Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Series: Book Two in the Elemental Series (also two novellas out)

Published By: K-Teen (August 28, 2012)

Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)

Genre: YA Fantasy

My Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

 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…

My Review:

 

I absolutely loved Gabriel in Storm so I was over joyed to learn he was going to be the main focus in the next book, Spark. I knew the keeper of fire was going to have a great story and I couldn't wait to dive right in.

Kemmerer managed to blow me way with Storm (no pun intended) so I knew Spark was going to be even better. I had no idea just how much better it was going to be.

Kemmerer completely outdid herself with this one.

I think Gabriel;s story broke my heart a little. He is so hard on himself and always thinks the worst of himself while giving others the benefit of the doubt. He has such a big heart and is so kind and caring and doesn't even know it. Yes he has a temper but come on, his element is fire after all and it suits him perfectly.

He is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold. He just might be my favorite character in the series yet. He had a lot of struggles in this one, not just with himself but with his brothers too (he and Nick about broke my heart in two..again!).

He did a lot of growing up in this book in so many ways. He really is an amazing character and I couldn't help but be proud of him when he did finally see the light so to speak.

I absolutely love that he and Hunter (another great character!) became friends in this one. I really liked Hunter in Storm and liked him even more after reading Fearless so to see these two forming a friendship which they, both desperately needed, was just a pure win win.

I thought I loved Becca's character (and I still do) but Layne was just amazing. So fierce and feisty and also had a heart of gold. She too is damaged and has secrets and I couldn't of asked for a better person to be with Gabriel. She is his equal in almost every way. She knew how to put him in his place and not let him get away with anything. She was a strong character and exactly what Gabriel needed.

I love that we still get glimpses into Michael (who I loved more after reading this), Chris, Becca, Nick and Quinn. This series wouldn’t be the same if they all weren't a big part of the story too and I am so glad that Kemmerer knows that and gives us the characters we love and have come to care about. They all are what makes this series truly kick butt.