The Elements


Fiction - Short Story/Novela
152 Pages
Reviewed on 02/09/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite

Tristan Martin’s The Elements follows four young women in New York as they meet through Hip-Hop and its different forms: rapping, breakdancing, DJing, and graffiti. Natasha is a shy teenager who keeps her rhymes private and works up the nerve to perform on stage. Christina is a tough breakdancer trying to survive alone while keeping her crew together. Dominique works hard to establish herself as a DJ while facing challenges at home. Amy, who lives a very different life from the others, hides her identity as a graffiti artist who uses her work to speak out against injustice. As they meet and form a group, they support one another through the challenges life continues to throw at them. Together, they become more confident than ever. Even so, can their friendship help them overcome the struggles they face?

The Elements by Tristan Martin is an urban short story. I liked that it showed everyday challenges and how music and art gave the four young women the strength they needed. The writing is thoughtful. I enjoyed seeing how they met and started supporting each other. I cared about their dreams and the risks they took to reach them. The mix of art, friendship, and personal challenges made the story more meaningful. Each of the four friends had her own path to follow, but still depended on the others for support. This story highlights the power of genuine friendship, particularly during tough times. Readers who enjoy music, street culture, and stories about teamwork will enjoy this book the most.