With a mixture of science fiction and fantasy, children with special power that are enhanced through contact with specific crystals must face several challenges to save children lost between two worlds. The plot is a bit rushed as they move from crisis to crisis. This limited how well the characters develop and opened the story to skepticisms. Youth looking for a quick read and a little adventure will enjoy the ingenuous characters. ( )

If I had to describe this book in two words, I think I'd say: "Densely Packed". There's a little bit of everything in this book: Alternate worlds, mythical themes, magical creatures, exotic abilities etc. etc. etc. A huge, epic tale with high stakes.

But while there's much to see and learn, things are explained and demonstrated clearly and logically by the characters so the reader never feels overwhelmed. Also, the use of settings and characters from our world ease the transition to the richly imagined world of Eleria. By the end of the first act, so many characters and conflicts had been introduced that the reader has no choice but to wonder where it's all going and how it will all tie together, but from there it charges like a freight train until everything does come together nicely.

One of the highlights to me was the attention to detail that the author exhibited. Abilities (and perhaps more importantly restrictions) are clearly defined and explained throughout the narrative and there were many moments that I found myself loving the small anecdotes and incidents that were very clever and made complete sense in the context of the story.

Overall a lot of great elements all coming together but in a relatively short book. My only disappointment was that wanted to keep reading after I had reached the end.
( )

Being from the Black Continent myself I found Children of the Elementi by Ceri Clark to be quite an addicting read. The characters are very well developed and you feel a connection with them. The plot is faced paced and full of twists and it easy to read. I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Clark. ( )

It was an okay book. It has a great plot and great characters. The problem is you don't get to dwell on that great plot, you don't get to fully know the characters. I felt that it was a bit rushed to the point that things are not well explained. But I would love to read a sequel. It ended in a cliff-hanger, not knowing what will happen to Eleria. ( )

A good mix of the modern with the mystical, with great plot twists and storyline. ( )