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Spirit (Elemental #3)

by Brigid Kemmerer (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 199 ratings · 98 reviews

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.

The...more

Paperback, 301 pages

Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by K Teen

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Apr 03, 2013 Brigid marked it as to-read · (Review from the author)

And guess what's now available on NetGalley...

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...

:-)

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Apr 03, 2013 Wendy Darling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal-general, kensington, may, 2013-publication, male-pov, own-dtb-tbr, action-packed, read-2013, 2013-favorites, to-review

Whoa! I'm in total shock over how ballsy this book is in terms of unconventional plot and character development.

Lots of action (of ALL kinds, hee hee) and lots of unexpected emotion. Fantastic PNR/UF, written with the kind of intensity, energy, thought, and originality that's so often lacking in in those genres.

Review to come.

like 34 likes · see review

Apr 28, 2013 KM marked it as put-aside-for-now

Shelves: kensington, netgalley-edelweiss, kindle-books

Umm...this cover model is in desperate need of some tattoos, that's all I'm saying.

*Update 9/3: MAY?! That's just...

But I need more Merrick brothers in my life NOW!

*Cries in corner until K-Teen uploads book to NetGalley*

like 12 likes · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Mitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brigid Kemmerer may very well be my favorite female young adult author writing about guys. That's hard even for me to wrap my head around, given only a year ago Storm was one of my first reviews, and I think I gave it a tepid endorsement tantamount to saying, well at least this isn’t Twilight. Spark though really was a game changer, showing how much Kemmerer found her footing by establishing this series around an alternating cast of relatable male characters (and knowing me, that's a huge deal),...more

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May 14, 2013 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who is completely tired of the same old PNR.

Shelves: young-adult

Good surprise or bad surprise? I'm not telling.

3.5 stars. Even though this was my least favorite book of the series, it was still pretty good! I'm one step away from being a crazed fangirl over here because I can't believe how solid these books continue to be. I've been recommending them to just about everyone because they're so much fun.

One of my favorite things about getting to experience this series with so many other people is seeing which guy is everyone's favorite. We all have our picks....more

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May 17, 2013 Jasprit rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013, out-2013, ya, paranormal

3.5 stars

Trust is a big issue for me when it comes to Hunter’s character. Hunter hasn’t been too great in showing that he is a trustworthy character. There have been points where I’ve thought I’d seen a glimpse into his real character, but then he goes and does something which makes me all wary again. So I was really eager to pick up Spirit and discover the real Hunter who had been hiding for way too long.

The trust issues I had with Hunter, it was easy to see that he also had the same issues wit...more 3.5 stars

Trust is a big issue for me when it comes to Hunter’s character. Hunter hasn’t been too great in showing that he is a trustworthy character. There have been points where I’ve thought I’d seen a glimpse into his real character, but then he goes and does something which makes me all wary again. So I was really eager to pick up Spirit and discover the real Hunter who had been hiding for way too long.

The trust issues I had with Hunter, it was easy to see that he also had the same issues with everyone else, it took him a lot to extend his trust to others, but when he did it always seemed to be snatched away from him. After everything that had happened, I understood why the Merricks had a hard time trusting Hunter. But seriously the Merricks are the best around, if a person who I thought was a friend of mine screwed me over, I would have a tough time trusting them again, heck I wouldn’t want anything to do with them. But the Merricks being as awesome as they are are quick to extend an olive branch when they have a friend in need. I just wish Hunter could have felt the same way.

Hunter was one messed up character, poor guy. The way his life had been and the direction it was going in did make me feel for him. But every time he needed help, he buried his head in the sand. And then he was quick to jump to assumptions when he didn’t know the full story. I had a feeling the Merricks would have his back, so at times I did feel like shaking a little sense into Hunter so that he could realise this too.

But Hunter was pretty much torn in Spirit, he never knew his parents really, the path his dad wanted him to follow, he kept finding himself drifting along a different one entirely and who could he really trust? I wish things could have ended differently for Hunter in some aspects, every time he saw the Merricks with their girlfriends, my heart went out to him, I wanted him to finally find his own happiness,(view spoiler)

I’m glad Kemmerer decided to give us a story from Hunter; I had a few issues with him at the beginning of the series. But now after Spirit I think I’m finally beginning to understand his character that little bit more now. Also it was great fun being back with the Merricks once more; with their fiery outbursts and witty scenes. But once again the Merricks are left in a precarious situation, with so many different people after them. I can’t wait to find out how they will deal with it all in the next book.
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May 17, 2013 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-galley, 2013-favourites, favourite-boys, fantasy-or-paranormal, fantasy-or-pn-favourites, romance

There’s something quite distinctly addictive about this series. Brigid Kemmerer’s sharp and straight-forward style works wonderfully for her characters, and even better for the reader. While the plot could benefit from some added complexity, the Merricks, Hunter and the female leads have all so far given us more than enough reason to continue reading. Kemmerer’s ability to switch so effortlessly between these characters (and to then ensure that there is a solid story for each one) is quite remar...more There’s something quite distinctly addictive about this series. Brigid Kemmerer’s sharp and straight-forward style works wonderfully for her characters, and even better for the reader. While the plot could benefit from some added complexity, the Merricks, Hunter and the female leads have all so far given us more than enough reason to continue reading. Kemmerer’s ability to switch so effortlessly between these characters (and to then ensure that there is a solid story for each one) is quite remarkable. What’s most astounding though is the author’s effect on me. Never before have I been forced to change my mind so often...

We met Hunter Garrity in Storm. Our pierced, hair-streaked boy morphed into someone a little more interesting after the Gabriel-Hunter bromance in Spark. Spirit, the third and most recent Elemental novel, gives us all the reasons to fully adore him, and then some. He is full of quiet rage, incredibly defensive and quick to pull away. He is also at the centre of an Us vs Them situation, with the Merricks on one side and the Guides on the other. His loyalties are tested momentously in this book, and while a lot of his responses (or lack of) incite the want to kick him where it hurts, there is an underlying goodness to him that is perfectly endearing. He is flawed in the most human of ways – much like all of Kemmerer’s main characters – which only makes him all the more well-defined and believable.

This is where I wonder if I am the most fickle Merrick fan. Nick won me over instantly in Storm (though I couldn’t possibly put into words why), yet Gabriel earned my affection totally and wholly in Spark. Michael did funny things to my heart in this book with his finely-tuned bullshit detector (and very nearly kicked Gabriel and/or Nick off the top spot), but never did I think the favourite position would be occupied by a non-Merrick. Hunter has me questioning every previous thought I had about him, but one thing that is more than clear now is Brigid Kemmerer’s ability to make me fall for anyone and everyone (which is a little frightening). Kate Sullivan helps draw to surface the true reasons why Hunter deserves some recognition. Although she is not instantly loveable, her feistiness and confidence develop into admirable qualities, and, along the way, she strengthens Hunter’s character. Their relationship is filled with sexual and romantic tension (a certain Ferris wheel scene is sure to please), but there are also a handful of heart-stopping emotional moments, too.

While a few unexpected turns make this book far less light-hearted than the previous ones, it wouldn’t be an Elemental novel without a good helping of clever humour. The banter between the boys is as present as ever, with plenty of witty comments being exchanged back and forth. The Merricks’ brotherly antics, frustration and love puts a wonderful emphasis on family – and this is the one clear aspect that truly defines this series for me. The paranormal edge, although not uninteresting, doesn’t feel quite as important when thinking about the better parts of this book, but Kemmerer does succeed in engaging from beginning to end. Nevertheless, the next book, Nick’s novel, is where I hope we’ll get a plot with just a fraction more substance.

All in all, Spirit is a very pleasing addition to this series. While I enjoyed Spark a touch more, it’s clear that Kemmerer has everything nicely under control. I am more than ready for the next one.
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Apr 09, 2013 Wendy F rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, favorites, paranormal, witches, young-adult

Kudos's Ms Kemmerer... I did NOT see that coming. I am seriously impressed!

Hunter Garrity, I loved him in Storm, I adored his friendship with Gabriel in Spark, and Spirit, despite the turbulence, ended up just as awesome!

You questioning what 'turbulence' might mean? Well, see the problem is that Hunter has such a chip on his shoulder that it's so hard to not be frustrated with him. He distrusts absolutely everyone, even though our Merrick's (despite being aggressive fighty boys) continue to pro...more

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May 01, 2013 Carina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-authors, hell-to-the-yeah, highly-anticipated, netgalley, top-priority, all-time-fav-books, heart-wrenching

Well, well, well. Brigid Kemmerer not only writes GREAT books, but she has the balls to give AMAZING plot twists too. Well hell, Brigid... I think I love you. - in a totally non creapy way O.o

I shall not recap every single thing that happened in this book. I will not recap the synopsis for you either. That is one of the easiest things to look up! Don't be lazy people.
What the hell am I gonna talk about then? Well I am just here to tell you a little tiny bit of the why, if you are not reading thi...more

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May 09, 2013 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-may, 4-star-rating

This review was posted on my blog:
http://thereadingkitten.blogspot.nl/2...

Brigid did not exaggerate when she said this book had a lot of action in it. It was seriously insane!

The main character of this book is Hunter and this actually made me really excited to read it. I absolutely adored his character in the first two books. Sure, he did some things that weren't exactly great, but I could easily forgive him for them. I knew he didn't mean to betray anyone...

Being inside his head and reading hi...more

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May 19, 2013 Greta rated it 3 of 5 stars

Brief Summary: Hunter now knows who was behind the fires. At the start of this book, he finds out that she wants him to bring the Guides to town. Kate, the new girl in town, is a Guide and has been sent to town to find the Merricks. Hunter is intrigued by her, but he doesn't want to start something when his life is such a mess. He doesn't know who to trust or where his loyalties lie, and his life and the lives of those around him are in danger.

Review: Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers f...more Brief Summary: Hunter now knows who was behind the fires. At the start of this book, he finds out that she wants him to bring the Guides to town. Kate, the new girl in town, is a Guide and has been sent to town to find the Merricks. Hunter is intrigued by her, but he doesn't want to start something when his life is such a mess. He doesn't know who to trust or where his loyalties lie, and his life and the lives of those around him are in danger.

Review: Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Having read the first two books in the series, I already knew that Hunter wasn't my favorite character. Unfortunately, this book didn't change my opinion. Whereas I could pity him and the hard situation he found himself in, I didn't feel a lot of sympathy. He didn't win me over.

The first third of the book very little happens. It was a lot of being in Hunter's head and reading about his self-doubt, self-pity, guilt, and confusion. Kate and Hunter had some nice text banter between them, and some definitely smexy moments (I think I actually approve that in this story it was the girl who was the pursuer,) but Kate suffered from all the same issues as Hunter. She was majorly confused and her trust issues were just tiring. It just wasn't easy for me to like either of them.

There were some moments of action in the middle and then back to more of Hunter vacillating between trusting the Merricks and trusting the the Guides. Judging from this book, you'd think all men had such horrible communication skills.

There was a twist at then end that really surprised me, but the final confrontation with Silver (Kate's evil Guide partner) and the rebellious Elemental kids was for of anti-climactic. I wanted to see the full power of all the Elementals unleashed! Plus, it was very hard for me to consider a group of middle-schoolers as villains.

Overall, this book did not do a lot to advance the central plot of the series.

Recommendation: I still see potential in this series. I love the concept of it, people naturally born to control the elements. Read the first two books

and

before this one. (less)

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May 17, 2013 Sabrina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

It took me some time to warm up to this series. In the first installments, it looked as if the author didn't know exactly where she was going beyond pairing up two characters at a time. After reading Spirit, I'm glad I made the effort of trudging along. Now finally you begin to grasp a plotline that goes beyond the single book.
For me, that's a major good thing: getting you to wonder what's next is one of the core reasons you read a series, after all.

If you're familiar with the Merrick brothers,...more

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May 15, 2013 Anna (Bobs Her Hair) rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Elemental fans

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal, arc, ebook, netgalley, need-to-review, for-review

3 or 3.5

Good stuff with the Merricks and Hunter. Kate was an underwhelming love interest and problematic characters.

Full review to come...

Release Date: May 28, 2013

ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley

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Apr 11, 2013 Maja rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternating-povs, arc-2013, i-have-superpowers, just-another-book-crush, male-pov, moments-of-great-frustration, incredibly-stupid-choices, my-flat-army, ya, reviewed-in-2013

3.5 stars
Wow. I feel like a rug has been pulled from under my feet.

In Spirit, Kemmerer deviated from the usual PNR route and brought something even more emotional and entirely unexpected. It was a bold move, a very risky one, but I always appreciated authors who toy with a genre and make their own rules. While I struggled with both Hunter and Kate at times, I applaud Kemmerer’s effort to do something different and throw her readers off balance.

It could be his element that’s making me love Hunte...more 3.5 stars
Wow. I feel like a rug has been pulled from under my feet.

In Spirit, Kemmerer deviated from the usual PNR route and brought something even more emotional and entirely unexpected. It was a bold move, a very risky one, but I always appreciated authors who toy with a genre and make their own rules. While I struggled with both Hunter and Kate at times, I applaud Kemmerer’s effort to do something different and throw her readers off balance.

It could be his element that’s making me love Hunter and hate him at the same time, or it could be a series of questionable actions on his part. Whatever the cause, it made Spirit an extremely thought-provoking, emotional read and left me feeling conflicted… pacified, but not quite ready to trust Hunter completely. Not just yet.

Hunter Garrity is one troubled boy, my friends. If you thought Gabriel’s story was heartbreaking, just you wait until you spend some time in Hunter’s head. Not only is he completely alone in the world, but he is being abused and neglected by the very people who should be taking care of him. I’d probably be bitter and untrusting if I were him, too.

When the new girl shows up in school, Hunter is immediately drawn to her, but he’s sure she has some kind of hidden agenda. Everyone always does, right? Why would she be any different? Unfortunately, Hunter is paranoid, but he is also right – Kate Sullivan is a Guide in training, and she may not be there to get Hunter specifically, but she is definitely after the Merricks.

Hunter has no idea whom to trust, but more importantly, he just can’t decide where his loyalties lie. He wants desperately to hate the Merricks and do what he was taught was right, but they keep making it impossible by being reliable and nice. Guards, on the other hand, haven’t done a single thing right, but Hunter’s father was a Guard and Hunter was trained to become one, so what does that say about him? Every part of Hunter’s story is extremely painful. There were times when I wanted to strangle him, but even then I felt more pity than anger. Kemmerer did an outstanding job with this character, possibly better than with anyone else.

The noose is tightening around the Merricks. The Guards are starting to view them as formidable opponents instead of just underestimating them like they used to. Things are more dangerous than ever in Spirit and Michael and his brothers are forced to make some hard choices. The easiest thing to do would be to just pack up and leave, but each of them now has a reason to stay.

January 2014 can’t come soon enough. Nick’s story promises to be the most heartbreaking of all and after Spirit, I have no idea where Kemmerer might take it, which is both upsetting and thrilling at the same time. Brava, Ms. Kemmerer!

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Apr 12, 2013 Donna marked it as to-read · review of another edition

EDIT: I just realised that there's no Asian or black people in any of Brigid's books. I hope that changed in Spirit, because there definitely isn't enough diversity in the young adult world.

OHMYGOD. The synopsis is out! Gosh, I had no idea! This sounds amazing, I can't wait to read it!

Gee, no release date for the Aussie version?

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May 12, 2013 Ash Wednesday (Corporal Cupcake) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, contemporary-romance, holy-shit-moments, urban-fantasy, review

3.5 STARS

This is gonna be tricky to review because I'm on a "spoiler tag cleanse" and holy ducklings did this book have a lot of spoiler tag worthy moments.

What I love about this series is that the bigger plot supersedes everything else. For a book centered on 4 hot brothers with elemental powers, it's pretty easy to satisfy the fangirl among its loyal followers. It was always strange to me that Chris got the first book and Michael's only got a novella but as the story progresses, you realize t...more

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May 16, 2013 Holly U rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, cover-love, favorites, kickass-heroines, made-me-cry, sexy-bad-boys, swoon-worthy

Imagine my excitement and downright happiness when I saw Spirit (Elemental, #3) on NetGalley. My heart was doing somersaults of pure joy, even more so when I got approved to do a review. I couldn't wait to dig in after I finished Spark. I just had to know Hunter's story, because besides Gabriel, he's my favorite guy.

The Characters:
Hunter: I was more than slightly surprised at his story. The calm and collected facade disappeared, and it left Hunter vulnerable and alone, just fighting to keep hims...more

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May 01, 2013 Navdha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Actual rating: 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I don't usually say this, but this time, it really is me and not the book. Sounds lame, doesn't it? *sigh*

If you go into the Elemental series for the plot alone, then sorry to disappoint, but you wouldn't find any significant advances in the department. Sure, there are Guides threatening to kill the Merricks and then there is Hunter who has been trained by his father to kill Pure Elementals but he befriends that one Merrick brother for his personal gains...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Davina Jamison rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Spirit," the third book in the Elemental series, veers off the path of focusing solely on the Merrick brothers (Michael, Nick, Gabriel, Chris) to give us the story of Hunter Garrity, a new kid in town who has been drawn into the Merricks' world and who is still a bit of a mystery.

The Elemental series thus far has followed the Merrick family, a group of brothers who are "pure elementals" -- meaning they have an extraordinary control over particular elements. Gabriel is fire, and Nick is air, for...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Amelia Maren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-boyfriends, favorites

OH MY GOODNESS - I AM IN LOVE WITH HUNTER! I thought I was in love when I read about Chris in Storm and Gabriel in Spark, but Hunter is just so much more captivating. Here's why, we get his story! Spirit picks up shortly after Spark left off, everyone is still coming to grips with the way things ended and what's the best next move. It would be easier if the Merrick's and Hunter aren't all worried about the Guides coming for them. Not to mention that after Hunter's betrayal in Spark, everything m...more OH MY GOODNESS - I AM IN LOVE WITH HUNTER! I thought I was in love when I read about Chris in Storm and Gabriel in Spark, but Hunter is just so much more captivating. Here's why, we get his story! Spirit picks up shortly after Spark left off, everyone is still coming to grips with the way things ended and what's the best next move. It would be easier if the Merrick's and Hunter aren't all worried about the Guides coming for them. Not to mention that after Hunter's betrayal in Spark, everything makes him a suspect still. The one thing that keeps him sane (or drives him completely crazy) is the girl mysterious new girl Kate, who gives him the urge to finally want to trust someone. But nothing is easy for Hunter, his life is a mess and so are his abilities, and things quickly become much worse.

I'm usually a huge fan of the heroine in the books that I read, but in Spirit this is not the case, because it's the hero I'm obsessing over! Hunter is basically the BEST hands down! His serious attitude that was present in the previous books vanishes and it's replaced by this very real emotional mess of a boy that just wants connection but is afraid to trust it from anyone. There are times though that he can be bit of a jerk and you just want to smack him upside the head, But, it's his inner turmoil that just makes you want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be all right. Unfortunately, he doesn't trust anyone and has a habit of pushing everyone away when he really needs to just talk and explain - this drives me crazy about him! With chaos following around him and spreading through the town, Hunter takes matters into his own hands...but at what cost?

Along with Hunter's voice, we also get inside the head of Kate. Starting off she is like a sweet caring girl that's trapped inside the body of a super bitchy girl that trust no one, and it's not too long until we realize why. Her secret has made her life a mess for as long as she can remember; her mom was murdered, she never knew her father, and the only person she can kind of relate too is someone of the worst kind. Then one day, Kate finds herself on Hunter's radar. Going against her better judgement, she puts herself out there to see what can happen if she tries to trust someone. But her secret might tear them apart if she lets him too close, or end up hurting one of them.

Even with all the drama following Hunter and Kate, all the other characters shone incredibly. I love the interactions of the Merrick boys, each and every one of them are so unique in their own ways. Like Michael, who is great at wrangling his brothers while still finding a semblance of a social life. Then there is sweet Nick, who takes a chance in giving Hunter his trust right away even if his twin gives him grief about it. Or Chris, who is just as charming and wonderful with the way he and Becca are together. And lastly, there is Gabriel, who wedges himself in Hunter's life even if he doesn't want him there. There are also so many other characters (some great and others not so much) that make Spirit absolutely brilliant. Brigid Kemmerer I salute you again, because you created an EPIC book series that is seriously addicting!

If your a fan of great character voices, none stop action, awesome storytelling, and the sweetest heartbreaking kind of romance that will bring tears to your eyes and at the same time steam the very pages your reading, then Spirit is the book for you. Once I started this one I couldn't stop until I reached the end, but when I did I wished I paced myself because now I want the next book in the series! Siege comes out January 2014 and it's definitely the most anticipated book I'm waiting on for next year! All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend Spirit for a read or several and then when your done go back for a re-read because YES it is that good! And if you haven't read Storm and Spark yet, then you really need to check them out, Chris and Becca's story is just has exciting as Gabriel and Layne's - definitely worth exploring! I <3 Hunter!(less)

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May 11, 2013 Leah (The Pretty Good Gatsby) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, all-the-feelings, america, for-review-netgalley, paranormal, pub-kensington, ya

http://theprettygoodgatsby.wordpress....

"Brotherhood," he said. "Welcome to the family."

Spirit takes over where Spark left off and this time, it's the tatted & pierced bad boy Hunter Garrity who's the focus. The Merrick boys aren't quite sure where they stand with Hunter: is a friendship forming or is he just using them for information? And, to be honest, Hunter isn't quite so sure of himself either.

Life isn't fun and games for Hunter. His dad's death caused the already tense relationship he...more

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Apr 30, 2013 Brandi Kosiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was great getting to be in Hunter's head and figure out where he was coming from as well as getting to meet a new character.
Spirit is just as packed with action as the others, and has the emotional hook. There were several scenes where I felt so bad for Hunter. Bad things just happened to him over and over, and I can see where his confusion and not knowing who to trust comes from. I did get tired of the back and forth do I or don't I, but I did completely understand where his head and hear...more

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Apr 14, 2013 sh(e)reader rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: got-it-for-free, netgalley, kindle-cloud

... an interesting note on this series? There is a LOT packed into a very short time. Since "Storm" started... it's been only about six weeks. This book only covers about one week. It is amazing how well we readers get to know the characters in these books.

"Storm" was Becca/Chris, "Spark" was Gabriel/Layne ... "Spirit" is Hunter/Kate. These complete shifts in perspective/focus from book to book is really interesting, but it works! While we (the reader) aren't in the head of previous characters,...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Isamlq rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: aaw-yeah, 2013-favorites, arc-galley, need-want-must-have

And there’s the Hunter I was waiting for! Though not exactly the Hunter I was imagining back in book one. Why on earth was I imagining clean cut, serious military type boy? About the only detail that matched up to what I Imagined him to be is the white streak in his hair ala Pepe La Pew! Here apparently, his’ tatted up, pierced all over with longish hair. Obviously physical descriptions are things I skim, because who really needs to know how a body suits up in which label or in what manner? I ca...more And there’s the Hunter I was waiting for! Though not exactly the Hunter I was imagining back in book one. Why on earth was I imagining clean cut, serious military type boy? About the only detail that matched up to what I Imagined him to be is the white streak in his hair ala Pepe La Pew! Here apparently, his’ tatted up, pierced all over with longish hair. Obviously physical descriptions are things I skim, because who really needs to know how a body suits up in which label or in what manner? I can come up with much better images, thank you very much. Still it’s a disconcerting to realize the Hunter in my head and the Hunter in everyone else’s? Not the same. Me thinks, a reread of Storm is long overdue. But this Hunter, minus the physical, was what I’ve been looking forward to!

Who knew all the pent up issues this guy had? You’d think dead dad and a self issued responsibility of carrying on in the guy’s footsteps would be enough, but no, in this we have connections on the mend, people letting him down, and over the top reactions that had me wishing he had a greater handle on his powers and less one on his temper… because some people? They were just begging for a smack down.

The biggest thing I enjoyed was Hunter’s burned twice drama because that’s the main thing that had his actions making sense and then not sense once new girl popped up. I got a kick out of the newness that she brought in, but more I got a kick out of his wary reaction to her. Because factor in her particular baggage, and you see they’re the same, but not completely. Seeing them figure things out: awesome, then made even better by pretty cute text moments. It was so very authentically now.

Then there’s a little of the expected sads that balance out the high octane action moment s in any Merrick book. The typical variety of them and their family, while there he was with basically nothing/no one to ground him, (it kind of choked me up a little.) But in all that… there’s Michael, who’s made me love him even more in this one!

Thank you, Netgalley!

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May 08, 2013 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: brothers, cover-loathe, author-i-love, didnt-see-that-coming, element-magic, favorites, male-pov, paranormal-romance, netgalley, seriously-hot-fictional-boys, smells-like-sex, tragedy, unfinished-bidnez, young-adult, yes-i-cried

"Brotherhood," he said. "Welcome to the family."

I was so excited when I was approved for the netgalley. I've been devouring this series for the past week or two. For good reason. The author writes her characters so believably and make out scenes must have been her major. She set the curve.

This is Hunter's book.

Hunter is a character who needs a happy ending just as badly as Michael. He kind of screwed himself on being trustworthy in the first two books so it's interesting to see his inner dialog...more

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May 13, 2013 Bieke {Istyria book blog} rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, netgalley, favorites, love-it

I loved this book! This series just gets better and better and I like it.

The first day you meet, you are friends. The next, you are brothers.

So this is the third book in the Elementals series and this book is Hunters story. He has been through a lot in his life and felt really bad for him. There's a lot of action in this book, I think more then in the first two books. Yeah there's some romance in this one too, but for some reason, I didn't really care for it. It was fun seeing the Merricks aga...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Karla rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-releases, not-yet-released, read-to-review, fantasy, paranormal, arc

Provided with an ARC copy from Kensington Books via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The first day you meet, you are friends. The next, you are brothers.

Spirit begins two weeks after Gabriel's story, where the reader learns of a growing rebellion among the Elementals against the guides. This is Hunter's story, a sixteen year old boy who has last so much in his short life. Hunter is the prime example of the importance of one's defining moment - that one event can alter one's life complet...more Provided with an ARC copy from Kensington Books via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The first day you meet, you are friends. The next, you are brothers.

Spirit begins two weeks after Gabriel's story, where the reader learns of a growing rebellion among the Elementals against the guides. This is Hunter's story, a sixteen year old boy who has last so much in his short life. Hunter is the prime example of the importance of one's defining moment - that one event can alter one's life completely.

Hunter's father and uncle were Guides, and their lives were lost in a car accident. Hunter had often felt that his father was the only one who could truly understand him, and the loss changes him completely. No longer is he the exuberant young boy desperate to learn and train towards his craft, the the ultimate power of the elements that had defined him for so long.

Fast forward a few years, and Hunter has sufficiently forced himself into the lives of the Merrick brothers. While his initial plan to was venge the death of his father, he soon finds himself unsure and confused as to what right and wrong really are. The Merricks show him kindness when nobody else has. They are opposite of what he had expected for years. The confusion is deepened with the arrival of Kate and Silver, and it is only a matter of time before Hunter must choose the type of Fifth that he wants to be, and whether the greater good is something that is worth any life - even the one that he came to value without even knowing it.

I found Kemmerer's literary choices to be quite bold considering the previous two novels in this series. Hunter's story is one of identity, redemption, and sacrifice. His loneliness captured me in the first few chapters of the book and my heart stayed with him until the very end. While I was not wholly impressed by the development of the romance - I felt it was more physically based than emotional - my heart shattered for Hunter and Kate and I had a lot of respect for the two by the end. The relationship between Hunter and the Merricks is what made the book for me, I felt the concern and loyalty that the family had towards Hunter, even if he didn't recognize it himself. I saw Hunter develop wonderfully as a protagonist, and that was what I was truly looking for while reading this.

Spirit is the story of Hunter Garrity, and Kemmerer tells his story very well. While sharing Hunter's story, she also sets up well for the following book in the Elemental series, and I for one cannot wait to see how the story goes on.(less)

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May 13, 2013 Fani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, romance-pnr, arc-netgalley-to-review, part-of-a-series, angsty

Spirit is the third book in the Elemental series, a series I read in one week and which continues to surprise me with each book; this one wasn't an exception.

Here the hero is Hunter, a guy we met from the first book, a guy who has proved more than once to follow his own agenda rather than be a team player. In fact, until the last chapter I wasn't sure which team would Hunter eventually support; his reasoning seemed to change with each chapter, a fact that costed the book a five-star rating for m...more Spirit is the third book in the Elemental series, a series I read in one week and which continues to surprise me with each book; this one wasn't an exception.

Here the hero is Hunter, a guy we met from the first book, a guy who has proved more than once to follow his own agenda rather than be a team player. In fact, until the last chapter I wasn't sure which team would Hunter eventually support; his reasoning seemed to change with each chapter, a fact that costed the book a five-star rating for me. I sure wish Hunter was able to make up his mind earlier, because all this indecision went on for longer than necessary IMO. And considering the fact that Kemmerer does not seem to hold her punches where the plot twists are concerned, you'll never know for sure what Hunter will eventually decide until he actually does.

Kate is the new face in this story, a new girl in town that befriends the Merricks as well as Hunter, even though the reader knows from the start her real goal: get close enough to take them out. She and Silver, another new face, are both Guides sent to eliminate the Elementals in town without discerning between good and bad ones. In my mind Hunter takes longer than necessary to find out what Kate is, considering he figured out Becca from the start, but I guess it serves to add tension to what happens when he finds out.

And boy is there tension in this book! Hunter's life is a complete mess from page one, and it only gets worse with every page in a way that my heart broke for him. However, eventually it became apparent that many of his troubles were of his own making, mainly because of the 'lessons' his father taught him before he died, but also because Hunter refused to pick sides before he absolutely had to, a fact that kept the plot going and the reader guessing but failed to make Hunter a particularly likable hero.

Hero aside, the story moved fast, full of twists and turns (and there are some BIG ones!) and the whole Guides- bad Elementals-good Elementals battle, is rising to a peak. The romance was not my favorite part of the story, mainly because Kate was also an ambiguous heroine herself and partly because the story was more about Hunter finally growing up rather than something 'frivolous' as a teenage romance. The relationship between Hunter and the Merricks, especially Gabriel and Michael (who turns out to be the true star of the book) is the driving force behind the whole story, but the one between Hunter and his mother proved to have more layers than I ever expected as well, adding spice in the mix.

All in all, Kemmerer seems unafraid to break some of the YA genre's 'rules', a fact that makes this series worth reading by itself. Add to that, the captivating storyline, the intriguing -and varying- characters, the good writing (though I still believe the first book still stands out in that regard) and the clever twists, and you have a true winner. If romance is not your first and last interest in any series, I urge you to pick this one up!

PS: Can I say how anxiously I wait for Secret which is Nick's book? I declare it my most awaited new release, after the sequel to Angelfall and the latest from, the always and forever, awesome IAD series by the fantastic Kresley Cole.

ARC provided by NetGalley(less)

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May 10, 2013 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in a great series, I've only read a short novella and this book and I can say it's not necessary to read the first two. It would probably make it easier to understand who is who but it isn't really necessary. I found it quite easy to follow the story.

Poor Hunter, he's lost his dad and uncle, his mother is swamped with grief and his grandparents don't seem to like him. He's gone out of his...more I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in a great series, I've only read a short novella and this book and I can say it's not necessary to read the first two. It would probably make it easier to understand who is who but it isn't really necessary. I found it quite easy to follow the story.

Poor Hunter, he's lost his dad and uncle, his mother is swamped with grief and his grandparents don't seem to like him. He's gone out of his way to help, doing chores without being asked and making sure he cleans up after himself. But it makes no difference.

It doesn't help that in the previous book he was taken in for questioning about some fires and then released. Something he had nothing to do with, he was just helping to rescue some kids.

Now he's had to put up with being hit by his grandfather and then thrown out of the house. He's been warned at school to stay away from Calla, the girl responsible for all the trouble, and even though he does as he's told, she doesn't make it easy. Turning up and causing trouble, ending with him being warned by the principle that he's going to get suspended.

When he finds himself having to avoid more people than Calla, he doesn't know what to do. He has had run-ins with Gabriel Merrick despite helping him to rescue the kids from the fires. Now there's a new girl in school named Kate and he's not sure of her agenda either.

Finding himself sleeping in his truck, he's feeling lost and alone. Michael Merrick, Gabriel's older brother, comes to his rescue. He gets him to help with his job and then takes him home with him. When he finds out what's happened to Hunter he tells him he can stay.

Overhearing a conversation that he thinks is about himself, he makes a mistake and trusts the wrong person. When it turns out Kate is working with the wrong person, he is unsure about what to do. When he discovers that she was sent to town with Silver to take out the Merrick's and the other Elementals that are causing trouble, he knows he needs to stop Silver.

With the death of Calla at the hands of Silver, he waits to see if the others that were helping her will stop what they were doing. Realising that nothings changed, he decides to stop them himself. With Kate's help he tries to work out what's going on.

When he works out what he's going to do, it's non-stop action until almost the end. I'm being a little wary here as I don't want to give anything away but I'm looking forward to the next book and I'm going to get the first two books as well.(less)

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Apr 19, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recieved this novel from NetGalley.

This novel is an amazing installment in the elemental series. It is just as fantastic as the ones before it and just as jam-packed with action, sorrow and friendship.
The characters have grown so much, and the reader feels as though they have grown up with them, made these mistakes with them, gron to know them as old friends, and that is the magic of this series. it deals with real life problems while placing them into a fantastical world. This is a beautiful...more

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About Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. Storm: The Elemental Series is her first novel.

I love friends on Goodreads, so don't hesitate to hit me up with a friend request! I don't review a lot of books out of respect for other authors, but I will have discus...more

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Spirit (Elemental #3)

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