What do you think?
Rate this book
Elemental Academy #1
The Fire Within
A single mistake has far-reaching consequences for a carpenter's apprentice.
When Tolan is accidentally chosen to attend the prestigious Terenhall Academy, he's thrust into a world where he doesn't belong. He has no power over the elements like the other students at the Academy. His talents lie in menial work like woodworking, not magic. Life at the Academy worsens when they become the target of an attack by rogue elementals. As the attacks increase, Tolan must find who’s responsible, or the Draasin Lord will succeed in destroying the Academy.
Tolan's choice is painfully simple—survive the Academy...or die trying.
When Tolan is accidentally chosen to attend the prestigious Terenhall Academy, he's thrust into a world where he doesn't belong. He has no power over the elements like the other students at the Academy. His talents lie in menial work like woodworking, not magic. Life at the Academy worsens when they become the target of an attack by rogue elementals. As the attacks increase, Tolan must find who’s responsible, or the Draasin Lord will succeed in destroying the Academy.
Tolan's choice is painfully simple—survive the Academy...or die trying.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
2005 people are currently reading
1425 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 2, 2019
The Fire WithinThe book deals with the protagonist who finds himself in a school for magic, a place where he does not belong due to his apparent lack of said magic. The story comes complete with it's own vocabulary for the common story elements seen in the fantasy genre (for example this Draasin Lord seems to be just another way to say Dragon Lord).
While the book is readable the protagonist is extremely boring and one dimensional. We seem him decide that he belongs in this magic school and then in the very following sentence question it once again. I would have accepted this sense of uncertainty at the beginning of the story but it continues on for the entire book and I mean the ENTIRE book.
At any point where there is a mention of others performing their shaping (read magic) we are immediately told that the Hero can not do so and is magic-less. At other points where magic may be used on the Hero we are told repeatedly that he will be unable to defend himself. Furthermore, at any point in the story that the Hero takes a step forward in his magic it is often followed by the author telling us how it is all for naught and how he is weak/incapable.
Even with all the strong resemblances to the Harry Potter franchise I was willing to read through the book. What turned me off is the horrendously insecure protagonist. I might have been less judgmental if the characters, like the HP books, were young. Sadly they are all in the later parts of their teenage years or older.
WARNING! Potential Spoilers ahead. Other common aspects (especially to the Harry Potter Series) include:
While the book is readable the protagonist is extremely boring and one dimensional. We seem him decide that he belongs in this magic school and then in the very following sentence question it once again. I would have accepted this sense of uncertainty at the beginning of the story but it continues on for the entire book and I mean the ENTIRE book.
At any point where there is a mention of others performing their shaping (read magic) we are immediately told that the Hero can not do so and is magic-less. At other points where magic may be used on the Hero we are told repeatedly that he will be unable to defend himself. Furthermore, at any point in the story that the Hero takes a step forward in his magic it is often followed by the author telling us how it is all for naught and how he is weak/incapable.
Even with all the strong resemblances to the Harry Potter franchise I was willing to read through the book. What turned me off is the horrendously insecure protagonist. I might have been less judgmental if the characters, like the HP books, were young. Sadly they are all in the later parts of their teenage years or older.
WARNING! Potential Spoilers ahead. Other common aspects (especially to the Harry Potter Series) include:
July 26, 2019
Good yet Unsatisfying
As a series intro this book starts off at a run, giving you a ton of new plot terms and thoughts, along with a lot of angst, then tosses you into Ye Olde Magic School. Presumably, during school some Answers will be had, but... no. The story continually cycles through the same thoughts, angst, and concerns with almost no character progression until the climax. That’s when we finally learn that... oh wait; we don’t.
Oddly enough, the story isn’t bad, and the characters and their world are interesting. I’ve read other work by this author too, and he’s good, so he must just be taking baby steps in this plot. I will likely read book 2 and see if it picks up. I can still recommend this book though, just be aware of the pace. YMMV.
As a series intro this book starts off at a run, giving you a ton of new plot terms and thoughts, along with a lot of angst, then tosses you into Ye Olde Magic School. Presumably, during school some Answers will be had, but... no. The story continually cycles through the same thoughts, angst, and concerns with almost no character progression until the climax. That’s when we finally learn that... oh wait; we don’t.
Oddly enough, the story isn’t bad, and the characters and their world are interesting. I’ve read other work by this author too, and he’s good, so he must just be taking baby steps in this plot. I will likely read book 2 and see if it picks up. I can still recommend this book though, just be aware of the pace. YMMV.
August 29, 2020
This isn't a terrible book really. But... the author took their inspiration from from Harry Potter a little too close to outright plagiarism. And despite having made the MC and gang older they still act entirely too much like Harry and the kids from the first books. And also keeping so close to the Harry Potter series is going to bring you into close comparison with it... Which makes the fact that the characters in this book aren't as charming or well rounded as people a little more glaring then it would be otherwise for me.
May 20, 2019
Pretty slow paced book
I enjoyed it overall, but the story felt slow to me with a main character that seemed overly blind to information.
Many of the characters really aren’t developed and have no personality. The teachers never actually teach anything about the elemental bond. It’s kind of a, “Just keep trying harder” teaching approach.
I enjoyed it overall, but the story felt slow to me with a main character that seemed overly blind to information.
Many of the characters really aren’t developed and have no personality. The teachers never actually teach anything about the elemental bond. It’s kind of a, “Just keep trying harder” teaching approach.
Read
January 16, 2022Slow
The book was slow with a lot of waffling by the main character about his worth and ability.
The book has the same set up as Harry Potter when It comes to the academy. Two friends that bicker at each other. Girl is super smart but plays everything safe. The boy is a goof off. The hated rival where it’s implied he is in league with a dark organization. The bad guy no one likes to talk about or explain his back story. A professor who acts like a friend but is really just using him.
A lot of similarities but still such a boring slow book.
The book was slow with a lot of waffling by the main character about his worth and ability.
The book has the same set up as Harry Potter when It comes to the academy. Two friends that bicker at each other. Girl is super smart but plays everything safe. The boy is a goof off. The hated rival where it’s implied he is in league with a dark organization. The bad guy no one likes to talk about or explain his back story. A professor who acts like a friend but is really just using him.
A lot of similarities but still such a boring slow book.
May 3, 2019
I do love a good coming of age story. This one is nicely written and executed, has likable characters and a interesting plot.
Bit slow in places, and I think it may be second series maybe? The world building felt a bit loose and I kind of felt a bit lost in places; but enjoyed it nevertheless
Definitely picking the next on up on KU
Bit slow in places, and I think it may be second series maybe? The world building felt a bit loose and I kind of felt a bit lost in places; but enjoyed it nevertheless
Definitely picking the next on up on KU
June 25, 2021
A boring imitation of Harry potter
August 29, 2025
Interesting first story in this series. Other reviewers have mentioned a similarity to Harry Potter I have to agree. I've read other stories set in this world the cloud warrior not sure if this is set before or after
January 10, 2021
A decent Kindle unlimited book but poor series.
(edit. This series seemed to have a lot of promise. I made it two and a half more books before I gave up. What you will find is a quickly produced series that is poorly edited on all levels. You will see floating plots and subplots, random antagonist jumping from bushes it seems, missed-named characters, characters that change sex from book to book, repetitive infodumps that at times contradict themselves whether it be in the form of dialogue or naval gazing. You were quite literally have subplots that are forgotten within the very same book. I do not like to badmouth authors who put themselves out there but from the amount of work this author has produced, and the cool cover art and even be fairly tight blurbs I feel this is a trap series. Meant to make the author money more than it is to entertain the reader. What finally got me was the lack of improvement from book to book and the beginnings of consistent idiot plotting or at least idiot reasoning to drag out the story as long as possible when it is pretty obvious as to what will happen and occur at least by the end of the series. I am tempted to go back and reread some Will Wight the cradle series or Jim butcher's codex alera... Because I need some hope LOL also I downgraded it from a three to a two-star book for what I've had to go through...tbus endith my petty rage rant.)
I say "decent" for this third person limited young adult fantasy because it has a mixture of good and bad parts. I will say straight off the bat as much as I enjoyed the story Scooby-Doo has more for shadowing and the last 20 to 15% is what brings it from a four-star story to a three-star story. It is a very clean book that I think will be appropriate for young adults in above even preteens. There is little to no romance but it does have some action and a small amount of humor. The story is interesting but the author does not quite explain what "shaping" actually is. In fact you're pretty much left to guess because the character you're following can't shape with the author does throw out terms quite readily without actually explaining them or the process of what is happening and how much effects the world around it. The interesting part of the story is probably trying to figure out what exactly is going on with the shaping and the steep learning curve.
The author is prolific and I am not sure at what point this book is in his writing career. It could be his very first work. I sort of hope so because it does have some pretty big issues but it is also engaging in many ways. You do come to care for the character and early in the book there is some pretty good heart strings tugging moments. The mix and match part of it being good and bad is that the world building is very interesting and the fantasy elements have a lot of promise but there is a lack of depth and description when it comes to exactly what the magic system is and how it works. We get a lot of scenes where he's reaching and feeling and imagining but we don't actually see what happens for the most part. I think the authors desire to keep the main protagonist abilities ambiguous as he's trying to figure it out himself hurts the story because of the lack of action the character actually takes. He runs into things a lot to try to knock them out of the way but there's no real fight scenes or battles involving with in-depth description.
With that said because of the beginning and the lack of actual description of what shaping actually did the story remained a four-star story throughout until the last 20 to 15%. It feels to me that the author got to the point where he needed to reach the end and pulled something out of nowhere that was supposed to seem like a big giant twist. Except there was no setup whatsoever for me to be able to go "oh okay I see that now." It would very much be like Hagrid in Harry Potter book 1 taking Professors quill place.
When it got to the end the dialogue got worse and confusing. Our main character and his two friends come up with a plan that doesn't quite make sense and argue for and against it switching positions as they're trying to attempt it. It's not very coherent and didn't feel legitimate. They basically stumble on the big bad, the twist, doing something bad at precisely the right time for them to catch him.
I'm not entirely sure where the author is going to go with the series but it looks like it is complete by now. That said the story did keep me engaged enough that I am going to finish it out I think so long as it doesn't get worse LOL there are a lot of cool moments and even a gee whiz factor in it. I just hope the author doesn't drag out the actual process of what is going on for multiple books. I also hope to see more action and actual magic going on.
(edit. This series seemed to have a lot of promise. I made it two and a half more books before I gave up. What you will find is a quickly produced series that is poorly edited on all levels. You will see floating plots and subplots, random antagonist jumping from bushes it seems, missed-named characters, characters that change sex from book to book, repetitive infodumps that at times contradict themselves whether it be in the form of dialogue or naval gazing. You were quite literally have subplots that are forgotten within the very same book. I do not like to badmouth authors who put themselves out there but from the amount of work this author has produced, and the cool cover art and even be fairly tight blurbs I feel this is a trap series. Meant to make the author money more than it is to entertain the reader. What finally got me was the lack of improvement from book to book and the beginnings of consistent idiot plotting or at least idiot reasoning to drag out the story as long as possible when it is pretty obvious as to what will happen and occur at least by the end of the series. I am tempted to go back and reread some Will Wight the cradle series or Jim butcher's codex alera... Because I need some hope LOL also I downgraded it from a three to a two-star book for what I've had to go through...tbus endith my petty rage rant.)
I say "decent" for this third person limited young adult fantasy because it has a mixture of good and bad parts. I will say straight off the bat as much as I enjoyed the story Scooby-Doo has more for shadowing and the last 20 to 15% is what brings it from a four-star story to a three-star story. It is a very clean book that I think will be appropriate for young adults in above even preteens. There is little to no romance but it does have some action and a small amount of humor. The story is interesting but the author does not quite explain what "shaping" actually is. In fact you're pretty much left to guess because the character you're following can't shape with the author does throw out terms quite readily without actually explaining them or the process of what is happening and how much effects the world around it. The interesting part of the story is probably trying to figure out what exactly is going on with the shaping and the steep learning curve.
The author is prolific and I am not sure at what point this book is in his writing career. It could be his very first work. I sort of hope so because it does have some pretty big issues but it is also engaging in many ways. You do come to care for the character and early in the book there is some pretty good heart strings tugging moments. The mix and match part of it being good and bad is that the world building is very interesting and the fantasy elements have a lot of promise but there is a lack of depth and description when it comes to exactly what the magic system is and how it works. We get a lot of scenes where he's reaching and feeling and imagining but we don't actually see what happens for the most part. I think the authors desire to keep the main protagonist abilities ambiguous as he's trying to figure it out himself hurts the story because of the lack of action the character actually takes. He runs into things a lot to try to knock them out of the way but there's no real fight scenes or battles involving with in-depth description.
With that said because of the beginning and the lack of actual description of what shaping actually did the story remained a four-star story throughout until the last 20 to 15%. It feels to me that the author got to the point where he needed to reach the end and pulled something out of nowhere that was supposed to seem like a big giant twist. Except there was no setup whatsoever for me to be able to go "oh okay I see that now." It would very much be like Hagrid in Harry Potter book 1 taking Professors quill place.
When it got to the end the dialogue got worse and confusing. Our main character and his two friends come up with a plan that doesn't quite make sense and argue for and against it switching positions as they're trying to attempt it. It's not very coherent and didn't feel legitimate. They basically stumble on the big bad, the twist, doing something bad at precisely the right time for them to catch him.
I'm not entirely sure where the author is going to go with the series but it looks like it is complete by now. That said the story did keep me engaged enough that I am going to finish it out I think so long as it doesn't get worse LOL there are a lot of cool moments and even a gee whiz factor in it. I just hope the author doesn't drag out the actual process of what is going on for multiple books. I also hope to see more action and actual magic going on.
April 28, 2020
From a master story teller, Mr. Holmberg, comes The Fire Within about a boy named Tolan, and his ever present uncertainty and insecurity as to whether or not he truly has the capability of becoming an elemental bond shaper. He subsequently tried out for the selection to attend Terenhall Academy where he could learn the skills to become a master shaper. I immediately connected with Tolan as he reminded me a little about myself. I have the tendency to second guess myself and am not very confident about my own abilities. I so enjoyed the other characters in this book as they each played off of one another, some trying to support each other. Of course we have the evil ones which I also enjoyed as what would a good book be without the tension that they create. Also, I appreciated the world building that Mr. Holmberg so imaginatively created and depicted for we the readers to envision. As I stated in the beginning of my review, I believe Mr. Holmberg to be a master story teller. He has written so many books I can hardy keep up with reading all of them. They are all totally his own creations as there is no other books like them. I once became a kindle unlimited subscriber just so I could read as many books of his as I could. I am seriously considering resubscribing. I also was privileged to receive an Audible code to listen to this book. It was narrated by John Pirhalla who did a wonderful job of creating all the different voices to the characters. Even though it takes almost twice as long to listen to a book rather than read it, I found it was easy to multitask while listening. Since we are sheltering in place and no longer able to run so many errands outside the home, I found I could get a lot done around the house while I listened. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2021
I actually finished the Fire Within, the first book in the Elemental Academy Boxset by D.K. Holmberg, Narrated by John Pirhalla. I found the boxset on sale at audible and I thought, wow, 3 books and over 30 hours of listening for a few bucks. I figured I was in luck.
The book presented as a Harry Potter-like story but with some differences. First, the students are supposed to be between the ages of 18 and 30. I thought that might present an interesting and different twist, to find a magical school with college-age mature students, but unfortunately, even though the author tells us the students are older, the students’ actions, their dialog, and the plot do not reflect their supposed age. In fact, the characters sound and act like pre-teens, and the book has a very YA feel to it.
The worldbuilding was ok and the magical concepts were interesting, but even after the end of the first book, the main character was not progressing or maturing in his magic or the story. Tolan is brave but he is also very whiny and he has some kind of block keeping him from gaining control over magic. His constant self-doubt and lack of confidence in his ability was annoying. John Pirhalla narrated the audiobook and I guess his narration was not bad. In the end, I found I was just not enjoying the story. After I finished the Fire Within, I returned the boxset to Audible for a refund. I would rather re-read Harry Potter than spend my time reading a cheap imitation of Harry Potter.
The book presented as a Harry Potter-like story but with some differences. First, the students are supposed to be between the ages of 18 and 30. I thought that might present an interesting and different twist, to find a magical school with college-age mature students, but unfortunately, even though the author tells us the students are older, the students’ actions, their dialog, and the plot do not reflect their supposed age. In fact, the characters sound and act like pre-teens, and the book has a very YA feel to it.
The worldbuilding was ok and the magical concepts were interesting, but even after the end of the first book, the main character was not progressing or maturing in his magic or the story. Tolan is brave but he is also very whiny and he has some kind of block keeping him from gaining control over magic. His constant self-doubt and lack of confidence in his ability was annoying. John Pirhalla narrated the audiobook and I guess his narration was not bad. In the end, I found I was just not enjoying the story. After I finished the Fire Within, I returned the boxset to Audible for a refund. I would rather re-read Harry Potter than spend my time reading a cheap imitation of Harry Potter.
August 10, 2021
Literal rip off of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!!!
1 boy who's parents were taken by a "Lord" something who goes to a school for magic who meets 2 friends - 1 loyal happy but jealous boy and 1 bookish history loving know it all but powerful girl who fight and bicker but like each other. Who together descend into the depths of the school through a secret chamber to discover a teacher they thought was a good guy but who actually wants to release the Lord! There's even a McGonagall character, kind and all knowing Headmaster, bully with 2 sidekicks involved in suspected dark arts, sounds a little too familiar and specific, right? Sprinkle in some Avatar LAB and an obscure olden times time period and there ya go.
COME ON. This isn't even flattery, it's just a direct copy.
The story is SO slow. I can't believe how little happened in one book. The lines are repetitive, I kept looking down to see if my Audible had skipped backwards because they explain the same idea over and over and over again.
2 stars bc it's easy listening while I work and the reader is great.
1 boy who's parents were taken by a "Lord" something who goes to a school for magic who meets 2 friends - 1 loyal happy but jealous boy and 1 bookish history loving know it all but powerful girl who fight and bicker but like each other. Who together descend into the depths of the school through a secret chamber to discover a teacher they thought was a good guy but who actually wants to release the Lord! There's even a McGonagall character, kind and all knowing Headmaster, bully with 2 sidekicks involved in suspected dark arts, sounds a little too familiar and specific, right? Sprinkle in some Avatar LAB and an obscure olden times time period and there ya go.
COME ON. This isn't even flattery, it's just a direct copy.
The story is SO slow. I can't believe how little happened in one book. The lines are repetitive, I kept looking down to see if my Audible had skipped backwards because they explain the same idea over and over and over again.
2 stars bc it's easy listening while I work and the reader is great.
May 13, 2019
I liked this book and have moved on to #2 but don't like the writers predilection to have characters' behave in a manner that doesn't make sense--just to get to a plot point.
We have a main character that listens to literally NO ONE at the academy and only believes what he reads. He is supposedly scared to raise an elemental (but calls on them daily), but thinks its a good idea to try to summon a draasin. But he is such a Marty Sue that he manages to shoulder his way thru every problem except his failing to connect to each element.
I'm hoping that this gets better with #2 because the world that Holmberg has created seems interesting--that's why I'm here.
We have a main character that listens to literally NO ONE at the academy and only believes what he reads. He is supposedly scared to raise an elemental (but calls on them daily), but thinks its a good idea to try to summon a draasin. But he is such a Marty Sue that he manages to shoulder his way thru every problem except his failing to connect to each element.
I'm hoping that this gets better with #2 because the world that Holmberg has created seems interesting--that's why I'm here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
Dnf at around 60%. Two stars means bad for me.
There are some interesting ideas, but the whole thing comes across as a rushed Harry Potter copy. The relationships felt forced, as if the author tried to squeeze 2 years of character interaction into 2 weeks. Said characters are basically Ctrl+V-d from Hogwarts. There's the obvious bad guy bully, there's the bookish girl, who follows the rules, there's the laid back best friend, who feels overshadowed by the others. Even the romance pairing was copied. I was half expecting laid back guy to have a younger sister, who would get together with MC. It's just sad.
There are some interesting ideas, but the whole thing comes across as a rushed Harry Potter copy. The relationships felt forced, as if the author tried to squeeze 2 years of character interaction into 2 weeks. Said characters are basically Ctrl+V-d from Hogwarts. There's the obvious bad guy bully, there's the bookish girl, who follows the rules, there's the laid back best friend, who feels overshadowed by the others. Even the romance pairing was copied. I was half expecting laid back guy to have a younger sister, who would get together with MC. It's just sad.
May 29, 2020
it's a fairly good coming of age 1st book of a series but it was painful to read with the MC always thinking "maybe it was just my imagination" "i don't belong here" "i'm not the same as you" and when he and his friends are having a discussion there are so much nonsense arguing that they go astray the main issue.
if you are fine dealing with stupid kids you probably can read this through without problem
if you are fine dealing with stupid kids you probably can read this through without problem
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
I think it’s a fun premise, but poorly written. Every thought the protagonist has or situation he finds himself in is tediously over explained by the author. As if he has no faith in the reader to comprehend the redundant and oversimplified passages. A veteran writer should have some faith in the reader and use the “show, don’t tell” philosophy.
I hope the later books improve. I want to like this collection.
I hope the later books improve. I want to like this collection.
January 25, 2021
Long story short, a frustrating read but interesting enough world building I read the whole series anyway.
The MC is 1 dimensional and boring. He's constantly self contradictory and covered in plot armor. There are no lasting character developments in this series. The author is constantly repetitive. The series is also rife with frustrating continuity errors.
The MC is 1 dimensional and boring. He's constantly self contradictory and covered in plot armor. There are no lasting character developments in this series. The author is constantly repetitive. The series is also rife with frustrating continuity errors.
September 3, 2019
Plot similar to Harry Potter
I cant help but find comparison of the plot with Harry Potter. Ferrah, Tolan and jonas being similar to Hermoine, Harry and Ron. The institute of magic. The draasin lord similar to Voldemort but probably righteous.
I cant help but find comparison of the plot with Harry Potter. Ferrah, Tolan and jonas being similar to Hermoine, Harry and Ron. The institute of magic. The draasin lord similar to Voldemort but probably righteous.
December 16, 2022
Tolan, an orphaned boy with no magical future suddenly finds himself selected by accident attend the prestigious academy of magic. He leaves his home, his apprenticeship, and his one friend who will have no memory of the selection process. Alone and without the magical gifts his fellow students have, Tolan is forced to improvise and make do with what little ability he does have. Together with his new friends, Tolan discovers a connection to the elemental creatures held within the elemental bonds. None of the masters will tell him what he wants to know and he goes looking for answers himself. In his search he discovers who's responsible for the elemental attacks taking place at the school. Will his connection to the elementals be enough to stop the Draasin Lord and keep the academy safe?
This is the second series I've read from D.K Holmberg and I have thoroughly enjoyed the magic systems he creates. As I'm working to improve my own writing, I've been looking at the books I've been reading with a more analytical eye. I think I've noticed things that before I would just rush past and not notice. In particular with this book, I felt that the author was very redundant and beat some ideas to death. The same phrases and reasons would be brought up paragraph after paragraph and throughout the chapters. In one scene when Tolan is up late at night, the author repeats the fact that no other students would be awake, and that he probably shouldn't be up this late. It made the writing feel a little less professional. I'm going to keep an eye out in future books and other series to see if it's consistent.
The premise of the story was great. I loved the way Tolan connected with the elementals and how that affected his abilities, it felt unique, and I was able to discover the magic along with Tolan. There were three ideas around the magic, elementals, elements, and elemental bonds. I will admit it was a little bit hard for me to really grasp the overall idea of the magic system, the basics were pretty straight forward, but how they all played into the larger scheme of the story was lost on me. I felt like things were shared that were supposed to be foreshadowing, or insight given to assist with reveals in the future, but I didn't grasp them fully. Which is not normal for me. Usually I'm able to pick up on the intricacies of magic systems fairly quickly.
Another aspect of the story that I have mixed feelings about was the cast of characters and some of the descriptions used. The term men was applied to most of the male figures, but with them being students I envisioned them as late teenage years, so the term men threw me off. I couldn't tell you how old they actually were. The main trio gave off a very Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel. Jonas and Ferrah, were always giving each other a hard time, but then apparently had feelings for one another. Ferrah was smarter and more advanced, but Jonas also had some good abilities thanks to his history. Tolan was the ignorant student who came with unique abilities and a knack for finding things out that he should have.
I wouldn't say the story is a rip off of Harry Potter, but I would say it felt like there were some strong influences in this story.
Overall I would give this book a 3-4 stars. I enjoyed reading it, and I've already started on the second book in the trilogy. I blew through it in just a few days. If you're looking for a quick fantasy read with a fun school based plot line I think you would enjoy this book. But I would probably not put in on my favorites list. Perhaps if the second and third books step it up a notch, but I will let you know how those go.
This is the second series I've read from D.K Holmberg and I have thoroughly enjoyed the magic systems he creates. As I'm working to improve my own writing, I've been looking at the books I've been reading with a more analytical eye. I think I've noticed things that before I would just rush past and not notice. In particular with this book, I felt that the author was very redundant and beat some ideas to death. The same phrases and reasons would be brought up paragraph after paragraph and throughout the chapters. In one scene when Tolan is up late at night, the author repeats the fact that no other students would be awake, and that he probably shouldn't be up this late. It made the writing feel a little less professional. I'm going to keep an eye out in future books and other series to see if it's consistent.
The premise of the story was great. I loved the way Tolan connected with the elementals and how that affected his abilities, it felt unique, and I was able to discover the magic along with Tolan. There were three ideas around the magic, elementals, elements, and elemental bonds. I will admit it was a little bit hard for me to really grasp the overall idea of the magic system, the basics were pretty straight forward, but how they all played into the larger scheme of the story was lost on me. I felt like things were shared that were supposed to be foreshadowing, or insight given to assist with reveals in the future, but I didn't grasp them fully. Which is not normal for me. Usually I'm able to pick up on the intricacies of magic systems fairly quickly.
Another aspect of the story that I have mixed feelings about was the cast of characters and some of the descriptions used. The term men was applied to most of the male figures, but with them being students I envisioned them as late teenage years, so the term men threw me off. I couldn't tell you how old they actually were. The main trio gave off a very Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel. Jonas and Ferrah, were always giving each other a hard time, but then apparently had feelings for one another. Ferrah was smarter and more advanced, but Jonas also had some good abilities thanks to his history. Tolan was the ignorant student who came with unique abilities and a knack for finding things out that he should have.
I wouldn't say the story is a rip off of Harry Potter, but I would say it felt like there were some strong influences in this story.
Overall I would give this book a 3-4 stars. I enjoyed reading it, and I've already started on the second book in the trilogy. I blew through it in just a few days. If you're looking for a quick fantasy read with a fun school based plot line I think you would enjoy this book. But I would probably not put in on my favorites list. Perhaps if the second and third books step it up a notch, but I will let you know how those go.
January 24, 2020
Eh. I bought another book by Holmberg but discovered this series is included in my Kindle Unlimited subscription and thought this might be a good read. Tolan is a young man who seems to be destined for a mediocre and/or boring life. He appears to lack the magical abilities that many possess and is soon approaching the age where he will be deemed too old and any potential for magic is missing in him.
But that make this story boring. By a stroke of luck he finds himself at the Academy with other magical adepts. And it soon appears that not only that maybe he really does have magic, but there is something afoot here that will require Tolan to find within himself courage, persistence, etc. yadda yadda that is required for a young hero.
The parallels to Harry Potter are definitely there, but this definitely the lesser quality series thus far. Some of the writing does seem quite pedestrian at times, like it was written by writer who is not yet matured and doesn't have the guidance of a stronger editor or perhaps a life story that drove the writing.
It's not terrible and I did find himself coming back to it, if skimming in places. I'll check out the next books in the series since I do enjoy elemental magic but I'd be returning the rest of the books to the library or tossing my purchased version into the donation pile. But it's a story that doesn't seem to require a lot of investment, nor does it yet feel memorable. But it's available via my subscription so I'll continue for now.
But that make this story boring. By a stroke of luck he finds himself at the Academy with other magical adepts. And it soon appears that not only that maybe he really does have magic, but there is something afoot here that will require Tolan to find within himself courage, persistence, etc. yadda yadda that is required for a young hero.
The parallels to Harry Potter are definitely there, but this definitely the lesser quality series thus far. Some of the writing does seem quite pedestrian at times, like it was written by writer who is not yet matured and doesn't have the guidance of a stronger editor or perhaps a life story that drove the writing.
It's not terrible and I did find himself coming back to it, if skimming in places. I'll check out the next books in the series since I do enjoy elemental magic but I'd be returning the rest of the books to the library or tossing my purchased version into the donation pile. But it's a story that doesn't seem to require a lot of investment, nor does it yet feel memorable. But it's available via my subscription so I'll continue for now.
June 11, 2024
I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I was initially hesitant to read this series since it was my first time exploring D.K. Holmberg's work, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story building is remarkable, and the characters are endearing. This series has the potential to be compared to Percy Jackson, although the characters here seem more mature. It's hard to explain because while Percy Jackson is a middle-grade fantasy, this feels more like a YA/Adult fantasy. I couldn't put the book down and had to finish it in one sitting because there were no dull moments. I loved it.
The friendship between Tolen, Jonas, and Ferrah is reminiscent of the bonds shared by Annabeth and Grover, as well as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. I can't help but draw comparisons, especially given the potential love interest between Jonas and Ferrah. Their chemistry is delightful.
I'm eager to learn more about Master Daniels and his significance in Tolen Ethar's life, much like Inquisitor Irina. There are numerous issues and plot points to unravel, and I'm looking forward to all the upcoming revelations. Additionally, I'm anxious to find out if Tolen's friend Tanner will be admitted to the Academy.
Since I started loving this book, I think I'll check out other series by D.K. Holmberg as well.
The friendship between Tolen, Jonas, and Ferrah is reminiscent of the bonds shared by Annabeth and Grover, as well as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. I can't help but draw comparisons, especially given the potential love interest between Jonas and Ferrah. Their chemistry is delightful.
I'm eager to learn more about Master Daniels and his significance in Tolen Ethar's life, much like Inquisitor Irina. There are numerous issues and plot points to unravel, and I'm looking forward to all the upcoming revelations. Additionally, I'm anxious to find out if Tolen's friend Tanner will be admitted to the Academy.
Since I started loving this book, I think I'll check out other series by D.K. Holmberg as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
Harry Potter wannabe.
Worldbuilding premise was initially fine, but the movement of the plot is too staggered. Magic is supposed to be exciting, so imagine how betrayed I was to get to the academy and find that the mechanics behind the protagonist's special magic require little to no effort apart from some practiced concentration and a picture book. The author put very little effort or design into the magical progression system or the protagonist's path towards improvement by merit.
There wasnt really any antagonist birthed in the plot development. Instead, we get to follow a victimized protagonist as he investigates why the world operates against him. The entire book focuses on student-turned-detective-- he asks a question, searches for answers or proof, then asks another question. Very little in the way of magic is used to root out truth. If I had wanted to read a teen mystery, I would have read Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. The climax and ending to this book felt incredibly rushed. By the time I finished the book, I realized I disliked every single character and did not feel any personal investment or endearment to any of them.
Worldbuilding premise was initially fine, but the movement of the plot is too staggered. Magic is supposed to be exciting, so imagine how betrayed I was to get to the academy and find that the mechanics behind the protagonist's special magic require little to no effort apart from some practiced concentration and a picture book. The author put very little effort or design into the magical progression system or the protagonist's path towards improvement by merit.
There wasnt really any antagonist birthed in the plot development. Instead, we get to follow a victimized protagonist as he investigates why the world operates against him. The entire book focuses on student-turned-detective-- he asks a question, searches for answers or proof, then asks another question. Very little in the way of magic is used to root out truth. If I had wanted to read a teen mystery, I would have read Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. The climax and ending to this book felt incredibly rushed. By the time I finished the book, I realized I disliked every single character and did not feel any personal investment or endearment to any of them.
October 21, 2019
Fresh take on the magical universe
I am a huge Harry Potter fan. This book creates a completely different story about magic and lets your imagination expand and develops almost as well. The main character sometimes seems a bit too hard on himself but that’s the depth of the character, you want him to realize and want to see him become this amazing person you feel he could be even though he thinks he won’t amount to anything. I’ve read books that have tried to make the main character seem like they aren’t confident or weak even though you know it’s going to change but the way this is written for me at least makes it believable. Every time you think he’s going to just become an overpowered hero it doesn’t happen and keeps progressing at a believable rate. I definitely would recommend this book.
I am a huge Harry Potter fan. This book creates a completely different story about magic and lets your imagination expand and develops almost as well. The main character sometimes seems a bit too hard on himself but that’s the depth of the character, you want him to realize and want to see him become this amazing person you feel he could be even though he thinks he won’t amount to anything. I’ve read books that have tried to make the main character seem like they aren’t confident or weak even though you know it’s going to change but the way this is written for me at least makes it believable. Every time you think he’s going to just become an overpowered hero it doesn’t happen and keeps progressing at a believable rate. I definitely would recommend this book.
March 23, 2020
I picked this book up to read because I have been enjoying his series on dragon misfits. I wanted a light, energy filled read that would not be boring and I was not disappointed. This book is a great introduction to a world that used magic in very amazing ways. Elementals are conjured up, magic is made and disasters happen to a group of young people who are part of the student body of an elemental academy where they practice conjuring and shaping elemental forces into various beings. My middle grandchild has first dibs on who gets to read it next. Magic is used to control forces of nature in fantastic ways. Very suitable for youth readers who like adventure and intrigue in a fast paced setting. I can enthusiastically recommend this series to my grandkids, but I get to read them first!
September 27, 2022
So I got into the series already knowing that people said it was way too close to Harry Potter. So with that in mind I started reading. I like the universe building and the "magic" school. Yes, the behavior of the friends and the main character Tolan is similar. But the magic is totally on a different scale.
Where HP is classic magic, Elemental Academy is not the same and distinguishes itself quite nicely.
So like I mentioned I like the world. I like the characters and after a couple chapters I didn't care anymore I was enjoying the book and the first book in the series. So much so that I decided to continue reading because Tolan is not a child and he is more complex that HP was at the beginning of that series.
Where HP is classic magic, Elemental Academy is not the same and distinguishes itself quite nicely.
So like I mentioned I like the world. I like the characters and after a couple chapters I didn't care anymore I was enjoying the book and the first book in the series. So much so that I decided to continue reading because Tolan is not a child and he is more complex that HP was at the beginning of that series.
June 19, 2019
Interesting book.
Though this book was shorter then the majority of books I’ve been reading recently, “The Fire Within” was a very satisfying read. It’s a bit of a mix of your traditional coming of age fantasy and your Hogwarts Academy style of book with a smattering of suspenseful mystery thrown in there for flavor. World building was kind of light but steadily increasing as you progressed. The magic system was lite on details leaving much to the readers imagination. More like a broad outline, which was refreshing to be honest. All in all a good book that I would recommend to anyone. Definitely suitable for young adults.
Though this book was shorter then the majority of books I’ve been reading recently, “The Fire Within” was a very satisfying read. It’s a bit of a mix of your traditional coming of age fantasy and your Hogwarts Academy style of book with a smattering of suspenseful mystery thrown in there for flavor. World building was kind of light but steadily increasing as you progressed. The magic system was lite on details leaving much to the readers imagination. More like a broad outline, which was refreshing to be honest. All in all a good book that I would recommend to anyone. Definitely suitable for young adults.
June 9, 2020
Strong 3 stars. Tempted to 4 but that’s just in contrast to the previous book I read. Interesting world and magic. A little odd that Hermione - I mean Ferrah - stayed in a small mixed dorm room. Probably supposed to be saying something about society. There’s some self discovery here, but there’s more. Typical weakness of “surprise” bad guy suddenly showing his real character and talking too much, motivated by there being readers rather than his own reasons. But kept me reading long past my bedtime.
December 21, 2022
A good read, like most everything I've read from Holmberg.
The story follows Tolan, a woodworking apprentice with no shaping ability, which is that world's version of magic, unlike many from his hometown. His best friend is a shaper and plans to test for Selection into the country's foremost shaping academy. One thing leads to another and Tolan finds himself surprisingly accepted despite his lack of ability.
I don't want to give anything else away, but I enjoyed the book and will be reading further into the series. Holmberg never lets me down with his talent for good storytelling.
The story follows Tolan, a woodworking apprentice with no shaping ability, which is that world's version of magic, unlike many from his hometown. His best friend is a shaper and plans to test for Selection into the country's foremost shaping academy. One thing leads to another and Tolan finds himself surprisingly accepted despite his lack of ability.
I don't want to give anything else away, but I enjoyed the book and will be reading further into the series. Holmberg never lets me down with his talent for good storytelling.
January 27, 2023
Fantasy world with shaping of elements (Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Spirit), and it is always good to be immersed in such a world. Story is good, but the characters could have been built in a bit better / matured way as of their corresponding age.
This is my first book of DK Holmberg, and I like the narration and the way he carries the story. Even though there are similarities (or inspiration from) with Harry Potter, the book occupies our mind from the first page. Likable despite of those similarities, and the mystery keeps you hooked with the story.
This is my first book of DK Holmberg, and I like the narration and the way he carries the story. Even though there are similarities (or inspiration from) with Harry Potter, the book occupies our mind from the first page. Likable despite of those similarities, and the mystery keeps you hooked with the story.
August 31, 2019
Elemental magic
Finally got around to reading this one. Curious story of a boy who learns he has mystical abilities that appear in unusual ways. And like many stories of this type, he and his cronies go poking heir noses into places they probably shouldn’t be. The book felt like it was just getting rolling as it climaxed with the first Big Event.
It’s a different kind of magic than I’ve seen in other fantasy, though the struggle to learn is familiar. Nicely setup characters.
Finally got around to reading this one. Curious story of a boy who learns he has mystical abilities that appear in unusual ways. And like many stories of this type, he and his cronies go poking heir noses into places they probably shouldn’t be. The book felt like it was just getting rolling as it climaxed with the first Big Event.
It’s a different kind of magic than I’ve seen in other fantasy, though the struggle to learn is familiar. Nicely setup characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews