherside.
Where most of the magic-using species were restricted to Aether, glamour, or life force, my talents laid with one of the four pure elements. That made me an elemental; my control over the element of Air made me a sylph.
I enjoyed the story and world-building and the characters are decent. I gave the extra half point for the setting being where I recently lived for 23 years. The book could’ve used a little tightening up, but wasn’t over-the-top sloppy or lengthy. It does border on the repetitive/whiney side; the MC does have a few TSTL moments, but again, not too much to bear.
A werewolf, a vampire, an elf, and an elemental go hunting. What could possibly go wrong?
Humans. Easiest prey there was. It was almost unfair they didn’t know about the rest of us: the beings of myth and legend, collectively known as Otherside.
Where most of the magic-using species were restricted to Aether, glamour, or life force, my talents laid with one of the four pure elements. That made me an elemental; my control over the element of Air made me a sylph.
I enjoyed the story and world-building and the characters are decent. I gave the extra half point for the setting being where I recently lived for 23 years. The book could’ve used a little tightening up, but wasn’t over-the-top sloppy or lengthy. It does border on the repetitive/whiney side; the MC does have a few TSTL moments, but again, not too much to bear.
A werewolf, a vampire, an elf, and an elemental go hunting. What could possibly go wrong?
October 17, 2020
I was not expecting how much I loved this book! The world building is excellent, filled with supernatural creatures and magic. In the beginning it seemed a bit slow but it fully develops into an action-packed full of mystery and murder! The main character is relatable, and all side characters are morally grey which I love. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 13, 2021
An excellent read
This is a well written book with a fast paced storyline. I was hooked from start to finish and enjoyed the journey the author took me on immensely. The story ended in a far different and exciting place than I thought it would. I can't wait to read the next one.
This is a well written book with a fast paced storyline. I was hooked from start to finish and enjoyed the journey the author took me on immensely. The story ended in a far different and exciting place than I thought it would. I can't wait to read the next one.
March 10, 2021
Arden Finch is the type of hero you love to cheer for. She's bold and witty and totally relatable (in the "has super powers" kinda way).
The book is a page turner and really fun. You're going to be excited to see what happens next.
The book is a page turner and really fun. You're going to be excited to see what happens next.
January 27, 2021
This was a very well paced ride!
I took a chance and im thrilled! The world building is simple but also complex and im loving the deep dive into this series!
I took a chance and im thrilled! The world building is simple but also complex and im loving the deep dive into this series!
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