Book Review: Elementals #2: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Rating: 

Genre: Young Adult > Fantasy > Paranormal

(Elementals #2)

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…

Book 1: Storm review

*****

Two things first:

If I think of action scenes, Storm is way better than Spark.
But if I think of romantic scenes, Spark is way better than Storm.

I was excited to this sequel because of Gabriel. See, I really liked him in Storm. A glimpse here and there of his wicked character is enough for me to root for him. But…Spark came across as a contemporary romance more than a paranormal one. I’d say only 10% of the book showcased the paranormal side of the Merrick brothers. 😦

I missed Gabriel from the first book. Yes, he was still a smartmouth here, snarky and defiant. But Gabriel was always angry, hurtful, and secretive. I was looking forward to reading more about his relationship with his twin Nick, but (surprise!) they didn’t talk half the time! All because of a girl. Ugh. 2/3 of the book was about Gabriel’s drama.

Layne was okay. Not as strong as Becca but not a pushover, either. Except with her father. and what kind of best friend she has in Kara? It was obvious she’s as flaky as she looks. And Hunter… I knew there was something going on. Hunter following Gabriel around like he has this girly crush on him, showing up every freaking time Gabriel needs a friend… only to know he has a hidden agenda. *snickers* I knew it! Becca’s right. Hunter misleads everyone around him. but I liked how he pointed a gun to the firemen holding Gabriel. so bad*ss.

The mystery behind the series of fires was not handled well. Gabriel didn’t even tried to investigate who the arsonist really is because yeah, he’s wallowing in self-blame.

I can wait for the next installment, Spirit, which features Hunter (boo!). As for now, I will settle with Spark and the other novellas of the Elementals series.