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Elemental #0.5
Elemental
Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.
As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn't have much power. That's okay--she knows what happens to kids who do.
Like Michael Merrick. He's an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily's family.
But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily's family doesn't just want her to stay away from him.
They want him dead.
Praise for Brigid Kemmerer and The Elemental Series
"Magic, suspense, and enough twists to keep you reading until sunrise. An incredible start to the series!" --Award winning author Erica O'Rourke
"Overflowing with action, snappy dialog, and hot guys--The Elemental Series will take your breath away." --Kim Harrington, author of Clarity
"Plenty of romance and non-stop action. . ..Elemental is the new series to watch." --Inara Scott, author of The Marked
12,000 Words
As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn't have much power. That's okay--she knows what happens to kids who do.
Like Michael Merrick. He's an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily's family.
But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily's family doesn't just want her to stay away from him.
They want him dead.
Praise for Brigid Kemmerer and The Elemental Series
"Magic, suspense, and enough twists to keep you reading until sunrise. An incredible start to the series!" --Award winning author Erica O'Rourke
"Overflowing with action, snappy dialog, and hot guys--The Elemental Series will take your breath away." --Kim Harrington, author of Clarity
"Plenty of romance and non-stop action. . ..Elemental is the new series to watch." --Inara Scott, author of The Marked
12,000 Words
49 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2012
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
31 books18.6k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 710 reviews
July 3, 2013
This was a nice shortie intro into the series, and it did the trick, it made me want to read more :))
May 7, 2012
He leaned in. "I come here every Wednesday and Friday."
Emily nodded.
"You going to try to kill me every time?"
If I had any sort of liquor in my house other than a crazy huge bottle of toasted marshmallow vodka, I'd probably crack it open and pour out a glass so I could toast Brigid Kemmerer. I'm extremely happy to have found a promising start to a pnr series. It's been a while. I decided to take a chance and read this free prequel first before starting book 1, just so I wouldn't have to commit to a longer book in order to decide how I felt about the series. If you want to do the same thing I did, go check out one of the many major booksellers and chances are, this digital freebie will be up there. At only 49 ebook pages, it's not much of a gamble. *edit* This isn't a freebie anymore but it's only like 99 cents or something ridiculously low.
What impressed me the most were the intense emotions of the characters and how these emotions came across without feeling like I was choking to death on sappiness. Yes, the love vibe is definitely going to be on the heavy side here but I do enjoy romance if it's written in an enjoyable manner, even if I usually tend to prefer UF over PNR. There's something about this author's style that reminds me of Armentrout but at least with this author I'm left with none of the same guilt I feel after reading Armentrout.
The best part so far? The banter! I'm not sure why but there's something I feel while reading about couples who form a relationship through arguing that just does it for me. It's like this strange precursor of sexual tension which I can't explain. Yes, it is quite delicious.
She stopped before he could notice her. A red tee shirt clung to his shoulders, reminding her of those matadors who swung a red cape to taunt a bull to fight to the death.
Then there comes the reward when enemies turn into something else...
It was the please that got him. He couldn't remember the last time any of them had said please about anything.
Oh yeah, there was also a bit of action and some cool new powers and stuff (again with the technical terms). I can't wait to see where this series goes. Onward to Storm!
June 2, 2013
What a GREAT start for this series!!!
I'm already engaged in this story and connected with the characters, especially Michael.
There were a couple of scenes that My heart broke for him, because of the prospect of him loosing one of the few places he could find solace.
Neither to say I didn't expected that ending at all and I need to read more! ;)
April 14, 2013
I am intrigued!
-------
It's pre-game time before the Elemental Read Along tomorrow! I had the opportunity to hear Brigid read a little of this yesterday at a signing. Bad boy? Gimme.
September 20, 2014
What! That's the end?! I want more, I need more! This novella was soooo good and I really appreciate my friend Sarah for gifting this to me, or I would never have had the opportunity to read this great story since the kindle version is not available outside of the U.S. I loved Emily and Michael and I thought they made a great Romeo and Jullietesque couple, sans the cheese.
Please make the kindle version available to more people Kemmerer because this is a story I would recommend to everyone! I can't wait for the next book.
March 30, 2012
And I thought I couldn't be more excited to read Storm but I WAS WRONG. I'm already in love with Michael from reading this short (wish-it-was-so-much-longer) novella, so I can't imagine how hard I'm going to fall for these Merrick boys in a full-sized book! :)
Overall, I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! ♥ Buy it, buy Storm, and while you're at it, pre-order Spark because I'm pretty sure you're going to love it too! ;)
Overall, I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! ♥ Buy it, buy Storm, and while you're at it, pre-order Spark because I'm pretty sure you're going to love it too! ;)
February 18, 2012
Michael is a young man weighed down with a lot of responsibility in Storm. He doesn't have the luxury most guys in their early 20's do, not when he's the guardian of his three teenage brothers. In Elemental, the prequel novella set 5 years before, we probe deeper into Michael's history and personality. He's an Earth Elemental, one who can harness astounding power, a Pure. That means he's dangerous and there are those who want him dead because of what he can do. Emily is the daughter of those people, but doesn't quite harbour their psychotic tendencies (alright, so maybe I'm a little biased toward her family). She's an amazing mix of sweet and caring girl-next-door, with a bit of a fierce streak. I wouldn't recommend getting on her bad side when there's a golf-putter within arms reach.
My heart really aches for Michael. Especially during a moment where he's genuinely happy, because so help me, I feel overjoyed that he's finally latched onto a bright spark in life. He's been on the receiving end of so much undeserved crap and yet he still remains so good at heart. He cares deeply about his family and he's just a decent person. So in life's typically cruel fashion, the girl who might be the one to offer a ray of sunlight just happens to be the sister of the biggest asshole in the country. It needs to be noted, very loudly, very boldly, how much I hate Tyler and his douche friend, Seth. My anger toward them raged a storm in.. well, Storm, and grew into something much more physical (okay, so trying to stab an ebook will have disastrous effects on your computer screen) in Elemental. They are jerks, end of story.
What I especially love about Elemental (and also Storm) is that it doesn't feel like your typical YA paranormal romance. The attraction is subtle, not always obviously, but hints at something that has the potential to be deep and earth-shattering. Something beautiful. Dangerous? Of course. But what's beauty without a little risk? The uncertainty of what they're feeling wars with the prejudices they've been fed while growing up. You're waiting on tenterhooks to see how things progress, for that blossoming attraction to break free. Every encounter between them feels so charged, and with every bitter, resentful word spoken, you can see the massive wall between them slowly crumble away, taking the anger and distrust along with it.
As she demonstrated in Storm, Brigid has once again channelled Geppetto and turned her fictional characters into real boys (and girls). Because they never feel flat or 2D, but fully fleshed, living souls, buzzing with a thousand different emotions that you feel right alongside them. You understand the motivation behind their every action and desire, what drives them forward, what makes them tick. You can't help but grow an emotional attachment to Michael and Emily, to believe in them, cheer for them and above all, hope for them.
Seeing as I've read Storm already, I know what the future holds for these two. I won't comment on that because it's ridiculously spoilery, but when you consider what happens after the ebook ends, oh my heart. It's experiencing a lot of activity. What kind of activity... well, I guess you'll have to read Storm to find out ;) We only catch a small glimpse of the other Merricks here, but I love that the twins, Gabriel and Nick, are just as naughty when they're 12 and Chris is so eager and lonely and you just want to envelope him in a massive bear hug. And have I mentioned that I freaking love these brothers?
Elemental is yet another reason why Brigid Kemmerer is a rising star in YA. She has phenomenal talent. That woman is going places. High places. I cannot recommend enough that you run over to Amazon , Barnes and Noble or Google Books and download this for just 99 CENTS! And then walk, don't run (who am I kidding, SPRINT) to preorder a copy of Storm . Heck, throw Spark , the sequel, in your cart while you're there, Gabriel will be immensely happy.
My heart really aches for Michael. Especially during a moment where he's genuinely happy, because so help me, I feel overjoyed that he's finally latched onto a bright spark in life. He's been on the receiving end of so much undeserved crap and yet he still remains so good at heart. He cares deeply about his family and he's just a decent person. So in life's typically cruel fashion, the girl who might be the one to offer a ray of sunlight just happens to be the sister of the biggest asshole in the country. It needs to be noted, very loudly, very boldly, how much I hate Tyler and his douche friend, Seth. My anger toward them raged a storm in.. well, Storm, and grew into something much more physical (okay, so trying to stab an ebook will have disastrous effects on your computer screen) in Elemental. They are jerks, end of story.
What I especially love about Elemental (and also Storm) is that it doesn't feel like your typical YA paranormal romance. The attraction is subtle, not always obviously, but hints at something that has the potential to be deep and earth-shattering. Something beautiful. Dangerous? Of course. But what's beauty without a little risk? The uncertainty of what they're feeling wars with the prejudices they've been fed while growing up. You're waiting on tenterhooks to see how things progress, for that blossoming attraction to break free. Every encounter between them feels so charged, and with every bitter, resentful word spoken, you can see the massive wall between them slowly crumble away, taking the anger and distrust along with it.
As she demonstrated in Storm, Brigid has once again channelled Geppetto and turned her fictional characters into real boys (and girls). Because they never feel flat or 2D, but fully fleshed, living souls, buzzing with a thousand different emotions that you feel right alongside them. You understand the motivation behind their every action and desire, what drives them forward, what makes them tick. You can't help but grow an emotional attachment to Michael and Emily, to believe in them, cheer for them and above all, hope for them.
Seeing as I've read Storm already, I know what the future holds for these two. I won't comment on that because it's ridiculously spoilery, but when you consider what happens after the ebook ends, oh my heart. It's experiencing a lot of activity. What kind of activity... well, I guess you'll have to read Storm to find out ;) We only catch a small glimpse of the other Merricks here, but I love that the twins, Gabriel and Nick, are just as naughty when they're 12 and Chris is so eager and lonely and you just want to envelope him in a massive bear hug. And have I mentioned that I freaking love these brothers?
Elemental is yet another reason why Brigid Kemmerer is a rising star in YA. She has phenomenal talent. That woman is going places. High places. I cannot recommend enough that you run over to Amazon , Barnes and Noble or Google Books and download this for just 99 CENTS! And then walk, don't run (who am I kidding, SPRINT) to preorder a copy of Storm . Heck, throw Spark , the sequel, in your cart while you're there, Gabriel will be immensely happy.
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December 15, 2013
So this is my first Elemental book. Even though it is just a short novella, I can see that this series is going to be quite a ride.
We are introduced to Michael Merrick who is an Elemental that draws his power from the earth. But it seems he is different than the other elementals in that he is a pure. Being a pure means he has a lot more power then the others do and for this reason they look at him as a threat and there are some that want him dead. Two of those are Emily Morgan’s father and brother. She has grown up hearing how dangerous Michael is. She has a new job at the local gaming complex and who walks in to use the batting cages but Michael Merrick. She realizes that he isn’t dangerous at all but a kind and caring boy who loves his family. Emily is also an elemental but not nearly as powerful as Michael is. She gets her power from the air. There is an attraction between Emily and Michael but the book ends on a cliffhanger.
I have heard so much about this series and have been looking forward to starting it. Now I can’t wait to go onto the next book, Storm.
We are introduced to Michael Merrick who is an Elemental that draws his power from the earth. But it seems he is different than the other elementals in that he is a pure. Being a pure means he has a lot more power then the others do and for this reason they look at him as a threat and there are some that want him dead. Two of those are Emily Morgan’s father and brother. She has grown up hearing how dangerous Michael is. She has a new job at the local gaming complex and who walks in to use the batting cages but Michael Merrick. She realizes that he isn’t dangerous at all but a kind and caring boy who loves his family. Emily is also an elemental but not nearly as powerful as Michael is. She gets her power from the air. There is an attraction between Emily and Michael but the book ends on a cliffhanger.
I have heard so much about this series and have been looking forward to starting it. Now I can’t wait to go onto the next book, Storm.
April 1, 2012
This is a short story before Storm, that lets us into the head of Michael Merrick. We finally learn a few more things about his personality and how it was for him growing up with everyone wanting him dead. Also we learn how he met Emily, Tyler's sister and another Elemental. It's kind of a Romeo & Juliet story, with two fighting families and their kids falling for each other. And unfortunatelly the story doesn't end well either. In the prequel we don't get to see that, but I've just finished reading Storm and I know what's going to happen. It made the last few sentences of this story really sad.
Anyways, I am in an Elemental mood, so I guess I'll move on to Fearless now, since I don't have a copy of Spark yet. Oh, God how I need a copy!
Anyways, I am in an Elemental mood, so I guess I'll move on to Fearless now, since I don't have a copy of Spark yet. Oh, God how I need a copy!
April 26, 2012
3.5 stars A nice little novella prequel to the new young adult UF series.
Hey peeps, this novella is free for U.S. Kindles (and likely on other platforms, too): http://www.amazon.com/Elemental-ebook...
Hey peeps, this novella is free for U.S. Kindles (and likely on other platforms, too): http://www.amazon.com/Elemental-ebook...
May 8, 2012
This prequel novella set in the Elementals world introduces us to the eldest Merrick brother Michael. I think it's rather fitting that the last brother to get his own full-length novel is the very first one we meet, assuming we're reading the whole series in chronological order. (And I am...reviews of each novella and full-length novel are forthcoming as part of our read along.)
Michael's family lives in fear that they're going to be discovered for what they are...by Emily's family and those like them. So, there's quite a bit of animosity already brewing between these characters before we even meet them. A chance encounter gone wrong leaves big brother Merrick in an even more precarious situation. But he is resolute, and despite any internal conflict, he takes his chances with Emily.
I love good banter. I'm pretty much guaranteed to love any relationship that starts with this. And although this is a short story and I didn't get to spend enough time with the characters to see the romance fully develop, I know I would have shipped it. Because not only was there banter, but they outgrew their bias of each other over the short period covered in this story.
So, I read this as a precursor to the Elementals Read Along spanning April and May. I am one of the Elementals Virgins, and I vowed to lose my v-card to the Merrick boys. I think I got to first base with this novella. I haven't learned a ton about Michael or any of the brothers, but this short story served as a great introduction to the series, and I feel like I've been properly initiated into the Elementals world.
Big thanks to Kensington/KTeen for providing a copy for review.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
Michael's family lives in fear that they're going to be discovered for what they are...by Emily's family and those like them. So, there's quite a bit of animosity already brewing between these characters before we even meet them. A chance encounter gone wrong leaves big brother Merrick in an even more precarious situation. But he is resolute, and despite any internal conflict, he takes his chances with Emily.
I love good banter. I'm pretty much guaranteed to love any relationship that starts with this. And although this is a short story and I didn't get to spend enough time with the characters to see the romance fully develop, I know I would have shipped it. Because not only was there banter, but they outgrew their bias of each other over the short period covered in this story.
So, I read this as a precursor to the Elementals Read Along spanning April and May. I am one of the Elementals Virgins, and I vowed to lose my v-card to the Merrick boys. I think I got to first base with this novella. I haven't learned a ton about Michael or any of the brothers, but this short story served as a great introduction to the series, and I feel like I've been properly initiated into the Elementals world.
Big thanks to Kensington/KTeen for providing a copy for review.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
August 7, 2012
"EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER, HEART! GO PLANET! By your powers combined, I AM CAPTAIN PLANET! Captain planet, he's our hero, gonna take pollution down to zero..."
Did anyone else think of that show when reading this? No? Hmmm, pretend I didn't say that than. :)
This is a really good start to a series that I think will take that witchy elements plot (one of my long time favorites, looove Secret Circle) somewhere really fresh and fun.
I don't have too much to say, this was only 50 epages, but I definitely think it's a must read before you start Storm. It really sets up Michael for this story. Pick it up, 50 pages, what have you got to lose?
Did anyone else think of that show when reading this? No? Hmmm, pretend I didn't say that than. :)
This is a really good start to a series that I think will take that witchy elements plot (one of my long time favorites, looove Secret Circle) somewhere really fresh and fun.
I don't have too much to say, this was only 50 epages, but I definitely think it's a must read before you start Storm. It really sets up Michael for this story. Pick it up, 50 pages, what have you got to lose?
March 23, 2012
Well this one won’t be very long as the story is not a long one. But its what starts everything off. This is the story of Michael and how he became the tough jerk that he is. But mainly its all about how he wasn’t that way once but events changed him forever.
Mainly this lovely little novella made me sit back and think: “I have mad respect for your ass-hatness Michael Merrick. I understand you now. And it is sad.” Yup, basically it makes you appeal more to Michael and understand him. And to be honest I just feel bad for him. Michael was basically given the chance for something beautiful to happen and it was snatched away from him. I can only hope that in the future novels he find happiness.
Good:
All of it. It was cute, sweet and romantic. And like Storm it demonstrates the idea of the different groups coming together. In this case the lesser elementals and that which they want to kill: the PURE elementals.
Bad:
There was not enough. Although I knew how it would end, its sort of revealed in Storm, I wanted more. And yet, I’m happy she left out the bad stuff. Maybe I just wanted a little more between Emily and Michael. But maybe that would have hurt more? Oh... so complicated.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall it was great. Nothing confused, the humour is still there and when he catches the club…man that was sexy. Its also great to know the story behind how everything started.
View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com
Mainly this lovely little novella made me sit back and think: “I have mad respect for your ass-hatness Michael Merrick. I understand you now. And it is sad.” Yup, basically it makes you appeal more to Michael and understand him. And to be honest I just feel bad for him. Michael was basically given the chance for something beautiful to happen and it was snatched away from him. I can only hope that in the future novels he find happiness.
Good:
All of it. It was cute, sweet and romantic. And like Storm it demonstrates the idea of the different groups coming together. In this case the lesser elementals and that which they want to kill: the PURE elementals.
Bad:
There was not enough. Although I knew how it would end, its sort of revealed in Storm, I wanted more. And yet, I’m happy she left out the bad stuff. Maybe I just wanted a little more between Emily and Michael. But maybe that would have hurt more? Oh... so complicated.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall it was great. Nothing confused, the humour is still there and when he catches the club…man that was sexy. Its also great to know the story behind how everything started.
View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com
March 22, 2013
Ooooh color me intrigued!
This little teaser for the Elemental series was very good! In just 50 pages I got some decent world-building and a nice little story. I'm going to move forward with this series for sure.
This little teaser for the Elemental series was very good! In just 50 pages I got some decent world-building and a nice little story. I'm going to move forward with this series for sure.
July 27, 2015
Возможно мне сначала стоило начать читать Бурю, а потом уже этот бонус. Потому что из этого бонуса я мало поняла сути этой истории.
Но если не смотреть на это, то мне понравилось. Буду читать продолжение и надеюсь, что в дальнейшем я не разочаруюсь.
Но если не смотреть на это, то мне понравилось. Буду читать продолжение и надеюсь, что в дальнейшем я не разочаруюсь.
Read
May 2, 2012Hey, guys, this is only free until the 6th, if you want to download it from your favorite e-retailer to read later. :-)
February 14, 2014
Umm...In the end I was a little like...
But I guess I'll be getting answers on the next one?? Off I go.
But I guess I'll be getting answers on the next one?? Off I go.
February 27, 2023
BOOK 8 of my 2023 Valentine reading rush where I read romance books with men on the cover and a color of the rainbow.
featured color: green
Honestly, I don't remember much hahaha. I mean, it's only 50 pages, and I was told this should be read after the first and second books. I don't know. All I know is that there's a teenage girl who gets close to a teenage boy, who's an Elemental, and their relationship is forbidden. Their interactions are vehemently criticized by their families, the heroine's fam wants the hero dead, but in the end, somehow they decided to be together—come what may.
*plays Mariah Carey - Against All Odds*
featured color: green
Honestly, I don't remember much hahaha. I mean, it's only 50 pages, and I was told this should be read after the first and second books. I don't know. All I know is that there's a teenage girl who gets close to a teenage boy, who's an Elemental, and their relationship is forbidden. Their interactions are vehemently criticized by their families, the heroine's fam wants the hero dead, but in the end, somehow they decided to be together—come what may.
*plays Mariah Carey - Against All Odds*
April 6, 2013
First of all, the covers are so so very awful. I'm glad I'm reading these as ebooks so i don't have to look at a cover every time I take a break. Michael always looks constipated.
Just look at him:
[image error]
That is not a sexy face.
I usually have a problem with novellas because in many of them the focus is just off, and Elemental falls right into that category. The ending was okay and made for some closure - unless you've read Storm first, then it's utter and complete frustration - but the rest of it felt more like chapters of a novel than a conclusive short story. It's a risk, dividing a story as short as this one into two POVs and even though the dual perspective was handled better than in Storm, it still didn't work for me. I also think it failed to make the reader intrigued for what would come next. Apparently Elemental was written before Storm, but I read the novel first, and frankly I'm not sure if I'd have been interested enough to read this series if I'd started with Elemental. Maybe I wouldn't have disliked Michael so much, but I have a feeling he will be the last novel's narrator and I hope Kemmerer uses the space she has then to explore his character further.
The title misled me. I thought Elemental would delve into the origin of Elementals or at least focus on the paranormal aspect. It didn't. However, if Kemmerer is planning on using the Elemental bit as a backbone to explore the problems that come with not being entirely human, I can get on board with that. My only hope is that she doesn't begin focusing on the romances to give every guy a HEA. She also has this annoying tendency to end the story right after the couple has shared their first kiss. If this happens in Gabriel's story, I'm going to have fit because that will just be ridiculous, what with him being the resident "player" and all. In this context it made sense because the time frame is so small, but in a novel, there is a way to let the love interests kiss or be together in the beginning or middle of the book without the plot soaking in angsty romance for the rest of the story. That's how most real-life relationships work too.
I liked Emily. Even with such a limited story line, there was some character growth. If I'd read the books in the order they were published, I'm pretty sure I'd have started throwing stuff when I found out what happened to her, but you know what, it adds a level of darkness and maturity that I like. The only problem is that these Big Important Things are revealed through lengthy dialogue, which feels clumsy but is also one of the downsides of limited POVs. I'm still disappointed that the parents weren't used to dig deeper into the Elemental business, because they must have known things that could be very useful.
All in all, Elemental read slow and was, in my opinion, not the best way to get readers excited about a new series, but there is still potential and I'm intrigued to see where it will lead.
Just look at him:
[image error]
That is not a sexy face.
I usually have a problem with novellas because in many of them the focus is just off, and Elemental falls right into that category. The ending was okay and made for some closure - unless you've read Storm first, then it's utter and complete frustration - but the rest of it felt more like chapters of a novel than a conclusive short story. It's a risk, dividing a story as short as this one into two POVs and even though the dual perspective was handled better than in Storm, it still didn't work for me. I also think it failed to make the reader intrigued for what would come next. Apparently Elemental was written before Storm, but I read the novel first, and frankly I'm not sure if I'd have been interested enough to read this series if I'd started with Elemental. Maybe I wouldn't have disliked Michael so much, but I have a feeling he will be the last novel's narrator and I hope Kemmerer uses the space she has then to explore his character further.
The title misled me. I thought Elemental would delve into the origin of Elementals or at least focus on the paranormal aspect. It didn't. However, if Kemmerer is planning on using the Elemental bit as a backbone to explore the problems that come with not being entirely human, I can get on board with that. My only hope is that she doesn't begin focusing on the romances to give every guy a HEA. She also has this annoying tendency to end the story right after the couple has shared their first kiss. If this happens in Gabriel's story, I'm going to have fit because that will just be ridiculous, what with him being the resident "player" and all. In this context it made sense because the time frame is so small, but in a novel, there is a way to let the love interests kiss or be together in the beginning or middle of the book without the plot soaking in angsty romance for the rest of the story. That's how most real-life relationships work too.
I liked Emily. Even with such a limited story line, there was some character growth. If I'd read the books in the order they were published, I'm pretty sure I'd have started throwing stuff when I found out what happened to her, but you know what, it adds a level of darkness and maturity that I like. The only problem is that these Big Important Things are revealed through lengthy dialogue, which feels clumsy but is also one of the downsides of limited POVs. I'm still disappointed that the parents weren't used to dig deeper into the Elemental business, because they must have known things that could be very useful.
All in all, Elemental read slow and was, in my opinion, not the best way to get readers excited about a new series, but there is still potential and I'm intrigued to see where it will lead.
April 29, 2012
Like, I can't even...I don't even...what just happened?
That can't be how it ends.
I've just spent 49 of the last 50 pages going "Aww, you guys" in a squeaky voice I didn't even know I could effect, because Emily and Michael are the coolest boy-girl duo/couple I've come across in a very very long time. I luvs me some Michael Merrick, and I finally find a heroine in a book that I don't want to push down a flight of stairs - I really like Emz (yeah, we have nicknames for each other and everything lol). She's an Air Elemental - I'm an Air sign - we just clicked lol. I became emotionally invested in the lives of these two people that aren't even real; I've never felt this ooey-gooey, sticky, sweet happiness for a fictional couple before...and this is how it all unfolds?
Does their story continue? Are they even in the next book? I need answers =(
I definitely need the answer to these questions:
How do the Elementals know that Michael is ? Is there a test or mark or sign? Did he level his elementary school or something? Whadidhedo?
I do love Kemmerer's writing style - the way the third person narrative has a subtle shift in tone and gender identity when switching between POVs is nice - and the dialogue is awesome. Most supernatural YA books (at least the ones I've read) are about the MCs discovering/learning that they have special powers, so it's cool (and refreshing) that everyone involved is already aware they can do...stuff.
But seriously, what do I do? I'm not really sure how I feel right now. Brigid Kemmerer, what are you doing to me?!
Oh, well. I will try to read Storm and see what happens.
LESSONS LEARNED: I will know my soulmate when I find him because our connection will be kinetic and our banter will be funny and charming, and we will challenge each other without being hostile, and he will be totally cool with the fact that I sort of, maybe, will try to kill him with a golf club.
That can't be how it ends.
I've just spent 49 of the last 50 pages going "Aww, you guys" in a squeaky voice I didn't even know I could effect, because Emily and Michael are the coolest boy-girl duo/couple I've come across in a very very long time. I luvs me some Michael Merrick, and I finally find a heroine in a book that I don't want to push down a flight of stairs - I really like Emz (yeah, we have nicknames for each other and everything lol). She's an Air Elemental - I'm an Air sign - we just clicked lol. I became emotionally invested in the lives of these two people that aren't even real; I've never felt this ooey-gooey, sticky, sweet happiness for a fictional couple before...and this is how it all unfolds?
Does their story continue? Are they even in the next book? I need answers =(
I definitely need the answer to these questions:
How do the Elementals know that Michael is ? Is there a test or mark or sign? Did he level his elementary school or something? Whadidhedo?
He was a Elemental. Power spoke to him straight from the earth. The others in town had power, sure, but nothing like his. He could theoretically level half the town if he lost his temper.
I do love Kemmerer's writing style - the way the third person narrative has a subtle shift in tone and gender identity when switching between POVs is nice - and the dialogue is awesome. Most supernatural YA books (at least the ones I've read) are about the MCs discovering/learning that they have special powers, so it's cool (and refreshing) that everyone involved is already aware they can do...stuff.
But seriously, what do I do? I'm not really sure how I feel right now. Brigid Kemmerer, what are you doing to me?!
Oh, well. I will try to read Storm and see what happens.
LESSONS LEARNED: I will know my soulmate when I find him because our connection will be kinetic and our banter will be funny and charming, and we will challenge each other without being hostile, and he will be totally cool with the fact that I sort of, maybe, will try to kill him with a golf club.
September 11, 2012
I’ve heard many great things about this series for a very trustworthy friend of mine and I thought that it was time to read it. So, instead of reading just the first book, I decided that it would be better to begin reading the first novella. I have to say that it’s a powerful start for a YA series! It kept my interest and made me want some more! Actually, I wanted this novella to be a whole book!
I don’t know anything for the first book but in this one we have the story of Emily and Michael in a world where some people can control the elements. She doesn’t have much power and he is too powerful for his own good. Her parents don’t like at all Michael and they want him to leave town and his parents just want to stay in the city so they force him not to be himself.
Emily works because she wants to save money and to move from her house. She realizes that there is so much hate there and she doesn’t feel like belonging. At first she is very afraid of Michael because she has been told that he is very dangerous but soon she finds herself liking him. I liked her because she understood the lies and she did the right thing at the end.
Michael is very powerful and everyone things bad of him. But the truth is very different. He is a very caring young man and he has amazing self-control. He loves his family very much and he would do anything for them.
Very well written novella with a very interesting world-building that made me to want more of this series! I can’t wait to start the first book!
I don’t know anything for the first book but in this one we have the story of Emily and Michael in a world where some people can control the elements. She doesn’t have much power and he is too powerful for his own good. Her parents don’t like at all Michael and they want him to leave town and his parents just want to stay in the city so they force him not to be himself.
Emily works because she wants to save money and to move from her house. She realizes that there is so much hate there and she doesn’t feel like belonging. At first she is very afraid of Michael because she has been told that he is very dangerous but soon she finds herself liking him. I liked her because she understood the lies and she did the right thing at the end.
Michael is very powerful and everyone things bad of him. But the truth is very different. He is a very caring young man and he has amazing self-control. He loves his family very much and he would do anything for them.
Very well written novella with a very interesting world-building that made me to want more of this series! I can’t wait to start the first book!
April 22, 2012
This is the 2nd short novel in a week that I have had to give 5 stars to! I'm blessed!!!!
This short story grabbed me by the title and on looking further, I could see that the following books had fantastic covers and titles that pulled at my curiosity... so I read this!
I am pleasantly surprised at this storyline and I am intrigued to know what happens in future books, I was grabbed right away by the characters and already I have a hate person, a like person and a lovely female lead too ... I am definately going to be reading the next book very soon.
I love the idea of Elementals, some having the really strong power and some not so much... and I can see that this is going to be a heart stopping adventure... well, I'll soon see!!
This short story grabbed me by the title and on looking further, I could see that the following books had fantastic covers and titles that pulled at my curiosity... so I read this!
I am pleasantly surprised at this storyline and I am intrigued to know what happens in future books, I was grabbed right away by the characters and already I have a hate person, a like person and a lovely female lead too ... I am definately going to be reading the next book very soon.
I love the idea of Elementals, some having the really strong power and some not so much... and I can see that this is going to be a heart stopping adventure... well, I'll soon see!!
June 15, 2016
Omg, I'm so happy to re-read these books. I didn't realise I missed the Merrick brothers that much.
‘That was part of the problem. He was a pure Elemental. Power spoke to him straight from the earth.’
I love this book because you can see the complicated relationship between the 'Elementals' and the others. Emily does not know if she has to fear Michael or not, her parents and brother told her that she has to stay away from the Merricks but Michael does not seem to be the person that her family says he is.
‘If she'd poked a mountain lion with a stick and it bit her hand off, would that be her fault or the lion's?’
I still want to punch Tyler in the face because omg Ty, stop being so mean to my baby. Also, I missed Gabriel and Nick, those two are the best. ♥
‘That was part of the problem. He was a pure Elemental. Power spoke to him straight from the earth.’
I love this book because you can see the complicated relationship between the 'Elementals' and the others. Emily does not know if she has to fear Michael or not, her parents and brother told her that she has to stay away from the Merricks but Michael does not seem to be the person that her family says he is.
‘If she'd poked a mountain lion with a stick and it bit her hand off, would that be her fault or the lion's?’
I still want to punch Tyler in the face because omg Ty, stop being so mean to my baby. Also, I missed Gabriel and Nick, those two are the best. ♥
June 6, 2013
Rating: 4 out of 5...
Short and sweet. A story about Michael and Emily.
This series' Romeo and Juliet.
Short and sweet. A story about Michael and Emily.
This series' Romeo and Juliet.
April 22, 2012
rating: 3.75/5
review to come.
review to come.
August 4, 2012
Oh wow. What a nice into into the series. And to think Michael has no idea what will happen.
I loved this short. Michael I came to really, really like you in Storm. But now, I absolutely adore you!
I loved this short. Michael I came to really, really like you in Storm. But now, I absolutely adore you!
March 27, 2017
I really liked this novella and I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series!
March 3, 2021
This is a great short story that shows a side of Michael before he became a parental figure for his younger siblings and it's quite sad (especially after reading
Storm
).
Michael is a lot more like his younger siblings in Elemental. He's facing similar issues and the same bullies and instead of being the voice of reason, he wants to fight back or get away from it all, but his parents just want him to lay low.
For a novella, the characters are so fleshed out and realistic. We get to know more about Michael and his struggles. His elemental abilities might be burdensome at times, but they're so cool.
Emily is also another awesome character. I love the whole 'Romeo and Juliet' romance trope aspect, but the romance is a little fast-paced. I also love the banter between Michael and Emily.
Michael seems like such a jerk in the beginning of Storm , so this novella adds a lot to his character and the series as a whole.
Michael is a lot more like his younger siblings in Elemental. He's facing similar issues and the same bullies and instead of being the voice of reason, he wants to fight back or get away from it all, but his parents just want him to lay low.
For a novella, the characters are so fleshed out and realistic. We get to know more about Michael and his struggles. His elemental abilities might be burdensome at times, but they're so cool.
Emily is also another awesome character. I love the whole 'Romeo and Juliet' romance trope aspect, but the romance is a little fast-paced. I also love the banter between Michael and Emily.
Michael seems like such a jerk in the beginning of Storm , so this novella adds a lot to his character and the series as a whole.
March 31, 2012
Have you ever been waiting impatiently for a new series and then suddenly find out there's a prequel novella available right now to help ease the wait until the first book is released? Well I had that experience with 'Elemental' today. Can I just say: Wow! PERFECT novella to tease you with. The unknown nature of the world, the excitement, the powers! Who could ask for anything more (except maybe the first book being available already).
'Elemental' was such a complex novella. So much happens and so much was left unknown. You're captivated from the very start, constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, especially about Michael Merrick. Just who is this mysterious boy and why is the community determined to shut him down? I love that sense of the unknown. If you're ever going to get hooked on a story, with that desperate need to know what secrets lie beneath the surface, 'Elemental' is that type of story.
The Michael Mystery is not the only questions to come from this novella. Like I said before, this story was a tease. There are hints to a MUCH bigger picture, but you're left in the dark. This story won't give you the answers, but boy does it make you want them.
And the chemistry. WOW. If Brigid Kemmerer can place such power on the scenes between Emily and Michael when they're limited to such a short amount of page time, I can't wait to see what she can do in an entire book. The smile could not be wiped off my face.
Dying for 'Storm'. May can't come fast enough.
5/5 stars
'Elemental' was such a complex novella. So much happens and so much was left unknown. You're captivated from the very start, constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, especially about Michael Merrick. Just who is this mysterious boy and why is the community determined to shut him down? I love that sense of the unknown. If you're ever going to get hooked on a story, with that desperate need to know what secrets lie beneath the surface, 'Elemental' is that type of story.
The Michael Mystery is not the only questions to come from this novella. Like I said before, this story was a tease. There are hints to a MUCH bigger picture, but you're left in the dark. This story won't give you the answers, but boy does it make you want them.
And the chemistry. WOW. If Brigid Kemmerer can place such power on the scenes between Emily and Michael when they're limited to such a short amount of page time, I can't wait to see what she can do in an entire book. The smile could not be wiped off my face.
Dying for 'Storm'. May can't come fast enough.
5/5 stars
November 3, 2012
Elemental is a novella or short story (very short) of 50 pages that takes place six years before Storm, when Michael was 17 year-old and a summer coincides with Emily in a place where there are batting cages, where she is working for the summer. And we got to see a Michael who is always angry, wanting to escape his situation (his problems with the other elementals) and Emily's family is just one of the main elementals that would like too see him dead and end the truce between Merrick family and the rest of the elementals in the city.
Is not fully explain in this short story what are the elementals, just that they´re humans with affinity to an element: earth, water, air or fire and the stronger your power is, you are considered more dangerous, so because Michael is a pure elemental, the other elementals want him dead. We can also see a bit of Michael's relationship with his younger brothers and his parents.
I really enjoyed this novella, because I could see Michael before having the responsibility of raising his brothers and to some extent understand him. My only problem is that it is very short and ended in the most interesting part.
Is not fully explain in this short story what are the elementals, just that they´re humans with affinity to an element: earth, water, air or fire and the stronger your power is, you are considered more dangerous, so because Michael is a pure elemental, the other elementals want him dead. We can also see a bit of Michael's relationship with his younger brothers and his parents.
I really enjoyed this novella, because I could see Michael before having the responsibility of raising his brothers and to some extent understand him. My only problem is that it is very short and ended in the most interesting part.
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