Review Detail

Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadow, by Michelle Madow

The Story:
When Nicole transfers schools, she doesn’t expect to walk into a hidden classroom and discover magic exists, or that she can wield it. One comet-filled night changes Nicole’s fate and those of four of her classmates, throwing the five—most dissimilar people in the world—into the mystical unknown.

The Characters:
Finally, a character who can resist handsome dark looks! Just. Nicole is intelligent, beautiful, and powerful. More importantly, she has heart, which I always look for in young adult novels. Despite this, a great aspect of her character is that she gets the job done. If someone is hurting her, she will protect herself.
As we move through the story, we meet four other classmates who have stronger ties to Nicole. Together, the five of them have their ups and downs, which holds the reader to the page.

The World:
If Captain Planet’s crew were smooshed together with ancient mythology and a pinch of magic, you would be left with this wonderful young adult book by Michelle Madow. For those who love fantasy books set in schools, this is for you. The way this author has combined the magic and ‘real’ world together is unique. And I REALLY enjoyed the way Nicole discovered magic. Splat, and she is dropped into the deep end. The details are well thought out and succinctly delivered. Miss Madow has done her research to bring us this rich world.

The Readability:
This author did not allow a single question to go unanswered. She did not try to slip explanations away through the main character’s ignorance of the magical world. She used the other four elementals and Darius to great effect in this regard.
There was a feeling of disconnect from the action scenes throughout the novel. My heart did not pound alongside the characters’ - though I did follow their escapades with interest and was not deterred from continuing.

Final Verdict:
Elementals promises to be an exciting and unique series. The story displays some of the best traits in young adult fantasy novels; team work, friendship, moral compass, adventure, and romance.
I have a feeling this author will go from strength to strength.
Professionally edited and suitable for twelve years and over.

Favorite Quote:
“Humans are like plastic. Even if they’re immersed in energy, they can’t conduct it. Witches are like metal. We have the ability to absorb energy and control it as we want.”