Monday, May 20, 2013

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental, #2)
Spark by Brigid Kemmerer
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...
”add
Publishes in US: August 28th 2012 by Kensington
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: library
Series? Yes. Spark is the 2nd in Elemental series. Storm is the 1st and you can read my review here  are out.  releases Apr 30 2013, releases May 28th 2013,  releases Jan 2014,  releases July 2014.

Buy it:  Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound BookDepository.com

Find Brigid online: site   twitter   facebook  blog book trailer

 
    It took me a bit to get connected and warmed up to Gabriel. It didn't make me want to put the story down or anything because I was definitely looking forward to more in this paranormal world. It helped though with the characters of Layne and Simon. They are amazing secondary characters and I loved what they added to the story. I related with Layne because of hiding from popularity and adored the fact she was a brainiac. Simon is an athlete, but he's labeled a retard because he's deaf. The connection that he and Gabe form over basketball is amazing and it really transforms both of them. 
   Layne pointed out though that Gabriel lashed out when he thought people was on to him--the real him hidden under the gruff and rude at most times exterior. I thought that was really deep, and it was neat to see him internalize it and start to change. 
    I also got to know Hunter more in Spark because of his friendship with Gabriel, and I think that its cool that he helped Gabriel to come out of this shell as well. 
    I hated how his family doubted Gabriel at times in Spark, but I also was frustrated with him that he didn't let them in. But on the other hand, I totally got why he didn't want to tell them. He was finally doing something good with his power and learning control, so he didn't want to be forced to stop. 
    It was also sad that he and Nick went through separation  in here, but I know that in the end helped Gabriel to learn more about himself as an individual. There was also this great epiphany about how they all saw themselves as weak, with the least control, and as a liability to the others. 
   Brigid has such a great style of writing. There is an amazing dynamic within the Merrick family and chemistry between the guys and the girls they like. The action scenes especially the ones with fire here in Spark are very vivid and beautifully and terrifyingly well done. 
   While it wasn't a cliffie, there are definitely more questions that I need answered, and tied up. But we got answers and a semblance of a hea for Gabriel and his love. 

Bottom Line: Sparked a flame in my heart for Gabriel; great 2nd book in the series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think its fair Simon (deaf boy) can practice with team but not play? (Coach reasoning he can't hear whistles or teammates during game--makes a liability too)

44 comments:

  1. I think this is a series that I need to get. Thanks for sharing it. Great review.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Gabriel! Spark really opened my eyes to him and I liked the friendship that he and Simon had as well :) Great review Brandi!

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

    ReplyDelete
  3. I looove this series! I think it's mostly because the boys are kind of prickly. The fact that their powers isolate them makes them flawed and very interesting. Great review!


    Kate @ Ex Libris

    ReplyDelete
  4. I see that you have quite a good luck with these books. I have always wanted to pick them up, but for some unknown reason haven't managed the time to do so yet. I really like basketball and it's probably a minor detail in this book, but I love basketball as a game and the players are usually awesome so I bet it'll give me something to enjoy in addition to this hard-to-get-to-know-but-lovable-regardless type of MC. Can't wait to read it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have given up on this series. I didn't really keep my interest though I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

    -Ariella @ Secrets of Lost Words

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this series! Breathless, the shortie up next is just amazing. So much packed in a few short pages! Then Spirit which I have mixed emotions about. I'm not a lover of Hunter. Great review!

    I think it's totally unfair that the coach doesn't let Simon play. Obviously he is good and can play. I think Dad should get off his bum and get involved. That his son is being discriminated against ticked me off! URGH!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, so unfair of the coach, I understand to some extent but still

      Delete
  7. it's great that you were able to connect after a part of the book, it's always a little difficult when it's not the case.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I cant keep reading unless I do without something major

      Delete
  8. I must start this series! So glad you're enjoying, Brandie.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have got to get going on this series. I have them waiting in my pile. I want to know which of the boys you are liking the most right now?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh so, hard. Depends on which one head I am in. But prob Gab

      Delete
  10. Every time I see a review on these books I question my sanity as to why I haven't started it yet! So glad to see you are enjoying this series!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was too, and then finally made a hole for them

      Delete
  11. I've got this one on my Kindle - sounds like I should try to start reading soon!

    Fantastic review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm always so interested and impressed with the reviews for this series. Sounds like it is one that I should read, definitely. Because if you and others like it this much, then I will enjoy it, too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so glad you loved this one since I've heard so many great things about the series. Hopefully I can read it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I haven't started reading this series but it's interesting to see how the characters seem to have very different personalities, I hope you'll have a great time continuing reading the series. Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Layne sounds cool this is a series I want to try. Fantastic review Brandi

    ReplyDelete
  16. Even though this series is still on my to-read list I'm so glad that you like this series :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great review Brandi, I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It is sad how things are with Gabriel's family is this one, but I enjoyed the intimacy that he and Nick shared as twins. I'm looking forward to getting to know Hunter even more in the next book, Spirit :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I loved Hunter and Gabe together too. And his family always doubting Gabriel made me so sad. I totally agree with everything you said. It was a great book.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I haven't read this series yet, but I hear it's fabulous! Thanks for sharing your review =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, hope you decide to read and enjoy

      Delete
  20. Great review, Brandi! I definitely agree that it was a frustrating experience for me to watch Gabriel take blows from his brothers. I kept on saying, "He's your brother! Why not have faith in him a little?" and I kind of raged for a minute or two when they doubted his innocence re: the house fires.

    And oh, Layne pissed me off. Really pissed me off. I sometimes wanted to stop reading every time she got defensive over nothing. Haha.

    Great review as always, love :)

    Faye @ The Social Potato Reviews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, but I see where he is coming from... still not easy

      Delete
  21. Ooh I can't wait to read this, it sounds wonderful! I have a feeling I'm going to be severely addicted to this series once I start. Lovely review! And no I don't think it's fair at all! I would be pretty mad at that coach in real life.

    ReplyDelete
  22. So far I've heard nothing but rave reviews for this series, so I FULLY intend to check it out. Which is why I had to skim your review a little bit. I always find it amazing how authors manage to keep hold of readers' attentions without ending books with a cliffhanger. That's the mark of a talented writer, and I'm glad Brigid is one of them! Really looking forward to reading the first book of this series!

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you! (I always try to visit your blog back) I love links, so feel free to link to your blog or a post you like.
Sorry, but I am award and tag free zone, I do not have the time to return. Comments are reward enough :)