Jesikah Sundin's first novel, Legacy, was like a rich dessert to be savored slowly. Its sequel, Elements, is no less sweet or delicious, but pulled me through the pages as quickly as a child gulping up ice-cream. 

In Legacy we were introduced to the world of the Biodome with hints and glimmers of the outside world of the mid 21st century. In Elements, both worlds are woven together as characters from each explore what are to them foreign landscapes. The landscapes of the Biodome are luscious and enticing! As a lover of conservatories and greenhouses of any kind I was drawn in immediately by the idea of an enclosed Eden. Meanwhile, in the gritty outer world, unemployment abounds and disillusionment and social disconnection reign. Elements presents the most thoughtful, realistic vision of the near future I have seen in this genre so far. 

A master of theme, Sundin winds rich symbolism throughout her plot like ivy. Everything is significant and interrelated, from the trees, to the fish tank in a character's room, to the quotes heading the chapters. When you read this book, prepare to be stimulated as well as entertained. Elements is a feast for the intelligent reader; it provokes all kinds of philosophical questions. The simple story holds a multitude of ideas within its petals; the reader who looks deeper will see them.

Elements is part murder mystery, part romance, part fantasy, part science fiction, part eco-punk, but the mix never feels contrived; Sundin blends these genres seamlessly. The characters are iconic and come to life on the page. They feel like real friends. I have a crush on pretty much every male character in this book. Except Hanley, Ewww! But especially Coal. Oui, Oui, speak French to me, please . . . The women of the biodome are strong as well as elegant, while the ones we get to know in the outside world are necessarily tough--but good-hearted. 

I have one complaint about Elements: It ended. I hope Sundin produces the next book soon, because I for one will be waiting with bated breath!