Storm (Elemental #1)
by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher – Much-in-Little
Release Date – April 17th 2014 (UK)
Buy – Amazon | Book Depository
WEATHER WARNING Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake.
Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys; all the ones she doesn’t want. When she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot, everything is about to change. Chris is different from the guys at school… really different. He can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. The brothers are powerful and dangerous. And now that Becca knows the truth, so is she.
When the mysterious new kid, Hunter, turns up, Becca thinks she can trust him. But when he goes head-to-head with Chris, Becca’s left wondering who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.
Like any hyped series and it’s debut novel, you are a little apprehensive to start this series. But as it was finally officially being published in the UK, I couldn’t resist the temptation to read it. Most of you are probably way a head of me, (so don’t spoil it for me) but it’s been a long time since I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a paranormal young adult novel. This is totally addictive and the best paranormal YA I’ve read this year.
One girl, Four hot guys with powers of the elements and secrets that bring them together indefinitely. That’s probably the best one liner synopsis of this book I can sum up with. That’s all you need to know because the book completes you with everything you desire from a book. I was addicted from the first page, maybe it’s been a while since sinking myself into a paranormal, but I loved the concept of it. We are introduced to the Merrick brothers, each able to control one aspect of the elements (earth, air, fire and water); Michael – Earth, Gabriel – Fire, Nick – Air and Chris – Water. (Oh and did I mention that Nick and Gabriel were twins, yummy!)
Storm focuses on Chris, the youngest of the brothers and the control of water. We are first introduced to him as the ‘damsel in the distress’ when he is caught between Seth and Tyler, two guilty, troublesome senior’s with a history to Chris’s extra curricular activities. Seth and Tyler are out to destroy Chris’s family, their kind. A war is raging between them that has carried on for years, since the deaths of both of their parents… We are instantly thrusted into an action-packed novel, and there is no where out for you but to continue. Chris is your average teenager who just wants to continue his life as normal as possible. He has only just started to control his element, only to be thrown into the deep end. Until Becca saves his life…
Becca was a challenging character, she was a very hot n’ cold person as you didn’t really know a whole lot about her. It was as you progressed through the novel that you gradually saw the person she is and she has had to endure from horrible rumours roaming at school. Once the word is around school about her saving Chris, it’s only a matter of days until she’s involved beyond her capability or understanding. A mixture of bad weather and trouble is attracting to her, and she can’t seem to get away from it. Becca is in more deeply than she knows, and she can’t seem to stop herself from getting closer to Chris. I really enjoyed how their relationship was like an electric shock, they immediately were attracted to each other but didn’t commit to each other until they truly knew…
The secondary characters, whether you want to include the Merrick Brothers in that, were spectacular. I thought Hunter was such a loud and outrageous character in comparison to everyone else that he was the one that shone out of the novel. Tattoos, piercings and his dog, Casper, so cute, really made up the novel for me and he was tied so neatly into the plotline like a bow that his character didn’t diminish from the rest of them, it progressed and developed to the right pace.
I’m very much looking forward to reading Spark to see Gabriel’s story, and how he is defined against his twin, Nick! I can tell that this is the start of a very powerful series, so hold on to your seat, ladies and gentleman because it’s about to get bumpy!
Rating – 5
I really enjoyed this one too, Emma! I thought the romance was adorable but, mostly, the character relationships were all so complex and well-defined. Lovely review, dear!
I'm looking forward to more well defined characters in the next book. The romance was the undercurrent of the novel and that's what I enjoyed. Thank you Keertana!
lols! I love the weather warning sign π I'm so scared to read this series as well since it's soooo hyped. I'm glad you enjoyed the first installment π And yay for character growth and pulling emotions out of you. I love the premise of the whole series, but I'm not sure if this series si for me, though I do plan on giving them a try someday π Great review, you!
Thank you! I couldn't resist not putting one up. Be prepared for more in the next coming novels of the series. I know what you mean, I'm always scared to start hyped novels. I think you may like it but it took me awhile to actually start this series. Thanks Siiri!
I'm so glad that you finally gave this series a go Emma, trust me it becomes highly addicting after reading the first book. Also I was certain that Chris would remain my favourite throughout, but with every book another Merrick would win me over π have fun with the rest of the series!
Thank you Jasprit. Me too. Certainly one of the best hyped series I've read in a while. I think I'm looking forward to the twins story I think. I will do.
YES I have read so many fantastic things about this series that I'm really intrigued! I love the concept about the elementals and powers, it sounds totally up my alley. Wonderful review Emma!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
I really hope you get to start this one soon, Jeann. I've seen so many positive reviews and it is truly addictive. Thank you!
YAY EMMA!!!! I absolutely adore this series (though I'm way behind and need to get caught up). There's something special about the Merrick brothers, so I'm thrilled you finally got a chance to meet them. Gabriel's story just blew me away, I can't wait to see what you think:)
I don't think I've met brothers like the Merrick's they are truly something to read about. Me too! A lot of people have said Gabriel's story is one of the best. I'd like to meet Nick as well. Thank you Jenny! π
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Emma! And I'm thrilled that it's being published in the UK. I find it quite hard to completely invest in paranormal series these days (I usually lose interest after a few books), but there's something about this series that keeps me reading. I can't wait to see what you think of Spark. It's one of my favourite instalments. π
I'm really looking forward to reading Spark as well Sam. I loved this one and it is really addictive. Not long before its released in the UK, even though I could get them from the US. I haven't read a great paranormal for a very long time. Thanks Sam!
I have won these books last year but sadly they got lost somewhere on the way *cries* I'm so glad you enjoyed this one and it seems to me that I'll have to meet those brothers soon, even though I'm afraid of all the hype. Great review, Emma π
Oh no! I'm so sorry. That's really bad luck. I was afraid of the hype as well but it proved me wrong this time around. π I hope you get to read them soon. Thank you, Tanja!
I'm glad that you enjoyed this one, Emma. This series has definitely grown onto me and I hope you enjoy book 2!
Lovely review, girl! <33
Thank you Mel, Book 2 seems to be the popular one of the series at the mo. I'm looking forward to reading Gabriel's story. Thanks for stopping by. π
I'm so excited that you enjoyed this one, and I cannot wait for you to read the next book in the series… AH! I love it when people discover and enjoy this series.
– Tabitha @ Tabitha's Book Blog
Thank you Tabitha! Me too! I'm always afraid that once I start reading a series, do I finish it. But with this one its a no brainer. Thanks for stopping by! π