Valley of the Shadow: An Elemental Vampire Novella (Elemental Mysteries/World Book 12)

Do so love Ms. Hunter's books. The Elemental vampires continue to be one of my favorites and this entry is fantastic. Thank you so much for this amazing continuation of Baojin and Natalie's story.

Quick, good novella in which we get to see several of the couples we have met along the way. Not a lot to it, but I enjoyed it.

After reading the other four books in the series, this one was a welcome quiet and a fitting end. My only criticism is the length. I know it was a novella, but I think this could have been a full novel. I am heartened by the fact that it starts a whole new series with two of my favorite characters from all the elemental books.

The long-awaited conclusion to Baojia and Natalie’s story that merges into a Christmas get together of all our favorite vampires (and humans) from the Elemental World. Baojia and Natalie’s book Blood and Sand was the second in the spin-off series, and though it was a standalone, it always felt kind of unfinished. After a whirlwind courtship Natalie and Baojia are left in a good place and they decide to have children, but for that to be possible, Natalie has to stay human. After all, Natalie is still comparatively young, so they have time. But then circumstances change in unexpected ways and Natalie (and Baojia) have to make a decision.I loved how we got to revisit all my favorite couples: Giovanni and Beatrice, Carwyn and Brigid, Lucien and Makeda, and of course the children and assorted humans. The story stressed the importance of friends and the family of your heart that help and support you thru challenging times and that the best Christmas gift is to get spending time with your loved ones.I also think the stuffed “Giovanni” toy that is featured in this story needs to become part of Elizabeth Hunter’s shop!

Way too good to end so soon. There’s more story here and I’d really like to read it. The end :(

An exceptional addition to the Elemental World series. If you have read Blood and Sand, then this is a must read novella. As usual, we are given a well written story in this series, one in which you can jump right back in and feel like you never left. It's as if you are part of the family, and have been invited to welcome a new memeber.We are taken on a short, but an emotional ride as we join Natalie and Baojia on a predestined journey, which is taking place several years earlier than expected. Gio and B offer up their secluded home, and they trek down to Cochamo. They are also joined by Carwyn and Brigid, Lucien and Makeda, and Matt and Dez. It was awesome to catch up with everyone.This takes place after Night's Reckoning while Ben is in Mongolia. I loved every morsel of this short tale, and was left wanting way more in the vampire world and of Natalie's journey.

A lovely, holiday-themed conclusion to Natalie and Baojia’s story from “Blood and Sand.” Fans of Elizabeth Hunter’s “Elemental World” quartet will enjoy the return of several characters from the series, who have come together in “Valley of the Shadow” not just to celebrate the season, but to help Natalie deal with one of life’s more difficult curveballs. Choices must be made, and not everyone is certain Natalie is choosing wisely!I loved having the chance to read an early copy of this story; it was sweet and full of warm fuzzies, and like a much-needed hug after the emotional upheaval that was Night’s Reckoning. If you’re looking for a short holiday read, or just want another visit with the Elemental Mysteries and Elemental World gang, I definitely recommend this!One word of warning: this novella does contain what I consider a major spoiler for the end of Night’s Reckoning, so if you have not read the latest in Ben and Tenzin’s novels, maybe check that one out first!

“I would be giving up everything to love you. I wanted a family. I wanted a normal life. I wanted what my parents had no matter how it ended. Do you know what loving you would mean for me? For my life?”“Yes. Love me anyway.” Dragged a bit at some parts, but was also pretty emotional at others. Loved how we got inside some of my favorite characters heads though. I also really liked seeing everyone's families and kids now that they have all been together for awhile. Also, that afterword part? So excited for it. I didn't love Carwyn and Brigid's book, but I LOVE their characters, especially them in a relationship together, so I cant wait for more of that.But FINALLY, onto my babies Tenzin and Ben's books🙌

I love all that Elizabeth Hunter writes and this was no exception. This world that she writes about and the characters in it become real to all who read about them. This was the finishing touch to the story of Baojia and Natalie and it was a joy to read. Thanks Elizabeth, you’re a star.

Great little novella, loved the story. Great to know what happens with this cute little family. Love how Natalie went about things. And seeing the gang together. Along with some little easter eggs to keep us hooked for more great story's from Elizabeth, next year.

So much happier in the elemental world than in legacy and really excited for the future plans that Elizabeth has. This is a perfect Christmas read. It centres on Natalie's change. Lots of the gang involved. Enjoyable if a little short.

I don't want to leave a poor rating, because there's nothing wrong with the writing at all. It just needs a 'Cancer trigger warning' for anyone currently in the middle of anxiety about that subject. I had a panic attack and abandoned it.

Waited a long time for a story about Natalie and Baojia. What a great story it is. Shame it is just a novella as I'd love to read a lot more. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great to catch up with other characters as well.