Elemental: Destiny's Embers: A Novel

by Bradley Wardell

At a frontier outpost on the fringes of the civilized world, an orphaned messenger named Xander witnesses the destruction of all he knows at the hands of the Fallen, the great enemy thought vanquished during the War of Magic.

    Abruptly, Xander’s life is changed forever. Now he must seek out an ancient artifact of legendary power in the hopes that it can stop the Fallen hordes from destroying the entire kingdom. Little does he realize that the hope of all mankind rests on his young shoulders, as powers of unimaginable might set out to stop him at all costs.

    Aided by his friend Genica, a mysterious thief named Vreen, and a crafty Sion of unknown loyalty, Xander journeys into the heart of the world, where long-hidden secrets will be revealed that could shatter the delicate balance established by the great Cataclysm a thousand years earlier.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

532 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a video game, the key elements developed in this novel are interesting characters engaged in a well-paced plot, while other elements, such as setting, receive nominal consideration. It could be argued that this novel is a vehicle to shamelessly promote the video game developed by the author. On the other hand, Wardell’s debut novel might also be categorized as a successful fan-fiction written by the designer of the video game upon which the novel is based.

Fantasy fans need not be gamers to enjoy this engaging story. Those unaware of the video game might never make the connection between the two -- the story reads well.

At a provincial outpost, Xander’s life is forever changed when he witnesses the Fallen, the enemy thought vanquished during the War of Magic, annihilate his home and all he has known. Accompanied by his friend Genica, the thief Vreen, and a Sion of uncertain loyalty, Xander’s group embarks on a journey to seek out an artifact of legendary power in order to save their race and their world. But the motley cohort, reacting to events believably -- like ordinary folks in extraordinary circumstances -- make mistakes and strive to do what is necessary despite their personal limitations.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! Kinda wished there was an ending though, considering the fact that a follow up was never written.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was poor. I read the author's blogs for months leading up to the release of the book (and game it accompanies) and I was cheering for the author. I wanted the book to be decent. But even though I think I have lower standards for fantasy novels, this book was still poor.
The characters seemed cliche and inconsistent. The plot was hard to follow and jumped all around. What bothered me the most though was the lack of cohesion in how strong characters were. When it was convenient characters were super strong, but if it served the plot better for them to be defeated, they were. Ugg.
Why did the Golem stop fighting? And if he was bound and buried, how did Vreen dig him up so quickly? And once dug up, why did the Golem follow Vreen when it was attuned to Geni?
Sorry Brad.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very favorably impressed with this story, especially considering it's written by a software developer/game designer/company CEO with no known previous books to his credit. I found the world of Elemental and the characters therein are very interesting, and the story easily kept my interest. My only knock on the story is that it ends before some of the major story arcs are concluded, because the book's ultimate purpose is to get you to buy the PC game upon which this story is based, Elemental: War of Magic, to play the conclusion of the story. Which I would probably do, except my 5-year-old PC doesn't meet the minimum requirements. I recommend the book nonetheless.

[Magnus Itland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by the CEO of a small software company, and was supposedly meant to be a "companion book" to their long anticipated strategy game, Elemental. But at the time of release, the connection between the two was barely noticeable. This is a quite generic fantasy book by an amateur writer who clearly loves the genre.

The book is easy to read, somewhat cliche, but with a good progression, a page-turner which does not really challenge the experienced reader. I will give it praise for not including the random awkwardly inserted sex scene that seems to be popular in newer books.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad and it wasn't excellent, but it was fun. I enjoyed the characters and the story quite a bit, there's a lot of standard fantasy tropes used but it didn't get in the way of my enjoying the read.

I would say that if you are bothered by flexibility in grammar, you probably should avoid this book.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh. i had to review it for a thing with my library. not my cup of tea. kinda sounded like every other fantasy book out there and i had never heard of the game. so i'm sure fans will like it, but it wasn't a page turner for me.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and I loved it so much. It was amazing. I love the characters and the adventures that they have to go on, the journey was great, and I hope there will be another book if there isn't one already.

[Tom Foolery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, especially for a book based on a computer game. Not great either, but not bad.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

typical fantasy novel. typical story. typical characters. typical ending. blahhh