Recurve (Elemental, #1)

by Shannon Mayer

Pure fantasy at its finest. I would say this is less urban fantasy though than the Rylee Adamson series. Even though it's set in the same world, the Elementals keep to themselves making this a lot more removed from the "normal" world. I think for some readers it will be hard to move between the series - for me personally, I'm a massive "classic" fantasy fan before all else so reading this was like coming home and gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings.

Recurve isn't really anything new in the genre, the same old fantasy tropes (The Chosen One, quest through different lands, evil foe who has spread through the land and must be defeated, etc) appear throughout - but Mayer hits all the right notes with her portrayal.

Recurve begins Lark's adventure in her own home, the Rim which is where the Earth Elementals live. Lark is a half-breed, the bastard daughter of the Earth King and her mother, a daughter of the fifth element, Spirit. As a half-breed she is somewhat of an outcast in society - which is made worse by her lack of powers.

Lark is awesome. She's stubborn and determined to be a useful member of her society and keeps at it even as she's mocked, disrespected and ignored. But apart from Lark, many of the characters are completely unlikable. Belladonna, Cassava and King Basil are all horrible people. Ash is very hot and cold but redeems himself as the book explains his actions and the reasoning behind them.

The action was fast paced and I flew through the pages. I really enjoyed reading the first book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.