Spark
Spark by Brigid Kemmerer, synopsis from goodreads: 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 might have seen the first book around “ Storm” which hit the blogosphere and shelves with a bang. I was also head over heels about this book, so when I got the chance for a review copy I was squealing like the little fan girl that I am. Spark didn’t live up to it’s processor Storm … NOT it was even better!!! As some might not have read the first book, do not worry you can easily read this review as I won’t reveal any spoilers, but maybe I will convince you to finally pick up this series…
Beware the elements … especially don’t play with fire…
This series tells the stories about the 4 Merrick brothers plus Hunter, and each book focuses on one brother, just like in classic Paranormal Adult series – just for. YA. Love this concept as I already fell in love with these brothers in Storm. In Spark the story focuses on Gabriel whose power is from the element fire. And… fiery the story is… Oh yes. So hot! (Yes, I know this was cheesy!) What I found interesting here was that the supernatural aspect was only a side story and not the main focus. The main focus was on Gabriel’s character, his relationship with his brothers, friends and… girls!
Gabriel – Beautiful, sexy and tortured boy who stole & broke my heart.
Gabriel will break your heart. I promise he will. We will be drawn to this broken boy who is tortured by his failures and by his inability to get over events he had no real control over it. So Gabriel is angry at the world, but mostly at himself. Which is why he was a jerk most of the times. But, as we are in his head we cannot stand to see him treating himself like this. He constantly pushed the people around him away; especially his brothers and it broke my little heart to see this. And, yes tears were involved from my part… hot. sad tears! A lot!
Who’s the girl that manages to heal him?
The most interesting part in Spark was Layne, because she was nothing I expected! Brigid Kemmerer manages to pair Gabriel with a girl I would have never seen for him, but she proved me wrong. Layne was perfect for Gabriel! I absolutely adored Layne. She was the perfect geeky super smart kid who normally avoids kids like Gabriel who clearly belongs to the popular crowd and can have any girl he wants. Also, she’s not really attracted to him at first. But its Layne who sees behind the wall Gabriel build around his soul and heart and it’s Layne, the stubborn geeky girl who is the key to his healing…
Action, Romance, Supernatural Elements and Drama
Spark had it all and more! I sure as hell didn’t expect the richness of this story. I loved Storm, but Spark was just “more”. Although, the supernatural element was not as prominently as it was in Storm, it played nicely into the whole story arch and supported Gabriel’s character development. Also I was very surprised about Hunter’s involvement in this book. Hunter was very important for Gabriel and her surprisingly formed a very close friendship with him. This is especially important since Gabriel pushed his brothers away and totally withdraws himself from his family, feeling utterly alone and feels like no one would understand him. I actually have to change my mind about Hunter and now I am very much looking forward to the next book, which will be about him.
Bewitched Rating
Bottom line
Spark simply blew me away, it was an amazing book and was just so much more than what I expected. Gabriel was the perfect tortured sexy hot male character I love so very much in YA literature. Spark what make you tear up, Spark will break your heart and put it together over and over again. I cannot stress enough how very much in love I am with the series so I strongly advice you simply pick it up.
Additonal Notes:
Even more awesome, the books in this series are coming out really short after the other. ! I looooove when I do not have to wait for a year until the next book comes out! However, the next book “Spirit” Book 3 will come May next year, but I’m sure there will be a novella in between! I admire such a creative talent like Brigid! And because we all love the hotness, here are the covers!
in order:
Elementals (Michael, 0.5 out now!) – Storm (Chris, 1 out now!) Fearless (Hunter, 1.5 Aug 2011) – Spark (Gabriel, 2Aug 2011) – Spirit (Hunter, 3 May 2013)
Ok .. I admit the boys on the cover could be hotter, or at least their hair… But… who doesn’t love a male on the cover?! (Oh and what I do not get is why Nik – Gabriel’s twin is not on the cover…)
Did you start the series yet? Did you feel in love with Chris, Michael?
I am sooo very much in love with those boys!
Much Love,
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Oh wow, can I just say I checked out those covers right after I read your review? HOT! I haven’t even read the first one yet now I want to. It’s sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Ahh, and you the elements always reminds me of that cartoon show Captain Planet. HAHa
I’m so glad this is one of your favourites. Must read it now!
Giselle @ BookNerd recently posted..Review: Immortal City by Scott Speer
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OoOOO but Giselle you must read the first one, especially if you have it at home! And truly, these books easily became one of my favorite series! Hope you’ll love it 🙂
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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Great review, Danny! I’m so glad to hear that Spark is even better than Storm. Like you, I loved that book too, so I can’t wait to get a copy of this book. Laney seems like an interesting character since she’s very smart and all. Her interaction with Gabriel should be pretty amazing! 🙂
Glad that you enjoyed this so much! 🙂
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OMG yes it was! And don’t get me wrong I loved Storm – but Spark was so deep and amazing! Gabriel was such a poor angry and broken boy you just have to love!
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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I really need to read this series..eep your review makes them sound fantastic!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Burn by Heath Gibson
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YES yes you must start these book!!!
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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I seriously loved this book so much too!!!!! It focused so much on the importance of family!!!!! Can’t wait for Spirit!!!!!
Fantastic review Danny! I love the format of blue sentences before the explanation paragraph! I was really surprised about Hunter and Gabriel’s friendship too and very sad about the estrangement between Nick and Gabriel in this book. Favorite Merrick? Nick! Who is yours?
Rachel
Rachel @ Unforgettable Books recently posted..Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown Review
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That#s what I loved too about this book! I loved the family dynamic and dramatic between the brothers!
It makes me happy to hear you like my review format :))
OoOO I’m so happy you love Nick! I admit he was my favorite when reading Storm – but now after Spark? I LOVED Gabriel!
I’m a little concerned that Nick won’t get his own book…
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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I haven’t read the first one *hangs head in shame* but, after reading your glowing review, it sounds like I need to get on the ball! So many fabulous elements all wrapped up in a hot boy and awesome story. Yay!
Mary @ Book Swarm recently posted..Sucks to be dead: TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE by Rachel Caine
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Mary!!!! YOU must read these book!! like .. it’s a must! Do I need to come over and read if for you???
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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YES DANNY!!! You know how much I absolutely adored this one as well, I just couldn’t have loved Gabriel any more. Definitely ripped my heart out and I just wanted to reach in and hug him. And I LOVED Layne, she wasn’t what I would have pictured for him either, but you’re right that she was perfect. SO GOOD!
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Wasn’t he the most beautiful broken, angry and sad bad boy ever????? And in the beginning when he first met Layne I couldn’t believe that she would be “his” girl, but I figured out (along with him) how perfect they were together!
SUCH a great book! Can’t wait for the next!
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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Danny, this sounds SO GOOD! I bought Storm a few weeks ago after hearing all the buzz and now I think I need to read it ASAP. I love that every book focuses on a different brother. That is so nice and refreshing in the YA genre. Gabriel sounds like quite the guy and I can’t wait to meet him when I get Spark. 🙂
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Bailey! You must read this book because it’s sooooo awesome!!! I also adore the concept, wrapping up one story and then focusing on the next boy ! I am sure you’ll love it!
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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It is really nice to hear that the sequel outshines the debut. I love that. I can’t wait to meet Gabriel and feel my heart strings tug! Super excited to start this series!
Heidi recently posted..The Jelly Bean Crisis by Jolene Stockman
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Sequels are always complicated. But, since here each books are focused on one boy I think one can judge each book separately. And as much as I loved Storm – I loved this one even more (which says a lot!!)
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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Danny you ROCK! We are of course beyond in love with the Merrick brothers and Hunter and now we are in love with you a little too! This is like ten levels of Merrick AWESOMENESS! Couldn’t sum it up better ourselves!
“Spark will break your heart and put it together over and over again.”
HUGE shout out from Merrickland! Oh, and can we totally steal your Spark banner?
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OOOOOoooo THANK you so much :))) I feel the love *big hugs* seriously, your comment made my day!
And YES please feel free to grab my Banner, I am happy to see it “reused!”
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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Hehehe! I LOVE THE FIRE PUNS. It’s something about the stormy and fiery, I couldnt’ resist either 😀
BUT YES! OH MY GOODNESS. GABRIEL. MY EMOTIONS. He so broke my heart. He’s so… broken, and hurting, and I wanted to cuddle him and make it all better and and and… I’m so glad you loved this so much!
LOVE your review ♥
Sarah (saz101) recently posted..Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1), Sarah J. Maas
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looool I couldn’t resist!!!!!!!
Gabriel was so so amazingly heartbreaking! SO full of guild and anger and it made me so sad – poor boy! I wanted to hug him all the time and tell him that everything is getting better.. *sigh*
Danny recently posted..Pushing The Limits Read-A-Long Week 2
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Danny!! You torture me. I have been highly anticipating the release of this book but now you have elevated my desperation for it with this awesome review. I can’t wait to read about Gabriel and Layne and to read more about Gabriel’s broken side (I’m a sucker for that). And Hunter and Gabriel become friends? Interesting, who wouldve thought.
Sounds like Gabriel tugs on the heartstrings. I need this book asap. Lovely review!
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I really liked the first book and I can’t wait to read this one (though I was surprised by how far the author took the storyline involving the ex-boyfriend and how much of the plot it took up. For a while I was very nervous about what road that arc was heading down).
Gabriel and Michael are my favorite characters, so I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on Spark (despite the fact that the covers still make me cringe).
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Wow, 5 dollies. It must be good. I love the idea of focusing on the brothers with a book for each brother. Just like BDB. I should read this. Is K-Teen an imprint of a bigger publisher?
Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..The List by Siobhan Vivian
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I just read Storm and Elemental and loved both. Want more from Michael, hopefully a full book and maybe we get to rea more from he’s thoughts. Can’t wait for Gabriel’s story, he’s so angry all the time and we know it’s connected with his element, but to know more of him will be awesome.
Thaks for the amazing review!!
Mariana @ Book Travels in Young Adult
Mariana recently posted..Review: Awake at Dawn by CC Hunter
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