What do you think?
Rate this book
Steel and Magic #1
Elemental Links
“Take him and run.” The last words of Jake’s mother urged him to save his brother, Louie. Jake and Louie get thrown into the outside world, where Jake learns his skill with a sword can save their lives, and Louie, gifted with elemental magic, soon learns his magic is part of something much bigger: a world of spirits that wage a war of their own.
The necrom are after Louie. They only way the necrom can increase their numbers is to capture and possess more adepts. After centuries of the necrom pillaging, adepts are scarce. The necrom want Louie and won’t stop until they capture him.
Along their way, they meet Cassie; a fiery brunette with more secrets than Jake and Louie signed on for. The boys' unlikely friendship with her turns their run-and-hide strategy on its heels.
Their journey is fraught with unexpected creatures, friends, and new allies. Aside from tournaments and drakons, Jake and Louie are tested as they've never been before. Can they defeat the force that threatens not just Louie, but every adept in Elabrium? Will their allies stand with them against the horde of necrom, whose mere presence threatens not just themselves, but their newfound friends as well?
The necrom are after Louie. They only way the necrom can increase their numbers is to capture and possess more adepts. After centuries of the necrom pillaging, adepts are scarce. The necrom want Louie and won’t stop until they capture him.
Along their way, they meet Cassie; a fiery brunette with more secrets than Jake and Louie signed on for. The boys' unlikely friendship with her turns their run-and-hide strategy on its heels.
Their journey is fraught with unexpected creatures, friends, and new allies. Aside from tournaments and drakons, Jake and Louie are tested as they've never been before. Can they defeat the force that threatens not just Louie, but every adept in Elabrium? Will their allies stand with them against the horde of necrom, whose mere presence threatens not just themselves, but their newfound friends as well?
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
51 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Leon
6 books49 followersBorn and raised in Calgary, Canada, Melanie has been in love with the medieval fantasy all of her life. Dreams of magic, dragons, maidens, and knights have enthralled her since a young age.
Medieval literature university classes were among her favourites, as was art history from the medieval to the classical periods. Together, along with her excitement of reading anything written about the medieval period, Melanie has gained a realistic view of the medieval age, and how to tweak it into something new.
Action, peril, strategy, and determination fill her books. Determination for life, for friends, and for doing what no one else dares to do.
On the side, Melanie has strong interests in design, photography and horse jumping. If you read carefully, you might notice tidbits that only an artist or horse owner would know.
Medieval literature university classes were among her favourites, as was art history from the medieval to the classical periods. Together, along with her excitement of reading anything written about the medieval period, Melanie has gained a realistic view of the medieval age, and how to tweak it into something new.
Action, peril, strategy, and determination fill her books. Determination for life, for friends, and for doing what no one else dares to do.
On the side, Melanie has strong interests in design, photography and horse jumping. If you read carefully, you might notice tidbits that only an artist or horse owner would know.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 20, 2021
first of all, i wanna say thank you to the author who sent me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review 💜
i liked the writing style. it was easy to understand, switching between the brothers' povs.
also, can we talk about the cover??? it's freaking GORGEOUS!!
the characters were well developed, i especially loved Jake and Louie's relationship, caught myself smiling at certain types of the way they were sarcastic and funny w each other lol!
i also really loved the magic system, kinda reminded me of Avatar by the way Louie controlled air and stuff.
i also liked that the romance was only slightly mentioned. it's not a book focusing on it, it's more focused on the magic itself.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
however, i did have some issues with this. i'm certainly not a long chapter person, so i took longer reading this book as a whole than i had expected.
i found Louie at some points sooo naive, it did my head in. i screamed at him not to do certain shit in my head, it was just so frustrating reading about his actions.
also, since i'm an avid fantasy reader, i can certainly say this book is more for beginners. if you wanna try this genre, i would REALLY recommend reading this book, it would be soo good to start with. as for myself, i found nothing unique (apart from magic), the war started and ended abruptly, not fully elaborating the action or the consequences. idk, i found myself wanting MORE. wanting more revenge, action, betrayals, deaths. i guess i'm too much of a drama queen 🤷♀️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
readers who wanna try out fantasy - this one's for you, hands down. it would be perfect to start with.
i liked the writing style. it was easy to understand, switching between the brothers' povs.
also, can we talk about the cover??? it's freaking GORGEOUS!!
the characters were well developed, i especially loved Jake and Louie's relationship, caught myself smiling at certain types of the way they were sarcastic and funny w each other lol!
i also really loved the magic system, kinda reminded me of Avatar by the way Louie controlled air and stuff.
i also liked that the romance was only slightly mentioned. it's not a book focusing on it, it's more focused on the magic itself.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
however, i did have some issues with this. i'm certainly not a long chapter person, so i took longer reading this book as a whole than i had expected.
i found Louie at some points sooo naive, it did my head in. i screamed at him not to do certain shit in my head, it was just so frustrating reading about his actions.
also, since i'm an avid fantasy reader, i can certainly say this book is more for beginners. if you wanna try this genre, i would REALLY recommend reading this book, it would be soo good to start with. as for myself, i found nothing unique (apart from magic), the war started and ended abruptly, not fully elaborating the action or the consequences. idk, i found myself wanting MORE. wanting more revenge, action, betrayals, deaths. i guess i'm too much of a drama queen 🤷♀️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
readers who wanna try out fantasy - this one's for you, hands down. it would be perfect to start with.
June 5, 2020
The necroms are hunting adepts (people gifted with elemental magic) and will stop at nothing to capture Louie, a powerful adept. Brothers Jake and Louie manage to escape before the necroms slaughter their entire family. Jake vows to protect his brother and finds his strength with brandishing a sword keeps their enemies at bay. On the run, they meet Cassie. She opens their eyes to what’s really going on and why it’s so important to save as many adepts as possible. Jake and Louie learn what is at stake and how to stay one step ahead of the hoarde of necroms hunting them. Can they defeat the hoarde and protect their newfound friends and allies or will the necroms declare victory?
Elemental Links blends fantasy and medieval fiction to perfection. The battle between good and evil is well presented in a descriptive narration so engrossing, it transports the reader into a world they have never known. The characters are fully developed, and the reader will connect with them right away. The action is intense with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. There are times when Leon’s writing style reminds me of Tolkien. If you’re a fan of medieval fantasy with a full cast of characters, you have to read Elemental Links. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Elemental Links blends fantasy and medieval fiction to perfection. The battle between good and evil is well presented in a descriptive narration so engrossing, it transports the reader into a world they have never known. The characters are fully developed, and the reader will connect with them right away. The action is intense with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. There are times when Leon’s writing style reminds me of Tolkien. If you’re a fan of medieval fantasy with a full cast of characters, you have to read Elemental Links. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
January 22, 2021
This book was so much fun! Definitely a world-building first book in the series, interspersed with just the right amount of action to keep it moving. The pacing was excellent, and the story was riveting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's take on magic, and the way she masterfully wove it into the story, explaining its purpose and place in the world she created. I loved each of the characters, their quirks and charms, and relationships with each other. Brothers Louie and Jake, the heros, were beautifully described, and full of all the depth and liveliness one could hope for in main characters. The necroms (the villains) were well-written in such a way that they were terrifying and brought forth some introspection into the condition of one's own heart and soul. Even minor characters were well-done, each with a purpose, the author never wasting a name that crossed the page.
I only had a few minor gripes with the story. One, it seemed like it was supposed to be set in medieval times, but the use of contemporary language caused a bit of a disconnect that made it difficult for me to focus at times. I found it strange when one character would use words such as "ye" and "nay," keeping with the time, but then a few pages later, another character would use phrases such as "you guys" and "what's up." There could be a happy medium for the dialogue, something between "ye olde" and "yolo," but the author never seemed to make up her mind on how she wanted them to speak, and it was a bit distracting for a while.
The other thing that made me raise an eyebrow was how it was explained that there were not many adepts (magical people) left in the world, and that they were very rare. However, for as supposedly rare as they were, the brothers somehow managed to run across quite a few of them. This seemed to be a bit inconsistent, at least in my mind.
However, once I was able to get past those things, I genuinely enjoyed the book. Definitely a fun, entertaining YA read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's take on magic, and the way she masterfully wove it into the story, explaining its purpose and place in the world she created. I loved each of the characters, their quirks and charms, and relationships with each other. Brothers Louie and Jake, the heros, were beautifully described, and full of all the depth and liveliness one could hope for in main characters. The necroms (the villains) were well-written in such a way that they were terrifying and brought forth some introspection into the condition of one's own heart and soul. Even minor characters were well-done, each with a purpose, the author never wasting a name that crossed the page.
I only had a few minor gripes with the story. One, it seemed like it was supposed to be set in medieval times, but the use of contemporary language caused a bit of a disconnect that made it difficult for me to focus at times. I found it strange when one character would use words such as "ye" and "nay," keeping with the time, but then a few pages later, another character would use phrases such as "you guys" and "what's up." There could be a happy medium for the dialogue, something between "ye olde" and "yolo," but the author never seemed to make up her mind on how she wanted them to speak, and it was a bit distracting for a while.
The other thing that made me raise an eyebrow was how it was explained that there were not many adepts (magical people) left in the world, and that they were very rare. However, for as supposedly rare as they were, the brothers somehow managed to run across quite a few of them. This seemed to be a bit inconsistent, at least in my mind.
However, once I was able to get past those things, I genuinely enjoyed the book. Definitely a fun, entertaining YA read.
February 5, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The pacing was great and the world building was fantastic.
The characters were likable and had a really good depth to them. I love the friend circle esp Troy who brought some light heartedness to the group.
The idea of the seraph spirits is a great one and I loved Aero, Umber and Trum and getting to know them.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series
The characters were likable and had a really good depth to them. I love the friend circle esp Troy who brought some light heartedness to the group.
The idea of the seraph spirits is a great one and I loved Aero, Umber and Trum and getting to know them.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series
February 19, 2021
"Fantastic, truly" were the first words out of my mouth as I closed the back cover of Steel and Magic Book One: Elemental Ties.
I was lured in by the excellent excerpts I saw on M.A. Leon's Instagram. The descriptions were too lavish to resist. I bought not just the first book, but BOTH books of this new YA fantasy series. Needless to say further, my expectations were set very high.
I was about 100 pages deep when I realized I have not felt so attached to the main characters—Jake and Louie Brandon—since I poured my summer afternoons into the timeless Anne of Green Gables series back in middle school! The older brother Jake Brandon could not feel more relatable or real: frustration at things he cannot understand but humility to learn, protectiveness over his younger brother but jealousy over his gifts, impatience with his own insecurities but the will to overcome them, and the need for recognition but the hatred of being the center of attention.
Now, writers in the fantasy genre often lore-dump on you to "bring you up to speed" on the world you are entering. They lecture you on the geography, history, bestiary, and mythology of their shiny new realm for 20-30 pages before letting you progress further (Fittingly, I actually yawned while writing that sentence). The author avoids this pitfall completely! Instead, the main characters Jake and Louie find themselves learning about the larger world beyond their farm, and the reader learns right along with them. The guidance of mentors, teachers, and spiritual beings take us from naivety to expertise every step of the way with the Brandon brothers.
Leon keeps her cast of characters small and tight-knit (fewer than a dozen named characters I believe), allowing her plenty of space to develop their relationships through times of peril, rest, preparation, conflict, and resolve. Action sequences are precise in their description without slowing the action. A sort of "limited omniscience" narrative style gives us deep disclosure of each character's emotions in a mixture of explanation, body language, metaphor... What could be truer to the way we feel everything: partly solid, partly liquid, and partly vapor in our minds? It is this artisan handling of the human element that impressed me most about the author.
Elemental Links surpassed my already high expectations. It is like a literary six-course meal, and as one would after enjoying such a meal I can only now anticipate the next time I return for Book Two. Until then, I will repeat my compliments to the chef: "Fantastic, truly."
I was lured in by the excellent excerpts I saw on M.A. Leon's Instagram. The descriptions were too lavish to resist. I bought not just the first book, but BOTH books of this new YA fantasy series. Needless to say further, my expectations were set very high.
I was about 100 pages deep when I realized I have not felt so attached to the main characters—Jake and Louie Brandon—since I poured my summer afternoons into the timeless Anne of Green Gables series back in middle school! The older brother Jake Brandon could not feel more relatable or real: frustration at things he cannot understand but humility to learn, protectiveness over his younger brother but jealousy over his gifts, impatience with his own insecurities but the will to overcome them, and the need for recognition but the hatred of being the center of attention.
Now, writers in the fantasy genre often lore-dump on you to "bring you up to speed" on the world you are entering. They lecture you on the geography, history, bestiary, and mythology of their shiny new realm for 20-30 pages before letting you progress further (Fittingly, I actually yawned while writing that sentence). The author avoids this pitfall completely! Instead, the main characters Jake and Louie find themselves learning about the larger world beyond their farm, and the reader learns right along with them. The guidance of mentors, teachers, and spiritual beings take us from naivety to expertise every step of the way with the Brandon brothers.
Leon keeps her cast of characters small and tight-knit (fewer than a dozen named characters I believe), allowing her plenty of space to develop their relationships through times of peril, rest, preparation, conflict, and resolve. Action sequences are precise in their description without slowing the action. A sort of "limited omniscience" narrative style gives us deep disclosure of each character's emotions in a mixture of explanation, body language, metaphor... What could be truer to the way we feel everything: partly solid, partly liquid, and partly vapor in our minds? It is this artisan handling of the human element that impressed me most about the author.
Elemental Links surpassed my already high expectations. It is like a literary six-course meal, and as one would after enjoying such a meal I can only now anticipate the next time I return for Book Two. Until then, I will repeat my compliments to the chef: "Fantastic, truly."
February 21, 2020
Elemental Links is a gripping fantasy in a medieval setting that follows the coming of age story of two Brothers: Jake and Louie. It starts amid a tragedy when dark forces slaughter the entire family to get to one of the boys.
We learn that Louie is an adept, meaning he can perform elemental magic.
“Changing elements from one natural form into another was one thing. Dirt to stone and water to ice, those were easy transformations that Louie had mastered years ago.”
The villains of this story are Necroms, beings that started as adepts but were corrupted by evil spirits called wraiths.
“Necrom have existed nearly as long as adepts. They were once regular adepts, but were corrupted through hardships or natural ailments. They are the criminals of the magical world. An essential criminal will resort to thievery, lies, deceit, and even murder, whereas the adepts have the power to become much more. […] These adepts, corrupted as they were, evoked the most vile, nefarious spirits. Such spirits are known as wraiths. They induced fear, hate, and every other painful emotion you can imagine.”
For years these Necroms have been hunting gifted humans, adepts in an effort to increase their numbers, leaving a bloodbath in their wake. For this reason, most parents, when they realized they had a gifted child, would give up the kid for the rest of the family to survive.
“Our parents knew? They knew that I could cause this?”
“You didn’t cause anything Louie,” Witherton said gently. “Many parents leave their adept baby in the woods, or worse when they discover his or her gift. Your parents didn’t even hesitate in their decision to keep you. They loved you both with all of their hearts.”
Louie and Jake’s parents knew and took the risk anyway, but they moved to a secluded area in the woods and asked Mr. Witherton to train the boys. As an afterthought, I imagined Mr. Witherton as a medieval version of Mr. Miyagi 😉.
Read the full review here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
We learn that Louie is an adept, meaning he can perform elemental magic.
“Changing elements from one natural form into another was one thing. Dirt to stone and water to ice, those were easy transformations that Louie had mastered years ago.”
The villains of this story are Necroms, beings that started as adepts but were corrupted by evil spirits called wraiths.
“Necrom have existed nearly as long as adepts. They were once regular adepts, but were corrupted through hardships or natural ailments. They are the criminals of the magical world. An essential criminal will resort to thievery, lies, deceit, and even murder, whereas the adepts have the power to become much more. […] These adepts, corrupted as they were, evoked the most vile, nefarious spirits. Such spirits are known as wraiths. They induced fear, hate, and every other painful emotion you can imagine.”
For years these Necroms have been hunting gifted humans, adepts in an effort to increase their numbers, leaving a bloodbath in their wake. For this reason, most parents, when they realized they had a gifted child, would give up the kid for the rest of the family to survive.
“Our parents knew? They knew that I could cause this?”
“You didn’t cause anything Louie,” Witherton said gently. “Many parents leave their adept baby in the woods, or worse when they discover his or her gift. Your parents didn’t even hesitate in their decision to keep you. They loved you both with all of their hearts.”
Louie and Jake’s parents knew and took the risk anyway, but they moved to a secluded area in the woods and asked Mr. Witherton to train the boys. As an afterthought, I imagined Mr. Witherton as a medieval version of Mr. Miyagi 😉.
Read the full review here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
April 15, 2021
The author does a great job of adding new twists and ideas to a common fantasy theme. The characters are believable and you feel like you know them and can relate to their struggles. And the world building is wonderful. Oftentimes newer fantasy writers go overboard in explaining this new world or the rules it lives by but I never really felt that reading this book. I’m definitely exited to continue the story and see what adventures and struggles await Louie, Jake, Cassie and the whole crew!
January 27, 2021
The author does a great job creating a new world that is unique from other magic books. The world is believable and the characters so real I felt that I knew them. This is a great fast pace read that I feel all magic book reader would love. Thanks for sharing with us!
Currently reading
April 1, 2021Elemental Links has undergone a facelift!
Find it on Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Barnes and Noble, and the Apple Book Store.
☆☆☆☆☆
Find it on Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Barnes and Noble, and the Apple Book Store.
☆☆☆☆☆
July 22, 2022
Firstly, thank you to the wonderful author for providing me with audiobook to review her creation!
So, where to even begin?
I can easily say that I truly enjoyed the story from the very beginning up till the last page.
The story is set in Medieval ages and we get to see it through the eyes of two brothers, Jake and Louie. One is exceptional warrior and the other, a castor who can bend elemental magic to his will. They stick together through thick and thin, ready to die for each other and always ready for the battle, even when the fear is trying to stop them.
Their bond made me love this story, but sword fighting, intense tournament, disgusting monsters and growing friendships definetly added to it. However, the ending was not as shocking or strong as I thought it might be. That lost the book one star from me, but it's still a great read for YA fantasy fans! But I got to witness a sweet teen romance to blossom and friendships to grow, and pure goodness put one hell of the fight against evil.
Also, another thing what I like about this book - it can be read as standalone. There is two more books, yet the ending of "Elemental links" do not particularly leave unanswered questions. The story ended and it felt complete. The thing drawing to the second book is pure curiosity. So, it's a good thing if you ain't sure if you ready to commit to new series fully.
So, where to even begin?
I can easily say that I truly enjoyed the story from the very beginning up till the last page.
The story is set in Medieval ages and we get to see it through the eyes of two brothers, Jake and Louie. One is exceptional warrior and the other, a castor who can bend elemental magic to his will. They stick together through thick and thin, ready to die for each other and always ready for the battle, even when the fear is trying to stop them.
Their bond made me love this story, but sword fighting, intense tournament, disgusting monsters and growing friendships definetly added to it. However, the ending was not as shocking or strong as I thought it might be. That lost the book one star from me, but it's still a great read for YA fantasy fans! But I got to witness a sweet teen romance to blossom and friendships to grow, and pure goodness put one hell of the fight against evil.
Also, another thing what I like about this book - it can be read as standalone. There is two more books, yet the ending of "Elemental links" do not particularly leave unanswered questions. The story ended and it felt complete. The thing drawing to the second book is pure curiosity. So, it's a good thing if you ain't sure if you ready to commit to new series fully.
June 26, 2019
Elemental Links follows two teen brothers’ quest to master their hidden powers and fight the evil that threaten to destroy their world. Louie, an adept: an individual gifted with elemental magic, is forced to flee his home with his brother Jake after dark forces destroy everything they hold dear and uproot their lives. The boys embark on a journey where they meet vicious enemies, magical creatures, and unexpected allies.
Louie is loyal and benevolent and he keeps others before him even as he faces grave danger. His relentless spirt makes him a commendable hero in this fascinating tale of brotherly love, friendship, and loyalty. A bit slow in the beginning, the narrative picks up after a few chapters and careens ahead at a lightning speed.
Leon’s engrossing prose and skilled storytelling give an extra kick to this enthralling tale.
Louie is loyal and benevolent and he keeps others before him even as he faces grave danger. His relentless spirt makes him a commendable hero in this fascinating tale of brotherly love, friendship, and loyalty. A bit slow in the beginning, the narrative picks up after a few chapters and careens ahead at a lightning speed.
Leon’s engrossing prose and skilled storytelling give an extra kick to this enthralling tale.
May 15, 2020
Found this book in a little free library, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I can say I didn't expect it to be as good as it was - I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The book is fun and engaging throughout, but where it really shines is the characters, who remain distinct, well developed and true throughout the book. I happened upon the first book, but will be actively searching for the second.
August 15, 2021
Fun read! Leon does a great job at building an enjoyable world to explore. The magic system is exciting, especially as the characters learn how to use and control it. I can see this building into a great series! I felt it was an easy read with a clear story that was engaging. Great job M.A. Leon!
April 26, 2020
I quite enjoyed this book. It had a good blend of tension and humor to keep it from getting too heavy. I look forward to reading the sequel.
April 11, 2021
4.7 Stars
''Thoughts that were once comforting now cause pain, and it's too dangerous to let myself face them.''
The book did take me by a surprise. I did not expect such a good story!
It tells the story of two brothers. Louie, the younger one with magic and Jake, the older one with a sword. If you're into magic and enjoy a good fight scene, keep reading!
I was pleased that the author did not mainly focus on the magic part of the story. Not only we got to know both brothers but their friends, their teacher and even enemies. Finally, I came across a book with a great description! Thank you! Melanie did an amazing job describing the characters and their surrounding.
Even though the main subject of the plot was serious, involving surviving and fighting necromancers, it made me chuckle a few times. The inside joke involving possed turkey?! I cannot lie, I was tensed, reading that part, thinking that Jake came across a necromancer, which appeared to be an angry turkey, haha!
The talking tree, bad and good spirits? Magic involving five elements? Yes, please!
There was a slight hint of romance, which didn't overpower the story itself. As a reader, I felt it but I knew there were far more important obstacles on the brothers' path, which came first.
Of course, my favourite parts involved a good sword movement. The tournament where Jake proved himself as a very skilled swordsman. A struggle Louie went through went necromancers captured and tortured him. The final fight?! I was not ready for it!
The reason why I did not give it 5 stars is I felt that necromancers were not as strong as I imagined them to be. I understand that Louie is a powerful adapt and his sprites helped him all along but I'd love to see a bit more struggle!
I do not want to share a lot of spoilers but remember - some people are not what they pretend to be! Instead of reading reviews and overthinking my advice is: take a book, sit down and enjoy a ride! Imagine yourself in a world of magic, your grip on the sword, facing a gurgling necromancer!
Trust me, it will be hard to put the book away. ;)
''Thoughts that were once comforting now cause pain, and it's too dangerous to let myself face them.''
The book did take me by a surprise. I did not expect such a good story!
It tells the story of two brothers. Louie, the younger one with magic and Jake, the older one with a sword. If you're into magic and enjoy a good fight scene, keep reading!
I was pleased that the author did not mainly focus on the magic part of the story. Not only we got to know both brothers but their friends, their teacher and even enemies. Finally, I came across a book with a great description! Thank you! Melanie did an amazing job describing the characters and their surrounding.
Even though the main subject of the plot was serious, involving surviving and fighting necromancers, it made me chuckle a few times. The inside joke involving possed turkey?! I cannot lie, I was tensed, reading that part, thinking that Jake came across a necromancer, which appeared to be an angry turkey, haha!
The talking tree, bad and good spirits? Magic involving five elements? Yes, please!
There was a slight hint of romance, which didn't overpower the story itself. As a reader, I felt it but I knew there were far more important obstacles on the brothers' path, which came first.
Of course, my favourite parts involved a good sword movement. The tournament where Jake proved himself as a very skilled swordsman. A struggle Louie went through went necromancers captured and tortured him. The final fight?! I was not ready for it!
The reason why I did not give it 5 stars is I felt that necromancers were not as strong as I imagined them to be. I understand that Louie is a powerful adapt and his sprites helped him all along but I'd love to see a bit more struggle!
I do not want to share a lot of spoilers but remember - some people are not what they pretend to be! Instead of reading reviews and overthinking my advice is: take a book, sit down and enjoy a ride! Imagine yourself in a world of magic, your grip on the sword, facing a gurgling necromancer!
Trust me, it will be hard to put the book away. ;)
January 29, 2021
While this story doesn’t venture far from common fantasy elements (the ‘elderly’ and bearded mentor, the reluctant hero, and the orphaned hero(es), for example), I still found it entertaining.
I enjoyed the various characters, each distinct from the others, for the most part (Troy and Shane seemed less distinct as the book went on). The relationship between the brothers Jake and Louie, in particular, was well presented, showing their strong attachment to each other but including realistic squabbles that one might see between siblings. The unique magic system was interesting and well-described.
While the vivid, detailed descriptions built a good picture of the world, at times they seemed a bit too long-winded, slowing the pace and leaving me wondering how long the main characters stood there viewing the described scene (their first sight of the castle, in particular).
Some of the phrasing was pure poetry, like “Louie screamed to the sky until feisty winds corralled rain clouds to share his grief” and “a soft breeze came in puffs of air, cooled by the morning dew that had survived the breaking of dawn by cowering in the shadows”. But in other parts, odd word choices popped up frequently enough to become annoying and pulled me out of the story, for example: “the accompaniment of abated breath”, “the pupils of his eyes dilated until they were pinpricks”, and “to conceal his sentient face”. And some words seemed too modern for the setting, such as the use of “okay” in dialogue and “toothbrush” to describe someone’s mustache.
I suspect that extensively-read fantasy bookworms might find few surprises in the story, but overall it’s still an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the various characters, each distinct from the others, for the most part (Troy and Shane seemed less distinct as the book went on). The relationship between the brothers Jake and Louie, in particular, was well presented, showing their strong attachment to each other but including realistic squabbles that one might see between siblings. The unique magic system was interesting and well-described.
While the vivid, detailed descriptions built a good picture of the world, at times they seemed a bit too long-winded, slowing the pace and leaving me wondering how long the main characters stood there viewing the described scene (their first sight of the castle, in particular).
Some of the phrasing was pure poetry, like “Louie screamed to the sky until feisty winds corralled rain clouds to share his grief” and “a soft breeze came in puffs of air, cooled by the morning dew that had survived the breaking of dawn by cowering in the shadows”. But in other parts, odd word choices popped up frequently enough to become annoying and pulled me out of the story, for example: “the accompaniment of abated breath”, “the pupils of his eyes dilated until they were pinpricks”, and “to conceal his sentient face”. And some words seemed too modern for the setting, such as the use of “okay” in dialogue and “toothbrush” to describe someone’s mustache.
I suspect that extensively-read fantasy bookworms might find few surprises in the story, but overall it’s still an enjoyable read.
January 31, 2021
Young Adult Medieval Fantasy, with the prerequisite worldbuilding and magic systems and sword battles, isn’t my preferred genre, but the author is coming from a sincere place. The book stars two brothers, Jake and Louie, who are likeable enough for most of the story. Those with powers in this world are “adept,” and Louie is one of them, while Jake is the swordsmen. They encounter the mysterious Cassie, go on the run, encounter other adepts, and everything builds to the sequel. There’s a decent momentum to the story, but many of the scenes are simply too long. The characters, however, should keep most readers invested. Nothing groundbreaking, but fans of the genre should get what they need.
February 4, 2021
**I was given and e-copy of this book by the author for an honest review**
A medieval like world and a quest to be completed by two brothers. The story is filled with knights and peasants, tournaments and swords and of course the all important magic. I absolutely loved this book. It was fast paced with plenty of action scenes and good world building.
The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the dynamic between the brothers Jake and Louie. Their relationship of brotherly love didn’t feel forced or over done but like a sibling relationship should be. Full of love but also banter, teasing and irritation.
I look forward to reading the second book of the series.
A medieval like world and a quest to be completed by two brothers. The story is filled with knights and peasants, tournaments and swords and of course the all important magic. I absolutely loved this book. It was fast paced with plenty of action scenes and good world building.
The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the dynamic between the brothers Jake and Louie. Their relationship of brotherly love didn’t feel forced or over done but like a sibling relationship should be. Full of love but also banter, teasing and irritation.
I look forward to reading the second book of the series.
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this coming of age magical story!
This story had the right ingredients, the life changing journeys of different heroes, tragedy, betrayal, lots of magic, a pinch of humour and my favourite, a medieval tournament!
I’m not going to go into spoilers.
The world building was impressive, there was good attention to detail without overdoing it. I like how we were introduced to the characters and how each person was an integral part of the story.
The story flowed well from the beginning to the middle and to the final part. It kept me engaged and interested to the very end.
The bits of humour here and there prevented the story from being too dark. I loved it!
I’m definitely getting the sequel!
Thanks for a cracking good read!
This story had the right ingredients, the life changing journeys of different heroes, tragedy, betrayal, lots of magic, a pinch of humour and my favourite, a medieval tournament!
I’m not going to go into spoilers.
The world building was impressive, there was good attention to detail without overdoing it. I like how we were introduced to the characters and how each person was an integral part of the story.
The story flowed well from the beginning to the middle and to the final part. It kept me engaged and interested to the very end.
The bits of humour here and there prevented the story from being too dark. I loved it!
I’m definitely getting the sequel!
Thanks for a cracking good read!
January 29, 2021
4.5 stars!
Magic, knights, and epic battles? Count me in! This is one adventure you won't want to miss!
Prepare for your next binge-read. Two brothers are sent on a mission with one goal: don't get caught by the necroms. One brother has magical abilities; the other is skilled with a sword. I absolutely adore the emphasis that's placed on their brotherly bond. The way they talk to and treat each other feels real and relatable. Also, I'm not ashamed to admit that I have the biggest crush on Jake.
The pacing and world-building are well established through Elemental Links.
Looking forward to reading the next one!
Magic, knights, and epic battles? Count me in! This is one adventure you won't want to miss!
Prepare for your next binge-read. Two brothers are sent on a mission with one goal: don't get caught by the necroms. One brother has magical abilities; the other is skilled with a sword. I absolutely adore the emphasis that's placed on their brotherly bond. The way they talk to and treat each other feels real and relatable. Also, I'm not ashamed to admit that I have the biggest crush on Jake.
The pacing and world-building are well established through Elemental Links.
Looking forward to reading the next one!
April 24, 2021
At fist I didn’t feel like this book was my cup of tea but once I kept reading I got started to like the characters and the story more and more. I like how all new friends the two brothers meet along their way turns in to sort of a second family. And once I got to explore the magic more I really liked the world as well.
My favourite thing thought is that they are friends with a tree.
My favourite thing thought is that they are friends with a tree.
April 2, 2021
M. A. Leon has completed an impressive task in creating such an original fantasy novel.
January 5, 2021
Very enjoyable from start to finish. I enjoy how M.A. Leon keeps character personalities consistent throughout. Makes them very relatable and enjoyable to read. The action scenes are great with an air of light humor thrown in by characters throughout. I have recommended the series to several people who have all enjoyed it!
December 29, 2020
So I am going, to be honest, I have this book in every format. I purchased the ebook before I won the paperback and then I entered to be a reviewer of the audiobook. I really wanted to get to it and I knew that my best bet was to listen to the audio. So it’s a good thing that I really liked it.
This is a YA Young Adult Medieval Fantasy and it has a good vs. evil theme. I am a fan of YA Young Adult Medieval Fantasy books. I am not sure why these appeal to me the way they do but there have been a few series that I have loved. (If you are interested just ask in the comments).
The relationship between Jake and Louie felt real they are brothers so they are not going to always see eye to eye but they would do anything to save one another. Louie is an adept, a person born with magical ability, and Jake is a gifted swordsman. To together they are a force to be reckoned with. Dark forces called necroms are hunting adepts to turn them into more necroms (they are building an army). Louie is one of the strongest and they are after him.
There is a lot of learning going on in this story. Not just with the brothers but with the whole cast. Especially when it comes to keeping secrets. Some need kept and keeping others can put everyone in danger.
This was a story that I did not want to put down and I enjoyed all of it. I really can’t think of anything to say that isn’t glowing.
If any of this sounds appealing to you please pick up a copy.
This is a YA Young Adult Medieval Fantasy and it has a good vs. evil theme. I am a fan of YA Young Adult Medieval Fantasy books. I am not sure why these appeal to me the way they do but there have been a few series that I have loved. (If you are interested just ask in the comments).
The relationship between Jake and Louie felt real they are brothers so they are not going to always see eye to eye but they would do anything to save one another. Louie is an adept, a person born with magical ability, and Jake is a gifted swordsman. To together they are a force to be reckoned with. Dark forces called necroms are hunting adepts to turn them into more necroms (they are building an army). Louie is one of the strongest and they are after him.
There is a lot of learning going on in this story. Not just with the brothers but with the whole cast. Especially when it comes to keeping secrets. Some need kept and keeping others can put everyone in danger.
This was a story that I did not want to put down and I enjoyed all of it. I really can’t think of anything to say that isn’t glowing.
If any of this sounds appealing to you please pick up a copy.
August 5, 2020
Absolutely amazing!!! This book is basically the epitome of everything I love about medieval fantasy. It has it all - sword fights, magic, danger, friendship, black wraiths, and powerful seraphs. The two main characters, Jake and Louie, are brothers who are fiercely devoted to each other. They both are trained by a wonderful mentor who prepares them for the dangerous adventure that lies ahead. The brothers meet many new people along their journey and constantly have to be cautious about who they trust. I loved each and every character in this story, and really appreciated how many came alongside Jake and Louie to support and protect them. The relationships in this book are life goals. This is a real page-turner; the author has a wonderful knack for storytelling! The perfect amount of humor mixed with the author's excellent use of words makes this one the of best books I have read in a great while!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
August 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The turkeys lol. And they keep returning! I really liked the first chapter, it really hooked me, I don’t usually note that but I did for this book. I enjoyed the heck out of all of the characters, good & bad because they were well placed. Troy & Cassie are by far my favorites, though I quite enjoy Paul. And I relate to both the Brandon’s because of the shyness. So stinking familiar. Anyways, I can’t wait for Blood Ties.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2020
Elemental Links is a fun and quirky story that any fantasy fan will love! The characters are full of life and witty dialogue as they embark on a new adventure in the world of Elabrium. Once things started heating up (literal fire magic!) I could hardly put the book (well ebook to be specific) down!
March 30, 2019
Elemental Links was a fun read and it's easy to recommend to anyone looking for their next fiction story.
I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series come out!
I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series come out!
July 28, 2020
I recieved a free copy from voracious readers. Enjoyed the book. Will read more from this author
April 17, 2022
great story
Awesome book, I couldn’t put it down. Magic, battles and adventure, caring for family and friends, if your into that you’ll love it.
Awesome book, I couldn’t put it down. Magic, battles and adventure, caring for family and friends, if your into that you’ll love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews