Spark #2 by Brigid Kemmerer

Genre: Superhuman Powers

Paperback: 345 Pages

Published: August 28, 2012

Series: Elemental

            1. Storm

            2. Spark

            3. Spirit

            4. Secret

            5. Sacrifice

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

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 Review:

            I loved the first book in this series because the author created a unique world that captured my attention and made the characters realistic. I really liked how the superhuman powers of the boys were described and how each one controlled one of the elements.

            In Storm, we met the four brothers, one friend, and a girl who got stuck dealing with them. In Spark, we continue with their struggle to figure out who is after them, why their powers are getting stronger all of a sudden, and we go deeper into the rough-edged reckless character Gabriel. As their story continues we find out that the hard rough-edged Gabriel has a soft innocent side to him. Even though he comes across as a selfish jerk, he has kind and loving qualities. His character is complex, filled with grief and self doubt. He blames himself for his parents death which has caused him to be self conscious of his lack of control over his element. We get to see Gabriel grow throughout this book and I found him to be a extremely well-rounded and likable character.     

            When Gabriel pretends to be a fireman and saves a life, someone starts threatening the boys and their secret. It's up to Gabriel and his brothers to figure out what the Guild has planned for them and why they are being targeted. This family dynamic is, again, one of my favorite traits that made this book so good for me. I loved their relationships, fights, and love. Even though the brothers had their ups and downs at the end of the day they always had each others backs no matter what. Kemmerer created a wonderful broken, yet happy family. The love and respect between the siblings is what makes this series so wonderful.

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Genre: Superhuman Powers

Paperback: 353 Pages

Published: April 24, 2012

Series: Elemental

            1. Storm

            2. Spark

            3. Spirit

            4. Secret         

            5. Sacrifice

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

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

My Review:

“If you want me to fix your homework, you need to leave me alone.” Then he spotted her.

“You’re back.”

“Yeah.” She glanced between him and Gabriel. “You do his homework?”

“Just the math. It’s a miracle he can count to ten.”

“I can count to one.” Gabriel gave him the finger.”

Even though the covers aren't that impressive and you can't tell who is who, the books are quite good! I have to say this book was surprisingly interesting, fast paced and hilarious (like the above quote).

My Favorite Parts:

            - multiple hot guys (jackpot!!!) who you can't but fall in love with.

            - lots of action and drama (not the bad kind either) that left you wanting more.

            - cool superhuman powers that make you wish you had some of your own!

            - very cute romantic interests for all the boys! *fan-girl sigh*

            - characters were fascinating and I just wanted to know more about them.

The Plot:

            There are four (very hot) brothers who are trying to keep their powers a secret. But when one of the youngest brothers gets into trouble after school by getting beat up and accidently revealing his powers to a girl (Becca Chandler) all hell breaks loose. Chris Merrick knows he's in big trouble and by revealing his powers to Becca he knows his brothers aren't going to be happy. But when Becca brings a beat up Chris home she knows there's something off about the guys. And she is determined to find out what even if it means getting in trouble with Michael.  

Lets talk a little about the characters:

            The brothers. Oh boy. They are quite the bunch. Each one has a unique ability with well developed characters that will grow on you and leave a lasting impression. The brothers don't know how powerful they are, which makes the other Elementals fear them and that's why the brothers are being targeted. And they can't use the elements to defend themselves since they are untrained and don't have full control of their powers.  Lets start with the oldest...

Michael Merrick:

            He is the legal guardian of his three younger brothers. He has to be the grown up after their parents death leaving him to take care of everything. He is quiet but strong opinionated. He has a good head on his shoulders and at times acts like the parent even though he is pretty young himself. I truly felt bad for Michael when I learned about his story and how he became the guardian. But Michaels special ability is that he controls the Earth element.

Gabriel and Nick:

            They are twins and so hilarious. I love their special twin bond which makes reading this book fun. Gabriel controls fire and like fire he is a hot head. He gets into trouble a lot. You can say he is the 'bad boy' out of the two. Even though he has a rough nature and isn't afraid to say what he feels he loves his family. He would do anything for his brothers even if it means giving up his life to save one of them. Nick on the other hand, has a cool and calm nature like the element he controls: air. Nick is a sweetheart and always there to keep Gabriel on track. Nick is also the good student pulling straight A's and helping Gabriel with his homework.

Chris:

           He is the youngest and the most protected. His brothers are always looking out for him and at the same time picking on him. Chris controls the Water element. And by accidently revealing his powers he is in a hell of a lot of trouble with Michael. And lastly...

Hunter:

           ....your okay too. Hunter is the new kid in town who also happens to have control of the elements. But there is something fishy about him and Chris and the brothers are determined to find out what.   

Overall, I enjoyed the brotherly banter which never ceased to amuse me. I also found them lovable with charming personalities and important roles that contribute to the story.