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Elemental #5
Sacrifice
Earth. Fire. Air. Water.
One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.
Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.
His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.
But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.
They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.
Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?
One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.
Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.
His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.
But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.
They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.
Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?
324 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2014
155 people are currently reading
6716 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.
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August 13, 2014IT'S UP ON NETGALLEY, REVIEWER FRIENDS!!
wishlist
February 9, 2014Reading about Michael in Elemental:
Reading in Storm what happened after Elemental:
Reading about Michael in Spark:
Update
Michael in Spirit:
Michael in Secret:
Here he's so mature AND perfect!! I really love him. *fangirl moment*
Now...
Michael Merrick's story
...expectedJuly 2014 September (Why??? Why?!!!)
Reading in Storm what happened after Elemental:
Reading about Michael in Spark:
Update
Michael in Spirit:
Michael in Secret:
Here he's so mature AND perfect!! I really love him. *fangirl moment*
Now...
Michael Merrick's story
...expected
September 16, 2014
3.5 Not Quite There Stars
Arc provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If I rated this book right now I would reduce 1 star for Hannah and 2 stars for the ending but that wouldn't do the book justice, so I'll try rating it as a whole.
Michael ★★★★★★★
Brigid Kemmerer did wonders with Michael's character. As a 23-year-old who had to step up and raise his 3 brothers at 17 when their parents died, Michael is no stranger to caring the weight of the world on his shoulders. What happens though when the weight suddenly multiplies? You start to crack. Michael's character is one of the best I've read in YA. I liked that Kemmerer didn't try to make him this super-mature guy who accepts his responsibilities with great stoicism and never looks back. He is a normal guy, he sometimes thinks how easier it would be if he didn't have 3 teenagers to look after even though he does everything in his power to raise them well. I liked the moments that he seemed like a lost kid who wanted someone to step up and help even though he never asked for it. It was believable. It was relatable.
Hannah ★
I did not see this coming. I thought I would love Hannah but I was way off the mark. Of all the main characters Kemmerer has created, she's the one I liked the least. Even Quinn was better than her in the end. At the beginning of the book Hannah is a normal, matur-ish, working single mother of all 22. Then halfway through the book the problems start. She throws fits for being kept out of the loop, she has immature conversation after immature conversation with her father, she has tantrums and she acts recklessly despite having a 5 year old kid depending on her. I wanted to slap her so much I could feel it. She goes around with a chip on her shoulder a mile long and blames other people for her issues. She had a kid at 17, everyone looked down on her, I get the shame(not about the kid but about she ended up knocked up), but 5 years later she's still ashamed of what she did and projects her feelings on everyone else. Everyone has serious problems and she goes around puffing her chest and trying to prove she has a big cock too.
The Merrick Brothers ★★★★★★
The Merrick brothers were as cool as ever although kind of absent in this book. We didn't get to see them much and this is a damn shame if this is the last book. The relationship between the siblings is one of the things I admire most in these books. They may fight between them but they are always there for each other. Their significant others are also absent with the exception of Adam.
Hunter, Adam, Tyler ★★★★★★
These three are the secondary characters we see most in the book. Hunter is as impulsive and angry as always but I admit that he kind of growed on me. The spoiler is major Adam was supportive and thoughtful. He's one of my favorite characters in this series and he didn't disappoint in this book. He gave the guys a home to stay into, helped Michael and was there when needed. And the biggest surprise came with Tyler who didn't have a moment of assholiness. He helped, he supported and he actually made good with Michael. That was a great turn in their relationship.
The story and writing ★★★★★
The book, like the others in the series wasn't romance-centered. It was focused on beating the bad guys, Michael managing to keep custody of his brothers, and generally surviving another day. The romance was almost an afterthought. I love how Kemmerer allows real life problems into her supernatural ones. There was no big trust-fund to help the guys deal with any money issues, the police wasn't an absent thing that was mentioned in passing, and although I cried like a baby, the problems Michael confronts with his brothers' custody only made the book seem more real. I liked how the story was written, right up until the end that spoiled everything.
The ending -★★★★★
The ARC included the three previous novellas in the series in the end and I didn't know that. I'm mentioning this because I don't really know if the end was as bad as I think or if it hit me harder because I thought there were a 100 more pages in the book. The end result though remains that it was a completely unsatisfying end to the series. The only thing that was wrapped up was the imminent threat. Nothing else. Major Spoiler. I know Kemmerer likes her abrupt and almost unfinished endings but this was too much for me.
Arc provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If I rated this book right now I would reduce 1 star for Hannah and 2 stars for the ending but that wouldn't do the book justice, so I'll try rating it as a whole.
Michael ★★★★★★★
Brigid Kemmerer did wonders with Michael's character. As a 23-year-old who had to step up and raise his 3 brothers at 17 when their parents died, Michael is no stranger to caring the weight of the world on his shoulders. What happens though when the weight suddenly multiplies? You start to crack. Michael's character is one of the best I've read in YA. I liked that Kemmerer didn't try to make him this super-mature guy who accepts his responsibilities with great stoicism and never looks back. He is a normal guy, he sometimes thinks how easier it would be if he didn't have 3 teenagers to look after even though he does everything in his power to raise them well. I liked the moments that he seemed like a lost kid who wanted someone to step up and help even though he never asked for it. It was believable. It was relatable.
Hannah ★
I did not see this coming. I thought I would love Hannah but I was way off the mark. Of all the main characters Kemmerer has created, she's the one I liked the least. Even Quinn was better than her in the end. At the beginning of the book Hannah is a normal, matur-ish, working single mother of all 22. Then halfway through the book the problems start. She throws fits for being kept out of the loop, she has immature conversation after immature conversation with her father, she has tantrums and she acts recklessly despite having a 5 year old kid depending on her. I wanted to slap her so much I could feel it. She goes around with a chip on her shoulder a mile long and blames other people for her issues. She had a kid at 17, everyone looked down on her, I get the shame(not about the kid but about she ended up knocked up), but 5 years later she's still ashamed of what she did and projects her feelings on everyone else. Everyone has serious problems and she goes around puffing her chest and trying to prove she has a big cock too.
"You're an adult. It's okay to act like one."<---Irish to Hannah
The Merrick Brothers ★★★★★★
The Merrick brothers were as cool as ever although kind of absent in this book. We didn't get to see them much and this is a damn shame if this is the last book. The relationship between the siblings is one of the things I admire most in these books. They may fight between them but they are always there for each other. Their significant others are also absent with the exception of Adam.
Hunter, Adam, Tyler ★★★★★★
These three are the secondary characters we see most in the book. Hunter is as impulsive and angry as always but I admit that he kind of growed on me. The spoiler is major Adam was supportive and thoughtful. He's one of my favorite characters in this series and he didn't disappoint in this book. He gave the guys a home to stay into, helped Michael and was there when needed. And the biggest surprise came with Tyler who didn't have a moment of assholiness. He helped, he supported and he actually made good with Michael. That was a great turn in their relationship.
The story and writing ★★★★★
The book, like the others in the series wasn't romance-centered. It was focused on beating the bad guys, Michael managing to keep custody of his brothers, and generally surviving another day. The romance was almost an afterthought. I love how Kemmerer allows real life problems into her supernatural ones. There was no big trust-fund to help the guys deal with any money issues, the police wasn't an absent thing that was mentioned in passing, and although I cried like a baby, the problems Michael confronts with his brothers' custody only made the book seem more real. I liked how the story was written, right up until the end that spoiled everything.
The ending -★★★★★
The ARC included the three previous novellas in the series in the end and I didn't know that. I'm mentioning this because I don't really know if the end was as bad as I think or if it hit me harder because I thought there were a 100 more pages in the book. The end result though remains that it was a completely unsatisfying end to the series. The only thing that was wrapped up was the imminent threat. Nothing else. Major Spoiler. I know Kemmerer likes her abrupt and almost unfinished endings but this was too much for me.
October 7, 2014
I'm a huge fan of the Elemental series, so much so that I beg everyone I know to read it. This series has not one but TWO books that made it onto my exclusive favorites list (the amazing Spark and Secret). But this book? Gah! So much wasted potential.
Michael Merrick has been a favorite of mine for ages. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Between caring for his brothers financially and emotionally, and watching out for threats, this poor man can barely sit down, much less catch a break. I was looking forward to a book with an older MC, one a bit wiser and more mature. However, that isn't exactly what I got.
The parts of this book that were enjoyable were the action scenes. The elemental storyline was very compelling, and I found myself reading all night to see what would happen to Michael. I love the way that Brigid Kemmerer does paranormal. It isn't all in your face, yet manages to be both powerful and subtle. She just has an elegant way of writing that just speaks to me as a reader. I liked the plot itself and where the storyline took us. My only complaint about the plot is that the villain was very old-school villainy, and it became a little cartoonish towards the end.
I also loved Michael himself. I felt for him so much. I wanted to hold him and comfort him so badly it hurt. I could feel him breaking down throughout the book, and it was emotional to read.
What I had issues with was... well, everything else. In all of the other books, where the brothers were much younger than the adult Michael, I got a sense of passion, of heat between the MCs and their love interests. Though this series is totally clean (aka, no sexual acts on page), I still got a feeling of lust and want. With Michael being older, I was expecting all that and more. I don't mean sex on page (though, Brigid, can we get a dirty series next time!?), but something a little further than with Michael's younger brothers. Instead, I think we got less chemistry than ever before. In fact, I wasn't rooting for Michael and Hannah at all by the end.
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. If I could summarize her in one phrase it would be "daddy issues." In fact, I felt like Hannah's dad played a much larger role in her storyline than Michael did. Though I understood Hannah's need to please her father and her resentment towards him, it felt petulant and not in a sympathetic way. There was also a pseudo love triangle that I found distracting. As if I needed a reason to like Hannah any less...
This story has some twists and turns that will wrench the hearts of readers, but ultimately, I'm sad to say, I didn't find this up to par with the other books in the series.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Michael Merrick has been a favorite of mine for ages. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Between caring for his brothers financially and emotionally, and watching out for threats, this poor man can barely sit down, much less catch a break. I was looking forward to a book with an older MC, one a bit wiser and more mature. However, that isn't exactly what I got.
The parts of this book that were enjoyable were the action scenes. The elemental storyline was very compelling, and I found myself reading all night to see what would happen to Michael. I love the way that Brigid Kemmerer does paranormal. It isn't all in your face, yet manages to be both powerful and subtle. She just has an elegant way of writing that just speaks to me as a reader. I liked the plot itself and where the storyline took us. My only complaint about the plot is that the villain was very old-school villainy, and it became a little cartoonish towards the end.
I also loved Michael himself. I felt for him so much. I wanted to hold him and comfort him so badly it hurt. I could feel him breaking down throughout the book, and it was emotional to read.
What I had issues with was... well, everything else. In all of the other books, where the brothers were much younger than the adult Michael, I got a sense of passion, of heat between the MCs and their love interests. Though this series is totally clean (aka, no sexual acts on page), I still got a feeling of lust and want. With Michael being older, I was expecting all that and more. I don't mean sex on page (though, Brigid, can we get a dirty series next time!?), but something a little further than with Michael's younger brothers. Instead, I think we got less chemistry than ever before. In fact, I wasn't rooting for Michael and Hannah at all by the end.
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. If I could summarize her in one phrase it would be "daddy issues." In fact, I felt like Hannah's dad played a much larger role in her storyline than Michael did. Though I understood Hannah's need to please her father and her resentment towards him, it felt petulant and not in a sympathetic way. There was also a pseudo love triangle that I found distracting. As if I needed a reason to like Hannah any less...
This story has some twists and turns that will wrench the hearts of readers, but ultimately, I'm sad to say, I didn't find this up to par with the other books in the series.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 31, 2014
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
I've been thinking about Sacrifice for a while now, and I honestly don't know how to write down in words how disappointed I am with the finale for Kemmerer's Elementals series. This was also the most anticipated addition to the series for me, because I've always wanted to read Michael's POV. I really only have one question to ask: what happened here?
Sacrifice is Michael's story, and like all its predecessors, it was told in dual POV. As expected, the other person who we follow in this book is Hannah. I've always admired Michael, he has been through so much and carries such a large burden between keeping an eye out for his brothers and trying to hide from the Guide. It was nice to finally get into his head; I really felt for Michael. He's always trying to do the right thing--even though the poor guy doesn't even know what that is at times. Unfortunately, Hannah's character barely scratched the surface. Sure, she's a tough one, with a baby and a job as a firefighter, but I never could sympathise for her because her narration constantly put me on edge. I just didn't like her as I did in the previous novels--she came off a little childish here and albeit whiny.
The romance in here was surprisingly switched to low--mainly because Michael was avoiding Hannah for half the novel but the moments that they did share were very sweet. I just wish we got to see them be together more.
My main gripe with Sacrifice is the plot. Half the time, I felt like there was no plot--because there really wasn't. It was just this constant suspension but there was never much progression or development in it. I got pretty bored after half way, which was a real shame because the previous books were full of action and movement. There was too much playing around with the mystery, is what I'm saying.
Furthermore, what kind of ending was that? I was expecting something much grander and conclusive, but instead we got something that left me feel dissatisfied. I've seen a few Goodreads reviews asking if there's a sequel, and I must agree, this felt like a book where there's another sequel following, if anything. This book didn't feel like a series ender at all, and that disappoints me. In one word? Anticlimactic.
In all, I'm incredibly shocked by how lacking Sacrifice was. The plot and action was merely there, and Hannah turned out to be a pretty annoying protagonist; along with that kind of ending? Yeah, I'm very disappointed. I'll still read whatever Kemmerer has planned next, of course, because I know she can do much better than this.
I've been thinking about Sacrifice for a while now, and I honestly don't know how to write down in words how disappointed I am with the finale for Kemmerer's Elementals series. This was also the most anticipated addition to the series for me, because I've always wanted to read Michael's POV. I really only have one question to ask: what happened here?
Sacrifice is Michael's story, and like all its predecessors, it was told in dual POV. As expected, the other person who we follow in this book is Hannah. I've always admired Michael, he has been through so much and carries such a large burden between keeping an eye out for his brothers and trying to hide from the Guide. It was nice to finally get into his head; I really felt for Michael. He's always trying to do the right thing--even though the poor guy doesn't even know what that is at times. Unfortunately, Hannah's character barely scratched the surface. Sure, she's a tough one, with a baby and a job as a firefighter, but I never could sympathise for her because her narration constantly put me on edge. I just didn't like her as I did in the previous novels--she came off a little childish here and albeit whiny.
The romance in here was surprisingly switched to low--mainly because Michael was avoiding Hannah for half the novel but the moments that they did share were very sweet. I just wish we got to see them be together more.
My main gripe with Sacrifice is the plot. Half the time, I felt like there was no plot--because there really wasn't. It was just this constant suspension but there was never much progression or development in it. I got pretty bored after half way, which was a real shame because the previous books were full of action and movement. There was too much playing around with the mystery, is what I'm saying.
Furthermore, what kind of ending was that? I was expecting something much grander and conclusive, but instead we got something that left me feel dissatisfied. I've seen a few Goodreads reviews asking if there's a sequel, and I must agree, this felt like a book where there's another sequel following, if anything. This book didn't feel like a series ender at all, and that disappoints me. In one word? Anticlimactic.
In all, I'm incredibly shocked by how lacking Sacrifice was. The plot and action was merely there, and Hannah turned out to be a pretty annoying protagonist; along with that kind of ending? Yeah, I'm very disappointed. I'll still read whatever Kemmerer has planned next, of course, because I know she can do much better than this.
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November 11, 2015
Sacrifice is book five in the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer. I am still reeling from this book. It is non-stop from start to finish. So buckle your seat belts boys and girls, you’re in for a wild ride.
Michael has always been my favorite Merrick brother. Right from the first novella, Elemental, when he was introduced. He is rock solid. His sense of responsibility to be there for his brothers, to take care of them, at the ripe old age of 23 is astounding. But Michael has so much more to deal with then three rowdy younger brothers. First he has also taken in Hunter and is giving him a place to live, to feel safe. And then there is the fact that Hunter, his brothers and himself, are all elementals, each holding the power of one of the earth’s elements. Hunter, actually, is a fifth, with access to all of the Earth’s elements. The guides, though, feel that all elementals are a threat to humanity and want to eliminate them. And they are ruthless in doing so. They don’t care who else gets hurt or killed in the process.
Right from page one the intensity starts. Every time something bad happens, Michael is there so it doesn’t take long before his girlfriend, Hannah’s father, who is the fire marshal, suspects Michael of these horrible acts.
All Michael is trying to do, has ever done, is to keep his brothers safe and together. But can he hold on? Would they be safer without him? And what about Hannah? She doesn’t know what Michael and his brothers are but just by being near them, she is also in danger. Michael is constantly at war with himself trying to push her away to keep her and her little son safe but wanting her close. She has a way of calming him, of soothing him, just by being near. Then there is her new firefighter partner, Irish. Is there something between Irish and Hannah? Maybe that would be a good thing. Wouldn’t she be better off? Or can he let her go?
I had forgotten how intense these books are. It never really lets up. You are constantly wondering, how much more can he take? My love for Michael did not waver, not even for a second. He never gives up trying to save everyone, to protect everyone.
Everything was “sort of” brought to a conclusion. The ending, though, did seem to leave the door open to more books. I would most definitely NOT complain. Brigid Kemmerer’s writing is genius. I loved every single book in this series. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys the YA Paranormal genre. So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t started this series yet, I hope you will. Thank you so much to Brigid Kemmerer, Kensington Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
September 2, 2014
3.5 stars I've always had a soft spot for Michael, but it's so cool to see his powers at work, too. I wish we'd seen something more interesting happen with his love interest as well as with the Merrick boys in general to give this series a proper sendoff, but still--these are such fun books and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading them.
Full review: http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2014...
Real, no kidding spoiler:
Notes:
-- If you want to discuss specifics of the book, please use spoiler tags as appropriate in the comments below.
-- Be aware that the book is approximately 274 pages--the last 50 pages are so are previews of the other books, and from looking at other reviews, it looks like the e-book is the same way.
Full review: http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2014...
Real, no kidding spoiler:
Notes:
-- If you want to discuss specifics of the book, please use spoiler tags as appropriate in the comments below.
-- Be aware that the book is approximately 274 pages--the last 50 pages are so are previews of the other books, and from looking at other reviews, it looks like the e-book is the same way.
September 30, 2014
3.5 STARS
I really should learn to flip ahead to the end of the galley so I wouldn't feel the ending's abrupt when bonus novellas turn up at the 65% mark. That being said...
I liked the tension in Michael's character: the sense of a young man made old too soon, pushed to breaking point. But then that's what those who stuck around this series to the end (to clarify, this is the last book in the series to be published under K-Teen) appreciated most about Michael Merrick to begin with. I've been reading this in sporadic stretches but I was able to keep track of the plot lines, character conflicts and mysteries all throughout. I can imagine my past reader incarnation finishing this in one night. I thought the story was well-paced and the red herrings intriguing enough to keep you guessing who's the Big Bad Villain. The foreshadowing was a bit hammer on the head, toe and fingers though, and if the reveal in the end paid off the intense build up is a gray area for me. It felt a little underwhelming, though that may be the reader in me believing this to be the last book in the series.
My point of dissatisfaction is the overall world-building. This series was pretty spot on in terms of tackling the very unique, testosterone-fueled dynamic of four young brothers struggling through life after the death of their parents. I suppose I'm a bigger fan of the chemistry between Chris, Gabe, Nick, Michael and, by extension, Hunter more than any aspect of this series. But as a PNR/UF book, there was a bit of a struggle in me in taking what this was pitching me at face value. Especially since the limits and extent of the Elementals' abilities seem to have progressively become more and more ambitious and thus, blurry and complex from how it all started in Storm. I may have picked on this on the previous books (or not. I seriously can't remember and am too lazy to check) but it was too apparent in this installment for me not to notice.
I'm mostly lukewarm towards Hannah as a character throughout the series and this book didn't really do her any favors in my eyes. Her story line for some reason, with the whole daddy issues and the fellow co-worker who may or may not be a love interest, failed to rouse any interest from me. She felt vastly lacking and subpar when paired with a character like Michael.
I still call Spark as my favorite and consider the Elemental series as a better option than most of the YA-UF/PNR choices out there. But for a book focusing on a well-loved character in this series, I can't say it was what I was expecting it to be. Not quite disappointed, but not filling my proverbial cup either.
Review Copy courtesy of the publishers.
I really should learn to flip ahead to the end of the galley so I wouldn't feel the ending's abrupt when bonus novellas turn up at the 65% mark. That being said...
I liked the tension in Michael's character: the sense of a young man made old too soon, pushed to breaking point. But then that's what those who stuck around this series to the end (to clarify, this is the last book in the series to be published under K-Teen) appreciated most about Michael Merrick to begin with. I've been reading this in sporadic stretches but I was able to keep track of the plot lines, character conflicts and mysteries all throughout. I can imagine my past reader incarnation finishing this in one night. I thought the story was well-paced and the red herrings intriguing enough to keep you guessing who's the Big Bad Villain. The foreshadowing was a bit hammer on the head, toe and fingers though, and if the reveal in the end paid off the intense build up is a gray area for me. It felt a little underwhelming, though that may be the reader in me believing this to be the last book in the series.
My point of dissatisfaction is the overall world-building. This series was pretty spot on in terms of tackling the very unique, testosterone-fueled dynamic of four young brothers struggling through life after the death of their parents. I suppose I'm a bigger fan of the chemistry between Chris, Gabe, Nick, Michael and, by extension, Hunter more than any aspect of this series. But as a PNR/UF book, there was a bit of a struggle in me in taking what this was pitching me at face value. Especially since the limits and extent of the Elementals' abilities seem to have progressively become more and more ambitious and thus, blurry and complex from how it all started in Storm. I may have picked on this on the previous books (or not. I seriously can't remember and am too lazy to check) but it was too apparent in this installment for me not to notice.
I'm mostly lukewarm towards Hannah as a character throughout the series and this book didn't really do her any favors in my eyes. Her story line for some reason, with the whole daddy issues and the fellow co-worker who may or may not be a love interest, failed to rouse any interest from me. She felt vastly lacking and subpar when paired with a character like Michael.
I still call Spark as my favorite and consider the Elemental series as a better option than most of the YA-UF/PNR choices out there. But for a book focusing on a well-loved character in this series, I can't say it was what I was expecting it to be. Not quite disappointed, but not filling my proverbial cup either.
Review Copy courtesy of the publishers.
September 22, 2014
It’s a sad, sad day when I have to even consider the possibility that I care about the characters more than the author does. I could be wrong, of course, but I found Sacrifice to be far below the standard of this series, almost as if Brigid Kemmerer lost interest and gave up. It pains me to say this about a series (and author) I love dearly, but Sacrifice was simply not what it should have been.
Michael has always been my favorite Merrick, perhaps because he’s a bit older, perhaps because of his strong sense of responsibility. I loved his quiet strength, his willingness to sacrifice anything and everything for his younger brothers. There was always something about him that made him irresistible, no matter how rarely he showed up on the pages. Michael is terrified in Sacrifice, wounded and burdened with guilt. His internal turmoil, the fear, insecurity and all the other previously undiscovered parts of his character were done extremely well.
The plot, however, left a lot to be desired. Kemmerer borrowed from old school thrillers, the ones in which a killer stalks and mocks the protagonist trying to provoke a reckless reaction. She neatly removed the younger Merricks (which I resented) and left Michael all alone to deal with the threats and multiple terrorist attacks. And that’s a whole other thing – the body count in this book is staggering, but the bloody scenes didn’t touch me at all. There simply was no emotion behind them, nothing to make me really feel the loss.
Sadly, that lack of emotion spread onto the romance as well. I liked Hannah a lot in previous installments; she’s a firefighter and a single mom, what’s not to like?! But in Sacrifice, she struck me as terribly immature and even childish and in the end, I thought they’d both be better off with someone else.
In conclusion, aside from the impressive development of Michael’s character, Sacrifice was quite a disappointment in all regards. Senseless, emotionally empty tragedy, unconvincing romance, a two-dimensional villain and a less than satisfying conclusion weren’t what I expected from one of my favorite series.
Also, don't be fooled by the number of pages displayed. A third of that are previously published novellas. In the e-arc, this book ends at about 65%.
Michael has always been my favorite Merrick, perhaps because he’s a bit older, perhaps because of his strong sense of responsibility. I loved his quiet strength, his willingness to sacrifice anything and everything for his younger brothers. There was always something about him that made him irresistible, no matter how rarely he showed up on the pages. Michael is terrified in Sacrifice, wounded and burdened with guilt. His internal turmoil, the fear, insecurity and all the other previously undiscovered parts of his character were done extremely well.
The plot, however, left a lot to be desired. Kemmerer borrowed from old school thrillers, the ones in which a killer stalks and mocks the protagonist trying to provoke a reckless reaction. She neatly removed the younger Merricks (which I resented) and left Michael all alone to deal with the threats and multiple terrorist attacks. And that’s a whole other thing – the body count in this book is staggering, but the bloody scenes didn’t touch me at all. There simply was no emotion behind them, nothing to make me really feel the loss.
Sadly, that lack of emotion spread onto the romance as well. I liked Hannah a lot in previous installments; she’s a firefighter and a single mom, what’s not to like?! But in Sacrifice, she struck me as terribly immature and even childish and in the end, I thought they’d both be better off with someone else.
In conclusion, aside from the impressive development of Michael’s character, Sacrifice was quite a disappointment in all regards. Senseless, emotionally empty tragedy, unconvincing romance, a two-dimensional villain and a less than satisfying conclusion weren’t what I expected from one of my favorite series.
Also, don't be fooled by the number of pages displayed. A third of that are previously published novellas. In the e-arc, this book ends at about 65%.
September 18, 2014
This review was originally posted on Books of Amber
Michael is my favourite of the Merrick brothers, so you can probably imagine my intense excitement when I discovered that he was getting his own book. I was flailing about all over the place, especially since his book was to be the last in the series and that is usually a bad sign because everyone dies in series finales. Unfortunately – can you see where this is going? – all of my waiting and fangirling didn’t pay off, because Sacrifice is not the book that I was expecting.
Let’s start with Michael, who was just an brilliant as I was expecting. He’s set on looking after his three younger brothers, and he will do anything to keep them safe, including working with his nemesis to hunt down a bigger threat. I loved him as much as ever, and I couldn’t get enough of his point of view. If Michael Merrick was a real person, I would marry him in a heartbeat. And to add to his flawless personality and agenda, he is also an incredibly powerful Earthbender. Uh, I mean, Earth Elemental.
So that aspect of the book was great, but the rest of it was flawed, starting with the new point of view of the new female POV, Hannah. Her story felt so uninvolved with the rest of the plot, and nothing really was happening with her, which was incredibly disappointing because all of the previous lead females have been pretty cool. I didn’t feel any connection to her at all, nor did I feel any chemistry between her and Michael when they were occasionally in the same room.
In addition to Hannah, the other female characters from previous books were only briefly mentioned. I was expecting everybody to come together and have a Battle of Hogwarts type thing where they were all involved in saving the day, but instead Kemmerer chose to focus soley on the Merricks. This seems like a weird decision to me, because the ladies had equal page-time in the previous books, and readers had grown to love them too, and I’m sure most people would have wanted to see more of them. But we didn’t. We got one or two scenes with (sometimes only just mentions of) each lady, and that was it. Then it was back to the Merricks saving the day. I wanted to see more of Becca and Layne, and I’m sad that they weren’t there. Adam, Nick’s boyfriend, was a little more prominent but even he disappeared before things really got going.
The ending was incredibly abrupt, which wasn’t helped by the fact that my copy ended at 67% and the rest of the book was dedicated to extra content. It didn’t feel like an ending in the slightest, and after the Big Tragedy happened I was expecting someone to pop out and be like HA THE THREAT IS STILL REAL but it never happened. The book just kind of faded away.
This was incredibly disappointing for me because, as a series finale, I feel like Sacrifice should have gone out with a bang. It should have punched me in the gut and have had explosions all over the place and people coming and going and dying and resurrecting, and it should have been thrilling. But it wasn’t. It felt more like a series filler than a finale, and considering the fact that Michael (aka my favourite ever) was the protagonist, I was severely underwhelmed.
I’m sad that such a great series went out this way, especially since one of my favourite characters was the main protagonist. This is often the case with series finales for me; they just don’t pack the right punch.
Michael is my favourite of the Merrick brothers, so you can probably imagine my intense excitement when I discovered that he was getting his own book. I was flailing about all over the place, especially since his book was to be the last in the series and that is usually a bad sign because everyone dies in series finales. Unfortunately – can you see where this is going? – all of my waiting and fangirling didn’t pay off, because Sacrifice is not the book that I was expecting.
Let’s start with Michael, who was just an brilliant as I was expecting. He’s set on looking after his three younger brothers, and he will do anything to keep them safe, including working with his nemesis to hunt down a bigger threat. I loved him as much as ever, and I couldn’t get enough of his point of view. If Michael Merrick was a real person, I would marry him in a heartbeat. And to add to his flawless personality and agenda, he is also an incredibly powerful Earthbender. Uh, I mean, Earth Elemental.
So that aspect of the book was great, but the rest of it was flawed, starting with the new point of view of the new female POV, Hannah. Her story felt so uninvolved with the rest of the plot, and nothing really was happening with her, which was incredibly disappointing because all of the previous lead females have been pretty cool. I didn’t feel any connection to her at all, nor did I feel any chemistry between her and Michael when they were occasionally in the same room.
In addition to Hannah, the other female characters from previous books were only briefly mentioned. I was expecting everybody to come together and have a Battle of Hogwarts type thing where they were all involved in saving the day, but instead Kemmerer chose to focus soley on the Merricks. This seems like a weird decision to me, because the ladies had equal page-time in the previous books, and readers had grown to love them too, and I’m sure most people would have wanted to see more of them. But we didn’t. We got one or two scenes with (sometimes only just mentions of) each lady, and that was it. Then it was back to the Merricks saving the day. I wanted to see more of Becca and Layne, and I’m sad that they weren’t there. Adam, Nick’s boyfriend, was a little more prominent but even he disappeared before things really got going.
The ending was incredibly abrupt, which wasn’t helped by the fact that my copy ended at 67% and the rest of the book was dedicated to extra content. It didn’t feel like an ending in the slightest, and after the Big Tragedy happened I was expecting someone to pop out and be like HA THE THREAT IS STILL REAL but it never happened. The book just kind of faded away.
This was incredibly disappointing for me because, as a series finale, I feel like Sacrifice should have gone out with a bang. It should have punched me in the gut and have had explosions all over the place and people coming and going and dying and resurrecting, and it should have been thrilling. But it wasn’t. It felt more like a series filler than a finale, and considering the fact that Michael (aka my favourite ever) was the protagonist, I was severely underwhelmed.
I’m sad that such a great series went out this way, especially since one of my favourite characters was the main protagonist. This is often the case with series finales for me; they just don’t pack the right punch.
October 1, 2014
They always thought he had the answers. He almost never did, but he was pretty good at faking it.
Sacrifice is the very last Elemental book and it finally features Michael otherwise known as my favorite Merrick boy. I'm so glad that I was right to have high expectations for this book (and Michael) because this book rocked. It's my favorite out of all five.
So Michael is amazing, okay? He really is. I love his brothers but I've always had a thing for Michael from the start. He's a fantastic character to read about and I admire his love and responsibility for his family, which not only includes his brothers but also Hunter, Hannah and James, in my opinion. I just love the guy.
This book was high on the action factor. There was a lot of action (something I really missed in the previous book) so of course I loved. Together with awesome writing, funny and sometimes heartbreaking scenes it made for one hell of a book.
Michael's brothers weren't in it a whole lot due to certain circumstances but I think Hunter (and maybe Tyler) too made up for that. Hunter really became part of the family and Michael did see him as a brother.
We also got Hannah's point of view. I was never a fan of her ever since she entered the books but I started loving her now. She's so feisty! I really hadn't expected to like her this much but there you go. Her relationship with Michael might only just be beginning but oh how I love them together. Yeah, Hannah totally won me over.
The only slightly minor point was that I wished Becca would've made an appearance. But I guess her father was keeping her safe with everything going on so I get it. Still... I kind of missed her.
Overall, Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer was the best Elemental book I've read. It had everything I want in a great book; romance, action, great writing and emotional scenes. Oh and FYI: your heart will be broken.
Sacrifice is the very last Elemental book and it finally features Michael otherwise known as my favorite Merrick boy. I'm so glad that I was right to have high expectations for this book (and Michael) because this book rocked. It's my favorite out of all five.
So Michael is amazing, okay? He really is. I love his brothers but I've always had a thing for Michael from the start. He's a fantastic character to read about and I admire his love and responsibility for his family, which not only includes his brothers but also Hunter, Hannah and James, in my opinion. I just love the guy.
This book was high on the action factor. There was a lot of action (something I really missed in the previous book) so of course I loved. Together with awesome writing, funny and sometimes heartbreaking scenes it made for one hell of a book.
Michael's brothers weren't in it a whole lot due to certain circumstances but I think Hunter (and maybe Tyler) too made up for that. Hunter really became part of the family and Michael did see him as a brother.
We also got Hannah's point of view. I was never a fan of her ever since she entered the books but I started loving her now. She's so feisty! I really hadn't expected to like her this much but there you go. Her relationship with Michael might only just be beginning but oh how I love them together. Yeah, Hannah totally won me over.
The only slightly minor point was that I wished Becca would've made an appearance. But I guess her father was keeping her safe with everything going on so I get it. Still... I kind of missed her.
Overall, Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer was the best Elemental book I've read. It had everything I want in a great book; romance, action, great writing and emotional scenes. Oh and FYI: your heart will be broken.
October 9, 2014
Micheal's story? MICHEAL'S STORY?? FINALLY
Eternally fangirling over this!!
Want to read
July 23, 2013My reaction after reading the title for Michael's story:
Now this is me:
Now this is me:
March 4, 2020
I did it! I reread this entire series and it still held up to my original ratings! Not gonna lie, I was super nervous about rereading a favorite because you all know how certain books tend to lose their amazingness years after you first read them. But that did not happen here.
Again, my original review still holds true but I will see if I can add a little more from my reread.
I don't know if it's because I'm older rereading this, but I connected more to Michael this time around. He had so much on his plate and tried so hard to keep it from his brothers so that they could have a semi-normal life. And when he finally breaks, you break right along with him.
Then there's his love interest, Hannah. She comes in around the second book and kind of makes appearances in each one until being the main focus here. I liked having her in the previous books as it really set up their relationship and got us, as readers, used to having her around. However, I still stand by my initial thoughts here that whatever she had going on with Irish was weird and not needed.
But the end...I still am in denial that this is the end of the series. I have talked to Kemmerer about it and she wanted to write more, so hopefully that will come to light someday. Because this ending was heartbreaking - even if it was kind of fitting. Y'all, if you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for?
Original review from 2014
Not going to lie, based on those definitions I had a pretty clear idea of what was going to happen in this book. The book is called Sacrifice for Pete’s sakes! So, I was scared. I just knew in my heart that we were going to lose someone that I came to love. What I didn’t expect was the action packed rollercoaster that had the pages turning on their own (and truthfully, I should have expected that).
Michael has always been the aloof brother for me. He’s there in every book almost in the background – offering advice, discipline, playing the dual role of father and brother. We never really got to see how it affected him, we only saw him through the eyes of the boys. So by the time I started reading Sacrifice I was ready to know Michael Merrick.
Oh how this book pulled on my heart strings. From the first chapter until the end, the action is non-stop and so is the heartache. Michaels brothers and Hunter all think that Michael has everything put together, everything figured out, but inside he’s fighting this war with himself. He doesn’t know what he’s doing and all these new problems that are being thrown at him are pushing him to the breaking point.
Michael broke me. I felt for him. Everything he does, he does for his brothers. There is not one selfish bone in his body and when the boys are blaming him for everything going wrong, I just want to hide him away and give him cuddles. Kemmerer writes loss of hope and feelings of failure so realistic that I felt as if I was going through the motions with Michael.
My only issue with the book was the love story. I wasn’t a huge fan of Hannah. Her relationship with Irish in the beginning had me fuming and I was like she better not be another person to screw over Michael. I admit that I grew more warm toward her as the book went on and she explained herself better, but she was never the one for Michael – at least not to me.
The action, the drama, the emotions – all of it just led up to that insane and gut-wrenching finale. One full of twists and surprises that kept me awake to finish this book in one sitting. And who would have thought I would like Tyler? (This actually started in the last book and held over through this one.)
But honestly, these books are driven by the relationships between the boys. That’s the reason I read them and that’s what keeps me hanging on. I know this is listed as the final Elemental book but I can’t help wanting more! Brigid Kemmerer, I adore you and thank you for creating these boys. You have a solid fan in me and I will read anything you put out there.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in return for an honest review.
This review can also be seen on my blog, Book Jems.
Again, my original review still holds true but I will see if I can add a little more from my reread.
I don't know if it's because I'm older rereading this, but I connected more to Michael this time around. He had so much on his plate and tried so hard to keep it from his brothers so that they could have a semi-normal life. And when he finally breaks, you break right along with him.
Then there's his love interest, Hannah. She comes in around the second book and kind of makes appearances in each one until being the main focus here. I liked having her in the previous books as it really set up their relationship and got us, as readers, used to having her around. However, I still stand by my initial thoughts here that whatever she had going on with Irish was weird and not needed.
But the end...I still am in denial that this is the end of the series. I have talked to Kemmerer about it and she wanted to write more, so hopefully that will come to light someday. Because this ending was heartbreaking - even if it was kind of fitting. Y'all, if you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for?
Original review from 2014
Sacrifice: - an animal, person, or object offered
-an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy
Not going to lie, based on those definitions I had a pretty clear idea of what was going to happen in this book. The book is called Sacrifice for Pete’s sakes! So, I was scared. I just knew in my heart that we were going to lose someone that I came to love. What I didn’t expect was the action packed rollercoaster that had the pages turning on their own (and truthfully, I should have expected that).
Michael has always been the aloof brother for me. He’s there in every book almost in the background – offering advice, discipline, playing the dual role of father and brother. We never really got to see how it affected him, we only saw him through the eyes of the boys. So by the time I started reading Sacrifice I was ready to know Michael Merrick.
Oh how this book pulled on my heart strings. From the first chapter until the end, the action is non-stop and so is the heartache. Michaels brothers and Hunter all think that Michael has everything put together, everything figured out, but inside he’s fighting this war with himself. He doesn’t know what he’s doing and all these new problems that are being thrown at him are pushing him to the breaking point.
Michael broke me. I felt for him. Everything he does, he does for his brothers. There is not one selfish bone in his body and when the boys are blaming him for everything going wrong, I just want to hide him away and give him cuddles. Kemmerer writes loss of hope and feelings of failure so realistic that I felt as if I was going through the motions with Michael.
My only issue with the book was the love story. I wasn’t a huge fan of Hannah. Her relationship with Irish in the beginning had me fuming and I was like she better not be another person to screw over Michael. I admit that I grew more warm toward her as the book went on and she explained herself better, but she was never the one for Michael – at least not to me.
The action, the drama, the emotions – all of it just led up to that insane and gut-wrenching finale. One full of twists and surprises that kept me awake to finish this book in one sitting. And who would have thought I would like Tyler? (This actually started in the last book and held over through this one.)
But honestly, these books are driven by the relationships between the boys. That’s the reason I read them and that’s what keeps me hanging on. I know this is listed as the final Elemental book but I can’t help wanting more! Brigid Kemmerer, I adore you and thank you for creating these boys. You have a solid fan in me and I will read anything you put out there.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in return for an honest review.
This review can also be seen on my blog, Book Jems.
September 30, 2014
3 stars…Hopefully, this isn’t the end.
Michael Merrick has to grow up too fast . The loss of his parents, the financial responsibility, the danger – all elements placing his brothers on shaky ground compounded by the need to hide from the organization threatening to exterminate the Merrick brothers.
Pure Elementals are not allowed to live past their teens, when their powers manifest. Each Merrick brother possesses power over earth, air, fire, and water, making them even more of a threat to the Elemental community.
Michael has sacrificed so much. How much more will the Merrick brothers lose until this threat ends and what will their family be like when this battle is fought?
“Sacrifice” concludes the Elemental series, but I’m fervently hoping this isn’t truly over. No! No! No! This story has a heart but this can’t be the way the Merrick’s story concludes. There needs to be more. Please!
Michael’s suffering is acute. We finally feel his emotions, see the world through his eyes. He’s so alone and afraid. He tries so hard to be the guardian they need, which conflicts with the brother they want. It was my hope this family would rally together for an ultimate battle and leave me giddily punching my fist in the air in triumph, which is how most of the books left me feeling. Instead this ending is …something I didn’t expect. While it’s a hopeful conclusion, it’s also somber. Please don’t let this be the end. There was something missing.
The heroine’s point-of-view didn’t enrich this story has in the other Elemental books. Michael’s love interest felt like a token female point-of-view, when I really wanted Michael’s POV and the happenings with the brothers, who are mostly missing throughout this book. I wish this book was just a novella before Merrick brothers’ final story. The other books, especially Nick’s, were so good! This is too worthy a series to end on this note, though hopeful that it is.
ARC compliments of Kensington via Netgalley
****
Michael is put through the wringer in this book. His pain is keen. I didn't expect this book to end at the 67% mark. I also expected more from this series finale.
Michael Merrick has to grow up too fast . The loss of his parents, the financial responsibility, the danger – all elements placing his brothers on shaky ground compounded by the need to hide from the organization threatening to exterminate the Merrick brothers.
Pure Elementals are not allowed to live past their teens, when their powers manifest. Each Merrick brother possesses power over earth, air, fire, and water, making them even more of a threat to the Elemental community.
Michael has sacrificed so much. How much more will the Merrick brothers lose until this threat ends and what will their family be like when this battle is fought?
“Sacrifice” concludes the Elemental series, but I’m fervently hoping this isn’t truly over. No! No! No! This story has a heart but this can’t be the way the Merrick’s story concludes. There needs to be more. Please!
Michael’s suffering is acute. We finally feel his emotions, see the world through his eyes. He’s so alone and afraid. He tries so hard to be the guardian they need, which conflicts with the brother they want. It was my hope this family would rally together for an ultimate battle and leave me giddily punching my fist in the air in triumph, which is how most of the books left me feeling. Instead this ending is …something I didn’t expect. While it’s a hopeful conclusion, it’s also somber. Please don’t let this be the end. There was something missing.
The heroine’s point-of-view didn’t enrich this story has in the other Elemental books. Michael’s love interest felt like a token female point-of-view, when I really wanted Michael’s POV and the happenings with the brothers, who are mostly missing throughout this book. I wish this book was just a novella before Merrick brothers’ final story. The other books, especially Nick’s, were so good! This is too worthy a series to end on this note, though hopeful that it is.
ARC compliments of Kensington via Netgalley
****
Michael is put through the wringer in this book. His pain is keen. I didn't expect this book to end at the 67% mark. I also expected more from this series finale.
October 9, 2015
Edit #2
Don't me why I haven't read this sooner, because I have no answer. I loved this book nearly as much as I expected. And all this time between the release of Secret and the the day I picked this book was just too much without Merricks in my life. I love all of them. I loved getting to know Tyler better and Hannah and her family.
I really wish we had more family moments. We saw so little of the brothersapart from Michael of course. For a final book I feel like it wasn't enough. We barely saw the girlfriends and some other characters that could've been important. This didn't feel like a conclusion. I hope that means Brigid is planning on picking the Merricks back up and write more of their story.
Edit #1
OH SWEET MOTHER OF GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!! SO SEXYYYY!!!
Don't you dare kill Michael, Brigid!!! Don't even think about it!
Don't me why I haven't read this sooner, because I have no answer. I loved this book nearly as much as I expected. And all this time between the release of Secret and the the day I picked this book was just too much without Merricks in my life. I love all of them. I loved getting to know Tyler better and Hannah and her family.
I really wish we had more family moments. We saw so little of the brothers
Edit #1
OH SWEET MOTHER OF GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!! SO SEXYYYY!!!
Don't you dare kill Michael, Brigid!!! Don't even think about it!
return-to-later
November 4, 2014This new version of Michael - verrah nice. This might be the first cover from the series that I love with no complaints. I'm happy that Michael is getting his day. So, so happy. :)
March 20, 2015
[My] "heart tripped and stumbled and raced to catch up."
That's exactly how I felt about this story. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Though my favourite books in the series remain "Spark" and "Spirit", this one is pretty close, after all it shares the same rating. And the truth is that I loved it.
It felt like a roller coaster with Michael's struggle, the perfected guide attacks, the beautifully created turnarounds, the horror his family has been true (I could barely see the end of their torment, really), with the authorities that once more instead of helping was making his life harder and the not knowing what were they were actually up against.
"Sacrifice" is such a beautiful ending to this series - there was action, so much emotion and even though I had doubts regarding me liking Michael's POV, I really loved his story and I was touched by his struggle.
One tiny negative tough: the "triangle vibe". Things would have worked just as great, if not even better, with friendship only. It was unnecessary and it made Hannah feel even more immature than she was already portrayed in some scenes.
Full review soon...
That's exactly how I felt about this story. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Though my favourite books in the series remain "Spark" and "Spirit", this one is pretty close, after all it shares the same rating. And the truth is that I loved it.
It felt like a roller coaster with Michael's struggle, the perfected guide attacks, the beautifully created turnarounds, the horror his family has been true (I could barely see the end of their torment, really), with the authorities that once more instead of helping was making his life harder and the not knowing what were they were actually up against.
"Sacrifice" is such a beautiful ending to this series - there was action, so much emotion and even though I had doubts regarding me liking Michael's POV, I really loved his story and I was touched by his struggle.
One tiny negative tough: the "triangle vibe". Things would have worked just as great, if not even better, with friendship only. It was unnecessary and it made Hannah feel even more immature than she was already portrayed in some scenes.
Full review soon...
August 21, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer
Book Five of the Elemental series
Publisher: KTeen
Publication Date: September 30, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Michael Merrick is used to pressure.
He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.
His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.
But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.
They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…
What I Liked:
In this conclusion novel, blood will be shed. Patience will be tested. Sacrifices will be made. Michael Merrick has always been the glue of the family, the parent to his three young brothers... though he's barely an adult himself. With three brothers and a fourth teen - a Fifth (Hunter), things aren't a cakewalk for Michael. Throw in Guides and relationship problems and financial problems... well, let's just say that you always save the best for last. It makes sense for things to start with Michael (in Elemental), and end with Michael.
First thing to note: this book isn't 432 pages. Well, it is, but about 150 of those pages are from the novellas (Elemental, Fearless, and Breathless). It's okay, breathe, this book isn't one of those monster conclusion novels that are twice the length of one of the other books in the series.
The action never seems to stop in this book. As is the case in all five books and three novellas. Michael and his brothers never had an easy life - never will - and you can tell. The Guides hunt them ruthlessly, and couldn't care less who is in the line of fire. When Michael's brothers, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend's child are threatened but someone, Michael knows that it's time to take matters into his and his friends' hands, and end things.
It's hard for Michael to accept help, and in this book, he learns the hard way that he needs to do it. He needs to stop treating his brothers like they're helpless. He needs to learn that help offered isn't a threat or dangerous. He needs to rely on his girlfriend, trust his girlfriend, and stop blaming himself. Like in each book, I love the character development in the protagonist. Both protagonists.
Hannah isn't such an easy person as well. Knocked up at seventeen, she knows the difficult life. She's a mother, daughter, girlfriend, student, firefighter, soon-to-be paramedic. Her father, the fire marshal, has been cold and distant with her - but so has she with him. I love how their relationship in particular progresses. It's not just about Michael and Hannah, or Michael and his brothers. It's not just about the Elementals versus the Guides. There are a lot of relationships in this book, which adds a lot of depth to a paranormal series like this one.
I love Kemmerer's writing. She really nailed the teenager thing in the first four books, and she did a splendid job of writing the perspectives of two "older" young adults. Like the other books, this book is written in alternating third person - which I love.
The romance is pretty sparse in this book, honestly. Fine by me. I didn't exactly click with Hannah (though I understood her and liked her character's role), and Michael is a private guy. It just makes sense, with the nature of their relationship and their lives.
To be honest, I found the ending a little anticlimactic (especially after all the action in books one through four, and the majority of this book). However, I can kind of get past it, because now the series is over, and there is nothing to do about neither this book's ending nor the series's ending.
What I Did Not Like:
Like I mentioned before, I didn't click with Hannah. I think she's irrational, impulsive, and selfish. Selfish in that she expects everyone to explain things to her because gee the world does revolve around her, eh? Because nothing is bigger or more important than her. Her knowing and protecting herself is EVERYTHING. Okay, b****. Whatever.
I don't like her very much. But that's okay. I like Michael a lot.
Also, in terms of the big ending... it was a bit of a letdown. I expected an epic showdown with the Guides. I expected repercussions and rules set for the future and some sort of Geneva Accord/Conventions or something. But the ending... it was anticlimactic. A good ending for a SINGLE novel, or a sequel, but not a conclusion novel to a series.
Would I Recommend It:
Despite a few things I didn't like about this book, I would still recommend this book, and the entire series, in general. Book one is, and always will be, my favorite. I've re-read that one so many times now... but not the other four. Book one <3
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to four stars. An adequate conclusion to a great series! I wanted more, but won't get more, so that will have to do. Awesome debut series, Brigid!
Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer
Book Five of the Elemental series
Publisher: KTeen
Publication Date: September 30, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Michael Merrick is used to pressure.
He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.
His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.
But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.
They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…
What I Liked:
In this conclusion novel, blood will be shed. Patience will be tested. Sacrifices will be made. Michael Merrick has always been the glue of the family, the parent to his three young brothers... though he's barely an adult himself. With three brothers and a fourth teen - a Fifth (Hunter), things aren't a cakewalk for Michael. Throw in Guides and relationship problems and financial problems... well, let's just say that you always save the best for last. It makes sense for things to start with Michael (in Elemental), and end with Michael.
First thing to note: this book isn't 432 pages. Well, it is, but about 150 of those pages are from the novellas (Elemental, Fearless, and Breathless). It's okay, breathe, this book isn't one of those monster conclusion novels that are twice the length of one of the other books in the series.
The action never seems to stop in this book. As is the case in all five books and three novellas. Michael and his brothers never had an easy life - never will - and you can tell. The Guides hunt them ruthlessly, and couldn't care less who is in the line of fire. When Michael's brothers, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend's child are threatened but someone, Michael knows that it's time to take matters into his and his friends' hands, and end things.
It's hard for Michael to accept help, and in this book, he learns the hard way that he needs to do it. He needs to stop treating his brothers like they're helpless. He needs to learn that help offered isn't a threat or dangerous. He needs to rely on his girlfriend, trust his girlfriend, and stop blaming himself. Like in each book, I love the character development in the protagonist. Both protagonists.
Hannah isn't such an easy person as well. Knocked up at seventeen, she knows the difficult life. She's a mother, daughter, girlfriend, student, firefighter, soon-to-be paramedic. Her father, the fire marshal, has been cold and distant with her - but so has she with him. I love how their relationship in particular progresses. It's not just about Michael and Hannah, or Michael and his brothers. It's not just about the Elementals versus the Guides. There are a lot of relationships in this book, which adds a lot of depth to a paranormal series like this one.
I love Kemmerer's writing. She really nailed the teenager thing in the first four books, and she did a splendid job of writing the perspectives of two "older" young adults. Like the other books, this book is written in alternating third person - which I love.
The romance is pretty sparse in this book, honestly. Fine by me. I didn't exactly click with Hannah (though I understood her and liked her character's role), and Michael is a private guy. It just makes sense, with the nature of their relationship and their lives.
To be honest, I found the ending a little anticlimactic (especially after all the action in books one through four, and the majority of this book). However, I can kind of get past it, because now the series is over, and there is nothing to do about neither this book's ending nor the series's ending.
What I Did Not Like:
Like I mentioned before, I didn't click with Hannah. I think she's irrational, impulsive, and selfish. Selfish in that she expects everyone to explain things to her because gee the world does revolve around her, eh? Because nothing is bigger or more important than her. Her knowing and protecting herself is EVERYTHING. Okay, b****. Whatever.
I don't like her very much. But that's okay. I like Michael a lot.
Also, in terms of the big ending... it was a bit of a letdown. I expected an epic showdown with the Guides. I expected repercussions and rules set for the future and some sort of Geneva Accord/Conventions or something. But the ending... it was anticlimactic. A good ending for a SINGLE novel, or a sequel, but not a conclusion novel to a series.
Would I Recommend It:
Despite a few things I didn't like about this book, I would still recommend this book, and the entire series, in general. Book one is, and always will be, my favorite. I've re-read that one so many times now... but not the other four. Book one <3
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to four stars. An adequate conclusion to a great series! I wanted more, but won't get more, so that will have to do. Awesome debut series, Brigid!
May 18, 2015
Also reviewed in Bookland@wordpress.
What a book! Sacrifice is not just a title for the book but the whole point of the book. All people make sacrifices but some are big and some small. Michael and his brother made sacrifices. Hunter, Hannah, Tyler, they all made their own sacrifices in this book and that's what humanity is.
"Adam told me that it was ok to let other people take care of me. The problem is that I've forgotten how"
When Michael's parents died, left him in charge of his three younger brothers. Michael who had just gotten the first glimpse of adulthood had to take care and protect them and actually be the closest thing to a parent. In this book we understand how difficult and overwhelming this was for Michael. We realise that we expected too much from a young man who got to grew up faster than he should have. Being 23 and responsible for a bunch of teenage brats it's not something one could easily handle, especially since these brats were full elementals.
Michael needed his parents and someone to be worried about him as well. Even though he was strong and capable of keeping the custody for years, he needed help but he couldn't dare ask. He was sacrificing his youth and himself because he was trying to be a parent for his brothers. He couldn't understand that the only thing his brothers needed was he. He couldn't see why it was ok to be taken care of. He realised it the hard way.
{...He was so strong - so stoic. Seing Michael crying silently in the dark on a hospital bed surprised her.}
Hannah was experiencing a similar situation to Michael. She got pregnant when she was 17 and she ended up being a single mother. Her father was not supportive and she was trying to do anything in order to prove to him that she deserved his love and pride. In this book Hannah learnt how to let go of her teenage drama and how to really grow up in order to deal with her situation. She as well sacrificed her youth but never once regretted it. It was worth it.
Hannah and Michael could understand each other and at the end help each other as well.
I am also going to talk about Hunter's ultimate sacrifice and it's going to be a spoiler so please don't read it if you haven't read the book yet.
I was never font of Hunter because of all the betrayal Merricks had to endure. But in book four and five he grew more on me. He finally managed to feel loved and wanted and make things better with his family. He understood how friendship works and his life was finally stable.
So this book was all about love and sacrifices. We were taught about what's right and what's wrong. We learnt that people could help each other for the greater good. Tyler was the first one to realise that and he actually helped the Merricks to fight for their lives.
"Why help us?"
"Because it's the right thing to do." - "Because it's what my sister would want me to do"
Brigid is so brilliant. She managed to sent so many messages through her story and made me touched because writting a good book is not just great imagination and talent. It requires courage and willingness in order to teach the readers something, to make them also develop the same way. Helping people become better is what we all need to do. That way we grow up and appreciate life to the fullest.
Thank you Brigid, for helping me understand a couple of things. Thank you for this great journey!
What a book! Sacrifice is not just a title for the book but the whole point of the book. All people make sacrifices but some are big and some small. Michael and his brother made sacrifices. Hunter, Hannah, Tyler, they all made their own sacrifices in this book and that's what humanity is.
"Adam told me that it was ok to let other people take care of me. The problem is that I've forgotten how"
When Michael's parents died, left him in charge of his three younger brothers. Michael who had just gotten the first glimpse of adulthood had to take care and protect them and actually be the closest thing to a parent. In this book we understand how difficult and overwhelming this was for Michael. We realise that we expected too much from a young man who got to grew up faster than he should have. Being 23 and responsible for a bunch of teenage brats it's not something one could easily handle, especially since these brats were full elementals.
Michael needed his parents and someone to be worried about him as well. Even though he was strong and capable of keeping the custody for years, he needed help but he couldn't dare ask. He was sacrificing his youth and himself because he was trying to be a parent for his brothers. He couldn't understand that the only thing his brothers needed was he. He couldn't see why it was ok to be taken care of. He realised it the hard way.
{...He was so strong - so stoic. Seing Michael crying silently in the dark on a hospital bed surprised her.}
Hannah was experiencing a similar situation to Michael. She got pregnant when she was 17 and she ended up being a single mother. Her father was not supportive and she was trying to do anything in order to prove to him that she deserved his love and pride. In this book Hannah learnt how to let go of her teenage drama and how to really grow up in order to deal with her situation. She as well sacrificed her youth but never once regretted it. It was worth it.
Hannah and Michael could understand each other and at the end help each other as well.
I am also going to talk about Hunter's ultimate sacrifice and it's going to be a spoiler so please don't read it if you haven't read the book yet.
I was never font of Hunter because of all the betrayal Merricks had to endure. But in book four and five he grew more on me. He finally managed to feel loved and wanted and make things better with his family. He understood how friendship works and his life was finally stable.
So this book was all about love and sacrifices. We were taught about what's right and what's wrong. We learnt that people could help each other for the greater good. Tyler was the first one to realise that and he actually helped the Merricks to fight for their lives.
"Why help us?"
"Because it's the right thing to do." - "Because it's what my sister would want me to do"
Brigid is so brilliant. She managed to sent so many messages through her story and made me touched because writting a good book is not just great imagination and talent. It requires courage and willingness in order to teach the readers something, to make them also develop the same way. Helping people become better is what we all need to do. That way we grow up and appreciate life to the fullest.
Thank you Brigid, for helping me understand a couple of things. Thank you for this great journey!
February 29, 2016
review to come.
November 7, 2016
3.5
Something bad happened to one my faves and i'll never be over it! Also it definitely didn't feel like the end so i'm hoping the sixth book, that is on hold, will actually happen!
Something bad happened to one my faves and i'll never be over it! Also it definitely didn't feel like the end so i'm hoping the sixth book, that is on hold, will actually happen!
February 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Sacrifice was my most anticipated book for the second half of 2014 and it was a huge relief to find that I was not let down in the end.
Sacrifice is Michael's story, the eldest of the Merrick brothers though he's only 23. Having had to raise his brothers for the past 5 years, Michael is steady, logical, dependable, the rock where eventually all the other Merricks lean on. But with the pressure of the Guides' looming over him, even Michael starts to crack.
What follows is a story full of action and twists that I only half guessed, while the title alone ("Sacrifice" is kind of foreboding right?) made me question if Kemmerer would pull one more twist and leave us with a less than happy ending. After all, she's proved with Hunter's book that she's not afraid to be cruel to her heroes.
I liked Michael's character in the previous books and I loved him in his one. I liked that he proved to be human after all, afraid and insecure at times instead of the always steady, unflappable guy we knew. Adam, Hunter and Tyler were the ones that played the most important secondary roles here, and every one of them gained my respect and admiration even more than they already had. There's a new player in the game too, a fireman named Irish, who gained Hannah's attention and mine as well from the first few chapters, and was apparent early on that would be playing some important part as well. Would he be a good or a buy guy? That was only for Kemmerer to know and us to find out later on.
I haven't said much about Hannah, because though her role in the story is not small, I was a little conflicted with her. It was the only part of the story that I felt Kemmerer didn't deal with well enough; Sometimes she would be a rock for Michael, other times she'd doubt him and worse, other times she'd feel attracted to someone else ! I also didn't like the way Hannah was informed of Michael's and his family's unique abilities. . It was disappointing to say the least. Even if the romance is never Kemmerer's focal point, in this one book I felt it was even more lacking than usual:(
As for the ending, I read that some people consider it abrupt but I like to think it was done this way on purpose. It seems to me that Kemmerer wants to leave those threads open, so that she can come back and continue in the world she's built and continue the story with new heroes. At least, that's my fondest hope:) Why else ? I really hope that's the case, because I think I'll suffer from withdrowal syndrome if I don't read from the Merricks ever again!
All in all, an excellent series, more NA than YA despite the heroes' age and more well written than most. Friends of paranormal and adventure will definitely appreciate it.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Sacrifice was my most anticipated book for the second half of 2014 and it was a huge relief to find that I was not let down in the end.
Sacrifice is Michael's story, the eldest of the Merrick brothers though he's only 23. Having had to raise his brothers for the past 5 years, Michael is steady, logical, dependable, the rock where eventually all the other Merricks lean on. But with the pressure of the Guides' looming over him, even Michael starts to crack.
What follows is a story full of action and twists that I only half guessed, while the title alone ("Sacrifice" is kind of foreboding right?) made me question if Kemmerer would pull one more twist and leave us with a less than happy ending. After all, she's proved with Hunter's book that she's not afraid to be cruel to her heroes.
I liked Michael's character in the previous books and I loved him in his one. I liked that he proved to be human after all, afraid and insecure at times instead of the always steady, unflappable guy we knew. Adam, Hunter and Tyler were the ones that played the most important secondary roles here, and every one of them gained my respect and admiration even more than they already had. There's a new player in the game too, a fireman named Irish, who gained Hannah's attention and mine as well from the first few chapters, and was apparent early on that would be playing some important part as well. Would he be a good or a buy guy? That was only for Kemmerer to know and us to find out later on.
I haven't said much about Hannah, because though her role in the story is not small, I was a little conflicted with her. It was the only part of the story that I felt Kemmerer didn't deal with well enough; Sometimes she would be a rock for Michael, other times she'd doubt him and worse, other times she'd feel attracted to someone else ! I also didn't like the way Hannah was informed of Michael's and his family's unique abilities. . It was disappointing to say the least. Even if the romance is never Kemmerer's focal point, in this one book I felt it was even more lacking than usual:(
As for the ending, I read that some people consider it abrupt but I like to think it was done this way on purpose. It seems to me that Kemmerer wants to leave those threads open, so that she can come back and continue in the world she's built and continue the story with new heroes. At least, that's my fondest hope:) Why else ? I really hope that's the case, because I think I'll suffer from withdrowal syndrome if I don't read from the Merricks ever again!
All in all, an excellent series, more NA than YA despite the heroes' age and more well written than most. Friends of paranormal and adventure will definitely appreciate it.
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 24, 2014
My thanks to Kensington Teen and NetGalley
Actual Rating: 3.5
Point of View: Dual (Michael & Hannah)
Writing: Third Person | Past Tense
Setting: Maryland
Genre: Young Adult | Urban Fantasy
A heart-pounding and emotional conclusion to a great series. However, I was hoping for a more conclusive ending. I was a little surprised when it just ended right there a little unexpectedly. It turned out the last 100 pages plus were the previous three novellas that I had already read.
Among all the boys in this series, Michael was one of my favorite. All the tough exterior, the protectiveness and the grumpiness were very swoon-worthy. In this book, Michael showed how much he would do in order to protect the ones he loved.
As for Hannah, I wasn't a big fan. She was an alright character, I guess. However, sometimes she was too immature and stubborn for her own good. Luckily she became less of that as the story went. And I truly appreciated that.
The plot was very entrancing because of all the suspense, the action, and everything else involved. It was very shocking to me that .
I was still amazed by the writing, but this book was a little dragging at times. The action did help a lot not to leave me feeling all bored and frustrated.
In general, it was a nice ending to the series. Not conclusive, but satisfying indeed.
October 3, 2014
To see my full review:
http://abookvacation.com/2014/09/28/a...
Kemmerer’s Elemental series has been my guilty pleasure for a few years now. And with this novel, Kemmerer has technically closed the story with this final chapter of the Merrick brothers, giving readers Michael’s story as it all comes to a head. And yet… I’m not certain it’s really over.
Let me explain. Kemmerer has always woven a tale that pulls readers in from the get go. Sacrifice is no different. By this point in the series, the Merrick brothers and their friends are like a part of my family. I know them so well because Kemmerer really knows how to create realistic, beautiful characters, and Sacrifice is no different on this end. The brothers, who I’ve come to love, are again faced with hardship–perhaps the worst yet, and it tore my heart in two as I read. The emotions are real, and I just adored everything about it. Everything, except the ending. The ending, while a resolution that works, comes on quite fast, leaving readers with questions. Truthfully, I wasn’t expecting the antagonist to be who it was, and I liked how Kemmerer threw me for a loop with the big reveal, but I didn’t understand all the aspects that went in to it. I reread it twice, but in all honestly, the ending was too neat; everything wrapped up much too quickly once all is said and done. And I still have questions. I have questions about the bad guy, about newcomer Irish, Hunter’s grandparents, the guides reactions to it all, and what’s going to happen next for the Merricks. Yes, a resolution is there, and I loved it, even though it happened a touch too fast for me and not everyone gets out unscathed, but even so, the potential for more chaos is there, too, and I’m waiting for more–for the other shoe to drop. This is a wonderful novel, and I truly enjoyed it… but I need a spinoff series…
Of course, Kemmerer did leave me stunned with one aspect that I knew was coming from the title, SACRIFICE, but still didn’t expect. I spent the next few pages hoping it’d be undone, but alas, it’s not. You might want some tissues. I think I was stunned enough that I didn’t even blink. No tears for me, it just… can’t be. Right? And it happens so fast that if you do blink, you’ll miss it. I really have no words. Except that you must read it. If this is really the end, then you just have to read it, but I’m still waiting. For more. I need more. The Merricks are a part of me now, and… I just need more.
http://abookvacation.com/2014/09/28/a...
Kemmerer’s Elemental series has been my guilty pleasure for a few years now. And with this novel, Kemmerer has technically closed the story with this final chapter of the Merrick brothers, giving readers Michael’s story as it all comes to a head. And yet… I’m not certain it’s really over.
Let me explain. Kemmerer has always woven a tale that pulls readers in from the get go. Sacrifice is no different. By this point in the series, the Merrick brothers and their friends are like a part of my family. I know them so well because Kemmerer really knows how to create realistic, beautiful characters, and Sacrifice is no different on this end. The brothers, who I’ve come to love, are again faced with hardship–perhaps the worst yet, and it tore my heart in two as I read. The emotions are real, and I just adored everything about it. Everything, except the ending. The ending, while a resolution that works, comes on quite fast, leaving readers with questions. Truthfully, I wasn’t expecting the antagonist to be who it was, and I liked how Kemmerer threw me for a loop with the big reveal, but I didn’t understand all the aspects that went in to it. I reread it twice, but in all honestly, the ending was too neat; everything wrapped up much too quickly once all is said and done. And I still have questions. I have questions about the bad guy, about newcomer Irish, Hunter’s grandparents, the guides reactions to it all, and what’s going to happen next for the Merricks. Yes, a resolution is there, and I loved it, even though it happened a touch too fast for me and not everyone gets out unscathed, but even so, the potential for more chaos is there, too, and I’m waiting for more–for the other shoe to drop. This is a wonderful novel, and I truly enjoyed it… but I need a spinoff series…
Of course, Kemmerer did leave me stunned with one aspect that I knew was coming from the title, SACRIFICE, but still didn’t expect. I spent the next few pages hoping it’d be undone, but alas, it’s not. You might want some tissues. I think I was stunned enough that I didn’t even blink. No tears for me, it just… can’t be. Right? And it happens so fast that if you do blink, you’ll miss it. I really have no words. Except that you must read it. If this is really the end, then you just have to read it, but I’m still waiting. For more. I need more. The Merricks are a part of me now, and… I just need more.
July 26, 2019
Wow on this book. I know that this is the last one. But wow I was shocked by some of this book. She did a great job on not sugar coating things. Great author cannot wait to read more.
September 29, 2014
I have been waiting impatiently for Michael Merrick's book ever since I read the first book. This is a series I cherish despite having had some down moments with it (I'm looking at you Hunter). My expectations for Sacrifice were sky-high, not only because this was Michael's book, but also because this was the series finale. Writing this review is kind of painful because Sacrifice was disappointing in many ways.
As always, for me, Michael continued to shine as a character. He has always had such a big heart and I don't know he managed to look after 4 teenage boys so well. I admired him and loved him and needed him to get the happiness he deserved. Being inside Michael's head was wonderful. I loved that we finally got to see all his fears when it comes to his family. The constant worry that he had for them touched me and I think I may have fallen even more in love with him. His love interest, Hannah, though, was a completely different story. Hannah wasn't awful by any means, but I honestly didn't see the point of having her POV in this book because Kemmerer didn't explore her character fully. She could have been a great character, but with the lack of real development, she was unmemorable. When I started this book, I wanted to feel a real emotional connection between Hannah and Michael. Honestly, I couldn't even tell that they were a couple. I don't know if it's because they were an already established couple and unlike the other couples in this series, you don't really get to see them fall for each other, but I was so passive when it came to Hannah and Michael together. There was also a pseudo-love triangle that had absolutely no real purpose to the romance. Kemmerer can write couples with chemistry, her previous books can affirm that, so what went wrong here?
Besides the romance, I hated how the secondary characters, Michael's brothers, were completely set aside. In the previous books, even though each of it focused on one brother, we got to see the interactions between the brothers. Here? Nothing. In fact, Michael's brothers disappeared for a long bit and only had a significant appearance at the end. As far as the plot goes, I thought it wasn't very exciting. The previous installments definitely had better planned, and much more solid story lines. I didn't feel that excitement and thrill that I felt with the previous books. When I closed Sacrifice, I just didn't feel like I had read a series finale because a lot of my questions were left unanswered and the ending felt brusque and completely rushed.
I'm sad that this series ending was a disappointment for me. Honestly, I was just expecting so much more, considering Michael has always been my favorite character. I sort of felt cheated of his story because this was so lacking. While I may have been let down by Sacrifice, I do recommend this series as a whole.
September 29, 2014
Wow..... I do not know how I feel about this! I did not expect that! Once again, Kemmerer has shocked me!
Let’s pause for just a moment to admire the cover model’s blue eyes… simply gorgeous. Soooo much better than the covers of the previous books.
Now that that’s out of the way:
I discovered the Elemental series 2 years ago through my friends here on Goodreads and was completely bowled over by the level of adrenaline and excitement I felt when reading this series. Reading them reminded me of books I read when I was a teenager; stories like LJ Smith’s Secret Circle trilogy, or Christopher Pike’s Witch. Books about witchy characters that are full of magic, action, and fun.
I have always said in my Elemental reviews that if people are looking for a read to lose yourself in that isn't heavy or loaded down, this series is for you. This is all still true, even with the lower rating. I think the problem with this final installment was the strength of my anticipation. The Elemental series starts with a short story about the oldest Merrick brother, Michael, and it was one of those shorts that packs a big wallop. Then, in all of the following books, you watched Michael support all of his younger brothers. He loved them, accepted them, protected them… they sometimes took advantage of his presence in their lives, which is often the case with the ones who carry the responsibility, but we the readers never stop seeing the strength he is for his family even when he’s in the background.
So then you finally, after waiting through 4 more books and 2 more short stories, finally get the second half of Michael’s story and I think maybe there was just no way to write it that would satisfy the readers. I wanted something spectacular for him, and I just didn't feel like I got it.
That’s really the only reason this one was rated down. Other than the lack of a good, blow me away, Michael story the rest of the book was just as great as the earlier books. I thought I had a handle on the tricks that the author pulls, believing that I had thought up every possible twist that could be thrown at us and I was still wrong! I don’t mean to sound cocky, but I've read a lot of books and usually I can guess what’s going to happen before it actually happens. Not with this series. So that is definitely a mark in the positive category.
All in all, I would still over recommend this series to anyone wanting a fun paranormal read full of hot brothers. You can’t go wrong with that formula.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews.
Let’s pause for just a moment to admire the cover model’s blue eyes… simply gorgeous. Soooo much better than the covers of the previous books.
Now that that’s out of the way:
I discovered the Elemental series 2 years ago through my friends here on Goodreads and was completely bowled over by the level of adrenaline and excitement I felt when reading this series. Reading them reminded me of books I read when I was a teenager; stories like LJ Smith’s Secret Circle trilogy, or Christopher Pike’s Witch. Books about witchy characters that are full of magic, action, and fun.
I have always said in my Elemental reviews that if people are looking for a read to lose yourself in that isn't heavy or loaded down, this series is for you. This is all still true, even with the lower rating. I think the problem with this final installment was the strength of my anticipation. The Elemental series starts with a short story about the oldest Merrick brother, Michael, and it was one of those shorts that packs a big wallop. Then, in all of the following books, you watched Michael support all of his younger brothers. He loved them, accepted them, protected them… they sometimes took advantage of his presence in their lives, which is often the case with the ones who carry the responsibility, but we the readers never stop seeing the strength he is for his family even when he’s in the background.
So then you finally, after waiting through 4 more books and 2 more short stories, finally get the second half of Michael’s story and I think maybe there was just no way to write it that would satisfy the readers. I wanted something spectacular for him, and I just didn't feel like I got it.
That’s really the only reason this one was rated down. Other than the lack of a good, blow me away, Michael story the rest of the book was just as great as the earlier books. I thought I had a handle on the tricks that the author pulls, believing that I had thought up every possible twist that could be thrown at us and I was still wrong! I don’t mean to sound cocky, but I've read a lot of books and usually I can guess what’s going to happen before it actually happens. Not with this series. So that is definitely a mark in the positive category.
All in all, I would still over recommend this series to anyone wanting a fun paranormal read full of hot brothers. You can’t go wrong with that formula.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews.
October 1, 2014
SACRIFICE is the fifth and final book in the Elemental series. The Merrick brothers - Michael, Gabriel, Nick, and Chris - have fought off several guides and proved to some former enemies that they aren't a danger. They're building a pretty good life with their significant others and Hunter, the former Guide-in-training who moved in. But an enemy is closing in, and their methods are deadly to bystanders. Michael is determined to stop whoever it is, alone, without risking his brothers.
Michael is the oldest and has felt the burden of responsibility since their parents died. SACRIFICE is the perfect title for his book. It's a title with several meanings, in fact. Given that the Merrick brothers are strongest together, his determination is a little silly. At the same time, it makes perfect sense from a parent's point of view. And it makes waves with his girlfriend (an actual parent), who doesn't appreciate being out of the loop when her boyfriend keeps showing up in mortal danger.
Hannah and Michael have been dating in the background of previous books, so I was curious how the vibe of an established relationship would affect the book. But Hannah is almost a non-entity. Her chapters are rarely about the actual plot, and she's even given a secondary love interest like a love triangle was needed. Hannah and Michael rarely interact. Given how vibrant the romances in the Elemental series have been, it was a bit of a letdown.
The plot, however, is thrilling. The reveal of the Guide who has been harrowing them is simply brilliant. There's a real sense that the heroes are in danger, and the effects of the violence aren't disposable. There is a lot of pain in SACRIFICE. If this was just another book in the Elemental series, it wouldn't be my favorite, but I would be very happy with it.
Having said that, I found that SACRIFICE was not a satisfying series finale. There are a number of threads left dangling, including what I felt was the most important thread of the series. The conclusion of SACRIFICE has about as much impact as the conclusion of the other four books. I feel like I should still be expecting the next chapter to come out next year. I thought this was a very fun series, but people considering picking it up should expect a very open ending.
Michael is the oldest and has felt the burden of responsibility since their parents died. SACRIFICE is the perfect title for his book. It's a title with several meanings, in fact. Given that the Merrick brothers are strongest together, his determination is a little silly. At the same time, it makes perfect sense from a parent's point of view. And it makes waves with his girlfriend (an actual parent), who doesn't appreciate being out of the loop when her boyfriend keeps showing up in mortal danger.
Hannah and Michael have been dating in the background of previous books, so I was curious how the vibe of an established relationship would affect the book. But Hannah is almost a non-entity. Her chapters are rarely about the actual plot, and she's even given a secondary love interest like a love triangle was needed. Hannah and Michael rarely interact. Given how vibrant the romances in the Elemental series have been, it was a bit of a letdown.
The plot, however, is thrilling. The reveal of the Guide who has been harrowing them is simply brilliant. There's a real sense that the heroes are in danger, and the effects of the violence aren't disposable. There is a lot of pain in SACRIFICE. If this was just another book in the Elemental series, it wouldn't be my favorite, but I would be very happy with it.
Having said that, I found that SACRIFICE was not a satisfying series finale. There are a number of threads left dangling, including what I felt was the most important thread of the series. The conclusion of SACRIFICE has about as much impact as the conclusion of the other four books. I feel like I should still be expecting the next chapter to come out next year. I thought this was a very fun series, but people considering picking it up should expect a very open ending.
October 10, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley.)
This was an interesting end to the series, and it was good to see things from Michael’s point of view.
Michael was stressed in this book. He was constantly on edge, constantly feeling like he was being hunted, and fighting a losing battle to keep his brother’s safe. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse, and it seemed like the odds were really stacked against him. I felt really sorry for him with everything he had to go through, especially when he felt like he had no support at all.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and there was certainly an undercurrent of danger running through it. There seemed to be quite a few twists thrown in, and a couple of unexpected deaths, which were pretty shocking! Things just seemed to get worse and worse for Michael and his brothers, and things certainly looked worse before they looked better. These guys seemed to lose everything as the story progressed, and the story really was traumatic for the Merricks!
There wasn’t really much romance in this one, which was a little disappointing, but at the same time I feel a bit like the romance wasn’t really necessary. I think a lot of romantic interludes would have detracted from the danger in the story, which wouldn’t have been good.
The ending to this wasn’t what I expected, but it was a good ending, and I really hope that everything will be good from the Merrick’s from now on! I did feel a little let down by how open the ending was, but maybe the author will revisit the Merrick’s in the future? Who knows!
Overall; good end to the series,
7 out of 10.
This was an interesting end to the series, and it was good to see things from Michael’s point of view.
Michael was stressed in this book. He was constantly on edge, constantly feeling like he was being hunted, and fighting a losing battle to keep his brother’s safe. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse, and it seemed like the odds were really stacked against him. I felt really sorry for him with everything he had to go through, especially when he felt like he had no support at all.
The storyline in this was pretty good, and there was certainly an undercurrent of danger running through it. There seemed to be quite a few twists thrown in, and a couple of unexpected deaths, which were pretty shocking! Things just seemed to get worse and worse for Michael and his brothers, and things certainly looked worse before they looked better. These guys seemed to lose everything as the story progressed, and the story really was traumatic for the Merricks!
There wasn’t really much romance in this one, which was a little disappointing, but at the same time I feel a bit like the romance wasn’t really necessary. I think a lot of romantic interludes would have detracted from the danger in the story, which wouldn’t have been good.
The ending to this wasn’t what I expected, but it was a good ending, and I really hope that everything will be good from the Merrick’s from now on! I did feel a little let down by how open the ending was, but maybe the author will revisit the Merrick’s in the future? Who knows!
Overall; good end to the series,
7 out of 10.
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