Review: Broken Elements by Mia Marshall

BROKEN ELEMENTS

Elements Series #1

by Mia Marshall

Publisher: Match Books (Feb 2013)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Adult
Format: eBook (332 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

Summary

"It's happening again, Aidan. We didn't stop it, after all."

As an elemental, Aidan Brook holds the power of water at her fingertips. A descendant of the earth’s oldest magic, she can cause tides to ebb and flow, put out house fires without calling 911, and give anyone who’s annoying her an impromptu shower.

But even her magic has its limits. After it fails her one terrible night, she hides from the world and everyone she once loved, trying to escape the memories that haunt her. Ten years later, her exile is brought to an abrupt end when her former best friend appears on her front porch. An elemental killer is once again murdering her friends, and she must return to the scene of her own crimes.

 

Lake Tahoe proves more than she bargained for. Between a sadistic killer, some clever FBI agents, an annoyingly attractive landlord, and way too many new roommates, she has a pretty full plate. Add in a past she’s desperate to escape and her own uncontrollable powers, and Aidan Brook is having a very, very bad month.

At A Glance
A solid urban fantasy but some bad decision making.

The Good
I feel like it's hard to find an honest to goodness urban fantasy these days. Too much romance and so on. Broken Elements is a good ol' mystery with paranormal elements. Aidan and her friend thought they killed the elemental killer 10 years ago. But when people close to them start getting murdered, it's obvious that they were wrong. The elemental killer is back and they are making things personal.

Aidan is very broken. Things didn't go so well the day she faced the killer. And now she is haunted by that night everyday. She has kept hidden all these years both to protect herself and others. Now, thrown back into the whole catch a killer game, Adian is finding that her years of focus have not helped her control her magic. Something is wrong with her and no one has answers. I loved how Aidan was both strong and weak. She is a runner but she also has this fight in her. My favorite part was when she let her anger take control because then she took care of business, no second guessing.

Her band of friends were so interesting. Simon and his sneaky ways. Mac with his muscled body and cool demeanor...except when he is breaking lawn furniture with his bare hands. Sera was the comedic relief. She didn't let Aidan feel bad for herself. She is a pusher, she pushes everyone's buttons but for good reasons. I really enjoyed their group dynamic.

The mystery and crime aspect was done well. I was surprised by who the killer was and who else was involved. It all played out perfectly, especially that exciting but scary ending. The world building was perfect. I loved learning about elemental history. Overall, a very well written story.

The Bad
Oh, those stupid decisions our MC's make. How could we live without them, right? I mean, if Aidan hadn't willingly went into the secluded woods with someone she just found out might be the killer I just don't know what I would have done with myself. Obviously, that was the most logical thing she could have done at that moment. It's not like someone was trying to kill her and her friends or anything. *major facepalm*

There were some waiting around parts that bored me. Easy to put down at that point.

The Snuggly
This is not a romance book. There is sexual attraction between Aidan and Mac, and there are some stolen kisses but that's about it. This doesn't need romance though. This is about the mystery. But I would still recommend this book for a new adult audience and up.

Final Thoughts
I will be continuing this series for sure. If you are looking for an urban fantasy with a heavy mystery element, this is the book for you. Great characters and great writing. Very recommended.

Quotes
Taking a deep breath, I found my fear and locked it away in a distant part of my mind. Later, it could have free rein, but right now I needed no distractions. I called the magic that rested in my very core to the surface, feeling it spread throughout my body and fill up every cell. My skin started to vibrate, the power clinging to each pore. I waited until the sensation intensified, until I felt all my humanity slip away and I was nothing but pure magic.


Simon nodded. "It's also worth noting that neither of you ever had sex with him, assuming you are remembering accurately."
"Hey! We didn't sleep with all the victims."
"I don't know why you're so determined not to be the Tahoe Tramps," called Brian from the living room. He was finally waking up, yawning and stretching his way back to life. "It would be an excellent band name."