Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elemental #2
Publication: August 28th 2012 by Kensington
Genre: Young Adult ~ Paranormal
Format: Paperback, 345 pages
Cover Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
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 thoughts:
Smacking myself on the head for waiting this long to read Spark, so I'm really happy to have finally done it.
The first book, Storm (about Chris), was one of my favorite books of last year. I've been very excited, wondering about its sequel and I must say I enjoyed it. Spark is one of those books where I had to write a review immediately.
Spark is Gabriel's story. The hot-headed one of the four brothers. His element is fire, so it's not a surprise that he has a temper. He fights a lot with his older brother (and legal guardian) Michael. All he really cares about is hiw twin, Nick, and playing sports.
I love Gabriel. He's as is quoted in the book, "insanely hot" but inside I feel that he's hurting so much. Sometimes he broke my heart by trying to be mean and push people away but I'm so happy for him that he has Layne now. They're amazing together.
Layne also was a great character. I love how she takes care of her little brother who's deaf and how she stood up against Gabriel in the beginning of this book. I also really liked how she had her own secrets that she wasn't willing to share right away. She really did see Gabriel for who he really was and vice versa. Layne's friend Kara (or whatever her name was) on the other hand was awful. What a bitch! I couldn't understand why Layne was friends with her but luckily they aren't anymore which is a huge relief.
Anyway, Spark mostly revolves aroud Gabriel and his struggles with school, his brothers and the fact that he gets accused of being an arsonist. I liked this book, really I did but I have to admit that I expected a little more from this book because Storm had been so good. Spark lacked the action I wanted. There were some prett hilarious moments though, like when Gabriel first meets Layne's father. Gabriel was shameless! Loved it!
I also really liked that there were many Gabriel/Michael moments. Michael is my favorite of the guys still and he was amazing as always. Much love!
There was also quite a bit of Hunter in this book. I love Hunter. And it seemed like he and Gabriel were on their way to becoming really good friends (can you say bromance? ;D) but something happened to not make it go that way. Too bad but I'm sure in the next book, Spirit (Hunter's story), they'll figure it out.
All in all Spark was a pretty good read that I enjoyed. Only too bad of the lack of action but Gabriel Merrick is and will always be awesome to read about, as all the Merrick brothers are.
Full of romance, elemental magic, witty dialogues and hot guys, Spark will set your heart on fire.
~Quotes:
A girl on the cheer squad had once asked Gabriel if having a twin was like looking in a mirror all the time. He'd asked her if being a cheerleader was like being an idiot all of the time - but really, it was a good question.
He looked up, past her, at the bedroom. Finally, a break to the white - but this wasn't much better. Pink carpeting, princess border along the ceiling, white walls, and a gold canopy bed.
"What," he said, "no Barbie dream castle?"
Layne flushed. "Shut up.”
“Mr. Merrick, I'd like to speak with you."
Mr. Merrick. He hated when teachers called him that, like he was an old man stopping by to learn a few math tricks.”
~About the author:
Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. Storm: The Elemental Series is her first novel.
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I've been enjoying the elemental magics lately. And this sounds like a very good read and series. :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a good series I shall have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, I hope you enjoy the third book a little more than you did this one. It is always sad when a second book doesn't live up to the first one.