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Elemental Academy #1-3
Elemental Academy Boxset: Books 1-3
he power of the element bonds flows through the lands of Terndahl. Shapers can control that power and use it.
With the threat of rogue elementals escaping from the element bond and fear of another attack by the Draasin Lord, life at the edge of Terndahl is difficult for Tolan. Without any magic of his own, he spends his days working a menial job as a carpenter’s apprentice. When an elemental attack draws the attention of the Inquisitors from the Academy, everything changes.
A mistake brings Tolan into the Terenhall Academy, a prestigious training ground for powerful shapers, but it’s a world where he doesn’t belong. Unlike his classmates, he can’t control the magic of the element bonds.
With no shaping ability, Tolan must find the fire within himself to succeed. If he can't, he'll not only be forced to leave the Academy, but the dangerous Draasin Lord might gain the very power he's long sought.
This boxset contains the first three books of the bestselling Elemental Academy series!
The Fire Within
The Earth Awakens
The Water Ruptures
With the threat of rogue elementals escaping from the element bond and fear of another attack by the Draasin Lord, life at the edge of Terndahl is difficult for Tolan. Without any magic of his own, he spends his days working a menial job as a carpenter’s apprentice. When an elemental attack draws the attention of the Inquisitors from the Academy, everything changes.
A mistake brings Tolan into the Terenhall Academy, a prestigious training ground for powerful shapers, but it’s a world where he doesn’t belong. Unlike his classmates, he can’t control the magic of the element bonds.
With no shaping ability, Tolan must find the fire within himself to succeed. If he can't, he'll not only be forced to leave the Academy, but the dangerous Draasin Lord might gain the very power he's long sought.
This boxset contains the first three books of the bestselling Elemental Academy series!
The Fire Within
The Earth Awakens
The Water Ruptures
943 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 25, 2023
Help me buy more books
Although this box set was pretty good, I can't help but wonder why there's so many Harry Potter similarities. I personally think the story would be just fine without them, but I guess the author threw them in to make the story structure something readers would be familiar with. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Not a fan myself. I think the story would have been better without the constant Harry Potter reminders.
Interestingly enough, the story is a pretty good one, even with the nonsense tying it to a Potter clone, though I'm hoping other books in the series may get away from that. But, for what it's worth, I liked it, and plan to read more in the series.
If you're a Harry Potter plan, this one should feel familiar. If you're a fantasy type of person, this story should be enjoyable as well. The world is pretty well fleshed out, and it's unique in some respects, though it seems to borrow from several different fantasy stories, instead of building it's own magic system. Even with that though, I find I rather like the magic system in this story. Hopefully other books will add more layers onto this structure, and we'll get to see more about how the various parts of the magic system cna be combined to produce even more and better workings. I'd give this one 4 stars if it were more original, but there's just too much borrowed from other systems to make that work for me, so average it is, despite it's story that does it's best to draw in the reader. I suspect many readers will find such copycat items to have no bearing on their enjoyment of the story, which is fine, if you can, enjoy it for all it's worth, but ZI prefer authors who do their best to be creative, and find new and interesting ways to do things. I'll read more in this series, at least until I get too frustrated with the lack of originality.
Although this box set was pretty good, I can't help but wonder why there's so many Harry Potter similarities. I personally think the story would be just fine without them, but I guess the author threw them in to make the story structure something readers would be familiar with. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Not a fan myself. I think the story would have been better without the constant Harry Potter reminders.
Interestingly enough, the story is a pretty good one, even with the nonsense tying it to a Potter clone, though I'm hoping other books in the series may get away from that. But, for what it's worth, I liked it, and plan to read more in the series.
If you're a Harry Potter plan, this one should feel familiar. If you're a fantasy type of person, this story should be enjoyable as well. The world is pretty well fleshed out, and it's unique in some respects, though it seems to borrow from several different fantasy stories, instead of building it's own magic system. Even with that though, I find I rather like the magic system in this story. Hopefully other books will add more layers onto this structure, and we'll get to see more about how the various parts of the magic system cna be combined to produce even more and better workings. I'd give this one 4 stars if it were more original, but there's just too much borrowed from other systems to make that work for me, so average it is, despite it's story that does it's best to draw in the reader. I suspect many readers will find such copycat items to have no bearing on their enjoyment of the story, which is fine, if you can, enjoy it for all it's worth, but ZI prefer authors who do their best to be creative, and find new and interesting ways to do things. I'll read more in this series, at least until I get too frustrated with the lack of originality.
March 9, 2026
3 - 3.5 Stars
The Elemental Academy series by D.K. Holmberg is an engaging blend of magic, mystery, and character growth that will definitely appeal to fans of YA academy-style fantasy, with a twist. D.K. Holmberg crafts a world where elemental magic is both a gift and a danger, and where the line between friend and foe is often blurred.
At the heart of the story is Tolan Ethar, who begins his journey without the shaping abilities that define most students at the Academy. Tolan’s struggles are not just about mastering magic, but about proving his worth in a world that underestimates him. As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise from personal challenges to large-scale threats involving rogue elementals, ancient secrets, and the survival of the Academy itself.
The elemental magic system feels well thought out, with clear rules and creative applications that keep battles and problem-solving fresh. The series also balances its magical conflicts with themes of resilience, loyalty, and the search for identity.
Some readers might find the pacing in the early books a bit slow compared to the later, high-intensity installments, but this gradual build-up allows for deeper world-building and character development.
If you enjoy academy fantasy with a determined underdog hero, inventive magic, and a mix of danger and camaraderie, then ‘The Elemental Academy’ series just might be worth diving into.
Happy Reading…
The Elemental Academy series by D.K. Holmberg is an engaging blend of magic, mystery, and character growth that will definitely appeal to fans of YA academy-style fantasy, with a twist. D.K. Holmberg crafts a world where elemental magic is both a gift and a danger, and where the line between friend and foe is often blurred.
At the heart of the story is Tolan Ethar, who begins his journey without the shaping abilities that define most students at the Academy. Tolan’s struggles are not just about mastering magic, but about proving his worth in a world that underestimates him. As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise from personal challenges to large-scale threats involving rogue elementals, ancient secrets, and the survival of the Academy itself.
The elemental magic system feels well thought out, with clear rules and creative applications that keep battles and problem-solving fresh. The series also balances its magical conflicts with themes of resilience, loyalty, and the search for identity.
Some readers might find the pacing in the early books a bit slow compared to the later, high-intensity installments, but this gradual build-up allows for deeper world-building and character development.
If you enjoy academy fantasy with a determined underdog hero, inventive magic, and a mix of danger and camaraderie, then ‘The Elemental Academy’ series just might be worth diving into.
Happy Reading…
November 30, 2021
The story has a lot of potential and I’m intrigued to see where it goes and how it ends. The problem is with the writing. The author contradicts a lot of things and the logic or reasoning behind a lot of stuff does not make sense. I found myself yelling at the book at lot. I will still most likely finish it because it has potential and I hope the story will continue to intrigue me enough to overlook the flaws.
January 2, 2021
Outstanding
I was hooked from the start. There was twist after twist but then there wasn’t. Even though I now know who the lord is I’m still lost as to what is going on. I am not sure if that is good or bad. It is interesting. I’m not sure how many books are left..... I will find out. Great reading.
I was hooked from the start. There was twist after twist but then there wasn’t. Even though I now know who the lord is I’m still lost as to what is going on. I am not sure if that is good or bad. It is interesting. I’m not sure how many books are left..... I will find out. Great reading.
January 25, 2021
ELEMENTAL ACADEMY BOX SET
Another awesome new series from DK Holmberg. The lead character Tolan is very likeable and easy to root for. The world is very detailed and vivid. I Found it very hard to put down and I read very late into the night. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Another awesome new series from DK Holmberg. The lead character Tolan is very likeable and easy to root for. The world is very detailed and vivid. I Found it very hard to put down and I read very late into the night. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 2, 2021
Review of Elemental Academy Box set 1-3
These were really good but slightly confusing. Why seriously blame all the goings on on a student with little ability? Ill have to finish the series for a more accurate review.
These were really good but slightly confusing. Why seriously blame all the goings on on a student with little ability? Ill have to finish the series for a more accurate review.
August 14, 2021
The learning and battling
While I still believe the mirroring of Harry Potter you can still separate the two. The world building continues to impress as well as the twists and turns. Many decisions will need to be made as we try to figure out who actually make up the good.
While I still believe the mirroring of Harry Potter you can still separate the two. The world building continues to impress as well as the twists and turns. Many decisions will need to be made as we try to figure out who actually make up the good.
December 17, 2021
Action doesn't stop
This book was very good. Action slowly builds but there are enough twist to keep you guessing. The chapters are short for me 13-15 minute reads so you can put it down and continue next day
This book was very good. Action slowly builds but there are enough twist to keep you guessing. The chapters are short for me 13-15 minute reads so you can put it down and continue next day
November 27, 2025
Engaging and well crafted story.
This series is well developed. The world building is first rate, and the character depth is impressive. It kept me caught up in its development throughout.
This series is well developed. The world building is first rate, and the character depth is impressive. It kept me caught up in its development throughout.
January 13, 2021
Wonderful books!!! They keep you reading until the end!
April 7, 2021
Fantastic!
What an amazing set of books. I'd highly recommend.
I feel the final book felt rushed. Especially towards the end. But hopefully book 4 won't suffer the same.
What an amazing set of books. I'd highly recommend.
I feel the final book felt rushed. Especially towards the end. But hopefully book 4 won't suffer the same.
September 5, 2021
Ok YA novel, no romance, a bit obvious. The main motivation of the bad guys seems to be power.
May 16, 2021
I think the narrator ruined this a little bit (Listened to it at Audible) for me 🤔
-but, the story was slow, and I have an allergy towards stupid.
So - 2 stars, because it wasn't completely Yuck!...
The world was interesting 👍🏻
-but, the story was slow, and I have an allergy towards stupid.
So - 2 stars, because it wasn't completely Yuck!...
The world was interesting 👍🏻
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews