saluki's review against another edition
4.0
Being a Fifth, Hunter has supposedly hit the elemental lottery being attuned to all elements. Fifth's become Guides who hunt and eliminate pure elementals, yet Hunter's upbringing is not typical.
Hunter has many questions and conflicting thoughts between his duty as a Fifth and his conscience. Guides have no feelings, just duty goals, and Hunter finds himself in the middle of warring Guides and elementals.
Hunter's confidence and competence we've experienced in prior novels are a veneer to a far more complex character. I really enjoyed his story... and he suffers far more than other characters.
This series is so addictive... I'll definitely be reading more!
Hunter has many questions and conflicting thoughts between his duty as a Fifth and his conscience. Guides have no feelings, just duty goals, and Hunter finds himself in the middle of warring Guides and elementals.
Hunter's confidence and competence we've experienced in prior novels are a veneer to a far more complex character. I really enjoyed his story... and he suffers far more than other characters.
This series is so addictive... I'll definitely be reading more!
psheflin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ificouldreadallday's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.75
fictionalkate's review against another edition
I don’t know how Brigid Kemmerer does it. With every word I read in the Elementals series – be it a full length novel or novella – I fall more in love with the stories, the series plot and especially the characters.
Spirit is Hunter’s story. He’s on the outs with the Merrick brothers, his mother is still weeping over his father’s death six months ago and his grandfather thinks he’s a delinquent – a theory that’s only strengthened when the headmaster rings home after Hunter is accused of assaulting another student.
And then he meets Kate. Sassy and strong, the new student makes Hunter feel like no girl ever has before. But as sexy as the mysterious transfer student is, she’s also secretive and may or may not have a boyfriend. Hunter’s father taught him to use everyone else before they use him but as Hunter gets to know the Elementals he’s starting to question everything he’s ever known.
I wasn’t expecting to love Spirit as much as I did. But I fell in love with how terribly life treats Hunter. He’s only sixteen but has been though so much. He survived a car accident that claimed the lives of his father and uncle, he’s somehow managing to cope with a withdrawn mother and grandfather who doesn’t know how to deal with his tattooed and pierced grandson. And I have to say it’s a fantastic thing for Hunter that he knows people who can draw on the elements to heal…
And through it all Hunter manages to pick himself up and try to carry on as he thinks his father would have wanted him to. His relationships with others are rocky and trust isn’t something that comes easily to the Spirit Elemental. But he evolves throughout the book. His romance with Kate was my favourite relationship to read so far in this series. They’re not conventional but somehow they work so well together.
The Merrick brothers and their other halves are brilliant in this latest instalment of the Elementals series. They add a spark of drama but in the end are there of each other (and Hunter if he lets them) when it storms. I really enjoy how Chris, Becca and Gabriel pop in and despite their happy endings, they aren’t over glamourized as characters. They have their faults and their finding love hasn’t completely changed their personalities.
This is my favourite book in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite series. I can not wait till early next year when the fourth book (Nick’s story!) is released.
Spirit is Hunter’s story. He’s on the outs with the Merrick brothers, his mother is still weeping over his father’s death six months ago and his grandfather thinks he’s a delinquent – a theory that’s only strengthened when the headmaster rings home after Hunter is accused of assaulting another student.
And then he meets Kate. Sassy and strong, the new student makes Hunter feel like no girl ever has before. But as sexy as the mysterious transfer student is, she’s also secretive and may or may not have a boyfriend. Hunter’s father taught him to use everyone else before they use him but as Hunter gets to know the Elementals he’s starting to question everything he’s ever known.
I wasn’t expecting to love Spirit as much as I did. But I fell in love with how terribly life treats Hunter. He’s only sixteen but has been though so much. He survived a car accident that claimed the lives of his father and uncle, he’s somehow managing to cope with a withdrawn mother and grandfather who doesn’t know how to deal with his tattooed and pierced grandson. And I have to say it’s a fantastic thing for Hunter that he knows people who can draw on the elements to heal…
And through it all Hunter manages to pick himself up and try to carry on as he thinks his father would have wanted him to. His relationships with others are rocky and trust isn’t something that comes easily to the Spirit Elemental. But he evolves throughout the book. His romance with Kate was my favourite relationship to read so far in this series. They’re not conventional but somehow they work so well together.
The Merrick brothers and their other halves are brilliant in this latest instalment of the Elementals series. They add a spark of drama but in the end are there of each other (and Hunter if he lets them) when it storms. I really enjoy how Chris, Becca and Gabriel pop in and despite their happy endings, they aren’t over glamourized as characters. They have their faults and their finding love hasn’t completely changed their personalities.
This is my favourite book in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite series. I can not wait till early next year when the fourth book (Nick’s story!) is released.
hannah_rosem's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read - originally 4 stars, now 5
Again, another brilliant book from Kemmerer. I think the reason I liked Spirit a bit less than the other books in the Elementals series the first time I read them was because it was so different than the others. Both Hunter and Kate aren’t exactly likeable characters. However, I think their development, as well as the progression of the main plot and the development of other characters really came together to create a super amazing book. I’m glad I reread this and was able to get something different out of it than I did the first time!
Again, another brilliant book from Kemmerer. I think the reason I liked Spirit a bit less than the other books in the Elementals series the first time I read them was because it was so different than the others. Both Hunter and Kate aren’t exactly likeable characters. However, I think their development, as well as the progression of the main plot and the development of other characters really came together to create a super amazing book. I’m glad I reread this and was able to get something different out of it than I did the first time!
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
4.0
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/15131-spirit-elemental-3
the_lady_reads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
This review is spoiler free for the Elementals series.
I'm obsessed with this series. I have to admit, we had a rocky beginning, but after reading the first book? I was willing to offer my firstborn son. Now, after reading Spirit, the third book in the Elementals series, Brigid Kemmerer can have my soul.
Hunter's life is in the gutter. His friendships have fizzled after the events in Spark. His grandparents have made it clear that they couldn't care less about him. His mother is negligent and sick with grief over the death of Hunter's father. The boy is alone, his abilities make sure of that. The new girl, though, has caught his eye. It's obvious that she's hiding something big, but Hunter thinks he's found someone who understands, someone he can trust.
I was not expecting a book from Hunter's point-of-view and was a bit taken aback when I realized that's what Spirit was. Hunter was not my favorite character, but I was definitely curious to learn more about him. His past was still pretty unclear after the first two books. We knew very little about Hunter, but his role in the series has grown a lot since the beginning so getting a chance to learn about him was necessary.
The author continues to portray phenomenal storytelling. Her writing style is addictive, making her books "unputdownable." The plot moves very steadily. I had trouble putting it down! There's just something about this series that sucks in you in and doesn't let you go even after you finish the journey. It's like crack. Book crack. (And the withdrawal symptoms come after the end as well.)
The emotional aspect of this series also rose in this novel. The level of intensity is almost overwhelming sometimes. I was surprised that Hunter's story was able to provoke a lot of emotions from me. Kemmerer handed out angst like it was candy in Spirit. I teared up more than once. This book pulls out other feelings as well. There were moments of frustration, of anger and some hilarious parts that will have readers laughing out loud.
The characters… Sigh… These boys. I love them all. Nick may be my favorite, but I've come to love them all--even Michael, which was kinda shocking. (After you read this book, you will get what I mean.) While Hunter has been a character with many ups and downs, getting into his thoughts and emotions was really insightful. Reading from his point-of-view will give the audience a better understanding of why he has done what he has done and what he's learned from his actions. Who didn't I love? Hunter's love interest, Kate. I couldn't stand her and never grew to like her. Though her character definitely develops as the story progresses, she never made a place in my heart. If you read it, I'm sure you would at least understand why I feel this way. From the moment she is introduced to the very end, I thought Hunter deserved better. 'Cuz by the end of the book, my lukewarm feels for the boy turned red hot. (Insert awkward giggles.)
So would I recommend this series? Yes times ten billion. It's a fantastic series, and Spirit, although not my favorite, is a great addition to it. I'm eagerly awaiting (see: dying for) the next book in the series, as Nick is my favorite brother! Brigid has made a true fan out of me, and if you give it a shot, I'm sure she'll be able to hook you in as well!
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review as part of a blog tour hosted by The Midnight Garden Blog Tours via Netgalley.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.
This review is spoiler free for the Elementals series.
I'm obsessed with this series. I have to admit, we had a rocky beginning, but after reading the first book? I was willing to offer my firstborn son. Now, after reading Spirit, the third book in the Elementals series, Brigid Kemmerer can have my soul.
Hunter's life is in the gutter. His friendships have fizzled after the events in Spark. His grandparents have made it clear that they couldn't care less about him. His mother is negligent and sick with grief over the death of Hunter's father. The boy is alone, his abilities make sure of that. The new girl, though, has caught his eye. It's obvious that she's hiding something big, but Hunter thinks he's found someone who understands, someone he can trust.
I was not expecting a book from Hunter's point-of-view and was a bit taken aback when I realized that's what Spirit was. Hunter was not my favorite character, but I was definitely curious to learn more about him. His past was still pretty unclear after the first two books. We knew very little about Hunter, but his role in the series has grown a lot since the beginning so getting a chance to learn about him was necessary.
The author continues to portray phenomenal storytelling. Her writing style is addictive, making her books "unputdownable." The plot moves very steadily. I had trouble putting it down! There's just something about this series that sucks in you in and doesn't let you go even after you finish the journey. It's like crack. Book crack. (And the withdrawal symptoms come after the end as well.)
The emotional aspect of this series also rose in this novel. The level of intensity is almost overwhelming sometimes. I was surprised that Hunter's story was able to provoke a lot of emotions from me. Kemmerer handed out angst like it was candy in Spirit. I teared up more than once. This book pulls out other feelings as well. There were moments of frustration, of anger and some hilarious parts that will have readers laughing out loud.
The characters… Sigh… These boys. I love them all. Nick may be my favorite, but I've come to love them all--even Michael, which was kinda shocking. (After you read this book, you will get what I mean.) While Hunter has been a character with many ups and downs, getting into his thoughts and emotions was really insightful. Reading from his point-of-view will give the audience a better understanding of why he has done what he has done and what he's learned from his actions. Who didn't I love? Hunter's love interest, Kate. I couldn't stand her and never grew to like her. Though her character definitely develops as the story progresses, she never made a place in my heart. If you read it, I'm sure you would at least understand why I feel this way. From the moment she is introduced to the very end, I thought Hunter deserved better. 'Cuz by the end of the book, my lukewarm feels for the boy turned red hot. (Insert awkward giggles.)
So would I recommend this series? Yes times ten billion. It's a fantastic series, and Spirit, although not my favorite, is a great addition to it. I'm eagerly awaiting (see: dying for) the next book in the series, as Nick is my favorite brother! Brigid has made a true fan out of me, and if you give it a shot, I'm sure she'll be able to hook you in as well!
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review as part of a blog tour hosted by The Midnight Garden Blog Tours via Netgalley.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.