Graphite and Turbulence

The Elemental Artist #2

by Jami Fairleigh

He will need courage, resilience, and a bit of magic—to survive fatherhood.

Artist Matthew Sugiyama finally has a location to start his search for his birth family, but no one prepared him for the turbulence of a scowling, unhappy child. Not only is the depot is far away, his fledgling parenting skills are not cutting it... and everyone has plenty of advice to offer on fatherhood. Before Matthew can find his bearings, Akiko disappears.

In a blink, Matthew’s priorities change. Time is running out and when old friends and enemies arrive in the depot, the situation leaves Matthew scrambling. He needs a plan—and he needs help—but who can he trust?

A profoundly moving father daughter story of the search for love and connection, Graphite and Turbulence celebrates the magic that transforms friendly strangers into family.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Dystopia

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Jami Fairleigh is a biracial, Japanese-American writer, urban planner, and hobby collector from Washington. She shares her life with a husband, a trio of well-mannered horses, a pair of dubiously behaved parrots, and one neurotic dog.

Her writing has been published by Terror House Magazine, Horror Tree, Defenestration, and Amsterdam Quarterly. She is currently working on the fourth novel in the Elemental Artist fantasy series.

You can find her and more information about her writing at jamifairleigh.com.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE the Elemental Artist series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world hundreds of years in the future, there are no more cars, tech, electricity, or any modern conveniences. Everyone has basically been transported back to the 1800’s. Matthew is an artist and in this world, artists are the most valued type of profession because what they paint comes to life. If he paints an improvement on an old shack, it can turn into a beautiful new school building. It’s a fun concept and the way that author Jami Fairleigh fleshes out her world with low tech flying machines, danger of infection from leg wounds, the drudgery of slow travel without cars or trains, and seeing color through an artist’s eyes, is thrilling. In the last book, Matthew found a circle of friends, whom he’s mostly separated from in GRAPHITE AND TURBULENCE, as he tries to find his birth family that gave him up for artist training when he was a toddler. Here we see his relationship with Akiko, the eight-year-old girl he has adopted and who is a talented artist herself. Except in their world, girls are not allowed to be trained as artists, and Akiko’s gifts are even rarer than Matthew’s, making her a target for exploitation. I loved seeing their father daughter scenes, as well as learning more about Matthew’s past and his connection with Talbot. The scenes where Matthew and Akiko flew in the flyer, argued, found solutions to problems, communicated through sketches, and strengthened their father-daughter bond made this book a treasure to read. Very excited to see what happens in Charcoal and Smoke! 5/5 stars.

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG thanks to Kitsune Publishing, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Graphite and Turbulence!

4.5 Stars

"A profoundly moving father-daughter story about the search for love and connection, Graphite and Turbulence celebrates the magic that transforms friendly strangers into family."

I SO enjoyed this book!! It took me a wee bit of time to figure out what was going on at the beginning of the book but that was my fault for reading it before I had read the first book in the series. Having said that, however, I feel Graphite and Turbulence could be read as a stand-alone, as I was able to catch on before long.

I love to lose myself in a book that has a huge heart and this one definitely does!! It's a post-apocalyptic world of the future story with fascinating, quirky characters! There is a little sci-fi, a little fantasy, and even a bit of magic thrown in. It was wonderful reading about Matthew and Akiko (And their dog Charcoal, of course) and seeing their father-daughter relationship strengthen. I wish I could witness something being "improved" by Mathew, who is also known as Artist!

I even enjoyed reading the author's note. Interesting that Matthew was reserved and unflappable in the early drafts!

I can't wait for Charcoal and Smoke to be finished!

[Lauren de Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, this book is so good! I absolutely loved Oil and Dust, and this was an incredibly satisfying second installment. I loved seeing the relationship between Matthew and Akiko unfold, and the little details that hint at the past were perfect. It’s just enough to put this futuristic world into perspective without pulling you out of the story. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for book three.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teri Kratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEVER read 2 books in a series back to back. I read "Oil and Dust" and "Graphite and Turbulence" in less than 3 days. I am only sad that the 3rd book is not ready yet. Dystopian books usually make me frightened or sad. These books made me thoughtful and hopeful in a weird way. John Lennon's "Imagine" was my music as I read. The characters were well thought out and the descriptions made me feel, hear, see, smell and taste what was going on. Hurry Writer!

Ok, so I reread this second book in the series right after the first again! The third book is out in days and I have it preordered. I enjoyed these books even more the second time. I am also in love with Charcoal and will never get a dog until I find one as smart as he is.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, although I do not think the story was as captivating as it was in the first novel, Oil and Dust. Matthew & Akiko’s adventure continues in this second novel, meeting some new characters along the way. I personally liked Matthew a little more in the first novel compared to the second. He was not the best decision maker in this novel & frequently puts himself and Akiko at risk. Plus he is blinded by his desire to find information about his parents or find them, which adds to his bad decision making.
The fact that he decided to trust Talbot after seeing what he is capable of in the first novel, was pretty irritating to me. Who cares if they are cousins? Talbot was a lying, scheming bad guy….and the fact that Akiko got “kidnapped” into the Seminary, but was “being watched over” by Talbot…..who also CONVENIENTLY left with Reverend Carter (the super bad guy) in the end…..it’s just all suspicious to me.
The ending was also odd to me. It felt like the story was building and building…..but then it ran into a wall (or at least Matthew did during yet another piss-poorly thought out rescue mission)….and suddenly everything was magically better? Matthew made it out of the Seminary fortress….found a dying (then dead) Bowman….& returned to Toronto Depot only to find that Akiko is home safe & sound…Reverend Carter (and Talbot) have moved on to somewhere else….there was a barge of children floating in the water from the seminary (what?)…yea…I was confused. When Matthew left on his last poorly thought out rescue mission, everyone was going to a meeting by Reverend Carter (why that seemed like a good idea is beyond me), no one really said what occurred during that meeting other than “ranting and raving” and it was a distraction so the warehouse could be raided. What? The same Reverend Carter that is the super bad guy that kills everyone and is a big threat….just had a meeting and just yelled at everyone? Weird. Akiko sorta explains how she escaped from the fortress, but that seemed overly simple as well.
I still enjoyed this novel despite all of my above complaints. Haha I just didn’t think it was as good as the first. The third book comes out in March 2023….and I will be patiently waiting to buy it!

[Helianthus · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to dive back into the story of Matthew and his search to find his home. Especially now that he is travelling with Akiko, his adopted daughter. This sequel read quite similarly to it’s predecessor – in that it is a cosy, travel story which allows for the focus to be on the characters and their relationships. This is why I loved this so much – I find the novel to be more focused on character than plot (while the plot does hold it’s own).

This was an emotional rollercoaster of a read, I am so invested in these characters that this novel had me on edge – stressing about what would happen next. I love the false sense of security I get from the early chapters as I sit down to read about Matthew’s travels and then get hit with fear, chaos and confusion. This is all evened out though with the beautiful characters and the friendships they make. There are some wonderful additions to Matthew’s found family this novel, as well as some side characters I am going to miss. Jami Fairleigh has a knack for creating these really vibrant characters, which are some of my favourite parts of this novel.

As I said before, plot-wise, things got intense! I loved how the story continued on from the events of Oil and Dust (Book 1), and while it answered some questions, it also asked so many more. There is so much on the line for these characters, and I found that the story had a nice mix of stressful scenes as well as light hearted. Fairleigh writes beautifully, and really has created such an interesting and complex world for this story to unfold in.

I think one of my favourite things about this novel is the found family aspects. Found family makes me melt emotionally. Here, I am so invested it's not funny! I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a cosy read with wonderful characters and an exciting plot. Though it goes without saying, read Oil and Dust first! You'll love it!

Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for sending me this free eARC (eAdvanced Reader Copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily. This title was published 1st March 2022.

[M.L. Dunker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited way too long to pick up this series again. I had picked up Oil and Dust as an ebook when it first came out and before I had even finished the first book, I had ordered the second and purchased the first as a print book. I fell in love with Matthew's journey to find his family, and embraced the friends he made along the way. I gushed about the books on Facebook's fantasy forums, tweeted my desire to have all creatives hear these words, propped the books prominently behind me when I spoke about books on podcasts and Zoom interviews.

And then life happened, and I forgot about the second book even though it sat on my shelf. My punishment is that I have gone months without the warm vibes that Akiko just exudes as she skips across the page. Charcoal will always be my favorite, but Akiko runs a close second. I also love all the advice - and judgement - Matthew receives from friends and strangers about his parenting skills. I felt the author could have lifted that straight from the pages of every social media thread - how anyone can be a parent in today's media circus is far beyond my wheelhouse of knowledge.

Talbot continues to be the villain we cannot live without. He is in the unenviable position of working with the hero, while maintaining all of his "charm." I like the complexity of his character without liking him.

This is a serious second act without any sophomore slump. Well-done!

[MV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so, I loved this book a lot and again I still can't stop thinking about it, but I didn't love it quite as much as Oil and Dust. I'm still giving it four stars though, which is the rating I gave Oil and Dust!

The main reason being, it felt like poor Matthew was shit on almost the entire time. I felt like it was crisis after crisis, even if they were small. Even though there were tiny moments of Matthew and Akiko being okay, I still felt an underlying anxiety during these moments, so I never felt like I was able to come up for air. I wish there was more time in-between each crisis to just sit and live with the characters a bit.

But boy, does this book amp up the stakes and expand things. I loved all the new characters that were introduced, and the various twists and turns that took place. I actually enjoyed the reveal about Talbot being family. At first I felt a little iffy about it but I actually really liked him as a character by the end and am intrigued about his backstory. I hope we see more of him in the third book and I hope he and Matthew get a real chance to grow their relationship, though I have a small sinking feeling that this won't happen T_T. Also omg! The reveal about the abbeys was really interesting and I can't wait to see more of what Matthew will do and how he'll grapple with this. I'm waiting in great anticipation for the third book.

[Helen Garraway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphite and Turbulence is a worthy sequel to Oil and Dust, which I loved. The art magic was an original magic system, or at least this was the first time I had come across it, and this book takes us to a new level as Akiko’s talents unfold. Unfortunately that means she also becomes more of a target.

The relationship between Akiko and Mathew is lovely, and as Mathew stumbles into parenting, he tries to learn from his mistakes, as well as choose which parenting advice he is going to use. The first time Akiko uses his surname as her family name is a poignant moment.

I love how the use of paint and colours enrich this story, especially as Akiko revels in it and brings new life to everything she touches. And that cover! So clever how it has evolved to include Akiko!!

This is an engaging story with a lot characters, though with all the compounds and depots it is easy to confuse who they are, to remember where they came from and who is on the side of the angels and who is not.

The title of the book suggest that all does not go well in this installment and their journey is full of up and downs (literally!!), and new challenges, but it doesn’t end here. Thankfully there is more to come!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Jami Fairleigh's trilogy The Elemental Artist. The story picks up when Matthew Sugiyama continues to look for his parents with his ward, Akiko. They travel to Toronto, as they were told that the shapes in the painting Matthew calls 'Home' resembles the skyline of that city. Matthew meets up with Talbot, who led the fight against him and his friends, only to find that Talbot is his cousin. Talbot tells Matthew that he is trying to protect him, even though they fought bitterly (in the earlier book). Talbot refuses to tell Matthew the whole story of what occurred when he was given to Popham Abbey to learn artistry and leaves the mystery to the reader. At the end, Matthew and his friends determine that his painting is not Toronto's skyline, but rather that of Las Vegas. As we leave this book, he and his friends will be leaving to find the answers to his questions in Las Vegas.

[Jamie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing the first book in the Elemental Artist Series, Oil & Dust, I was so excited to read Graphite & Turbulence! This book follows Matthew’s journey as it grows more dangerous and complex. I loved seeing how his character is growing and learning from his many experiences and really loved the warm relationship between him and Akiko. The art magic system in this series is so beautiful and original, and the new revelations of what the magic can do is really fun to see evolve!

Love this book and the fantastic story- can’t wait to see what Fairleigh has in store for us in the next book!

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Fairleigh amazes me with her creativity and storytelling chops. The dystopian (and in some ways, utopian) world our characters move in is masterfully laid out, with a cast of unique and engaging characters. While Matthew and Akiko get time with some of old favorites (Ben, Josephine, Bowman, Genevie, and Earl), we’re introduced to some fantastic new ones as well. There’s adventure and mystery and intriguing art developments, but most of all there’s a beautiful sense of found family. Loved it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not being a fantasy reader, I was surprised when I couldn’t stop reading Oil and Dust. But, I had to satisfy my need to know more about Matthew and his quest for family. His escapades and his developing relationship with Akiko in this book have wound an even more interesting tale. I couldn’t put this one down and am now waiting for the continuation of this series.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisitely written novel about the perils of living in a post-apocalyptic world, and the bonds that develops between chosen family. Readers of magic, fantasy and science fiction will especially love this book. Atmospheric and colorful, full of details that delight the senses. A must read!

[L. Pink · Rating 1 out of 5]

To many triggers warning for my taste

[gretchen Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved everything

The story was relaxing and refreshing to read. Great imagination its a feel good adventure with very original characters. Would love to see it on film.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Jami for the gifted copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I adored the first book in the series - Oil and Dust - and was over the moon when I saw there was to be a sequel, and when I was given the chance to read it.

If I’m splitting hairs, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this, I did slightly prefer the first book. That’s not to say anything negative about this sequel, it’s just the first one was more about world and character building which is something I really enjoy about a fantasy book, whereas this is more of an extension of what was built in the first.

What I particularly liked were the developments between Matthew and Akiko as we see their father/daughter relationship deepen. Also, there are more hints to the past, the ‘before’, which gives you a greater perspective to what is happening in the now.

To me, this one has a slower pace, a calmer pace, more character focused than plot driven, well, it has for the majority of it; you’ll know when you’ve reached the point as it all starts to kick off.

I’m already counting down the days to the third book’s release next year.