'Jolene' in the 'Elemental Masters' series by Mercedes Lackey follows the story of Anna, a sickly child living in a mining town with her family. As she discovers her magical abilities and moves to live with her aunt, Virginia, Anna's health improves, and she begins to learn about Earth magic. incorporates elements of Russian folklore and weaves in themes of magic and self-discovery. The setting post-Civil War in the southeast United States adds depth to the story, with references to historical events and locations like the Tennessee Valley Authority dams and the copper mines in Ducktown.
Despite the intriguing plot and magical elements, some readers found the book challenging to read due to the heavy use of dialects, particularly the inaccurate portrayal of Southern accents. also touches on themes of family, identity, and acceptance, with characters that are relatable and engaging, drawing readers into the story of Anna's journey to uncover her magical abilities and find her place in the world.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
There are medium content warnings related to themes of poverty, labor exploitation, and potential violence.
Has Romance?
There is a medium presence of romance, intertwined with the main character's journey and development.
From The Publisher:
The beloved Elemental Masters series moves to America for the first time in a rich retelling of The Queen of the Copper Mountain, set against the backdrop of Tennessee coal country.
Anna May Jones is the daughter of a coal miner, but a sickly constitution has kept her confined to the house for most of her life. Hoping to improve her daughter's health-and lessen the burden on their family-Anna's mother sends her to live with her Aunt Jinny, a witchy-woman and an Elemental Master, in a holler outside of Ducktown.
As she settles into her new life, Anna learns new skills at Aunt Jinny's side and discovers that she, too, has a gift for Elemental magic that Jinny calls "the Glory". She also receives lessons from a mysterious and bewitching woman named Jolene, who assures her that, with time, Anna could become even more powerful than her aunt.
But with Anna's increasing power comes increasing notice. Billie McDaran, the foreman of the Ducktown mine, begins to take an interest in Anna and her abilities-even though Anna has already fallen in love with a young man with a talent for stonecarving.
If she wants to preserve the life she has come to love, Anna must use her newfound powers to oppose the foreman and protect those around her.
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