Review: Spark (Elemental, #2)

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elemental
Release date: August 28th 2012
Publisher: K-Teen
Paperback, 432 pages


Brigid Kemmerer is one of those rare few authors who know exactly what their readers want. She surprised us with Storm by giving us a solid world filled with complex characters and a plot that kept us on the edge of our seats, but in Spark, she took this a step (or three) further and showed a profound understanding of human nature and readiness to explore the more vulnerable side of her characters.

And who better to bare his heart than the gorgeous and daredevilish Gabriel Merrick? While I truly enjoyed Chris in Storm, he was simply too young and his problems too childish for me to relate to. But Gabriel’s troubles are a whole different story. Really, who of us has never been rejected or felt completely alone, even in a crowded room, even among family? Gabriel is crippled by guilt over their parents’ deaths, he feels responsible for their current situation, and, even though it’s never discussed or admitted, I believe he refuses to form a connection with Michael because he feels guilty for basically stealing Michael’s life.
You’d expect strong and complicated emotions from someone who controls fire, and you’d be right: Gabriel is explosive by nature, he often acts (defensively) first and thinks it through later, but in Spark, he slowly learns to control that side of him just as he learns to control his element.

Even when I disliked one of the characters (I’ll never be Layne’s biggest fan, I’m afraid), I always understood why they behaved the way they did. For example, Layne’s relationship with her father was incredibly frustrating and difficult to read about, but I never blamed her for not being able to stand up to him, and when she stopped her brother from doing the same for fear of driving their father away, it really broke my heart in two.

Once again, Michael Merrick really stood out for me. He is quiet and remains mostly in the background, but the sacrifices he’s made are revealed constantly through other characters. One of Gabriel’s stories about their parents’ death really showed how much pain and pride Michael swallowed for Gabriel, Nick and Chris. He was so young when he started taking care of everyone, but no one was there to comfort him. (I totally would. Yes, I would… Shut up, brain!)

With Spark, Brigid Kemmerer showed incredible potential and great imagination. I hope she’ll keep listening to both her readers and her characters, because what she’s been doing so far works. I need more, please.