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.

Quite slow at the beginning, but it gets better. Nice and easy writing, it flows and builds a rich and intricate world. Just as a personal opinion, I don't see the need for extravagant technology to be in the book. It could have easily worked with mobile phones. I might give the second book a chance.

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.