Flora Reviews… Today, I’m sharing my thoughts about Building From Ashes by Elizabeth Hunter. The first book in her new spin-off series, Elemental World.
…So what’s this book about?
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Title: Building From Ashes by Elizabeth Hunter
Series: Elemental World #1
Published by Elizabeth Hunter, Self-Published on 19 October, 2012
Genres: Paranormal Romance (PNR)
Narrator: Dina Pearlman
Length: 14 hours 8 minutes
No. of Pages: 326
~~~The first book in the highly anticipated Elemental World series, by Elizabeth Hunter, author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries.~~~
In a world teetering on the edge of change, two beings struggle to find their purpose. Will their paths lead them closer together or tear their worlds apart?
For a thousand years, powerful earth vampire Carwyn ap Bryn has served others. God. His family. His friends. But tragedy and loss disrupt his peaceful existence, causing him to question everything he has committed his eternity to.
Brigid Connor has known about vampires since they rescued her from a painful childhood. But not even their vast elemental power can save her from the demons that torment her.
As loyalties are tested and new paths are forged, a lurking danger slowly grows in the Elemental World. Carwyn and Brigid learn that even secrets revealed can come back to haunt you when you least expect it.
Source: Bought
Formats Available: eBook, Audiobook, Paperback
Purchase Links: Books2Read - Universal Link ¦ Amazon* ¦ Audible* ¦ Book Depository*
Building From Ashes is primarily an urban vampire romance with a thriller/mystery plot running along in the background. It’s the first book in the Elemental World series, a spin-off of the Elemental Mysteries series quartet.
We read this story through the eyes of Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid Connor although I felt that it was Brigid’s story a little more than Carwyn’s. The timeline in this story stretches from before A Hidden Fire starts (finding out a little about Carwyn’s history and Brigid’s childhood) until after A Fall of Water finishes. Therefore, I think that you should read the Elemental Mysteries quartet first to enjoy this book to it’s fullest.
…So, what did I like about it?
Everything! I’m already a fan of Ms Hunter; her writing style, the characters she creates, and the way she unfolds her stories to us. Building From Ashes didn’t let me down. I enjoyed the development of the relationships between not only Carwyn & Brigid but all the characters in this story and how it added background “meat” to the Elemental Mysteries quartet books.
This story held me from start to finish, I found it a real page turner – couldn’t put it down! Carwyn had me laughing and yes, a few tears did fall on a number of occasions too plus the mystery element to this story had me completely baffled, the plot’s unexpected twists and turns keeping me on the edge of my seat.
…So, um, was there anything I disliked about it?
No, not a thing! 😉
…So, basically what I’m saying is…
I really loved this book! I was already completely captivated by Carwyn and I relished the chance to get to know who Brigid was and fall in love with her too! Anyone who has already read and enjoyed Giovanni & Beatrice’s story in the Elemental Mysteries series will love Building From Ashes too.
Keep reading to find out more about the series and its author.
Elemental World by Elizabeth Hunter
Continue reading in the expanded universe of the Elemental Mysteries. Read the romance stories of Carwyn and Brigid, Terry and Gemma, Baojia and Natalie, Murphy and Anne, Lucien and Makeda. As well as Tenzin’s origin story.
Books in the Series








- Building From Ashes (Elemental World #1) (2012)
- Waterlocked (Elemental World #1.5) (2013)
- Blood and Sand (Elemental World #2) (2013)
- The Bronze Blade (Elemental World #2.5) (2014)
- The Scarlet Deep (Elemental World #3) (2015)
- A Very Proper Monster (Elemental World #3.5) (2017)
- A Stone-Kissed Sea (Elemental World #4) (2016)
- Valley of the Shadow (Elemental World #4.5) (2019)
Buy these stories in print, ebook or audiobook.
Amazon UK ¦ Amazon US ¦ Audible ¦ Book Depository
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking the time to read my thoughts about Building From Ashes. I hope I’ve tempted you to read it too.

Elizabeth Hunter has written lots of books that I’ve loved reading. I’ve added her to my Favourite Authors page. Before you leave, check out which amazing authors I’ve mentioned as my favourites.
Bye for now,
Flora x