Latest Read: Storm

Here are the basics ...
Storm (Elemental #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
Publication date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Kensington Books
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal
Source: Purchased

Summary: Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys; all the ones she doesn't want ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. 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. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Storm was a book I started late at night, thinking I'd only read for thirty minutes or so. I had a pretty good feeling that I would like it but it wasn't something I pictured keeping me up past my bed time. How wrong I was! Fast forward to 1:30am and not only was I finished, but I was thisclose to buying the next one on Amazon. (I was good though and put it on hold at the library.) The author wasted no time introducing us to the two main characters and the conflict that would plague them both throughout the book. Becca is a girl with a reputation - one that is entirely untrue and based on rumors spread by her ex-boyfriend. As she's leaving the school one night, she comes across Chris Merrick getting beat up by two other boys. Instead of running, she steps in and manages to save him. But she quickly realizes this isn't a regular fight between guys and Chris is different. As in he can control water different and the rest of his brothers can each control an element too. Practically against her will, she becomes involved in their secrets and the people who know what they can do and want to get rid of them.

Does that sound good or what?

I admit, I am a sucker for books with hot guys, a strong heroine and dystopian/fantasy/paranormal elements and this has all of that. But it also has fast-paced action, engaging writing and complex characters I wanted to know and understand. And it's those things, more than anything, that made me enjoy it so much. Becca is one of those heroines that is fearless and vulnerable. If I met a set of brothers who could control water, wind, fire and earth and they weren't the most welcoming of me (understandable given their secret), I might've pretended the whole thing never happened. Or at least run in the other direction. But not Becca. She was not only determined to get answers but also determined to help and be respected. I think that's what made her interactions with the brothers - Chris, Nick, Gabriel and Michael - so interesting. We slowly got to know them along with her and understand where they were coming from. And in turn, they slowly came to care for her as a friend. Except Chris who, I'm sure you can guess, was interested in being more. But even that wasn't an easy, let's get together immediately sort of thing. But the wait was totally worth it.

But it's not just about them and these all-powerful elements. There are lots of contemporary issues that I felt unexpectedly moved by. Like the escalating-bullying Becca faces and how she handles it. Her relationships with her parents, particularly her estranged father. And even her best friend plays a role who at times I really disliked and other times, I got why they were friends.

(Super minor) reservations: There's clearly a history with people who have elemental powers and I wouldn't have minded a bit more backstory. We do get a lot of answers, don't get me wrong. But there's definitely still more to learn. On the other hand, this is the first book so I'm sure more will be revealed in the future.

Do I recommend?: I do! I really enjoyed Storm and would've loved to series-binge if I could. But I'm getting there. Spark will be at the library soon and I just got approved for the third book on Netgalley. In case you couldn't tell - I'm hooked!

Happy reading!