Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Book Two in the Elemental Series (also two novellas out)
Published By: K-Teen (August 28, 2012)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 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…

My Review:
 
I absolutely loved Gabriel in Storm so I was over joyed to learn he was going to be the main focus in the next book, Spark. I knew the keeper of fire was going to have a great story and I couldn't wait to dive right in.

Kemmerer managed to blow me way with Storm (no pun intended) so I knew Spark was going to be even better. I had no idea just how much better it was going to be.

Kemmerer completely outdid herself with this one.

I think Gabriel;s story broke my heart a little. He is so hard on himself and always thinks the worst of himself while giving others the benefit of the doubt. He has such a big heart and is so kind and caring and doesn't even know it. Yes he has a temper but come on, his element is fire after all and it suits him perfectly.

He is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold. He just might be my favorite character in the series yet. He had a lot of struggles in this one, not just with himself but with his brothers too (he and Nick about broke my heart in two..again!).

He did a lot of growing up in this book in so many ways. He really is an amazing character and I couldn't help but be proud of him when he did finally see the light so to speak.

I absolutely love that he and Hunter (another great character!) became friends in this one. I really liked Hunter in Storm and liked him even more after reading Fearless so to see these two forming a friendship which they, both desperately needed, was just a pure win win.

I thought I loved Becca's character (and I still do) but Layne was just amazing. So fierce and feisty and also had a heart of gold. She too is damaged and has secrets and I couldn't of asked for a better person to be with Gabriel. She is his equal in almost every way. She knew how to put him in his place and not let him get away with anything. She was a strong character and exactly what Gabriel needed.

I love that we still get glimpses into Michael (who I loved more after reading this), Chris, Becca, Nick and Quinn. This series wouldn’t be the same if they all weren't a big part of the story too and I am so glad that Kemmerer knows that and gives us the characters we love and have come to care about. They all are what makes this series truly kick butt.


11 comments:

  1. Great review. I loved this book, and I love the Merrick brothers.

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  2. I agree, this is a fabulous series!

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  3. Sounds like the next great teen read. :-)

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  4. It definitely will be or it should be. ;)

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  5. I just read another glowing review of this series. I really must clean out the pile so I can read this book! I want to meet these sexy boys and I keep seeing five stars, I know I am missing out!

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  6. You really need to Heidi! This is one of those series that is just so much fun to read and something that you won't regret making time for and come on, they are all in the male POV that I love so much!!

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  7. :) Awesome review! I love all the characters in this book too (especially Nick and Gabriel) I love the sweet story too.

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  8. I agree Rachel, I loved the love story part of it too, I really like Becca and Chris but Gabe and Layne's story was really sweet!

    Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  9. Great review! I loved the first book and cannot wait until this book comes out!!!

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  10. Hey Kindlemom!

    It's been awhile since I stopped by so I wanted to say hi and see what you've been up to!

    Thanks for the great review! I have Storm but I haven't had the time to read it yet since my TBR pile is so crazy right now. But now reading your review for Spark makes me want to get started on Storm so I can read this one! BTW, I noticed that there are a few ebooks in the series, like Fearless and Elemental. Do you know if they have to be read in order to understand Spark? Just curious!

    Anyway, come stop by my blog sometime! I miss ya!

    Best Wishes,
    Mia @ The Muses Circle

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  11. Hey Mia, it is so nice to see you!!
    You don't have to read the novellas to understand the series but I highly recommend it since it gives you a little bit more about Michael (in Elemental) and Hunter (in Fearless). They are pretty fast reads and worth it to try them!

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