Thursday, October 23, 2014

Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Sacrifice (Elemental, #5)
Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.
One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.
Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.
His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.
But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.
They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.
Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?


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Publishes in US: September 30th 2014 by Kensington Teen
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: Netgalley
Series? Yes. Elemental #5
My review of previous
#1 Storm
#2 Spark
#3 Spirit
#4 Secret
Novellas: Fearless and Breathless  1.5 and 2.5

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository

Author stalk away: site   twitter   facebook  blog


   I wanted to read Sacrifice because I have loved getting to know the Merrick brothers in this series. They all have their own personalities and stories as well as girls that they are in love with. But as brothers there is always the element of family and the fact that Michael helped hold them together as the oldest after their parent passed. The paranormal magic in this one is also neat, learning about each brother and Hunter's powers and how they work together. There has always been someone to oppose them though, which has added plenty of tension and action to the stories. 

   It was nice getting back to the world and into the head of Michael. He shoulders such a load because he has taken over guardianship of his brothers, and he wants to be a good role model for them and be there for them. In this book his livelihood, his home and sense of security in a lot of ways is ripped from him. He becomes a suspect in fires and other disasters that center around him, and I feel so much for him. He has to keep their powers a secret, and there are lots of things pointing at him as a possibility because of his and his brother's elemental powers. 

   We also get the point of view of Hannah, Mike's girlfriend. She has her son, and she's a fire fighter. Her dad is the marshal, so there is plenty of pressure on her in a male dominated work environment and such shoes to fill. Then as Michael is under investigation she believes to much in his innocence but has to admit that the obvious signs are pointing to his involvement. I liked her strength and loyalty as well as her responsibility. he has a son and she tries so hard to be a good mom to him even though she had him earlier in life than most. 

   While I liked Michael and how much he is willing to do to protect his brothers and to be there for everyone. He is fiercely loyal and has so much that should be so drool worthy, this wasn't my favorite of the Merrick books. I did like his connection with Hunter and how we get to learn more about him. There is also a surprise ally that was neat to get his perspective and how much he stepped up. There was a lack of his other brothers though. They weren't on the scene as much and even though there was a lot of Michael and he learned to accept some help after so much trying to be strong. 

    I totally wasn't prepared for it to end where it did, because my kindle told me there was still a good 30% left, but it is the novellas included. So, yes, I did like where this one stopped and how things were resolved for now, I just was surprised and geared up for more. 


Bottom Line: Solid book moving the action and plot along.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been in charge of a sibling?

20 comments:

  1. I still haven't read this series, but I'm glad that it was enjoyable read for you.
    Great review!

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  2. I sort of accidentally discovered this series, but it has become one that I really love!

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  3. I've only read the first one so far, I did like it, but didn't love it, but I did love how they all acted with one another, like real brothers, so that was fun. My brother was older than me, so never been in charge of a sibling.

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  4. I don't know the details of this series so I'll just answer your question: Not really. My sister is 2 years younger than I so I wasn't really put into that kind of position where I was in charge of her. I was just the annoying, mean, big sister that she hated growing up. LOL

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  5. This sounds like a strong series which has been sustaining to read all the way through. I like the topic of pressure here in the novel and I bet you can see how they each handle it their own way. These books sound well worth the time.

    As for the question, yes! I have two older sisters, but one who is younger and needs a lot of extra help. Which I always do, which makes me feel responsible for her. I think that is why we are so close as well.

    http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/10/burning-bright-by-sophie-mckenzie.html

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  6. Great point with sisters, and the bond it forms.
    The merrick bros are worth it

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  7. The bond and their interactions made me keep reading and I liked the following even more than the first

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  8. I have too, I remember reading how much other bloggers loved it

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  9. Hope you enjoy if you get a chance to read it

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  10. This is one series I haven't read, but I really want to. Although this wasn't your fav from the series, it still sounds good. Fab review Brandi!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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  11. Brandi - glad this series is still going strong at #5! The Merrick brothers sound like guy I would enjoy reading about :)

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  12. This series is about brothers? Gads, I really need to read them Brandi. Glad to see this moved the overall plot.

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  13. I have the 3 first books but I still need to read them

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  14. So happy you loved it too. While I didn't much like the open ending, it did make sense. All the Merrick brothers needed was a little hope and luck and that ending represented just that.


    do check my review too here

    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

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  15. a lot of people that i know absolutely love this series and the brothers >.< i am missing out. I did buy book 1 thought!

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  16. Oh that's not the nicest of surprises even when it's a good spot to end. Tricky ebooks. lol

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  17. I really need to catch up on this series. i really enjoyed the first book and I need to meet the other brothers properly. Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  18. I didn't care for Spirit so I haven't picked up the series since then, but I do love Michael. Nice to hear you really enjoyed it. Great review, Brandi! :)

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