Review: Spark by: Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental #2) by: Brigid Kemmerer (Aug. 28, 2012)

345 pages

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal

Publisher: Kensington

Source: The library.

Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

My Review

In the second book of the Elemental series, Spark, we get to continue reading about the Merrick boys’ crazy life from Gabriel’s point of view, and it jump starts right where it left off.

I was hesitant when I first started reading Spark because Gabriel wasn’t my favorite character in the first book, he was actually maybe my least favorite. It turns out that I really didn’t have anything to worry about. Gabriel really grows in this novel and we discover why he is kind of a jerk, which he isn’t so much by the end of the novel. He actually is pretty likable. I’m really glad I gave Gabriel a chance.

I was very curious about the new character, Layne, and I really liked the friendship she formed with Gabriel. I would have liked even more time with Layne and Gabriel, which I never thought I would say, but there it is. I also enjoyed getting more time with the other Merrick boys. I just really like the family dynamic in this novel along with the friendships and romantic relationships.

Spark seemed pretty run of the mill for the most part, but it still had some surprises. The ending was nicely done and really set it up well for the next installment in the series. I hope I get around to reading the next book sooner rather than later.I think this series is a good choice for paranormal fans. Who doesn't love some cute and sexy guys with magical elemental powers in their books?

Review: Storm by: Brigid Kemmerer

Storm (Elemental #1) by: Brigid Kemmerer (2012)

353 pages

Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural

Publisher: Kensington

Source: The Library

Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .

My Review

I enjoyed Storm more than I ever thought I would. I feel like I haven’t read a young adult supernatural novel in while that I really truly enjoyed, until now.

What I Liked

• It’s quirky and made me laugh.

• I loved how it was written. We get to know what is going on from Becca and Chris’ perspectives. I liked both and you really get the whole story.

• The characters are likable. Storm gets a lot of points for not having the main male character be a complete jerk. Although some of his brothers were, but that’s fine. I also greatly enjoyed Becca’s snark.

• Real life teenage issues are discussed, such as bullying. I always feel like it’s hard for supernatural books to also seem real. Although Storm did stretch the imagination a little too far at times, it did a nice job at showcasing real life problems, not just supernatural ones.

• The action scenes were awesome. Fists were always flying or the weather was going crazy almost all the time.

• Supernatural powers where people control the elements... Yup. I like it.

What I Didn’t Like

• There weren't any big or small shocking reveals. Everything was pretty predictable to me.

• The bullying could have been handled a little better. There really was no resolution to the issue.

• There is a love triangle, but surprisingly I didn’t hate it, I just wasn't a big fan.

Bottom Line: Even if I’m not sure I fully understand why I liked this book as much as I did I would still tell you to give it a try. I will be reading the second book as soon as I get it from the library.