Spark

By Brigid Kemmerer

The red-hot Merrick brothers return in an electrifying paranormal adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of Storm.
 
Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.
 
Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't.
 
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.
 
And no one seems to believe 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 . . .
 
Praise for Brigid Kemmerer and The Elemental Series
 
“Five hot guys, one tough heroine, plenty of romance and non-stop action . . . Elemental is the new series to watch.” —Inara Scott, author of The Marked
 
“Overflowing with action, snappy dialog, and hot guys—The Elemental Series will take your breath away.” —Kim Harrington, author of Clarity
 
“A refreshingly human paranormal romance . . . read fast and keep that heart rate up.” —Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kensington Books
• Release date: Oct 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9780758280060

Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer is the author of the New York Times bestseller Defy the Night, the New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series, which includes A Curse So Dark and Lonely, A Heart So Fierce and Broken, and A Vow So Bold and Deadly, and Forging Silver into Stars. She has also written the contemporary young adult romances Call It What You Want, More Than We Can Tell, and Letters to the Lost, as well as paranormal young adult stories, including the Elemental series and Thicker Than Water. A full-time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. www.brigidkemmerer.com @BrigidKemmerer

Book preview

write.

C

HAPTER

1

Gabriel Merrick stared at the dead leaf in his palm and willed it to burn.

It refused.

He had a lighter in his pocket, but that always felt like cheating. He should be able to call flame to something this dry. The damn thing had been stuck in the corner of his window screen since last winter. But the leaf only seemed interested in flaking onto his trigonometry textbook.

He was seriously ready to take the lighter to that.

A knock sounded on his bedroom wall.

Black, he called. Nicky always slept late, always knocked on his wall to ask what color he was wearing. If he didn’t, they ended up dressing alike.

Gabriel looked back at the leaf—and it was just that, a dead leaf. No hint of power. Behind the drywall, electricity sang to him. In the lamp on his desk, he could sense the burning filament. Even the weak threads of sunlight that managed to burn through the clouds left some trace of his element. If the power was there, Gabriel could speak to it, ask it to bend to his will.

If the power wasn’t, he had nothing.

His door swung open. Nick stood there in a green hoodie and a pair of khaki cargo shorts. A girl on the cheer squad had once asked Gabriel if having a twin was like looking in a mirror all the time. He’d asked her if being a cheerleader was like being an idiot all the time—but really, it was a good question. He and Nick shared the same dark hair, the same blue eyes, the same few freckles across their cheekbones.

Right now, Nick leaned on a crutch, a knee brace strapped around his left leg, evidence of the only thing they didn’t share: a formerly broken leg.

Gabriel glanced away from that. Hey.

What are you doing?

Gabriel flicked the leaf into the wastebasket beneath his desk. Nothing. You ready for school?

Is that your trig book?

Yeah. Just making sure I told you the right assignment.

Gabriel always attempted his math homework—and then handed it over for Nick to do it right. Math had turned into a foreign language somewhere around fifth grade. Then, Gabriel had struggled through, managing Cs when his twin brought home As. But in seventh grade, when their parents died, he’d come close to failing. Nick started covering for him, and he’d been doing it ever since.

Not like it was a big challenge. Math came to Nick like breathing. He was in second-year calculus, earning college credit. Gabriel was stuck in trigonometry with juniors.

He was pretty frigging sick of it.

Gabriel flipped the book closed and shoved it into his backpack. His eyes fell on that knee brace again. Two days ago, his twin’s leg had been broken in three places.

You’re not going to make me carry your crap all day, are you? His voice came out sharp, nowhere near the light ribbing he’d intended.

Nick took it in stride, as usual. Not if you’re going to cry about it. He turned toward the stairs, his voice rising to a mocking falsetto. I’m the school sports hero, but I can’t possibly carry a few extra books—

Keep it up, Gabriel called, slinging the backpack over his shoulder to follow his brother. I’ll push you down the stairs.

But he hesitated in the doorway, listening to Nick’s hitching steps as he descended the staircase, the creak of the banister as it supported his weight.

Gabriel knew he should help. He should probably be taking the place of that crutch. That’s what Nick would do for him.

But he couldn’t force himself through the doorway.

That broken leg had been his fault. Thank god Nick could pull power from the air, an element in abundance. He probably wouldn’t even need the brace by the end of the week.

And then Gabriel wouldn’t need to stare at the evidence of his own poor judgment.

He and his brothers had always been targeted for their Elemental abilities. Being pure Elementals, they should have been put to death as soon as they came into their powers. Luckily, their parents had struck a deal with the weaker Elementals in town.

A deal that had led to their parents’ deaths.

Their oldest brother, Michael, had been able to keep the deal in place—until a few weeks ago, when Tyler and Seth, two of the other Elemental kids in town, had attacked Chris. It started a snowball of events that led to an Elemental Guide coming to town to do away with the Merrick brothers for good.

He’d almost succeeded, too. After the Homecoming dance, they’d been attacked.

They’d fought back the only way they knew how. But Gabriel had let Nick call storms that were too strong. He’d begged his twin for more power. When Nick fell, the accident had practically shattered his leg—if they weren’t full Elementals, he probably would have needed surgery.

That night, Gabriel couldn’t keep him safe. The Guide had kidnapped Nick and Chris, had held them prisoner.

Becca and Hunter had found them. But Gabriel couldn’t do anything. Ineffective and out of control, just like always.

But now they were safe, and things were back to normal. Nick was his usual self. Life’s good. Move on. No use complaining. He hadn’t even said a word about what had happened on the field.

As far as Gabriel was concerned, he didn’t need to.

Just like with math, Nick was used to his twin being a failure.

Gabriel pulled onto Becca Chandler’s street and glanced in the rearview mirror at his younger brother. Chris was chewing on his thumbnail, leaning against the window.

Nervous? said Gabriel.

Chris looked away from the window and glared at him. No.

Nick turned in his seat. Make sure you open the door for her. Girls eat that crap up.

Nah, said Gabriel. Play it cool. Make her work for it—

For god’s sake, Chris snapped. "She just broke up with Hunter, like, yesterday, so it’s not like that. Okay?"

Jesus. Someone was worked up. Gabriel glanced back again. But she asked you for a ride.

Chris looked back out the window. I offered.

Nick turned his head to look at his twin. Very nervous, he whispered.

Gabriel smiled and turned into Becca’s driveway. Very.

"Would you two shut up?"

Becca was waiting on the front step, her arms around her knees and her hands drawn up into the sleeves of a fleece pullover, dark hair hanging down her back.

She looks upset, said Nick.

She did, her eyes dark and shadowed, her shoulders hunched. Or maybe she was just cold. Gabriel wasn’t one for figuring out emotion.

Her face brightened when she saw them, and she sprinted for the car almost before Chris had time to jump out and hold the door for her.

She stopped short in front of him, spots of pink on her cheeks. Hey, she said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Hey, Chris said back, his voice soft and low.

Then they just stood there breathing at each other.

Gabriel hit the horn.

They jumped apart—but Chris punched him in the shoulder when he climbed back into the car.

Becca buckled her seat belt. I’m glad you’re all here.

Her voice was full of anxiety. So Nick had been right.

Chris shifted to look at her. You all right?

She shook her head. My dad just called. He wants to meet with me. Tonight.

No one said anything for a moment, leaving her words floating in the warm confines of the car.

Her dad was the Elemental Guide who’d been sent to kill them all.

When they escaped and didn’t hear anything for two days, they’d all started to think he’d run off again, the way he had when Becca was eleven.

Chris took a breath, and his voice was careful. "Do you want to meet with him?"

Gabriel glanced at her in the rearview mirror. She was practically hunched against the door, staring out the window. "I want him to get the hell out of here."

Chris was still watching her. He is your father. He paused. You sure?

"He might have made a ‘contribution,’ but that man is not my father."

I want to see him, said Gabriel. His shoulders already felt tight.

She hesitated. Wait. You’d . . . go with me?

Yeah. I owe him a little payback.

We, said Nick. There was heat in his voice, too.

Did he say why he wanted to meet? asked Chris.

He said he wants to help us. That they’ll send another Guide if he doesn’t report back that you were . . . um . . .

Killed. Gabriel hit the turn signal at the end of her road.

She swallowed. Yeah. Hey, make a left. We need to pick up Quinn.

Gabriel glanced at her again. He wasn’t a big fan of Becca’s best friend, so the last thing he wanted to do was pick her up— especially when there was so much left to talk about. Anyone else? he said. Should I pick up Hunter, too?

Becca faltered and glanced at Chris. I’m sorry . . . I should have asked—

It’s fine, he said, and Gabriel could feel his youngest brother’s eyes in the rearview mirror. I’m sure he’s not intentionally being a dick.

Gabriel ignored him. What time tonight? Did he say where?

Annapolis Mall. Eight o’clock. Make a right at the stop sign. She’s down at the end of the block.

"He wants to meet at the mall?" said Nick.

Food court, said Becca. I told him it had to be somewhere public.

Great, said Gabriel. More people in the line of fire.

Do you think the mall was a mistake? said Becca.

Gabriel shrugged. Her father hadn’t hesitated to put normal people in danger last week.

But really, what difference did it make?

They were pulling alongside the curb, and Quinn threw open the door and launched herself inside. Blond hair was caught inside her jacket, and her backpack was barely zipped. Notebooks spilled onto the floorboards before she could get the door shut.

"Jesus, drive, Quinn said, hitting the back of his seat. God, I hate my mother."

She was just so frigging overdramatic. Gabriel pulled the car away from the curb, deliberately moving as slowly as possible.

But Nick turned his head to look at her over his shoulder. Everything all right?

Quinn shoved the notebooks back into her bag and yanked the zipper. I’m stuck living with Satan. When’s the car situation going to improve, Bex? I can’t keep doing this.

Nick was still looking into the backseat. We can keep driving you to school, if you need a ride.

Quinn stopped fighting with her things and looked up at him. Really?

We’d love it, said Gabriel, making sure his sarcasm carried an edge. Maybe we can pick up half the junior class.

"What is with you?" said Chris.

Don’t worry, said Quinn. I already know he’s an ass.

Love you, too, said Gabriel.

But Nick grinned. You can tell us apart?

Please. When you’re talking, there’s no challenge. She punched the back of Gabriel’s seat again.

He glared at her in the rearview mirror. What are you, six years old?

Oh, you don’t like that? What about this? She licked her finger and stuck it in his ear.

He smacked her hand away. He’d never punched a girl, but she might be the first.

Becca laughed. Quinn has two brothers.

I know all the ways to irritate a boy, Quinn said.

Gabriel snorted. I don’t doubt that one bit.

C

HAPTER

2

The day started with U.S. History and English, two classes Gabriel couldn’t give a crap about. He kept thinking about Becca’s father, how they were going to sit in the food court and have a conversation with the guy.

Now her father wanted to help. Yeah, right.

The Homecoming dance wasn’t the first time the Guide had nearly killed them. Gabriel could still remember the explosion that had taken out the bridge two blocks from school—and almost killed Gabriel. The fire hadn’t hurt him, but concrete didn’t make for a soft landing.

And then there was the way the Guide had attacked them on the soccer field. The way he’d taken Nick, broken leg and all.

The way Gabriel hadn’t been able to stop him.

His pencil snapped in his hand.

The fluorescent lights flickered and buzzed, making the teacher pause in her lecture and glance up.

Gabriel took a deep breath. He needed to get a handle on his temper before he set the whole school on fire.

Chris and Nick were lucky. Chris could carry a bottle of water with him and be close to his element. And Nick—hell, air was everywhere. He’d have a harder time getting away from it. Even Michael spent his days playing in the dirt, perfect for an Earth Elemental.

Natural energy was all around. But it was weak. Controlled. Filtered sunlight, electrical wiring contained behind layers of rubber and plastic. All it did was make him crave more—and Gabriel couldn’t exactly walk around with a candle.

Third period: Trigonometry. Gabriel felt his shoulders tighten as he walked through the doorway. Mr. Riley, their wiry teacher, wasn’t at his desk yet, but Gabriel dropped his homework in the basket and made his way to the third seat in his row. He usually spent this hour riding a line of tension to make sure he didn’t get called on. This was a junior-level class, but luckily he sat next to that advanced sophomore chick who raised her hand for just about every question. Gabriel pulled his notebook out of his backpack, but he’d snapped his only pencil in English.

Not like it mattered. What was he going to do, doodle?

Taylor Morrissey, another senior stuck in here, sat on the desk in front of him, her feet on the chair. Blond hair swung over her shoulder and perfectly accented her chest. Her skirt was so short it flared around her on the desk and put Gabriel at eye level with just about everything.

He knew she’d be giving the same show to any guy around, but it was tough to look up from that. Hey, Taylor.

You going out for basketball this week?

Don’t I always? Sports were his one saving grace, the only reason he bothered to keep his grades up. Being active took the edge off, let him run down energy that looked for things to burn in other ways.

Taylor leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees and giving him a clear view down her shirt, too. Me and the other girls are going to think up something special for the seniors this year. She looked at him from under her lashes. Any ideas?

Usually, he could do this banter stuff all day. But he was already exhausted from plotting to destroy Becca’s father, and he didn’t feel like playing. I’m sure you’ll think of something.

She frowned a little, then flipped her hair. Heather’s parents are going away this weekend, and we’re thinking of having a little party after the tryouts. They’ve got that hot tub, and it’s just getting cold enough to use the fire pit. . . .

Fire. The thought was more alluring than anything she was showing off. Count me in, he said.

Now she smiled, but it looked a little feral, the way a cat might smile at a trapped mouse. Maybe you could— She broke off and glanced sideways, her voice sharpening to a point. Do you mind?

Gabriel glanced right. That sophomore jerked her eyes back to her paper, her cheeks flushed. Sorry.

Ohmigod, Taylor whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. She was totally staring at me. What a freaking lesbo.

Sharp heels clicked into the classroom, a tall woman in a business suit bustling through the door to drop a briefcase on the desk. Dark hair was pulled into an honest-to-god bun, and it wasn’t doing her face any favors.

Sorry, class, she said. I’m Ms. Anderson, and I’ll be filling in for Mr. Riley. This school is a maze— Her eyes fell on Taylor, who was practically straddling the desk. Maybe we could all take our seats?

Taylor heaved a sigh and climbed off the desk, making a show of sliding into her chair.

Gabriel slouched in his own. At least they’d watch a movie or get a free period or something.

Since Mr. Riley’s mother is ill, Ms. Anderson said, this might be a long-term solution, so if you’re looking forward to a free period . . .

Now Gabriel heaved a sigh.

I think we’ll start with a pop quiz, said Ms. Anderson. So I can get a feel for where you all are—

Gabriel froze.

We just had a test last week, whined Andy Cunningham, rocking back in his chair.

They had. Gabriel hadn’t taken it. He’d traded places with Nick.

Ms. Anderson? Taylor raised her hand, her voice dripping with sugar. I know you’re new here and all, but Mr. Riley doesn’t give pop quizzes.

That may be the case, but it’s a nice way for me to see where you all stand. These quizzes won’t go against you, she said. It’s just for my purposes, so I can see what your strengths are.

Gabriel wiped his palms on his jeans.

He should go to the bathroom and not come back.

Yeah, that would be subtle.

Ms. Anderson stood at the front of each row and started passing out sheets of Xeroxed paper. Two pages, double sided.

Gabriel took a deep breath. He could do this.

He didn’t even have a pencil. He shoved his hand into his backpack. Gum. Car keys. A yellow highlighter. His spare lighter—he was tempted to take that to the quiz sitting on his desk.

He glanced up at the sophomore. He’d been sitting next to her for six weeks and had no idea what her name was. She didn’t help things by remaining completely nondescript. Mouse brown hair in a loose braid down her back, simple gray turtleneck, and no-brand jeans. Her features were soft and young and makeup-free behind a pair of glasses.

Hey, Brainiac, he said. Can you hook me up with a pencil?

She didn’t look up.

Hey, he said again.

Were her cheeks turning pink? Whatever, she didn’t look up.

His irritation flared. Hey, he said. Got a pencil, Four-Eyes? What are you, deaf?

Her head snapped around. "No. And my name isn’t ‘Four-Eyes’ or ‘Brainiac.’ " But she flipped her pencil at him, then bent to get another one from her backpack.

He rolled his eyes and looked at the paper.

Question 1. Change 5π/12 radians to degrees.

He had to wipe his hands on his jeans again. He’d go back to that one.

Question 2. Given that sin x = ¼ and x is in Quadrant II, find the exact values of sin2x and cos2x.

WTF. He looked at this every day, and it was still like reading Chinese.

He heard something snap.

His pencil. He’d broken another one in half.

Brainiac whipped her head around. What was her problem?

He glared back at his paper. The sub had said it didn’t count. But he couldn’t exactly hand in a blank test.

He had no idea what they’d do if he failed. What if they asked him to take another one? If they figured out Nick was taking his tests for him, they’d kick him off every team for sure.

They’d tell Michael.

Snap.

Now he had a quarter of a pencil. Other students were looking at him.

Gabriel took a deep breath. He could do this.

He could do this.

He could.

He put the pencil nub against the paper and tried to work through each problem.

It was the longest thirty minutes of his life. He didn’t even get to the last three.

Okay, I think that’s enough time, said Ms. Anderson.

Thank god. He didn’t feel this worn out after long runs around the soccer field.

Now exchange papers with the person beside you for grading.

He snapped his head up.

The sophomore was already holding out her paper, not even looking at him. He took it but didn’t relinquish his own. The tests sat side by side, one neat and perfectly ordered, one a complete fucking mess.

Brainiac sighed and reached out to grab his test, snatching it back to her desk.

Gabriel chewed on the end of the pencil nub. It hurt his lip. He could pick a fight. Get sent to the office. Alan Hulster sat to his left, and that guy was a tool. Gabriel wouldn’t even mind laying into him.

Hey.

He glanced to his right. That sophomore was staring at him, her brow furrowed. She licked her lips. These are all wrong, she whispered.

Like he needed her to tell him that. He looked back at her test. Ms. Anderson was reading off the answers, one by one, and of course Brainiac had gotten every one right.

Her name was written in perfect script at the top. Layne Forrest.

Why the hell couldn’t he remember a name like Layne Forrest?

He should punch Hulster now, before papers were handed forward.

Hey, Layne whispered again.

He glanced over. What?

She flinched a little, then whispered, You got a ninety-two on the test last week. I saw.

Of course he had. He would have gotten a perfect score, but Nick usually answered some wrong on purpose.

He glared at her, hoping it would make her back down. Yeah? And?

It worked. She recoiled and looked back at his paper.

But then he saw her slowly turn her pencil around and start erasing.

She did it subtly, artfully, so her pencil was barely moving, and her eyes were intent on the front of the room.

And then she was writing.

What was she doing?

He couldn’t figure it out. Then Ms. Anderson was calling for the papers to be passed forward and telling them to use the rest of the time as a free period while she reviewed them.

Hey, he whispered.

Layne didn’t turn her head, just pulled a slim paperback out of her book bag and started reading.

He flicked a broken piece of pencil her way. It hit her on the arm.

She sighed and looked over. Seriously?

What did you do?

Her cheeks turned pink again. She looked back at the book. Her voice was so small he almost didn’t hear her.

You got an eighty.

She’d fixed his test?

Gabriel couldn’t decide whether he was furious or giddy with relief. Why? he snapped. Why would you do that?

The substitute cleared her throat near the front of the room. Is there a problem?

No. Damn, his voice was breaking. He coughed. Sorry.

When the bell rang, Layne bolted.

Gabriel wasn’t on four sports teams for nothing. He blocked her in the hall, cornering her against the lockers. She was a tiny thing, at least ten inches shorter than he was.

Why did you do that? he said.

She looked up at him, her binder clutched protectively against her chest. Her voice was still soft, quiet, somehow carrying over the students in the between-class rush. Your brother took your test for you, didn’t he?

Gabriel felt hot, flushed, even though it was the truth. For some reason it was humiliating to have her figure it out.

He put a hand against the locker beside her head and leaned in. Are you going to tell anyone?

She swallowed. You bully everyone who helps you?

He snatched his hand away. Was that what he looked like?

Hey, man. A voice spoke at his shoulder. You all right?

Gabriel jerked back. He’d been so close to her.

Hunter stood there, a navy backpack slung over his shoulder. That white streak interrupted his sandy blond hair and hung across one eye, leaving the other wide and full of scrutiny.

Hunter’s father had been a Guide, too, until he’d been killed by a rock slide. Hunter had come to town to kill the Merricks, in retaliation. He’d thought they were responsible for his father’s death—until Becca had convinced him otherwise. For the last few days, they’d shared a kind of awkward truce.

Yeah, said Gabriel. I’m all right.

Hunter glanced at Layne. "Are you all—"

Fine, she said. Then she turned and dashed into the crowd of students.

Hunter stared after her. What just happened?

Gabriel didn’t hate this dude the way Chris did, but some sense of brotherly loyalty insisted he feel irritation at his presence. None of your business, Mom. He started walking.

Hunter followed him. All right, then what happened in second period?

I slept through English. You?

I don’t think that was sleeping. Hunter gave a pointed look up, at the lights embedded in the ceiling.

Gabriel sighed and kept walking. Could everyone see through him today?

You know I’m a Fifth, Hunter pressed. I can sense all the elements. The others might not have noticed, but I did.

Good for you.

Does this have something to do with why Becca wants to meet at lunch?

Gabriel stopped. She talked to you?

She dropped a note on my desk in History. What’s going on?

We have a dinner date.

We do?

Yeah. Gabriel started walking again. And you might want to bring your gun.

C

HAPTER

3

Layne sat on her bedspread and watched her best friend paint her nails an unflattering shade of purple. Sunset had come and gone, and darkness cloaked her bedroom window.

She couldn’t stop thinking of that quiz, the way she’d changed Gabriel Merrick’s answers.

God, she could have been caught. What had she been thinking?

As if her life weren’t already held together by a fraying thread.

Your hands look like they belong on a corpse, she said.

Kara frowned and waved her hand in the air. I like it. Are you sure your mom won’t care that I’m using it?

Layne shrugged and looked out the window. Her dad would be home soon, so she should start dinner before too long. Otherwise, her little brother would be raiding the kitchen for Pop-Tarts and potato chips.

She won’t even know, she said.

"You know, this is like, the good stuff. They don’t even carry this at the salon where my mom goes. It’s probably twenty bucks a bottle."

I wouldn’t know.

Kara rolled her eyes. Of course you wouldn’t. I can’t believe you’re related to that woman.

Layne picked at her own nails, which were short and unpolished. Sometim-es she couldn’t believe it, either. Her mom lived in labels, the kind splashed all over fashion magazines. More than once, Layne had seen her with the same bag some celebrity was carrying on the cover of Us Weekly.

Layne couldn’t tell the difference between Gucci and Juicy Couture.

Kara thought this was sacrilege. When they’d first become friends freshman year, Kara would beg to rifle through Layne’s mom’s closet. Layne would sit on the end of her parents’ bed and tolerate it, because a friend was a friend. But Layne finally got Kara to knock it off by saying her mom had found out and was pissed.

A complete lie, of course, but there was only so much staring at fabric that she could tolerate.

Kara wasn’t as smart as Layne, either—the only classes they shared were gym and lunch—but she was someone to talk to who didn’t call her a lesbian or get in her face about changing test scores.

Spending half her classes with students two years ahead didn’t leave Layne with a whole lot of friendship options.

Since the first day of school, she’d wondered what it would be like to have a guy like Gabriel Merrick talk to her. She’d noticed him right off—honestly, what girl wouldn’t?—and when Kara told her he had a twin, she’d wondered how fate could create two guys to look like that.

She’d lucked out with that assignment to sit next to him in trig—or so she’d thought. He sat behind Taylor Morrissey, who seemed to make it her life’s goal to humiliate Layne every time she saw her. But it also gave Layne a chance to watch Gabriel check Taylor out.

Every. Frigging. Day.

Really, she couldn’t blame him. Some days, Taylor could have worn a bathing suit to school and covered more skin. Layne could barely keep from staring herself.

And it wasn’t like Gabriel’s eyes ever drifted right. Even today, when he’d been looking for a pencil. She hadn’t realized he was actually talking to her until his tone had dissolved into spite.

What are you, deaf?

God, she’d wanted to hit him.

She should have.

Then she’d gotten a look at his test. How could someone get every question wrong?

For an instant, she’d felt strangely validated. He’d been a jerk, and he was going to fail that quiz.

Then she’d remembered the A on his test last week.

And she’d put two and two together.

She was tempted to pass him off as just some stupid jock. But his pencil had snapped, twice. He’d been angry.

Reviews for Spark

[alcarinqa_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’m glad to report that the long anticipated sequel to Brigid Kemmerer’s Storm does not disappoint in the least! Spark is a whirlwind adventure full of action and intrigue, and a sweet romance.I love the idea of following the same group of characters for a series, but telling each book from a different point of view. While I loved Chris when I was reading Storm, I was burning with curiosity about his brothers, and am glad that Spark gave me the opportunity to get to know Gabriel, who is possibly the most misunderstood of the Merrick brothers. Gabriel, whose element is fire, is literally all fire and heat – quick to anger and difficult to control, but steadfast in his ways and incredibly romantic. In some ways, I liked Gabriel more than Chris, because I empathized with him more.The love story in the novel burns hot – I loved every interaction between Layne and Gabriel and couldn’t enough of them. Layne doesn’t let the jock push her around and stands up to him admirably, while simultaneously unlocking parts of Gabriel I doubt he even knew existed. I like Layne more than Becca, simply because I have more in common with her. She and Gabriel are a very cute couple, and I loved them. They also made an effort with each other’s families – Layne got to know the Merrick boys and Gabriel is amazing with Layne’s younger brother, which is incredibly sweet in my opinion, and shows the strength of their love more effectively than any make out scenes!The plot of Spark is thrilling and kept me guessing until right at the end. I had a few theories, but they kept changing until I was just dying to know what was going on, and when everything was revealed I was left reeling. I’m not sure if I completely missed some obvious clues, but I thoroughly enjoyed being in the dark and guessing, and love Brigid’s brilliant writing for providing that.A wonderful and explosive addition to the Elemental series, I think Spark is in many ways better then Storm and shows the growth of Kemmerer’s writing. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy YA and elemental magic, as well as those who are looking for a quick, entertaining read.A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.

[iris0boekenplank · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Originally reviewed at Witchmag's BoekenplankIt was a greet feeling to be, once again, in the world that Brigid Kemmerer created. Although I was only slightly disappointed that the focus this time was on a different couple ( I grew a bit attached to Becca), it’s still fantastic to read this book. Especially after I bonded with Gabriel. A real bad guy, a guy with obvious problems. A guy who’s being tormented, who’s afraid of everyone who’d be able to breach his shields. Everyone misinterprets him, until…. Oh this is my kind of story ^^ I loved seeing him grow, slowly lowering those shields of his and getting to know people. Such a shame I couldn’t be the one to give him a hug though ;)Layne, too, didn’t have it easy growing up. Although there is less emphasis on her story. I got the feeling that Gabriel was the focus, instead of Layne. Not that I hated getting to know Gabriel, on the contrary! It’s just that I’d love to have known Layne a bit better. At the moment her character felt a bit “flat”, a bit dull. Just like how I felt about Chris in book one. There the focus was more on Becca instead of Chris, so I got to know her better instead of him. While both Becca and Gabriel where great to read about, I still wish I could have learn more about their counterparts.I also got the feeling that this book was more a psychological journey than an action packed book. It’s an expedition to come to terms with the past. It still has its more “active moments,” but this story is mainly about the developments, the growth that both Gabriel and Layne go through. All in all quite interesting to read about, but I kinda missed my breathless reactions at times. Or my breath that got caught in my throat. I kinda wished I felt those a bit more. And a bit more use of elemental powers. You’ve got them, so why don’t you use them?Conclusion4 HEARTS. A great book to read about, including a tormented protagonist. Who has a way to worm himself inside your heart in a matter of seconds. Because of his mayor issues, the problems of the other protagonist felt less important to me and she stayed a bit on the dull side. This was more of a psychological story, with lots of character growth than an action packed one. I also missed the use of elemental powers. At times it was as if I was reading a contemporary story? What happened to the paranormal part? All in all it was an amazing book to read and I’m only nitpicking on the little things I didn’t like. I can genuinely recommend this book to everyone who likes paranormal!

[katebond-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So much fun.

[cherierj_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spark was well written. The characters were believable. I found the hero Gabriel a little obnoxious in the beginning but he grew on me. Layne was also a flawed but more sympathetic character. The plot was interesting and I found myself drawn in and wondering what would happen next. I cannot stand cliffhanger endings so I was glad that this did not end in one. It is obvious with the amount of things left unresolved that there will be another story but there was enough closure in this book in the series that I was satisfied. All in all, a well written tale by Brigid Kemmerer and I am looking forward to reading more in the series. Thank you to librarything for my free review copy. I enjoyed reading and reviewing this book.

[annesanse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was so excited to receive this book from Early Reviewers. I absolutely loved the first book, and this one was just as good! I'm so intrigued by this series. There are so many paranormal young adult series out now, but for me this one is unique and just really stands out. I can't wait to read any future books as well. Brigid Kemmerer writes a very genuine story.

[hrose2931 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I read Spark I couldn't believe it was from the same author that wrote Storm. They are as different from each other as the boys they are written about. But, Brigid Kemmerer is a talented author and the emotion in Spark is so raw and on the surface just waiting for you to rub it the wrong way so Gabriel can lash out at you. He wears a heavy cloak of guilt for something that happened when he had no control over his powers, when he was still a kid. And he blames himself every single minute of the day and believes all of his brothers do, too. Especially Michael, his oldest brother who is more parent to the boys than anything. This is a really hard review for me to write as I loved this novel and read it in a few hours. I never write the best reviews of the books I love. It's not one that's easy to put down. Gabriel could be off putting if you didn't know how much he was really hurting inside. In some ways, he's never gotten past that day his parents died in the fire he started. The one he lost control of, that killed them. And he feels like everything is his fault. Nicky is the good twin. Gabriel feels like he's the bad one. He brought all the trouble down on them. He's the reason Michael has to be their parent instead of their brother. And instead of waiting around to hear it, he goes on the offensive and is obnoxious at times, picking a fight with anyone he can to keep from hearing what he already thinks he knows.One of those fights is over Nicky's new girlfriend who doesn't just sit and listen, she fires back. And for the first time in his life Nicky and Gabriel aren't talking to each other. In fact, Gabriel is barely staying at home. He crashes at Hunter's (yeah, he's in this one too). Unbelievably, Hunter becomes a friend to Gabriel. They hang out and play X-box. They don't talk about feelings, they just work out and do guy stuff. Then Layne enters Gabriel's life. She's the girl that everyone thinks is a freak because she wears turtlenecks all the time. She sits next to Gabriel in math and he asks in a not too nice way to borrow a pencil after he breaks his in frustration. They have to trade papers to grade a quiz and she sees that all his answers are wrong, but knows he always gets A's (because he and Nicky trade places on test days). Something makes her change his answers so he gets a better grade and he doesn't understand why. This intrigues him. Then, unknowingly, he helps her brother from getting beat up and she agrees to tutor him. Things are off to a rough start. Layne has her own secrets and her own emotional scars.Gabriel and Layne make a great couple, a balm for each other's wounds but they are both so defensive, the dance they play "are you hurting me or being cautious" takes a long time for them to learn. Accusations about the arson fires come from his brothers and more hurt is added on top of the already soul deep wounds. I'd be staggering under the weight of the hurt Gabriel carries around with him, but he is astoundingly strong. Layne has a strong belief in his innocence. And she risks her father's anger to get him help.The romance is sweeter, gentler in Spark despite the title. But for two damaged people, the healing that happens is more the fire. I loved this novel as much as Storm but in different ways. While Storm was smoking hot in the romance and the adventure was fast paced, Spark was slower paced and an emotional, heart tugging novel. There was still a huge amount of adventure but there was a lot of emotion. I wanted to gather both main characters up and hug them.

[sable677 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Spark through LibraryThing, and I am so glad that I did. I have to admit that chapter one contained a lot of references to the previous book which I have not read that confused me a little. However I was quickly pulled into Spark's storyline and became invested in all of these characters. Kemmerer does a great job with her character development making the reader get a good picture of all the main characters while propelling Gabriel and Layne's story. These four brothers capture your interest from the very beginning and that interest never wavers as this family is tested beyond measure. Gabriel and Nick, twins who have always been close, find themselves with a rift between them, but that rift allows Gabriel to finally open himself up to someone besides his twin. Layne also has growth as she comes out of her shell and allows someone to finally see the real her. The heart of this story is the characters and their relationships with each other which I really enjoyed. Throw in some supernatural elements and mysterious fires, and you got a suspenseful page turning mystery. Overall this was a great read that I would definitely recommend.

[keng_38 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Let me just first admit that I am outside the demographic of this book. That being said whether I am older than "young adult" or not, I can still appreciate a good story. I gave this 2 stars and maybe if I had read the first book it would have been 3, but I didn't so I have to rate fairly on the fact that they refer to events and their conclusion, no back story though in case you missed it and need to catch up. I might also have understood this family better if I had read the first book. The whole family is one dimension, there is no depth to them at all. There is no real emotion or feeling between them,the lead character Gabriel is a twin and execpt for one implied (it gets one sentence and then moves on) break down with his twin you would just assume he's another kid and no relation.The story is about Gabriel. He is angry. All the time, about everything. I found little about him to like, he has a need for fire and so he gets what he needs by helping people escape fires but there really isn't anything about the kid that even makes it seem like he cares. He just needs the burn for his element and the playing in these fires results in bringing some people out.I don't really mean to put this down but it's such a flat story. I liked Layne and the dynamics around her family but they were just a side story and couldn't really carry the book. I have seen that others have rated this book quite highly so maybe it is my being older than the demographic but I couldn'd understand him or why everything with him was so angry and secretive. I think the idea of this family having these gifts and hiding in plain site is a good idea, this book however didn't do much for me.

[michellel_15_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Even better than the last one! Storm was great, but Spark was WOW! Loved it!I didn't think I would like this book or this series very much, but it has some seriously awesome reviews so I tried it. I'm not a fan of books that change main characters every volume so I was hesitant to start Spark. I'm glad I did.Changing characters always confuses me and 99% of the time the author makes the old characters look bad. I feel like Chris and Becca acted differently in this book and that's probably because Gabriel is narrating now. Gabriel is different now too. We see a sweeter side of him.Lots of action in this one and plenty of romance too. I loved Gabriel and Layne's relationship. They are awesome characters. Simon, Layne's little brother, would make a great main character if Kemmerer ever decided to write a book about him.Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I really with there were more books about them. Not sure how I feel about Nick's story up next.

[lulu150 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was very excited when I got this book and I was not disappointed! When I found out I was getting this book and it was the second in a series I did have to read Storm first, and I also read Elemental and Fearless. I also have to say I am not a young adult and read for enjoyment. I really enjoyed this book and the whole series, now I cannot wait until Spirit comes out next summer. So, if you are looking for a good series that has a lot of action, romance and great characters I strongly suggest reading these books. Enjoy!!!

[truly_bookish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A few months ago, I raved about Brigid Kemmerer’s debut novel, Storm. I loved the characters and the cool Outsiders vibe I got from this book and have been really looking forward to the second book in the Elemental series, Spark. Guess what guys, Spark is even better than Storm! I am a very character driven reader and the characters in Spark are fantastic. The plot centers around the four brothers who can control the elements: fire, air, water and earth, and a fifth boy who controls all four elements plus spirit. I love how Kemmerer keeps the focus on the boys’ family dynamics and their friendships. Some of my favorite parts of this book were Gabriel’s interactions with his brothers. And speaking of characters, I love Gabriel! True to his fire element, Gabriel is a sarcastic hot head with major issues but Kemmerer makes it work so well. Gabriel is officially one of my favorite book boys for the year! There is romance in Spark and it is sweet, perfect and like everything else about this book, very well developed. While I thought Becca was a decent female lead in Storm, I love Layne in Spark! Spark is fast paced and with a different enough focus from Storm to make it fresh even though it is the second book in the series. If you are looking for a paranormal novel that’s fresh, funny, fun, well written with awesome character development and a great plot, Spark (and the Elemental series) is for you. I cannot wait to read Spirit, the next book in the series which comes out in May 2013, and pretty much anything else Brigid Kemmerer writes! Content: Heavy profanity, underage drinking, bullying, sexual assault, kissing and violence. More appropriate for older/more mature teens and adults.

[al6vick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gabriel Merrick is a high school senior with an affinity for fire. Sometimes he can control it. Mostly he can't -- yet anyway. There is an arsonist in his town, and even though it's not him, he won't even bother to deny it to his brothers (who want to believe him). Gabriel lots other problems: he feels guilty over his parents death, he has trouble controlling his temper, he's now fighting with his twin, Nick, and he doesn't get trigonometry. Nick had been helping him, but the teacher finds out Nick is taking Gabriel's tests for him. Mostly this book is about Gabriel learning to trust someone other than his twin Nick. Like the girl in his trigonometry class who tutors him. She is ahead of her year in math, and not very popular since she's smart, and doesn't wear designer clothing like many of her classmates. She has family and trust issues and well, and it interesting to watch them deal with high school problems and learn to trust and love each other. I thought their romance was quite sweet.I really liked the characters in this book, and felt they were realistic teenagers, and not just stereotypes. The banter between the brothers made me laugh out loud a couple of times. There are some surprises at the end, so it wasn't too predictable.Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I didn't feel lost. I will have to pick up the first book now, and will watch for a sequel.

[beguilethysorrow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh man, I LOve LOVe LOVE this series! It's so funny and so good it just sucks you in. And to top it off Gabriel is my favorite of the brothers so I really couldn't put this book down. The best thing about the writing is the dialogue, both between characters and their internal thoughts, because it's so real. The brothers interact and speak exactly like every guy I've ever known and it kept me laughing since of course it included plenty of ribbing lol. The story is about 4 teen brothers who were orphaned but their oldest brother managed to gain custody so they could continue living as a family together. Aside from the problems they have trying to keep their lives on track without parents, the brothers also share a family secret: they are elementals, or humans with strong supernatural affinities that can be very dangerous for people around them. This book is Gabriel's book and he's one of the twins whose element is fire, hence the title Spark. If you haven't read book 1 or the ebook shorts you won't be lost (I myself still havent read Hunter's e-novella yet) but I highly recommend doing so because it really adds depth to the characters and their backgrounds. Plus, they were just as much fun to read as this book.The only aspect I didn't like about this story was a detail in the plot's turning point. ****But Spoiler Alert****do not read rest if you don't want a spoiler**********The part I personally didn't like was when Layne's scars are supernaturally wiped away. When I first learned about her scars and how they made her who she is I liked that she wasn't perfect and was learning to find who she really is. And I liked that Gabriel was able to show his true character when she shared that part of herself with him. So when she suddenly lost the scars I felt a little cheated out of that aspect of the story, those parts of the characters.Regardless, I still loved the book. It was hilarious to be in Gabriel's head and nice to see him grow and find friendship and love with Layne.

[amberfib · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Let me just start off by saying that I really enjoyed this book. Spark is an excellent follow-up to Storm, and I loved getting to know Gabriel better. That being said, Nick really irritated me in this novel, and there were times when I just wanted to beat him in the head with my shoe. I've also firmly decided that I hate Quinn with an intense passion and hope she gets killed off very soon. Other than those two things, Spark is amazing. It's non-stop action, and just like with Storm, the story ended too soon. After the pages ran out, I still wanted more of the world Kemmerer created. I'm definitely looking forward to Spirit, which comes out in June of NEXT YEAR. I may die before then. For me, Gabriel's story is much more emotional than Chris'. He is going through so much, and his own twin even seems to be against him. Of course, Nick is only against Gabriel because of Quinn. I do not like Quinn, but Nick's choosing her over his own brother seems pretty realistic for how most teenagers behave. With Nick out of the way, Gabriel at least got to learn who he was on his own, and that made for an interesting story. Nick redeems himself a bit in the end, but I really hope that if he gets his own book, then Quinn is already killed off or they're broken up by then. I will not be able to read an entire novel about that girl. She's horrible. Anyway, moving on... Spark has a raw emotional feel to it, and because of that, I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Gabriel. He never came across as whiny, just resigned to his fate. Gabriel grows a ton in this story. I could relate to his hatred of math, so I immediately felt some connection with him. I also felt a connection to Layne because my middle name is Lane and my mom calls me that a lot. Layne is an intelligent, albeit purposefully plain girl, which means she's totally not Gabriel's type. He starts off being really rude to her, but once he gets a glimpse of who she really is, he slowly begins to warm up to her. It's really endearing seeing the two of them break down each others' defenses. I feel like their relationship was a bit more natural and moved at a better pace than Chris' and Becca's did. Seeing what goes on in Gabriel's head and seeing how he is with Layne really shows what a good person he is. It also illustrates how much self-hatred he has. That broke my heart for him. This book is about Gabriel finding his way, though, and throughout the course of the novel, he learns to accept himself. He also finds his path in life. The ending made me so happy because I felt Gabriel really finds his calling in life. Things are left a bit open-ended, though. He still has to find the confidence to go after what he wants. One of the things that I loved about Spark was that I had no idea who the bad guy was. I could not figure it out for the life of me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I'd be like, "well no, that doesn't make sense. How could that person do that?" It's very rare that an author has me completely confused about who is behind something, but Kemmerer managed to keep me clueless for the entire book. These surprises also set up Hunter's book quite well. There is a lot of action in this book, but not as many fights, which is surprising because this is Gabriel's book. The action has more to do with Gabriel's element, and his attempts at learning to control it, than anything else. Most of the parts are not half as dramatic as Storm, but they're still just as captivating. The pacing is perfect, and everything happened at a natural pace. I was definitely hooked throughout the entire novel, and I didn't get bored once. Also, Kemmerer still has the same anti-bullying messages placed subtly into the narrative, but the message is never overpowering. I think it's wonderful that she's keeping that as a part of the series. Stuff like that needs to be brought to the forefront more often.Overall, I'd recommend Spark to anyone. It doesn't suffer from second-book-syndrome like many second books do. It's an intense and emotional read, and the world, characters, and plot are just as captivating as the first book's are. Kemmerer is well on the way to becoming a powerful voice in YA literature. You won't want to miss the second installment to the Elementals series.

[stacyatufi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gabriel is a hot head. He is quick to loose his temper and quick to jump head first into any danger or problems he finds. He literally loves to play with fire and it gets him into a lot of jams. He seems to always feel like the outcast even though he has a twin brother and other brothers that love him. His powers are way out of control and book two SPARK is his journey to learn to control them better. Layne is a brainiac and often overlooked by others. She prefers it that way. She is reserved and shy but super smart and I could not think of a better match for Gabriel. Layne and Gabriel knock heads quite a bit throughout the book but when they finally get in sync they do wonders for each other. I love the world that Kemmerer has created for her characters, the plots of each book are interesting and full of adventure. I love that the characters rotate from book to book but we still see them regularly when their book is over. SPARK happened at a great pace with interesting reveals and hints to what will come next.

[bamaforever · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Spark is the second full length book in the Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer about four brothers that each have their own special ability to control a certain element.Spark picks up where Elemental left off. Except this time we get to focus more on Gabriel. Oh Gabriel, how can I ever say enough about Gabriel?Gabriel's element is fire which suits him perfectly. He's hot and hard to handle but also beautiful. When an arson epidemic breaks out in town all the evidence seems to point to Gabriel and it seems the only person who believes his innocence is a shy girl named Layne.I absolutely fell in love with Gabriel  in Spark. We get to see a whole side to the tempermental bad boy. Under all that sarcasm is really just guilt from blaming himself for their parent's death and shame that he can't indulge in and control his element better. Layne really helps us see the true Gabriel and I love her for that. Altough we realize Layne has a few secrets of her own. I also really liked the unlikely friendship that forms between Hunter and Gabriel. They both really needed someone and they make each other stronger.There were a few times I wanted to kick the brothers for not believing in him more. But that just goes to show you how connected I felt to him in this book.Brigid Kemmerer once again proves how complex and appealing her character's are. You can't help but get drawn in by them and sympathise for them. I can't wait to see what's in store for them.*review originally posted on my blog bookhoardermom.blogspot.com

[pollywannabook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban FantasyThings seem to burn around Gabriel Merrick. He’s hot headed, hot tempered, and just plain hot—literally since the guy can manipulate fire. Both are volatile, dangerous, and once out of control there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it. In SPARK, the second book in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series, Gabriel is slowing destroying everything in his life by lashing out viciously at his twin and the rest of his brothers, his teachers, and the girl who inexplicably tries to help him. He’s such a delicious jerk–but there’s that layer of vulnerability hiding right below the surface that makes him oh so redeemable.Layne sees that layer, and isn’t cowed by Gabriel’s harsh words. She’s fierce in her own right having had to endure her own bullies and the ones that target her younger deaf brother. She keeps her head down and tries to avoid attention as much as possible…until she catches Gabriel’s eye. The relationship between these two started out without even a spark of attraction or even interest. They each had an opportunity to step in and help the other—she with his math, and he with her brother–and things spiraled wonderfully out of control from there.One of the many things I’m beginning to love about this series is that Kemmerer doesn’t feel the need to completely resolve her romances by the end of the book. There aren’t crazy cliffhangers, but like in real life, her characters are figuring things out as they go. Gabriel and Layne still have a lot to work through. Layne’s father would sooner see Gabriel in jail than near his daughter (my absolute favorite scene in SPARK was when Layne’s father catches them in an accidentally compromised position and goes ballistic. Gabriel immediately mouths off in what has to be the top worst things you could ever say to a girl’s father including telling Layne not to forget his box of condoms when she’s grabbing his stuff), and Gabriel’s got a team of hunter’s on his tail and the fact that he occasionally sets things on fire.Packed with the same smoking hot brothers, supernatural secrets, and rich character driven plots, SPARK is a consuming read that burns brightly from beginning to end. The romantic development reminded me a lot of Simone Elkeles’s writing–though with less sensuality. There was nothing easy or instant about Gabriel or Layne, but it was obvious from that first inauspicious meeting that they would bring out the best in each other. I’ll be eagerly waiting for Hunter’s story in FEARLESS coming in May 2013.Sexual Content:Kissing, mild sensuality. Sexual assault

[abookwormshaven · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the first book in this series, Storm, but I loved Spark even more! In Storm we were introduced to all the element wielding brothers and focused in on Chris. He was learning to control his element and attempting to win the heart of Becca. The two of them were also being chased by someone out to hurt them and while it was exciting, I still enjoyed the storyline in Spark more. In Storm, Brigid needed to take the time to develop all the brothers characters and in Spark we really got to focus in on Gabriel and understand what made him tick. We do get to see all of the brothers again in Spark and learn more about each of them, but since their backstories were already known to us, Brigid did not need to devote that much time to it again.In Storm we follow Gabriel who is tormented and keeps everyone at arm’s length. He tries to hide his depression with his cruel words and “I don’t care” attitude, but he has a lot of issues that he needs to work through. He is popular at school and at first glance you would think he has lots of friends, but as his brother Michael points out:“Michael sighed. “I’m just saying. You’re friends with half the school, but you don’t have any real friends. You’re with a different girl every week, but you never have a girlfriend…”He shuts out everyone he can when they get too close to learning more about him. He has become very good at it, so good in fact he is starting to keep his brothers in the dark as well. He is also struggling with his element, fire, and is looking for an outlet where he can learn to control it better.Layne likes to fly under the radar and does not like getting noticed. She hides a secret that keeps her that way and does not want people to know much about her. She and Gabriel actually share that in common. She has not had an easy life either and while she is a wallflower, she is not afraid to voice her opinion when she feels strongly about something. I enjoyed watching her stand up to Gabriel and pry his secrets from him, even when he did not want to give them up.The action and the romance share equal page time in Spark and I loved the balance that Brigid maintained between the two. Fires are being spread all over town and since Gabriel has always been a bit of a rebel, his brothers are assuming it is him causing trouble. Beyond hurt, but wanting to help, Gabriel goes to the fires but tries to stop them and save those who are getting struck inside them. While he is trying to get to the bottom of who is starting the fires, he is also trying to figure out his feelings for Layne. He feels like he can open up to her and is desperate to share everything he is going through with somebody. Gabriel had a difficult road to travel. There were quite a few touching moments that I did not expect and my heart broke for him as he tried to work through them. He and Laney do take things slowly and it was so sweet to watch their relationship bloom. They are both very insecure with the secrets they hide and struggle with how to let someone in, without getting burned.So far this series is only going to be three books and I was not sure how I felt about not getting a story for Nick or Michael, but luckily Brigid gives us plenty of insight into them as well I Spark. We do not get their point of views, but they are big part of Gabriel’s story and we learned more about both of them through Gabriel’s story. We especially see more of Michael and how hard transitioning from brother to parent has been on him. There are quite a few issues going on behind the scenes with custody issues and the landscaping business and it has not been easy on Michael. I enjoyed getting more insight into what Michael was thinking. It helped me to understand some of the reasoning behind his actions in the previous book. We also get insight into Nick and what he really thinks about Gabriel. The two of them are twins, but they are at the point in their lives where they are going different directions and they are struggling with that. We also get to see Nick dating, which I found very interesting. Maybe he won’t get his own book, but we still a better understanding of him in Spark.Overall, I am just in love with this series! Spark kept me glued to the pages and I engulfed the entire thing in one afternoon! Brigid has created an exciting world with four incredible brothers that will easily capture your heart and make you wish they actually existed. Brigid has renewed my faith in young adult novels and has proven she is an author worth watching. She has claimed my undying devotion and I am eager to see what she has in store for us when Hunter’s book, Spirit, releases next year!

[bookswithbite · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an amazing book! With the readers getting a chance to look at the second brother Gabriel we're finally getting a glance at his dark side.What I enjoyed most about this book is Gabriel's dark side. Gabriel is the twin of Nick but always in the shadow of him. Gabriel finally reaches his boiling point and he explodes. Gabriel has a hard time controlling himself of fire and manages to find him in the whole world of trouble. The author wrote a flawless character that is well... flawed. Gabriel's secret get so intense throughout the story. The more he can't control it, the more angrier and scary Gabriel gets. The plot of the book revolves mostly around Gabriel, but the reader gets a good insight on what it going on with the other characters as well. We see more about the oldest brother, (FYI: Can't wait for that story) as well as some more information on the others.Gabriel manages to find a girl that I believe suits him well. This love starts off rocky and grows slowly. I enjoy it. Seeing Gabriel being peeled back piece by piece as well as Layne. Layne is fighting some demons of her own. When author brings these two together they are perfect. Shining and helpful to each other, the truly burn with passion.Igniting a whole new Spark, Ms. Kemmerer second installment is awesome! I love following the darkness of Gabriel and watching Layne bring him to the light. Fierce and amazing, Spark shoots off like a rocket!

[alwaysyaatheart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brigid Kemmerer delivers another awesome story in the Elemental series with Spark. We were introduced to the Merrick brothers in Elemental, which centered on Michael, the eldest of the four brothers, who is an earth Elemental. Storm primarily focused on the youngest of the Merrick brothers, Chris, who is a water Elemental, but we got to know all four of them a whole lot better. In Fearless, a novella, we get to find out more about their friend Hunter and his background. In Spark, the story focuses on Gabriel, one of the twins, who is a very powerful fire Elemental. His twin brother Nick, is an air Elemental. Unlike his brothers, Gabriel's element is far more difficult to harness and control, which often leads to "mishaps." Chris has Becca now, and Nick is dating Quinn, which sometimes makes Gabriel feel left out. After a big fight with Nick, Gabriel and Hunter begin to hang out together more. A new math teacher also figures out that Gabriel and Nick have been switching places to take tests, and Gabriel is forced to either learn the math or get off the basketball team. Layne, who seems like the nerdy super smart type, becomes a source of interest for Gabriel and ends up helping to tutor him. Gabriel discovers that behind that braid, glasses, and turtleneck is a beautiful girl and he is falling hard for her. Layne has her own secrets and issues to deal with. Unfortunately, her father can't stand Gabriel and has ordered both Layne and her little brother to stay away from him. As Hunter and Gabriel get more involved in a series of suspicious incidents that are occurring, things get turned around and Gabriel ends up under suspicion himself. As the situation escalates, hidden threats emerge and once again, the lives of the Merrick brothers and those they love are threatened. I have to say I absolutely love the Merrick brothers, all of them. They are such hotties. Brigid Kemmerer has outdone herself again in Spark. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Gabriel more in this book. There is so much more to him that he lets on in Storm. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, and other times I just wanted to hug him. I really liked Layne to. Despite all the the hard things life has dealt her, she still goes on. The relationship between Gabriel and Layne was really sweet, but also hot. They are perfect for each other. We get to see some new characters/villains come into play in this story also. Despite the tension in Gabriel's relationship with his bothers, they really came through for him. True to form, Brigid Kemmerer has provided her readers with nonstop action, mystery, romance, and plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Spark is another great addition to the Elemental series and is something you won't want to miss.

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: A fierce sequel to the Elemental series, that tells us it’s not always a bad thing to play with fire. Opening Sentence: Gabriel Merrick stared at the dead leaf in his palm and willed it to burn. The Review: Elementals roam the world, and in Storm, the first book by Brigid Kemmerer, we are introduced to the Merrick family. We have Chris, Michael, as well as Nick and Gabriel, the twins. Storm was a force to be reckoned with, pun intended, and Spark is no different. Kemmerer’s second installment in the series fulfills the promises of everyone who was a fan of Storm. I for one thoroughly enjoyed each moment, and I think you will as well. As twins, Nick and Gabriel expected to come into their powers together, but that wasn’t the case. Nick was the first to manifest into his power in the first book, leaving Gabriel feeling helpless and only having his brothers to rely on. In Spark, we see Gabriel’s power manifest. There are fires wreaking havoc throughout the town, an all signs point to Gabriel. Gabriel and Nick are two of the luckiest twins in the world. Nick is a math genius, a brainy type with a quick wit, and Gabriel is the sports champ, proving to also have a strong personality. They were targeted for their Elemental abilities, something they were all prepared for, but because of a deal struck by their parents, they were kept alive. Unfortunately, that deal led to Nick and Gabriel’s parents death. With the help of Chris, their older brother, they were able to keep the deal into place, until a few weeks ago, when some of the weaker Elementals attacked him. They would have succeeded, if not for Nick calling the storms to protect them all. And afterwards, Nick paid the consequences, suffering a broken leg. But Gabriel couldn’t do anything to help his brother. But that all changes in Spark. Gabriel was a favorite of mine ever since Storm. He has the gift to control fire. For an element, I’d say this one is the most dangerous, like a beastly roaring inferno. And funny enough, that describes Gabriel. It’s not a secret that Gabriel is the most ill-tempered out of his three brothers. And with the recent events, life just seems to test him, time and time again. Layne was my favorite. She was written to be the underdog, but did she excel. She exceeded my expectations, and fortunately, Gabriel’s as well. I love when kismet plays a part in stories and when two good people are brought together. She’s shy, intelligent, and a perfect balance to Gabriel’s personality. She has many secrets, some she is ashamed of, but this is why she connected with Gabriel. Once they both let their guards down, they were perfect for each other. Spark, as well as Storm, has a unique and interesting world. From the culture of the Elementals, to the dangers of the Guides, Kemmerer presents a world that showcases it in a beautiful and ugly nature. Kemmerer’s prose is wonderful, and continues in Spark. Her pages contain razor-sharp humor as well as well-thought out dialogue. The pacing was perfect and I never felt like there was a dull moment. Everything seemed effortless, and that is an amazing feat for an author. Notable Scene: Gabriel hesitated. He did—and he didn’t. It was addictive, drowning in fire every night. And it was helping his control. He was getting stronger; he could feel it. But he eventually would kill someone if he couldn’t manage his element better than this. He was going to get caught. He looked out the window. “I don’t know,” he ground out. Hunter fell silent again, pulling his Jeep onto the main road. But after a while, he glanced over. “Maybe we’re going about this all wrong.” “What does that mean?” “You’re a sports guy. You don’t just go out and play a game—you practice, right?” “This isn’t a game, Hunter.” “Still. Practice makes perfect.”FTC Advisory: Kensington Teen provided me with a copy of Spark. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[anniejonas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was extremely well written and I enjoyed reading a book from Gabriel’s perspective. We didn’t see much of Chris/Becca but that’s what comes with companion novels. With books like these, with alternating perspectives, you can’t seem to let got of the characters in the first book, so seeing them as flat characters in the next books really hurts. On the other end, companion novels in a series are great because you get the perspective from each person and understand everyone much better instead of just one or two.

[reginar_447079 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fun and sexy. This book is action packed and very hot. Fans of young adult and paranormal romance will like it.

[kctlagman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Spark is the second book of Brigid Kemmerer's Elemental series. It is a world on which certain facilities and individuals are given the powers to control the elements - Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. The Merrick brothers are a family who call upon the Elements, though their past is both tragic and heartbreaking. Gabriel Merrick is one of these brothers and he calls upon the element of fire... Well. He's trying to learn to control his power.

In Storm, Gabriel is seemingly your typical bad boy - angry, untrusting, and careless. In Spark it was interesting to see how many layers this particular character showed throughout the book. To his family, he was seemingly loose end, threatening to expose their secrets to not only the Guides who are constantly watching them, but also to the world. To young Simon, he is an inspiration as not only a star athlete, but also as a man. To Layne, he is just another high school student that sees her as nothing... Until one day, he isn't. He turns out to be everything that she expected that he wouldn't be, and she finds herself falling for him - secrets and all.

Gabriel and Hunter work to improve his controlling of fires, and they do that by entering houses that are on fire... Something that seems to be occurring much more often in their little town. Until Gabriel is framed for arson... And even more mysteries begin to show regarding the Elementals not only in town, but outside as well.

Spark is a solid continuation to Storm, but it did not capture me as the latter did. I felt that Layne and Gabriel's story was not described enough in depth, and I did not feel the emotional attachment between the two as I did Chris and Becca. I also would have liked for more interactions between the Merrick brothers, because I felt that that was a key aspect of the first book.

Nevertheless, Spark showed Gabriel's development throughout and that is what I was looking for. It sets up for the follow up Spirit very well... The plot thickens, and I can't wait to get to Hunter's story in Spirit.

[eomalley_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brigid Kemmerer released Spark, her second book in “The Elemental Series,” on August 28th and shows no hint of sophomore slump. Her début YA paranormal Storm was an exciting premiere for the series and Spark picks right up where Storm left off, but moves the focus to Gabriel, the fire elemental of the Merrick family. Turns out, fire is not only his element – it is his entire character.

Utilizing a third person narrative, Kemmerer switches points of view between hot-headed Gabriel and new character Layne, an introverted, brainiac in Gabriel’s math class. I found myself enjoying both of these characters immensely, and was surprised to find how broken they both were by events in the past. Gabriel was so brash and confident in Storm that it wasn’t until I got into his head in Spark that I realized how much of his persona was an act. He doesn’t lack courage, and has a deep love of family that he finds difficult to express. He is constantly going off half-cocked, or letting his temper get the best of him. Yet he is riddled with insecurities (from his math skills to lack of control over his element) that not even his twin, Nick, sees. Under it all lies the guilt he feels for causing the fire that killed his parents, and for being unable to help Nick when they were attacked by an assassin sent to eliminate them in the previous book. He is the epitome of the bad boy who needs to be fixed, and Layne is just the girl for the job.

Haunted by an accident that has left her covering up her body in turtlenecks and jeans, and that led to her mother walking out on her family, Layne is struggling with insecurity as well. She has no problem, however, standing up to Gabriel and the bullies at school who pick on her little brother Simon because he is deaf. Like Becca (Storm‘s heroine) before her, Layne is a wonderful mix of strengths and weaknesses. She has plenty of courage when it comes to protecting Simon, but also has what seems to be a slightly unhealthy fear of her father that concerned me a bit. When an outburst late in the story revealed why she was afraid, however, I found myself in total sympathy and thought her anxiousness to please her father came from a completely natural source. Once she took Gabriel under her wing and learned of the arson accusations against him, she found the courage to stand up to her father and demand his help. Her only weakness was one shared by Becca – the underlying need to fit in that ends up with Layne going against her instincts and getting burned (metaphorically).

Secondary characters shine just as brightly as the two leads (with two exceptions I’ll get to shortly). I did find myself missing Chris and Becca, as they slipped to the background in Spark, but oldest Merrick brother Michael moved forward and was fleshed out a bit more. I really like the way Kemmerer is slowly rounding out his character (after his introduction in the novella Elemental) and revealing the difficulties he faces raising three brothers after the death of their parents. Becca’s friend Hunter continued to be a quiet, confident force and the unexpected friendship he developed with Gabriel – as he helped him try to control his fire power – was an interesting twist. Layne’s younger brother Simon, though, was my favorite secondary character. This new addition to the series is a kid with guts and a deep-seated anger who recognizes a kindred spirit in Gabriel. Both share a love of basketball, and the only thing holding Simon back is how other people relate to his hearing impairment. The way Simon and Gabriel bonded over basketball was heartwarming. The family dynamics that came into play between Layne, Simon and their attorney father were fascinating and the way Kemmerer was able to use those dynamics to completely change my negative opinion of Mr. Forrest from being a frightening, cold father into one who is ultimately a decent person was brilliant.

Spark is swiftly paced and engaging. Once I started this book, I found it impossible to put down. Even though I had my work alarm set to go off at 5:00am, I was up until 2:00am that morning finishing the story. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” or “I’ll just finish up this one section,” but it was never enough. I had to know what happened next and tore right through the narrative. Despite the fast pace, however, Kemmerer takes the time to let the romance between Gabriel and Layne build gradually. Both are so defensive that it would be unrealistic for them to fall in love instantly, and it was more satisfying to see them slowly dropping their guards and getting to know each other.

The arson mystery that popped up about halfway through the book felt a bit disjointed when it first came into play, but once Gabriel was officially accused everything just dropped into place and really moved. It was slightly repetitive to have Nick once more in danger from outside forces (this time the arsonist), but considering the circumstances and his elemental power it was necessary to the narrative – and an exciting fire sequence was the result. I found myself surprised by the motivation behind the arson, and the identity of the arsonist; I love when I don’t see a major plot point coming and discover it along with the characters. Seeing the way certain events played out, though, it looks like a major confrontation between Elementals and Guides is on the horizon, with the Merricks and their loved ones caught in the middle.

Like Storm before it, one of the weaknesses of this entry to the series is the underdevelopment of the characters Nick and Quinn (Becca’s best friend) – the two exceptions I mentioned above. Happily my prediction in my review of Storm that these two appeared to be heading towards a romantic relationship was correct, so I continue to hold out hope that they will become more developed when Nick’s book hits stands. Also I’m still confused by the Guides, and where they fit into everything. Guides have powers of their own and yet they are used to police and eliminate, if necessary, the regular Elementals. I also apparently had them mixed up with the Fifths in the first book. What am I missing? What makes them different from regular Elementals? What are the Fifths? Maybe I’m just a little slow picking up clues (I have been in the past), but I wish Kemmerer had put a little more development into the Guide and Fifth plot points so I had a clearer understanding of them.

With its many twists, engaging characters, and exciting storyline, Spark is just as strong as its predecessor Storm. Brigid Kemmerer shows a flair for action, drama, slowly building romance and overall character development that sucks readers into her stories and refuses to let them go. According to the author, we'll be getting both Nick's and Hunter's stories in 2013 and I can hardly wait!

[vanyadrum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just how good can this series get? Seriously.

I must say that after reading all three books (so far) in this series, Spark remains to be my favorite. I love Gabriel and his hot attitude way too much. I love his 'don't mess with me' glare and I don't think any of the other brothers could ever take his place. He is simply unique.

Gabriel runs hot. Always. Not only because his element is fire, but also because he's always up to something dangerous and reckless. No one can copy him or be quite like him. Not even his twin, Nick.

And to top it all, Gabriel has got a really sweet heart. He helps the needy and protects whose who could and do get harmed. He isn't afraid to get in a fight if that will protect people he cares for.

When Layne enters the picture, Gabriel's blood runs even hotter than usual. She isn't the super hot mess Gabriel is used to, but she is sweet and attractive. Also, without the glasses and a little make-up and care... well she could be hotness personified. Top this with genius brains and you may just get close to imagining her sort of correctly.

Unfortunately, pretty, smart girls never have much confidence. Especially when there are a bunch of family problems involved. You can't believe how happy I was that Layne caught Gabriel's attention. Not because he's all the way up on that pedestal, but because she could and did make him more approachable, kinder, understanding and also gave him a reason to work hard. The slacker that he was needed a serious push.

Then there was the mysterious arson, who burned several houses in town. Why would everyone (including Gabriel's brothers) blame him for the fires is completely beyond me though. I mean, he does act like a hard-core jackass most of the time, but seriously? At least Nick should've known it could never be Gabriel.

Spark was so full of passion, devastation, happiness, anger and even fear that I found myself laughing hard in one place, then on the verge of tears in another. It was a brilliant roller-coaster of emotions that I'm definitely going to revisit.

[crashmyparty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm giving Spark a 3.5 star rating, like I did with Storm, for pretty much the same reasons. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, but I'm still enjoying the world that's been developed here. Maybe because it's a secret, I'm not sure.I was surprised, picking up this second book from the Elementals series, that this wouldn't follow Becca and Chris. After Storm, I just expected it to. But then I settled into Gabriel's shoes and read his story. His voice is completely different from Chris' - as it should be. I've said before that I thought the Merrick brothers were very well developed characters. I stand by that. Gabriel is angry and rash, and Layne I thought was similar. They're both closed off their real selves from the outside world, are very quick to jump on the defensive and make rapid judgments before they know what's going on. I understand why Gabriel is so worked up all the time, but his attitude and quite frankly, his rudeness, hasn't done him any favours. He needs a chill pill, for lack of a better expression.I thought the storyline of the arson, the fires, was well done - I didn't pick the culprit! This series is surprising me in little ways like that. The romance wasn't my favourite and I'm worried these books are going to follow a formula. In this case it's the Elemental boys meeting normal girls (except Becca wasn't), but it feels like the formula is already decided - they get the girl in the end. Maybe I've been too quick to judge, after just two books. I hope I'm wrong. I'm intrigued enough to read on.Still having a little trouble with the way girls are presented in these books. The girl who is the main focus is perfect, maybe with some little flaw or insecurity but nothing that can't be fixed with a few kisses from WonderBoy - and all others are horrible. Please. The real world is not like that. Why did Layne's best friend turn out to be a bitch? Why couldn't she have been supportive, rather than use it as her elbow into the popular circles? The boys in this book, other than the Merrick boys and Hunter, have also been displayed in a similar light. Every other boy in the school, it seems, thinks its fine to force himself on a girl, video/photograph it and share it, while laughing at all her imperfections. While I did not go to school in America, I find it hard to believe that everyone's like this. But I guess the ones that aren't, aren't worth mentioning for the purposes of this story. I'm finding it a little annoying but I guess Kemmerer doesn't want to draw focus away from the main romance to introduce characters with a little compassion and no other motives.My issues aside (as I always have issues), I'm on to the next one! Curious to see where it goes. Look out for my next review :)  

[erin.patel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to say, I find these books utterly addictive. The other night I was up until 2am (knowing full well my three year old would most likely get me up at 6am) reading them, and I think it is because the brothers, The Elementals, despite their special "powers", are so damn realistic. I could imagine teaching these guys. They are moody, they funny, they fight, they are vulnerable but proud, they protect those they love and they are total shits to their older brother who is their guardian. I think if I were a teenage girl I might be a little bit in love with these guys.

[n.w.moors-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is Gabriel's story in the series, the brother whose element is fire. As you'd expect, Gabriel is the bad boy, the tempestuous one who fits his element. Layne, a brainy girl in one of his classes, isn't afraid to call him out and calm him down. The story is fine; people in town suspect Gabriel when a rash of arson fires hit. Gabriel and his brothers try to solve the mystery as well as Layne. It was probably a little too YA for me, but it's a quick read.

[brandileigh2003 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It took me a bit to get connected and warmed up to Gabriel. It didn't make me want to put the story down or anything because I was definitely looking forward to more in this paranormal world. It helped though with the characters of Layne and Simon. They are amazing secondary characters and I loved what they added to the story. I related with Layne because of hiding from popularity and adored the fact she was a brainiac. Simon is an athlete, but he's labeled a retard because he's deaf. The connection that he and Gabe form over basketball is amazing and it really transforms both of them. Layne pointed out though that Gabriel lashed out when he thought people was on to him--the real him hidden under the gruff and rude at most times exterior. I thought that was really deep, and it was neat to see him internalize it and start to change. I also got to know Hunter more in Spark because of his friendship with Gabriel, and I think that its cool that he helped Gabriel to come out of this shell as well. I hated how his family doubted Gabriel at times in Spark, but I also was frustrated with him that he didn't let them in. But on the other hand, I totally got why he didn't want to tell them. He was finally doing something good with his power and learning control, so he didn't want to be forced to stop. It was also sad that he and Nick went through separation in here, but I know that in the end helped Gabriel to learn more about himself as an individual. There was also this great epiphany about how they all saw themselves as weak, with the least control, and as a liability to the others. Brigid has such a great style of writing. There is an amazing dynamic within the Merrick family and chemistry between the guys and the girls they like. The action scenes especially the ones with fire here in Spark are very vivid and beautifully and terrifyingly well done. While it wasn't a cliffie, there are definitely more questions that I need answered, and tied up. But we got answers and a semblance of a hea for Gabriel and his love. Bottom Line: Sparked a flame in my heart for Gabriel; great 2nd book in the series.