(Review) Water (Akasha #1) by Terra Harmony

Water (Akasha #1) by Terra Harmony
Published on September 26, 2011 by Terra Harmony
Ebook Edition
Source: Received a copy through Read it & Reap program in exchange of an honest review.
Genre: Paranormal (Mature theme! Sexual scenes!)
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Buy: Amazon Kindle, Smashwords

Goodreads Summary:

All of the elemental powers are in the palm of her hand…and it won't be enough to save her. When Kaitlyn Alder is involuntarily introduced to a life of magic, she becomes part of an organization hell-bent on saving the Earth. Just as her new-found life holds promises of purpose, romance, and friendship, the organization divides and a rogue member holds Kaitlyn hostage. Now one of the most terrifying men the human race has to offer stands between her and Earth's survival.

My Opinion:

I would say that Water is an action-packed paranormal story that led me to turn the pages to find out what happens next. The theme for the book is unique, focusing on eco-environment issues and this is a theme not touched by many (from what I've seen & read but I may be wrong). A warning to all who are interested in reading Water: it contains sexual scenes (some of it is non-consensual) and if you are uncomfortable with it... let's just say that you have be forewarned.

The excitement builds up from the first page where Kaitlyn was caught in an avalanche. She woke up in an institute for some unknown testing without any explanations given to her. While most girls would have cried and frightened to death by this encounter, Kaitlyn braved it all and even escaped on her own (even though she ended up recaptured). Answers were slowly given to her and that she was gifted with the powers of a Gaia. Later, she was then given a choice: to stay and help the institute and the environment with her powers or to leave...

Terra's writing style is smooth, easy to read and fun at times. The dialogues between the characters are witty and I find myself chuckling at some of the scenes that took me by surprise. This made the book so worth it to read. I love the characters' conversations with one another for that reason too. I only managed to find a slight inconsistency with Kaitlyn's character. No doubt she's strong and witty, not one of those usual helpless girls. The reason for the existence of the institute was to protect the environment. Kaitlyn was a gaia, someone who "provides balance for mother earth" while the rest of her teammates support her with their own set of powers. It was nearer to the end of the book that she did something... Well, let's just say she's supposed to be environmentally conscious and protecting the balance. Although I like the little romance Terra has introduced in the book, I find that it progresses just a little too fast. It would have been better if the romance developed a little slowly.

Overall, Water is still an enjoyable read with little twists here and there so that you'll have to keep guessing what will happen next. If you happen to love stories about elements, magic AND don't mind the little warning I've mentioned above in my opinion, this book is just for you!

Quotes:

• "Nice form," Alex said. I had just taken my last shot with the crossbow. "Now if only we can improve that aim."
  "Don't make me regret taking that plunge after you in the lake."
  He laughed and responded, "You probably will after tomorrow's lesson - whips."
• He placed a knife in my hand and retrieved one for himself. "You have to finish what you started."
  "What Cato started," I reminded him.
  "You don't want to give Cato a knife right now - the medical team is asleep. Start scraping."
• He stepped forward and took the butterfly hanging around my neck between his two fingers: “This will remind me, both of my mistake and how much I care for you.” He took another step closer so we were only inches apart, and his hand moved to the back of my shoulder where Shawn’s mark still scarred my skin. “And I hope this will never heal. It will remind me to never take anything for granted; other people’s intentions, your safety, or . . . you.”

Book Trailer:

About the author: Terra Harmony

Terra is author of the Akasha Series, a set of four contemporary eco-fantasy novels. 'Water' and 'Air' are available as e-books, and 'Fire' is due to release in October 2012.

Terra also has a vampire short story anthology published as an e-book called 'The Kindred Curse Anthology'.

Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor's and master's degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.

Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of 13 years and three children.

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