An Elemental Series novel (Book Three), by Brigid Kemmerer, Kensington & KTeen, May 2013.
* I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Hunter is having a really bad day...night...week. He doesn't know what to do or who his friends are, so he only has himself to rely on. And that's not going too well, either. For awhile he and Gabriel Merrick were sort of friends, but Gabriel and the rest of his brothers are ticked off at Hunter and consider him an enemy, again. Then there's Calla, weird crazy Calla. She's creating a lot of havoc in his life and refuses to leave him alone.
The only person he may have a chance of befriending is the new girl at school, Kate Sullivan. She doesn't know anything about him or his history, so they can start with a clean slate. He likes her, but can he trust her?
And more sinister things are happening around town, things that threaten his community and his way of life. Hunter feels pulled in several directions. How can he do what's expected of him if he isn't sure it's right?
This third book in Brigid Kemmerer's Elemental Series is a powerful story of personal conflict, trusting others, and finding the courage to follow your conscience. Hunter struggles to understand his family, his past and the responsibilities expected of him as a Guide. The few times he's trusted anyone, he's been let down. And he hates that innocent people have to die just because they're born with special abilities. Hunter knows he's barely holding it together. But how can he expect any help or guidance when he doesn't know who to trust?
I'll admit I cried a lot while reading this story. I wanted to take Hunter in my arms, hug him tight, and reassure him that everything would be okay. That though he's well-trained in hand-to-hand combat and his ability with a knife is amazing, he's still a 16-year-old struggling with the same hormonal imbalances and maturity issues that other teenage boys experience. I wanted to assure him that he has the strength to overcome his insecurities and the courage to stand up for what he believes is right.
It's a testament to the author's storytelling ability that readers can become so invested in her characters. Hunter, Kate, and the Merrick brothers are so multidimensional that you can't help but care for them and to feel what they feel. Thus the reason for my tears.
But don't get me wrong. SPIRIT is not a depressing book, at all. Just poignant. It has happy and funny parts too. And it's a great book for the beach or to enjoy during a relaxing evening at home. So get out there and buy this book. Now, if not sooner. It's a great addition to the Elemental Series and to your library.
* The next book in the series is SECRET.
PROTAGONIST/HERO: A 16-year-old, blond, tattooed & pierced bad boy
ACTION: Fights, fire, fake accusations
LOVE INTERESTS: Bright, conflicted, new girl at school
ROMANCE: Kisses, hugs, much more implied
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MAY LIKE: Other books in the Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer, Mephisto Series by Trinity Faegen, Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout, Paranormal Public Series by Maddy Edwards, Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins, Darklight Trilogy by Darynda Jones, Starcrossed Series by Josephine Angelini, Shadow Falls Series by C C Hunter, The Reaper Diaries by Michele Vail