The Elemental Pentology
This five book series begins with Alabaster, and takes us on a tense ride through history to understand why there is intense conflict between the two factions. With Norse influences - including Ragnarök, Yggdrasil, Thor, and Baldr - and more modern elements - such as cybernics and AI - this is a blended hybrid of styles which offer a dynamic character driven, and inclusive, story through the whole series.
The five key elements are represented by the main female character in each book – the embodiment of the elements as Goddesses. Each book introduces another element, so we start with the Elemental Goddess of Spirit, then add in Water, Fire, Earth, then Air. The series is layered, with a diverse and representative cast of characters who are delightful, disposable, and devious. There are no ‘good guys’ or ‘bad guys’ as such, though some are definitely more brutal than others – instead, these are flawed and morally-grey characters who challenge loyalty and perception.
The story tracks the five Goddesses as they attempt to reclaim their world from an ancient God who claimed it thousands of years earlier, and exiled them. It took them years to claw their way back, and will do all it takes to succeed – including sacrificing those they love and preparing for war. A war which changes everything for the world. The timeline overlaps, so they need to be read in order. Each book adds more detail, more layers, and more clues - like a Russian Doll. It explores how the world has been impacted by the decline of the matriarchal society in favour of a patriarchal one. It explores how women are reclaiming their place. And how the world has been damaged by neglect. This is all presented in a way that's exciting to read, with characters you will come to love, to hate, and, maybe, to mourn.
