Spark

Elemental, Book 2

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel...except he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. No one but a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans...and keeps him totally off balance.

Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own. Gabriel can't let her guess about his brothers, his abilities, and the danger that's right at his heels. But there are some risks he can't help taking.

©2012 Brigid Kemmerer (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[J]am-packed with emotion, terrific writing, and three-dimensional characters." ( RT Book Reviews)

My favorite of the series!

Very much a great series but this is definitely my favorite of the books. The narrator also happens to be one of my favorites as well.

Wow I just can't even...!

It was so amazing and I was so thrilled that the 2nd book in the series was just as good as the first and I was really happy with everything

I think that it was one of my faveourite audibles this year and I hope that more people will read it because it was amazing

I was up all night trying to listening to the whole thing because I really wanted to finish it.!

Good story, with sensitivity flaws

I respect a story that includes characters who have characteristics that might cause an experience of marginalization. However, use of the "r" word and then having the character with a disability constantly defending against the term as though it's a huge insult, harms readers with intellectual disabilities. Also, when writing about people with physical differences, magically "curing" them of the difference thereby erasing it, isn't really the strong positive empowering advocacy message the author intends. It's essentially saying "Her skin looks like everyone else now" so she's "corrected" and therefore got her happily ever after. Versus having her embrace whatever gives her an unusual look and having others accept her. That's the stronger move toward inclusion.

I still loved both main characters. Perhaps the disability angle hasn't aged very well with the times.

Exceptional

Exceptional story with new ideas. A bit of teen angst and a caring set of challenged brothers pitted against everyone even the people whose lives they're trying to save. I like how they aren't perfect either. They have a deep seeded understanding of loss and guilt

All the wait for a cutoff

Spoilers! The whole book is about a relationship and when Gabe is finally ready to open up the book literally ends. All the build up for nothing.