Review: Elemental Series



I don't know that I've really been pulled into a series like this since I read the Twilight series several years ago (although the Vampire Academy series would probably count). I don't mean there haven't been many books since then that I haven't gotten into or loved - since that definitely hasn't been the case. What I mean is that this has a similar feel and a somewhat similar scenario. Each MC is connected in some way. The main guy is strong and has some paranormal power and is supposed to stay away from the girl and vice verse. He also lives with his brothers (or guy friends) since his parents have both passed away or the situation where he is staying is not working out. They are each unique in their own way and are all good looking. Are you seeing any connections here?

Having said that, they are very different as well. The characters and plots are definitely unique. I liked reading about a group of brothers and also some guy friends and their point of view. It isn't very prevalent in YA and it was a different perspective. Even though each book is a fairly quick read, each has some depth as well. There were some parts that literally made me want to cry, yell at the character for making stupid choices, gave me good or bad chills, and made me happy. I liked that the relationships had attraction, but it wasn't insta-love. They build over time. I got completely sucked in and will be reading the next book in the series. It helps that the writing is smooth and well edited and the characters felt real to me. Overall, each book is an entertaining read. Definitely a series I would recommend to Twilight lovers.

I do wish the language would have been omitted or toned down. I get the situation/environment and I would expect some, but there was more than was needed in my opinion. If you've read my previous reviews you know I prefer no language or sexual content. These were all pretty clean except for the language. The third book, Spirit, crossed the line for me, which was disappointing since I would have loved for it not to have done that and there were some brief sexual descriptions that made it a book I wouldn't let my kids read. For most of you, this is probably no big deal, but I like to just forewarn my readers.


Storm
(Elemental #1)
by Brigid Kemmerer
YA Paranormal
April 24th 2012 by Kensington
Source: Library


Goodreads summary:
Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys; all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.

What I thought:
This is my favorite book of the series. I really liked the opening, how Becca saved Chris. I liked the relationship between Chris and Becca and Becca and Hunter. I don't normally like love triangles, but this one worked for me. It helped that both guys were different and neither was defined in black and white. I liked that you don't exactly know for sure who the villain is and who is going to be left at the end. I liked the struggle the boys were going through, but the things they learned through it all and the strength gained in the end.

I really liked Chris! He is the younger, left-out brother. He is sensitive, but doesn't want to show it. He used to be his older brother's side-kick and really looked up to him before his parents died. He is a little lost and unsure of his place or who he is. He is strong in his own right, even if he doesn't know it, and protective. I really liked Becca as well. She felt real to me and I liked how she doesn't really want to get involved, but she wants to do what she feels is right. Hunter was an interesting character. I didn't love him and wasn't sure of him, but I liked his relationship with Becca and how he was there for her.

There was a lot going on. You have the dynamic between the brothers, between Becca and Chris, Becca and Hunter, Becca and her parents, and Becca and her friend, Quinn. Chris is the main guy in this book, but Becca takes much of the focal point. Then you have the lesser Elementals against the brothers and the Guide against the brothers. You're never quite sure who is going to stick with who and what is going to happen when. There were some parts where complete mayhem breaks out, but there are quiet and deep moments too.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read for me, even though I could have done with less language.

Content: Some consistent language and heavy making out.

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Spark
(Elemental #2)
by Brigid Kemmerer
YA Paranormal
August 28th 2012 by Kensington
Source: Library


Goodreads summary:
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. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

What I thought:
This is my second favorite book in this series. I really loved reading more about the brothers. There is a little bit different dynamic in this one because of the relationship between Nick and Gabriel who are twins. The brothers also aren't being torn into and beaten up like they were in the first book. The threat comes from a different direction.

Gabriel is definitely the bad boy in this family, which matches his element of fire quite well. He is fierce, headstrong, spontaneous, but also hides behind a facade sometimes. He carries around a lot of guilt. He is very protective and loyal. I think he competes with Chris for my favorite brother. I really like Layne, although I don't like that she is a pleaser when I want her to stand up for herself more. She is still very smart and has been through a lot. I thought Gabriel and her made a great pair. I also like that their relationship isn't instantaneous, but builds over time and isn't exactly easy.

Again, there is a lot going on. Gabriel is dealing with a lot of guilt and he is also trying to develop his powers more. This is difficult because fire is so destructive and he can't just envelop himself in it all the time like his brothers can do with their elements. The brothers are still a target and we don't find out who the real villain is for some time. There is a lot of bullying in this one and it made me pretty mad. Good thing there were other things to balance it out.

Overall, this was another enjoyable read.

Content: Some consistent language and heavy making out.

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Spirit
(Elemental #3)
by Brigid Kemmerer
YA Paranormal
May 28th 2013 by K Teen
Source: NetGalley


Goodreads summary:
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…

What I thought:
I basically could read about the Merrick brothers all day long. ;) However, the focal point of this one is Hunter, who is a fifth (deals with all five elements) and a frienemy of the Merricks. It also is the story of Kate who is somewhat in a similar situation.

Hunter isn't my favorite character and either is Kate. Hunter is a very interesting character and I liked him. I just wish that he would have figured things out, picked a side, and stuck with it. He is dealing with a lot and is definitely lost, but I felt like he owed the Merricks a lot more than he gave them in some parts. Kate was super aggressive and not necessarily wise. I thought she would have been just a little bit better prepared. She is fierce and willing to do what she can, even sacrificing for what she believes in. Having said all that, I still liked their relationship. There is a lot of give and take and trust issues, but under the circumstances it played out well.

The plot was extremely active. The Merricks are being targeted from more than just one direction and there is a lot more at stake than there was in Storm. Each of the brothers are dating someone and then you have other family involved as well as Hunter. There are also some surprises and, again, I didn't know exactly what was going on and who was going to make it to the end.

This one didn't rate as high as the other books because of the content, but also because I didn't like the two main characters as much either. I'm hoping the next book in the series will be better.

Content: Some consistent language, heavy making out, and some sexual content.

 

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Disclosure: This review is of a book I was given for free by an author, tour host, or publisher, or through NetGalley or Edelweiss. This in no way influences the opinions shared in my review. You may see my complete policy on the sidebar and on my policies page. This post also contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of any type using these links, I receive a small kickback.