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The Final Formula #1.5
The Element of Death
Betrayed by the first woman he ever loved, James lashes out at Rowan, the man who won her heart. When James nearly kills him, he panics and strands them both far from home, leaving them to take shelter in an abandoned crematorium.
But the decaying building isn’t unoccupied. When a twisted presence takes an unhealthy interest in Rowan, the guys will have to work together to escape—before their stay becomes a permanent one.
The Element of Death is a 20,000-word novella.
But the decaying building isn’t unoccupied. When a twisted presence takes an unhealthy interest in Rowan, the guys will have to work together to escape—before their stay becomes a permanent one.
The Element of Death is a 20,000-word novella.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2014
47 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Becca Andre
29Ìýbooks240ÌýfollowersBecca Andre lives in southern Ohio with her husband, two children, and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A love of science and math (yes, she’s weird like that), led to a career as a chemist where she blows things up far more infrequently than you’d expect. Other interests include: chocolate, hard rock, and slaying things on the Xbox. She also finds writing about herself in third person a bit strange.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 20, 2021
This novella is set between the last chapter and the epilogue of 'The Final Formula' which opened the series. It provides background into the friendship between James, the Hellhound and Rowan, fire Elemental and Lord of Fire, which Addie notices in the Epilogue, but isn't essential reading as such. Unlike the main novel, it is told from the third person close viewpoint of James.
Driven by his grief and anger at the revelations in the novel, James lashes out at Rowan who responds in kind. Their fight causes Rowan, who has been suffering the ill effects of overuse of his fire element ability, to become weak and ill. As an emergency measure, James breaks them out from the Hellhound dimension at a point miles from the city. He leaves Rowan outside a derelict crematorium and uses his ability to pop back home to summon help, but when he returns to the crematorium, there is no sign of Rowan. What happens next taxes the ability of both men and plunges them into a life or death situation which ultimately creates a strong bond between them.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the main novel. Because it is an incident that occurs between the last chapter and the epilogue of the novel, it does take away any suspense as to what ultimately happens. It is also a bit confusing in places as to what levels of possession by various dead characters were happening at any one time. My main problem with it, however, is that it is pretty much unrelenting one-note full-on action and fighting. I found this a bit wearing by the end, and so am rating this as 3 stars because it is well written on the whole but I would have preferred something a bit more character nuanced.
Driven by his grief and anger at the revelations in the novel, James lashes out at Rowan who responds in kind. Their fight causes Rowan, who has been suffering the ill effects of overuse of his fire element ability, to become weak and ill. As an emergency measure, James breaks them out from the Hellhound dimension at a point miles from the city. He leaves Rowan outside a derelict crematorium and uses his ability to pop back home to summon help, but when he returns to the crematorium, there is no sign of Rowan. What happens next taxes the ability of both men and plunges them into a life or death situation which ultimately creates a strong bond between them.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the main novel. Because it is an incident that occurs between the last chapter and the epilogue of the novel, it does take away any suspense as to what ultimately happens. It is also a bit confusing in places as to what levels of possession by various dead characters were happening at any one time. My main problem with it, however, is that it is pretty much unrelenting one-note full-on action and fighting. I found this a bit wearing by the end, and so am rating this as 3 stars because it is well written on the whole but I would have preferred something a bit more character nuanced.
July 19, 2017
A Creepy Novella
I really enjoyed this novella, it gives you an insight into James, as it was all told in James' POV. It kind of explains how James and Rowan became friends. This novella is set between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue of The Final Formula. It takes place in a creepy crematorium, and is completely believable. If you've ever been to a crematorium, or funeral home, you could really imagine the ghosts that inhabit a place like that. The plot and scenes were really well done, and you felt you were living it with James.
Whilst this is a quick read, it was well worth the time. It was exciting and easy to read, with plenty of creepy action.
I really enjoyed this novella, it gives you an insight into James, as it was all told in James' POV. It kind of explains how James and Rowan became friends. This novella is set between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue of The Final Formula. It takes place in a creepy crematorium, and is completely believable. If you've ever been to a crematorium, or funeral home, you could really imagine the ghosts that inhabit a place like that. The plot and scenes were really well done, and you felt you were living it with James.
Whilst this is a quick read, it was well worth the time. It was exciting and easy to read, with plenty of creepy action.
February 9, 2018
You really want to read all the 'in-between' books in this series because they are referred to in the next installments.
This story was an okay read mostly meant to deepen the character of James I suppose and to introduce a relationship between James and Rowan now .
I felt there could have been more depth to James' character and that's a problem I have with the rest of the series as well. The characters do not really grow or change because of interaction between them. Not as much as I'd like anyway. Still a fun series to read up till now. I hope there will be some more character depth in the next books.
This story was an okay read mostly meant to deepen the character of James I suppose and to introduce a relationship between James and Rowan now .
I felt there could have been more depth to James' character and that's a problem I have with the rest of the series as well. The characters do not really grow or change because of interaction between them. Not as much as I'd like anyway. Still a fun series to read up till now. I hope there will be some more character depth in the next books.
September 2, 2016
This novella is wonderfully creepy with ghosts, a crematorium and some very nasty villains. It focuses on the relationship between James and Rowen under some very intense circumstances. The story falls at the end of the first book, The Final Formula, and it concludes at almost the same point in time.
This is definitely meant to be read after the first book. James is the main protagonist in this story. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
This is definitely meant to be read after the first book. James is the main protagonist in this story. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
May 23, 2014
The Element of Death is a novella which takes place between novels 1 & 2 in the Final Formula Series. The story is definitely spooky, but not enough to creep me out. I liked getting inside James' head in this book and his character development, along with the interaction with Rowan. If you read the Final Formula, you should read this before heading on to the Blood Alchemist.
October 29, 2015
A creepy, haunting story with many twists and turns. I loved Rowan and James' bromance. Their relationship (or lack therefor) is fantastic. The crypt setting is scary and for boding and the plot is quick and well crafted. If you're looking for a thrilling, scary read (or a closer look at the James/Rowan rivalry) this book is perfect.
August 27, 2014
Was well-written and actually tied in nicely with the 1st book,.
I have found yet another wonderful author to follow!
I have found yet another wonderful author to follow!
April 5, 2014
Very nice complement to "The Final Formula", very fast paced, loved it. Make you wish for next one even more (I miss Addie though). Well done.
May 29, 2018
This was just a short story that follows up from the Final Formula but seen from James perspective. A large part of this story shows how Rowan and him became close. What I found to be the most interesting is that James is supposed to not have a soul but everything he does contradicts that (at least in my opinion). Seeing Addie through James� eyes made her more real. On to the next part of the story, it just gets better and better.
May 20, 2019
An interesting, action-packed novella. Fun to read from James’s POV. Every moment was fast paced. Some scenes were a little confusing, trying to follow who was possessing whom and such. But I loved the premise. Such a fun little side story. James and Rowan went right from one adventure to another, all without Addie. Good way to see a bond develop between James and Rowan. And we get to see more of Donovan and Era. All around great.
Reader Rated for ages 14+ for some violence.
Reader Rated for ages 14+ for some violence.
September 6, 2024
Nice tie in
Read the first book and enjoyed it. At the end, was shown this novella and bought it based on the book. It was a great tie in for the first book - showed the time before the last chapter. The writing is good and makes me want to read the next part of the series.
Read the first book and enjoyed it. At the end, was shown this novella and bought it based on the book. It was a great tie in for the first book - showed the time before the last chapter. The writing is good and makes me want to read the next part of the series.
February 2, 2017
This was such a good story. I loved seeing the pov through James. You get to learn more about his hell hound abilities and it's pretty awesome. Another page turner.
January 26, 2020
One word says it all!! AWESOME!
August 22, 2020
Explains everything ...
Pertaining to James and his shifting to his ethereal form
A bit short but as expected ... leaves a few new questions unanswered
Pertaining to James and his shifting to his ethereal form
A bit short but as expected ... leaves a few new questions unanswered
October 18, 2020
Borrowed from library:
Thank goodness my local library carries all of this series!
Now on to book 2!
Can't read fast enough!�
Thank goodness my local library carries all of this series!
Now on to book 2!
Can't read fast enough!�
December 24, 2020
?
Not quite as good as the first three books.. I do love the characters she has imagined.. I dislike being forced to use a certain # of words before I can go to my next book..
Not quite as good as the first three books.. I do love the characters she has imagined.. I dislike being forced to use a certain # of words before I can go to my next book..
January 16, 2017
Think of this novella as a missing "chapter" during book 1. It offers insight to Addie's observation of James and Rowan's interaction towards the end of book 1. Well worth the read if you're already hooked on the series.
March 4, 2017
A satisfyingly creepy short story that reminded me quite a bit of certain side-quests in video games these days - we have a decrepit crematorium where unthinkable acts were once carried out, still haunted by the victims as well as the perpetrator.
It has been quite a while since I read The Final Formula so details are a bit fuzzy for me, but I still found myself enjoying the characters of Rowan and James. This story was mostly action, a tad more action than development for my taste, but overall still provided a good reference for when, in The Blood Alchemist, Addie wonders how the relationship dynamic between these two men has altered since she fell out of their good graces.
I started the next novel in the series right away and am so far enjoying the heck out of it.
It has been quite a while since I read The Final Formula so details are a bit fuzzy for me, but I still found myself enjoying the characters of Rowan and James. This story was mostly action, a tad more action than development for my taste, but overall still provided a good reference for when, in The Blood Alchemist, Addie wonders how the relationship dynamic between these two men has altered since she fell out of their good graces.
I started the next novel in the series right away and am so far enjoying the heck out of it.
October 13, 2014
I would rate this just shy of a 4. This novella picks up after most of the events from The Final Formula.
Plot:
The action takes place right after the confrontation at the funeral home but before Addie gives Era the Final Formula. James realizes that Addie loves Rowan and not him, and Rowan is angry and hurt after finding out what Addie did to Era. The two inevitably get into a huge fight. Rowan becomes weak after overusing his ability, and James is able to overtake him and drag him through a portal to hell. After realizing what he has done, James tries to get Rowan and himself back to the manor, but they end up outside of a haunted crematorium. There, the two must get along and learn to trust each other; if they don’t they will literally die trying.
Characters:
In The Final Formula, we got to see a fairly soft side of James. For the first part of this novella, we see the complete opposite and begin to understand why he sees himself as evil. Rowan, on the other hand, is pretty vulnerable in The Element of Death. It was nice to see him not be so cocky for a change and to know that he is actually heartbroken over what happened with Addie.
In terms of other characters, we do briefly see Donovan and Era, but most of the supporting characters in the novella are evil spirits. We do get to see exactly what happened with Clarissa and begin to understand a little about why Neil turned out the way he did.
Writing:
There were few typos, but nothing too distracting. To me, the plot was hard to follow at times because I was confused about who was possessing who. Although the novella is pretty short, there is quite a bit of language and lots of violence.
The Bottom Line:
I’m not a huge fan of novellas � at all. However, because I was so heartbroken at the end of The Final Formula, I felt compelled to read this one. It was nice to see Rowan and James come together, especially after what happened in the first book. Having just started The Blood Alchemist, I can’t say whether or not The Element of Death is required reading. I was more motivated to find out how Addie was going to redeem herself, so I probably could have skipped this one.
Plot:
The action takes place right after the confrontation at the funeral home but before Addie gives Era the Final Formula. James realizes that Addie loves Rowan and not him, and Rowan is angry and hurt after finding out what Addie did to Era. The two inevitably get into a huge fight. Rowan becomes weak after overusing his ability, and James is able to overtake him and drag him through a portal to hell. After realizing what he has done, James tries to get Rowan and himself back to the manor, but they end up outside of a haunted crematorium. There, the two must get along and learn to trust each other; if they don’t they will literally die trying.
Characters:
In The Final Formula, we got to see a fairly soft side of James. For the first part of this novella, we see the complete opposite and begin to understand why he sees himself as evil. Rowan, on the other hand, is pretty vulnerable in The Element of Death. It was nice to see him not be so cocky for a change and to know that he is actually heartbroken over what happened with Addie.
In terms of other characters, we do briefly see Donovan and Era, but most of the supporting characters in the novella are evil spirits. We do get to see exactly what happened with Clarissa and begin to understand a little about why Neil turned out the way he did.
Writing:
There were few typos, but nothing too distracting. To me, the plot was hard to follow at times because I was confused about who was possessing who. Although the novella is pretty short, there is quite a bit of language and lots of violence.
The Bottom Line:
I’m not a huge fan of novellas � at all. However, because I was so heartbroken at the end of The Final Formula, I felt compelled to read this one. It was nice to see Rowan and James come together, especially after what happened in the first book. Having just started The Blood Alchemist, I can’t say whether or not The Element of Death is required reading. I was more motivated to find out how Addie was going to redeem herself, so I probably could have skipped this one.
October 4, 2014
The Heart Hurts
I love this Final Formula Series. I just wish that I realized there was a book 1.5 before I read 2. The story picks up from book 1. The Elementals found out that Addie (Amelia, before she lost her memory) is the person responsible for Era's mental state. Addie promised to make things right. Rowan and James were cursed by Addie's confession. Each had loved Addie but Addie was in love with Rowan. She loved James like a brother. Guys being guys living the same woman doesn't work. Been though they were furious with Addie Rowan picked a fight with James. The fight ended when James had pulled Rowan into his world of the dead.The guys ended up near a haunted crematorium on the other side of town. James asked Rowan to wait on the orchard he would go get Donovan. Things went from bad to worse. The spirits had taken over and Rowan was posses. They had a heck of a time escaping. James had to send 2 evil souls yo help In the everyone was ok. Addie brought the cure to Era, There was still a lot of bad feelings and Addie apologised. Rowan was going her a chance for redemption. This story blends right in with
book #2. Happy Reading!
I love this Final Formula Series. I just wish that I realized there was a book 1.5 before I read 2. The story picks up from book 1. The Elementals found out that Addie (Amelia, before she lost her memory) is the person responsible for Era's mental state. Addie promised to make things right. Rowan and James were cursed by Addie's confession. Each had loved Addie but Addie was in love with Rowan. She loved James like a brother. Guys being guys living the same woman doesn't work. Been though they were furious with Addie Rowan picked a fight with James. The fight ended when James had pulled Rowan into his world of the dead.The guys ended up near a haunted crematorium on the other side of town. James asked Rowan to wait on the orchard he would go get Donovan. Things went from bad to worse. The spirits had taken over and Rowan was posses. They had a heck of a time escaping. James had to send 2 evil souls yo help In the everyone was ok. Addie brought the cure to Era, There was still a lot of bad feelings and Addie apologised. Rowan was going her a chance for redemption. This story blends right in with
book #2. Happy Reading!
December 24, 2016
I admit, I hadn't read this novella before proceeding to the next book. While you don't technically have to, after going back and reading it I absolutely think you should. It added a new layer to the bond between James and Rowan, and I even went and read the next book again, just to get the full effect. It was really well written and I wasn't expecting, well, any of it, really. Definitely check this one out!
September 2, 2016
A great novella set immediately after the events of the first book (and before the prologue) which shows how Rowan and James begin to work together and why Rowan refuses to "travel" with James.
For a short story this had a lot of plot, the only negative comment I had was that I just wanted it over so I could start the second book!
For a short story this had a lot of plot, the only negative comment I had was that I just wanted it over so I could start the second book!
May 24, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars
Good novella, easy to read and interesting. I'd highly recommend the series this is part of.
I rate this a little lower since James is the lead character, and for some reason I like him less than other characters. His connection to Rowan does improve the story, as the Flame Lord tends to do with everything ;)
Good novella, easy to read and interesting. I'd highly recommend the series this is part of.
I rate this a little lower since James is the lead character, and for some reason I like him less than other characters. His connection to Rowan does improve the story, as the Flame Lord tends to do with everything ;)
December 18, 2016
I usually don't like the fillers but this one really caught me. It explains why Addie noticed the new found connection between Rowan and James.
This is not a must read. I do, however, recommend it. It is a bit of a ghost story, and gives you a bit more insight to James and his powers. Along with the limitations of both men.
This is not a must read. I do, however, recommend it. It is a bit of a ghost story, and gives you a bit more insight to James and his powers. Along with the limitations of both men.
December 26, 2016
The perfect paranormal bromance. Heated tension, sinister villainy, and a plot only the James and Rowan bromance can work through successfully. Trust me. You. Will. Love. This. Get it now. Get them all now.
January 5, 2017
I discovered this series from one of those book suggestion emails and it sounded interesting. Well I ended up devouring this series in no time, I love the characters, the plot and fast pace. I can't say enough good things about these books, you need to read them all now!
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October 31, 2014Uploaded everywhere ebooks are sold! (Some sites take longer than others, so keep checking if you don't see it at your favorite retailer.)
July 13, 2014
The Element of Death has a bigger horror element than The Final Formula and no Addie, but it is very good. I enjoy this world and the characters.
April 3, 2015
Short story set right after book one. That's it! I'm hooked on this series!
April 5, 2015
A short story set from James' point of view that I didn't think added a great deal to the backstory. I may change my mind as I read the next novel in the series, though!
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