Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Storm (Elemental Book 1)

Top positive review

Elementals...

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017

This book was really good and very well written! I was having a hard time finding a new book to start reading when I came upon Elementals. And am I glad I did! It keeps you hooked. Has action, drama and some romance mixed together. The best part? It simply about the elements, just like it says. No werewolves or vampires... finally!

One thing I did notice was when switching perspectives, there wasn't always a break. It just changed in the next sentence. I would have liked them to maybe of been spaced out so you could tell it was switching character perspective but that didn't take away much from the book.

I k ow some reviews are bashing on Chris being a jerk and ignores Becca, but I think while in his point of view, you learn and understand why. He was only doing it so she didn't get hurt. Not just because he wanted to be a jerk.

Anyways, a MUST READ! And you know... if Brigid Kemmerer ever sees this and decides she needs another beta reader for up coming books, I volunteer! Great book, great author.

6 people found this helpful

Top critical review

All critical reviews›

Kay

hmmmmm...

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2015

Ive seen this book so many times and talked myself out of reading it but despite the reviews-knowing there were a few things that I hate I did anyway. Am I a glutton? Probably.

The book wasn't horrible trust me I've read worse. And I am going to try the second simply because I love the idea of the plot and -fingers crossed- am hoping I like the second.

There will be spoilers so read only if you don't mind.

What I did like: hunter. (He kind of pissed me off a bit too but at least I got his issues.)
The plot was one I can't find very much. In fact I've written a couple of short stories myself just because of the elemental idea. (Sadly it's just a hobby that I enjoy bc no I am not a writer which is why I don't want to be too harsh on this author. Creating a good story is an art and although I didn't love this book. I don't dislike the authors work completely)
There was enough action in the book that o did enjoy reading it to see their power grow. I love that these guys aren't the stereotypical badass bad boys. They are learning to grow into their abilities and it's not easy and they do get scared. In this way I love what the author attempted and am not opposed to trying the rest of the series.

What I didn't like was:1: the love triangle. Personally I hate them. Under certain circumstances I can understand them and although I can get the fact that she is young...I don't know. In one aspect I can see why she was crushing on them both in a way but here. Both romances just fell flat. On all accounts I think what she shares with hunter was deeper than her and Chris. Even though I wanted her to end up with Chris( yeah. Ironic huh)
2: the heroine was iffy and hard for me to relate to. As a trouble child *cough cough* myself I did have throw down arguments with my dad and my grandmother. But the way she handled her dad returning. I reacted much worse when my mom did the same. Trust me at thirteen I was much more pissed that she'd been gone for so many years. Maybe that's why it bothered me to read this so much. I felt she should have confronted him rather than hiding how she felt.
3:I though the heroine was bratty, a little spoiled and in serious need of a get over yourself bi*** slap once or twice.

She was a strong girl though. To be so young she was scared but fought back and I can appreciate that so again I will say. Something about this book just annoyed me to no end. But I also felt that the author did capture the whole -I'm a teenager and so damn self absorbed sometimes- deal. At thirteen I cod maybe relate. At 16, I wasnt anything like this. So yeah, I think it would be worth reading if it were cheaper. For the story this four dollar price is just a bit too much in my opinion. But I did purchase it so maybe that's a shortcoming with me.

My overall opinion, if you're bored and tired of vampires werewolves and witches. Then yeah this will be an ok read. I really wish I could find some more plots like this (elemental powers have always intrigued me ) but maybe a different premise would be good.

2 people found this helpful

Sort by

Filter by

370 global ratings | 306 global reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

Brianna Seaton

Elementals...

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017

Verified Purchase

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

velvetmorning82

My favourite book from 2013

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2016

Verified Purchase

One of the most interesting book for 2012 i have read so far!!! Yes you got it right no vampires,no angels (fallen angels),no demons not anything.Instead we have something fresh and unique idea (at least to my eyes): Elements

The story begins with Becca Chandler after her defence class one light night discover that at the parking school that Chris Merrick was beating up so hard. And she didn't hesitate at all and saved his life. But from this moment everything change in her life because she realise that from now on she is a target.The Merrick brothers are not ordinary. You know why? They're Elementals, each with a strong power over an individual element - water, earth, fire and air.Yes you got it right Elements

We are introduced to The Merrick brothers which every single one is unique and I can't deny that i felt every single one (sounds weird i know) :

- Michael is 23 years old.He is the oldest brother and he is the element of Earth.In Storm he is a little bit over protected to his younger brothers but his has his reasons and i totally respect with how is dealing raising his brothers. (You have to read the prequel novella what are you waiting for?)

- Chris is 16 years old and he is the element of Water (and the protagonist of the first book) I totally loved his characters (with his good and his bad) and i absolutely love his caring side in regards to Becca.

- Gabriel (17,controls the element of Fire) and Nick (17 controls the element of Air) Those Twins were hilarious I was cracking half of the time with Gabriel humour and attitude. When Gabriel was all the flirt Nick was the calm and the geek side.You got to love them both

Becca the female protagonist : Its one of the rare times that i am in female's side.Becca was strong heroine consider the fact all the bad and horrible things she have been to school and an incredibly emotionally strong character. My respects to her seriously!

And at the end we have Hunter.. The Mystery new guy who appears at school and hangs out at once with Becca. There was something about him that it drag me into him almost instant the moment his comes in our story(which He is complex as well as The Merrick brothers) He carry his one secrets and mysteries and in the end no matter how the story progressed i still wanted to found out more about him.

Generally as a debut novel it was a fantastic one. Lots of action,actually it was non stop,lots of romance and so many secrets and mystery that you wont be able to turn it down.A novel so compelling so addictive to read and so fun!

Fact :The Merrick brothers were meant to be vampires.Arent you happy that they are not?

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Sonja T

A perfect beginning

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2019

Verified Purchase

This kept my attention from the very beginning and I almost canceled my date to go to a concert to keep reading. I didn’t however, as I knew the book would be waiting for me. I’m intrigued by the abilities and the connection between the girl and the guys. The story is fast paced and there is a lot going on. The more you discover the more do you want to know. The fact that it’s also a romance is just adding to the story. The banter between the brothers are not disguising the love they have for each other. I especially loved the way they realised in the end how much their eldest brother love them and what lengths he will go to to protect them. It’s a fascinating read and I can’t wait to get into the next book.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Savannah

Surprised and Blown Away By This Novel

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2016

Verified Purchase

All the school has heard the rumors about Becca Chandler that paint her as a slut. Though untrue, Becca knows her ex-boyfriend is behind them. She settles into her role as an outcast and tries to not let the taunts and suggestive talk get to her. Everything takes an unexpected turn when Becca interrupts the beating of Chris Merrick. She runs off the perpetrators and rescues the badly wounded Chris, only to find herself entangled in a feud she never knew existed.

I was really surprised by this book. I listen to the audiobook for this one, which is something I don’t often do, but I found myself so wrapped up in the story. The mythology of this book draws upon elemental powers (water, air, earth, fire), but Brigid Kemmerer includes aspects into it that make this book feel unique in its portrayal of this.

There are some really big issues that are addressed in this book and I thought Brigid Kemmerer did a good job, but there is still a bit of room for improvement. I didn’t really fully feel Becca’s distress at her reputation and how others treated her. She did exhibit some behaviors that would be expected, but during some moments her torture at school seemed to be forgotten. She bristles at Chris, but she doesn’t seem to ever do the same to Hunter.

I liked Becca, but I really loved the rest of the characters in this book. The Merricks are all great and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series to get to know the rest of the brothers even better. All the Merricks really felt well defined in their own right and they each had unique personalities. I enjoyed Hunter and I really liked how he treated Becca. Towards the end he got a bit annoying, though.

There is a love-triangle in this book. One relationship feels really natural and the other ends up feeling rushed. Becca totally ended up with who I was rooting for and the switch between her feelings for both guys doesn’t feel annoying or unnatural. I really like that she didn’t spend this whole book pinning after both guys, or really pinning much at all. There was no insta-love and for that I am grateful.

This book progressed at a nice pace and I loved all the twists and turns. The ending was satisfying and I loved that all the mysteries in this book are solved by the end. I’m really excited to start the next instalment in this series.

As a small side note, the content of this book isn’t for young teens (and it teetered on the edge of what I’ll read). There are some heavy issues addressed in this book like rape and bullying. There was a bunch of sexual innuendos, lots of language and violence.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Kay

hmmmmm...

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2015

Verified Purchase

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

T.H.

Full of Action!

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2015

Verified Purchase

Becca Chandler has a reputation, and not by choice. As a result, she is thought to be "easy" and is constantly harassed. This doesn't stop her from being her kind sweet self though. She, a small girl, saves Chris from being beaten to death by not just one, but a group of guys!

Chris goes to Becca's school and the two have virtually never even talked to each other. After she rescues him, things start to change. The two start actually acknowledging each other, and soon they find themselves in the middle of a huge mess. You could say a storm is brewing (yes I am a dork and went there!).

There are so many questions that the book brings up. Why does Becca have a reputation? Why does Chris have this thing for water? Who would put a pentagram on someone's door?

This book has twists, turns, and a whole lot of action. There were times I thought "What is happening?" Now, when I say there is action, I don't just mean a little bit, I mean just about the whole book is packed with action. The last quarter of the book was especially intense and I could not put it down until I finished it!

The writing style made me feel as if I was watching a movie instead of reading a book, if that makes sense. Instead of being in a characters head (first person) we were instead an outside observer (third person). This is different than most of the books I usually read, but I was still able to picture the characters and what was going on.

I have already looked at the descriptions for the rest of the books in the series, and it seems like each book focuses on a different male character and his love interest. I honestly don't know if I would like that or not. I just want to see more of Becca and Chris!

Helpful

Seirra Poirier

Engrossing and Diverse!

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2012

Verified Purchase

This book was not at all what I had expected which is a good thing because at first I thought it would be a giant cliché. Thankfully it exceeded all expectations destroying my first thought irrevocably. Storm is a very unique and engrossing read. Unlike most YA I expected dialed down dialogue and sappy fall-all-over-you characters that lacked any real backbone. Wrong. Each character is tough, yet charming, and full of many layers of depth that will just continue to intrigue you. Although the story starts out about a female protagonist whose been the victim more times than she'd like to admit it's not just her story it's about 4 brothers and there relationships with each other and the world and the ongoing struggle to fit into it. Becca is just one of the many people that play an important role in the brothers lives including themselves. Storm just keeps building page by page and sooner rather than later you find yourself enraptured. A lot of action, forward momentum, cool abilities, excellent character developments, tons of unexpected twists right until the end. Fantastic story can't wait for the next.

SYNOPSIS:

Becca Chandler manages to attract the student body's attention unfortunately it's for the worst reasons. Her ex is a great storyteller and that's why she's become pronounced as the girl who likes to get around. Every day a letter of reminder is thrown on her desk with offensive vulgarities directed at her assumed promiscuity. Things start changing when she fatefully saves the life of her classmate Chris Merrick whose attacked by 2 kids from her school. Chris isn't ordinary he has the ability to control the water element. He's not the only one with this diversity his 3 brothers each control an element as well; fire, wind, and earth. The same people that want to hurt Chris and his family has also marked Becca too. Now the rumor mill seems like the least of her problems; between being victimized, her absentee father returning, and a mysterious new boy at school she's got her hands full and her trust radar on full alert.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Sugar Spice

Storm!

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2013

Verified Purchase

Review:

Yes, I'm shallow, I took up this book because of the promised hot four brothers. But, I was in luck, in addition to the latter I ended up receiving heaps of action, complicated conflicts, realistic and fun interactions and relationships between diverse colorful characters and, as a cherry on top, those hunks ended up being no carbon cut out flat handsome surfaces, but fleshed out, distinct and extremely intriguing characters.

One of my main pros in this book are the conversations, teasing, fighting and brotherly bonds between the Merrick brothers. It all felt very authentic, this is how I'd picture such guys interacting. I'm impressed that the author managed to pull off writing about and creating guys so like ... guys.

I also liked how the main girl and boy had equal parts and say in the book. It varied between them being on center stage one at a time. Otherwise, in such an action oriented book, one half would have remained underexposed. This story was definitely not heavy on romance, even despite the love triangle. The main focus was on the various conflicts, character interactions and of course, the dynamics amongst the Merrick brothers and, in turn, between them and others.

My biggest con, however, was the love triangle (which I'm by nature allergic against). The confidence that I had in what I thought had to be the main couple was wavering, sinking and rising constantly because of the pingponging going on. One guy has a special moment with Becca, then the other, and repeat again. It was difficult to hold onto my initial preference. And I was again reminded on why I dislike such a trope, luckily, I enjoyed everything else the book had to offer a great deal more.

I have to also mention that this book had a lot of bullying going on. Starting with Becca and her so called "tarnished reputation" and ending with how the Merrick's were constantly harassed because of their powers. On both accounts I found the treatment from the tormentors disgusting.

Characters:

Becca was a more than likable heroine. From the first scene where she saves Chris, I admired her determination, bravery and slight recklessness. What happened to her because of a bunch of appalling douchbags was unbelievable, and respect that she could still hold her head high. There was, however, one aspect that made me irritated about her, the constant back and forth feelings for Chris and Hunter. Me no like, but despite this, she was great!

If Chris wouldn't have had parts of the story from his point, then I probably wouldn't have cared for him much. He was difficult to understand and the insight given helped a lot in making him sympathetic and a good hero.

I felt suspicious of Hunter from the moment he appeared (what a magnificent entrance and first line though). Nevertheless, a nice guy with his own bag of issues.

The Merrick brothers: Gabriel was a wisecracker, incontrollable, humorous, conflicted and easy to loose grip on his emotions. Nick wasn't explored in great detail, but I liked his calmness, rationality and his role as the peacemaker. He also came across as the most mysterious to me. I admired Michael immensely, and felt sorry that his sacrifices and constant work weren't appreciated by his brothers to the extent that it should have been.

A short rant: I'm sorry but how can anyone be friends with Quinn? Moody, unsupportive, me and the world attitude, she sort of got on my nerves.

Overall:

I'm more than looking forwards to starting the second book of the series, especially since I really liked its main hero in the first one. But, overall, an action packed interesting read with a bunch of great guys for all tastes to go around!

Helpful

Anna (Bobs Her Hair)

4 - 4.5 Stars ... A YA Paranormal Romance I Want to Read

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2014

Verified Purchase

There is angst, but it's all well-done. The four Merrick brothers are easy to become addicted to. Their parents are dead. They resent being raised by their older brother Michael. So much anger, bitterness, and cruel words exchanged. It felt real, sincere.

[quoted from book]

Michael drew himself up, as if readying for another fight.
But Gabriel didn't move. "You're not our father." His voice was low, even, puntuated by the rain. Lightning flashed somewhere in the sky.

[end quote]

[quote]
Michael flinched -- almost imperceptibly, but Gabriel saw it and smiled.

Nick went to his twin's side. "Stop. Just--come inside."

Gabriel shrugged him off and started for Michael, stopping right in from of him. "You'd make a shitty father, anyway," he said. "But that's okay. That's not what you're supposed to be."

Michael held his ground. "Yeah? Just what am I supposed to be?"

Gabriel gave a humorless laugh and turned for the house. "Come on, guys."

"Hey!" Michael's tone was sharp. "Just what am I supposed to be?

Gabriel turned in the doorway. "..."

[end quote]

There is also a love triangle. Boy likes girl. Girl likes New Kid. New Kid seems to like the girl, too. Yet the girl seems drawn to the Boy. It wasn't annoying, especially since the boy, Chris, ran hot and cold with Becca. Hunter, the New Kid, gave her the right signals. You could feel how Becca was being tugged in different directions and it's easy to sympathize.

"Becca couln't sort out the sudden emotion - she felt as if her heart had started scattering butterflies through her abdomen, then he'd kicked her in the stomach and pissed them all off."

Overall, this is a series recommended for readers who enjoy YA/PNR/UF. Also, this novel is enhanced if you read Elemental (Elemental, #0.5) first. You'll see a different Merrick family, especially the difference in Michael. A time when their parents were alive. Michael wasn't always the jerk you see in Storm. He was the strong big brother that stopped the twins (Nick & Gabriel) from spitting in his little brother's mouth. The world-building is solid. The Elemental talents and use of their 'powers' are tied to their emotions, and being pretty angry teenagers there's a lot of harm they can do. Then there are the people who want to kill them. What's not to like?

Verdict: Read it!

[I read this in one day. I didn't want to put it down. Stayed up until 1:30 in the a.m.]

Helpful

Sandy @ Craving YA Reads

Book Review from Sandy at Magical Manuscipts

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2012

Verified Purchase

Storm is simply magical. There is no other word that I can use that would describe how Brigid Kemmerer pulled me into her story and kept me there.

This book is about four brothers, who each deal with a different elemental power. The main character, Chris Merrick, is a water element who Becca helps save in the parking lot when he was being beaten to death. From there Becca is pulled into a world she did not ask to be in.

The characters were wonderful. In a family of four brothers, Chris seemed to be his own separate person. I know that sounds weird, but his brothers, Gabriel and Nick, are twins and Michael seemed more like a father then the brother he was. I really liked how they worked as a family unit, especially the younger three.

Chris was a boy who had been through a lot in his life and it just seemed to keep getting worse, even after Becca came into it, because she brought her own troubles. He was loyal, friendly and brave. He did what he could for the people he loved. At times, he was insecure and, at other times, well, just plain stupid. But, he usually had company in the form of his brothers when he was being completely stupid.

Becca was a girl who had an unearned bad reputation, who ended up saving Chris from being beaten up. She was bright kind and somewhat insecure, particularly in standing up for herself. She was brave when it came to helping people and the type who would befriend anyone. She also had family troubles, especially when her father came to town.

Hunter is another character I have to mention. I know a lot of people will think otherwise, but I just didn't like him. I don't know what it was that put me off him, but it could have been the way his character was written. He always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I didn't like his attitude towards the Merricks. As I read on, I understood why he was like that, but it just wasn't enough to make me like him. If there was a love triangle, I fully admit to being Team Chris. At least he was there when Becca truly needed help.

The story line itself was really enjoyable. But, I'm a little biased because I love elemental stories. It helped that there was never a dull moment so I didn't have any chance to get bored. The ending really did hold a hint of the unexpected, although some of it was very predictable, especially with what I found out about Becca at the end of the book. All that aside though, everything flowed nicely and I really enjoyed Brigid's writing style. I also enjoyed that fact that this book was written in third voice, which allowed me into the heads of other characters, apart from just Becca. Sometimes, I miss that when I'm reading first-voice books.

I would recommend this to anyone who like paranormal stories, especially if it involves the elements. And, if you don't mind love triangles, well, there's a touch of that in there as well.

Helpful

Need customer service? Click here

‹ See all details for Storm (Elemental Book 1)

5 star		53%
4 star		29%
3 star		10%
2 star		4%
1 star		3%

Storm (Elemental Book 1)

›

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Storm (Elemental Book 1)

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Storm (Elemental Book 1) › Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Storm (Elemental Book 1)

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Storm (Elemental Book 1)

›

Customer reviews