(Randi): This Book Gives Me SPARKs - review

Title: Spark (Elemental Series #2) 

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: K-Teen
Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Page Count: 345 (not long enough!!!)
Genre: paranormal fantasy (elementals)/romance
Audience: young adult
Source: bought & also received a copy from the author
Rating: 4.5 I would take a crazy roadtrip with this book and totally hit on all the Merrick brothers :)

Goodreads Summary: 
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…

You can read my review of Storm (the first book in the Elemental series) here 

My thoughts:  Ohmygoodness. Gabriel Merrick. I liked Chris Merrick (the main character in Storm), but older brother Gabriel...I loves Gabriel. I actually loved this book even more than the first. And I love Michael even more now as well. Okay, so in book 1, Gabriel seemed like a little bit of a brat. (Forgive me, Gabriel, but it's true!) However, in this book, we see the real Gabriel - we find out why he comes across as the tough guy. And how he really is a good guy at heart. Layne is a great female lead, and (even though I liked Becca) I think she's a much stronger character than Becca; I feel more for Layne - her life has been rough and she's dealing with it. I loved her little brother! The one complaint I have with this book is about what happens with Layne in the end, after the fire. (If you've read it, you'll know what I mean.) I felt like it sent a message about body image that I didn't really agree with. BUT, that's my only complaint. Seriously. One complaint. The rest was brilliant. 

The awesome thing about this series is that I'm not even a huge paranormal romance fan. But this series blows my mind. The characters are well developed, the plot is killer, and despite being paranormal fantasy, it's so realistic! The characters act like teenagers. I apologize because I sometimes find it hard to review a book I loved so much. Seriously, this is a favorite series. And if, like me, you're not even a fan of YA paranormal fantasy romance, try this one out because I was incredibly pleasantly surprised (pleasant is too gentle a word)...ecstatically surprised.

I cannot wait for book 3, Spirit, to come out in May! SO glad we don't have to wait a year between each book! Also, besides being an awesome writer, Brigid Kemmerer is a serious sweetheart. She sent me a signed copy of Spark! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! Superawesome. Buy her books. All of them. And then buy them for your friends.

FTC Disclaimer: All reviews are solely the opinions of Becky and/or Randi. We are not paid in any way for our reviews, and all opinions are 100% honest.