Spark (Elementals #2) Review

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 have no idea how ecstatic I was to get Spark by Brigid Kemmerer off netgalley, on my birthday no less and yes, I read it in one sitting.  Storm was mostly about Chris, the younger of the Merrick brothers but Spark is all about Gabriel, baby.  Obviously, if you haven’t read Storm (review here) then don’t spoil it for yourself, read that book first.

Gabriel has always struggled to control the element of fire and he thinks of himself as a fuck up, always disappointing people.  Failing math is the least of his problems and anyway his twin brother Nick takes his tests for him so he can play sports so it’s all good, right? Wrong.  Gabriel gets busted and is offered one last chance to prove himself before he’s off the teams for good.  Enter Layne, a shy sophomore student who offers to help.   It’s not all smooth sailing of course (this is Gabriel we’re talking about after all) and whilst he might be smart, he’s definitely a wiseass and blunt at the best of times but it’s all part of his charm.  Honestly.  Layne and Gabriel are both hiding secrets and will have to share them in order to help each other but can they do it? Will they?  In the midst of it all, Gabriel is getting a little extra help controlling his element and becomes an unlikely hero whilst keeping his identity hidden.  When fires start raging all over town however, the finger is firmly pointed at him only this time, he’s innocent.

I’m not sure if there are enough words to describe how much I love Gabriel and Spark definitely made me love him more.  He’s tough on the outside but he’s really just a lost little boy and that makes my insides go all gooey.  This series is so good and it’s the characters that make it what it is.  Brigid really knows them inside out and they all have such unique voices.  I actually forgot at one point that this was written by a woman as the male voices in particular are so authentic.  Spark was fabulous and flawless and I’m incredibly glad I discovered this series.  Brigid Kemmerer has definitely made a fan out of me.  

Spark was published on 28th August, 2012.  To find out more about Brigid Kemmerer and her books, please click here to visit her website.