Bring On the Rain • Storm

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elemental #1
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Source: Publisher (Thanks!) || ARC

[I received this from the publisher. But that in no way affects the opinions expressed in this review.]

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca. 

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all. 

STORM does a fantastic job of taking the concept of elemental "abilities" and weaving it into a story that's unique and a lot of fun to read. Brigid Kemmerer managed to bring to life a female character who I could actually tolerate, as well as a group of hot male characters who had me scrambling to decide who I liked best (which I STILL haven't figured out). Filled with a little mystery, a lot of action and a dash of romance, this novel certainly "stormed" into my affections.

The Characters

Becca Chandler is a two-sided coin. She demonstrates a lot of strength and courage (like when she's kicking butt or rushing into a situation to help someone out), but she also has a lot of vulnerability (like when it comes to the lies being spread about her). There were certain points where I got frustrated with all of the relationships in her life, but I feel like they were handled well (except the semi-absentee mom part). It fascinated me as I learned more about her towards the end of STORM - and I hope I see more of her in the other Elemental books!

Getting started on the male characters in this novel might leave me gushing and incoherent because they're all so DARN appealing.

Chris Merrick is a mysterious young man, but he's also got sensitivity, strength and a protective nature, especially when it comes to Becca. Just the way his interest in her develops after the night she saves him is enough to get my insides a little twisty. He also has three hot brothers - Nick (the peacemaker), Michael (the eldest) & Gabriel (the impetuous one) - and I can't wait to read more about them.

Hunter is also mysterious, but he always seemed more rebellious and different than Chris. Though I was intrigued by his appearance, I never really liked him as much as Chris. He does have an interesting story to add to the mix though - and it will be fun to see where Kemmerer takes it.

The Story

Utilizing the four elements (fire, earth, air, water) as the backbone of STORM possessed just the right amount of appeal to me. Watching the brothers demonstrate their various capabilities just blew me away - it's always interesting to see up until what point the author will take it to.

Kemmerer utilizes these elements and puts them into a plot that's jam-packed with action and mysterious circumstances. And I have to share my love for the way STORM ends - there's enough of a conclusion not to leave me hanging BUT there's also room for more exploration and a few questions that need to be answered. I certainly cannot wait to read the rest of the Elemental series.

The Final Verdict

Read this story if you're a fan of YA with supernatural elements (ha! see what I did there!). It's filled with action, suspense, a bit of romance and some very hot boys!