Rayla Tate’s life is about to turn vertical…again. As if it wasn’t bad enough her mother disappeared under questionable circumstances leaving Rayla to be raised by her aunt in a horrendously small town. Her overprotective guardian is determined to ruin Rayla’s life. She refuses to let Rayla out of her sight or out of the state. Provincial living might be what her aunt demands of her purposely sheltered niece; but, Rayla has other ideas. In a desperate attempt to follow her dreams she flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend toward a bright future in the art world.
However, excitement over her newfound freedom turns into terror when she is chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. When his motorcycle suddenly morphs into a fire-breathing pegasus, Rayla questions her sanity. Worse, the man riding next to her stirs a burning desire in her soul she has never known or could have ever imagined. Using all the will she owns, she manages to resist the compulsion she feels; yet, as he disappears into the night, she is certain he hasn’t gone far.
Rayla quickly dismisses the encounter to her overactive imagination. She is determined to settle into her new life, yet the images and feelings of that night still haunt her. To make matters worse, her aunt seems to be in on the act, insisting that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords for a power over the elements she never knew she possessed—a power that could change the world. Quicker than she ever thought possible, she finds herself surrounded by stunning men that all seem determined to win her heart. Why does she feel drawn to each one of them? More importantly, what dark power do they hold over her? Rayla must quickly learn to fend off these beautiful and seductive pursuers using whatever means necessary or find herself lost to the fae world forever.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Rayla and her best friend Cassie. They have a genuine friendship. They squabbled a few times, but they were always there for each other. I thought it was so funny when all the fae lords showed up and wanted Rayla- Cassie understandably got kind of grumpy and made some comments like, “why do they ALL want Rayla?” I mean come on, if these gorgeous guys all showed up at once and all wanted one person, I would probably be a little grumpy too.
I loved learning about the lore of the elementals. I thought that was a really awesome and unique twist about the fae that I have not encountered yet. I love the idea. Each elemental is in tune with a specific power and each house of fae is associated with a power as well. When you unite an elemental with a fae lord of the same power, that power is magnified. Cool stuff.
In my opinion, Five is an example of a paranormal YA done completely right. The description in this story is incredible. I felt like I was right there alongside Rayla as she fought to figure out what to do. And it is always enjoyable to have a strong, spitfire heroine. And Rayla certainly is all of that and more. Plus, there are so many guys. Not all of them nice, but certainly all of them alluring. We get to know Zach a lot better than the others so he almost has an unfair advantage, but I also like Luke. I am reserving further judgment until the next book. Because I need to read the next book. This has favorite series potential all over it.
 |
| 4.5/5 Gavels |
Other books in the Elemental Enmity Series:
I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing now. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. We live in a quiet community under the Wellsville mountains in Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.
If you enjoyed this post, please Subscribe to Book Briefs in a reader
Christie Rich
Hi Michelle!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Five and for your wonderful review! I love when a reader relates to my characters! You’ve made my day, and I can’t wait to see what you think about the whole series. I’m honored by your words! You’ve truly made my day, so THANK YOU!
Christy LoveOfBooks
Great review. The book does sound good, but Fae and I don’t always connect. I don’t know why.
Christie Rich
I totally understand, Christy. My fae are much different than any I’ve read about. They are humanized and have the same emotions and such. The thing about other fae I’ve read is the disconnect from emotion keeps me from understanding and relating to them. I hope you’ll try the book. It’s free for download on all major sites. Thanks for commenting!
kimbacaffeinate
I like the Fae, and it sounds like you really enjoyed this..if I ever get caught up on my books I will pick this one up *eyes swaying tower of books*
Jenea Whittington
Great review. How did I miss another fae series?.?. I am off to add it and see if my library carries any of the series. *fingers crossed*
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
Mary Preston
This is the first I have heard of this book & series. I found your review very helpful thank you. I do like reading a series once complete – back to back.
Think
I really have to read this soon! Thanks for the great review. I have this on my Kindle, just need time for it! lol