The story started somewhat unusual in the sense that it was somewhat unorganized apart from some deliberately chosen tropes.
The story was a bit all over the place trying to do all the things one might expect from a typical fantasy story but in way too short a time and without the necessary preparation, but in all honesty, I actually enjoyed that somewhat because it didn't feel so formulaic even though I am pretty sure that wasn't the intension. It made the plot development unpredictable.
Only up to the point though. The plot didn't seem to have obvious plotholes but the entire construct seemed somehow off. Like a badly made puzzle. From afar it looks nice but if you look closer nothing fits together quite right.
Sadly, the end confirms that this wasn't an intentional choice but just chaotic writing. It becomes so incredibly corny and clichée I couldn't take it anymore. Not even to finish the last few pages of the book. ( )

Pure fantasy at its finest. I would say this is less urban fantasy though than the Rylee Adamson series. Even though it's set in the same world, the Elementals keep to themselves making this a lot more removed from the "normal" world. I think for some readers it will be hard to move between the series - for me personally, I'm a massive "classic" fantasy fan before all else so reading this was like coming home and gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings.

Recurve isn't really anything new in the genre, the same old fantasy tropes (The Chosen One, quest through different lands, evil foe who has spread through the land and must be defeated, etc) appear throughout - but Mayer hits all the right notes with her portrayal.

Recurve begins Lark's adventure in her own home, the Rim which is where the Earth Elementals live. Lark is a half-breed, the bastard daughter of the Earth King and her mother, a daughter of the fifth element, Spirit. As a half-breed she is somewhat of an outcast in society - which is made worse by her lack of powers.

Lark is awesome. She's stubborn and determined to be a useful member of her society and keeps at it even as she's mocked, disrespected and ignored. But apart from Lark, many of the characters are completely unlikable. Belladonna, Cassava and King Basil are all horrible people. Ash is very hot and cold but redeems himself as the book explains his actions and the reasoning behind them.

The action was fast paced and I flew through the pages. I really enjoyed reading the first book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. ( )

I have an affinity towards magical worlds. And everytime i read one book, if it doesnot capture my attention, i leave it be and not pursue to the next one. This book was really interesting, combining elemental magic with other forms. I just could not put it down. The characters were too engaging for me to have done that. Finished in one night. ( )

I have an affinity towards magical worlds. And everytime i read one book, if it doesnot capture my attention, i leave it be and not pursue to the next one. This book was really interesting, combining elemental magic with other forms. I just could not put it down. The characters were too engaging for me to have done that. Finished in one night. ( )

Good first story start. Nice to read about Larkspur's beginning, a character introduced in the Rylee Adamson stories. Death, destruction, battle, lies, treachory, and a beginning abound in this story. I'm looking forward to reading book 2. ( )