Unnatural Issue

Elemental Masters

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Kate Reading

A brand-new Elemental Masters novel from the national best-selling author Mercedes Lackey.

Richard Whitestone is an Elemental Earth Master. Blaming himself for the death of his beloved wife in childbirth, he has sworn never to set eyes on his daughter, Suzanne. But when he finally sees her, a dark plan takes shape in his twisted mind - to use his daughter's body to bring back the spirit of his long-dead wife.

Enchanted? Listen to more titles in the Elemental Masters Series.©2011 Mercedes Lackey (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

these stories are wonderful

I wasn't sure if I would like these, but I have found these reworkings of fairy tales quite absorbing. The time just flies by as I listen and I am always kind of sad when I have to set the story aside. Luckily it is an audiobook and I can multitask.

Wonderful tale

Another wonderful Elemental Masters tale. Set in England just before the start of World War II, is the story of Peter and Suzanne. She is the neglected daughter of an Elemental Master. He the second son of a titled family. They must search out the dangers and cross battlefields.

Fun fun fun

Great retelling from a novel perspective. Love the continuance of previously minor characters into meatier roles. We are left with untied ending in this one. I want the rest of their story!

Another great book!

Love this series - Elemental Masters. Each book is great stand alone as well. Well written!

A fun variation on donkey skin and Dorothy Sayers

Throughly nasty villain, a plucky heroine. And a Lord Peter Whimsy clone. With Edwardian magic.

Very Enjoyable

Loved this narrator. Bits could've been fleshed out more, but way better than the summary.

Great Story, Rushed Ending

I loved the concept of the story and the characters were, for the most part, well rounded but the ending felt forced and rushed. The majority of the action happened in the last 15 minutes and I was left with more unanswered questions than answered.

Not Lackey's Best

When Earth Master Richard Whitestone's wife dies in childbirth, he discards their newborn daughter Suzanne in a fit of rage. Suzanne is raised as a servant of the household, while her father wastes away in his chambers. After many years, Whitestone develops a new passion - necromancy. When he sees his daughter wandering his lands, he realizes she is the perfect vessel in which to trap his dead wife's spirit. Suzanne must flee her father, and hide in the guise of a servant in another household. But her skill in Earth magic is difficult to hide...

This is a non-canonical retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, and is part of Lakey's Elemental Master series. Although it certainly has charm and originality, it is not my favorite of the Donkeyskin retellings, nor of the Elemental Master series. I felt the premise of the book - a necromantic father, Elemental Masters fighting in WWI, with a touch of romance - had promise. Unfortunately, it just wasn't delivered as well as it could have been. The romance seemed forced, and the war sections uninteresting. Not that it was a terrible book, but it could have been so much better. Lackey is better than this.

But, if you're looking for a fluffy-quick read, or an original fairy tale retelling, this book will certainly deliver that. The narration by Kate Reading was quite good. She did the voices well, and had good timing.