Publisher: KTeen/Kensington
Pages: 432
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Goodreads Summary: Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.
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.More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.
Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.
The fuse is lit…
A few months ago, I raved about Brigid Kemmerer’s debut novel, Storm. I loved the characters and the cool Outsiders vibe I got from this book and have been really looking forward to the second book in the Elemental series, Spark. Guess what guys, Spark is even better than Storm!
I am a very character driven reader and the characters in Spark are fantastic. The plot centers around the four brothers who can control the elements: fire, air, water and earth, and a fifth boy who controls all four elements plus spirit. I love how Kemmerer keeps the focus on the boys’ family dynamics and their friendships. Some of my favorite parts of this book were Gabriel’s interactions with his brothers.
And speaking of characters, I love Gabriel! True to his fire element, Gabriel is a sarcastic hot head with major issues but Kemmerer makes it work so well. Gabriel is officially one of my favorite book boys for the year! There is romance in Spark and it is sweet, perfect and like everything else about this book, very well developed. While I thought Becca was a decent female lead in Storm, I love Layne in Spark!
Spark is fast paced and with a different enough focus from Storm to make it fresh even though it is the second book in the series. If you are looking for a paranormal novel that’s fresh, funny, fun, well written with awesome character development and a great plot, Spark (and the Elemental series) is for you.
I cannot wait to read Spirit, the next book in the series which comes out in May 2013, and pretty much anything else Brigid Kemmerer writes!
Content: Heavy profanity, underage drinking, bullying, sexual assault, kissing and violence. More appropriate for older/more mature teens and adults.
My Rating: The Best!
7 comments:
In Storm, Gabriel totally didn't do it for me. I thought he was just a jerk with nothing else to recommend him. I LOVED being proven wrong in Spark! I loved getting into his head and figuring out what made him tick. Brigid did a fantastic job of portraying him! I can't wait for Spirit. :)
Ems, I thought he was funny in Storm but without a doubt, he was a jerk! So happy Spark is all about him and we see why he is so fiery :-) Brigid is one of my fave debut authors this year!
yep those books are totally character driven and I LOVE it! I think Spark was even stronger than Storm. Just like you said, it had a different feeling than the first book, but I LOVED it just like it is :)
omggggggg this book is so good! i'm glad you loved it too. :) and i totally agree - gabriel is one of my fav book boys from this year. he'll def be included in my list at the end of the year.
This series sounds like a winner. I loved Outsider so I think I'd enjoy the vibe in this one.
Incredible review! I really enjoyed this one too, although I liked Storm better. Still, I thought the development of the Merrick Brothers in this one was much more pronounced and I LOVED seeing more of Michael and his complex relationship with Gabriel. Plus, the romance was simply adorable!(; I'm so glad you liked this and can't wait for Spirit now! :D
~Keertana
Ivy Book Bindings
Great review! I'm going to have to give this series a try!
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