Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm (Elemental #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
Release Date: May 2012
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Add it: Goodreads
Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥ 

I haven't written a review for so long for two three reasons:
1. I just got a job doing public relations in the mining industry and I have to do inductions, training, drug tests and all that fun stuff (which is what I'm studying so I'm super excited for the work experience)
2. I'm up to the latest season of Doctor Who and I'm torn between watching it asap/wallowing in self-pity
3. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZE-BALLS.

Seriously. I was really, really worried about reading this because of how hyped up it was. I didn't want to hate it because I wouldn't have known what to say and would have been scared of the wrath of fellow bloggers, thankfully that wasn't the case. Instead, my problem is I have no idea what to say apart from,

"ASDFGHJKL THIS BOOK IS LIKE, TOTALLY AMAZING. LIKE, IT'S SO SO GOOD. YOU HAVE TO READ IT. I AM COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY A FANGIRL OF STORM AND THE BOYS ARE SO HOT IN IT AND IT'S ACTUALLY FREAKING AWESOME. I WANT THE MERRICK BROTHERS IN MY BED TO BE REAL. OMFG"

Yeah.
The sad thing is, that was basically my mindset once finishing this book. But I will try to provide details as to why I liked it - apart from the Merrick brothers being gorgeous that is...

When Becca Chandler saves one of the guys from her school from a vicious beating in a parking lot, and chases off his attackers, little did she know just how much her life would change after that. The guy she saves is Chris Merrick, the youngest of four brothers and a student at her school. The Merrick brothers can each control one of the elements; water, fire, air and earth.

From the get-go, Ms. Kemmerer sucks you in with her simple, yet brilliant writing and keeps you constantly wanting more the entire time. Although it took me a LONG time to read this (damn exams), Storm is incredibly fast paced and always had me wanting to read more. There was always something happening and the complexity of the story keeps you intrigued and keeps you reading. As there are four brothers, and a guy named Hunter who comes along, I was really pleased with how developed each of these character's were and how much in packed into one book! I would think, "Oh, I don't know much about Nick (air), but I guess he'll get his own book". I WAS WRONG. As soon as I thought Brigid couldn't POSSIBLY explore anymore into the secondary characters or the story, SHE DID IT! I didn't think having so many characters being packed into one novel would be such a success, so I'd like to say, Brigid Kemmerer is awesome.

I adored the Merrick brothers not only because they're undeniably attractive, but they are all so unique! Each of the brother's have their own unique personalities, flaws and perfections and I was so impressed with their characterisation. There are too many (I must admit, swoonworthy) teenage boys in YA who are just too perfect, too nice, too sweet. These teenage boys were TEENAGE BOYS. Their banter, the way they talked about girls, their brotherly hate and brotherly love toward eachother was just spot on. In general, I have a lot of guy friends who I'm close with (because if we're being honest, girls tend to annoy me), and the behaviour of the guys in this book was brilliant. Oooh another thing I loved. THERE WAS SWEARING. Not just one case of the "F-Bomb", but multiple. That. Was. Awesome. It was so realistic and refreshing to see the word, "fuck" in general but every time it was used, I'd nod my head and be all, "yeah, I can see that happening".

Now Becca.. How do I begin to explain Becca. Well, I loved her. I was so pleased to see that it was the girl saving the guy in the beginning and so refreshing to know not only did she not think she was perfect (which happens in EVERY YA novel, ugh), but she ACTUALLY WASN'T PERFECT. She had flaws, she had made a mistake in the past that had shaped the type of person she was. Becca is bullied but she isn't bullied just as a stupid plot device to make you feel sorry for her, there is a reason she is so cruelly picked on (which still doesn't make it right, I know) and she's learned from this past mistake, tried to actually move on with her life and hasn't let it get to her. I admire Becca, she is so normal yet she is passionate, caring and relatable. Even when Hunter comes along, and introduces a love triangle to the story, Becca isn't an idiot.

Speaking of that love triangle, I have come across only one other love triangle which I didn't despise, so it was awesome to see another writer who knows her shit. The love triangle in this didn't feel forced and the character's involved (Hunter and Chris) are well-rounded and loveable. Becca's relationship with each of these boy's felt real and genuine and as you get to read from Chris' point of view as well, you understand him and feel sorry for him when he has to deal with seeing Becca and Hunter. OH THE ACCURATE TEENAGE REPRESENTATION IS KILLING ME <3

Overall, Storm (has a very fitting title) was an incredible story. With brilliant characters, a fast plot and the perfect amount of romance and action, Storm is definitely something I'd recommend to EVERYBODY.

PS - I NEED Spark immediately, just because I became obsessed with Gabriel as well as Chris. (Oh Gabriel, stop reminding me of attractive boys I know. Your hotness, it's too much.)