Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Elementi #1

Discovering Synergy

Rate this book
Millville, the small town where I’d grown up and lived for the past twenty-one years, had nothing interesting about it other than the dusty scarecrow in Creepy Ned’s field. That might have been why I didn’t have any aspirations of a noteworthy life in my future.

After I landed a scholarship overseas, I learned that Ryevick University had more to it than pretty buildings, and a happening student life. It was full of secrets that only curious people who paid attention to it might discover.

Tales of Demons walking among us, taking human form, and wanting to claim this world for their leaders abounded. With the law of free will holding back the angels from interceding on humanity’s behalf, they had to come up with a plan to stop the evil.

So they created the Elementi, or more specifically, Elementi Warriors. Blessed knights, each gifted with an elemental power to fight the demons and keep everyone safe.

But as with every gift, or exchange, there is fine print. The warriors must remain pure and diligent to their calling if they were to receive the ultimate weapon in the time of humanity’s great need.

This promised weapon, that has the ability to defeat the demons, was dubbed Synergy– the highest power known to men and heaven alike.

But over the years, as the knights search for it, they’ve started to question what if Synergy isn’t just a weapon at all?

At least, that’s how the legend goes…

This is an adult romance where the leading lady does not have to pick between her men. This is an 18+ book that has sex, language, and paranormal violence and mild bullying (not from the harem.) Book one out of five.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2020

290 people are currently reading
519 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Knight

44 books1,020 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
459 (44%)
4 stars
351 (33%)
3 stars
180 (17%)
2 stars
34 (3%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
838 reviews221 followers
Read
November 15, 2020
DNF at around 40% so leaving unfinished.

This reminded me why I shouldn't pick up Academy/University books. I found the main female character dull and painfully young, sweet and innocent. The whole gang of desirable, bad, powerful boys in the University had me eye rolling and I couldn't handle the cheesy tropiness of it anymore.

So yeah, not for me.
174 reviews6 followers
Read
June 23, 2020
3 stars for effort

I really like RH romance but I'm so tired of academy and bully romance. I don't know why I got this book on KU except it was suggested. This is the author's 1st book and I want to be nice so I'll temper what I say. This book was nice but it won't be something that I want to buy to read again. There is very little character development, of any character, and no single character was interesting enough to make me want to care about the outcome. The world was standard academy with mean girls. It's an okay book but I'm not interested in reading the 2and book at all.
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books81 followers
April 26, 2020
A great first book

I really enjoyed this the story is different to what you usually get with Templar knights and angels. The harem is perfect your have the jokester, the smart one, the silent and deadly one, the grumpy one and then the helpful one such a perfect mix and they work so well together
Profile Image for AHCuteArt.
1,183 reviews27 followers
June 9, 2022
DNF (did not finish). What made the book unfinishable in your opinion?
Sometimes I don't mind romance books that have cliches or cringe worthy material… Unfortunately, this book had too many of them. The introduction was choppy, rushed, and did not flow well. This book followed the trope of the main character being a scholarship student that is hated by others that are jealous or just looking down on her. Then the cliche preppy friend shows up, instantly likes the main character, and tells her all about the academy. Lastly, the five love interests are part of a “special” group that have their own “special” dormitory because they're just so “special”. (I’ve read too many books with “special” students owning the school and being able to do whatever they want.) Of course, the main character is bullied by mean girls within the first chapter and stereotypical phrase of “charity case” shows up. Unfortunately, the first chapter of this book turned me off to the rest of the book. like I said before I don't mind tropes in moderate amounts, but this book had too many. I Want the author to add a bit of something new so that the cliches are not so predictable. I'm going to give this book an average rating since I did not get past the first chapter.
Profile Image for Amanda.
11 reviews
April 16, 2020
Just wow!!

I am beyond excited with this series and am in terrible need for book number 2. Micah is the lost love of my life!!
Profile Image for TipseyBookReviews.
1,442 reviews52 followers
April 7, 2021
So honestly, I usually decided to check out a book based on the blurb and the one for this book didn’t grab me, but I saw some snippets posted by the author on FB and for the 3 books in the series and they were great! I’m so glad I checked it out! This book has fated mates, mean girls, the Knights Templar, and angels/demons. This is a slow burn RH. I loved Lailah - she doesn’t really let the mean girls bother her, and stands up for herself when she needs too. I also love Cami - I want her as a best friend :) Parker is kind of a fun goofball but also sweet, Micah is kind of a brooding jerk at times but is protective, Jay is kind of a mystery, Hudson is the kind TA, and Brayden is the leader. While they all feel an instant attraction to Lailah, they don’t really understand what it means, so while this is a fated mates it’s not installed, which I really liked. I also liked that the school felt more like her going to college vs an academy story, since I was feeling burnt out on academy books. Anyways, I’m off to download book 2!
Profile Image for WiccaMagic74.
258 reviews10 followers
April 17, 2020
I...I..... You HAVE to read this.

Wow what a book.
This is the type of reverse harem that makes the genre better.
The characters have personalities, the world they live in is detailed and the story is original.
You can’t miss this book and I am on my knees waiting for book 2
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
October 8, 2020
Synergy, thy name is Lala...

Exciting first book of a new series with excellent world building, exceptional multi dimensional characters, and a plot that lives and breathes.

I must admit, I am now hooked on this series and am ready to dive into book two now.
Profile Image for Christina.
902 reviews36 followers
October 8, 2020
Great start to a series!

I really enjoyed the mc's personality. It was nice to have multiple pov. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy something having to do with the knights of the templar but I really did. I look forward to book two.
Profile Image for Alyrica.
555 reviews17 followers
November 21, 2021
Good Debut

This debut was good. I think this author has a lot of potential.

What I Liked:
*The premise. Though this wasn't a completely original idea, the author combined elements in a way that made it feel fresh.
*Good vs. Evil. I am a sucker for a good vs. evil story.
*Laila. Though I finished the story not fully knowing Laila, I did like what I learned about her. I am looking forward to experiencing her growth in subsequent books.
*The setting. I enjoyed the college setting which included some on page class scenes. The was a good balance of class time vs free time which kept it interesting.

What I Didn't Like:
*Too short. Sometimes a book can be this length and still provide fully developed characters and sufficient world building but there wasn't enough detail for me to fully connect.

Overall, this was a solid first book.

**Edit After Re-read** I had more telling than showing as a critique however after the re-read I don't agree. There was something that kept me from completely connecting but tell vs. show wasn't the issue. Also, I am bumping this up to 4 stars. I definitely enjoyed this more the 2nd time.

Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,517 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2022
fantastic!

I honestly loved this book, the suspense and unknown element throughout kept me completely captivated - I couldn’t put the book down until the very last word.
It’s got great, intriguing characters that you just need to know more about.
Overall a fantastic book, can’t wait to see what happens next
468 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2020
Omg

The story is amazing, the build up was awesome I couldn’t put it down Lailah is way more amazing than you think
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,350 reviews132 followers
July 10, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Discovering Synergy is the first book in the Elementi series, this was a quick and fun read that I highly enjoyed and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

This is a paranormal reverse harem that is told from multiple perspectives, it follows Lailah a new college as she leaves for college and discovers a whole new world. I like Lailah as a character she nice, gives off that girl next door vibe but she kinda lets people push her around and I'm hoping that changes as the series goes on.

Lailah is really shy with the guys and I can't wait to see how the relationship between her and them develops. As for the guys, I like them all but there is something about Parker that draws me in. He kinda annoys the other guys but he has a good heart and I can't help but find him adorable.

The story really drew me in, first, this is the first reverse harem I've read where the guys know what's going on, knows who she is to them but the female character doesn't have a clue. Also while there are some supernatural aspects the story is really character-focused. Getting to know Lailah as an average girl getting to experience college and all the things that you experience in college for the first time. Discovering friendships like she has with the guys and a new best friend that is getting her out of her comfort zone, all those things make the story sweet and interesting.

Another interesting aspect is that there is also a history element to the story that is setting up the supernatural world rather nicely, everything is blending together quite well. While I did enjoy all of that I am ready for the good stuff, I am looking forward to more paranormal and the steamy romance

Discovering Synergy is a good start to the Elementi series, it was quick and a pleasure to read, it had me laughing, kept my interest and now I am invested in what will happen with these characters. I don't know where the story is headed but you can count me in, up next is Refining Earth.
Profile Image for Megan.
109 reviews
September 24, 2020
Amazing introduction

It took me a few chapters to get into because it’s written in the past tense over present, unlike most books I read. Eventually, I got so absorbed into the story that this didn’t really matter anymore. The world building in this book is intense, and I’m extremely excited to learn more. I loved that it’s multi POV as it not only gives insight into the guys, but it adds to the supernatural element of the book. The scenes in the guys’ view are great additions to the book, and I think the book would be seriously lacking without.

Lailah is so sweet. I love how smart she is, and her curious mind is something that aids her in the story, but also how clumsy and forgetful she can be. Her addiction to cookies is hilarious. Her enthusiasm and willingness to try new things is something I love about her. I support her book choices, because who doesn’t love reverse harem?

I adore Cami. She’s fab. “I will not have anyone thinking that I’m drinking that froufrou shit” - this is one of the best quotes. Seriously, who actually like chai tea lattes?? Sorry Lala but they’re horrid 😂 Cami is hilarious and everything that’s needed in a best friend. She’s supportive, but also encourages Lailah to try new things.

The guys are intense. At first I liked Parker the best, but as the book went on I started to love Jay too. Micah is also in the top five (I’m hilarious I know 😂) because who doesn’t love the holes (we all know the three letter beginning to this, but Amazon hates it 🙄)? They’re all extremely intriguing and their POV chapters were amazing at allowing insight into the supernatural world.

Overall this book is an amazing intro to the series and I’m hyped to find out what happens next. It’s filled with twists and turns, and some of the revelations were surprising. This was a first for me by this author, but I’ll definitely be reading more. Discovering Synergy was an exciting, thrilling read, and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,596 reviews43 followers
February 28, 2024
Nice slow burn

After some of the more recent releases this was a refreshing slow burn. I'm not a fan of academy stories but was thrilled at finding a non Mafia style romance by Knight. I will say I think that Lailah could use a bitore backbone. I don't know anyone who would sit and just close their eyes waiting on physical abuse from mean girls or for soda to be thrown at them, or the other myriad of offenses heaped on her by the, ugh, mean girls. That group was just a bit much. More High School than college age antics. But outside of that the groundwork laid for the Elementi and Synergy was done pretty well. And the fact that the romance wasn't unrealistically rushed just to fill in plot holes. There's an actual story, with character development, world building, and a real plot. And actual romance, with shared activities, bonding moments, trust building, and genuine caring. My main issue with the story is honestly the overused plot device of girl bullies and her doormat behavior in accepting it. A woman who gets on a plane for 15hrs to fly to a new country, leaving her family and contentious past behind to start over, isn't going to just lay down to be walked on. The only time it seemed like she fought back was when her power leaked, like it was making decisions for her. Oh, one other bone of contention, the ancient library. Sure a campus could have antique books, not a concern. Allowing students, or staff even, to handle those books without gloves?? That's my issue lol. Anything over 100yrs generally gets handled with gloves that protect pages from being ruined by skin oils. Ok, second add on issue, she knows she's being targeted by mean girls. Why is she walking places alone? Ok, rant over. But those are the reasons for lower stars. Some things didn't make sense. Yes, it's fiction, but mild suspension of reality is a lot different than complete suspension.
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,107 reviews86 followers
April 22, 2023
3.5 On-the-Fence Stars

This was a decent beginning to a New-Adult Academy Reverse Harem romance series. It was a very slow start though. Not a lot happens in this book besides the author "setting the stage" for future books.

In this book we meet Lailah (21yo), our FMC. She is from a small 'nowhere' town in Wisconsin. At the beginning of the story Lailah is just arriving to a foreign European country where she is to attend a very elite university on scholarship. She meets and becomes friendly with five boys and is bullied by a bunch of mean girls. Thats the majority of the book, excluding the ending.

The boys, who are all about 21, are elite "Elementi Warriors" whose mission is to rid the world of demons. They're gifted powers by the angels and were told long ago that if they respected their gifts and fought for the light they would be rewarded with a sixth element, "synergy." Synergy is to be the most powerful element of them all.

I can't tell you much about the guys yet, because besides a few of their chosen career paths, we don't know almost anything about them. Not much relationship development occurs. No romance whatsoever besides a few heated glances and a "scandalous" dream.

- 👀 Multiple, first person POV
- 📖 Urban Fantasy RH - Academy
- 🤓 Tropes: Chosen one, Clueless FMC, MMC's "Kings of the School," Fated Soul Mates, Reluctant & grumpy mate
- 🧁 Sweet, naive, innocent, passive/peaceful, clueless FMC
- 🌎 3/5 World-building Stars
- ⭐️ 3/5 Plot-line Stars
- 👥 Mates: 5 men, elementi "warriors" and college students
- ♥️ 0/5 Romance Stars (no romance yet)
- 🌶 0/5 Spicy Stars (no spice yet)
- 🍒 Virgins: None, but FMC is very virginal
- 🔥 Slow burn
- 🚫 No MM, No OW, No Cheating, No harem bullying
- ‼️ Triggers: mean girl bullying
Profile Image for Kimberly Martin.
197 reviews
July 19, 2020
Definitely On my TBR Yearly list

Where to start? I absolutely loved this book. I'm definitely sitting on the edge of my seat not so patiently waiting for the next book in the series. I was surprised by the lack of intimacy between the 6 characters considering this is a RH book but at the same time appreciated the character connections that were developed between everyone.

I really loved how the team dynamic was built and I liked how everyone didn't always jump into things with each other right our of the gate and that there were disagreements between characters that were worked through.

Braydenwas such a sweetie and I loved him for it so much.
Micah being a little more on the hateful side and also Brayden's best friend really balanced that duo team out well.
Parker was the humor that was desperately needed in the group.
Hudson was what one would say the resident know it all or sexy nerdy guy that you just got to love.
Now, I wasn't completely sold on the female lead to begin with. Lailah just kind of rubber me the wrong way with letting everyone do or say whatever but as the story went on and she finally started standing up for herself she really grew on me.


Characters : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romance: 🔥🔥

Mystery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Humor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


The only thing holding me back from giving this the 5 stars that it really could be was that there was several editing mistakes. I found myself several times having to re-read lines to try and figure out what the sentence was supposed to be or catching myself up on reading phrases that were repeated in the same sentences.
Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,391 reviews47 followers
August 14, 2020
This book was absolutely fantastic!

The story and world that Elizabeth Knight created was extremely original and unique! It was brilliantly written in a way that captivated me in every way possible. I was consumed with the words that flowed so effortlessly off the pages, I couldn’t put this book down!

I was completely drawn into Lailah’s world. There is something so utterly intriguing about Lailah that I couldn’t help but be compelled by her. Her silent strength, her dedication, her down-to-earth nature, and her loyalty. She is a character that I could so easily see myself being friends with. And her friendship with Cami made everything that much better. Their friendship made me smile and laugh and I just loved it!

Then there are the Manor Boys...Brayden, Parker, Hudson, Jay and Micah. Each drew me to them in their own way. They were each distinct and unique, making this story all the more alluring. Their friendship, lust and protectiveness for Lailah made me fall even deeper for these men.

This story wrapped me up and brought me into this world that I could so clearly picture as I read, like a movie playing out before more. The attention to detail that Elizabeth Knight so eloquently weaved into the story had me lost in this magical world. The concept of Elementi is so interesting and we have just touched the surface of that they are and can do. I am super excited to learn more and to explore more of their journey in book 2!
Profile Image for Carol Rupprecht.
783 reviews17 followers
September 24, 2020
A small town girl with a lack of sense of direction and a love for sugar cookies. Lailah is my kind of FMC. I love her sense of humor, especially the witty and sarcastic t-shirt collection she has. She is awkward sometimes but Cami being the lively and fun bff that she is balances things out and is slowly able to bring Lailah out of her shell by encouraging her to try new things while still supporting her. Although this is a slow burn, I loved every second of it. Knight really allowed you to get to know the characters individually. It was nice to read a book where the main character met her guys separately at first instead of having them lumped into one big group. The little connections she had with them, running, tutoring, cookie murder, etc, really set them apart from one another. Each character was different and distinct making me look forward to each interaction that Lailah had with them. I was drawn to Jay and Micah in particular. I know that once the ball gets rolling with them that it is going to be explosive. Both are enigmas in the sense that they don't show much emotion. I can't wait to see a different side to them. Will Micah come around to Lailah being the connecting factor in their energies or will he continue to criticize and demean her every chance he gets? I'm looking forward to finding out in the next book and also seeing how Lailah's new powers develop. I want to know exactly what Synergy is capable of!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,874 reviews548 followers
April 29, 2025
Lailah never expected to get a scholarship to Ryvick University, a chance to leave her very small town and head overseas is an opportunity she doesn't plan to miss. It isn't long though when she begins to get noticed by the Universities most sought after bachelors. It's not that Lailah is asking for the attention, they are drawn to her. Parker, Jay, Hudson, Brayden and Micah each have a different connection with Lailah all wanting to protect her. Lailah finds herself immersed in a life she only thought were fantasies with a legend that has her front and center in the tale. Can they stay safe as the threats against them are ramping up?

I thought this was a fun one, quite different then the other reverse harem books I have read. I enjoyed the Knights Templar angle and that all the guys were polar opposites. Micah stood out the most to me. Anxious to read the next book.
Profile Image for Bonnieville Liddell.
214 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2020
Loved it!! 5 stars all the way!

Wow! What a great start to a series. Thrilling and captivating. I loved everything about the book it was well written, the storyline is great and not to mention the relationships! We have Lala who is one kick a$$ main character. I loved seeing her relationships grown and her becoming stronger in herself. That throw down was pretty epic was not expecting that! Then we have the 5 each one unique and different but together it works. Only disappointing part was that it ended! I would have happily never put it down! Thank you for writing such a great story and can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Karissa Kirk.
442 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2020
Great 1st book!

I really enjoyed this book. I don’t come across many slow burn RH books and it’s refreshing. It’s more realistic to me and easier for me to get into. Lailah is a character I instantly liked along with each of the guys. Except Micah of course. Maybe he’ll grow on me but for now, nope! I’m looking forward to reading more and how things work out for all of them especially regarding their powers. As a first book for the author, I feel it was well written with an interesting story and easy to follow along with the explanation of Elementi. I will definitely be looking to read more from Elizabeth Knight!
Profile Image for Emma.
606 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2020
An exciting new series with a paranormal flare. With the schools history shrouded in mystery, and the five attractive and highly sought after guys from the manor all drawn to our female lead this book hooked me in, I'm very excited to see where this series is going to go. It's a slow burn but that doesn't deter from the flow of the story. The character development, plot progression and world building was good, I'm greedy and maybe would of loved a little more of the finer details just to get a better feel for the connection between the characters and how it affects them. I have read a book since reading this one and it's still on my mind, I am very eager for the next book.
671 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2025
Synergy

Very pg, ya, A perfect introduction to the fantasy Academy genre. Experienced readers will find this elementary and trope filled, but I admire all of this author's later work and found it a fun read. Lacking purpose in her young life in the US, our heroine is offered a scholarship in a foreign country. She starts University at age 20 and makes several good friends, and attracts mean girl adversaries. Strange goings on of the pnr variety plague the campus which is being poorly protected by the five elementi. This is a short book, and I'm not sure why it is not available on kindle unlimited, but for Elizabeth Knight I'll buy the series.
36 reviews
May 28, 2020
Really awesome!

I needed a book that was lighter but still interesting. This book fit the bill to a t. It’s an interesting idea all wrapped up into a well written package. The characters practically jump off the page they are so well written. I was completely absorbed in the book and didn’t realize it was over until it was. You seriously won’t regret reading this book. It’s definitely a slow heat build but the story is so good I didn’t even mind. I can’t wait to see how the story continues to unfold.
Profile Image for Tasha.
42 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2020
The book starts slow, but soon you get taken by the story of Laila. She starts slow, as everyone would in a new country and life, but soon I was cheering her on. Especially when she shows her spunk. Loved her little quirks, the stunning area of the university she goes to, and the various developing relationships.

No, I will not give you spoilers.

My one complaint is that I would have loved reading double the amount of pages. This is a great read in the Young Adult genre. With the developments going, even people not reading YA will enjoy this.

Cannot wait to read the next.
Profile Image for Jessica Stevens.
432 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2020
Great start to a new series

I really enjoyed this first book in the Elementi series! I was a bit concerned at first that she was a bit too innocent, but it was handled well. I would have liked more clear descriptions of the guys - it was a surprise to learn one of the guys was Asian by a remark from the character himself, I felt like this should have been clear sooner rather than a decent amount of time interacting witht the character. Other than that, I'm ready for the next book!
Profile Image for Summer.
202 reviews
April 16, 2020
Three Stars

I really enjoyed this book and the plot is fantastic. The character building and relationship building was awesome.
There are a few reasons for three star rating. There were a bunch of typos, many sentences that could use polishing and in some areas the story felt a bit flat. It felt like we were just being told the story instead of feeling it.
I look forward to reading the next book and seeing the author grow in her writing!
Profile Image for Phoenix Fairy.
43 reviews
July 19, 2020
Found my next favorite series

I stumbled on this book randomly and do not regret it. I love the twist of history in it. So unique and unexpected. The FMC is snarky and sassy with a unique hidden strength, gains confidence throughout the book. Also it’s not just FMC and the boys, come with an amazing new BFF. I was told by the author I couldn’t kidnap and keep the guys who I have trouble deciding a favorite. Can I pretty please have the next book?
Profile Image for Maya Monroe.
502 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2020
Wow

Can I just say wow! I can't believe that this is her first book. Lailah is on her own for the first time. Add that it's in another country and I think we can understand her nervousness. The thing that stood out to me the most was her relationship with the guys. It's slow burn but still there. This goes along with who she is but also how the guys care for her. I loved reading this book and can't wait for the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.