Elemental Thief

Four years ago magical user caused a cataclysmic event which wiped out whole swathes of the world, now all magic use is banned and punishable by death. Citizens have two implants under their skin which prevent them from using magic which rages uncontrollable out in the wastelands. Before magic broke the world Ridley Kayne and her parents were wealthy, living in Aura Tower, the premier apartment building in Lumina City. But her mother died in the Cataclysm and her father, a jeweller who fashioned beautiful pieces using magic, lost his livelihood, now they eke out a living running Ridley's grandfather's antique store. Having been ostracised by her former friends when her family fell on hard times, Ridley still manages to attend the same school, having won a scholarship. Ridley's experiences have made her into a futuristic Robin Hood, she steals from the rich to help out those who are struggling. Stealing an antique from the home of the Davenports in Aura Tower one night using her magic, which is different to that used by other people prior to the Cataclysm, to avoid detection Ridley is followed home by a stranger who is later murdered outside the antique shop after the two younger Davenports come to visit, ostensibly to buy their mother a birthday present. Archer Davenport is the Davenports' son. He left Lumina City a while back and rumours have been rife as to where he is and what he's doing, until he turns up at Ridley's antique shop. Then it seems that he is everywhere and somehow linked to the murder of the man outside the store. But when Ridley's best friend is arrested for the murder Ridley is determined that the Davenports won't buy their way out of trouble and determines to find out what Archer was doing with the victim and prove that her friend isn't responsible for the murder. This has a little bit of everything. Sort of a bit Gossip Girl, a bit Pretty in Pink, a shade of A Little Princess, magic, teenage angst, secret societies and prom. I loved it and can't wait to read the next book.

I received this copy for review from the author. This was a good start to a new series but I had a hard time keeping my focus even though the plots and twists were interesting. I enjoyed the new twist on a dystopian world of elemental magic. Ridley Kayne steals items to help people who need money in this new world. After witnessing a murder she and Archer Davenport have to work together to solve this mystery. Archer was a selfish rich brat when she knew him who has been out of touch for over a year before appearing suddenly right before the murder. We are left wondering what caused his change in attitude . The plot twist at the end was surprising and the cliffhanger will make you want to read the next book.

An Outstanding 4.5 Stars. A Wonderful Start To This Magical Series!!⚡🍃✨ Ridley grew up in era when magic was still freely used by all. It was used in jewellery, fashion, technology, medicine & in any way that could be thought of to enhance people's things or lives. Her Parents are happy, she's happy & loved and life is good!!🌟 When Ridley was about 8 years old her World was turned on its head!😢 Earth had become so depleted by generations of abuse that a Global initiative grew. They wanted to harness magic to power everything like a series of giant batteries. Unfortunately on the day the harnessing took place a cataclysmic reaction occurred around the World 🌎🔋💥 Much of it was turned to wasteland with unstable & lethal magic having free reign. Her Mum wasn't in a protected city on that day so she apparently died!!😱😭😭 Skip forward to start of senior year. Ridley only has two close friends now, Meera & Shen. Their family's are poor too. Ridleys Dad lost absolutely everything after that awful day, So they now live in a tiny flat above the antique store her Grandfather owned. She has secrets, they're huge, especially in a World where magic is now outlawed & carries the Death Penalty!!😳 She's been contracted for a job, It's in the ultra exclusive Aura Towers. But little does she know that being successful will set off a chain of events that could cause untold damage & death!!😳😢 She may have to lie, cheat, fake & try to trust the untrustable all while facing her own prejudices & insecurities. She will need to have complete faith in the guy she views as 'person who ruined her childhood friendships'. He turned her bestfriend against her after they lost everything. So foe becomes ally, does ally become foe?😳 Is what they've all been told truth or has it all been a lie and is she the only one with magic within??🍃🔥🌊, The main character was well rounded, but still has ample room to grow. I think Lilah & Archer both have lots of potential in future stories, I also liked Meera's little sister & think she could have a role to play too. Obviously Shen & Meera have more to say, but I fear Meera may be on the other side of things!!😱 I wasn't a fan of either of them if I'm honest. They weren't very fleshed out though, maybe that's why I didn't connect with them?! I was engrossed & transported by this book!!👍 There wasn't really any romance, though there is scope for it in future books 😉💕 It wasn't to badly missed either to be honest, I can rarely say that about a book. Lol I definitely recommend this one. Fancy a full day in another world? Yes please 😎😍 Debbie, 1970, UK