Review: Recurve by Shannon Mayer

Recurve (The Elemental Series #1) by Shannon Mayer

My name is Larkspur, and I am an Elemental. My people use the power of the earth to sustain life and defy our enemies. I should be at my father's side as a royal princess. But as a half-breed, bastard child, that isn't going to happen. I've been accused of attacking the queen, my wicked stepmother, and my life is suddenly on the line. 

I have only two options left to me: banishment, or training to become one of the King's Elite Guards, an Ender. Option one will kill me. Option two is meant to break me, but is the only way to survive. Did I mention I have no power like the rest of the elementals, and my connection to the earth is worth next to nothing? Could things get any worse? Of course they can. Welcome to being an Elemental.

 

 NOTE: I was provided this ARC copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 I've been a follower of Shannon Mayer since the first Rylee Adamson series. I thought I'd never met a woman as fearless and fierce as Rylee. Now, I'm having second thought after reading Recurve. I think Larkspur aka Lark is the new heroine to watch out for.

 Lark is a princess without a crown. She's an Elemental without power. She's serving the Kingdom as a Planter instead of a Royal, simply because she was deemed useless without her elemental gifts. Haunted by her mother & brother's deaths, Lark did her best to be liked and loved by her Father, the King. But after being accused of attacking Queen Cassava, Lark found herself training to become an Ender. That is the only way she'd be able to survive. Little did she know that her decision might just be the catalyst to her death.

 I had a super great time reading Lark and her adventures. Shannon Mayer is a brilliant and impressive author, she immediately sucked me in to her fantastic world. There's so much awesomeness wrapped up in the book. Plus, the names of the characters are really cool and unique. From Cactus, to Coal, Raven to Belladonna, from Granite to Ash, from Fern to Griffin, these amazing Elementals just keep getting better and better.

 Although this first book is a bit longer than usual, Recurve is a pleasure to read. It doesn't feel rushed. Rather, the whole story resonates with substance and every page matters. The ending left an ample room for a sequel. It isn't like those first books where you are really left hanging with those unanswered questions on your mind. Simply put, Recurve is very satisfying.

 The urban fantasy and paranormal elements are intricately woven into the story. That's what makes Recurve an engrossing and heart-pounding read. I guess, many readers would agree with me when I say, Lark has surpassed its predecessor, Rylee.

  

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows.

When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

Shannon Mayer gained bestselling status with her Rylee Adamson series.

 To learn more about Shannon and her books, go to www.shannonmayer.com To get a taste of The Rylee Adamson Series, check out the cinematic trailer!