Balance. Equilibrium. These are concepts that drive the entire universe. Light cannot exist without dark, just like good cannot exist without evil. Look deeper, and you may take notice of the cycle of seasons. Winter melts into spring, which flourishes into summer, and then begins the process of dying into autumn and back to winter again. Life on earth needs this cycle to remain harmonious. The four elements can stand alone, but like the seasons, each requires a turn to rule to maintain a healthy cycle. Balance.

This book chronicles the impending change of elemental power. The first two elements, earth and sea, have already ruled. The wind has ruled for thousands of years and is almost ready to bow to the flames. The wind, however, is now reluctant to give way and creates a new Warrior. Why now? What does this mean for the Flame Warriors, who have been patiently waiting for their turn to rule?

Xander is a typical young college student who, after many reminders, still lives with his parents… and grandfather. Though the family is close, many skeletons are hidden in a closet far away from the world – and Xander.

In the blink of an eye and a mysterious gust of wind, life suddenly changes for the wayward teen. His family begins acting strangely, a beautiful blond suddenly shows up in class, and so much more.

As to the “why now?” question, I had my theories. That is until Sammy made a disturbing discovery. Now, I’m fairly certain I know why, but I haven’t given up all hope on my initial theory. There just needs to be a reason why their connection is so powerful… On to the second book to see if I’m on the right trail. ( )

Well-written, but I could not get into the story. Someone else might enjoy it more. The characters were realistic as was the world. ( )

Not really my style of writing so will avoid author in future.
If there is any character development it must come after the half way point in the first book. Definitely not awful, but little to recommend it to me. overall 50% ( )

*I received this book from the author via Say What? Savannah Mae*

I knew from the moment I had first heard about this book that it was going to be good. The story follows Xander, an average slacker college student, who in the wake of a near horrible accident, discovers he has the ability to control wind. While it's all cool at first, it quickly heads south and Xander is forced to flee for his life. The wind Caste's time is nearly up and the Fire Caste is getting tired of waiting for their turn.
I did find a few minor errors, none of which impeded my reading speed. The story flows beautifully and remains on track the entire time.
I would absolutely recommend this book to lovers of the paranormal, tales of the end of the world, and/or stories about the supernatural of all ages. I firmly believe every fan of the genre will enjoy this book.
I do recommend that the author have someone do a quick sweep of the book to find a fore mentioned errors though, just to avoid any issues from those would would downplay the book over literally a handful of errors.
All in all, I thought the book was a great. Between the Romeo and Juliet-esque young love, to the detailed fight scenes, that despite my insisting I would only finish the chapter I was on and go to bed, I continued to turn pages and read until the book was finished.I eagerly await when I get my paws on Flame Caller, the next book in the series. For the time being I'll just have to sate my appetite for the series with the freebie novella. I look forward to seeing what else Mr. Messenger plucks out of his head, clearly he has talent that should be recognized by all fans of this genre.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws. ( )

For a book tour! Enter to win one of 2 ecopies on Sept 3 (tiffyfit.blogspot.com)