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Thursday, August 30, 2012

[Review] Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark (Elementals #2)
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: October 1st 2012 by Allen & Unwin
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Supernatural.
Rating: ★★★★★
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…
*thanks to the publisher for supplying me a review copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

Leading up to Spark was Storm, the story of Gabriel's little brother, Chris. There, they encountered dangers that threatened to kill their family for their secrets. Like Chris, Gabriel has a power over an element. Fire's his specialty, and it seems matching considering his temper and attitude. Often in fights and brawls, it's no surprise that Gabriel's the troublemaker of the family.

I adore Gabriel though. Even if he acts without thinking sometimes, he truly means well. He's not the best person at showing his feelings, but reading from his perspective is a delight That goes to the same to Lane without a doubt. She is honestly the sweetest girl. That being said, she's got a backbone, that's for sure. She doesn't deal with Gabriel's shit. She sees right through him. Together, they've got this explicable chemistry that is to die for. They've got each other's backs and watching them grow and develop their relationship is incredible.

Gabriel's power with fire is so fascinating. It's supposed to be his advantage to everyone else. His strength, but it's also his weakness. The fire tempts him, lures him in to play, it destroy every standing thing he can find. It's really no wonder he is the way he is. He's not just another cocky jock. Just imagine not being able to do the very thing you're best at.

However he does find a way with the Merrick's oh beloved friend, Hunter. I actually really liked Hunter in Spark. He's not just the other guy part of the love triangle anymore, but the help he can offer is enormous. It's absolutely fitting that Gabriel and Hunter became friends. It's made me more curious about him and I really hope to see him in his own story one day! That being said, I don't think Hunter and Gabriel would've happened if Nick and Gabriel hadn't been drifting. There's really nothing more heart-breaking than two extremely close people slowly begin to fall apart...

The story is well-paced. There's just enough of everything; action, romance, humour, and of course familial problems. I adore Michael. He may not be the perfect guardian for three teenage boys, but he's doing a damn fine job. 

The perfect sequel to a brilliant start to the Elemental series. I honestly cannot wait to read about the rest of the Merrick brothers (and hopefully Hunter too!). Brigid Kemmerer, thank you for giving us five fine specimens ;)

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Riveting and breathtaking ♥

First:
He could feel the flames coming through the floor, looking for him. The sound of wood giving way was deafening.
Favourite:
Everyone likes to talk, he'd said. The trick is letting them talk long enough.  

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