Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Image and description from goodreads.com

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

My thoughts:


I finished this book yesterday (8-12-2012) and when I think about the ending my pulse starts pounding all over again!
Spark picks up right where Storm left off, except from Gabriel's POV.  The Merrick brothers, along with Becca, are still dealing with the issue of the Guides.  Just like the other Merrick brothers, Gabriel is H~O~T, HOT!  He's got a hot temper to match too.  In Storm he came off as a pretty big jerk.  We get to see the real Gabriel in Spark and he is so much more.  Kemmerer has done a wonderful job creating the tortured teenage boy.  His pain and frustration were palpable.  I could see how hard it was for him struggling to do what people expected of him and what he felt was right.  I loved the way he was with Layne.  Their relationship was tender and sweet.  
Layne is the type of character I immediately felt compassion for.  I can't imagine having to deal with all that she had to and not become bitter.  From the first encounter with Gabriel she tries to look beyond the jock, tough guy to see who is underneath.  Even though Layne's father was a giant JERK, he did have a few redeeming qualities that made me understand some of his actions when it came to his kids.  
Most of my feelings towards Hunter were resolved in this book.  However, I still have a few reservations about his character and can't wait to see how he develops in the next book.  
Brigid Kemmerer is a master at writing a fantastic ending.  I had no idea who the real culprits were until she revealed it.  I can't wait for the next book to see how the story progresses.  If you haven't started this series you need to.  Be warned... you may need a bib and/or a cold shower.