From the Stacks: Fearless and Spark

Okay, so I'm back with more amazingness in the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer. Here's a little looksie  into Hunter's past with the novella Fearless and then we get to delve further into the lives of the Merrick boys, this time focusing on Gabriel in Spark.

Summary:

"Being a force of nature doesn't keep you safe.

Hunter Garrity is used to watching his back. The kids at school sense something different about him. And they're right.

Hunter has powers that have nothing to do with how hard he can throw a punch.

Maybe that's what Clare Kasten is picking up. She's shy, quiet, and intense, but she's sought him out. There's no telling what she wants from him.

But Hunter knows enough to sense a secret when it's close. And getting close to Clare is a danger he's ready to face..."

My Thoughts:

What is with these novellas and being so shocking? They are amazing and they draw me in and I finish them quickly and find myself begging for more. I knew there was something going on with Clare and that there had to be a reason for her getting close to Hunter (and not just because Hunter is yummy). Fearless is basically what happens in Hunter's life not long before he arrives in town for the events of Storm. I actually felt a little bad for Hunter because of his life situation, but it does help the reader to understand him better. It's yet another great read: 5/5.

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. 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..."

My Thoughts:

MmmMmm....Gabriel Merrick. He is great and athletic but has issues with certain academic areas, such as math. Enter the brainy Layne, who I related to (at least when it came to school stuffs) and she ends up helping Gabriel out, and doing that brings her closer to him and to the danger that is the lives of the Merrick boys. 

Gabriel has a temper, which is typical of a fire type, and it pushes him away from his brothers and makes him feel rather alone. This also helps to build a friendship between Gabriel and Hunter...a friendship built over the two of them going out to fires that are later determined to be arson. I think it actually helps Gabriel learn to better control his ability.

Then there is cute shy Layne, and I think being around Gabriel helps her too, especially with everything she has going on at home. Gabriel and Layne complement each other well, and I was glad to see their relationship develop through the novel.

I was completely sucked in, finding myself drawn to the fire of awesome that is this book (the whole series, even). I so cannot wait for the next one. Brigid Kemmerer is incredible. Another 5/5.

Other Readings:

Tomorrow I am going to take you into a world where an oath is practically permanent and it takes so much to break free from deals made. Travel into the Unbound novels by Rachel Vincent, another author who I absolutely love.