What do you think?
Rate this book
Elemental #3
Spirit
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. . .
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. . .
301 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2013
251 people are currently reading
8010 people want to read
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
30 books18k followersBrigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of dark and alluring romantic fantasy like Warrior Princess Assassin, A Curse So Dark and Lonely, and Defy the Night, and compelling contemporary romance like Letters to the Lost. Her books have sold over one million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages, finding readers all over the world. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 893 reviews
April 4, 2013
Whoa! I'm in total shock over how ballsy this book is in terms of unconventional plot and character development.
Lots of action (of ALL kinds, hee hee) and lots of unexpected emotion. Fantastic PNR/UF, written with the kind of intensity, energy, thought, and originality that's so often lacking in in those genres.
Review to come.
Lots of action (of ALL kinds, hee hee) and lots of unexpected emotion. Fantastic PNR/UF, written with the kind of intensity, energy, thought, and originality that's so often lacking in in those genres.
Review to come.
October 5, 2015
Final rating: 4.75/5 stars
Brigid Kemmerer, i officially love you and hate you. How could you do this to me? To us?
After all we had been through? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?
This sequel was a blast. An emotional bomb. A bomb which blew away my emotions, my heart. When i finished it, i cried because it was over and that i would have to wait for the next book. And i need more! More i say! I am lusting for it! DO you see? This is me, lusting!
I have one thing to say:
Be prepared, because that plot twist will blow you to pieces. Probably.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Conclusion:
I freaking loved this addition to the series, and mostly because i love Hunter and i didn't think he would get his own book. But it was also because it was awesome, amazing, heartbreaking, with action, and of course because it's emotional and funny .
I swear that all three books so far made me cry like a baby sometimes...Because they are so emotional and beautiful and Kemmerer's talent for making me sad is unparalleled. I think i cried first 50% of the book , because this author is capable of breaking my heart into pieces and picking them up only to break it again.
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
♦ Hunter :
Hunter was raised to be the guide. He was raised to believe that all elementals are evil and capable of destroying everything he ever knew. But, his beliefs are now put into a big question: Is it really true? He is confused, so confused that it made him make wrong decisions, and it destroyed the trust between him and everyone else. Especially the Merrick brothers, four pure elementals, with whom he made a bond, only to break it. Now no one trusts him nor believes him anymore.
And he never wanted to hurt anyone. The only person who was hurt in the end was himself.
At the beginning of this book, Hunter is attacked by Calla, fire (not so pure) elemental, who wants revenge. And she is making Hunter's life quite miserable. Which eventually led to Hunter being thrown out from his home for something he didn't do. The only thing he has left is his faithful companion, Casper, and his car... But he is alone and has nowhere to go. But then Michael Merrick offers him a place to live in exchange for Hunter working for him, and Hunter is suspicious and doesn't want anything to do with it; but having no other choice, he accepts.
Despite it all, he made a new "friend" at school. Kate, a new student, who is really interested in being with him... But he never trusted anyone, so why should Kate be different?
His relationship with Kate as funny at times, and intense, but all those staring messages were the best thing ever. I love how he finally found at least one person he could finally open up to. And i generally loved Hunter from the moment he appeared in this series. In the end, he deserved his own happy ending too... He just needed someone who could really understand him, and he was betrayed by the person he trusted .
♦ Kate :
Kate is the apprentice guide, sent on a mission with guide Silver to find and eliminate the threats in town, the Merrick brothers. But, the one thing that she didn't quite understand is where Hunter Garrity gets in the equation. Where do his loyalties lie?
She was too confident in her own looks, trying to get what she wanted that way. Which is why i didn't like her so much, but i did like her in the end. I had hard time figuring out what exactly drew Hunter to her (except her 'looks'), but it would probably be the fact that she made him open up when he at least expected it. In the end, i think they were perfect balance to each other. Major spoiler: .
♦ Silver :
Loathe, loathe, loathe,hate hate hate, freaking hate. Seriously, the only character i actually despise more than that freaky psycho Calla. I thought he was ok at the beginning, but nooooooo, i was so wrong...
♦ Merrick brothers :
I was pleasantly surprised at how Michael changed in this book. He finally became the brother his brothers wanted him to be. And i loved how he gave chance to Hunter, and was actually the first person who didn't really mind what Hunter did to them. And i loved him for it. For giving support when needed and for being there for all of them.
Nick was there... being cool as always, not minding stuff, but also caring for everyone, Hunter included.
Chris was quite ok, but meeeh, didn't really care about him (LOL).
Gabriel was a bastard sometimes (like it was not expected, i actually thought he had changed, since i really loved him in his own book), but he in the end proved to be quite fair and understanding too.
____________________________________________
SERIOUS SPOILER SECTION - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE BOOK, I AM QUITE SERIOUS. :
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Great addition to the series, with shocking plot twist. I love this series mostly because it's highly emotional and there is no book in this series which didn't make me cry. Great! ♥
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:
◈ Breathless (Elemental, #2.5)
◈ Spirit (Elemental, #3)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
"‘If you can’t fix what went wrong—’ ”
“Then fix what you can make right.”
Brigid Kemmerer, i officially love you and hate you. How could you do this to me? To us?
After all we had been through? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?
This sequel was a blast. An emotional bomb. A bomb which blew away my emotions, my heart. When i finished it, i cried because it was over and that i would have to wait for the next book. And i need more! More i say! I am lusting for it! DO you see? This is me, lusting!
I have one thing to say:
Be prepared, because that plot twist will blow you to pieces. Probably.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Conclusion:
I freaking loved this addition to the series, and mostly because i love Hunter and i didn't think he would get his own book. But it was also because it was awesome, amazing, heartbreaking, with action, and of course because it's emotional and funny .
I swear that all three books so far made me cry like a baby sometimes...Because they are so emotional and beautiful and Kemmerer's talent for making me sad is unparalleled. I think i cried first 50% of the book , because this author is capable of breaking my heart into pieces and picking them up only to break it again.
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
♦ Hunter :
Hunter was raised to be the guide. He was raised to believe that all elementals are evil and capable of destroying everything he ever knew. But, his beliefs are now put into a big question: Is it really true? He is confused, so confused that it made him make wrong decisions, and it destroyed the trust between him and everyone else. Especially the Merrick brothers, four pure elementals, with whom he made a bond, only to break it. Now no one trusts him nor believes him anymore.
And he never wanted to hurt anyone. The only person who was hurt in the end was himself.
“No one gives a shit about me until there’s a mess, and then suddenly everything is my fault! I can’t please anyone, and every time I try, I’m just one big fucking disappointment. Everyone is on me to pick a side. How the hell am I supposed to pick a side when everyone hates me?”
At the beginning of this book, Hunter is attacked by Calla, fire (not so pure) elemental, who wants revenge. And she is making Hunter's life quite miserable. Which eventually led to Hunter being thrown out from his home for something he didn't do. The only thing he has left is his faithful companion, Casper, and his car... But he is alone and has nowhere to go. But then Michael Merrick offers him a place to live in exchange for Hunter working for him, and Hunter is suspicious and doesn't want anything to do with it; but having no other choice, he accepts.
Despite it all, he made a new "friend" at school. Kate, a new student, who is really interested in being with him... But he never trusted anyone, so why should Kate be different?
“And she remembered the way he had gone from total control to utter disaster with the flip of a switch, like watching an intricate glass sculpture shatter into a thousand pieces—only to pull together again until you could barely see the seams.”
His relationship with Kate as funny at times, and intense, but all those staring messages were the best thing ever. I love how he finally found at least one person he could finally open up to. And i generally loved Hunter from the moment he appeared in this series. In the end, he deserved his own happy ending too... He just needed someone who could really understand him, and he was betrayed by the person he trusted .
♦ Kate :
Kate is the apprentice guide, sent on a mission with guide Silver to find and eliminate the threats in town, the Merrick brothers. But, the one thing that she didn't quite understand is where Hunter Garrity gets in the equation. Where do his loyalties lie?
She was too confident in her own looks, trying to get what she wanted that way. Which is why i didn't like her so much, but i did like her in the end. I had hard time figuring out what exactly drew Hunter to her (except her 'looks'), but it would probably be the fact that she made him open up when he at least expected it. In the end, i think they were perfect balance to each other. Major spoiler: .
♦ Silver :
Loathe, loathe, loathe,hate hate hate, freaking hate. Seriously, the only character i actually despise more than that freaky psycho Calla. I thought he was ok at the beginning, but nooooooo, i was so wrong...
♦ Merrick brothers :
I was pleasantly surprised at how Michael changed in this book. He finally became the brother his brothers wanted him to be. And i loved how he gave chance to Hunter, and was actually the first person who didn't really mind what Hunter did to them. And i loved him for it. For giving support when needed and for being there for all of them.
Nick was there... being cool as always, not minding stuff, but also caring for everyone, Hunter included.
Chris was quite ok, but meeeh, didn't really care about him (LOL).
Gabriel was a bastard sometimes (like it was not expected, i actually thought he had changed, since i really loved him in his own book), but he in the end proved to be quite fair and understanding too.
“I’m not sure anyone has ever told you how this whole friendship thing is supposed to work, but . . .” Gabriel stared at him, hard. “Yeah, you idiot. We came after you.”
____________________________________________
SERIOUS SPOILER SECTION - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE BOOK, I AM QUITE SERIOUS. :
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Great addition to the series, with shocking plot twist. I love this series mostly because it's highly emotional and there is no book in this series which didn't make me cry. Great! ♥
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:
◈ Breathless (Elemental, #2.5)
◈ Spirit (Elemental, #3)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
May 20, 2013
Good surprise or bad surprise? I'm not telling.
3.5 stars. Even though this was my least favorite book of the series, it was still pretty good! I'm one step away from being a crazed fangirl over here because I can't believe how solid these books continue to be. I've been recommending them to just about everyone because they're so much fun.
One of my favorite things about getting to experience this series with so many other people is seeing which guy is everyone's favorite. We all have our picks. A lot of people like Hunter, the star of this book.
My favorite guy stole the show, however. Michael, come take your bow. Your appeal was off-the-charts!
He's got compassion, brains, and is hard-working...need I go on? I really do need a Michael book.
But I guess we should get back to Hunter's story. It's good to see Hunter being pushed into the world of the Merricks. I liked finding out that the further we get into this, he won't end up in the background as some character who pops in randomly. As of now, it looks like he's here to stay and I'm happy to see it.
The main reason why this book isn't rated quite as high as the others in the series is because I found myself able to put the book down and walk away, when I was unable to do so in the past. The story never got old or boring necessarily, but it didn't give me the same feelings as previous installments had.
However, there were a few scenes which were phenomenal. The entire section which took place at the carnival (*fan self* over the ferris wheel part) had me intently glued to my reader screen. Talk about intense!
The text messages and interactions between Hunter and Kate were a lot of fun. Ms. Kemmerer has always managed to interject a great dose of wit into her books and Spirit was no exception.
"Are you imagining me naked again?"
"Ah...only in the most respectful way."
"It's not every day I walk in the front door of a house to see two guys fall down the stairs on top of each other."
Put that way, it sounded insanely childish.
Fun, adventure, magic, and hot guys. The recipe for success is still at work here and I'm going to be on the happy Merrick bandwagon for a long time to come.
This book provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are from the pre-published version and may be subject to change with the final copy.
August 13, 2016
Brigid Kemmerer may very well be my favorite female young adult author writing about guys. That's hard even for me to wrap my head around, given only a year ago Storm was one of my first reviews, and I think I gave it a tepid endorsement tantamount to saying, well at least this isn’t Twilight. Spark though really was a game changer, showing how much Kemmerer found her footing by establishing this series around an alternating cast of relatable male characters (and knowing me, that's a huge deal), and I'm glad to see Spirit is just Kemmerer continuing to successfully do what she does best.
I have seen a few complaints that, plot wise at least, Spark was too similar to Storm. I'll get into that some more in a bit and add in my thoughts about Spirit, but personally it's never bothered me that the Elemental series really doesn't have the strongest of plots - it's all about the characters. Spark succeeded because Kemmerer took the focus off the female lead (Layne) and tapped into the anger and frustration behind Gabriel's character, so even though I'm the farthest thing from any of the Merricks, way too easygoing and laid back (would be cool to see a character like that though hehe), Kemmerer managed something very few authors, male or female, has actually accomplished - get Gabriel's emotions to actually come off the page and connect with me.
So now we have Spirit and Hunter, who's no Gabriel, and you know what? She's done it again! I don’t know if it’s a challenge switching to a different character, one who isn’t nearly as impulsive, one who has different problems and issues of his own, more of a silent and bear it kind of guy if you will, but I think Kemmerer has done a really good job creating a different character who, in his own way, is just as equally capable of showing that mix of frustration and weariness that makes Gabriel so relatable. Another part of it too is the source of Hunter’s frustration, his parent’s relationship over his dead father’s job as a guide - the stuff with Hunter’s mother was just very well done and added a huge chunk to Hunter’s character. Getting Gabriel right could've been a one off thing, but to do it again with a totally different character? That takes talent.
Now, as for the complaints about the plot, I really can’t help there. Spirit follows the same basic formula as Spark and Storm with a girl of course, this time Kate Sullivan, being in pretty much the same situation as Becca and Layne before her. Like with Hunter, I have to give Kemmerer props for making Kate as different a character from Becca and Layne as Hunter is from Chris and Gabriel; I’m mean, she’s really feisty and no nonsense and I sure hope all the girls I know don’t learn how to use car keys like she does, but even though she has an agenda, so to speak, unlike Becca and Layne, the plot, or basically the lack of one, means a lot of the book goes through same motions between Hunter and Kate as with Gabriel and Layne or Chris and Becca. There are a couple of villains, Calla returns with more of the same harebrained scheme to bring death on all the elementals and a new Guide tries to kill them all, but the general plot does remind me of a rehash of what happened in Storm with Becca’s father, except with one very surprising, very gutsy twist.
That said, as I’ve made pretty clear, I’m not in this for the plot. I think Kemmerer’s got a good thing going just doing character based books, so although I would appreciate, I don’t know, something happening, more of a overall story arc, whatever, it’s not a deal breaker for me. I happen to really like Kemmerer just focusing on one character, fully fleshing him out over the course of the book, adding events, details, back story, a female foil, the whole works in a sort of get to know him deal, and tossing in some neat connections with the characters of the previous books, you know, the bread and butter of a character based book. This time, it’s sort of big brother deal between Hunter and Michael, and although I didn’t buy Michael’s explanation for why all the Merricks ended up in a hotel - that was way too convenient, it’s still great to see another sequel where the characters actually interact with each other like people.
Would I be surprised if the next book had more of a plot than these last three? Absolutely. But would I read it even if it didn’t? Absolutely.
I have seen a few complaints that, plot wise at least, Spark was too similar to Storm. I'll get into that some more in a bit and add in my thoughts about Spirit, but personally it's never bothered me that the Elemental series really doesn't have the strongest of plots - it's all about the characters. Spark succeeded because Kemmerer took the focus off the female lead (Layne) and tapped into the anger and frustration behind Gabriel's character, so even though I'm the farthest thing from any of the Merricks, way too easygoing and laid back (would be cool to see a character like that though hehe), Kemmerer managed something very few authors, male or female, has actually accomplished - get Gabriel's emotions to actually come off the page and connect with me.
So now we have Spirit and Hunter, who's no Gabriel, and you know what? She's done it again! I don’t know if it’s a challenge switching to a different character, one who isn’t nearly as impulsive, one who has different problems and issues of his own, more of a silent and bear it kind of guy if you will, but I think Kemmerer has done a really good job creating a different character who, in his own way, is just as equally capable of showing that mix of frustration and weariness that makes Gabriel so relatable. Another part of it too is the source of Hunter’s frustration, his parent’s relationship over his dead father’s job as a guide - the stuff with Hunter’s mother was just very well done and added a huge chunk to Hunter’s character. Getting Gabriel right could've been a one off thing, but to do it again with a totally different character? That takes talent.
Now, as for the complaints about the plot, I really can’t help there. Spirit follows the same basic formula as Spark and Storm with a girl of course, this time Kate Sullivan, being in pretty much the same situation as Becca and Layne before her. Like with Hunter, I have to give Kemmerer props for making Kate as different a character from Becca and Layne as Hunter is from Chris and Gabriel; I’m mean, she’s really feisty and no nonsense and I sure hope all the girls I know don’t learn how to use car keys like she does, but even though she has an agenda, so to speak, unlike Becca and Layne, the plot, or basically the lack of one, means a lot of the book goes through same motions between Hunter and Kate as with Gabriel and Layne or Chris and Becca. There are a couple of villains, Calla returns with more of the same harebrained scheme to bring death on all the elementals and a new Guide tries to kill them all, but the general plot does remind me of a rehash of what happened in Storm with Becca’s father, except with one very surprising, very gutsy twist.
That said, as I’ve made pretty clear, I’m not in this for the plot. I think Kemmerer’s got a good thing going just doing character based books, so although I would appreciate, I don’t know, something happening, more of a overall story arc, whatever, it’s not a deal breaker for me. I happen to really like Kemmerer just focusing on one character, fully fleshing him out over the course of the book, adding events, details, back story, a female foil, the whole works in a sort of get to know him deal, and tossing in some neat connections with the characters of the previous books, you know, the bread and butter of a character based book. This time, it’s sort of big brother deal between Hunter and Michael, and although I didn’t buy Michael’s explanation for why all the Merricks ended up in a hotel - that was way too convenient, it’s still great to see another sequel where the characters actually interact with each other like people.
Would I be surprised if the next book had more of a plot than these last three? Absolutely. But would I read it even if it didn’t? Absolutely.
June 14, 2013
The Elemental Series is one of my favorites out there. Action, mystery, so many fun relationships, and wonderful characters! Each and every Merrick brother has something about them that you love or swoon over! Unfortunately, Spirit is my least favorite in this series. I felt on edge pretty much the entire read.
Even with the darker issues the Merrick Brothers continually have to face there’s a lighthearted, fun tone to this series. This is not the case with Spirit, Hunter’s book. This is fitting considering Hunter is conflicted, intense and troubled; much more so than I originally thought. His upbringing makes it hard for him to trust the Merrick’s or anyone else for that matter. He has a terrible relationship with his mother and his grandparents, with whom they live, stemming from lack of communication. Although, to be fair, his crap relationship with his grandfather is mostly because his grandfather is a complete jerk!
I found Hunter’s continual lack of trust and communication extremely frustrating. While I can understand some of the trust issues because of his circumstances and upbringing, I can’t say it’s fully excused when it came to the Merrick’s. They bent over backwards to help him, and were there for him at every turn lending support and friendship. What did they get in return? Unfounded assumptions which could’ve easily been dismissed if he had bothered to COMMUNICATE! Even with everything wrapped up I still had an uneasy feeling about Hunter and I really think it’s going to be a while before he wins me over.
We’re introduced to Kate who’s sent specifically by the Guides to spy and recon on the Merrick’s. I have to say even though she’s introduced as the enemy, I felt completely different about Kate. She had a similar upbringing, worse in fact, but she didn’t allow this to poison her own judgments. Kate used rational thought and conscience to guide her actions. She completely grew on me! There was an attraction turned romance between Kate and Hunter that I really didn’t like in the beginning. They were both using each other at first, and I really don’t enjoy hookups without feelings behind them.
I was shocked at the ending and I have a feeling some will not be pleased. I was not thrilled, but a teaser Brigid gave in our interview made me have some hope. I guess we’ll see.
I did thoroughly enjoy all glimpses of the other characters. Gabriel and Laney continue to be my favorite couple and seeing them together and going strong was a treat. I loved Gabriel’s relationship with Laney’s younger brother! That hotheaded jerk is just a big softie in disguise!
While I didn’t enjoy Spirit nearly as much as the first two books, I will be continuing on with the series. It’s hard to enjoy a story completely when you don’t really care for one of the main characters. I do look forward to picking up Nick’s and Quinn’s story next. Poor Nick. Poor Quinn. They both deserve their own happiness.
A copy of Spirit was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Even with the darker issues the Merrick Brothers continually have to face there’s a lighthearted, fun tone to this series. This is not the case with Spirit, Hunter’s book. This is fitting considering Hunter is conflicted, intense and troubled; much more so than I originally thought. His upbringing makes it hard for him to trust the Merrick’s or anyone else for that matter. He has a terrible relationship with his mother and his grandparents, with whom they live, stemming from lack of communication. Although, to be fair, his crap relationship with his grandfather is mostly because his grandfather is a complete jerk!
I found Hunter’s continual lack of trust and communication extremely frustrating. While I can understand some of the trust issues because of his circumstances and upbringing, I can’t say it’s fully excused when it came to the Merrick’s. They bent over backwards to help him, and were there for him at every turn lending support and friendship. What did they get in return? Unfounded assumptions which could’ve easily been dismissed if he had bothered to COMMUNICATE! Even with everything wrapped up I still had an uneasy feeling about Hunter and I really think it’s going to be a while before he wins me over.
We’re introduced to Kate who’s sent specifically by the Guides to spy and recon on the Merrick’s. I have to say even though she’s introduced as the enemy, I felt completely different about Kate. She had a similar upbringing, worse in fact, but she didn’t allow this to poison her own judgments. Kate used rational thought and conscience to guide her actions. She completely grew on me! There was an attraction turned romance between Kate and Hunter that I really didn’t like in the beginning. They were both using each other at first, and I really don’t enjoy hookups without feelings behind them.
I was shocked at the ending and I have a feeling some will not be pleased. I was not thrilled, but a teaser Brigid gave in our interview made me have some hope. I guess we’ll see.
I did thoroughly enjoy all glimpses of the other characters. Gabriel and Laney continue to be my favorite couple and seeing them together and going strong was a treat. I loved Gabriel’s relationship with Laney’s younger brother! That hotheaded jerk is just a big softie in disguise!
While I didn’t enjoy Spirit nearly as much as the first two books, I will be continuing on with the series. It’s hard to enjoy a story completely when you don’t really care for one of the main characters. I do look forward to picking up Nick’s and Quinn’s story next. Poor Nick. Poor Quinn. They both deserve their own happiness.
A copy of Spirit was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
4.5
I have to say after finishing this that my original review still holds up so I'm leaving that here at the bottom of this, so this one won't be super long.
Hunter needs to be protected at all costs. Every chapter just broke something inside of me. Kemmerer really does an excellent job at showcasing just how much Hunter feels like an outsider, especially around the Merricks. They are everything he was taught to hate, yet he sees something in them that he himself is missing - family. That ache just screams from the page and it only gets louder as the book goes on.
I still wasn't a fan of Kate. If anything, I think I disliked her more this time around. Mainly because of how weak she was. I have no problem with girls/women owning their sexuality. I actually applaud that, but with Kate, I got none of that. She hid behind it and used it as something to just throw away. I really saw her self-loathing this time around, but yet, I just couldn't make myself root for her. I will always feel that Hunter deserves better.
Another surprise from this book - Michael. Maybe because I'm older now, but I feel his tiredness and just the weight that's on his shoulders daily. I love that he starts to have his own life outside of the brothers here, but yet, he's still their rock no matter what they put him through.
I love rereading this series. You can get so much more by reading them all back to back and you can really see how Kemmerer's writing just grows with each book.
------ Original review from 2013 ------
“I’m not sure anyone has ever told you how this whole friendship thing is supposed to work, but…”
Hunter Garrity is confused. His whole life he’s been told one thing: pure elementals are dangerous and need to be removed. Hunter knows a pure elemental, in fact, he knows four and they’re not half bad. In fact, they’ve been known to save each other’s lives (and others) on occasion. But despite all of this, he still has his father’s training weighing heavily on his mind and where does that leave him? Well, in Spirit…nowhere.
Spirit begins with Hunter being attacked in his own house by the crazy Calla still hell-bent on her plan to bring the Guides to town. This event, combined with the multiple others eventually get Hunter tossed out of his house. With nowhere to go, he finds welcome in the most unlikely of places: the Merricks. But Hunter’s reluctance to trust anyone opens up a whole new set of worms.
Before Spirit, I was a little unsure of Hunter. He was definitely the wild card of the bunch, never knowing what side he would fall on. I was also confused as to why he was getting his own book before Nick and Michael. While reading, I realized why Hunter’s story was being told now and also that even Hunter didn’t know who he was.
“No one gives a shit about me until there’s a mess, and then suddenly everything is my fault! I can’t please anyone, and every time I try, I’m just one big fucking disappointment. Everyone is on me to pick a side. How the hell am I supposed to pick a side when everyone hates me?”
He is so lost and so confused. My heart just broke for him. He was struggling and Kremmerer wrote his pain so raw that I found myself tearing up a few times. Even when he was making stupid decisions (which he did, a lot), I still just wanted him to have a home – a family. There was definite growth of his character due to events that happened here and I’m anxious to see how they fair in future books.
One character that I was not too fond of was Kate. When she first comes into their lives, I could not for the life of me figure out why Hunter was attracted to her besides her looks. She was obviously using her looks to get what she wanted, made herself come across as a ‘player’, and let’s not forget all the lying and backstabbing that was going around. Towards the end when she began opening up to Hunter, I could see why they would be good together, but I had to dig really deep. The initial attraction just wasn’t there for me.
Something that surprised me though, was my newfound love of Michael. He stepped it up here and became the big brother everyone needed. I adored his relationship with Hunter and how he never pushed, he tried to just let Hunter trust him and come to him. Michael was the rock that literally held everyone together.
The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.
Sums up these characters and their relationships perfectly. This series definitely snuck up on me. I expected to like it, don’t get me wrong. But I didn’t expect it to take over the last week of my life. How am I ever going to wait until the next one?
Oh and two more things:
1. Nothing better ever happen to Casper
2. Gabriel + Hunter = Bromance 4ever
Thank you to Kensington for providing a copy of this ebook via Netgalley for review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
I have to say after finishing this that my original review still holds up so I'm leaving that here at the bottom of this, so this one won't be super long.
Hunter needs to be protected at all costs. Every chapter just broke something inside of me. Kemmerer really does an excellent job at showcasing just how much Hunter feels like an outsider, especially around the Merricks. They are everything he was taught to hate, yet he sees something in them that he himself is missing - family. That ache just screams from the page and it only gets louder as the book goes on.
I still wasn't a fan of Kate. If anything, I think I disliked her more this time around. Mainly because of how weak she was. I have no problem with girls/women owning their sexuality. I actually applaud that, but with Kate, I got none of that. She hid behind it and used it as something to just throw away. I really saw her self-loathing this time around, but yet, I just couldn't make myself root for her. I will always feel that Hunter deserves better.
Another surprise from this book - Michael. Maybe because I'm older now, but I feel his tiredness and just the weight that's on his shoulders daily. I love that he starts to have his own life outside of the brothers here, but yet, he's still their rock no matter what they put him through.
I love rereading this series. You can get so much more by reading them all back to back and you can really see how Kemmerer's writing just grows with each book.
------ Original review from 2013 ------
“I’m not sure anyone has ever told you how this whole friendship thing is supposed to work, but…”
Hunter Garrity is confused. His whole life he’s been told one thing: pure elementals are dangerous and need to be removed. Hunter knows a pure elemental, in fact, he knows four and they’re not half bad. In fact, they’ve been known to save each other’s lives (and others) on occasion. But despite all of this, he still has his father’s training weighing heavily on his mind and where does that leave him? Well, in Spirit…nowhere.
Spirit begins with Hunter being attacked in his own house by the crazy Calla still hell-bent on her plan to bring the Guides to town. This event, combined with the multiple others eventually get Hunter tossed out of his house. With nowhere to go, he finds welcome in the most unlikely of places: the Merricks. But Hunter’s reluctance to trust anyone opens up a whole new set of worms.
Before Spirit, I was a little unsure of Hunter. He was definitely the wild card of the bunch, never knowing what side he would fall on. I was also confused as to why he was getting his own book before Nick and Michael. While reading, I realized why Hunter’s story was being told now and also that even Hunter didn’t know who he was.
“No one gives a shit about me until there’s a mess, and then suddenly everything is my fault! I can’t please anyone, and every time I try, I’m just one big fucking disappointment. Everyone is on me to pick a side. How the hell am I supposed to pick a side when everyone hates me?”
He is so lost and so confused. My heart just broke for him. He was struggling and Kremmerer wrote his pain so raw that I found myself tearing up a few times. Even when he was making stupid decisions (which he did, a lot), I still just wanted him to have a home – a family. There was definite growth of his character due to events that happened here and I’m anxious to see how they fair in future books.
One character that I was not too fond of was Kate. When she first comes into their lives, I could not for the life of me figure out why Hunter was attracted to her besides her looks. She was obviously using her looks to get what she wanted, made herself come across as a ‘player’, and let’s not forget all the lying and backstabbing that was going around. Towards the end when she began opening up to Hunter, I could see why they would be good together, but I had to dig really deep. The initial attraction just wasn’t there for me.
Something that surprised me though, was my newfound love of Michael. He stepped it up here and became the big brother everyone needed. I adored his relationship with Hunter and how he never pushed, he tried to just let Hunter trust him and come to him. Michael was the rock that literally held everyone together.
The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.
Sums up these characters and their relationships perfectly. This series definitely snuck up on me. I expected to like it, don’t get me wrong. But I didn’t expect it to take over the last week of my life. How am I ever going to wait until the next one?
Oh and two more things:
1. Nothing better ever happen to Casper
2. Gabriel + Hunter = Bromance 4ever
Thank you to Kensington for providing a copy of this ebook via Netgalley for review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
July 11, 2013
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.
And now it's time to get in Hunter's head...
By now we know that Hunter is a Fifth and his connection with his power, makes people drawn by him. Most of the times, not in a good way.
And it seems in each way he turns, he only makes enemies or people bait him to do things he wouldn't do. He must constantly battle his sense of right/wrong, should he follow his dad footstep or try to stick up with the Merrick brothers?
Between Calla making his life a living hell, to Gabriel not speaking to him, to his bastard grandfather, he have to deal with the new girl in school,Kate. She who have lots of secrets of their own.
Adding that, he most stop the rogue Elementals and try to prevent the coming of the Guides...before it's too late... for all of them.
OMFG, you guys! This series just keeps getting better and better! Full of twists and turns, heartbreaking moments, nerve wreaking action scenes and loads of characters developments.
Hunter
" No one gives a shit about me until there's a mess, and then suddenly everything is my fault! I can't please anyone, and every time I try, I'm just one big fucking disappointment. Everyone is on me to pick a side. How the hell am I supposed to pick a side when everyone hates me? "
Alongside Gabriel, he is my favorite character.
I just want to hug him!!
I do think he truly is one of the most complex characters of the series, constantly battling with what he grow up thinking it was the right thing, to how he perceive things for himself. And oh boy, Hunter my dear, you are a hero.
Kate
The character I change my mind completely of what I thought about her. She truly s one kick-ass heroine and a better person of how she perceives herself.
She looked like she belonged in a movie, her blond hair and fair skin striking against the backdrop of the Ferris wheel lightbulbs and the smoky blaze behind her.
"Seriously," she called. " The staring?"
He shook himself and kept climbing.
The bantering, the texts between her and Hunter made me grin like a maniac. This 2 are just so ADORABLE and AWESOME!! You can't help but smile, when you see this 2 opening up to each other.
And gosh, I still feel all emotional about this book!!!!!
My heart is still in pieces! T.T
If you still haven't read this series, go RUN and read it!! They're amazing!
And well, now I'll eagerly wait the release of the next one ;)
For this one and more reviews go to:
A Bookworm Confessions
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.
And now it's time to get in Hunter's head...
By now we know that Hunter is a Fifth and his connection with his power, makes people drawn by him. Most of the times, not in a good way.
And it seems in each way he turns, he only makes enemies or people bait him to do things he wouldn't do. He must constantly battle his sense of right/wrong, should he follow his dad footstep or try to stick up with the Merrick brothers?
Between Calla making his life a living hell, to Gabriel not speaking to him, to his bastard grandfather, he have to deal with the new girl in school,Kate. She who have lots of secrets of their own.
Adding that, he most stop the rogue Elementals and try to prevent the coming of the Guides...before it's too late... for all of them.
OMFG, you guys! This series just keeps getting better and better! Full of twists and turns, heartbreaking moments, nerve wreaking action scenes and loads of characters developments.
Hunter
" No one gives a shit about me until there's a mess, and then suddenly everything is my fault! I can't please anyone, and every time I try, I'm just one big fucking disappointment. Everyone is on me to pick a side. How the hell am I supposed to pick a side when everyone hates me? "
Alongside Gabriel, he is my favorite character.
I just want to hug him!!
I do think he truly is one of the most complex characters of the series, constantly battling with what he grow up thinking it was the right thing, to how he perceive things for himself. And oh boy, Hunter my dear, you are a hero.
Kate
The character I change my mind completely of what I thought about her. She truly s one kick-ass heroine and a better person of how she perceives herself.
She looked like she belonged in a movie, her blond hair and fair skin striking against the backdrop of the Ferris wheel lightbulbs and the smoky blaze behind her.
"Seriously," she called. " The staring?"
He shook himself and kept climbing.
The bantering, the texts between her and Hunter made me grin like a maniac. This 2 are just so ADORABLE and AWESOME!! You can't help but smile, when you see this 2 opening up to each other.
And gosh, I still feel all emotional about this book!!!!!
My heart is still in pieces! T.T
If you still haven't read this series, go RUN and read it!! They're amazing!
And well, now I'll eagerly wait the release of the next one ;)
For this one and more reviews go to:
A Bookworm Confessions
May 27, 2013
3.5 stars
Wow. I feel like a rug has been pulled from under my feet.
In Spirit, Kemmerer deviated from the usual PNR route and brought something even more emotional and entirely unexpected. It was a bold move, a very risky one, but I always appreciated authors who toy with a genre and make their own rules. While I struggled with both Hunter and Kate at times, I applaud Kemmerer’s effort to do something different and throw her readers off balance.
It could be his element that’s making me love Hunter and hate him at the same time, or it could be a series of questionable actions on his part. Whatever the cause, it made Spirit an extremely thought-provoking, emotional read and left me feeling conflicted… pacified, but not quite ready to trust Hunter completely. Not just yet.
Hunter Garrity is one troubled boy, my friends. If you thought Gabriel’s story was heartbreaking, just you wait until you spend some time in Hunter’s head. Not only is he completely alone in the world, but he is being abused and neglected by the very people who should be taking care of him. I’d probably be bitter and untrusting if I were him, too.
When the new girl shows up in school, Hunter is immediately drawn to her, but he’s sure she has some kind of hidden agenda. Everyone always does, right? Why would she be any different? Unfortunately, Hunter is paranoid, but he is also right – Kate Sullivan is a Guide in training, and she may not be there to get Hunter specifically, but she is definitely after the Merricks.
Hunter has no idea whom to trust, but more importantly, he just can’t decide where his loyalties lie. He wants desperately to hate the Merricks and do what he was taught was right, but they keep making it impossible by being reliable and nice. Guards, on the other hand, haven’t done a single thing right, but Hunter’s father was a Guard and Hunter was trained to become one, so what does that say about him? Every part of Hunter’s story is extremely painful. There were times when I wanted to strangle him, but even then I felt more pity than anger. Kemmerer did an outstanding job with this character, possibly better than with anyone else.
The noose is tightening around the Merricks. The Guards are starting to view them as formidable opponents instead of just underestimating them like they used to. Things are more dangerous than ever in Spirit and Michael and his brothers are forced to make some hard choices. The easiest thing to do would be to just pack up and leave, but each of them now has a reason to stay.
January 2014 can’t come soon enough. Nick’s story promises to be the most heartbreaking of all and after Spirit, I have no idea where Kemmerer might take it, which is both upsetting and thrilling at the same time. Brava, Ms. Kemmerer!
Wow. I feel like a rug has been pulled from under my feet.
In Spirit, Kemmerer deviated from the usual PNR route and brought something even more emotional and entirely unexpected. It was a bold move, a very risky one, but I always appreciated authors who toy with a genre and make their own rules. While I struggled with both Hunter and Kate at times, I applaud Kemmerer’s effort to do something different and throw her readers off balance.
It could be his element that’s making me love Hunter and hate him at the same time, or it could be a series of questionable actions on his part. Whatever the cause, it made Spirit an extremely thought-provoking, emotional read and left me feeling conflicted… pacified, but not quite ready to trust Hunter completely. Not just yet.
Hunter Garrity is one troubled boy, my friends. If you thought Gabriel’s story was heartbreaking, just you wait until you spend some time in Hunter’s head. Not only is he completely alone in the world, but he is being abused and neglected by the very people who should be taking care of him. I’d probably be bitter and untrusting if I were him, too.
When the new girl shows up in school, Hunter is immediately drawn to her, but he’s sure she has some kind of hidden agenda. Everyone always does, right? Why would she be any different? Unfortunately, Hunter is paranoid, but he is also right – Kate Sullivan is a Guide in training, and she may not be there to get Hunter specifically, but she is definitely after the Merricks.
Hunter has no idea whom to trust, but more importantly, he just can’t decide where his loyalties lie. He wants desperately to hate the Merricks and do what he was taught was right, but they keep making it impossible by being reliable and nice. Guards, on the other hand, haven’t done a single thing right, but Hunter’s father was a Guard and Hunter was trained to become one, so what does that say about him? Every part of Hunter’s story is extremely painful. There were times when I wanted to strangle him, but even then I felt more pity than anger. Kemmerer did an outstanding job with this character, possibly better than with anyone else.
The noose is tightening around the Merricks. The Guards are starting to view them as formidable opponents instead of just underestimating them like they used to. Things are more dangerous than ever in Spirit and Michael and his brothers are forced to make some hard choices. The easiest thing to do would be to just pack up and leave, but each of them now has a reason to stay.
January 2014 can’t come soon enough. Nick’s story promises to be the most heartbreaking of all and after Spirit, I have no idea where Kemmerer might take it, which is both upsetting and thrilling at the same time. Brava, Ms. Kemmerer!
Want to read
June 12, 2012
WTH?
I don't want hunter, I don't even like hunter. Please don't tell me there's going to be no book for Nick or Michael
July 17, 2015
I can't believe I'm saying this considering how much I have enjoyed the previous books, but I think this may end up being a DNF for me. I love the world that the author has created here but I just cant stand the main characters in this book.
Hunter worked well as a secondary character and a love interest in the previous books, but as the main lead, I'm not so sure. Hunter has just infuriated me so much in this book, and its starting to take away from my enjoyment. He is reading like a pathetic villain rather than a hero, and the female lead is nothing more than a random makeout machine.
I started this book on May 10 2015 and as of July 17 2015 I'm currently only 50% in, considering I raced through the other books this is a huge disappointment. I still want to know what the final conclusion is and to read the other books ,but as of right now I don't know how I'm going to do that.
May 2, 2013
Well, well, well. Brigid Kemmerer not only writes GREAT books, but she has the balls to give AMAZING plot twists too. Well hell, Brigid... I think I love you. - in a totally non creapy way O.o
I shall not recap every single thing that happened in this book. I will not recap the synopsis for you either. That is one of the easiest things to look up! Don't be lazy people.
What the hell am I gonna talk about then? Well I am just here to tell you a little tiny bit of the why, if you are not reading this series, then you are absolutely, unquestionably missing out.
This is not just another YA PNR series out there people. This is seriously good. The short stories are good, the full books are good, the characters are good, the length of the books is good, the pace is good, the plot twists are good, the resolutions are good, the mystery is good, the romance is good.
The books are fucking good, capish? And by "good", I meant abolutely amazing!
I have liked Hunter since book 1, ask my friends. I might have even liked him more than Chris(Yes, I said it. Now please don't kill me.) So getting to read his story was pretty big for me. Almost as big as my anticipation for Nick and Michael's books. But I was not prepared for what was handed to me in this book.
I won't lie, there was a part in the middle of the book that I wanted to shake Hunter and the other characters to just freaken sit down, talk it out and move on already! Talk to some one! Trust someone! "Use your words people!"
The whole assumption bit, and it was about a 20 to 30% bit in the middle of the book, irritated me so much. And yet at the same time, I had to admit, it was something that a non-trusting teen must have done in real life. Doesn't mean I enjoyed it, but I was more understanding of this issue and the way it was portrayed.
But man, once you get to chapter 28, it.just.does.not.stop.
I haven't had my pulse racing so hard in a looong time, while at the same time, my chest was filled with emotions, only to be shocked so fully and completely, that I didn't realize tears were spilling from my eyes until I had to wipe them away to be able to keep reading.
That move took balls, Mrs Kemmerer. I don't know how many times I've read books and have been let down at all the 'cop outs' some authors write, in order to try and 'please' all the readers, when in the end, it's all just a big disappointment.
Well, people, you will NOT find that here. So you better put on your big boy/girl pants when you pick up this book. You are going to need them!
I was crushed. But in some sick, twisted way, it makes perfect sense to me.
No, I will not say I saw it coming. Not a chance. But I had a tiny theory.
Which would have worked to get the point across that .
In the end, this was another absulute hit, Mrs Kemmerer. You are what we need more of in this genre.
My hat off to ya!
I will bepatiently waiting, with very high spectations, the release of the future books, and (truthfully?) anything you desire to publish.
4 to 4.5 stars
Carina Approved
Carina Says Awesomeness
Carina LOVES
Carina Recommended
Carina Says MUST READ
I shall not recap every single thing that happened in this book. I will not recap the synopsis for you either. That is one of the easiest things to look up! Don't be lazy people.
What the hell am I gonna talk about then? Well I am just here to tell you a little tiny bit of the why, if you are not reading this series, then you are absolutely, unquestionably missing out.
This is not just another YA PNR series out there people. This is seriously good. The short stories are good, the full books are good, the characters are good, the length of the books is good, the pace is good, the plot twists are good, the resolutions are good, the mystery is good, the romance is good.
The books are fucking good, capish? And by "good", I meant abolutely amazing!
I have liked Hunter since book 1, ask my friends. I might have even liked him more than Chris(Yes, I said it. Now please don't kill me.) So getting to read his story was pretty big for me. Almost as big as my anticipation for Nick and Michael's books. But I was not prepared for what was handed to me in this book.
I won't lie, there was a part in the middle of the book that I wanted to shake Hunter and the other characters to just freaken sit down, talk it out and move on already! Talk to some one! Trust someone! "Use your words people!"
The whole assumption bit, and it was about a 20 to 30% bit in the middle of the book, irritated me so much. And yet at the same time, I had to admit, it was something that a non-trusting teen must have done in real life. Doesn't mean I enjoyed it, but I was more understanding of this issue and the way it was portrayed.
But man, once you get to chapter 28, it.just.does.not.stop.
I haven't had my pulse racing so hard in a looong time, while at the same time, my chest was filled with emotions, only to be shocked so fully and completely, that I didn't realize tears were spilling from my eyes until I had to wipe them away to be able to keep reading.
That move took balls, Mrs Kemmerer. I don't know how many times I've read books and have been let down at all the 'cop outs' some authors write, in order to try and 'please' all the readers, when in the end, it's all just a big disappointment.
Well, people, you will NOT find that here. So you better put on your big boy/girl pants when you pick up this book. You are going to need them!
I was crushed. But in some sick, twisted way, it makes perfect sense to me.
No, I will not say I saw it coming. Not a chance. But I had a tiny theory.
Which would have worked to get the point across that .
In the end, this was another absulute hit, Mrs Kemmerer. You are what we need more of in this genre.
My hat off to ya!
I will be
4 to 4.5 stars
Carina Approved
Carina Says Awesomeness
Carina LOVES
Carina Recommended
Carina Says MUST READ
September 28, 2014
Rating: 4/5
I was very reluctant to read Hunter's story because even though I feel like the kid is genuinely good, he is not my favourite character, he is not even a Merrick. But I knew I had to if I wanted to read the rest of the series.
This book resembled the previous ones in the teenage angst, secrets, family problems, but was also very different in the fact that it didn't have a 'happy ending'. Hunter doesn't know who to trust, so he doesn't trust anyone, he is keeping everything inside, he has a very shitty family situation going on (which infuriated my BTW), everything pretty much in his life is going down hill. And then he meets a girl, Kate. It's not like things will turn completely good but at least there is something to keep his mind off everything bad in the world. But Kate has an angenda of her own, she is a Guide brought in town to terminate any Elementals, like the Merricks.
A lot of different things happen in this book. It's hard not to get mad at the world when you see it through Hunter's eyes. This kid really can't catch a break, I felt so sad for him but also wanted to smack him at times. It's like he was so headstrong that he eventually drove everyone against him. But still, Michael was always there. I have now even more respect for Michael. He always does the right thing :)
Anyways, during this book terrible things happened and the story progressed even more. In the end, everything fell into place, not the way I expected them too, but still it was a good ending, a realistic ending. I can't wait for Nick's book now, he is my favourite of them all. I hope that doesn't change.
I was very reluctant to read Hunter's story because even though I feel like the kid is genuinely good, he is not my favourite character, he is not even a Merrick. But I knew I had to if I wanted to read the rest of the series.
This book resembled the previous ones in the teenage angst, secrets, family problems, but was also very different in the fact that it didn't have a 'happy ending'. Hunter doesn't know who to trust, so he doesn't trust anyone, he is keeping everything inside, he has a very shitty family situation going on (which infuriated my BTW), everything pretty much in his life is going down hill. And then he meets a girl, Kate. It's not like things will turn completely good but at least there is something to keep his mind off everything bad in the world. But Kate has an angenda of her own, she is a Guide brought in town to terminate any Elementals, like the Merricks.
A lot of different things happen in this book. It's hard not to get mad at the world when you see it through Hunter's eyes. This kid really can't catch a break, I felt so sad for him but also wanted to smack him at times. It's like he was so headstrong that he eventually drove everyone against him. But still, Michael was always there. I have now even more respect for Michael. He always does the right thing :)
Anyways, during this book terrible things happened and the story progressed even more. In the end, everything fell into place, not the way I expected them too, but still it was a good ending, a realistic ending. I can't wait for Nick's book now, he is my favourite of them all. I hope that doesn't change.
April 19, 2014
**Come enter our giveaway for "Spirit" right HERE until 4/23/14!!**
I think this book took some really gutsy risks. I didn't enjoy this book as much as Gabriel's story, but I thought that Hunter was a wildly complex and interesting character, and the writing was fabulous as always.
This book takes Hunter through his ambivalent relationship with the Merrick boys. Hunter was incredibly guarded and mistrusting, almost to the point that I disliked him because I didn't want him to hurt my beloved Merricks. But he also goes through a lot of heart-breaking family troubles and was so lonely at times that I wanted to hug him and hold him close. I struggled to read about Hunter's struggles.
I loved the cameos of Michael (maybe my favorite Merrick?) and the rest of the gang. I so enjoy seeing the relationships between all the boys evolve and change.
The rating for this book is slightly lower because it wasn't as compulsively readable as the others but still shocking enjoyable. I heart this series so hard.
I think this book took some really gutsy risks. I didn't enjoy this book as much as Gabriel's story, but I thought that Hunter was a wildly complex and interesting character, and the writing was fabulous as always.
This book takes Hunter through his ambivalent relationship with the Merrick boys. Hunter was incredibly guarded and mistrusting, almost to the point that I disliked him because I didn't want him to hurt my beloved Merricks. But he also goes through a lot of heart-breaking family troubles and was so lonely at times that I wanted to hug him and hold him close. I struggled to read about Hunter's struggles.
I loved the cameos of Michael (maybe my favorite Merrick?) and the rest of the gang. I so enjoy seeing the relationships between all the boys evolve and change.
The rating for this book is slightly lower because it wasn't as compulsively readable as the others but still shocking enjoyable. I heart this series so hard.
June 16, 2013
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia for this review copy. No bribes were given or taken to alter this review.
'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.'
The problem with Kemmerer's books is that they make me speechless at the end. Either shocking me, making me fangirl or simply have nothing to say due to the fact that they are adequately created. And Spirit being a slight tinge better than Storm and Spark- just ruins me. In a good way. Wait... can you be ruined in a good way? Well, according to Kemmerer's skills, yes. As she can make the impossible, possible.
Instead of following one of our hot Merrick boys, we follow the aspect someone equally as alluring- Hunter Garrity. Holder of the element of spirit, outcast at school, betrayer to the Merricks and the bait of Calla. What could ever get worse? He gets kicked out of his own house. Kemmerer's writing skills managed for us sympathise for Hunter whilst in Spark, we felt a wall begin to build and foundation solidly. Read Spirit and that wall gets demolished. When Hunter attempts to stay isolated, hidden in his own confusion and guilt, enter Kate Sullivan. Dauntless and bold, she seems to know just what to get Hunter talking- but there's something strange about her. Like she's holding back a secret under that film of audacity. As the novel unravels itself, so does our own input of what we assume is going to happen. Unlike other books, Kemmerer does pull some strings that we tried to hide.
Imagine getting mood-swings. Now imagine Hunter-swings. He was adored in Storm, loved then suspected in Spark and now empathised in Spirit. He sure knows how to get a girl go crazy- with ever changing predicaments of his actions. When we finally get a glimpse of Hunter's thoughts andstalk follow his point of view, all that irritation again him in Spark seeps away. The author has such seamless writing techniques that we become accustomed to understand and comprehend Hunter and his backstory. There's a totally new aspect of him we never touched before, there's his confusion of which side he should fight with- the Merricks or the Guide, the anger with his mother, the regret for his father and the sensitive touch when he's with Kate.
When I read in the synopsis that Kate was bold. I never really expected, bold as in well, bold. The first dialogue with Hunter caught me off side and somewhat entertained. Many writers fail to fully grasp the concept of a bold character, however Kemmerer constructed Kate's personality so it didn't seem overly awkward, trite or spurious. The amount was spot on, completely out going, open minded, audacious and hinted humour while at it. She could be easily defined and her character was very original.
As much as I wanted to, the romance wasn't my favourite. While I approved Kate and Hunter's personalities, they didn't seem to work awfully well together. Of course, there were times where it worked but it nagged me in the back of my mind ever so often. At least, I would have appreciated more of a build up instead of small clues of angst and instant attraction. Additionally, another issue I experienced was Hunter's indecisiveness. He would lean that way, then the other, and soon enough, I got fed up. The pacing and for it would have been much opined and less of it too. At least a third of Hunter's thoughts revolved around this problem.
'"No, you're human, and you did what was right."
"I don't know what's right anymore."
Wrapped up with abundant action and gruesomeness, hot romance and another heart stopping plot line, Kemmerer does not disappoint. I relished every inch of this book and look forward to the sequel. Also, a working that Kemmerer will SHOCK you with the ending. I in a trauma of disbelieving and denial. Unaware that the author would be on so cruel to us. But she is. And I warned you. This exhilarating tale can only be recommend for anyone looking to be swept down like a mop.
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia for this review copy. No bribes were given or taken to alter this review.
'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.'
The problem with Kemmerer's books is that they make me speechless at the end. Either shocking me, making me fangirl or simply have nothing to say due to the fact that they are adequately created. And Spirit being a slight tinge better than Storm and Spark- just ruins me. In a good way. Wait... can you be ruined in a good way? Well, according to Kemmerer's skills, yes. As she can make the impossible, possible.
Instead of following one of our hot Merrick boys, we follow the aspect someone equally as alluring- Hunter Garrity. Holder of the element of spirit, outcast at school, betrayer to the Merricks and the bait of Calla. What could ever get worse? He gets kicked out of his own house. Kemmerer's writing skills managed for us sympathise for Hunter whilst in Spark, we felt a wall begin to build and foundation solidly. Read Spirit and that wall gets demolished. When Hunter attempts to stay isolated, hidden in his own confusion and guilt, enter Kate Sullivan. Dauntless and bold, she seems to know just what to get Hunter talking- but there's something strange about her. Like she's holding back a secret under that film of audacity. As the novel unravels itself, so does our own input of what we assume is going to happen. Unlike other books, Kemmerer does pull some strings that we tried to hide.
Imagine getting mood-swings. Now imagine Hunter-swings. He was adored in Storm, loved then suspected in Spark and now empathised in Spirit. He sure knows how to get a girl go crazy- with ever changing predicaments of his actions. When we finally get a glimpse of Hunter's thoughts and
When I read in the synopsis that Kate was bold. I never really expected, bold as in well, bold. The first dialogue with Hunter caught me off side and somewhat entertained. Many writers fail to fully grasp the concept of a bold character, however Kemmerer constructed Kate's personality so it didn't seem overly awkward, trite or spurious. The amount was spot on, completely out going, open minded, audacious and hinted humour while at it. She could be easily defined and her character was very original.
As much as I wanted to, the romance wasn't my favourite. While I approved Kate and Hunter's personalities, they didn't seem to work awfully well together. Of course, there were times where it worked but it nagged me in the back of my mind ever so often. At least, I would have appreciated more of a build up instead of small clues of angst and instant attraction. Additionally, another issue I experienced was Hunter's indecisiveness. He would lean that way, then the other, and soon enough, I got fed up. The pacing and for it would have been much opined and less of it too. At least a third of Hunter's thoughts revolved around this problem.
'"No, you're human, and you did what was right."
"I don't know what's right anymore."
Wrapped up with abundant action and gruesomeness, hot romance and another heart stopping plot line, Kemmerer does not disappoint. I relished every inch of this book and look forward to the sequel. Also, a working that Kemmerer will SHOCK you with the ending. I in a trauma of disbelieving and denial. Unaware that the author would be on so cruel to us. But she is. And I warned you. This exhilarating tale can only be recommend for anyone looking to be swept down like a mop.
October 28, 2013
I'm more blown away by this series with each instalment. Sure, the rating doesn't always increase, but those are niggles. On the whole, this stuff is made of awesome.
In the first book, I couldn't stand Hunter; in the second, I was intrigued by him; now I just love him.
This is, as the author herself said, not a book about Hunter finding romance; it's a story about Hunter finding himself - and the girl is just a small part of it.
That said, Kate is fucking awesome. I think this is the first time I read about a female character who is unabashedly, one hundred percent confident in her looks, her abilities, her smarts and her personality.
Sometimes her actions left me perplexed, sometimes I wanted to slap her, sometimes I just wanted her to leave the building and stop messing around. Whatever the case, I never stopped admiring her and believing in her.
The Merrick brothers are as great as they ever were. They're gorgeous, aggressive, powerful, sensitive jackasses - and each of them so different from the other. That tells you everything you need to know.
My love for Gabriel and Nick grows by the day, just as they grow more complex and closer to the reader by the day, and finally getting to know Michael a little better feels like a dream come true. Chris turned into a jealous prick in this volume, which is a horrible change from the way he acted in the first book, but he wasn't around much anyway - and I couldn't spare the time to be mad about it, because I had to keep up with all the twists and turns in this story and try to keep my heart from jumping out my throat with each of them.
The manly bonding, if that's what you want to call it, between them and Hunter was exhilarating and, in a way, heartbreaking - and palpably real all the way through the end. It made me feel like I was plunged in the "guy world" more than any other book I've read, and it didn't even feel weird or uncommon - just exciting and terribly realistic.
I honestly don't know what to say about Hunter. I'll never have a favourite, but I think he's the character I sympathised with the most in the entire series. He's complex, conflicted, hurt, often wrong and sometimes mean; in control on the outside, yet running wild just underneath the surface.
His relationships with people are built slowly and crumble easily, but once they're stable, you can be sure he'll give you all of himself. It just takes a while for him to get there.
Seeing him grow, slowly and painfully, had me on the brink of tears a couple times, but was overall simply, completely uplifting.
Kate and Hunter are immensely lovable and at the same time easy to hate.
Most of the twists in this story happen because of their backstabbing, undecided ways, but it's easy to see that neither of them is evil. They're just a bit lost.
About the twists - there's a lot of them. I was overjoyed, because I kept being shocked and surprised every thirty pages, and I couldn't have put the book down if my house was on fire. Thank god it wasn't.
Yeah, I know, this was rambly and disconnected - try to see it as a token of how earth-shatteringly fantastic this book was.
I'm not even going to mention the stuff that made me bump the rating down to four stars, because a. it's very spoilery and b. it shouldn't, and doesn't (all that much), matter.
[Edit - I just couldn't not say all I had on my mind. That's just me. The thing I just mentioned? It's the fact that the story lost a little bit of its intensity nearing the end. And it's not that big of a deal, but when the entire story is so amazing it makes me want to dance, slipping up during the fucking ending will piss me off for sure. *zips lips*]
tl;dr
It's an intense, complex and extremely relatable story tha SO FUCKING AWESOME.
Yup.
Also, my first one-day book in... a while.
Now can I have the next one? ... No, I meant now.
In the first book, I couldn't stand Hunter; in the second, I was intrigued by him; now I just love him.
This is, as the author herself said, not a book about Hunter finding romance; it's a story about Hunter finding himself - and the girl is just a small part of it.
That said, Kate is fucking awesome. I think this is the first time I read about a female character who is unabashedly, one hundred percent confident in her looks, her abilities, her smarts and her personality.
Sometimes her actions left me perplexed, sometimes I wanted to slap her, sometimes I just wanted her to leave the building and stop messing around. Whatever the case, I never stopped admiring her and believing in her.
The Merrick brothers are as great as they ever were. They're gorgeous, aggressive, powerful, sensitive jackasses - and each of them so different from the other. That tells you everything you need to know.
My love for Gabriel and Nick grows by the day, just as they grow more complex and closer to the reader by the day, and finally getting to know Michael a little better feels like a dream come true. Chris turned into a jealous prick in this volume, which is a horrible change from the way he acted in the first book, but he wasn't around much anyway - and I couldn't spare the time to be mad about it, because I had to keep up with all the twists and turns in this story and try to keep my heart from jumping out my throat with each of them.
The manly bonding, if that's what you want to call it, between them and Hunter was exhilarating and, in a way, heartbreaking - and palpably real all the way through the end. It made me feel like I was plunged in the "guy world" more than any other book I've read, and it didn't even feel weird or uncommon - just exciting and terribly realistic.
I honestly don't know what to say about Hunter. I'll never have a favourite, but I think he's the character I sympathised with the most in the entire series. He's complex, conflicted, hurt, often wrong and sometimes mean; in control on the outside, yet running wild just underneath the surface.
His relationships with people are built slowly and crumble easily, but once they're stable, you can be sure he'll give you all of himself. It just takes a while for him to get there.
Seeing him grow, slowly and painfully, had me on the brink of tears a couple times, but was overall simply, completely uplifting.
Kate and Hunter are immensely lovable and at the same time easy to hate.
Most of the twists in this story happen because of their backstabbing, undecided ways, but it's easy to see that neither of them is evil. They're just a bit lost.
About the twists - there's a lot of them. I was overjoyed, because I kept being shocked and surprised every thirty pages, and I couldn't have put the book down if my house was on fire. Thank god it wasn't.
Yeah, I know, this was rambly and disconnected - try to see it as a token of how earth-shatteringly fantastic this book was.
I'm not even going to mention the stuff that made me bump the rating down to four stars, because a. it's very spoilery and b. it shouldn't, and doesn't (all that much), matter.
[Edit - I just couldn't not say all I had on my mind. That's just me. The thing I just mentioned? It's the fact that the story lost a little bit of its intensity nearing the end. And it's not that big of a deal, but when the entire story is so amazing it makes me want to dance, slipping up during the fucking ending will piss me off for sure. *zips lips*]
tl;dr
Yup.
Also, my first one-day book in... a while.
Now can I have the next one? ... No, I meant now.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 12, 2015
Spirit is the third book in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series. I am giving this book 4 stars, not because I didn’t like Hunter but just because I felt so frustrated throughout much of the book with him.
We know that Hunter’s father was a guide. So as Hunter’s relationship with the Merrick brothers evolves, he is fighting with himself as to how he should feel towards them. Everything he has been taught to believe says “Don’t trust them.” But they repeatedly help him, save him, support him. And he just doesn’t know how to feel.
“As usual, he was standing at a crossroads, with no idea which direction was right.”
I was so frustrated with Hunter, though. He had such good reasons to mistrust people. He is learning that he didn’t know his father as well as he thought he did. His Grandfather hurts him in the worst possible way. And his Mom allows it. He meets Kate, the new girl at school and there is an instant attraction. But Kate has her own secrets, her own agenda. And she gives him plenty of reasons not to trust her. He is betrayed time after time. But…the Merrick boys do try to support him, to help him. Due to Hunter’s failure to communicate and his lack of trust, though, everything that can go wrong, goes wrong.
I loved Michael in this book. He has a girlfriend now, and we are shown a much softer side of him. He is a rock for Hunter. It seems like he always knows just what to say or do.
“For an instant he wanted to tell Michael everything, just so he wouldn’t have to carry it all on his own. He just wanted to crumple on these wooden boards and let all this anxiety and worry and anger and rage pour down the steps.”
We have plenty of bad guys in this book. Silver, who is Kate’s partner/supervisor, wants to kill the Elementals. And he’ll do anything to achieve this goal. And we have a group of very young elementals who don’t even understand their powers yet who want a fight with the guides. And right in the middle of all of this, trying to save lives, is Hunter and the Merrick Brothers. Hunter is a fifth, meaning that he can access power from all of the elements, and we finally get a glimpse at what happens when he joins forces with all four of the other elements.
I am loving this series and have loved watching these boys grow and evolve. It just pained me to see Hunter take such a hard road to finally understand true friendship.
“The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.”
We know that Hunter’s father was a guide. So as Hunter’s relationship with the Merrick brothers evolves, he is fighting with himself as to how he should feel towards them. Everything he has been taught to believe says “Don’t trust them.” But they repeatedly help him, save him, support him. And he just doesn’t know how to feel.
“As usual, he was standing at a crossroads, with no idea which direction was right.”
I was so frustrated with Hunter, though. He had such good reasons to mistrust people. He is learning that he didn’t know his father as well as he thought he did. His Grandfather hurts him in the worst possible way. And his Mom allows it. He meets Kate, the new girl at school and there is an instant attraction. But Kate has her own secrets, her own agenda. And she gives him plenty of reasons not to trust her. He is betrayed time after time. But…the Merrick boys do try to support him, to help him. Due to Hunter’s failure to communicate and his lack of trust, though, everything that can go wrong, goes wrong.
I loved Michael in this book. He has a girlfriend now, and we are shown a much softer side of him. He is a rock for Hunter. It seems like he always knows just what to say or do.
“For an instant he wanted to tell Michael everything, just so he wouldn’t have to carry it all on his own. He just wanted to crumple on these wooden boards and let all this anxiety and worry and anger and rage pour down the steps.”
We have plenty of bad guys in this book. Silver, who is Kate’s partner/supervisor, wants to kill the Elementals. And he’ll do anything to achieve this goal. And we have a group of very young elementals who don’t even understand their powers yet who want a fight with the guides. And right in the middle of all of this, trying to save lives, is Hunter and the Merrick Brothers. Hunter is a fifth, meaning that he can access power from all of the elements, and we finally get a glimpse at what happens when he joins forces with all four of the other elements.
I am loving this series and have loved watching these boys grow and evolve. It just pained me to see Hunter take such a hard road to finally understand true friendship.
“The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.”
May 23, 2013
3.5...Highs, Lows, but Not to Be Missed
Hunter Garrity moved into a new town with specific intentions in mind: revenge. His father and uncle, both Guides, were murdered before they could neutralize the Merrick brothers. The pure Elemental brothers were not what Hunter expected. Confused, alone, and alienated by his surviving family - Hunter’s loyalties remain in question, but the pressure is on to pick a side. There’s trouble within the Elemental community. His grandfather loathes him. The Merrick brothers think he’s a traitor. The new girl at school appears interested, yet Hunter’s learned from experience there’s always more to people than meets the eye. Who can he turn to when his world comes crashing down?
Spirit is pitched with highs (the Merrick’s) and lows (the Guides). This novels also proves the Merrick’s are truly the heart and soul of this engaging series. Scenes sparkled anytime a Merrick brother entered a scene. The oldest brother, Michael, plays a significant role. His remarkable growth from the surly legal guardian to compassionate mentor marks the evolvement of this family. Michael and Hunter’s interactions are emotionally rewarding. Hunter’s role in this novel also moves the ongoing storyline forward through hits and misses.
Shades of Hunter is what you get. He’s lonely, grief-stricken, vulnerable, confused, and not quite the invincible boy readers are used to seeing. He is knocked to the ground and it’s heartbreaking as pulls himself up. Then, Hunter meets his match with love interest, Kate Sullivan. Anything he can do she can (sometimes) do better. Yet, of all the heroines in the series, she was the hardest to connect with. Kate felt underwhelming when compared to Becca (Storm) and Layne (Spark). Her intent is revealed at story’s beginning, but Kate had deeper aspects that could have used development or could have been credibly demonstrated. There were times where she was too ordinary for her ambitious role.
While this is an emotionally complex series, the villains lack substance. The Guides are an assassin squad of Fifths, Elementals who can manipulate all the elements, who kill Pure Elementals. In a way, they are in a way similar to J.R. Ward’s Lessening Society. Lessers kill vampires because they are bad; Guides kill Pure Elementals because they are bad. It seems there is room for development. Dimension is added with inner turmoil, but it didn’t feel sincere; mainly, it’s a ploy for affect. Hopefully, the Guides’ roles expand or the focus remains on the Merrick’s because they are MESMERIZING! Overall, Spirit is still a must read for Brigid Kemmerer fans. The Merrick Brothers shine and should not be missed! Nick Merrick’s story is next and is sure to put the family in a tailspin, along with a bloody battle on the horizon.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley
Hunter Garrity moved into a new town with specific intentions in mind: revenge. His father and uncle, both Guides, were murdered before they could neutralize the Merrick brothers. The pure Elemental brothers were not what Hunter expected. Confused, alone, and alienated by his surviving family - Hunter’s loyalties remain in question, but the pressure is on to pick a side. There’s trouble within the Elemental community. His grandfather loathes him. The Merrick brothers think he’s a traitor. The new girl at school appears interested, yet Hunter’s learned from experience there’s always more to people than meets the eye. Who can he turn to when his world comes crashing down?
Spirit is pitched with highs (the Merrick’s) and lows (the Guides). This novels also proves the Merrick’s are truly the heart and soul of this engaging series. Scenes sparkled anytime a Merrick brother entered a scene. The oldest brother, Michael, plays a significant role. His remarkable growth from the surly legal guardian to compassionate mentor marks the evolvement of this family. Michael and Hunter’s interactions are emotionally rewarding. Hunter’s role in this novel also moves the ongoing storyline forward through hits and misses.
Shades of Hunter is what you get. He’s lonely, grief-stricken, vulnerable, confused, and not quite the invincible boy readers are used to seeing. He is knocked to the ground and it’s heartbreaking as pulls himself up. Then, Hunter meets his match with love interest, Kate Sullivan. Anything he can do she can (sometimes) do better. Yet, of all the heroines in the series, she was the hardest to connect with. Kate felt underwhelming when compared to Becca (Storm) and Layne (Spark). Her intent is revealed at story’s beginning, but Kate had deeper aspects that could have used development or could have been credibly demonstrated. There were times where she was too ordinary for her ambitious role.
While this is an emotionally complex series, the villains lack substance. The Guides are an assassin squad of Fifths, Elementals who can manipulate all the elements, who kill Pure Elementals. In a way, they are in a way similar to J.R. Ward’s Lessening Society. Lessers kill vampires because they are bad; Guides kill Pure Elementals because they are bad. It seems there is room for development. Dimension is added with inner turmoil, but it didn’t feel sincere; mainly, it’s a ploy for affect. Hopefully, the Guides’ roles expand or the focus remains on the Merrick’s because they are MESMERIZING! Overall, Spirit is still a must read for Brigid Kemmerer fans. The Merrick Brothers shine and should not be missed! Nick Merrick’s story is next and is sure to put the family in a tailspin, along with a bloody battle on the horizon.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley
August 5, 2013
I like Spirit.
I do not like Hunter. That was apparent when I started Elementals series. And reading Spirit does not change that, but my dislike for Hunter was taken down by a degree of two. Why? I have an affinity for characters who had it bad in their lives, and yet they survived. Hunter is a survivor. and after Spirit ended? Even then.
First half was very aggravating. To say that Hunter is constantly abrasive is an understatement. I get it, that I have to understand where his exasperating attitude is coming from, but the constant push-and-pull in terms of trust and relationship with the Merricks? Goodness, it was painfully irritating.
But if there's one thing that this series is good at, it is the solidity of characters despite different POVs in each installment. And the final twist to hurt Hunter really hurt. Man, that was brutal. The guy just couldn't catch a break.
I didn't like her much, Kate Sullivan. Maybe it stems from my dislike of Hunter, thus I dislike her by association? Ha!
Spirit is an easy read, much like the first two books. The Merrick brothers are the same bunch of guys I met, with the exception of Michael who outshone Hunter's character in this book. The numerous action scenes did not hurt, either. Oh, and the Kimmerer trademark a.k.a. hot scenes overload? You'll still find them here. Yes, it's Hunter, but what I can I say? The scenes are still sizzling. :D
I love you, Michael Merrick. Such an awesome guy.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Teen for granting my galley request.
3/5
**
06/17/13:
This one will be hard to like. But darn it, I cannot put it down. :D
**
09/04/12:
I don't get it. Why does Hunter get a book installment when Nick only has a novella?!!!
Not. Fair.
I do not like Hunter. That was apparent when I started Elementals series. And reading Spirit does not change that, but my dislike for Hunter was taken down by a degree of two. Why? I have an affinity for characters who had it bad in their lives, and yet they survived. Hunter is a survivor. and after Spirit ended? Even then.
First half was very aggravating. To say that Hunter is constantly abrasive is an understatement. I get it, that I have to understand where his exasperating attitude is coming from, but the constant push-and-pull in terms of trust and relationship with the Merricks? Goodness, it was painfully irritating.
But if there's one thing that this series is good at, it is the solidity of characters despite different POVs in each installment. And the final twist to hurt Hunter really hurt. Man, that was brutal. The guy just couldn't catch a break.
I didn't like her much, Kate Sullivan. Maybe it stems from my dislike of Hunter, thus I dislike her by association? Ha!
Spirit is an easy read, much like the first two books. The Merrick brothers are the same bunch of guys I met, with the exception of Michael who outshone Hunter's character in this book. The numerous action scenes did not hurt, either. Oh, and the Kimmerer trademark a.k.a. hot scenes overload? You'll still find them here. Yes, it's Hunter, but what I can I say? The scenes are still sizzling. :D
I love you, Michael Merrick. Such an awesome guy.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Teen for granting my galley request.
3/5
**
06/17/13:
This one will be hard to like. But darn it, I cannot put it down. :D
**
09/04/12:
I don't get it. Why does Hunter get a book installment when Nick only has a novella?!!!
Not. Fair.
Want to read
October 23, 2012Yayyyyyyyyyy Spirit!! <3 <3 <3
Wait...what....2013??
WHAT.THE.ACTUAL.FUCK.
:'( I seriously can not wait that long. Brigid Kemmerer why must you put us through this PURE TORCHER?! I am seriously dying. DYING!. Of suspense. :(. Yeah yeah it'll eventually come out.....BUT it is part of the most spectacular series E.V.E.R and that's saying something considering that I AM a veeeeeery fussy person when it comes to books. OK OK OK OK OK...............
I.LUUUURVE.CHRIS.MERRICK.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phew, I had to get that off my chest.
Anyway this is an amazing series and I LITERALLY.CAN.NOT.WAIT.
for the third book in this awesome series.!
OVER AND OUT XX
Wait...what....2013??
WHAT.THE.ACTUAL.FUCK.
:'( I seriously can not wait that long. Brigid Kemmerer why must you put us through this PURE TORCHER?! I am seriously dying. DYING!. Of suspense. :(. Yeah yeah it'll eventually come out.....BUT it is part of the most spectacular series E.V.E.R and that's saying something considering that I AM a veeeeeery fussy person when it comes to books. OK OK OK OK OK...............
I.LUUUURVE.CHRIS.MERRICK.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phew, I had to get that off my chest.
Anyway this is an amazing series and I LITERALLY.CAN.NOT.WAIT.
for the third book in this awesome series.!
OVER AND OUT XX
May 17, 2013
3.5 stars
Trust is a big issue for me when it comes to Hunter’s character. Hunter hasn’t been too great in showing that he is a trustworthy character. There have been points where I’ve thought I’d seen a glimpse into his real character, but then he goes and does something which makes me all wary again. So I was really eager to pick up Spirit and discover the real Hunter who had been hiding for way too long.
The trust issues I had with Hunter, it was easy to see that he also had the same issues with everyone else, it took him a lot to extend his trust to others, but when he did it always seemed to be snatched away from him. After everything that had happened, I understood why the Merricks had a hard time trusting Hunter. But seriously the Merricks are the best around, if a person who I thought was a friend of mine screwed me over, I would have a tough time trusting them again, heck I wouldn’t want anything to do with them. But the Merricks being as awesome as they are are quick to extend an olive branch when they have a friend in need. I just wish Hunter could have felt the same way.
Hunter was one messed up character, poor guy. The way his life had been and the direction it was going in did make me feel for him. But every time he needed help, he buried his head in the sand. And then he was quick to jump to assumptions when he didn’t know the full story. I had a feeling the Merricks would have his back, so at times I did feel like shaking a little sense into Hunter so that he could realise this too.
But Hunter was pretty much torn in Spirit, he never knew his parents really, the path his dad wanted him to follow, he kept finding himself drifting along a different one entirely and who could he really trust? I wish things could have ended differently for Hunter in some aspects, every time he saw the Merricks with their girlfriends, my heart went out to him, I wanted him to finally find his own happiness,
I’m glad Kemmerer decided to give us a story from Hunter; I had a few issues with him at the beginning of the series. But now after Spirit I think I’m finally beginning to understand his character that little bit more now. Also it was great fun being back with the Merricks once more; with their fiery outbursts and witty scenes. But once again the Merricks are left in a precarious situation, with so many different people after them. I can’t wait to find out how they will deal with it all in the next book.
Trust is a big issue for me when it comes to Hunter’s character. Hunter hasn’t been too great in showing that he is a trustworthy character. There have been points where I’ve thought I’d seen a glimpse into his real character, but then he goes and does something which makes me all wary again. So I was really eager to pick up Spirit and discover the real Hunter who had been hiding for way too long.
The trust issues I had with Hunter, it was easy to see that he also had the same issues with everyone else, it took him a lot to extend his trust to others, but when he did it always seemed to be snatched away from him. After everything that had happened, I understood why the Merricks had a hard time trusting Hunter. But seriously the Merricks are the best around, if a person who I thought was a friend of mine screwed me over, I would have a tough time trusting them again, heck I wouldn’t want anything to do with them. But the Merricks being as awesome as they are are quick to extend an olive branch when they have a friend in need. I just wish Hunter could have felt the same way.
Hunter was one messed up character, poor guy. The way his life had been and the direction it was going in did make me feel for him. But every time he needed help, he buried his head in the sand. And then he was quick to jump to assumptions when he didn’t know the full story. I had a feeling the Merricks would have his back, so at times I did feel like shaking a little sense into Hunter so that he could realise this too.
But Hunter was pretty much torn in Spirit, he never knew his parents really, the path his dad wanted him to follow, he kept finding himself drifting along a different one entirely and who could he really trust? I wish things could have ended differently for Hunter in some aspects, every time he saw the Merricks with their girlfriends, my heart went out to him, I wanted him to finally find his own happiness,
I’m glad Kemmerer decided to give us a story from Hunter; I had a few issues with him at the beginning of the series. But now after Spirit I think I’m finally beginning to understand his character that little bit more now. Also it was great fun being back with the Merricks once more; with their fiery outbursts and witty scenes. But once again the Merricks are left in a precarious situation, with so many different people after them. I can’t wait to find out how they will deal with it all in the next book.
September 10, 2013
Yep, that was the sound of my heart cracking. Kemmerer pulls no punches in this VERY unexpected 400-something-page siege on one of her most enigmatic characters: Hunter Garrity.
You'd be easily forgiven for thinking she hates the poor boy or something. What'd he ever do to her? Does she have something against blonds? Because, *sniff*, I thought we had something special.
Jokes aside, Spirit is brutal. From page the first Hunter is taunted, tormented, hunted, and pushed well passed the brink of any normal human's ability to cope... but it's harder seeing that 'normal' human being Hunter, after all he's suffered, and the fact that he's a seventeen year old boy. In pushing the character to an edge he'd have to be near super-human to handle, she shows just how human he is. And it's kind of heartbreaking.
Kemmerer introduces us to a new heroine, too. Kate. Kate the guide-in-training, and what a brave move she is. A world away from shy, retiring Layne and Becca, Kate has one helluva pair of lady-balls. She's abrasive, bold and, underneath a very tough tough-girl veneer, a little bit broken, and all the more beautiful and intriguing for it.
But what really comes to the fore in Spirit is family. Hunter's family, Kate's lack of one, the Merricks, and Hunter as part of that Merrick family--and his difficulty accepting that love and belonging. Despite Spirit's supernatural elements, and elemental magic, once again, what Kemmerer makes most memorable are the people, and their humanity. It's a fascinating, heartbreaking (there's that word again) character study.
And no-one walks away unscathed.
You'd be easily forgiven for thinking she hates the poor boy or something. What'd he ever do to her? Does she have something against blonds? Because, *sniff*, I thought we had something special.
Jokes aside, Spirit is brutal. From page the first Hunter is taunted, tormented, hunted, and pushed well passed the brink of any normal human's ability to cope... but it's harder seeing that 'normal' human being Hunter, after all he's suffered, and the fact that he's a seventeen year old boy. In pushing the character to an edge he'd have to be near super-human to handle, she shows just how human he is. And it's kind of heartbreaking.
Kemmerer introduces us to a new heroine, too. Kate. Kate the guide-in-training, and what a brave move she is. A world away from shy, retiring Layne and Becca, Kate has one helluva pair of lady-balls. She's abrasive, bold and, underneath a very tough tough-girl veneer, a little bit broken, and all the more beautiful and intriguing for it.
But what really comes to the fore in Spirit is family. Hunter's family, Kate's lack of one, the Merricks, and Hunter as part of that Merrick family--and his difficulty accepting that love and belonging. Despite Spirit's supernatural elements, and elemental magic, once again, what Kemmerer makes most memorable are the people, and their humanity. It's a fascinating, heartbreaking (there's that word again) character study.
And no-one walks away unscathed.
March 5, 2018
Hunter isn’t my fave of the characters.. it took way too long for him to trust anyone and everybody who was in actuality just trying to be his friend. I also wasn’t feeling him and Kate together so that was another downside. I just really want these Elementals and Guides to have a massive showdown because I am a little bored of the meandering tortured pasts of each of these characters..
May 12, 2013
3.5 STARS
This is gonna be tricky to review because I'm on a "spoiler tag cleanse" and holy ducklings did this book have a lot of spoiler tag worthy moments.
What I love about this series is that the bigger plot supersedes everything else. For a book centered on 4 hot brothers with elemental powers, it's pretty easy to satisfy the fangirl among its loyal followers. It was always strange to me that Chris got the first book and Michael's only got a novella but as the story progresses, you realize these characters serve the bigger plot and not the other way around.
That being said, of the bunch - outside of his epic Ho-yay moments with Gabriel - I'm not exactly Hunter's biggest fan (it might just be the Rogue-like streak of white hair) but after reading a full-length novel about him, I may have just understood Hunter's love of brown rice and steamed tofu a little better.
The blurb I think is pretty self-sufficient and this book is a little less action, little more emotion to be honest so there's really nothing to summarize further. Just like Gabe in Spark there's an underlying theme of angst in Spirit that wasn't really unexpected for me but it continues with this series' trademark of delivering the story with tempered male-o-drama that makes it stand out from the rest.
Reading about Hunter, a 16-year old boy, trying to deal with his circumstances while maintaining some dignity and pride as an adult man gave me that scratchy throat feeling. Hunter's best moments were those he had with Michael. There's one pivotal scene for Hunter at the 75%-ish mark after a particularly intense moment with Kate that was just so well-crafted with subtext. There was no other person Hunter should've had that scene with other than Michael and you'd understand why without getting hammered on the head with it. However, Hunter's inability to trust anyone led to redundant internal conflicts that led to repeated wrong choices that led to predictable outcomes. Some turns of phrases even got a little repetitive ("He couldn't have done something if someone tried to do another something to him") and it got a little exhausting to read about him getting beaten up/shot at after making the same error in judgment or have a Merrick misunderstanding one too many times.
I have mixed feelings with Kate as the new chick on the block. I love her take charge, upfront attitude but her issues and conflicts mirror that of Hunter's a little too closely. Both are trapped in situations they want to break out of but can't. They're like the kids perpetually watching the playground outside the fence: watching the same people through the same pair of eyes which makes, again, for redundant conversations. Sure they had some hot moments but their chemistry felt a bit off for me when they're together. actually, Kate came out a little more likable when she's apart from Hunter.
The Merricks as a unit continue to be as satisfying as a bucket of KFCs (they REALLY love their finger-lickin' goods). As the core of this series, this family continues to entertain with the brothers' endearing dynamics, drawing in and bringing together the new characters without coming across as "perfect" in completing what's initially broken among the "strays". Could've done with a little more of Gabriel moments though, and the little I've seen of him only made me miss him more.
"Words, not hands," said Layne. She poked Gabriel with her fork. "I think you need a T-shirt that says that."
He leaned in close. "Give me five minutes and I bet I can change your mind."
Scene-stealer that one, But I'd gladly read a novella about his interesting shirt collection.
In the end, Hunter's book did deliver more than I expected. The new characters didn't charm (or in the case of Silver and Calla, worry) me as much as they should but the heart-stopping moments totally made up for it.
ARC provided by Kensington Teen thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is gonna be tricky to review because I'm on a "spoiler tag cleanse" and holy ducklings did this book have a lot of spoiler tag worthy moments.
What I love about this series is that the bigger plot supersedes everything else. For a book centered on 4 hot brothers with elemental powers, it's pretty easy to satisfy the fangirl among its loyal followers. It was always strange to me that Chris got the first book and Michael's only got a novella but as the story progresses, you realize these characters serve the bigger plot and not the other way around.
That being said, of the bunch - outside of his epic Ho-yay moments with Gabriel - I'm not exactly Hunter's biggest fan (it might just be the Rogue-like streak of white hair) but after reading a full-length novel about him, I may have just understood Hunter's love of brown rice and steamed tofu a little better.
The blurb I think is pretty self-sufficient and this book is a little less action, little more emotion to be honest so there's really nothing to summarize further. Just like Gabe in Spark there's an underlying theme of angst in Spirit that wasn't really unexpected for me but it continues with this series' trademark of delivering the story with tempered male-o-drama that makes it stand out from the rest.
Reading about Hunter, a 16-year old boy, trying to deal with his circumstances while maintaining some dignity and pride as an adult man gave me that scratchy throat feeling. Hunter's best moments were those he had with Michael. There's one pivotal scene for Hunter at the 75%-ish mark after a particularly intense moment with Kate that was just so well-crafted with subtext. There was no other person Hunter should've had that scene with other than Michael and you'd understand why without getting hammered on the head with it. However, Hunter's inability to trust anyone led to redundant internal conflicts that led to repeated wrong choices that led to predictable outcomes. Some turns of phrases even got a little repetitive ("He couldn't have done something if someone tried to do another something to him") and it got a little exhausting to read about him getting beaten up/shot at after making the same error in judgment or have a Merrick misunderstanding one too many times.
I have mixed feelings with Kate as the new chick on the block. I love her take charge, upfront attitude but her issues and conflicts mirror that of Hunter's a little too closely. Both are trapped in situations they want to break out of but can't. They're like the kids perpetually watching the playground outside the fence: watching the same people through the same pair of eyes which makes, again, for redundant conversations. Sure they had some hot moments but their chemistry felt a bit off for me when they're together. actually, Kate came out a little more likable when she's apart from Hunter.
The Merricks as a unit continue to be as satisfying as a bucket of KFCs (they REALLY love their finger-lickin' goods). As the core of this series, this family continues to entertain with the brothers' endearing dynamics, drawing in and bringing together the new characters without coming across as "perfect" in completing what's initially broken among the "strays". Could've done with a little more of Gabriel moments though, and the little I've seen of him only made me miss him more.
"Words, not hands," said Layne. She poked Gabriel with her fork. "I think you need a T-shirt that says that."
He leaned in close. "Give me five minutes and I bet I can change your mind."
Scene-stealer that one, But I'd gladly read a novella about his interesting shirt collection.
In the end, Hunter's book did deliver more than I expected. The new characters didn't charm (or in the case of Silver and Calla, worry) me as much as they should but the heart-stopping moments totally made up for it.
ARC provided by Kensington Teen thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2013
This third book of the Elemental series is something I wasn't expecting to really like. It was the book I was least excited about and to be honest I even thought of not reading it. But since I was offered an advance copy and saw a lot of my friends getting excited about it I guess it kinda rub off me. And well, now that I've read it I'm actually very thankful it did. Because I did a total one-eighty in here!
It was actually pretty funny how fast I change my mind in this book. From being indifferent to Hunter even after the first and second book to being a very loyal and devoted Team Hunter member in just a couple of chapters. I don't know how to explain that but I think I just have to give most of the credit to Brigid's awesome writing ability.
Hunter wasn't exactly a very easy character. There were so much hidden and suppressed emotions in him, he was a very confused boy thrown into a complex situation with very tight options. He didn't know who to trust and what to make up with his life. I saw a very flawed and vulnerable Hunter in this book, with all his fears and insecurities too. He did some decisions and choices that were definitely quite frustrating and annoying (though I did understand where it's coming) but even through all that I saw how genuinely drawn-out and believable his character is. And I guess that's what made him a lot more easier to understand and like in this book.
Kate Sullivan, this girl was definitely a pretty surprising character. I mean, it was just that she was just totally different than the last two heroines in this series. She's feisty, confident and aggressive - characteristics that might not make you like her right away but I soon did warm up on her and find those things about her very admirable. Michael Merrick also had won a lot of love from me here. Haha. I just appreciate his character more here especially with him being so so understanding and mature (Nick, Gabriel and Chris, you don't know how lucky you are to have a brother like him!)
On top of everything, I have to say that I just love how Brigid wrote the story as realistic as it could be. Especially the emotional aspect of the story. I love how she addresses the issues in each kind of relationships - friendship, family, lover, and also finding one self. It was heartfelt, poignant and definitely very insightful.
If you think you could only love a Merrick brother, think first and read this, it might change your mind. It definitely did to me. Fantastic plot, thrilling actions and twist and the ever so hot Merrick brothers and of course Hunter, this third book is something you wouldn't want to miss in this series. I recommend this.
Thank you Wendy Darling (The Midnight Garden) and Kensington Publishing for the copy of this book
This review can also be viewed at Book Overdose
It was actually pretty funny how fast I change my mind in this book. From being indifferent to Hunter even after the first and second book to being a very loyal and devoted Team Hunter member in just a couple of chapters. I don't know how to explain that but I think I just have to give most of the credit to Brigid's awesome writing ability.
Hunter wasn't exactly a very easy character. There were so much hidden and suppressed emotions in him, he was a very confused boy thrown into a complex situation with very tight options. He didn't know who to trust and what to make up with his life. I saw a very flawed and vulnerable Hunter in this book, with all his fears and insecurities too. He did some decisions and choices that were definitely quite frustrating and annoying (though I did understand where it's coming) but even through all that I saw how genuinely drawn-out and believable his character is. And I guess that's what made him a lot more easier to understand and like in this book.
Kate Sullivan, this girl was definitely a pretty surprising character. I mean, it was just that she was just totally different than the last two heroines in this series. She's feisty, confident and aggressive - characteristics that might not make you like her right away but I soon did warm up on her and find those things about her very admirable. Michael Merrick also had won a lot of love from me here. Haha. I just appreciate his character more here especially with him being so so understanding and mature (Nick, Gabriel and Chris, you don't know how lucky you are to have a brother like him!)
On top of everything, I have to say that I just love how Brigid wrote the story as realistic as it could be. Especially the emotional aspect of the story. I love how she addresses the issues in each kind of relationships - friendship, family, lover, and also finding one self. It was heartfelt, poignant and definitely very insightful.
If you think you could only love a Merrick brother, think first and read this, it might change your mind. It definitely did to me. Fantastic plot, thrilling actions and twist and the ever so hot Merrick brothers and of course Hunter, this third book is something you wouldn't want to miss in this series. I recommend this.
Thank you Wendy Darling (The Midnight Garden) and Kensington Publishing for the copy of this book
This review can also be viewed at Book Overdose
April 28, 2015
Originally posted in Bookland@wordpress.
To be honest, as much as I love elemental series, I have to admit that this book was hard to read. It left me with mixed feelings, the same feelings that 'Fearless' left me with.
Brigid Kemmerer is amazing. Her writing style is fantastic and the way she gives dept to the characters makes them all so real.
Hunter was not the person we all thought he was. He was more damaged than Gabriel, who already had some serious issues. I could relate with Gabriel but I couldn't do the same with Hunter who frustrated me to the point I had to take a break from the book. I admit that there were times I felt sorry for him and for all the bad things that were happening in his life. Three of the girls he tried to be in a relationship with, left him, betrayed him and died on him. It's not just something you can simply handle or get over with. Also his father was murdered and his mother ignored the fact that his grandparents were being rude and mean to him. He felt betrayed, unloved and alone.
I can't accept the fact that he couldn't see how the Merricks were there for him. He refused to ask for help or even talk to them and that was what frustrated me the most. If only he could speak his heart things were going to be better for him.
Kate, the female lead of this book, was hard to understand as well in addition with Layne who actually made the story steady. She was raised and trained to believe that elementals were meant to be killed and when she fell in love with Hunter, because she really did, it was confusing and put her whole training and lifestyle at stake. I was actually glad that she was not simply guided to kill. She was strong, opinionated and curious but that was not enough for her.
I didn't like her and I also didn't like what was going on between her and Hunter. They were both in need of some love and they were both up for revenge so they were ready to use each other in order to take what they want. How wrong is that? Isn't it pitiful that you can refuse love because of revenge when you know that revenge won't bring back the dead?
To sum up, we had a story about two troubled teenagers with trusting issues and lack of communication. Somewhere near the end I was suffocating but I had to end the book. Hunter was a complicated character since the first book and he has to try hard in order to grow more on me. It was good to know more about him and I can finally see why he was behaving like that but that doesn't mean anything.
So even though Brigid knows how to write an excellent book, this time it's only three stars because of the characters. I know that it's not fair but it was really hard for me to finish it because of all the drama and the betrayals.
To be honest, as much as I love elemental series, I have to admit that this book was hard to read. It left me with mixed feelings, the same feelings that 'Fearless' left me with.
Brigid Kemmerer is amazing. Her writing style is fantastic and the way she gives dept to the characters makes them all so real.
Hunter was not the person we all thought he was. He was more damaged than Gabriel, who already had some serious issues. I could relate with Gabriel but I couldn't do the same with Hunter who frustrated me to the point I had to take a break from the book. I admit that there were times I felt sorry for him and for all the bad things that were happening in his life. Three of the girls he tried to be in a relationship with, left him, betrayed him and died on him. It's not just something you can simply handle or get over with. Also his father was murdered and his mother ignored the fact that his grandparents were being rude and mean to him. He felt betrayed, unloved and alone.
I can't accept the fact that he couldn't see how the Merricks were there for him. He refused to ask for help or even talk to them and that was what frustrated me the most. If only he could speak his heart things were going to be better for him.
Kate, the female lead of this book, was hard to understand as well in addition with Layne who actually made the story steady. She was raised and trained to believe that elementals were meant to be killed and when she fell in love with Hunter, because she really did, it was confusing and put her whole training and lifestyle at stake. I was actually glad that she was not simply guided to kill. She was strong, opinionated and curious but that was not enough for her.
I didn't like her and I also didn't like what was going on between her and Hunter. They were both in need of some love and they were both up for revenge so they were ready to use each other in order to take what they want. How wrong is that? Isn't it pitiful that you can refuse love because of revenge when you know that revenge won't bring back the dead?
To sum up, we had a story about two troubled teenagers with trusting issues and lack of communication. Somewhere near the end I was suffocating but I had to end the book. Hunter was a complicated character since the first book and he has to try hard in order to grow more on me. It was good to know more about him and I can finally see why he was behaving like that but that doesn't mean anything.
So even though Brigid knows how to write an excellent book, this time it's only three stars because of the characters. I know that it's not fair but it was really hard for me to finish it because of all the drama and the betrayals.
April 9, 2013
Kudos's Ms Kemmerer... I did NOT see that coming. I am seriously impressed!
Hunter Garrity, I loved him in Storm, I adored his friendship with Gabriel in Spark, and Spirit, despite the turbulence, ended up just as awesome!
You questioning what 'turbulence' might mean? Well, see the problem is that Hunter has such a chip on his shoulder that it's so hard to not be frustrated with him. He distrusts absolutely everyone, even though our Merrick's (despite being aggressive fighty boys) continue to prove over and over that they are trustworthy.
Many times while reading this book I wanted to chuck my Kindle across the room and scream. Hunter's lucky I couldn't get my hands on him to knock some sense into his very attractive, pierced, tatted self. It didn't matter in the end though because I loved it.
This series may not have the poetically beautiful prose you find in other YA's. I've read works that could be considered 'better written', in terms of literature. What this series DOES have that most other YA's don't is a group of young adults that you love and want to fight for/with. It has nonstop action, and even when you maybe get a little frustrated you just can't seem to put it down. I laughed. I cried. I was blown away.
One of my most favorite paranormal YA series ever!
Hunter Garrity, I loved him in Storm, I adored his friendship with Gabriel in Spark, and Spirit, despite the turbulence, ended up just as awesome!
You questioning what 'turbulence' might mean? Well, see the problem is that Hunter has such a chip on his shoulder that it's so hard to not be frustrated with him. He distrusts absolutely everyone, even though our Merrick's (despite being aggressive fighty boys) continue to prove over and over that they are trustworthy.
Many times while reading this book I wanted to chuck my Kindle across the room and scream. Hunter's lucky I couldn't get my hands on him to knock some sense into his very attractive, pierced, tatted self. It didn't matter in the end though because I loved it.
This series may not have the poetically beautiful prose you find in other YA's. I've read works that could be considered 'better written', in terms of literature. What this series DOES have that most other YA's don't is a group of young adults that you love and want to fight for/with. It has nonstop action, and even when you maybe get a little frustrated you just can't seem to put it down. I laughed. I cried. I was blown away.
One of my most favorite paranormal YA series ever!
May 27, 2013
Grrr, and YUCK!
The writing was good as usual for this author, the plot was great and the characters were likeable. Why the one then you ask??
SPOILERS AHEAD----MAJOR spoilers
Because the author killed off the main love interest. I went into this series expecting HEA's for the characters since that is what I got with the first and second books, I had no reason to expect something different from the third in the series so I found it totally crap when Kate got the whack.
I will not be reading the rest of the series or any other books by her. I can't stand it when an author completely ruins a series (especially when it was so darn good up till now)
Then there was the whole "free book" at the end of this one. Are you serious??? I am all for honest (and good) portrayals of LBGT characters, this was NOT one of them. For the first three books of the series Nick has been portrayed as straight. The author seemed to pull this out of thin air, I am not sure if she was trying to follow a trend or what but this did not ring true for Nick's character.
The writing was good as usual for this author, the plot was great and the characters were likeable. Why the one then you ask??
SPOILERS AHEAD----MAJOR spoilers
Because the author killed off the main love interest. I went into this series expecting HEA's for the characters since that is what I got with the first and second books, I had no reason to expect something different from the third in the series so I found it totally crap when Kate got the whack.
I will not be reading the rest of the series or any other books by her. I can't stand it when an author completely ruins a series (especially when it was so darn good up till now)
Then there was the whole "free book" at the end of this one. Are you serious??? I am all for honest (and good) portrayals of LBGT characters, this was NOT one of them. For the first three books of the series Nick has been portrayed as straight. The author seemed to pull this out of thin air, I am not sure if she was trying to follow a trend or what but this did not ring true for Nick's character.
June 22, 2013
I will never miss that feeling I get when returning to a world where the Merrick boys and Hunter exist. EVEN when all the bad shit happens, because for some really demented reason, it makes me want to return even more. Loved the Hunter/Michael moments. Things were Kate were a SURPRISE. Hunter put my through so many different feelings... so many times where I wanted to shake him or hug him or stab everyone who treated him like crap. It was great getting that deeper understanding of him, given that he's kind of a complicated character.
SO EFFING EXCITED FOR NICK'S BOOK NOW.
SO EFFING EXCITED FOR NICK'S BOOK NOW.
February 22, 2014
Hunter has been my favorite character since his first scene in the series. I didn't care much about the others' books, but I loved this one because it's Hunter's story. Loved him, Kate, and their dynamics in the book. Their personalities were just awesome to me: daring, intelligent, independent and no-nonsense. I wished he could have had his own HEA like the Merrick boys, but I guess that's just too much to ask. Still I'm grateful for having a book from this series that finally grabbed my full attention and didn't have any irritating main characters to turn me off.
April 2, 2017
“Love always carries the risk of loss.”
I just want to wrap Hunter in a blanket and hug him forever. It makes me want to cry when I read this book and when I know what will happen in the following books.
“The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.”
I love the fact that despite everything the Merricks will always be here for Hunter. ♥
“Gabriel lost the smile.
Then he clapped Hunter on the shoulder.
Hunter frowned at him. "What was that for?"
"Brotherhood," he said. "Welcome to the family."”
I just want to wrap Hunter in a blanket and hug him forever. It makes me want to cry when I read this book and when I know what will happen in the following books.
“The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.”
I love the fact that despite everything the Merricks will always be here for Hunter. ♥
“Gabriel lost the smile.
Then he clapped Hunter on the shoulder.
Hunter frowned at him. "What was that for?"
"Brotherhood," he said. "Welcome to the family."”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 893 reviews