Spirit

By Brigid Kemmerer

Return to the Merrick brothers’ world of mayhem and magic in the “original, funny, and romantic” series from the bestselling author of Spark (Nocturne Reads).
 
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
 
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
 
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
 
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
 
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust . . .
 
Praise for Brigid Kemmerer and The Elemental Series
 
“Magic, suspense, and enough twists to keep you reading until sunrise. An incredible start to the series!” —Erica O’Rourke, award-winning author of Torn
 
“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
 
“A refreshingly human paranormal romance . . . read fast and keep that heart rate up.” —Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kensington Books
• Release date: Jul 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9780758289162

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

everything.

C

HAPTER

1

Hunter Garrity awoke to the click of a gun.

His grandparents kept a night-light in the utility room, but either it wasn’t working or someone had killed it—his basement bedroom was pitch-black. His breathing was a shallow whisper in the darkness. For an instant, he wondered if he’d dreamed the sound.

Then steel touched his jaw.

He stopped breathing.

A voice: soft, female, vaguely mocking. I think you dropped this.

He recognized her voice, and it wasn’t a relief. His arms were partially trapped by the sheet and the comforter; he couldn’t even consider disarming her from this angle.

Calla, he murmured, keeping his voice low so as not to spook her. He had no idea how much experience she had with guns, and this didn’t seem like the right time for trial and error.

Hunter. The barrel pressed harder into the soft flesh under his chin.

He needed her to move, to shift her weight. Right now, she was just a voice and a weapon in the darkness.

He let out a long breath. How did you get in here?

I drugged your dog and picked the lock.

It took great effort to keep still. He had a knife under his pillow, but going for it would take about three hours in comparison to the amount of time it would take her to pull the trigger. "You drugged my dog?"

Benadryl in a New York strip. Her voice turned disdainful. You don’t even walk your dog on a leash.

He never walked Casper on a leash. His grandparents lived on an old farm. Like he should have considered that psycho teenage girls might be leaving tainted steaks for his dog to find. If you hurt him, I’ll kill you.

You know, she said, ignoring him, I thought about just burning this place down. Kerosene, match, whoosh.

What stopped you? He slid his hand beneath the blanket, just a few inches to see if she would notice.

She didn’t. Nothing. There’s still time.

I don’t believe you, he said. If you wanted to start a fire, you wouldn’t be here right now.

We want you to get a message to the other Guides.

"I don’t know any other Guides," he hissed.

Well, he knew one, but Becca’s father was just as far off the grid as Hunter was.

His hand slid another few inches, clearing the blanket.

Come on, Hunter, she said sweetly. Aren’t you your father’s son?

Her voice had grown closer. She was leaning in. The gun moved a fraction of an inch.

All he needed was a fraction.

He swung for her wrist, going for deflection, ducking under the movement. His other hand was free, flinging the blankets at her while he slid to the ground. He threw a punch where her knee should be, but she was gone already, somewhere back in the darkness.

He tried to slow his breathing, his heart, trying to convince his body that he needed to hear.

Nice try, she said.

He focused on the air in the room, asking the element to reveal her location more precisely, but it was never something he could force. He had to wait.

And the air wasn’t talking.

At least the darkness was working to his advantage. If he couldn’t see her, she sure couldn’t see him.

He slid a hand under his pillow, and the knife found his fingers, the hilt a reassuring feel in his palm. He’d never cut anyone with it, but he knew how to throw.

Then he heard her breath—or maybe he felt it. Close, too close. He lifted a hand to throw.

Something hard cracked him across the side of the head—a board, a book, something. He went sprawling, and for a painful moment, he didn’t even know if he was lying faceup. Now the room was full of light: stars danced in his field of vision.

She kicked him, rolling him onto his back. Idiot, she said. You think I’d come alone?

Rolling sent the back of his head into the carpet. It hurt. A lot.

His knife was gone.

I should shoot you right now, she said. "But we need you."

Go to hell. He could taste blood when he talked. He slid his hand against the carpet, looking for his knife, but a booted foot stomped down on his fingers.

God, how could they see him?

The gun went against his forehead. A message, said Calla. Are you listening?

Yeah, he ground out. He still had a free hand, but he had no idea whether her helper had an extra weapon.

We’re going to keep burning houses, she said. Until the Guides come.

She was nuts. They’ll destroy you, he said.

I don’t think so, she said. Tell them to come and see.

You’ll kill ordinary people—

"No. Until they come, that’s on you. She shifted the gun. You like piercings, right? The hard steel pressed into his bare shoulder. How about a little bullet hole to convince you?"

Hunter whipped his free hand out to deflect again, this time rolling into the motion and trying to break her wrist.

She shrieked and dropped the gun.

He didn’t let it distract him—he kept moving and drove his fist into the leg of whoever pinned his other hand.

This time, he connected. He heard a male grunt of pain. His other hand was free. Movement filled the darkness around him, and he knew they were getting ready to retaliate.

And then Hunter found the gun.

He didn’t wait.

He pointed at motion, then pulled the trigger.

Kate Sullivan awoke to the click of a gun.

Irritated, she rolled over. She should have closed the door before going to bed. Silver was checking his weapons again. He did this several times a day.

She’d known him for seventy-two hours, and it was already making her nuts.

She glanced at the clock and called out. You know it’s not even five in the morning.

I have the capacity to tell time, my dear.

She slid out of bed and went to the doorway. He had a British accent completely at odds with his olive complexion, slightly slanted blue eyes, and sun-streaked blond hair. She’d asked him about his heritage, and he’d told her he was poured straight from the melting pot.

Apparently that pot poured into one hell of a mold, because Silver was hotter than the day was long.

The name almost didn’t fit him. His skin and hair were sun-kissed, as if he spent an insane amount of time outside. He’d be right at home on a beach, with a surfboard staked in the sand beside him. His hair was short, but just this side of too long to be called military style. She’d been tempted to call him Iceman, after the bad-boy hottie in Top Gun—eighties’ movies were kind of her thing. But then she’d gotten a good look in his eyes, which were a cold blue that made her shiver.

She glanced through the opposite doorway, which led to the bedroom he’d claimed—though claimed might have been an overstatement. They’d walked into the furnished apartment yesterday, and he’d said, Sleep wherever. Just now, his blankets were flat and perfect, almost military style. Either he hadn’t slept or he’d made the bed like he was in boot camp.

You should be sleeping, she said.

He clicked the magazine into a semi-automatic handgun and slid it into a holster. But we must play the proverbial early bird today.

She leaned her forehead against the doorjamb. I don’t want to go to high school.

"You are, in fact, a teenager. Isn’t this some kind of rite of passage? Couldn’t you find some time to rah with the cheer girls while killing rogue Elementals?"

I think you’ve been watching too many shows on the CW.

He didn’t answer, and she peeked through the spill of blond hair that fell across her cheek. He’d moved on to other weapons, knives this time. He slid each out of its sheath and checked the edge of the blade.

Kate sighed. He practically had an arsenal in the truck, more deadly toys than she would know what to do with. More guns, of course. Knives of varying length. An honest-to-god bow with a quiver of arrows.

She’d mocked him about those. Oh, good! Are those for when we fight the elves?

An arrow had just appeared in his hand, the point pressed into her throat hard enough to draw blood. No, they’re for when my trainee gets mouthy.

The accent, the danger, the weapon in his hand—it all combined to make him immeasurably sexy and terrifying at the same time. Kate had no idea how old he was, but he couldn’t be much older. His features were smooth and unlined, his body lithe and muscled. She wouldn’t put him past the age of an average college student, but he probably couldn’t pass for high school.

That’s why she was here. To infiltrate the local high school, to determine who the true Elementals were, and whether they were as powerful as rumor said.

Silver was here to kill them.

Kate hadn’t expected an assignment at her age—she’d only been in training to be a Guide for about six months before the call came.

It was an honor to be picked, even if her ancillary role had been emphasized to the point of irritation. Silver was in charge of this mission. She was the apprentice. The student.

Her mother would be so proud.

Kate dropped into a chair at the table with him. A gun sat there, a Glock 9mm, and she ran a finger across the barrel.

He watched her but didn’t say anything.

Have you ever killed any of them? she asked.

Silver nodded. Of course. He didn’t have to ask whom she meant. There was only one them. The pure Elementals. The ones with enough power to level cities.

Everyone on earth had some connection to an element—but only a select few were pure Elementals. Kate imagined it like a circle with a five-pointed star inside. Four points of the star represented each of the classical elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. If everyone alive was put inside the circle, some would fall between branches and some would fall on a point.

The closer you fell to a point, the greater your affinity to that element.

If you fell directly on a point, you could harness that element’s power and bend it to your will.

Kate was a pure Elemental, too, but she fell on the fifth point, which represented the Spirit. Once she fully grew into her abilities as a Fifth, she’d be able to control all four elements. Beyond that, her connection to the human spirit meant she had a greater connection to the people around her.

Years ago, the pure Elementals used to wreak havoc: mass destruction spanning centuries. The great Chicago fire. Earthquakes. Tsunamis. The Fifths, connected to human suffering by their very abilities, banded together to destroy pure Elementals and stop the destruction.

Now Fifths were selected to become Guides, and trained to kill pure Elementals before they could come into their full power.

Kate’s connection to her element should have made it hard for her to kill anyone.

But when it came right down to pulling a trigger, it wasn’t hard at all.

Her mother always used to say it was for the greater good. Kate wondered what she’d say about that now, after everything that had happened.

She watched Silver’s fidgeting for another moment. Do you expect them to be hard to kill?

His eyes left the gun to flick up and meet hers. Nervous? She matched his tone. Of course not.

He smiled, but there wasn’t anything amiable about it. You have some familiarity with weapons, yes?

Kate picked up the Glock and took it apart in four seconds. The bullets plinked out of the magazine onto the table. A little.

A bullet to the head is one of the few sure ways to kill them.

I have some familiarity with killing, too.

So I’ve heard. He ignored her attitude and started putting the stripped gun back together. I’ve seen an Air Elemental take four shots to the chest and still come up fighting.

An adult, right? I thought we were killing teenagers.

We are. He paused. And how does that make you feel, Kathryn?

She looked up in surprise. Fine. Why?

Honestly, when they told me you were my ‘trainee,’ I was surprised.

Why? she asked.

Because I don’t know what you’re doing here.

It shouldn’t have hurt—but it did, like getting a pinch in the arm from a vicious child. She’d earned her spot here. I was assigned to help you.

You seem eager.

"I’ve proven myself. I’m ready to do something." She needed to succeed here. If she couldn’t, it meant her mother’s death was for nothing.

His hands stilled on the firearm, and he looked over. "You must have done something already, to be assigned with me."

Why, you think you’re such a badass?

I don’t need to think that, Kathryn.

Stop calling me that. Only my mother called me Kathryn.

He looked back at the gun, checking the sight this time. I heard a rumor about your mother.

She was very good at what she did. Kate kept any thread of emotion out of her voice. I’m better.

"I should hope so. Obviously your mother wasn’t good enough."

Kate wanted to punch him, but it probably wouldn’t end well. I took care of it.

I heard a rumor about that, too.

What did you hear?

That your mother was assigned to destroy a Water Elemental but failed. He paused. That you went after the Water Elemental yourself and succeeded.

My mother made a mistake.

A mistake the size of the Gulf of Mexico, I heard. Stupid, to go after one of them in the middle of the water.

Silver was baiting her. Kate knew it.

It was almost working.

My mother knew what she was doing. She used to say, no matter how good you are, there’s always someone better.

And clearly she learned that lesson the hard way.

I think it’s time to stop talking about my mother.

He smiled. Can you get close to these Merrick boys?

Yes.

Without them knowing what you are?

Yes.

And if they display the traits of a full Elemental, what will you do?

She licked her lips. Kill them.

His hands went still. Wrong answer.

She flung herself back in her chair and rolled her eyes. Report back to you.

Good girl. He snapped the magazine into the gun and slid it across the table to her. Now get dressed. We have work to do.

C

HAPTER

2

The gun clicked empty, and Hunter swore.

A laugh in the darkness, somewhere ahead of him. You thought I’d take a chance with it loaded?

Then his bedroom door slammed and footsteps were pounding up the steps to the main level.

His mother was upstairs. His grandparents.

Kerosene. Match. Whoosh.

Hunter didn’t have the power to stop a fire by himself—and he’d done a pretty good job killing any sort of friendship with the one guy he knew who could.

He flung the door wide and sprinted up the stairs.

And there was Casper, his German shepherd, flopped out in the front hall, snoring loudly.

Hunter couldn’t really blame him. He’d been fooled by Calla once, too.

Glass was breaking in the kitchen, then something heavy crashed to the floor. Hunter darted through the foyer as more glass broke. What were they doing? Flinging dishes at the floor?

Yes, that’s exactly what they were doing. Calla was sweeping her hand along the counter as she headed for the door, sending ceramic canisters and the glass cutting board onto the floor. A guy Hunter didn’t recognize shoved the baker’s rack away from the wall, sending pots crashing to the ground. The table was overturned already, and shattered glasses and plates littered the floor.

Hunter wasn’t sure what to do. The gun was still downstairs—not like it mattered. It was empty, and besides, he couldn’t exactly shoot them for breaking dishes.

At least she wasn’t starting a fire.

Calla pulled a knife from the wooden block on the counter—then flung the block at the floor. Half the steak knives skittered free and landed among the rest of the mess. She dragged the blade along the wallpaper by the door. Need more convincing?

God, his head hurt, and the whack to his skull downstairs was only part of it. Get out of here, Calla.

Or what? You can’t do anything to me, Hunter. I’m not working alone, you know. I’m not the only one who can start fires.

Hunter glanced at her friend by the door. Dark hair, pale skin, a little on the skinny side. Close to their age, if not a little younger. Totally not familiar, but Hunter had only been in school here for a few weeks, so that didn’t mean anything.

The guy noticed Hunter’s scrutiny and grinned, though it looked a little crazed. He flipped hair out of his eyes. Maybe we should start a little one, let you know we’re serious. Then he shoved the microwave off the counter. It hung from its cord for a long moment, then jerked free and crashed to the floor.

Hunter heard a muffled curse from upstairs, then the floorboards creaked.

His grandfather.

Hunter felt pretty sure an adult wouldn’t help this situation.

He so didn’t want to deal with this. He sighed and picked up the cordless phone from the holder on the wall.

Who you calling? said Calla. You think the Merricks can help you?

The Merricks were probably the last people who would offer to help him, but Calla didn’t need to know that. No, Hunter said. I’m doing what you’re supposed to do when people break into your house. When she raised her eyebrows, he added, I’m calling nine-one-one.

Her smile wilted around the edges. Liar.

He spoke into the phone. I’d like to report a break-in at one-eleven North Shore Road—

Calla! said the guy by the door.

Hang up that phone! she hissed.

They’re still here, Hunter said into the receiver. They’re armed.

Calla dropped the knife. I’ll kill you, Hunter, she seethed. You know I can—

Please hurry, said Hunter. They’re threatening to kill me.

A siren started wailing somewhere in the distance. The dark-haired guy grabbed Calla’s wrist and yanked. They bolted through the door.

Hunter set the phone back on the receiver. He’d never dialed at all.

That siren had been sheer luck.

What a mess. Hunter ran his hands through his hair. The length of it still shocked him every time. He hadn’t cut it in months.

The floorboards in the hallway creaked, and Hunter swore under his breath. He had no idea how to explain this. If he said someone had broken in, his grandfather really would call the cops.

After he’d been arrested for his involvement in the fire in the school library last week—a fire Calla had started—Hunter didn’t need any more interaction with cops.

Thank god the gun was still downstairs.

His grandfather stopped short when he saw the mess. It was too dark to make out his expression—not that Hunter wanted to try. The man was tall but lean and muscled from years of farm labor, with short gray hair and a permanent look of displeasure. He hit the switch on the wall, and the light made things look a hundred times worse. His eyes narrowed at his grandson. You’d better have a good explanation.

Like Hunter had woken up in the middle of the night and started trashing the kitchen.

But really, this was exactly how every conversation with his grandfather went.

I didn’t do this, he said. His father had never had much tolerance for attitude, so Hunter was well practiced in keeping it out of his tone. It had just never been this much of a challenge with his dad.

Who did?

Kids from school. A prank. He paused. I’ll clean it up.

And you’ll pay for it.

Hunter set his jaw, but didn’t say anything.

When he and his mother had first pulled up the driveway six weeks ago, his grandfather had watched Hunter climb out of the car, then said, "We’re not going to have any of your nonsense here, you understand me, boy?"

Hunter had turned to his mother, looking for . . . something. Direction, maybe. A cue for how to respond.

But his mother had already been crying on his grandmother’s shoulder. If she’d heard the comment, she didn’t acknowledge it. And then she’d allowed herself to be hustled into the house, to be comforted over tea.

While Hunter had been left to unload the car under his grandfather’s glaring eyes.

He’d learned pretty quickly to make himself scarce.

Even now, he probably had about three minutes before he’d hear a lecture about his piercings, about how he needed a haircut, about how if he was his grandfather’s son, he’d clean up his act or he’d be sleeping on the porch.

At first, Hunter had tried being perfect. He’d done chores without being asked. Taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, doing all his own laundry. He’d fixed the two loose boards on the porch, then repaired a shutter that was hanging crooked on the front of the house—things his father would have expected him to do. No backtalk, just respect for his elders.

His mom was no help. She was so lost in her own sorrow that even talking to her about his grandfather seemed petty and insignificant.

So he’d tried to get along. He’d tried hard.

It’s drugs, isn’t it? said his grandfather.

Hunter sighed and carefully stepped around broken glass to right the baker’s rack. No. I don’t do drugs. He barely ate processed food, and this guy thought he’d put drugs in his body?

Sometimes this whole arrangement just felt like a big cosmic joke. Where was the grandfather who’d take him fishing and put an arm around his shoulders and ask if he was sweet on anyone at school? Why did he get saddled with the guy who didn’t seem to give a shit that Hunter had lost the two people he felt closest to, less than six months ago? That he was starting at a new high school in his junior year? That he’d spent his life training for something he’d never get to do, because his father’s and uncle’s deaths had left him with no path to follow?

Hunter began stacking pots on the shelves of the baker’s rack. For an instant, he envied Calla.

He wished he could throw a few things himself. But he was a Fifth—his father had drilled endless lessons of self-control into Hunter’s head. He’d been trained well, and he wouldn’t let that training fail him now. Not over this.

His grandfather was still standing there, watching him.

Hunter wanted to punch him. Instead, he gently eased the Crock-Pot back onto the lowest shelf.

Let me know how much everything costs, he said. I’ll figure out a way to pay you back. He wasn’t entirely sure how. He didn’t have a job here, and while he had some money in an envelope in his dresser, it was slowly creeping toward zero each time he had to fill his jeep with gas.

Definitely not enough to replace everything that was lying in a shattered mess on the floor.

Maybe in between trying to stop a psychotic pyromaniac, he could find a job flipping burgers at McDonald’s.

It would be hilarious if it weren’t so sad.

Sometimes he wished he could just tell his grandfather about what he was, what he could do. How his military training would put Navy SEALs to shame. How he could sense the electricity in the walls, or the humidity in the air, or the anger in his grandfather’s head.

Then again, that talk would probably lend credence to this new drug theory.

I’m done with this attitude, boy.

Hunter looked up. I’m not giving you any attitude. I said I would pay for everything.

It’s no wonder your mother can’t get it together, with all the trouble you give her.

Hunter stiffened, but he didn’t say anything. He had no idea why his mother couldn’t get it together. He didn’t think it had anything to do with him, but maybe it did. The last time he’d gone up to her bedroom, her eyes had filled with tears. She’d put a hand against his cheek and said, I wish you’d cut your hair again, Hunter. You used to look just like your father.

He’d pushed her hand away. What are you so sad for? he’d wanted to ask. Dad was just using you.

His grandmother was no help, either. She didn’t rag on him like his grandfather did, but she’d watch him with pursed lips, and he could feel disapproval radiate through the room until he wanted to grab her by the shoulders and rattle her body and shout in her face.

What? he’d yell in this imaginary scenario. "Not good enough for you?"

And then he’d shake her so hard that her dentures would fall out, and she wouldn’t be able to make that expression with her mouth anymore.

Hunter almost smiled, but he only let himself enjoy it for half a second.

His grandmother didn’t even wear dentures.

A hand closed on Hunter’s arm, hauling him to his feet. You think this is funny? his grandfather demanded, his voice rising in pitch as well as volume. "Your friends destroy hundreds of dollars’ worth of our property, and you think this is funny?"

It took every ounce of self-control not to jerk free and drop his grandfather on his ass.

But Hunter met the man’s eyes. Let me go.

His grandfather’s grip tightened, his thumb pressing into the muscle behind Hunter’s elbow. It hurt, but Hunter wouldn’t let it show.

He knew some of this was his ability. His talents drew people to him—and that usually meant pulling their attention in whatever way they were wired to give it. Sometimes it was nice—like with Becca, his almost-could’ve-been girlfriend.

Sometimes it was not.

Like now.

I should have left you in jail last Monday, his grandfather said. Let the justice system scare some sense into you.

Like his grandfather had done anything more than pick him up at the police station. The cops hadn’t even pressed charges. No evidence—because he hadn’t started that fire. Let me go.

You’re going to straighten up, or you’re going to be sleeping on the porch. You understand me?

Hunter wouldn’t even consider that a punishment. He loved being outside.

Then again, it was getting into the thirties some nights, and all his camping gear was still in storage from the move.

I understand, he said. God, his head hurt. Let me go.

His grandfather let him go, adding a little shove. Get this cleaned up before school. And I expect you back here right after, too.

Yes, sir, said Hunter.

And cut the sarcasm.

Fuck you.

But Hunter didn’t say it. He wouldn’t give his grandfather the satisfaction.

Instead, he held on to his temper and cleaned up the mess on the floor.

If only the mess in his life would be so easy.

C

HAPTER

3

School had been closed for a week, but that didn’t mean Hunter felt any eagerness about returning. He sat in his jeep in the parking lot and watched students stream through the doors.

He didn’t want to go inside.

He shared American Lit with Calla. How was he supposed to sit there in class with her and pretend nothing was going on?

Calla had been using Ryan Stacey to start fires in an effort to bring the Guides to town. She’d been drawing pentagrams in lighter fluid inside each of the houses they burned—a mocking call to the Guides, who painted pentagrams on houses where they suspected pure Elementals lived.

Now Ryan Stacey was in jail, and Calla had renewed her threat. She and that mystery boy would start burning down houses until he brought Guides here. How the hell was he supposed to do that?

And even if he could, was that any better? Luring people into a death trap?

He pulled out his cell phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Bill Chandler.

They hadn’t spoken in days, but Becca’s father answered almost immediately. No preamble, just: Hunter?

Calla Dean broke into my house this morning.

What did she want?

Hunter couldn’t get a read off his voice. No curiosity, no anger, no boredom or exasperation. Hunter never had any idea where he stood with Becca’s father—which was reassuring in a way because he’d never had any idea where he stood with his own, either.

She wants me to bring the Guides here.

A pause. This isn’t news.

She said she’s going to keep burning down houses until they come.

If these arson attacks continue, she’ll bring the Guides here on her own, eventually. She doesn’t need you.

That wasn’t the answer Hunter was looking for. Do you have any idea who she could be working with?

No, and I don’t care.

Hunter blinked. You don’t . . . care?

No. The Guides will come and eradicate the problem. If I get involved, it puts Becca at risk.

Calla will kill people. She’s not making little fires. She—

She’s alive because you missed an opportunity, Hunter.

Shock trapped the words right in Hunter’s

Reviews for Spirit

[alcarinqa_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The wait for Hunter's book has bee agonising! I've been eager to get inside his head and figure him out. Hunter has always come across as violent and untrustworthy, but Spirit reveals that he's just a sweetheart who's very confused about what he wants, and who he can trust.I love how Spirit revolves around the idea of trust, from the inherent trust we have in our family members, to the trust of outsiders and others who have judged us harshly in the past. Hunter has  lot of trouble with the concept: he won't let anyone in, and the few time he has let his guard down, it hasn't worked out well. The surprise in this novel, for me, was the exploration of Hunter's family life. I guess I got used to the support network that the Merrick's have, and it was jarring for me to read about Hunter's family and their mistrust and disappointment in him. I love the direction Kemmerer took the relationship between Hunter and his mother, and am looking forward to seeing that developed more in the future.I also liked Kate, although I could have done without the idea that she slept around a lot - it seemed unnecessary to her character. But I think the author made her point well - that a girl can be labelled something she isn't, and it's hard for her to prove herself to be otherwise, especially in a high school setting. I liked the conflict Kate went through, but it did seem like a repetition of what Becca had been through in Storm. After reading Breathless, I was a lot more sympathetic towards Quinn, so it was really weird for me to read Kate's thoughts about the bitchy blonde cheerleader. I think it made me like Kate a lot less that she judged Quinn so quickly.Their (inevitable) romance is scorching hot, perhaps even more so than Gabriel and Layne! It was confusing at first - Kate and Hunter are supposedly extremely wary of one another and don't know if they can trust each other, but they're furiously making out every chance they get. But their motivations and feelings are explored and I think it ended up making sense. Kemmerer made some tough decisions in this book, but I loved it all, and I think she should be commended for making those choices.When I finished the book, I felt like the plot of the overall series hasn't progressed a lot, but then I remember that Spirit is set only weeks after Storm, which brings a lot of things into perspective. With the extension of the series from three books to five, we can expect things to keep developing slowly, which is great because the series has always been more character-centric than action or plot driven. Personally, I prefer the series like this, all the characters that Kemmerer writes about are amazing.So, Spirit is not to be missed by fans of the Elementals series, and those who haven't forayed into this series offering five hot guys and their elemental powers are strongly encouraged to seek it out. Spirit will not disappoint, except that it will make you desperate for the next book, Secret, told from Nick Merrick's point of view.A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.

[renrav · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I adore this series. It's so addicting. I'm still not a big Hunter fan. I'm just not. I prefer the Merrick's and am excited for Nick's book next year. Although I would prefer it was released already. Like now.

I do feel the story is a bit slow. I want to know more about elementals and how everything developed. I also want the Merrick boys to come into their powers more. For pure elementals they do not seem to demonstrate the power that they supposedly have. I know three are underage and therefore not completely come into their powers yet but what about Michael?

I liked Kate. She was an interesting character and I liked having an outsider's perspective since the other girls featured did not have that. Although did she say she was 21? And then had sex with Hunter? Who is 16? That creeped me out a bit. I was suprised that she was killed off though. It broke the pattern of the other books and I am curious to see how this will affect Hunter in the future. I'm still not convinced Emily is dead either...

[brandileigh2003 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was great getting to be in Hunter's head and figure out where he was coming from as well as getting to meet a new character. Spirit is just as packed with action as the others, and has the emotional hook. There were several scenes where I felt so bad for Hunter. Bad things just happened to him over and over, and I can see where his confusion and not knowing who to trust comes from. I did get tired of the back and forth do I or don't I, but I did completely understand where his head and heart were. There are some smoking hot scenes in this one too, and I enjoyed them even though they were cloaked in, for the most part, head games. I mostly just loved being back in the Merrick's world and seeing what is going on with them and the trials that they bond together to overcome. I miss being in their heads though. Hunter I know is an extension of that, but still. The secrets that come to light in this one are good, and I suspected a few, but others just threw me for a loop. The pacing was good, and there was always something going on whether the action or some character development or giving a peek into the other characters we'd come to love from the previous novellas and books. The ending left me yearning for more, and I know there is yet more trouble for the Merricks and assorted characters brewing for the fourth book, that I can't wait to get my hands on.Bottom Line: Another great installment in the Elemental series.

[emcarso1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having not read the previous novels in this series I was happy that Brigid Kemmerer catches the reader up on the plot. The way she does this is quite special as she weaves the previous plot in with the new so that the reader is not just reading a synopsis. The book is definitely an interesting sci-fi YA novel and is certainly unique in terms of subject matter. I became emotionally invested in the characters and shed many tears throughout the novel. Hunter is the sort of guy that everyone can relate to at some point as he goes through every emotion, particularly uncertainty. I look forward to reading the other books in the series and recommend this to those loving the modern works of young adult fiction.

[bgknighton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A solid 3, maybe 3 1/2, but there are teenagers in it. Hunter has been thrown a huge change in his life with the death of his father and uncle. But how much of what he has been told by anybody can he believe? It seems everyone has their own version of the truth and reasons for keeping secrets.........

[skfurlotte · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was at a bit of a disadvantage reading this book because I had not read the others in the series. However I soon was wrapped up in Hunter Garrity's story and loved the way this female writer can deal with guys. YA has a new star.

[jschafer-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Let me begin by saying that I am a high school English teacher and I read a lot of young adult fiction. I picked up Spirit ready for the flat characters, overdramatic love, and needless action that I see in most books that teens read. However, this book is very different. It is definitely a page-turner (in fact I was late for a bridal shower because I lost track of time while reading it!). The plot is a great mix of realistic teen drama and science fiction elements. The teen issues such as abuse, bullying, and generally being misunderstood are prevalent throughout the novel and are a realistic look at what many teens experience in their lives and so the characters, especially Hunter, are very relatable. The sci-fi element of this book is that all people are connected to the elements of the Earth but some are more connected than others. Those who are pure and can control and manipulate a single element (earth, air, water, or fire) are called elementals and they can be destructive. Those who align with the fifth element of Spirit are trained as guides to fight against the destructive elementals. This concept is extremely unique and creates a fascinating world in which people can harness the natural elements for good or for evil. The action of the sci-fi plot mixed with the realism of the characters keeps me wanting to find out what happens next.This book is also part of a series which I have not read. Spirit can stand alone as it's own book because of the author's detailed explanations that keep the reader informed of what has occurred before however, it seems that it would be better to read the Elemental Series in order. After reading Spirit I plan to read the others to understand the background of the characters and situations that are presented at the beginning of the book.

[eomalley_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spirit is headlined by the Merrick brothers’ “frenemy” Hunter, a Fifth who first came to town determined to eliminate the Merricks but has been distracted from his goal due to his friendship with Chris Merrick’s girlfriend Becca. I know not every reader is a fan of Hunter’s character, but I’ve always liked him so I was pretty excited to have him as the leading man this time around. After reading Spirit, I’m a bigger fan than ever, simply because my heart goes out to a character that just may be the biggest wounded bird in the series.Author Brigid Kemmerer does a wonderful job filling in Hunter’s back story and showing what an emotional mess he is. This guy is STRESSED! He has so much going on in his personal life that it isn’t surprising that he blows hot and cold with the Merricks and can’t seem to really let his guard down around them. My heart bled for him with all the challenges he is currently up against. A mother who has fallen apart at the loss of her husband and seems to have no inclination to help Hunter through his loss, a grandfather who is quick to anger, and a sudden attraction to the new girl in school (who has a major secret of her own) all have Hunter struggling just to make it through each day. Hunter’s challenges turned out to be both the biggest positive – and negative – of this story for me.On the positive side, Hunter’s clashes with his grandfather and the lack of support from his mother end up bringing him to the attention of Michael Merrick, who gets a chance to really shine in this story. I absolutely loved the interactions between Michael and Hunter. Michael’s endless patience and support of a (somewhat) hostile and (very) insecure Hunter showed once again that he is basically the best “parent” in this series. When Hunter really needs him Michael is there, providing either an assist or a restraining hand. Hunter’s family issues also allowed some rather important information about his father and their relationship with the Guides to come to light, AND hinted at some big developments to come. Spirit has all the earmarks of being the pivotal book in the series.On the negative side (and it’s not a big negative), Hunter found himself attracted to new girl Kate Sullivan, who turned out to be the first romantic interest in the series I didn’t particularly like. She is a well-written character with plenty of layers, a kick-butt attitude, and a nice chemistry with Hunter. I have no idea why I didn’t bond with her character, but something just didn’t gel for me until very late in the story. However, with all the twists and turns their relationship took (and there were some MAJOR ones), I was quite happy with them as a couple by the end even if Kate wasn’t one of my favorite characters. I was also impressed by Kemmerer’s fearlessness in taking Hunter and Kate’s romance down a non-traditional route that I didn’t anticipate, kicking things into suspense/thriller territory while setting the wheels in motion for the explosive finale.It only took three books (and a couple of novellas) for me to finally – FINALLY – understand the whole Fifths vs. Guides facet of the Elemental mythology that has been eluding me. I have always been confused by the differences between Fifths and Guides, and it looks like Kemmerer heard my cries for help. With Fifths and Guides having a strong presence in this story, I learned that all Guides are Fifths but not all Fifths are Guides, which is probably why I was confused. By the time Spirit ended, though, I had a clear understanding of the Guides and their place in the Elemental world as judges, juries and executioners. Not everyone is pleased with the power the Guides are wielding, and a rebellion is brewing that looks like it will pit Elemental against Elemental for the rest of the series. Plenty of action, revelations, and serpentine twists got my blood pumping and set things up for some major showdowns in future installments. It looks like we are in for a wild ride.Spirit is another kick-butt installment in Brigid Kemmerer’s fantastic Elemental Series. Hunter turned out to be the perfect protagonist/romantic lead as his story was used to clarify the mythology of the Elemental world and set the foundation for what will happen moving forward. Kemmerer continues to impress with her ability to provide relatable characters, unforeseeable and shocking twists, and plenty of tension-filled drama. Major reveals, suspense, action, romance and an emotionally wounded hero all combine to make Spirit an exciting – and pivotal – entry in the series.

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

I’m not gonna lie, I was disappointed when I saw that Spirit would center around Hunter. He’s already been highlighted more than any other character in this series, and he’s frankly just not very much fun. He’s actually kind of a bummer: such a wounded bird, and so infinitely capable of screwing everything up while trying to do the right thing. The first third of Spirit is just a bunch of depressing, unfair shit falling on his shoulders and him whining about it (which he has every right to do because his life is the absolute worst, but Jesus). And then the novel hits its stride, and you realize that there is no way Kemmerer could have told this story with any other character. Because it goes to some pretty dark places, and I think it all impacted me harder than it might have had I not started out feeling ambivalent about the guy at the center of everything.

Spirit is Hunter’s third separate outing as a love interest in this series, and it finally feels like he’s evenly matched. He and Kate, the mysterious new girl, are absolutely adorable together. Their flirtatious text messages are amazing. And please, please, please read Nick’s novella, Breathless, before delving into Spirit. Not having read it won’t ruin anything for you, but there is some really great humor built in if you know what’s going on with Nick when Kate flirts with him. It’s a lot of fun.

The Elemental series is, on the surface, just a bunch of stories about cute, realistically-written teenage boys with super powers falling in love. And, frankly, I would devour each novel as it came out if that were all there was to it. But there’s also some really lovely stuff here about this new generation having the capacity to rise up and shake off the prejudices of those before it. What Kemmerer does better than so many other writers is… well, do you remember in X-Men: The Last Stand, when Ice Man and Pyro go home to see their parents, and their mother asks, “Have you ever tried not being a mutant?” And then you didn’t want to watch the movie anymore because with that one line, the filmmakers had stretched the basic metaphor at the core of the property to a point where it no longer literally applied to the circumstances of the film? Me, too. It felt like the writers and director were so concerned with showing how clever they were that they didn’t mind ignoring the poignancy a less on-the-nose version of the classic coming out scene could’ve had. It’s important within narrative works to tell the story as it wants to be told, even if that means straying from the strict confines of the real-life situations you’re emulating and alluding to.

Kemmerer, by contrast, seems to have no ego tied up in her stories. Everything feels like it comes from a place of love. She writes about family dynamics and the complications between teenagers and their parents in such a beautiful, honest way. The sweet, unconditional love of these unconventional families is so refreshing, and the sacrifices they make for each other are just heartbreaking. By the end of the novel, it is clear that the Guides are getting serious and closing in on the Merricks, and it's equally clear that the family can’t run away. So they’re stuck, sitting ducks, waiting for a trap to spring that will finally overwhelm their considerable talents.

[hrose2931 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't know how she did it. I have hated, strongly, passionately, with fervor, hated Hunter since this series began. I knew there would be no way I would like him or ever feel the slightest bit of empathy for him. I could not have been more wrong. While he isn't my favorite in the Elemental series, I like him. I understand him. I damn near cried for him. I felt really bad for him. And I am hoping that Gabriel Merrick finally stops hitting him because I might just have to stand in his way and tell him to grow up.If you haven't heard of Brigid Kemmerer or her Elemental Series then I'm pretty sure you've been living under a rock or in a convent. These novels are oozing with steamy scenes between the Merrick brothers and their love interests be it a girl or another guy. And then there is Hunter, the outsider. He isn't exactly an elemental, he is all the elements. And he's becoming someone I like. I really never thought I'd write that. I think I might owe Brigid some money or something. We might have made a bet.So let's break it down like I usually do-Characters-Hunter Garrity-. Well, I've never trusted him. Even in this novel, he shows that even he doesn't know how much he can be trusted, but I finally understand why that is and how he learned those lessons. I get his powers more now as well. I understand his living situation. I get what happened with his dad and uncle. I just get Hunter. The whole book is in his head and a running diatribe of how he thinks and he is terribly flawed in his thinking. But what boy in this series hasn't been? Hunter though, he has been screwed up from his father, his uncle, his mom, grandfather, girls, the Merricks, everyone he knows, he thinks. Hunter walks a shaky line not knowing who to trust, what's right, what's wrong. His head tells him the Merrick brothers are an abomination and should be killed, that's what his dad and uncle would do, that's what he was raised to believe. But yet, time and again, he can't kill them. Not only them, but people that really deserve it. Hunter feels abandoned, confused, lonely, devastated, conflicted, torn and betrayed. He's a wreck. He's got this big wall he puts up between himself and others and it is hard to break. It's still there, but it's ready to come down. It was down for a bit. I'm wondering if he'll get his own book again???Michael Merrick-This is big brother. He has a much bigger part in this novel and I am so happy to see it. I LOVE this guy. He took over raising his brothers right after his parents died at 18, gave up his dreams and has been dealing with their crap (can you imagine trying to raise Gabriel?) for a long time. He wasn't prepared to do it, but he's learned a lot about how to talk to his brothers and he's good with Hunter who needs someone to listen to him. He's not condescending. He's not fatherly. He's just quiet. Then says something totally out of the blue that Hunter needs to hear and it helps so much. Just when Hunter thinks "I'll crack if you're nice to me" Michael just sits there and doesn't say a word. Just sits there quietly. Michael is outstanding when it comes to reading Hunter. I just want to hug him and tell him what a great job he's done. He's come a long way from the first novel when he was always verbally sparring with Gabriel. He seems wiser, more at peace.Kate- Wow, she was like a hurricane coming into Hunter's life. Full of energy and life and ideas and feelings. She really changed things for him. And I think he changed things for her. I didn't like her at first because she was faking things with him and Hunter was already so beaten down. I mean, I was already feeling so sorry for him, I didn't want him to get hurt any more than he already was. But when the true Kate came out, when she admitted to how she saw things, how she viewed the Merricks, I really liked her. I wasn't sure how she'd fit in with everyone, but that didn't matter.The world- Well no need to explain that, same town, same school. Two new guides have been sent to kill the elementals who have been causing the fires.The Story- Well, there's a lot going on in this one. Since this is all told from Hunter's point of view (for the most part) we don't know what the Merricks are up to so we don't know what they are thinking or their plans. Two new Guides have been sent to town to find the elementals and eliminate them. Kate is one, who's job it is to infiltrate the school and find the Merricks as everyone as usual is blaming them for the fires. Hunter was in the library during that fire in the last book and knows it was Calla that started the fire and she confessed to causing the rock slide that killed his father and uncle. He had a gun, but couldn't pull the trigger.Now Calla is pretending that he assaulted her so he has to stay away from her and she's made it clear she can make his life hell. She wants him to call more Guides to town so they can fight them and she's not afraid to kill more people and start more fires to do it.Here's what I thought- I was stunned, I still am, that Hunter seemed so vulnerable when I got inside his head. No wonder I didn't like him, he doesn't even like himself when it came down to it. He doesn't even know who he is. But he's got a constant battle going on inside of himself fighting what he knows is right against what he was taught to believe. He deeply wants to belong, but he's afraid of putting himself out there based on past experiences. Brigid Kemmerer addressed feelings and emotions that teenage boys experience, but rarely talk about for fear of being laughed at. You see that when Hunter tries not to talk to Michael. He keeps this thing inside, this horrific thing that happened to him to himself because he's afraid he'll look weak for needing to talk about it, or worse that he'll cry. But sometimes things just have to be said. And in some instances, tears have to be shed. With Hunter, tears needed to be shed. He'd held too much in for too long.Though the ending brings easier times for Hunter, it's bittersweet. Get ready, it's an emotional story. And yeah, you're probably gonna like Hunter at the end. I would never have thought it could happen, but yeah, I do.

[kctlagman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Provided with an ARC copy from Kensington Books via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The first day you meet, you are friends. The next, you are brothers.

Spirit begins two weeks after Gabriel's story, where the reader learns of a growing rebellion among the Elementals against the guides. This is Hunter's story, a sixteen year old boy who has last so much in his short life. Hunter is the prime example of the importance of one's defining moment - that one event can alter one's life completely.

Hunter's father and uncle were Guides, and their lives were lost in a car accident. Hunter had often felt that his father was the only one who could truly understand him, and the loss changes him completely. No longer is he the exuberant young boy desperate to learn and train towards his craft, the the ultimate power of the elements that had defined him for so long.

Fast forward a few years, and Hunter has sufficiently forced himself into the lives of the Merrick brothers. While his initial plan to was venge the death of his father, he soon finds himself unsure and confused as to what right and wrong really are. The Merricks show him kindness when nobody else has. They are opposite of what he had expected for years. The confusion is deepened with the arrival of Kate and Silver, and it is only a matter of time before Hunter must choose the type of Fifth that he wants to be, and whether the greater good is something that is worth any life - even the one that he came to value without even knowing it.

I found Kemmerer's literary choices to be quite bold considering the previous two novels in this series. Hunter's story is one of identity, redemption, and sacrifice. His loneliness captured me in the first few chapters of the book and my heart stayed with him until the very end. While I was not wholly impressed by the development of the romance - I felt it was more physically based than emotional - my heart shattered for Hunter and Kate and I had a lot of respect for the two by the end. The relationship between Hunter and the Merricks is what made the book for me, I felt the concern and loyalty that the family had towards Hunter, even if he didn't recognize it himself. I saw Hunter develop wonderfully as a protagonist, and that was what I was truly looking for while reading this.

Spirit is the story of Hunter Garrity, and Kemmerer tells his story very well. While sharing Hunter's story, she also sets up well for the following book in the Elemental series, and I for one cannot wait to see how the story goes on.

[bookswithbite · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Before I get started on this review, I was supposed to review this book last year. For some reason, I read the book but never posted a review. So, here it is.Plot: Once again, this author has amazed me. I love this plot and the way it move. So much action yet filled with just the right touch of emotion. I think this story has so much more than what I thought. It really captured me and held me in the book.Hunter: Just his story in general is really intriguing yet heartbreaking. I loved learning more from his point of view as well as the other brothers. I think this guy has proven himself time and again. I’m hoping that maybe one day he will had his happy ending.Ending: This book does not end on a happy note. It ends sad yet the story is fulfilled. I can only hope that the author will release another story for Hunter or at least, give him something to make him happy. I didn’t see it ending that way. That is the reason why I held so strongly to the book.I really love this series and I think all should read it. It’s has a great plot and characters to interest any reader. Spirit is a fabulous addition.

[vanyadrum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

NOTE: I received this eARC thru Netgalley. Thanks so much!

Goodness, I cried on this one. Real tears and all. It was sooooooooooo good!!! I can't believe what happened, honestly! And this is by far the most emotional of the books in this series. I give it to the fact that Hunter, the lead male here, controls the element of the spirit. With him everything is ever about emotion.

There's so much anger, pain, devotion, hurt, passion and love in this novel, you have to read it for yourself to experience it all. I'm getting goosebumps right now, as I'm thinking about all the action and romance and just... everything really!

I did laugh in some places where the irony and sarcasm were too heavy to ignore. And I cried too but I'm not telling why, when or where. I'm just going to say that you will cry too. I mean, it's impossible not to, given all the drama.

Let me tell you, Hunter is not my favorite character in this series. Bad boy Gabriel is. But Hunter is right behind him up on the scale. It's probably because Hunter is so innocent at heart. He's being lied to by the people he considers friends and is told the truth by those he considers his enemies. I'm glad he figured out who is who in the end, because by one point I was ready to march up to him and slap him in the face. I mean, yeah it's complicated sometimes, but honestly - it isn't all that difficult to see the truth once you decide to look hard for it.

So with the Merricks on one side (who seem to be friendly, but are still his enemies) and the Guides & his father's secrets on the other, it's no wonder Hunter ends up making wrong decisions over and over again.

Even though Chris and Gabriel suffered a lot in books one and two, Hunter tops them both in this one. I'm not sure he'd be quite right in the heart and mind in the next book though and that scares me a little, because he sort of grew on me.

Of course I should say a little something about Kate as well. She was so livid and unpredictable all the time, I could hardly keep up on the same page as her! I didn't know what was truth and what was lie with her anymore than Hunter did. And I'm very sure she was the right girl for him. It wouldn't have worked with Becca. Kate was (or appeared to be) dangerous and definitely not someone to trust. In the beginning I wanted Hunter to avoid her. But the more he fell for her, the more she fell for him and that made her true colors be revealed. In the end, she wasn't all that bad after all.

I don't know which one would be the major character in the next installment of this series but I do wish it would come out sooner rather than later! I simply cannot wait!

[toomanyopinions · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think Spirit is a testament to what a great author Kemmerer is because she made me feel empathy for a character who previously I did not like very much. And before you start posting hate comments, please just hear me out. I didn’t like Hunter because I didn’t trust Hunter. (The following lines contain minor spoilers for Storm and Spark, so if you haven’t read them, then don’t read this). In the first book, Hunter is dishonest about who he is and why he’s really hanging around Becca and the Merricks. In book two, just when Gabriel needs a friend the most, it is actually revealed that Hunter has only been hanging with Gabriel because Bill the Guide told H to watch G. Well, way to break poor Gabriel’s heart and make me want to reach through the pages and slap Hunter in the face.Then Spirit comes along, and we find out just how awful Hunter’s home life is, how much he’s hurting inside, and just how torn he is over the decisions he faces. And what do you know, suddenly a tiny spark of empathy for Hunter turns into wanting to hug the poor guy and tell him everything is going to be okay. And to top it off, Spirit will make you fall in love with Michael Merrick if you haven’t already (and if you haven’t, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU????) I have loved Michael since the pancake scene in Storm, but the way he reaches out to Hunter in this book melted me into a gooey puddle of adoration. I can’t wait for his book. Seriously, how long until Michael’s book comes out? Can we get a countdown clock on this?

[emmyson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't as much a fan of this one. I never particularly liked Hunter, so I never quite engaged here. Will still continue the series though - I like the Merrick books.

[crashmyparty · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ahhh I was hoping for another Merrick boy story! Spirit is Hunter's story. He's not like the Merrick brothers. He's a Fifth. He is supposed to erase the full Elementals, like the Merricks. He hasn't.Hunter is on rocky terms with the Merrick brothers and Becca. Nobody trusts him and they're not even really sure what side he's on. That's when he meets Kate - and the poor guy gets even more confused.As a Fifth, people are drawn to him and he to them. It's in his nature to want to help people. This is why I don't understand why the Fifths (or Guides, they are called as they get older) have to eliminate the Elementals. It seems like a waste of ability and potential. The Elementals control over the elements can be potentially dangerous, yes. I agree. But there's better ways to go about it. Why don't the Guides teach them to control what they can do? Use it for good? You could still get a story out of that - just considering the character profiles of Fifths, it doesn't make sense. To be fair, maybe they've realised it (a little late) and thats the reason for the 'rebellion' (if you could call it that).I feel like there's a lot of stuff that goes down in this novel that could have been avoided if the characters weren't stupid. Hunter's switching sides and constantly not knowing what he was doing was irritating. I also couldn't stand his need to 1. storm off in a huff and 2. not explain why he was storming off in a huff, as if everyone should always know why he was grumpy at the world. It's not all about you, Hunter, and you could make life a lot easier for yourself but you choose not to. I also found the week-long whirlwind romance with Kate strange and a little unbelievable. But this author has guts! I respect that.That being said, I am still (shocking, right?) enjoying the storyline. I like the action and the secret world of the Elementals. Looking forward to book four, not sure if it will be Nick or Michael (Nick, please!)Also, Author? PLEASE stop telling me how good looking everyone in these books is! I honestly couldn't care less, tell me something real.  

[ssperson_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book by the end, but it made me feel frustrated throughout most of the book. Hunter's knee-jerk reactions to everyone, while somewhat understandable, got to be really, really tiring. The resolution was quite satisfactory but, damn, it was a hard row to hoe.