Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

Air and Ashes by Margaret Mantor is an exciting story that follows Emma, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when she uncovers family secrets. Emma has been researching colleges and planning for her future, but everything changes when a team of armed intruders storms the home she shares with her aunt, Viv. She is shocked to discover that Viv possesses supernatural powers, specifically the ability to manipulate fire, which she uses to fend off the attackers. Emma, drawing on her basic self-defense training, also steps up to protect herself. As they go on the run, Emma and Viv seek help from Arcadius, a secret organization dedicated to protecting Elementums—individuals with elemental abilities. With her world shattered, Emma embarks on a journey to investigate her family’s hidden past, exploring the enigmatic world of Elementums and the dangers that come with it.

Air and Ashes by Margaret Mantor is the first book in The Elementum Series. It lays a compelling foundation for the series and introduces readers to an intriguing cast of characters. The elemental powers in the story remind me of those in Avatar: The Last Airbender, which I particularly enjoy. However, this narrative adds a modern twist, intertwining themes of family, secret rival organizations, and self-discovery amidst chaos. The story is fastpaced, with no dull moments, featuring continuous revelations that kept me engaged as I learned about this hidden world alongside Emma. This series has great potential with different conflicts, suspicious characters, and a plot that promises to keep readers coming back for more. The suspenseful moments build palpable anticipation around discovering Emma's family secrets and whether she possesses powers herself. Emma’s story is not yet over, more is yet to come, and I cannot wait to see how her journey unfolds. Overall, this is great work.