A Human Element

The Element Trilogy #1

by Donna Galanti

One by one, Laura Armstrong's friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her special healing powers, there is nothing she can do to stop it. The killer haunts her dreams and leaves cryptic notes advising her to use her powers to save herself because she's next. Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to her hometown and the site of a crashed meteorite. There she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents' death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening mystery that binds them together. But the killer's desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts her relationship with Ben in jeopardy and her pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to the stranger and she has two choices - redeem him or kill him.

Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Suspense, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery

328 pages, ebook

First published March 7, 2012

About the author

Donna Galanti is the author of the middle-grade Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, Loon Cove Summer as well as the Element Trilogy paranormal thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer.

Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...

Reviews

[Brittany McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Human Element is written by Donna Galanti and is the first book in the Element Trilogy. The book revolves around three main characters, Laura Armstrong, an adopted girl who exhibits fantastic healing abilities; Ben Fieldstone, a boy whose past links to the site of her birth; and X-10 or Charlie, who has a darkness within and has been fueled to anger and an obsession with Laura that has turned to black hatred as he is forced to watch her from afar.

A Human Element covers a span of time periods as we watch the characters grow and develop into whom they are, shaped by forces around them. Each of these characters painfully knows loss. Donna was not afraid to face painful and REAL issues head-on. Some areas graphically deal with encounters such as rape, addiction/depression, and death that seem to follow each character. If you are overly sensitive to any of these issues, some parts may be painful to read.

Galenti did a fantastic job of bringing each character to life, whether ancillary or main; they will all be as if before your eyes. I also must commend her on adding the realism and “humanity” aspect so that no character is 100% perfect or 100% evil.

This book is one of many dark twists and turns, leaving you with many questions that cause you to pass through the pages wanting to know more. Galenti is a superb storyteller and is one that we will see more of in the future. She has the gift of bringing her story to life, the visualization and attention to detail in character and setting make her rise above many other independent authors who do not devote the time to show true love for their story as it is transformed into the written form.

Overall, I award this book 4/5 stars. This is an amazing story in the stages of development, although it could be cleaned up a bit (at least on the Kindle copy that I read). This would help eliminate any break in the flow. Otherwise, the story was great and worth the read. This is a story unlike any you have read before. If you are into sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, suspense, romance, fiction, young adult, etc., you will want to check this one out!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With A Human Element by Donna Galanti being her first novel, I can only imagine what is to come!!!! I am very excited to find out. I will definitely be following this author.

I have heard so much about A Human Element from my sister, Laura, so when Donna Galanti offered me the book to review, I jumped all over it.

I mean, check out that ominous cover. It oozes mystery and danger to me.

A Human Element is about man’s inhumanity to man, man’s callous disregard of other’s lives, but also, the lengths some people will go to do the right thing.

Evil, yes.

Aliens, yes.

I LOVE this book. The further into A Human Element I read, the more engrossed I become. My heart beats faster as my eyes race across the words…faster and faster. I just have to know what is going to happen. I read on and it gets creepier and creepier.

Ben – he was only nine when his parents were killed by the meteorite that crashed in town and changed his life forever.

Sarah - swore she had never been with a man as she struggles to deliver the child. The nurse stands over Sarah, saying it is her own fault for sinning. She has no empathy for her, even as she lay dying. I found the nurse’s behavior real enough that I became pissed off and would have liked to smack her up side the head and ask her who died and made her God. I mean, how low can you get, especially being in her line of work. Have you even seen or felt the mean hand of righteous indignation and hypocrisy?

The doctor and the nurse will lie to everyone about what happened that day. Crappy people have to find a way to justify their crappy actions. The doctor’s guilt over what he has done, does not outweigh his greed. Karma is a bitch and she demands justice be served. I don’t feel sorry for what happens to him.

Laura – as she grows up, she knows she is different from everyone else. She keeps her abilities a secret. At times she wonders, do miracles happen or is something else going on. Laura can read minds, among other things. Would you want to have that ability?

“Hmph…of course it makes sense you would have polite powers, doesn’t it?’

When her parents are killed and she is left alone, she is committed to finding the killer.

Jim and Scooter – what can I say. I love them both! I believe you will too. They are all that is good in this world. I worry about them. Please let them be okay.

Jim and Laura’s thesaurus game, with their lively and fun banter, lends the book some humor. It is writing like this that gives Donna Galanti’s work that something extra, that something special that takes her work to the highest levels.

Charlie – HE knows hate, luxuriates in it, thrives on it, is driven by it. Hate oozes from his pores like sweat. He hates everything, but mostly he hates Laura. He vows to take her life with his own two hands, to feel the life flow out of her.

Felix - the green eyed man – is he good or bad?

Donna pulled more than one surprise out of her hat and she does an excellent job of showing humanities weaknesses. All the darkness and evil is shared with light and goodness. Human emotions run the gamut – pain and torture, hate and greed, love and generosity, sorrow and bliss.

Each character is forced to assess what is important to them as their moment of destiny approaches.

I love the part about sunrises. Laura explains to Jim how they are like snowflakes, no two alike. I have many sunset photographs of Cape Cod over the years I vacationed there. Friends and family would ask me why I am shooting more. I would tell them that each is unique.

I felt such tension, suspense, fear and dread for the characters, that I was talking to them. Shouting at them. Telling them to watch out. He’s coming.

I had thought A Human Element was paranormal, but it is not, even though powers are involved. They come from another place. A place out of this world.

I never saw the ending coming. Fantastic. I kept trying to figure it out and felt tortured and pained as I raced through the pages – I HAVE to know – now!

I am sitting here, finished, looking at nothing, in complete disbelief. Awesome! Donna Galanti’s imagination knows no bounds.

I am so bummed the story is over. I want so much to read more. I am afraid, yet hopeful because of Laura and her innate goodness. Can it overcome what is lurking on the horizon? My sneak peek has me craving more.

But, wait, it goes on - A Hidden Element, Book II, sits on my Kindle. Must ...read...now.

I was given this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The impact of a meteorite changed the lives of many people. Sarah was the unfortunate vessel who was impregnated with alien twins. Since this was all covered up Sarah had to deliver the babies with only one doctor and an unwilling nurse at her side. Because of the lack of medical attention Sarah dies after giving birth to her twins. The doctor made an agreement to deliver the baby to an unknown man waiting outside. He kept his agreement and gave him the firstborn, a boy. The second baby, a beautiful and perfect little girl, was adopted by a nice family. Their lives couldn't have been more different...

X-10 has been held in a facility his whole life. His strength and unique abilities make him dangerous to the outside world. A brilliant geneticist is trying to capture his essence, so that he can create an unbeatable army. X-10 has a deformed appearance. He dreams about living a normal life and he resents his twin for having all the things that were never in the cards for him. He's been treated like a lab rat and has been planning his escape for a long time. Will he be able to find his sister and what will he do when he finally has the chance to speak to her?

Laura never knew that she's one part of a whole. She grew up with the loving Armstrong family and is a happy child. She's wise for her age and uses her abilities to help others. She can heal people, but she can also hear their thoughts. Laura is a sweet girl and I loved the way she instantly makes everybody love her. She's a girl who can melt the heart of even the most grumpy person. Even though she toughens up when she becomes an adult she never fully loses her pureness. Laura is convinced that everyone has worthiness inside of them. When her twin is coming after her will sharing the same blood be enough to make him see his own self-worth?

Ben's life has never been the same after he lost his parents when the meteorite struck. He's been in foster care ever since and he has seen his share of families. He's been treated poorly and when the danger is too much to bear Ben has no choice but to run away. He only has his friend Andy and for the rest he's on his own. My heart ached for Ben when I learned about the things he had to endure as a young child and teenager. Every child should feel loved and I got tears in my eyes when all he felt was fear and pain. Ben never knew love could be so beautiful and so overwhelming until he meets Laura. He accepts her completely just the way she is and I think that they'd make a great couple.

A Human Element is hauntingly beautiful. Because of the well developed characters this story easily came alive and I could picture it beautifully in my mind. I've always been fascinated by characters with special abilities and think A Human Element takes this subject to a whole new level. I was hooked since the very first page. A Human Element is unique and surprised me many times. Donna Galanti says that she likes to write from the dark places. This way she can come up with horrific events, which are being committed by pure evil and never get arrested. In A Human Element she takes you to some of these dark places, which greatly impressed me and she never let me go until I finished the last page. I'm very curious about the next book in this series.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I was drawn to the synopsis of A Human Element by Donna Galanti and it's promise of a girl with healing powers and a serial killer who haunts her dreams. Galanti delivered a dark, gritty tale with a science-fiction twist that was both fascinating and disturbing. Three word review: dark, suspenseful and hopeful.

The tale begins with a tragic event caused by a meteorite. We then follow the lives of two strangers; Laura Armstrong an adopted woman with the power to heal who is surrounded in tragedy and Ben Fieldstone an orphaned man who strayed and then pulls himself back together. Both are plagued by dreams/nightmares and seek closure and understanding from events in their past. He returns to the summer town where he and his parents vacationed and Lauren returns to her hometown after another tragic event has her reeling. The tale that unfolds was dark, violent, tender and suspenseful as together they must face a mad killer.

Laura is such a unique and refreshing character. She is naïve at times and eternally optimistic despite the cards fate has dealt her. She knows she is different and guards her secret. Plagued by tragedy she still manages to see the beauty in a sunrise. Ben is plagued by guilt, and tormented by events from his past. He was lost, and now lives as a nomad. With the exception of one close friend he keeps the world at a distance. They both have dreamed about the other and when they meet there is an instant connection. This had a little insta-love feel but the set up allowed me to accept it. A stranger has appeared throughout both of their lives and he fascinated me. I liked how the author kept his intentions shadowed. The killer's thoughts are shared with us. His upbringing has made him dark, sinister and blood thirsty. He has unimaginable power and feels such pain. Mr. B an old hermit living on the mountainside was a lovable figure and I enjoyed his interactions with Laura and eventually Ben. Other characters help guide the duo and steer the tale.

Galanti’s tale is a unique one and was well paced. It is very dark and violent at times, even uncomfortable for the reader as she gives us a detailed account of the violence as it unfolds. Some of the subject matter is taboo and added to the suspenseful and sinister feel of the tales darker moments. I squirmed as I read some scenes and was both disturbed and disgusted by the evil perpetrated. Galanti also gives us light, love and hope within the pages that helped offset the dark and allowed me to catch my breath. There is a violent climactic scene and then the author makes us privy to hope, rebirth and a unique chance. I really liked the ending and loved how she took this book from such horrible darkness to brilliant light.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Stephanie Moakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down, this book is truly one of a kind and Galanti’s writing is stunning. I was so impressed with how Galanti covered issues such as rape, depression and death in such a real and gritty way, the events in this book haven’t been sugar-coated and I respect her immensely for this. It was refreshing to really get inside all of the character’s heads so thoroughly. I also loved being able to watch Laura and Ben grow from young children to adulthood, it was great to see how they changed and grew through the years

I loved that Galanti switched between both of the main characters in the book so easily and I never felt lost or confused about where I was in the story. In the beginning I really believed it was a story about Laura but as it progressed I realised that although she is the main character, she isn’t the only one with a story to tell. I found her character very likeable and as a young girl she is very sweet and innocent and although this is always at the heart of her character, she does change a lot towards the end of the book. She becomes stronger and learns to accept herself for exactly who and what she is and I believe this was point Galanti was trying to make with her character. That you can’t change who you are, you just have to believe in yourself.

I loved Ben, I found him to be a very believable character and I could relate to him in many ways despite not having anything in common with him, he is a brilliant example of how someone can turn their life around and I loved that everything about him was far from perfect and Galanti wasn’t afraid to write about his many flaws in excruciating detail. He is a seriously troubled character and I really didn’t think he would ever find his happy ending until practically the last page but in the end I was pleasantly surprised.

My favourite character was Mr B. and I have a major soft spot for him, he begins the book as a grumpy, lonely old man (or at least that’s what he wants us to believe) but his character grows into a lovely open and honest person by the end of the story, I loved his and Laura’s relationship and especially their little thesaurus competitions, it may seem strange to some that an old man befriends an eleven year old girl but their relationship was sweet and enjoyable throughout the whole book, it really lightened the tone with all the drama going on.

X-10/ Charlie was the character that I really wanted to hate from start to finish but somehow couldn’t quite bring myself to feel anything but sorry for him. He is such a self-destructive character and his actions are nothing short of evil but I couldn’t help but see the lost little boy inside of him. His character surprised me the most in the end and I have to say Galanti developed him beautifully. He really is one of a kind.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how to describe this book. It was horror, love, loneliness, connectivity, it will toy with your emotions. It kept me in its grip from beginning to end. I wanted more; I felt this book; I wanted everything to be alright yet not; I wanted to know what would become of humanity and inhumanity. Lucky for me, this was book one of a trilogy. Strangely, for whatever odd reason, as I read the wind began to whip around our house, the trees bent half over, thunder rolled and lightning flashed. I am not blaming the book (nor the weather), but it almost made me wonder about these odd elements at this particular time. Of course it wasn't the book, it couldn't be, but what an additional background to what I was reading.

I was held in a death-grip wondering what would come next every step of the way. Just when the worst would be happening, good would appear from what would seem to be nowhere. I was in awe of how Donna Galanti could maneuver my mind in so many ways with her words. She has an amazing array of feelings that she works to a frenzy then calms. I have never read a book that was so alive, so twisted and yet so vulnerable. It is the ultimate in a personal war of good and evil. It is a possibility of whatever, whoever may reside on a dying planet. This is a book I will clearly not forget, because I will have to read the next and the next.

There is strength in all of us, we don't always use it, but it is there when we need it. Laura Armstrong has strength and compassion of a very special kind, in fact she is a very special girl. Horrific things have happened in her life, but she is a survivor. Ben has also lived through horrific events, but has come out in need of help, he doesn't feel strength or love. They are connected but neither knows how. Bereaved as children, they've never met. But they are connected, perhaps by the man in black who always seems to be there to calm a crisis. If you want to be thrilled, terrified, enthralled, I know you will enjoy this book.

[Sia McKye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Donna Galanti writes a gripping debut of supernatural suspense and edge of your seat danger!

It will capture you from the first page and hold until the last.

Holy Cow!

This book just grabs you and I wasn't expecting that. It's a seriously engrossing tale. A Human Element reminds me, in some ways, of The Watcher by Koontz. Premise isn't anything like the story—this is more sci-fi—but the escalating tension, suspense, and villain of the piece does. The darkness of the villain, what fuels his anger, attacks, and the thread of evil in him is very reminiscent of Koontz.

It starts with the crash of a meteor and that event changes the lives of many, but especially the hero, Ben, and heroine, Laura. The hero, Ben knows loss all too well and is closed to love and commitment. His life has been one of reckless abandon. Laura is coping with supernatural skills and is the target of a dark evil wanting to destroy her as it has everything she cares about. Both characters have to come to know and accept whom they really are inside and make changes to be whole. This inner journey to understand their life sends both on a quest to find out what really happened the night the meteor fell. Along the way to the crash site they meet up and join forces and making both a target.

There are some great characters in this story. Love the mystery created around the man in black. Even the villain is well drawn and three-dimensional and I’ll admit the fact I feel some sympathy for his life, made his evil even more chilling. The romance between Ben and Laura is good and ups the ante in the story.

This is a book to read this summer.

[Susan Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self-published author can write! I was drawn in immediately to this story, and had to keep reading to see what happened.

She writes in multiple point of view, which is my favorite style of writing, and a type of writing that few authors can do. Ms Galamti does it really, really well.

I have only given a 4 star as I think IMHO that the book could benefit from an editor who would look at the "over all" aspect. The story arc, the beginning, middle and end. It is difficult to explain, but there is a lack of symmetry in the ending. Truthfully, I think I would have ended earlier, at the climax of the story and left the next bit as a mystery for the next book. Probably a two hour fix from someone who knows what they are talking about and how to advise her.

Meanwhile, well done, keep writing and I look forward to the next book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Human Element by Donna Galanti By a lake surrounded by mostly empty cabins, a spaceship crashes and the government covers it up, calling it a meteorite. Ben Fieldstone lost his family that night. Sarah, a teen runaway, wouldn’t know just how affected she was by this event until 9 months later when she gave birth. A mysterious man in black from the government was there to whisk away the unusual child. The doctor and nurse did their best to hide the twin sister, Laura, that was born that night, turning her over to the loving Armstrongs to raise as their daughter. Years later, Laura survives one tragedy after another even as she starts manifesting powers from out of this world. Something hunts her but means to make her suffer emotionally before the final confrontation.
This is a science fiction story that turns into a romance. There’s a smidge of thriller in here as well as the hunter catches up to it’s prey. I enjoyed the scifi part and the thriller part was pretty gripping. However, the romance part was a bit too much for me. The middle of the books spends a little too much time talking about emotions and learning to love one’s self and how to love others, etc.
For the most part, Laura Armstrong was an interesting central character, though later in the book she ends up unconscious and needs to be carried to safety several times. I found the antagonist, X-10, to be the most captivating character. Right up to the end I kept hoping ( or wondering?) if he would be able to change despite all he had been through. He was raised in captivity undergoing tests and torture on a regular basis.
Ben ends up in the military and so there’s some true-to-character swearing and objectifying of women. It takes some serious events for him to decide he wants something else, even if he doesn’t know what he wants. I give full marks to the author for including a near-rape of an adult male situation as it is something that is not often addressed in fiction even though such crimes occur in real life. Once Ben meets Laura, he goes all mushy and doesn’t do much beside explore his feelings until the big action scene near the end. I could have used a bit more action in the middle instead of it being solid inner exploration of Ben’s character.
The plot was OK though certain parts were no mystery at all. We know from nearly the beginning that Laura’s twin is going to be a problem child. Even though Ben is ~10 years older and he traveled the world with the military, I knew that somehow he and Laura would have to come together. Still, I had to know how things would end. Mostly, this was because I wanted to see how much X-10 could change, if he could change at all. Part of me wanted him to continue on for the next book and part of me knew that wouldn’t be possible.
The mystery man in black eventually plays a larger role, though I sometimes found him a convenient catalyst, suddenly showing up with certain powers or knowledge, that helped move the plot along. The elderly Mr. B. was a lovely addition to the main cast. I adored his thesaurus skills and his grandfatherly guidance for Laura. All in all, I’m glad I gave this book a listen even though it left me wanting a bit more action and little less on the touchy feely bits.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Chase Bradley was OK as the narrator. Initially, his voices were all distinct. He even had a few accents, like for Andy’s wife, which were well done. Once Ben and Laura meet, they always talk so soft and sweetly to each other no matter the subject or the situation that they actually sounded too much alike and sometimes I had trouble keeping track of who said what. He did have a lovely deeper voice for Felix and I wish he had used that voice for Ben as it would have worked so well for the sex scenes. And speaking of those few sex scenes, Bradley sounded a bit bored during them, like a yawn was just hiding in the corner of his mouth. He did a great job with Mr. B’s voice as he aged and he had an excellent wicked voice for X-10.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Human Element is the first book in the Element Trilogy by Donna Galanti. This author is a new one to me, but I am looking forward to reading more of her work. She does not shy away from the dark side of life, instead, writing it with integrity and compassion.

This story has an amazing depth to it, full of anger, love, hate, and sorrow. Moving from past to present, from Ben to Laura, we are given a rounded view of the sequence of events that brings these two together, with happiness and sorrow along the way for both of them.

This book is very well written, with plenty of twists and intrigue to keep it compelling reading. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and as such, I have no hesitation in recommending it.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[The Pursuit Of Bookiness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller of a Thriller, this book gripped me from the start and kept me engrossed throughout. A 'page turner', this book makes you want more the further into it you get - who is the savage killer, what happens to Laura and what is Ben's involvement... These are but 3 of the many characters all of whom have deep back stories to add to their intrigue. The lives of each become more and more interlinked as the story develops making you ask 'what happens now?' at the end of each chapter.

The gripping story is enhanced by glorious narration, initially I questioned whether I could get in to the story as I struggled with the Narrator's style; however, as the story-line developed I came to realise that he was perfect for the story. Chase Bradley's intonation and cadence added to the suspense of the story and fit the characters perfectly

The story spans Laura's life from her mysterious birth and adoption, through her childhood and adolescent years and into her early adulthood. Throughout her life she is plagued by inexplicable occurrences which appear to have no connection; however, little does she know that every event is linked through a single person and he haunts her dreams, promising to hunt her down.

A truly fantastic book, I await the other audio books in this trilogy with bated breath.

Review first posted on The Pursuit Of Bookiness. http://www.thepursuitofbookiness.co.u...

Disclosure: The Pursuit Of Bookiness received a copy of this audiobook free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own

[Stacy Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Galanti's A Human Element is a fast paced suspense novel with lots of sci-fi and mystery mixed in. Her leading lady, Laura, is likable and easy to root for, and Donna doesn't make it easy for her as she struggles to figure out why everyone she loves is suffering. Our hero is strong as well, suffering through his own unique miseries. With their paths finally cross, the two come together with a lot of heat. And with a truly frightening bad guy, A Human Element is a can't put down read.

[Angief · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had the perfect mix of suspense, romance, and sci-fi elements. Laura and Ben seemed great together and I really liked Felix as well. I also felt sad for Charlie in the end.

I am happy that one of my family members recommended this book to me and I look forward to the next one in this series.

[K. Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Dean Koontz scares you, get ready to be terrified by Donna Galanti. A Human Element will take you on a crazy journey into the unexpected where you can't figure out who the villain is. Laura Armstrong is a protagonist you can cheer for, be scared for and you won't be able to but the book down. I can't wait to read A Hidden Element.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thick read, this book spans several years following both Laura and Ben as they grow up and deal with very dark tragedies, including near-rape.

Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

By a lake surrounded by mostly empty cabins, a spaceship crashes and the government covers it up, calling it a meteorite. Ben Fieldstone lost his family that night. Sarah, a teen runaway, wouldn’t know just how affected she was by this event until 9 months later when she gave birth. A mysterious man in black from the government was there to whisk away the unusual child. The doctor and nurse did their best to hide the twin sister, Laura, that was born that night, turning her over to the loving Armstrongs to raise as their daughter. Years later, Laura survives one tragedy after another even as she starts manifesting powers from out of this world. Something hunts her but means to make her suffer emotionally before the final confrontation.

This is a science fiction story that turns into a romance. There’s a smidge of thriller in here as well as the hunter catches up to it’s prey. I enjoyed the scifi part and the thriller part was pretty gripping. However, the romance part was a bit too much for me. The middle of the books spends a little too much time talking about emotions and learning to love one’s self and how to love others, etc.

For the most part, Laura Armstrong was an interesting central character, though later in the book she ends up unconscious and needs to be carried to safety several times. I found the antagonist, X-10, to be the most captivating character. Right up to the end I kept hoping ( or wondering?) if he would be able to change despite all he had been through. He was raised in captivity undergoing tests and torture on a regular basis.

Ben ends up in the military and so there’s some true-to-character swearing and objectifying of women. It takes some serious events for him to decide he wants something else, even if he doesn’t know what he wants. I give full marks to the author for including a near-rape of an adult male situation as it is something that is not often addressed in fiction even though such crimes occur in real life. Once Ben meets Laura, he goes all mushy and doesn’t do much beside explore his feelings until the big action scene near the end. I could have used a bit more action in the middle instead of it being solid inner exploration of Ben’s character.

The plot was OK though certain parts were no mystery at all. We know from nearly the beginning that Laura’s twin is going to be a problem child. Even though Ben is ~10 years older and he traveled the world with the military, I knew that somehow he and Laura would have to come together. Still, I had to know how things would end. Mostly, this was because I wanted to see how much X-10 could change, if he could change at all. Part of me wanted him to continue on for the next book and part of me knew that wouldn’t be possible.

The mystery man in black eventually plays a larger role, though I sometimes found him a convenient catalyst, suddenly showing up with certain powers or knowledge, that helped move the plot along. The elderly Mr. B. was a lovely addition to the main cast. I adored his thesaurus skills and his grandfatherly guidance for Laura. All in all, I’m glad I gave this book a listen even though it left me wanting a bit more action and little less on the touchy feely bits.

I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.

The Narration: Chase Bradley was OK as the narrator. Initially, his voices were all distinct. He even had a few accents, like for Andy’s wife, which were well done. Once Ben and Laura meet, they always talk so soft and sweetly to each other no matter the subject or the situation that they actually sounded too much alike and sometimes I had trouble keeping track of who said what. He did have a lovely deeper voice for Felix and I wish he had used that voice for Ben as it would have worked so well for the sex scenes. And speaking of those few sex scenes, Bradley sounded a bit bored during them, like a yawn was just hiding in the corner of his mouth. He did a great job with Mr. B’s voice as he aged and he had an excellent wicked voice for X-10.

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was just as weird as I thought it was going to be, maybe even weirder! The plot was very creative, interesting and engaging. The characters are well developed, and their was a lot of thriller and mystery aspects that I loved!

The story is told in third person from a few different POV's, we start when Ben is a small child on vacation with his family just before 1980, and the birth of a rather strange child... the story jumps from there through the years are these kids grow up and develop into grown people looking for answers to who they are and what happened over twenty years previous to get them to where they are now. A very strange story wrapped up in some very alien-like creatures. It was truly a fun read, and I found myself really curious to get the answers that Ben and Laura were looking for.

Since we see these characters grow through the first few chapters of the book, we learn about their home life, work life and watch as they try to piece together what actually happened so long ago - and to see how they might just be connected to one another. You have to get past some strange things that Ben does in his time at Pearl Harbor - but other than those few sexual moments that were just kind of gross to listen to, I rather enjoyed seeing them grow up and knowing exactly who they are. The one thing this book doesn't lack at all is character development.

I loved how the story revolved around one mysterious act, and then another would happen and throw a wrench in the works... all leading up to some pretty big reveals. It was fun to see it all come together, as I was trying to predict what was going to happen all along.




Chase did a fabulous job narrating this story! I loved his voice, and the quality was way better than some I've heard as of late. He had some wonderful inflections that made the characters come to life! I had to giggle each time he did Mr. B's voice though - he sounded like Michael Keaton's Batman EVERY time and I just loved it! That character and that voice will stick with me! It was phenomenal! I also thought some of his girl voices sounded kind of silly, but they suited the story well, and have depth to the characters as well as a voice for me in my mind. I really have no true complaints. He really dud a great job!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to listen to this audiobook after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Several lives are intertwined in this Sci Fi story and the author does a good job of weaving those lives together as time goes on.

As a young boy, Ben witnesses a "meteor" demolish his home with his parents in it and is suddenly an orphan. Nine months later, twins are born to a young woman. One is deformed and horrific looking and is whisked away by the government. The other is a normal girl who is secretly adopted by a local family. The girl is named Laura per her dying mother's request.

Laura and her twin are part alien, have powers, and are total opposites. The twin is locked up as an experiment and resents Laura because she's been allowed to live a normal human life.

Ben and Laura end up meeting when they're older when they're both searching for what, they don't know. Maybe each other? They realize that they need to figure out where Laura came from and that they're going to have to face her evil twin brother.

Laura is such a strong character. She handles devastation, horror, and loss but she continues to live her life. I really liked the side characters, especially Jim, Laura's older friend who lives by the lake.

I like the narrator's voice. he has one of those voices that is easy on the ears. He did a good job with inflection and pacing of the story.

There's so much happening in A Human Element. It starts as Sci Fi but is also a thriller with a bit of romance. I don't recommend this book for younger readers because of a couple steamy sex scenes as well as some violence.

[Marianne Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story involving the half-alien/half-human twins that were separated at birth living two very different lives; one raised as a normal human, the other a science experiment. The story line was unique with interesting characters and events. There was a lot of action and suspense, which was what kept me reading. I found myself skipping over the sex scenes, which there were a few too many of for my liking, as they were very graphic and steamy.
I’m not a big fan of prologues (most are way over written), and this one almost turned me off, but the first chapter of the book was intriguing and kept me reading.
There were quite a few grammatical errors, and missing words, which caused pause but didn’t take away from the story.

[Chu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rate: 3.5

Here we go…
I am not an avid fan of sci-fi. Although I have read a couple of books that I can count on my ten fingers since I started reading. However, Human Element had me hooked. It was as if I was running hard on the field – eager to find what is waiting for me on the finish line. It was exhilarating ride from start to finish.

The story started in Coopersville Lake in the summer of 1979, where Ben who was then 9 years old and his parents were enjoying their summer vacation. Ben ran away from their cottage and went into the lake, leaving his parents to worry for him. He didn’t like to learn a musical instrument and was ‘teaching’ his parents a lesson. Then suddenly, a blast of green hit the area and young Ben lost everything. The following year (1980), a virgin gave birth to twins: a boy who was way larger and way far from normal and a girl who was so small and almost perfect. The two events strangely related to each other changed the lives of those who are involved. Ben’s world had ended; the twins were separated and grow up in two different worlds.

The Characters

Ben was first introduced as a young boy who hated musical instruments as much as his parents loved it. The green blast took both his parents and made him an orphan. He was transferred from one foster home to another until he was finally old enough and has saved enough to run away from home. His experience with foster homes made him hate everything around him. He joined the navy, met Andy who became a good friend and once again found himself in danger of dying – but this time someone saved his life. It was a very mysterious man in black. I think Ben is a lost soul who is constantly moving from one place to another, afraid to stay and engage his feelings to anyone. Until he met Laura, a girl he saw in his dreams.

Laura’s sunny disposition is a breather in this sort-of-heavy novel. I like the way she view life, her kindness, and the love that she willingly give to anyone who comes her way. Even as a child, she just knew that she was different from anyone. Then, tragedy started to happen: deaths of her loved ones, headaches, accidents that were surreal. The only one who remained was Mr. B – the solitudinarian she met when she was a child, and the mysterious person in black who seemed to show himself every now and then. I find her sweet, but a little bit dramatic for my taste.

Mr. B is not a hermit but a solutudinarian. After his wife died, he lived alone in his cottage near the lake with his dog. He met Laura, and everything changed. She was the daughter than she never had. I love him, and I love the care and devotion he gave to Laura. The way he was willing to risk her life to save her was admirable. It was clear that she was the light of his life when he lost everything around him. I love their playful banters and word play – yes, both of them were word whores that love to get their hands on thesaurus.
X-10’s intense passion on violence and revenge was overwhelming that you can feel it palpating in the pages of the books. Unlike his twin, Laura – he didn’t grow up in a normal environment. Instead, he was caged like an animal and was a guinea pig for science experiments of the government. This pushed him to haunt Laura and seek revenge for everything she has and everything he didn’t. Yes, he was scary and he’s the type of character that can give you nightmares.

The Man in Black is the mysterious guy who seemed to be everywhere. Who is he? Is he one of those people that save the world from aliens? Is he a friend or enemy? This question hunted me for some time while reading A Human Element . His character is vague at first that you’d want to learn more about him and what is going on inside his mind – and boy, I was in for a big surprise with the sudden twist in the story.



The Plot
This story is more of a sci-fi rather than romance – for those who are expecting a great love story, then you will be in for a disappointment. But for those who are in for adrenaline rush pumping – I’d have you read this one. Only that there are times I couldn’t keep up with the time pacing. Especially when I stopped on the previous chapter and the next chapter holds a different year. I wish there was a year below each chapter title. It would have made my life a little easier. Nevertheless – I didn’t regret I went out of my usual genre to read this one.


Disclaimer: Book reviewed was sent to me by the author and I have received no compensation of any kind for the review whether it is positive.

[Mark A.R. Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, a disclaimer: I don't generally read paranormal fiction so I don't have much in my head against which I can compare this. I've followed Donna Galanti's writing blogs for a few years and I've always found her to be very thoughtful and insightful, so I was intrigued to see how her thoughts about the craft played out in her fiction. So, caveat lector: If you are a fan of the paranormal my three-star rating may seem unreasonably parsimonious; someone more familiar with this genre might well give it four or five stars. And, I would instantly defer to their greater experience in these matters.

What I can say intelligently is this: Parts of A Human Element made me squirm; parts of it made me smile; parts of it were horrible; and parts of it were wondrous. And I mean all those descriptions in a positive way. The story involves several orphans and nominally adoptive parents whose lives are intertwined from early on, even though the lives of the orphans do not seem to come together until they are all adults. For one of the orphans, life with the adopting parents is pretty good, almost idyllic -- until something happens. For one of the other orphans, life among the foster families seems to be just one hellish experience after another (again, until something happens). For another, well, it's flat out awful but for various reasons we don't feel a lot of sympathy for him -- though, in the end (yes, something happens), we're asked to reconsider that.

What Galanti captures well in all these characters is the isolation they feel and the desires that remain unfulfilled, if not entirely unfulfillable -- and those desires drive the story forward.

Add to that mixture some alien DNA, some telekenesis, some other paranormal capabilities whose names I don't even know, as well as various characters who do a variety of bad things for what they think are good reasons (and a few good things for good reasons, even though they sometimes think it may a bad idea to do them) -- and you've got the general outlines of A Human Element.

So: the parts that made me squirm did so because what was happening was really unpleasant. It was well-written enough that I could feel the character's fear and discomfort and I wanted to be somewhere else. So, that's good. It's easy to write a scene in which you describe something bad happening; it's harder to write a scene in which the reader feels as uncomfortable as the person in the story who's supposed to be having the experience -- yet Galanti succeeds in doing that at several points in the book.

The parts that made me smile did so for similar reasons: There are touching moments in the story, and as a reader I felt as touched as the characters about whom I was reading. The horrible parts and the wondrous parts continue in this vein: Galanti writes in a way that you can feel the horror and revulsion that the characters feel; you don't just understand intellectually that they are horrified; it's a more visceral understanding. Likewise with the wondrous parts: When one of the characters finds that she can "sing" to the trees near the lake where she lives -- and they respond -- there's a sense of wonder that's palpable.

Oh, and then there are the sex scenes. Yes. Well. Ahem.

These are all the things I liked about the book. If there was anything I didn't like, it was that some elements seemed a bit cliche. Again, though, what I'm calling "cliche" might be seen as "stock" among fans of this kind of story. One character, for example, gets out of the Navy and falls into a dream job as a Personal Photographer for the Very Rich on Vacation -- and he gets to jet around the world on someone else's dime. Another character gets out of college and becomes a Plucky Copywriter. Both these jobs struck me as vaguely stereotypical (in the, "When I get out of school, I'm going to be An Artist!" way).

I'm picking at nits, to be sure, because what these characters actually do for work on a day-to-day basis has almost nothing to do with the real thrust of the story; their career choices simply provide a plausibility cover that enables them both to get to a certain location where their lives will finally become entwined. At the same time, the fact that their jobs seem like cardboard cut-outs makes them stand out a bit against the attention to detail paid elsewhere. They're two-dimensional elements in a novel that is otherwise filled with three-dimensional elements.

Again, one might say that these are stock elements in this kind of fiction and that I'm being too harsh. If this is true, I bow to the voice of experience.

At any rate, if you're a fan of this kind of fiction, go: get it and read it and write your own review ;-)

[Pavarti Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER - I received a copy of this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I do not know Donna personally.

The Human Element is beyond all else a good story. It's original in concept and approach and had me invested in the story from the very beginning. I love the way the back stories were fleshed out and developed, creating a long timeline of suspense. Galanti has done a great job weaving together lit fic/horror/romance/suspense and fantasy. I read it in two days, unable to stop until I saw it through to the conclusion.

That being said, I'm finding this to be a hard review to write! I really liked The Human Element and from a pure reading perspective was mostly able to loose myself, but there were some things that bugged me and I'm finding that the more I like a book the harder I am on it. I find it easier to write a 2 or 5 star review than one like this, where I fall somewhere around a 4. So quickly, before I get lost in the muddle of trying to make a point, I'm going to list the issues I had and then get back to telling you why this is a great book and you should give it a try regardless of my complaints:

* - The first two chapters have a date. After that all chapters are dateless, even though there is significant time jumping. This made it hard to read. Sometimes you didn't get what age the characters were until a full page into the chapter, which for me meant having to go back and reread now that I knew where I was situated in time. An easy fix would be to at least year date all chapters. This was frustrating enough to make me stop reading for a while after chapter 4 or 5. When I came back to it I loved the story, but if I wasn't reviewing I may have just walked away.
* - Characterization was consistent - mostly. I had a hard time jumping from Laura the girl who just lost her parents to Laura the party drinkers hungover in college 4 years later. I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, it probably would, and I'm not saying the characterization was off. The problem was that we made the time jump with no warning and it felt like a whiplash.
* - Formal speech patterns were used for the dialogue. It was easy to see which scenes the author either wasn't interested in or struggled with. Its interesting because for the most part Galanti's use of language is beautiful. It flows easily and naturally from description to dialogue, except every now and because it's usually so lovely, the hilted conversations really stand out. People, when speaking, usually don't use the word "as" in a sentence. The scene in the coffee shop was particularly jarring.
* - There was a niggling amount of "damsel in distress", but I'll forgive it mostly. I think Laura is supposed to be the "heart" kind of like LeLu in 5th element, and needs to be loved to fulfill her destiny. However, the number of times she's carried through the woods, cradled against Ben's chest got annoying. Hubby and I tried this, it really doesn't work. Granted, we're both pretty out of shape, but we came to the conclusion that in an emergency (like someone passing out in the woods or a cave collapsing on top of you) you would carry someone fireman style and there would be no cradling.

Despite these things, which could be more me as a reader than huge issues with the book, The Human Element is a fun read. It's deep enough to make you think, possible enough to make you question and human enough to make you feel. *Edited to add - it's now two weeks after I read this and I'm still thinking about the plot.*

I thoroughly enjoyed Ben's story, which is probably some of the best written work in the book. It's dynamic, violent and graphic. Just the way I like it. I was thoroughly impressed with Galanti's characterization, world building and vivid descriptions. My favorite character though had to be Felix. His role was on the periphery from the beginning, creating mystery and suspense around him. The need to know more about him drove me to read faster and when his story was revealed I wasn't disappointed. I won't ruin the adventure for those of you out there, but his use of language, his appearance and his watchful presence all work together perfectly to create a really empathetic character.

I'm thrilled I got to read The Human Element and hope that some of you out there will give it a try, there's a great old school horror feel to the beginning and scenes with X-10 as well as some excellent contemporary romance. Well done Miss Galanti, can't wait to hear what you're working on next.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under the Cover

I really enjoyed this book. I am finding that I am really liking a lot of the new authors I have been come across or been contacted by since this blog started getting out there a bit more. For all the tons of mediocre small or self published books out there there are a handful (likely many more!) that are really, really good. I love that I am able to read these books that I probably never would have come across if I hadn't started this blog. This is one of those books. In my searches on Goodreads and Amazon, and all the blogs I read, there is probably a 95% chance I never would have seen this book. The author, Donna Galanti, contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if it's something I would be interested in reading and reviewing here. I read the synopsis and knew immediately that it's something that I would enjoy.

This book has a strong Science Fiction influence and that's one of the things I love about it. If you know anything about me then you know that I am a Sci-Fi junkie. It all started when I was really young and I watched some of the old Dr. Who episodes. I loved those, but it re-surfaced when I discovered The X-Files back when it was probably in it's first season. Generally, my Sci-Fi fixes are strictly related to TV and Movies, but occasionally I will come across a book that pulls me in. This was one of those books.

I am going to try not to spoil the plot! The book covers a span of 26 years or so. It starts in the late 70's when an event takes place that alters a young boy's life and, unbeknownst to him, sets him on a path that will eventually bring him back to this exact place where he will discover his destiny. Less than a year later a young woman dies giving birth to twin babies who could not be more completely opposite. One, a grotesquely deformed boy, is whisked away by a mysterious man in black. The other baby, a perfectly formed tiny girl, is given to the family that took in the pregnant mother.

We get little scenes throughout the years as Laura is growing up. Things that are happening that she doesn't understand. She meets Mr. B. and suffers tragedy after tragedy, and all the while there is this mysterious man in black watching her whenever one of these events take place. Elsewhere, Ben is also going through his own share of grief, but the man in black is watching over him as well. Then, we get glimpses of X-10. He is being raised in a government facility and used as a test subject. There is such a stunning darkness that is written in all of his scenes. It's hard to feel his pain because of how is he is using it to destroy so much, but it's also hard not to feel for him because of how he has been raised. He is truly a product of his environment, as much as it seems the opposite. There are still tiny glimpses of light in him at times.

Things culminate throughout the years bringing them all to the present. All these things that have happened have been bringing them all closer together even though they don't know it yet. They all discover why they have felt as though there has been something missing all these years. One of them has all the answers.

There is a sweet love story intertwined here with the main story. For me it was kind of a story of acceptance, though. They each have to come to terms with their role and until they do it's all a big jumbled up mess. This book is a pretty fast paced read with plenty of action that takes you all the way up to the final confrontation. Laura is the one who is supposed to be the only one who can face the evil in the end. She has to be the one to save them, but is she up to it? Will their love for one another survive the final battle and beyond?

I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it for anyone who likes this genre or really anything paranormal. This is more a Sci-Fi than a romance, although there is a wonderful love story here.

[Phil Giunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleven-year-old Ben Fieldstone became a lost soul the night he ran away from his home in the Catskill Mountains—just in time to witness a glowing green meteorite crash into his parents’ cabin and decimate the surrounding area.

Months later, a runaway known only as Sarah dies while giving birth to an abnormally large and grotesque boy during a violent storm. Paid by the US government, doctor and nurse hand the child over to a mysterious man in black. However, the doctor is surprised to learn that Sarah was carrying twins. He gently removes a perfect and beautiful girl from Sarah’s womb—and says nothing to the government agent.

Instead, he turns the baby over to the Armstrong family, kind farmers who had taken Sarah into their home. Laura Armstrong grows up to be a charming girl, filled with love of nature, people and life itself. She even befriends a local hermit named Jim Barrens, who prefers to be called a solitudinarian.

It isn’t long before Laura begins to realize strange abilities, such the power to read thoughts and spontaneously heal others. She brings her mother back from a fatal accident and cures Jim after he is stung by a swarm of wasps.

Meanwhile, Ben’s childhood turns out to be a stark and miserable contrast to Laura’s. After the death of his foster mother, Emma, Ben finds himself fending off sexual advances of her husband Frank, an abusive drunk. Later that night, Frank falls asleep while smoking in bed, with fatal consequences. Ben watches as the fire ignites and begins to consume the room. Without lifting a finger to help, he leaves the house without looking back.

Throughout their lives to this point, Ben and Laura have both come under surveillance by the imposing and inscrutable man in black. He appears and disappears throughout Laura’s childhood, leaving her unsettled by his glowing green eyes. The man saves Ben’s life during his time in the Navy. While stationed in Hawaii, Ben’s irresponsibility led him to be nearly raped and murdered in Hawaii—until the man in black intervened…but why?

Unbeknownst to Laura, she is also being watched by another, far less benevolent entity known only as X-10, a monstrous and evil half-alien, half-human creature caged in a government facility. In addition to his superhuman strength, X-10 has made a psychic connection with Laura that he uses to inflict severe physical pain. That is not enough for him, however. He plots an escape so that he can hunt and kill her. As it stands now, X-10 can use his honed mental abilities to reach out and murder from a distance—a practice that he employs with great pleasure. Yet when it comes to Laura, he wants to tear her apart with his bare hands.

It isn’t long before the lives of Ben Fieldstone and Laura Armstrong cross paths at the exact site of the meteor crash. Ben and Laura grow closer to one another as friends—and later lovers—and begin to realize just how connected they truly are.

The question is, who is this mysterious government agent with the glowing eyes and what does he want with Laura and Ben? Who is X-10 and how is he connected to Laura? More importantly, what drives his insatiable desire to kill her?

A Human Element is a solid tale of fate and destiny with likable protagonists and a villain so vile you cannot help but hate him. It would have been interesting to delve a bit more into X-10’s past with some scenes of his “childhood” as a lab rat for the US government. That might have made him a bit more sympathetic in the end (might being the operative word, he is a truly horrid being).

Laura comes off as excessively chatty and naive in her youth, but outgrows that as she endures one tragedy after another. There is some redundant dialogue toward the end of the book as the characters repeat themselves while working through their predicament but overall, Galanti crafts a story that is well paced and full of heart—both human and alien. A Human Element is a fine mystery-thriller with a dash of intriguing SF.

[Solon Hosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A human element breaking the inhumane upbringing of the antagonist
Narration
The story is written with a detached observer telling the story. It is third-person narration.
Setting
The story is set in present day US, mainly in a remote mountain village that saw an unusual natural phenomenon calling in the government agencies.
The location is close knit to the main characters, and the individual’s roots and life paths prepare them for their challenges.
Theme
An accident and governmental cruelty causes a fight between love and hate and forges a relationship that is bound to save a whole population.
Genre
It is not easy to place this well-crafted book into a single genre; it is a science fiction, a love story, a romance, a crime, a paranormal novel, and a suspense. Just a perfect mixture.
I usually don’t read love stories or romances, and seldom I read crime, but this book is definitively at the top in these categories, has a fresh idea for SciFi and fits well into the Imajin range of suspense and paranormal, not fearing to lose out to the other top notch authors in that section.

Author and book
Donna Beckley Galanti
This was the first work I read from here, but it wasn’t the last!
Her second part in that series is not less worthy of a read!

Plot
The lives of a boy and a man change as something falls from the sky and destroys a hamlet in a remote mountain area.
The US government strives to collect all evidence and purchases all cabins in the area bar one that belongs to a recluse.
Months later a government agent ensures that the child of a runaway is born without reliable witnesses. The mother dies during delivery, but the paid for doctor has a change of heart and as he realises that the runaway delivers twins he hands over only the deformed firstborn boy and secures the second born girl can stay with the people who looked after the runaway girl.
The girl grows up with their foster parents on a farm in a nearby village and eventually becomes friend with the hermit and a boy that witnessed the incident before her birth and became an orphan by it.
Also the state agent has no proof of it he suspects that the government was betrayed and in his spear time follows the development of the two orphans, especially as he has a personal relationship with the girl and the deformed boy he brought to the government agency.
The twins and the agent have, or develop, some mystical and esoteric characteristics and depending on the upbringing the girl becomes the love part and the twin brother the hate part in a distant relationship that ends in a battle between good and evil.
but is it evil or only a mirror of the upbringing?
Is the light darkened in one or only hidden under a bowl?
Can regular people help when higher powers are battling?
Is the future fixed or can it be changed?

Conclusion
Donna wrote a captivating story that combines a great story and well-painted surrounding. I liked the detailed descriptions of the landscape and well-developed characters. The romance was a little too much for my liking but is most likely endorsed by female readers, as it gives a lot of depth to the characters but does little for the plot itself. Well, that is only me though

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the summer of 1979, in the Catskills Mountains of New York, a meteorite crashed into a lakeside community of cabins and forever changed the life of nine-year-old Ben Fieldstone. In May of 1980, a runaway girl gives birth to twins: a deformed boy, who was given to a mysterious man in black with bright green eyes; and a normal girl, who is adopted to a childless farm couple, and is named Laura Armstrong. But Laura isn't your average normal little girl, she has special powers: she can read people's thoughts and heal people through utilizing visualization and the touch of her hands. Through the years, both Ben and Laura are watched over by the mysterious man in black with the bright green eyes ... who is he, and what does he want from them? Ben and Laura's lives unknowingly intertwine and eventually they meet, but with a killer on the prowl, named X-10, who makes Laura his top prey, Laura must decide how to use her powers when she comes face-to-face with the killer. Can their relationship survive or will their destiny have an untimely and fatal end?

A Human Element is a fast-paced paranormal suspense thriller that will keep you engrossed as you turn the pages. The storyline is well written and full of intriguing and suspenseful twists and turns; the author masterfully interweaves a plot with paranormal, sci-fi, murder mystery and romance themes. The characters are realistic, their complex individual personalities and stories add a powerful and compelling depth to the story. I found both Laura's and Ben's stories intriguing, the author does a great job of intertwining their lives and developing their relationship. The settings are cleverly described, the author utilizes such beautiful settings as the Catskill Mountains and Hawaii, mixed with sci-fi / paranormal happenings that I found fascinating.

I generally do not read paranormal, sci-fi, or fantasy novels, but A Human Element peaked my interest with the interweaving of the paranormal - suspense thriller - romance themes, and I found myself pulled into Laura and Ben's story, I couldn't help but want to go on their journey with them.

A Human Element is a story that will immediately grab your attention, and it won't let go until the very end! It is a story that will have the reader pondering about supernatural powers and the evil forces of humanity, this suspenseful tale will stay with you long after you have read the last word. Bravo to the author on her debut novel, I look forward to reading more of her novels.


Disclaimer: Upon the request of the author, a PDF version of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.

Virtual Book Tour Event: On Monday, April 9, 2012, author Donna Galanti participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post and Book Contest Giveaway on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes us human? A good question. Find out when you read A Human Element.
Ben is hiding from his parents on the shore of Coopersville lake when it happens.
A meteorie crashes in to the group of 12 or so cabins, one of which contains his parents, and all that remains is a huge crater of steam and fire. In one bright green flash, Ben's life is forever changed, and for another, it has just begun.
No one could know the long-reaching consequences of that fatal night.
9 months later.
A young girl struggles to bring her child into the world. She came to the doctor in secret. Not even the Armstrongs, the kindly couple who took her in, know where she is.
The doctor doesn't know why the mysterious man waiting outside wants the baby, he just cares about getting paid.
In a rush, the baby enters the world. Sadly, the young mother does not survive. But wait, there is another baby fighting to be born, a beautiful baby girl.
An exchange is made, but the doctor doesn't mention the baby girl, he will give her to the Armstrongs to raise.
Many years later, that baby girl, Laura, is all grown up and back home trying to find out why the people closest to her are being slaughtered. The answers lie here. She has always had the headaches and nightmares and she knows everything is coming together - the monster chasing her in her nightmares, the mysterious man in black who has always been on the periphery of her life, and whatever happened the night of the meteorite crash. It is all connected.
Laura and Ben are thrown together as death races towards them. They need answers about that fatal night if they are to survive what is coming.
I want to keep telling you more. I have barely scratched the surface of this story.
Two babies were born that night, Laura and the boy child called X-10. One looked human in every way and the other looked like a monster.
The many secondary characters made this story real for me.
Everybody should have a friend like Jim, a grumpy curmudgeon with a gentle soul and a fierce love and loyalty for Laura.
The Armstrong's, Laura's adoptive parents, who despite knowing she is different and has special talents, still love her as their own.
The mysterious man in black who has always been around, lurking in the shadows.
The cruel and sadistic Dr. Bjord, who thrills in tormenting X-10, his failed experiment.
And X-10. The monstrosity who's only thought is getting out, finding Laura, and tearing her to pieces.
From the first page to the bittersweet end, I was completely immersed in this book. A story of wonder, love, humanity, and absolute evil.
Donna Galanti's debut novel has, at its core, an energy, an essence, that gives it life.
Superb writing and a thrilling all- out race to the end, A human Element is an excellent read.

[Notes From 'Round the Bend · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Donna Galanti and Auspicious Apparatus Press. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.**

“A Human Element” was everything I hoped it would be; fast-paced, suspenseful, intriguing, and with a healthy, steamy dash of romance thrown in. It was actually rather reminiscent of a Dean Koontz novel (his older stuff, not the newer cookie-cutter things he’s been putting out). I’m beyond glad I picked this one up!

Ms. Galanti knew what she was doing when she created Laura, Ben, X10, Mr. B., and the rest of this amazing cast. While each was representative of a common trope (foster child abused by foster parents, heroine discovering she isn’t quite human, shadowy government agent, evil scientist, etc) they were well-developed, complex, and very, very human (despite what some of them might think). I liked the pairing of Ben and Laura and how their individual pasts affected their relationship and the choices they made together and separately. I did occasionally want to reach into the book and smack Laura in the back of the head, especially towards the very end, but that just made her seem more real. Mr. B and Felix were outstanding supporting players and I loved the depth they brought to the story.

And X10?

Good God, he was so…tormented, made what he was by circumstances rather than design. For me, he was the most interesting character and the most heart-breaking one, regardless of his psychotic actions. The little snippets of his night with Sabrina and his choosing a name for himself were perfectly penned to remind the reader of his ‘human element’. Unapologetic murder or not, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him and the life he was forced to lead.

My only complaint about this book was the occasionally repetitive dialogue, which only seemed to crop up in the romance scenes. The rest of the time, the conversations between characters flowed nicely and sounded natural.

Mr. Chase was an excellent choice for reading this one. He didn’t go out of his way to make his voice vastly different for each character, but you could definitely tell who was who. He truly brought “A Human Element” to life for me and I hope he narrates future books in this series!

Bottom line: I loved this book, especially in audio form. I highly recommend it to those looking for something that takes the standard ‘hero(ine) discovers they’re not quite human’ trope and goes in an interesting direction with it. I look forward to upcoming books in The Element Trilogy.

[Mina Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I’m reviewing Donna Galanti's upcoming debut novel, A HUMAN ELEMENT. Donna must have picked up on my weakness for Dean Koontz, because A HUMAN ELEMENT echoes the bestselling author in terms of creativity, the supernatural and overall dark allure. Add in a little paranormal romance and you've got one delicious literary paranormal mashup.

A HUMAN ELEMENT starts off with a bang, literally. To the world, a meteorite has crashed near Coopersville's lake located in a remote region in New York state. To a secret government operative, something else crashed near that lakefront…something out of this world. At the time Ben Fieldstone was only nine and lost everything in the destruction, including his parents. From that moment on, his life changed miserably as he was then forced into the foster system. Ben lived under deplorable conditions, always having to watch his back. With a life like that, no wonder he chose a solitary existence for the bulk of his life. The crash not only caused devastation, it sparked life in a form of beautiful woman name Laura Armstrong. Born out of desperation, she was adopted and lived a semi-normal, peaceful life with her family and neighbors near the crash site. Laura is truly a remarkable heroine. She represents happiness, love, forgiveness and above all hope. But with her existence, lurks a dark presence; one that haunts her and eventually kills those that she loves.

With the government’s debauching schemes and a strange man in black always watching, does Laura have what it takes to battle the darkness, uncover the truth and save the ones that she loves, including Ben? What type of a future can two misfits like Ben and Laura have together? Are they only connected by the crash site or is there more? Um…I’m not tell’n ya! You’ll just have to get A HUMAN ELEMENT and find out. And boy let me tell you it is goooood!

Dark is coming my friends and it’s called A HUMAN ELEMENT. This book peaked my interest from the start. If you love adult sci-fi/supernatural novels (like a Koontz), but you’re looking for more romance...this is your book. On my RIP meter, Donna Galanti's A HUMAN ELEMENT is a 4. The book releases March 15. Visit Donna's website for more details.

Mina B.

[Kathy LaMee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favorite books in a long while. Parananormal suspense- what a genre! This book has it all, and Galanti is a master story teller. The story begins with a young Ben experiencing what appears to me a meteorite hit a small lakeside community, forever changing his life. Nine months after that fateful night, Laura is born. Laura's life is one of loss; it seems every time she gets close to someone, they wind up dead, beginning with her mother. Years later, we follow Ben, as he retraces his steps back to that same small town, trying to get answers about his parents' deaths. Ben's life intersects with Laura, who is also back in that same small town trying to get answers herself about herself, her mother, and ultimately, why she is the way she is- and why everyone she gets close to dies.

Galanti weaves a fantastic story of suspense and real characters. Being normal and 'human' is something we all struggle with on various levels; for Laura it's more than just an expression. For her nemesis it's merely a dream and drives his anger. At the end, when it is all coming out in the open- I love that Laura still has a profound sense of hope for her nemesis and doesn't give up. Laura is a strong female lead in this story and I love it! She is nurturing and caring to her elderly friend at the lake, as well as sensitive and able to love, even after years of strife. One of my favorites aspects of this book is hope. Galanti gives us hope in Laura, that things will all work out okay; hope for Ben, that he can wrestle his inner demons, and hope for the 'evil' that there is a glimmer of a human side to him that might allow Laura to rescue him from himself.

Galanti does a great job at not only telling a fantastic story, but really drawing us into the various plot lines and feeling for the characters as they each battle their own demons. The pace is perfect and natural as breathing. It kept me coming back to see what happened next. I'm a sucker for a tragic character and the evil antagonist is perfectly tragic. Definitely going on my Goodreads 'Favorites' Shelf! A copy of this book was provided in return for an honest review on TracyRiva.com.