Elemental Trial

Paranormal Outcasts #2

by Sean Fletcher

Becoming paranormal queen will be a trial by fire…

Riley’s found the elemental throne. Beat the Pack and Deathless at their own deadly game. Embraced her destiny as a paranormal queen.

That should have been the end of it, right?

Wrong. So, so wrong.

She’s barely sat down on her cold new throne before she discovers another plot to overthrow her rightful place and threaten the Outcasts. To prove herself (again) Riley has to survive an ancient trial through the Dying Lands—a lost paranormal world hidden amongst theirs, filled to the brim with magic and dangerous secrets.

Worse, Jasper is one of her opponents, forced to compete for the Deathless under the blood oath neither he nor Riley can break.

It’s official: fate hates her.

Along with her traitorous former-best friend, Riley will take on the trial to prove she’s the real deal, and not even a growing evil in the Dying Lands will stop her. Danger or not, heartbreak or not, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jasper and the Outcasts safe.

Even if it means giving up the things she loves most.


The adventure and wit of Percy Jackson meets the fast-paced plot and supernatural heart of Cassandra Clare in the Paranormal Outcasts series!


The real fight has just begun for Riley, Jasper, and the rest of the Outcasts! If you like books with a healthy dose of pulse-pounding battles, snark, sinister magic, and a slow-burn romance then this series is for you!

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2021

About the author

Sean Fletcher was born in the broiling, arid state some people lovingly refer to as Texas. He is the Amazon bestselling author of YA fantasy, in addition to other forthcoming books whose characters will not give him a moment's peace until they get their turn in the spotlight. When not making things up and putting them on paper, he can be found hiking, biking, or traveling, sometimes all at the same time.

Get two free YA fantasy books from Sean's Heir of Dragons and Mage's Apprentice series when you sign up for his author newsletter ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/seanfle...

Visit Sean's website ➜ https://seanfletcherauthor.com

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Reviews

[Lunnaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/

What does betrayal—true betrayal—feel like? To me, it was worse than dying. And I should know.

Riley's death was nothing more than a lie. A cruel game of fate for her to take her place as the last Outcast and fulfill the prophecy by finding the throne and becoming the Paranormal Queen… I wish it had been that "easy", but fate seems to have quite a few things prepared for Riley.

I hadn't signed up for this. Technically I hadn't signed up for anything, but the universe didn't care.

Finding the throne only activated the next part of the prophecy, forcing Riley to participate in a trial between 4 champions, to find the true Paranormal King/Queen.

"I finished the prophecy, but it's like every step forward they add a new rule to screw me over."

The 4 competitors correspond to one per group. The Outcast champion is clearly Riley, while the Pack champion is Lukas.

The champion of the Horde is a ghoul named Rasesh.

"I..." I shouldn't admit this, not to one of the other champions of all people, but something about Rasesh's flagrant honesty made it impossible for me to hide my own. "I'd be a terrible ruler."
Rasesh raised a bloated finger as though lecturing me. "And it isss that belief, the belief of someone who rejects power given to them, who understandsss its ability to change who they are into someone they are not, that makes a great ruler."

And, how could it be otherwise, the champion of the Deathless is Jasper, forced to obey by his Blood Oath.

"... And yes, I'm scared." He stood suddenly, his frame seeming to swell with anger. "But you should be too."
"Of what?" I said softly. "What should I be afraid of?"
Jasper's eyes were an angry red, the likes of which I'd never seen. His voice was deadly serious. "Me. You should be afraid of me."

Obviously, this is not enough for Mr. Fate and Riley learns that her life was as much a lie as her death. After Iris's betrayal, she decides to help her in the Trials, but Riley has no intention of forgiving her. And the thing is... she literally stabbed her in the back 🤷‍♀️.

We walked in silence for a minute. Iris sucked in a deep breath. "You have to understand, Riley, what I did, deceiving you, attacking you, it nearly killed me."
I spund around, and this time I was as honest as Iris believed me to be, my anger on full display, hands spitting sparks that had her backing up, terrified. "That's funny, because it did kill me..."

Let's see, first things first. The first book surprised me in such a way that I really thought I was ready for anything in this one, but nope. Sean turned my whole planet in the first few chapters.

"You are stronger. You're one of the strongest people I know. But even strong people can't stop every bad thing from happening."

At least he had heart and the trials include a rule of not intervening with the other competitors (not that they respect it, but 🤷‍♀️) that saved me from expecting that Jasper would be forced to stab Riley at any moment (I am still sure that Valencia will use the oath for this at some point and I will die 😂).

One very interesting thing about this story... is that apparently NOBODY stays dead !!! 🤣 (I know I'm wrong and someone is going to die later, and I will regret saying that).

"Best of luck, Riley Jameson, champion of the Outcast. May your journey be devoid of danger and your trial's end, should it come prematurely, be swift and painless."
What a pleasantly nice way to say he hoped I wouldn't die. I'd have to remember that.

Now I need to make a mega confession: I'm in love with Jasper like my friends once loved Edward Cullen (cough cough Team Jacob cough cough), but yeah, it's the first time in millennia that I've ever loved vampires again (or maybe the first once at all 🤔). Besides, in this book we can learn a little more about his past.

The top of the stairs creaked. My head snapped up.
Speak of the vampire...
Jasper stood there, peering down at me. Totally shirtless.
My mind temporarily turned as useful as whipped cream, my fuming anger and doubts replaced with rippling muscles.
"Riley." He moved down to me and I might have let out a little sigh as the moonlight flashed over his chest.
I wasn't pinning, I wasn't pining...
Jasper wrapped an arm around me, a concerned look on his face. "You all right?" he asked in a gravelly voice that sent a thrill up my spine.
Okay, I was pining a little.

Outside of my absolute fangirling, Riley is also an amazing character, super strong, she never gives up (even if she wants to), and she's mega sarcastic.

"Sure. Some big city opened up a ways from here and now all the rumors say there's some throne up for grabs." His eyes narrowed. "Say... you aren't one of those looking, are ya? That'd be strange, wouldn't it? I wouldn't expect a..."
If he said "girl" then he'd find my fist flying toward his unfortunate mug before I could say "misogynist."
"...teenager trying to be ruler, or whatever it is they're going after."
I lowered my arm, His face could be punch free another day.

The story had already bought me because I fell in love with the first book, and the fact that it was a kind of competition only made me more interested. At least I can say that it lived up to my expectations (HIGH 😅). The tests are interesting, emotional and with high doses of magic and fantasy. This story really has everything from romance, friendship, philosophy (?), magic, action, a change of villain(?), to fantastic creatures, even fashion. All while constantly passing between the Dying Lands and the human world, while trying not to die. 😂

I'm dying to read the next part and continue enjoying this story, especially to continue getting to know the Outcast.

We've got your back, "Sienna said confidently. She flicked her thumb to light a stick of incense she'd pulled from her pocket and stuck it behind her ear. "And you know Jasper won't let a single one of them get near you." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Leon grunted. "Forget Jasper, I'll rip them in half if they try anything. Some of those Deathless have been alive so long they think the world revolves around them. It'd be my pleasure to remind them that even the undead can still die.
I let out a small sigh of relief. This was what I needed. Friends who'd always cover my back. Not stab me in it.

PS: Minute of silence for Jasper's custom motorcycle...

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Paranormal Outcasts series and it sees the main character Riley finally find her way to the Elemental Throne in the Dead City, beating both the Shifter Pack and Deathless faction to the location. She believes that the prophecy should now be completed and she is now the Elemental Queen, not that she even wanted such a position to start with. But it isn’t quite as simple as that. Nothing ever is! A mysterious being comes from the Dying Lands and proclaims that since there are others laying a claim for the throne, that they must send a representative from each faction, to journey through the Dying Lands, searching for four parts of a crown and then find the forger who will combine the pieces into a single crown. The first person to get the quest completed, will be crowned the new ruler of the paranormals and the Elemental throne.

Riley is obviously the person to compete for the Outcasts, while Lukas puts himself forward for the shifters. Jasper had made a blood oath to serve the Deathless once the prophecy was completed and now that it is, he is put forward by their leader to compete on their behalf, and his blood oath will stop him from helping or aiding her in any way! Even a member of the Horde is put forward for the trial. The four participants are supposed to take place without any assistance from anyone else, but it seems a lot of people don’t really listen to the rules, especially her parents and her best friend Iris, who she doesn’t trust anymore, due to how she was made into an Outcast! The Dying Lands are dangerous and contain all the lost and abandoned paranormals who weren’t welcome by their own factions. Riley and the others will be facing dangerous beasts and paranormals with lots of magic and resentment.

The quest is not as simple as just searching for the four parts of the crown, as each can only be earnt by a certain type of deed by the participant and none really know much about the quest. Lukas seems to have some insider information and whilst the participants are not supposed to interfere with each other, Lukas doesn’t pay any attention to that rule and cheats his way throughout. He has it out for Riley, as he did before she found the throne, as he wants the ultimate power of the throne all for himself and sees himself as the only one strong enough to have a handle on all the different factions of paranormals and to keep them in line with his rule by fear style! But Riley is about to face an even greater evil in the Dying lands and Lukas is right in the midst of it with a powerful fae. Riley begins to forgive her former friend Iris, but finds herself pulled into danger yet again, as she responds to her friend’s cries of pain. She will do all she can to ensure Iris, Jasper and the rest of the Outcasts are kept safe and out of danger.

While she is undergoing this quest, the rest of the Outcasts are being targeted by the Shifter Pack and the Deathless, with the Loft being under attack. Riley gets mixed up in a side mission during the quest, to aid a mother and father shifter pair, to get their innocent son out of the paranormal prison. It turns out he is also known by the name Charmsmaster, someone she got a message about from Sawyer and Sienna and was told to look for, as he might be able to help her with some charms and could definitely help the Outcasts in the Loft to protect the place. They had hoped that he might be able to break Jasper’s blood oath, but the only thing that will break that, is for the person who cast the oath, to die. A volcano is the final setting for the quest and there are some fiery challenges to come, as Lukas tries to worm his way into having the crown, even without all the pieces required. Whoever wins the crown will struggle to get all the different factions of the paranormals to agree to the legitimacy of their claim to the throne. Some will pretend to follow the new ruler whilst plotting in the background, and others will outright refuse to accept their rule. Riley needs to find more allies to side with the Outcasts, if they are to survive for long. A story that is not yet over and I can’t wait to see what challenges, Riley, Jasper and the rest of the Outcasts will have to face! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley had never thought that she was worthy of being an outcast, an elemental or the centre of prophecy but she was all three, she was also under the illusion that once she claimed the elemental Queen's throne in the palace of the dead city she would be able to protect all paranormals but she was so wrong. She had defeated the leaders of both the pack and the deathless, however their second in command and followers were out for her blood and vowed they would never allow her to get on that throne. The courier arrived and said that trials would be held and only the surviving winner, and the one who first found the four shards of the crown scattered all over the dying lands would be ruler. All groups were to select their champion and these were to traverse the lands alone and not hinder one another, at the end the one with the four shards was to make their way to Vulcan the forger to forge their crown. The dying lands were full of dangers and Riley knew that Lukas, the supposedly dead leader of the pack, would not let her go unmolested. The shards were for compassion, humility, truth and strength and Sawyer had told Riley to seek out the charmsmaster and ask for his help. Little did she know where she would find this charmsmaster but everything happens for a reason. During her travels through the dying lands Riley came to grips with some of the things which had been troubling her but her kind heart was nearly the death of her on more than one occasion in this nail biting, edge of the seat 2nd book in the Paranormal Outcasts series. This book leaves us wanting to read the last part of the trilogy asap as the outcasts are still surrounded by threats and finding the crown was still not enough to break the curse which forbade them from ever seeing their loved ones! I really love this series and the characters of the outcast team who are so loyal to Riley and so original, all in their own way!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

✴️✴️ONE NAILBITING ADVENTURE✴️✴️
Flakey fritters fred! Sean serves up one incredibly tantalizing, skillfully thrilling, delightfully compelling, sensational rock-my-world smackdown with this ground shaking, tumultuous wild ride, dishing out some cruel facts, brutal truths and ruthless determination, propelling this jewel to staggering heights. Anarchy, mishaps and mayhem run rampant, revving up the exuberance and fervor while cognizant of horrendous trials and dubious tribulations, attentive to the perilous twists and pivotal turns unfolding, battered boundaries and shattered barriers merge as limitations and restrictions are amplified and enforced, exposing the devious quirks and defying bents, fusing this bad boy together seamlessly. Sparks fly as this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo plows merge as the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, nailbiting schemes, heinous attrocities, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and spine tingling situations ensue, breaking out the big guns, heavy artillery and ammo aplenty, launching this baby to life spectacularly. The characters banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Sean, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.

[Rohak Bora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annnnnd Riley has the throne and has become the queen. Oh wait no she's being challenged for the throne and to prove herself (again!). To prove herself she must enter the dying lands, compete against 3 other contenders who are variously dead - Lucas(Werewolf somehow back from the dead), Raesh(A ghoul so already dead), Jasper(Vampire semi-dead? And Riley's boyfriend whom she can't really trust due to a blood oath).

They enter a championship with a lot of rules but no one bothers following them. The contenders must find 4 shards of the crown by completing 4 tasks and forge the crown.

P.S. - Riley's parents decided to pop in with an extremist organization that is undecided about its own intentions.

Journey through the dead lands with Riley as she struggles to decide if she is worthy of being a queen, with a lot of fantastic twists and turns this book is all set to enchant the reader.

Do I like this book?
Hell yeah, I do and I want the next book as soon as possible.
Good job and Good luck Sean.

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to books by Sean Fletcher, theres one thing you can count on, and that's being blown away by the quality of the story. This is Book 2 of his newest series, and he definitely has not disappointed. The first book brought some turmoil and crazy, but now we've ramped it all up. The character development if flawlessly crafted. The MC, Riley, is someone relatable and amazingly humble, and her growth throughout the book is remarkable. The side characters blend into the story in ways that only enhance the plot and twists to the maximum efficiency. The plot line itself continues to weave in more intricate details and mysteries, all the while tying up lose ends as it goes, in a way that leaves the reader satisfied. This story ended with a cliffhanger that was totally unexpected, and yet I feel I should have seen it coming. In true Sean fashion, he made sure to leave the readers wanting to come back for more, and something tells me the third and final book will be one I wont ever forget!

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elemental Trial is the second book in this incredible series and it continues straight on from Elemental Outcasts.
Riley has discovered the throne and fulfilled the prophecy but then .. nothing. Without warning a strange figure appears out of the Dying Lands and announces that Riley and one member from each faction must take part in an ancient trial, without interference, in order to claim the crown.
This fabulous book, and series, is beautifully written and has everything you want from a paranormal mystery. The characters are incredible and I was with them every step of the way. There is a perfect balance of action, drama, friendship, alliances and feuds. Alongside it all is the slowly simmering romance. I got lost in this book to such an extent that I was surprised when it ended. I cannot wait to discover what happens next. This book deserves five stars and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series, but by no means second in entertainment. This was several small adventures within in a large action packed adventure. The characters are great! The protagonist is funny, caring and slightly sarcastic on occasion, while the so called "bad guy" is evil, sneaky and doesn't play by the rules, what more could you as for. Oh, just a handsome, also slightly sarcastic vampire, who is very good at protecting said protagonist and just being plain sexy. Need I say more? This storyline just keeps building and building and I have a feeling is going to crescendo into a fiery, wonderful, exciting, hang on to your pants, you may shed a tear or two, conclusion. But that's just a guess. Oh by the way....this is a really good book.

[Reena · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought the first book was awesome, then wait till you read this! Riley has finally found the throne. You'd think that would be the end, right? Wrong!!! The paranormal factions will not recognize her as the rightful queen and challenge her for the right to the throne. A contest is what will determine who is the rightful heir to the throne, and thus another adventure begins...

Action-packed, nail-biting, intense, this second book in the series is a rollercoaster of a ride, where danger lurks behind every rock, every tree, every nook and crane. A story that once you start reading, you'll have to finish in one go.

Congrats to Sean for delivering another mindblowing story! Can't wait for more!!!

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley has even had a chance to take the throne when everyone comes out to challenge her claims. Riley is still trying to process who was behind her death. She doesn't want to hear their excuses. Riley will also find have to deal with her parent's and what she discovers. Riley will have to go on a trial in order to claim the throne from those that seek power.

This was such a ride with what happens in this book. Riley has had a lot revealed to her, she has to get her footing. Riley knows she has to complete the trials. Riley also has to find a way to find a way to be with Jasper. This is a action packed, entertaining story that will keep you reading.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because I adored the first book and when I saw this one was out, I had to know what happened next. The explosive ending of book one prepared me for an even more thrilling ride. I ended up devouring this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I twas very much a case of just one more chapter, and then sadly, the book ended. I adore the world Fletcher has created and the way each character stands out with their own voice. It’s an amazing second book, and I am desperate to read the third. Highly, highly recommended to anyone who loves paranormal and urban fantasy!

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! It gets better and better!!!

Some developments are classic, like good vanquishing evil in the nick of time - torn and bleeding, but victorious. It's the unexpected that made this trial so interesting, and all the seeds planted for those to come.

Fascinating new characters, fast paced action and genuine feelings make this book a very good read, and the final book in the series a coveted arrival.

[Lea-Andra Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second of the Elemental Outcasts. It just gets better and better! I always enjoy a series more as you get to watch characters grow and develop more than in a stand alone book. Sean doesn’t disappoint. Riley continues to develop into a more confident Elemental. I enjoy getting to know the other outcasts much more (can’t wait for more Sawyer). I cannot wait for number 3 to see how it all plays out. Seriously Sean has become one of my favourite authors.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn’t make it through

I loved so many aspects of this book. The first book felt like it was so rushed. There was no time to see the relationships grow. It was just boom I’m best friends with these people, me and my love interest realize how we feel then the battles begin. There was not much time seeing how she harnessed her magic. I would have liked to see the development of all the relationships. I didn’t make it through the second book.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elemental Trial by Sean Fletcher is a story that I have had a privilege to read and give my honest review on. This is book number two in this OMG MUST READ MIND BLOWING series that I have been hooked on since the beginning and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about shifters, magic, YA and urban fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VANESSA BARRITT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this has too be one of my fav series so far I mean it's all para ormal in one series, I love riley a d her courage and I love jasper even though he's not ment to help riley due to his blood oath, he shows that love does defy all power.
I'm glad riley won but I loved the cliffhanger now I can't wait to read the final installment

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got totally hooked on Sean Fletcher’s Paranormal Outcasts series with Elemental Outcast (Book 1). Well, the good news is that, if anything, Elemental Trial (Book 2) ups the tempo. Riley is a fantastic lead character and there are tons of imaginative twists and turns to be faced in this installment of the series. All wonderfully written - and wonderfully addictive. Highly recommended too.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic continuation! The first book grabbed you but the second book made sure you were completely hooked! Both the storyline and the characters have grown and developed, the world.building is incredible and there’s suspense, adventure, mystery, intrigue at every turn and after that ending I am desperate to read the next book!

[Salena Huss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, unputdownable! I was dying for the story to continue after book one and Sean did not disappoint! The story moves along at a brisk pace, is action packed but still felt like a good long book! Cannot wait for book 3!!!!

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Awesome book plenty of action and suspense. Wonderful series. Now patiently waiting for the next book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel! Just as exciting and compelling as the first, with new characters introduced, more plot twists that keep the pages turning, as well as the well written narrative that makes the story come alive.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This book is full of action. Honesty the beginning was a little slow for me but it picks up quickly after that. I love the way Jasper and Riley keep fighting to stay together.

[Cloé!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a little lost at times in the locational setting (where the worlds blurred) but honestly not a bad read! I am quite curious due to the ending, and the fact that Riley doesn’t want to kill is definitely going to complicate the matter! Not a bad read at all.

3/5

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC copy, this is an honest review. Riley's world has never more complicated... and she thought she was finally understood the world of supernatural creatures. But more stark secrets march forward, giving Riley and those she can put her trust into find a tough adventure filled with complex magic as never before. Highly recommended.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful page turner by Sean Fletcher. Riley must prove herself to all the supernatural. I could not put down the description of the hard trial!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elemental Trial - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Riley's finally able to claim her rightful place as Queen of the Elemental World...or is she?
Before the other Outcasts will accept her as their new ruler, Lucas, Jasper and other shifters and vampires arrive before the ebony throne and it's announced that to be the next sovereign, contenders must succeed in making it through the Dying Lands and acquire 4 'shards' that make up the Elemental Crown. Can she survive the Trial?
How are Riley's parents involved?

Before she's collected even one shard, the rules against interfering with or attacking any other contender have been broken, by others.
Who helps Riley unexpectedly?
What tasks must she complete to move on?
Who's the Charmsmaster and how do they meet?

A magical, menacing and thrillingly thought-provoking drama, Sean Fletcher's epic saga, Elemental Trial, will keep you reading into the wee small hours - it's that unputdownable. Get it today!

[Leah Dynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another crazy ride! The race for the crown is on, and it is not without its trials and dangers. Riley is not out of the woods yet, and I’m ready for the next installment!

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trial to the crown isn't an original idea, but it was well done. Old and new characters with added depth to the story, and a couple twists at the end to keep you ready for book 3.

[Paula Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this!

So where do I begin. This book is a continuation from the first book and the group is on another adventure. Try these are revealed and the story keeps getting better.