Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: May 28, 2013
Publisher: KTeen
My rating: 4 stars
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
This third book of the Elemental series is something I wasn't expecting to really like. It was the book I was least excited about and to be honest I even thought of not reading it. But since I was offered an advance copy and saw a lot of my friends getting excited about it I guess it kinda rub off me. And well, now that I've read it I'm actually very thankful it did. Because I did a total one-eighty in here!
It was actually pretty funny how fast I change my mind in this book. From being indifferent to Hunter even after the first and second book to being a very loyal and devoted Team Hunter member in just a couple of chapters. I don't know how to explain that but I think I just have to give most of the credit to Brigid's awesome writing ability.
Hunter wasn't exactly a very easy character. There were so much hidden and suppressed emotions in him, he was a very confused boy thrown into a complex situation with very tight options. He didn't know who to trust and what to make up with his life. I saw a very flawed and vulnerable Hunter in this book, with all his fears and insecurities too. He did some decisions and choices that were definitely quite frustrating and annoying (though I did understand where it's coming) but even through all that I saw how genuinely drawn-out and believable his character is. And I guess that's what made him a lot more easier to understand and like in this book.
Kate Sullivan, this girl was definitely a pretty surprising character. I mean, it was just that she was just totally different than the last two heroines in this series. She's feisty, confident and aggressive - characteristics that might not make you like her right away but I soon did warm up on her and find those things about her very admirable. Michael Merrick also had won a lot of love from me here. Haha. I just appreciate his character more here especially with him being so so understanding and mature (Nick, Gabriel and Chris, you don't know how lucky you are to have a brother like him!)
On top of everything, I have to say that I just love how Brigid wrote the story as realistic as it could be. Especially the emotional aspect of the story. I love how she addresses the issues in each kind of relationships - friendship, family, lover, and also finding one self. It was heartfelt, poignant and definitely very insightful.
If you think you could only love a Merrick brother, think first and read this, it might change your mind. It definitely did to me. Fantastic plot, thrilling actions and twist and the ever so hot Merrick brothers and of course Hunter, this third book is something you wouldn't want to miss in this series. I recommend this.
I felt the same way about this book going in! I thought that I wasn't going to like it, but once I started reading it, Hunter's character won me over!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I'm glad you enjoyed this more than you thought you would, Eunice. I had some major issues with Hunter and my opinion was not changed by the end. I hope it changes in the books to come, but right now Michael and Gabriel are still my favorite boys in this series. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard soooo many amazing things about this series, but I've yet to start it! I've definitely heard lots of similar sentiments about Hunter: how at first, readers were hesitant, but as the book progressed, they fell in love with him. And everyone is always talking about how great the romance in this book is! I should really pick up a copy of the first book, shouldn't I? Haha. Brilliant review, Eunice! :)
ReplyDeleteEUINCE! YOU'RE BAAAACK! YAY I've missed you. :') And what a great review to kick-start your return. I also went in not really expecting to like it as much as the other books in the series, but Kemmerer completely changed my mind about Hunter. :D Kate was such a cool, feisty character, I completely agree. Fabulous review, Eunice! It's nice to have you back. :) <3 x
ReplyDeleteLove this review Eunice. I was so wary of Hunter's character at the beginning of the series, but I think Brigid totally won me over with his character, at times he could be a little infuriating, but my heart did go out for him on so many occasions too!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the direction this took, it was odd and unexpected, but in all honesty, I still don't know how I feel about Hunter. What I DO like, though, is that now I don't know what to expect from the upcoming books, which is very exciting.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review!
I had so many similar feelings about this book. Before, I read it, I wished it could have been Nicks. I however, found I liked Hunter more in Spark, I guess because his friendship with Gabriel is amazing, my favorite parts of spirit were when Gabriel and Hunter were together. I was glad to find that I greatly enjoyed this book book. Very thoughtful review! Michael impressed me too and I also like the explorations of some many different type of relationships.
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