The Fire Within

Elemental Academy, Book 1

By: D.K. Holmberg

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A single mistake has far-reaching consequences for a carpenter's apprentice.

With the threat of rogue elementals escaping from the element bond and fear of another attack by the Draasin Lord, life at the edge of Terndahl is difficult for Tolan. Without any magic of his own, he spends his days working as a carpenter’s apprentice. When an elemental attack draws the attention of the Inquisitors from the academy, everything changes.

A mistake brings Tolan into the Terenhall Academy, a prestigious training ground for powerful shapers, but it’s a world where he doesn’t belong. Unlike his classmates, he can’t control the magic of the element bonds. As elementals continue to escape the bond and attack the academy, Tolan finds himself in the middle of danger.

With no shaping ability, he fears there’s something more to the attacks. Now, he must save the academy and find a way to stop these attacks - and find the one behind them.

©2019 D.K. Holmberg (P)2020 ASH Publishing

Entertaining Story

Barring the obvious comparison to the Harry Potter series, I found this book to be entertaining, but not very developed. The story moved along quite as you would expect, but the characters were rather cliche. Also, the story didn’t have any real twists and turns. I don’t think I will continue this series, because it was definitely written for a younger audience. I will definitely look at other DKH books, though. The narration was very well done.

Love this type of series that pull you in slowly

This is a long series and the first book didn't disappoint. It's the orphan boy goes to magic school type story but with so many twists. Love the classroom settings and the professors. But the elementals are the most interesting and mysterious. The narrator did an exceptional job with so many voices. Very enjoyable performance. I would definitely recommend this series. Patiently waiting for audiobook 2.

Entertaining

This was a great listen, and was really enhanced by John Pirhalla’s narration! The story was well written and engaging. The flow was gripping, and I enjoyed the journey and the unique characters. I especially loved Tolan, and watching him figure out what he could bring to the table and the struggles he has to face to become successful. Pirhalla really portrayed Tolan in a super authentic way, demonstrating his struggles and successful through a dedicated tone.

It was pretty good

The story was interesting I liked the narrator he did a good job of bringing the characters to life liked the characters needs more details about the powers and the elementals hopefully book two will tell you more about them

A Really Good Listen

This is an audiobook review so I'm not sure how the book reads but the audible version was quite good. Family and I listened to the entire book on a long road trip and we couldn't wait to get back in the car to hear the next chapter. The narrator was superb and brought each character to life quite vividly. The voices for the professors were phenomenal. This book is firmly in the YA fantasy genre. It's more Name of the Wind than Harry Potter. We will definitely listen to Book 2 when it comes out.

Very enjoyable listening to this book

From a master story teller, Mr. Holmberg, comes The Fire Within about a boy named Tolan, and his ever present uncertainty and insecurity as to whether or not he truly has the capability of becoming an elemental bond shaper. He subsequently tried out for the selection to attend Terenhall Academy where he could learn the skills to become a master shaper. I immediately connected with Tolan as he reminded me a little about myself. I have the tendency to second guess myself and am not very confident about my own abilities. I so enjoyed the other characters in this book as they each played off of one another, some trying to support each other. Of course we have the evil ones which I also enjoyed as what would a good book be without the tension that they create. Also, I appreciated the world building that Mr. Holmberg so imaginatively created and depicted for we the readers to envision. As I stated in the beginning of my review, I believe Mr. Holmberg to be a master story teller. He has written so many books I can hardy keep up with reading all of them. They are all totally his own creations as there is no other books like them. I once became a kindle unlimited subscriber just so I could read as many books of his as I could. I am seriously considering resubscribing. I also was privileged to receive an Audible code to listen to this book. It was narrated by John Pirhalla who did a wonderful job of creating all the different voices to the characters. Even though it takes almost twice as long to listen to a book rather than read it, I found it was easy to multitask while listening. Since we are sheltering in place and no longer able to run so many errands outside the home, I found I could get a lot done around the house while I listened. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Not a Harry Potter alternative.

I bought this book because of the ad saying 'Missing Harry Potter'
This book is missing that fantasy world and reminds me more of the magic in the Eragon saga by
C. Paolini. An interesting story yet to be finished...

Can't wait for book 2!

Loved this audiobook. Can't wait for the next book! Love this type of YA story. Kids meet from different backgrounds at an Academy to learn magic (in this case to control the elements). All the characters are likeable. Back story is great and mysterious and slowly unfolds like any good series should. Well written. Fast paced but thoughtful. This book does not drag like The Name of the Wind dragged from time to time. Books are similar.

The narration is first rate. Have listened to other books narrated by John Pirhalla. He's phenomenal. A million, voices and accents in this one. Really makes the story come alive. The reason I bought the audiobook was the narrator. Glad I did because I have found a new writer!

The worse book I’ve ever heard!

Save your money. They used 4-4 words over and over. It’s just terrible!!! Not of this world in a good way, just bad. I’ve never given a bad review before. Buy it....don’t say I didn’t warn you!!!!

Horrible writing

Terrible and confusing storyline with tons of plot holes. Don’t waste your credit. Keep it for something worth listening to.