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A review by women_using_words
Fire, Water, and Rock by Alaina Erdell
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
When I read a book with themes that I know next to nothing about and the narrative makes me want to go investigate…Well, credit must go to that writer. Fire, Water and Rock gives brilliant explanations of rocks and geological formations. Erdell explains the basics in a way that captures one’s interest. For someone like me who likes to learn new things, I found it all very interesting. Because Erdell makes it sound so majestic, I often stopped my reading to do a little Googling.
This is Erdell’s first published novel and one can easily see the passion she has for storytelling. Using colorful language and vivid detail, she immerses her readers in an impressive story world. The setting really comes alive on the page and readers can easily envision Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park (another place I Googled). The descriptive writing captures the imagination and initiates the senses, making the reading experience quite fun.
As splendid as the story world is, readers find the characters equally compelling. Erdell gives Fire, Water and Rock two captivating women to drive the storytelling forward. Jessica and Clare are well-developed and likable individuals. There’s a bit of an age gap between the women and Erdell portrays it nicely. We see Jess’s inexperience and poor decision-making play out well within the story arc. On the flip side, readers see Clare’s maturity. Her life experience enables her to communicate her emotions honestly and fairly. It all works to facilitate tension within the relationship and give it a sense of believability. Ultimately though the dynamics work to promote change, as this is a character driven story.
As fascinating as all the themes of geology and nature are in the storyline, Fire, Water and Rock still remains a romance at its core. Erdell captures a tenderness in Jess and Clare’s journey that’s heartfelt and sweet. She’s a patient writer though; she moves her readers through Jess and Clare’s story in a measured and intentional way. She doesn’t rush the romance between them. Instead, she chooses to build the chemistry slowly, brick by brick. When their HEA does finally come, readers are more than ready for it.
Final remarks…
Erdell’s debut is a compelling and read-worthy tale; it’s definitely a sign of exciting things to come. Though the storytelling isn’t perfect, readers can see the promise in the writing. Her style and tone are very engaging and I’m excited to see what her next book (Off the Menu—March 2023) brings.
Strengths…
Tenderly told
Heartfelt
Likable main characters
Vivid descriptions of nature
Interesting geology tidbits pleasantly worked into the storytelling
This is Erdell’s first published novel and one can easily see the passion she has for storytelling. Using colorful language and vivid detail, she immerses her readers in an impressive story world. The setting really comes alive on the page and readers can easily envision Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park (another place I Googled). The descriptive writing captures the imagination and initiates the senses, making the reading experience quite fun.
As splendid as the story world is, readers find the characters equally compelling. Erdell gives Fire, Water and Rock two captivating women to drive the storytelling forward. Jessica and Clare are well-developed and likable individuals. There’s a bit of an age gap between the women and Erdell portrays it nicely. We see Jess’s inexperience and poor decision-making play out well within the story arc. On the flip side, readers see Clare’s maturity. Her life experience enables her to communicate her emotions honestly and fairly. It all works to facilitate tension within the relationship and give it a sense of believability. Ultimately though the dynamics work to promote change, as this is a character driven story.
As fascinating as all the themes of geology and nature are in the storyline, Fire, Water and Rock still remains a romance at its core. Erdell captures a tenderness in Jess and Clare’s journey that’s heartfelt and sweet. She’s a patient writer though; she moves her readers through Jess and Clare’s story in a measured and intentional way. She doesn’t rush the romance between them. Instead, she chooses to build the chemistry slowly, brick by brick. When their HEA does finally come, readers are more than ready for it.
Final remarks…
Erdell’s debut is a compelling and read-worthy tale; it’s definitely a sign of exciting things to come. Though the storytelling isn’t perfect, readers can see the promise in the writing. Her style and tone are very engaging and I’m excited to see what her next book (Off the Menu—March 2023) brings.
Strengths…
Tenderly told
Heartfelt
Likable main characters
Vivid descriptions of nature
Interesting geology tidbits pleasantly worked into the storytelling