Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental, #2) by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: October 1st, 2012
Number of pages: 350 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

He could feel flames coming through the floor, looking for him. Sparks and ash rained down. He wasn't going to make it. He was going to fail. Again. Then a hand closed over his wrist and pulled, hard.

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. So when an arsonist wreaks havoc on his town all the signs point to Gabriel.

Layne is strangely drawn to him. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let Layne know that the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

THE FUSE IS LIT…

FIRE. Hot guys. Strike a match. You're about to get hot!

I fell in love with this series starting with Chris's book and that took me long enough to read, for which I could slap myself for. I got around to reading this one and I could not have been any more pleased.

I adored Gabriel ever since the previous installment and couldn't wait to discover more about him and who would light his heart on fire.
His love interest I felt was perfect for him. Layne is someone in his class who helps him be better. Not just a twin to Nick, but someone all on his own. She makes him believe he can be his own person and be his own man who is capable of doing things just like anyone else.


I knew I would love anything about him, although I had no idea what would be in store for him. Not only did we discover oh SO much about who he is, but the book also dealt with his relationships with his brothers and Michael especially, who I felt they clashed so much because they were similar in ways they didn't want to acknowledge,
Gabriel had so many issues deep within himself he wasn't dealing with, and bit by bit, with the help of his newfound friendship (relationship?) with Layne, helped him come to grasp what he wanted out of his life and never to take anything or anyone for granted.
There were times in the book where I wanted to smack him, times where I wanted to hug him and reach to him. He is a complicated boy and more so than one would ever think in the beginning. He hardly shows how he really feels, but there are moments where you begin to understand him.

There was much progress as he begins to understand that he does not have to be a copycat of his perfect brother, Nick, but that he could be someone as well. He might screw up, but in the end, he means no harm and all wants is to be someone he doesn't feel he is worthy of being --- until Layne comes into his life.
Layne is the one driving force that makes him open up his eyes and appreciate the things he has. The people he has in his life, including his brothers, who are his best friends in the process. I loved their friendship and what grows into something so beautiful. It's interesting... he sees what Chris has with Becca and even though he may tease him for it, I don't think Gabriel ever thought he would have anything like that. He didn't think he was the sort who deserved anything more than he got.

I love these books because one thing they have going for them is character development. It was such a thing to witness to see Gabriel grow into this person who started out as someone different beforehand.

If you haven't read this series yet, GET A MOVE ON.  These books are not to be missed and you would not be disappointed.

Rating: 4.5/5