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Natura Elementals #1

The Call of Fire

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A powerless supernatural mafia princess. A bodyguard hellbent on revenge. And a love that might cost them both everything…

Elspeth Lennox knows dreams are foolish--including the dream to marry for love. Born without elemental power, she’s considered worthless except in the promise that she could produce a rare and superiorly gifted child free from the disease that is slowly killing her brother and so many other Natura.

In exchange for a cure, she agrees to marry and join her bloodline with that of the Natura’s most powerful Russian family--a king very few have ever seen in person.

The last thing the Lennox family needs is another powerful alliance. Fearing retaliation from other Natura families, Elspeth’s grandfather assigns her his most powerful bodyguard to make sure she survives to see her wedding day.

Fire elemental Aleron Foussé has long dreamed of revenge for his father’s murder. Protecting Elspeth will give him the cover he needs to finally achieve that goal. Elspeth’s just a pawn. A distraction he doesn’t need. A dangerous distraction who makes him dream of things he’ll never have. Things he never thought he wanted.

Now he wants it all. He wants her.

But Elspeth holds a secret powerful enough to start a war, and if they’re not careful, their hearts may be the first casualties.

For fans of classic paranormal romance series like Black Dagger Brotherhood, Immortals After Dark, and Psy/Changeling… with deep character development, intense relationships, and kickass action… oh, and hot sex… Dive into the Natura Elementals series...supernatural mafia romance at its hottest!

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2020

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Sloane Calder

7 books115 followers

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5 stars
89 (35%)
4 stars
81 (32%)
3 stars
50 (19%)
2 stars
18 (7%)
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13 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy.
179 reviews16 followers
October 18, 2021
4.5 Easy-Bake and Half-Gallon stars

I LOVED THIS UNIVERSE 🔥🔥🔥

A good forbidden romance, a nice world building and a great main plot. What else to ask for? This book was thrilling. There was so much going on! All the twists kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering where the author was leading us. A beautiful way to begin the series!

The main story turned around the search of a cure for a sickness that was slowly killing more and more Naturas, including Elspeth's brother, Lach. It involved revenge plots, attempts to overthrow the Fire's mad leader, a angering arranged marriage and much more. And let's not forget about the romance - because, how could we, considering how great the couple was? They complemented each other very well and, despite a bumpy beginning, they fell deeply in love and rocked the Naturas' world.

Elspeth was such a sweet character. She toughened a bit later in the story, taking slowly control of her own life, but she stayed this loving girl inside and I kind of liked that. It suited her, especially considering she still had so much to learn and needed support from people close to her.
Aleron was fierce and loyal. He had a complicated past - more than we thought - that shaped him into this hardened assassin who still fell unexpectedly for our surprising heroine. He found with her the promise of a dream he had long left behind. I loved how he befriended - more or less against his will - Elspeth' best friend, Kazumi.
Talk about an AMAZING character! The dynamic between Zum and Elspeth was so heartwarming💖 I also loved to see her banter and then ally herself with Aleron. They made a great team to care and protect Elspeth.

Thanks to all the twists and turns of the book, we discovered a lot about the different elements and the way things worked in this universe. Like having sex to regenerate your powers 😳 Yes, I'm still stuck with it because that's quite a way to do it... We met a few characters I'm curious about, like Flora, that I already like, and Kerr - because he seemed fishy, like really fishy. I'm also intrigued by Lach. I can't wait to get more of him and see how his health evolved. I'm very excited to delve into the plot introduced at the end of Book 1. It sounds so good!

Just for the record, I definitely agree that the books need to be read in order. This series is more a continued story than stand-alone novels. Too many informations would be lost to the reader if they begin with another installment.
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews511 followers
Read
December 2, 2021
Note To Self and Whom It May Concern:

Another one bites the dust.

Initial reaction…. FRUSTRATING. Hard to follow. It’s the customer service call where you spend an hour trying to get down to business with an intelligent mind, not robot.

The world-building and character intro is too much about nothing. When you’re dealing with names, places, people, things, and other entities with a unique-to-book label, particularly with PNR, things must be clear and concise.

Instead the reader is bombarded with… Fire element, inhibitors, neutered, Seanair Lennox, double-mantled Fire reduced to a weak-ass warlock, Natura race, the Goddess’s help, North American Naturas, light version of his powers, Aleron, Goddess’s chapels. monster’s servitude, Bill Foussé, makings of some revenge plot from a past wrong, corrupt leader, arranged marriage, and a laundry list of other shit that’s just written like it’s from some other book I should’ve read first&<<<< and that’s just in the first three pages.

I have no fucking clue what the hell the author is trying to build here, which leaves me disconnected from both the characters and the story. Working this hard to read something just isn’t in my stamina.

It’s also filled with fluff and fru to make the writing seem distinguished and prose-tastic. Unfortunately, it muddies the water and leaves the reader drowning in too many unnecessary words when the important words are so casually thrown in without explanation.

He inhaled and concentrated on keeping his steps steady as he passed through the first damper barrier, his power now blunted embers barely smoldering inside him.

^^ As you see, the sentence construction just isn’t reader friendly. Too many words to say nothing.

Everything is overly complicated, even the character names. Kazumi Fukada? Sounds like a fungus, but it's actually the FMCs BFF.

The dialogue is extremely hard to read. It feels like the characters are talking at one another, not directly to one another. They’re talking in circles - saying the same shit on speed dial. Disjointed. Lacks flow and transitions. Like two narrators are having an Omni convo verses two characters playing off spoken words.

Same with inner thoughts. Bipolar and ADHD have a baby, and it speaks some foreign language you’d have to be a nuclear scientist to get through. Shit jumps here, there, and everywhere all amidst a convo. Doesn’t help that it’s in third person.

Throw in all the long mundane description interruptions, and I dare you to understand this shit.


16% is the perfect example. He’s thinking about her as a woman. He jumps to think about hatching a plan. Bam, thoughts fade to black while we interrupt this normally scheduled program for a multi-page description on his grooming and dressing routine. Whiplash… back to thinking on his elemental soul. Wait… another fade to black on the status of his soul as he hears her jiggle her keys, which prompts him to notice her tits in a fuzzy red sweater. Wtf? Spastic!

The outline of the storyline is intriguing, but I can’t deal with this author’s writing style without injecting myself with horse tranquilizer.

Calling it a day at 16%.

Profile Image for Nantia.
200 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2021
This book was a very nice surprise.
The story was great, unique and that plot twist! That was something I didn't saw it coming.
The characters are well made, unique and complete as personalities and characters.
I really loved the main and background stories, those perfect sub-characters and the whole corrupted world. Really nice execution.
Those two stars that was lost? 1 for some characters behaviors that weren't making any sense. The transition of her behavior from cold to wam, really didn't make any sense, no matter how sweet and kind she is.
And 1, for some poorly executioned plot points that I really can't say because they are spoilers.
After the huge revelation, the plot seems to really get written fast and without the proper care. Plot points really lost their appealing because of that.
In general, I really enjoyed the book. It made me cry tears of pain and I am completely in love with Flora.
Can't wait for the second one!
Profile Image for Yashika Verma.
Author 3 books6 followers
December 31, 2020
So to the last book of 2020.
When I signed up for this book I didn’t know the genre of the book but it turned out to be sci-fi. When I started reading it I was amazed.
Throughout the whole book, just one word rang in my head ‘Fascinating’.
I wonder how Beautiful they must have looked with their power ribbons surrounding them.
I wish I could just see how on the first page when that fist breeze struck Aleron’s face and fire glazed his face. and when they regen their powers, the first time Elspeth reigned her water element with zum.
Through 71% of the book, I finally understood the title of the book “Call of the fire”.
God or I should say, Goddess 😂
Senair’s death was really really unexpected, actually, everything in the book was unexpected.
I see how the author played with the reader's mind by putting so many turns and twists, I heard myself gasping at some points.
And it turned more interesting when Samuel came into the picture, I mean a warlock how cool is that a natura traveler my in the form of smoke.
Well even a Natura is so cool in itself
And at the end, we are left at the cliffhanger, but Egan was his son I did not see that coming.
I will eagerly be waiting for the next part, until then.✨
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
January 1, 2021
DNF- quit at 18%.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. I felt like there was a book or series that came before this one that had the world building in it, cause nothing made sense to me. I wasn’t inspired enough to check into it or anything though. I also didn’t like the main characters, something about them just didn’t sit right for me. The fact that these Natura elementals needed sex to recharge their batteries so to speak, but the FMC -being a null, couldn’t be a recharger, just made me little itchy (in a bad way) about the relationship.

At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Profile Image for Nextbookaroundthecorner.
996 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2022
I was feeling adventurous, when I requested the Call of Fire after reading the blurb. Sloane Calder is a fairly new author, with only the Natura Elements series on Goodreads. But, enjoying paranormal stories on the elements, I was curious about this one. And although the start is a bit much on the paranormal lingo, the story is very intriguing.

Aeron Foussé is the brooding bodyguard, with extra spicy fire powers. He is assigned to keep the granddaughter of Senor Lennox safe. Elspeth is the disappointment of the family. Whereas her grandfather is one of the world’s most powerful Natura’s (this is what the people with elemental powers are called), she is a Natural without elemental powers. Her only value: giving birth to an extremely gifted child.

And her grandfather is using her as a pawn to get his hands on a cure for the rare disease which is killing Natura’s, including Elspeth’s brother Zach. The only problem: not everyone wants to see an alliance between the Lennox family and the Russians. Hence, the protection by Aleron. Ever since Senair killed his father, Aleron is biding his time to find a way to revenge his father’s murder. So, when he is assigned to Senair’s granddaughter, he is convinced, he will be able to kill the bastard. He hadn’t realized, however, how different Elspeth was. Although she has been shunned by society and being despised by many for being powerless, she still remained a very caring and lovely person. And she willingly will enter a loveless marriage to someone she doesn’t know, in order to buy her brother some extra time from his illness. The attraction between Aleron and Elspeth is a slow burn. Starcrossed lovers, who never can be together. The story however, is much more than just a romance. It is about politics, different powers, secrets and betrayal. Sloane keeps you guessing and just when you think you under­stand the story, there is another turn of events. And when the story is over, there are still so many questions: will Graham succeed?

What will happen with Lach? And how will Flora’s encounter with Samael end? So, now I probably need to read the total series to get all the answers. If the other parts are as good as this one, that will not be an issue. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book45 followers
September 13, 2021
When I started this book, I didn't realise that there are actually two prequel novellas that come before it. While it's not essential to have read these, I think I would have preferred to have done so. There's a lot to take in in this world, in terms of magic and paranormal phenomenon and I think having read the previous stories, that would have helped. Even so, it didn't take me too long to get my head around everything and understand the world that Elspeth and Aleron live in.
This is a paranormal romance story and with quite a lot of world-building and scene-setting to do, it does take a little while for our couple to get together and then discover their feelings for one another. I wasn't surprised by what happened to Elspeth or what her role in everything was, there were a few hints dropped, particularly if you read the small verse before the book starts. Elspeth's family, or at least some members of her family, don't treat her particularly well and it was nice to see Aleron valuing her from the beginning, before anything changes. Even if he is a little wary of the kind of woman she might be before he meets her.
This is clearly part of a series. The romance part of the storyline is complete in this book, but there's a bigger story that we're only just seeing the start of and it's clear that we will learn more in future books. I would be quite keen to revisit this world and see what is in store next for its inhabitants.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Katharine.
433 reviews
September 14, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Pretty Dynamite Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

Wow this story was not what I expected! I really enjoyed reading about the magic system and what made this world different. I also really enjoyed Elspeth and Aleron’s story!

Elspeth was more of a wallflower but not in the typical sense. She would stay behind the curtain but if need be was vocal. I really liked her personality and how far she was willing to go for family. Her and Aleron fit nicely and I enjoyed how they fell in love.

Aleron had one goal but that quickly changed when he met Elspeth. I thought it was endearing he put her above his own needs. I also enjoyed learning about his fire mantle. I felt like we got to see him grow and mature through the story as his goal changed.

I do think the magic could have been flushed out a little more. They caused a lot of chaos and didn’t seem to help with other issues. So it was hard to understand the purpose of the magic. I also would have liked to see Aleron tell Elspeth what happened to him as a kid. It was glossed over and I think that was a mistake. It was a big part of who Aleron was and I think should have been discussed a little more. Lastly I would have liked to explore kindred a little more. I felt like it didn’t fit for Elspeth to do match making and not think anything else about it. Especially since she is so detail oriented.

Overall I greatly enjoyed the story and romance in this book! I thought it had a unique storyline and the book really hooked me in. Looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
966 reviews12 followers
September 5, 2021
This is not one of my normal reads. But every once in a while I need a steamy paranormal read. I enjoyed this book but I also had a hard time with it. The hard part of this book was keeping up with the elements and how they truly worked. I loved the natural aspect and how Mother Nature was their Goddess. However sometimes it went a little over my thought process and I needed to slow down and read it again. I also thought there was a lot going on. Elspeth is a Passive, a Natura with no powers.... Aleron is an Elite One assassin working for Elspeth's grandfather. There is a wedding for a cure. Aleron is determined to kill Elsepth's grandfather for revenge. They fall in love. Her older brother has a tripower disease killing him. There is just a lot to take in.

What I loved though is Aleron's undying love for Elspeth and hers for him. These two would die for each other but there are so many obstacles between them. I felt their love. I felt their elemental devotion. I just felt it got lost in everything else. Then we throw witches into the mix. Man.. this is one of those stories that if you want all the answers you need to read the next book. The ending was lovely, the epilogue was intriguing buying personally I would have preferred a happily-ever-after epilogue.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews178 followers
September 13, 2021
I'm going to make this review short & sweet because one, I'm not too sure what is going on, and two, I don't want to give anything away because of number 1. I will say that I'm very intrigued because it's paranormal mafia which is very original in my eyes, and there's layers upon layers that kept me guessing as I had a million questions, but it did slow me down with my confusion so I would have to go back & read many things more than once. Elspeth was born without an elemental power so she's to marry with the Narura's most powerful Russian Family. Aleron is now tasked as her bodyguard, but he has his own agenda despite the fact that these two forge a strong connection very quickly. There are a great deal of twists & turns going on with the kicker of romance, so I am all in because I'm really hoping that things will make sense the further along we go. And OH MY HELL THE HEAT! So yeah, I'm ready for more & HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Tiffany.
101 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2021
Thank you to netgally and pretty dynamite press for providing a e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The book started a bit slow but quickly picked up and I had trouble putting it down.

I love Elspeth and her devotion to her family even though she is a passive and her people deem her to be a nothing. Her bodyguards goals quickly changed when he realized how strong and amazing Elspeth is even with no powers. We get to see them grow individually and together, forced into power when her grandfather dies and the world's elementals don't think the Lennoxes have what it takes.

I would have like to hear more of Alerons story, especially after Elspeth read her grandfathers diary and admitted to torturing Aleron to make him into the killing machine he is now. Also would love more idea on how their magic is helping the world. Overall this was a great book and I'd definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.1k reviews151 followers
September 1, 2021
I thought this book held a lot of promise and I was very intrigued by the blurb. After reading it though I have to admit I have complicated feelings about it. I did really liked the combination of mafia and of PNR. It is not something I've seen done to death and in my mind anyway it makes a lot of sense. The book is filled with an exciting mix of drama, tension, action, emotion, desire and twists. I also liked the main characters and I really enjoyed the sparks they generated. My biggest issues were that I had a constant feeling that I was missing something (But I was never sure what) and I can't say the end left me satisfied. So, will I be checking out the next book? Yes, I will but I'm hoping for something just a bit more when I do. This is my unbiased, unsolicited review.
404 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2021
Elspeth Lennox was to marry the Russian Prince for treatment for tripower disease which her brother had. Aleron Fousse who had a dual power of fire and air was assigned to be her bodyguard until the wedding. Elspeth and her grandfather discovered at the same time that the Russian cure simply put them into a coma and Elspeth knew her brother would never stand for that. Aleron and Elspeth fell in love though knew that it can never be because she would marry whoever had the closest cure to the tripower disease. I generally don't care to read books like this but I really got into this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series Ms. Calder has really caught my attention with her writing and the story of Aleron and Elspeth and their love. I highly recommend this book...
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books49 followers
December 20, 2020
Intriguing and with possibilities

Although the premise was not necessarily new, the handling of the world-building had a freshness that appealed. Previously seen as weak the female lead gains powers that place her in a dangerous situation. Meanwhile lots of interesting characters abound including our hero. Sure of him, we are not so sure whose side some of the others will take.
Lovely romance and although there was some predictability in the use of the four elements as power sources, nevertheless our interest is caught and held. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,676 reviews67 followers
September 9, 2021
The Call of Fire is the first book in the Natura Elementals series and it’s so so good. This was my first book by this author and definitely not my last. I was hooked from the first page until the last, I couldn’t put it down. This story follows Aleron, a fire elemental, and Elspeth, a passive, a member of the elite Natura families, and the granddaughter of Aleron’s enemy. Such a wonderful read, the world building is on point, the storyline is engaging, and it’s filled with great characters, action, twists and turns, mystery, and terrific chemistry.
Profile Image for DesN2004.
594 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. There was never a dull moment and something was always going on. I was not able to predict what happened or was happening. I liked it enough to be interested in the next. I like Elspeth as the heroine, she was honest and good hearted. I also liked Aleron and how he changed with her. The side characters were good as well and I would be interested in their stories as well. I will read this again and will look into the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Jean Morgan.
835 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2020
Excellent Story

The concept is unique, the story was engrossing, right to the ending. There wasn’t a cliffhanger and yet it ended in such a way that I am hoping that there will be another story. I loved the heroine and the hero, really good chemistry and I love that her BFF became his BFF; the story was multi layered and so satisfying. Read it, you won’t regret it!
Profile Image for genesiisss___.
150 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2021
Honestly I enjoyed this book a lot. It was steamy and it was fantasy. It was everything I love in a book. It could have been slightly more developed when it came to the world but I didn’t mind. Great read!
Profile Image for Becca Jones.
Author 9 books36 followers
October 7, 2021
Great new take on super power romance. The Natura embody the four elements of nature and they try to keep them all in balance while trying to prevent uprisings from witches and warlocks. A TON of action (in more ways than one 😉) and a great story with developed characters. LOVED IT!!
Profile Image for Lvingwithnk .
166 reviews
November 3, 2021
I gave the story 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t think of a reason why it shouldn’t get all 5 stars, although it wasn’t an obvious 5 stars for me but the story is well written, the chapters are short which I like and the language was simple, so it ticked all the right boxes.
Profile Image for Dora Okeyo.
Author 25 books199 followers
November 30, 2021
I couldn't help but love reading this story. The writing is simple enough, short chapters and a revenge that is thwarted by love, I mean who wouldn't want to see how things go?
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
PS: Love the fiery cover.
April 11, 2024
DNF. Holy cow! This was hard to read. It was almost written in a “stream of consciousness” style. So if you don’t think or speak like the writer then you will be LOST. The main characters lacked chemistry btw.
Profile Image for Crystal.
442 reviews49 followers
December 18, 2020
Interesting and intriguing book. Suspenseful and kept me wanting to know next. I enjoyed this book.
I recommend this book and will probably read again.
Profile Image for Sn8wflake .
2,391 reviews
March 24, 2021
witch

I was impressed by the originality. Witches broken down by elements. An innate difference from the traditional coven Witch or Warlock
407 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2021
New author for me. Excellent world building. Must keep reading to see what happens next. 🤓❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️📚
Profile Image for Erica Chilson.
Author 42 books436 followers
December 13, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

3.5 Stars

The Call of Fire is the first installment in the Natura Elementals series. However, there are two prequel novellas, The Mistake & The Birthday, that provide all the necessary background information on the magic system and the traumas of both main characters, Aleron & Elspeth.

The Natura contain water, fire, air, and earth, their sole existence to balance Mother Nature and keep the planet safe. Natura either have one or two elements within them. However, there are those who have 3, which puts the Natura out of balance. Such as air stoking fire, but if water is introduced it puts the fire out.

The magic system was intriguing, the world building interesting. The Natura were meant to balance the ecosystem. While I found that an interesting premise, I didn't think that occurred on the pages. I'm also not sure if this is part of the plot for later, or if the author didn't realize it contradicted the world building.

The Natura were too busy fighting amongst themselves, blaming ignorant humans, but never once took care of a natural disaster. It was more of a chicken/egg situation. Were the Natura cleaning up the messes of humans with an increase of natural disasters due to their not taking good care of the world, or were the Natura using natural disasters as an excuse to cover their own tantrums... because all I saw was their tantrums and no balancing of the ecosystem.

The entire reason for Natura existing was to balance the ecosystem, but all they did was use it as an excuse to cover up their crimes.

Set to the angsty backdrop of Elspeth agreeing to an arranged marriage to gain information to save her brother from the torment of having three elements. Aleron is filled with grief and shame, suffering from being disowned from his family due to the death of his father at the hands of the Lennox patriarch, something he would have done himself to save them from the Lennox family. More angst, a slight love-hate feel for a chapter of so, Aleron loathes the Lennox family, yet gets forced to be the granddaughter princess's bodyguard to make sure she ends up at the altar to hold up her end of the bargain.

Aleron and Elspeth have an instant connection, neither speaking of their deepest desires and fears. I had a hard time feeling the connection the author told us was there, because Elspeth discovers Aleron's origin with joining the family, along with the burden he carries, and they never speak of it. It's a conversation that would have bound them closer together, but it never occurs. It's one of those instances where it sounded good on paper but I didn't "feel" it. There was no progression of the romance, just that it was suddenly soul mate level, without any interactions to build up to it.

The magic system was interesting, but sometimes it felt chaotic to absorb the information, where I was never sure if it was incomplete or if I had a strong grasp on it. I explained above how the world building contradicted itself over why the Natura exist in the first place. I never did understand how witches and mages truly fit into the magic system-they just showed up to create havoc. How did Mother Nature fit into it, because Aleron kept saying he had to commune but he never did, neither did Elspeth.

There was an issue with the magic system, how it was written to be firm but altered to suit the shift in the plot, which is a huge plot hole no-no for me. At age 12, the magic presents itself but won't come into maturity until age 24. These were the rules the author put into place. Yet Aleron presents elements at different ages, and then there is Elspeth. So I felt this odd that there were firm rules put in place, rules that didn't apply to the narrators, so the rules probably didn't apply to any other Naturas either. Just as the issue with those with three elements dying young, but at least 2 Natura shown on the pages lived to an elder age.

I'm curious to read more in the series if it isn't centered around Aleron or Elspeth, since I never connected to either of them, even after reading their prequel novellas. I'll hold judgment on whether or not I'll continue on with the series depending on whether or not I become emotionally invested in the outcome of the main characters in the next in the series, whom I assume will be Flora. That sparked my interest at the end of the novel. Another reason I'm holding out until the next book to make my decision is whether or not the author gets a firm grasp on the world building, sticking to the rules created, versus changing it simply to fill plot holes and progress the story forward.
199 reviews
January 29, 2021
The 4 elements

Alice fire water air whose the prius who's the strongest who mines the hardest and how can we help instill keep love alive
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews22 followers
November 3, 2020
Fate always finds a way to fulfillment

“The Call of Fire” the first full-length installment in the “Natura Elementals” series by Sloane Calder, bring together two wonderful characters, both struggling to right past wrongs that never were their fault in the very first place.

Elspeth Andrea Lennox have dealing with rejection since her twelfth birthday, the day where their claim to her Natura power failed idle and she became a Passive, a person without any active Natura powers, that can nevertheless pass Natura traits to her offspring. That was the moment Elspeth life change forever, she lost the love of her grandfather (Seanair, who is in fact the Fire Magnus, thus the most powerful Natura in the region) and turned into a commodity to be sold to the best bidder in order produce powerful children. Elspeth has spent the best part of the last twelve years making up to her grandfather without results, piling in work, rearranging data-bases and issuing marriage contracts to strength Natura traits. Finally, the dreaded day has come Seanair orders her to marry a Natura Russian prince, a business transaction, that unfortunately Elspeth cannot refuse.

Aleron’s hatred for Seanair knows not boundaries, fully deserved though as Seanair killed his father making Aleron an accessory in the process. However, Aleron is intelligent and know how high the stakes are, he has bearing his time all those years, doing Seanairs bidding and coming closer to a position of power that will allow him to exact his revenge eventually. Until a whim of fate, puts Aleron into Elspeth path, he becomes her bodyguard and the destiny follows swift.

Sloane Calder’s Natura world is very well-crafted and carefully developed, every detail explained through the pages, without breaking the action at any moments. The story has a very balanced pace, neither slow not overly fast, with a good mix of action and character development. Utterly interesting subplots interwoven into the core action offer further information about the Natura world . The characters – both MC and secondary ones - are fully fleshed-out, original, coherent, credible and relatable at all times. The plot is full of twists and unexpected turns, that keep the action flowing forward until the absolute fantastic ending. Calder’s writing style is impeccable, rich, elaborate and intelligent, but still easy to read as the story flows throughout the pages, with a blend of action, drama, romance, with a good dose of humor on top.

While the book can perfectly be read without any previous knowledge of the series, I will recommend the two available prequels “The Mistake” and “The Birthday” which respectively recount Aleron’s and Elspeth’s background stories, not only for the added information but because there are both fantastic reads in their own right.

Profile Image for Jessica Hawkins.
416 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2020
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! How can so much be wrapped up in just 300 something pages?! I couldn’t put this book down and I lost sleep!

This book puts us in a world where Mother Nature has gifted the elements human form so that they help the world survive the abuse of humankind. These beings are known as Naturas and they work to heal the world. We follow the story of Elspeth Lennox, granddaughter of the Fire Magnus and leader of the North American Naturas, she becomes the black sheep of the family when it’s revealed on her twelfth birthday that she is without any elemental powers. Her only ability as a Passive, a Natura without powers, is the ability to birth very powerful Naturas, a trait that is greatly desired by powerful families around the world. After a contractual marriage agreement with Russian Natura Royalty, Elsepth is assigned one of her grandfathers most deadliest assassins, Fire Alpha Aleron Foussé. He’s tasked with keeping her safe from those who oppose her marriage or who want to obtain her Passive trademark. The instant attraction between Aleron and Elspeth was hard fought but after a chance attack by an unknown Earth element, their connection was solidified after a necessary life-saving kiss. This initial spark was a flame and over the course of this book we watch their love burn so fiercely. As Elspeth and Aleron fight tradition, fight their urges and try to do the right thing the secrets of their past come out, Mother Nature reveals a big surprise and their future together is finally within their reach!

I highly recommend this book and the two novellas that precede this. I absolutely love these characters and everything about this elemental world. The aspect of Mother Nature and the elemental Naturas was so intriguing! I enjoyed the close friends and the somewhat close families. I was really excited when Aleron’s family showed up and made a show that they never truly turned their back on him. I was disappointed about Elspeth’s cold grandfather and was hoping she’d have some glimmer of the old man she once knew. I was rooting for Aleron and Elspeth the whole time and I would have been devastated if they couldn’t be together. They were soulmates, they were what each other needed to become whole and I need more of them. Absolutely loved this and would easily recommend. Looking for more of what Sloan Calder has to offer!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
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