SPARK (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

SPARK (Elemental Series #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

SPARK is the second full-length novel (release August 28, 2012) in Brigid Kemmerer’s YA Elemental series. In a world of the supernatural Elemental families-Earth, Fire, Air and Water will fight with one another until only the most powerful survive. But the four Merrick brothers were some of the most powerful Elementals around and everyone wanted them dead. And now the guide sent to kill them all, suddenly wants a deal.

Gabriel Merrick is a fire Elemental. Struggling through school, Gabriel and his twin brother Nick often changed places to benefit Gabriel’s marks. But the quiet and shy girl in Trig class knows that Gabriel is struggling with his marks. When she offers to help, everything in Gabriel says no-but he is drawn to the young teen like a moth to flame.

Layne Forrest is the class brain. Usually quiet and withdrawn, Layne finds herself attracted to Gabriel Merrick and is willing to help him in any way she can. But Layne is hiding a secret under her dark and over-sized clothing. A secret she wanted no one to know. And she and Gabriel had something in common. But when her brother Simon had become the target of the school bullies once again, it was Gabriel who stood by his side.

Gabriel is having difficulties controlling his fire. He blames himself for the death of his parents, when in reality they were trying to protect their own children. When he calls upon the element, the result is spotty, and losing his temper will find the fire building out of control. And he is drawn to the fire-the fire speaks to him. 

Gabriel’s home life was in shambles. Fighting with his brothers became a daily occurrence to the point that Nick was no longer speaking to him. Older brother Michael was becoming suspicious of Gabriel’s friendship with Hunter, and younger brother Chris was trying hard to help. 

Layne was set up.  Finding herself in the position to have to both physically and emotionally defend herself against attack, she knew everything had gone wrong. Accusations against the Merrick’s were forcing Layne and her brother to reconsider everything about their lives. What secrets was Gabriel afraid to tell?

Layne and Gabriel’s relationship begins to build. But as the awkward geeky teen, Layne is an enigma. She hides a secret-a past that one day Gabriel will help her overcome, if only  the people who say they love her, would not keep reminding her that she is no longer perfect.

SPARK is another wonderful storyline in Brigid Kemmerer’s ELEMENTAL series. There are still plenty of stories to be told especially in the Merrick household. Each brother has an affinity to one of the elements, and behind each brother is a story waiting to be told. A fantastic addition to Brigid’s ELEMENTAL series.

READING ORDER
1. Elemental
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy