Elemental by Tiffany Dominguez

Release Date: April 11, 2011
Publisher: Self-pubbed
Pages: 307
Series: n/a
Review Source: eBook from author for review

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Hidden within the Blue Ridge Mountains, an elite private school trains students born with the Elemental powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Luke Huntington, Earth Elemental, is tired of incompetent teachers, easy classes and most of all, competing with Eva Sarantos. Soon-to-be valedictorian Eva, Air Elemental, has trained for years for the chance to prove herself to her advisor, to the Council and to the infuriating Luke.

In spite of their tricky past, these two high school seniors are paired together on a covert mission for the ruling body of the Elemental world. After destroying an airplane hangar and watching one of their closest teachers die in their defense, the two students fly to Italy, pursued by an army of black-cloaked elitists. In Italy, they discover Luke's ancient legacy, the secrets of two of the most powerful men in history and whether they can overcome their own tricky past to team up against a secret society gathering forces in the highest ranks of world leadership.

My Thoughts:
When I read the concept for 'Elemental' I was really excited. The whole idea of being able to control the elements is very cool, and seeing all the applications of it in this book was awesome. The quest that Luke and Eva are sent on is very exciting, and as the book goes on you find out why these two in particular were chosen to take part. There's so much mythology and interesting background details to the story. 'Elemental' is very well rounded, featuring all this background information, but mixing it well with action and quieter romantic moments.

Luke and Eva. Oh, what to say about them? Luke starts off as a bit of a jerk and a know-it-all, but thankfully his facade drops as the book goes on. Eva is very sweet (but can stand her own, as well), and as a reader you always want what's best for her. And the two of them together? Tons and tons of chemistry. The "I hate you - wait, I love you" thing can get a bit old, but I totally buy their feelings for each other, and it led to some great banter-y moments. The fact that it took them years to work out a not very complicated misunderstanding from freshman year is a bit far-fetched, but it doesn't take away from the story as a whole.

Overall, I definitely really enjoyed this one. There were a few rough spots in the beginning and I found some of the plot to be quite predictable, but then there were also some quite exciting and original spots to balance those out. 'Elemental' is definitely a hidden gem among self-published books. Check this one out for strong writing and awesome characters who have great chemistry.

Rating:
[3.5/5]

Find Elemental by Tiffany Dominguez on Goodreads. You can purchase the eBook from Amazon & Smashwords