Double Review: Storm & Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm, Book 1 The Elemental Series
Brigid Kemmerer
April 24, 2012
Kensington, 353 pages

Synopsis: Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. 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.

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Book 1: Storm Review: I don't know why, but I didn't start reading this book with high expectations. I certainly wasn't expecting to like this book nearly as much as I did. It was great! Simply blew me away. Complex characters, tons of romance and action, along with normal teenage angst and drama, all despite having such a non-normal premise. A premise I loved, by the way - the use of the elements and nature is something I really hadn't read before. It was almost as if Brigid Kemmerer has built another world right here within our world itself. Although a little predictable - I figured out the "twist" less than halfway through- I still found it very exciting and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish. The only criticism I really have is that there is a lot packed into this book: numerous featured characters, lots of prior events and past characters referenced -  it sometimes got a bit muddled and confusing, but really just a bit. I'm going to go back and read the prequel novella Elemental in the hopes that there is a bit more clarification on all that.

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Spark: Book 2 The Elemental Series
Brigid Kemmerer
August 28, 2012
Kensington
432 pages

Synopsis:       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…

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Book 2 Spark Review: I had mixed feelings about this book - I really enjoyed the premise and was very excited to be reading a new Merrick brother's story. The idea of a super-ability to communicate with the elements is such an interesting thing to read and has so many possibilities. This is where Brigid Kemmerer excels - she is such a great developer of character and story-weaver. But, there were a lot of things that kept me from all out loving this book as much as I loved Storm. I liked the character of Gabriel a lot, but felt it took him a bit too long to stop throwing himself a pity party and pushing everyone who loves him away. There was so much hatred and negativity in this book. I know it's been over decade since I've been in high school, but I have a hard time believing all that goes on in this school. Yes, kids will get picked on because they are different or nerdy or smart, but the frequency of it, including sexual assault we are led to believe goes on, I just don't think is realistic (or at least I hope it isn't!!). I also don't believe that the jocks would be so incredibly cruel to a deaf student, especially one who excels in sports. In my high school (which was fairly big), I actually think a lot of the special ed kids were treated better than some of the "normal kids." I may be remembering things with less than 20/20 vision, but still... I don't enjoy reading stories with that much hate in them, even if the "good guys" triumph in the end. However, I really enjoyed Layne and Gabriel's interactions and how she made him that much lighter in spirit.  And can I just say how much I already am in love with Nick, Gabriel's twin. Cannot wait for his story, which I hear is going to be a novella, but I'd love for him to get a full-length novel! 

Overall, LOVED book 1 and think book 2 is worth reading, if not just for the continuation of a great and unique plot, but also for the glimpses we get to see of some great characters who will hopefully have their stories told soon. 

Storm (Book 1): 4.5/5 Stars
Spark (Book 2): 3.5/5 Stars
Covers: 4/5 Stars
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Violence, language, sexual situations)

Note: I received a copy of Spark from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my review's content.