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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
At this point in time, ‘Sacrifice’ is meant to be the last book in the Elementals collection. But I didn’t feel it. I was hoping for the all stakes battle, for all the Elementals to join together as one unstoppable fighting unit. We’ve been getting hints of this all through the series – and well... *fizzle* *deflated balloon*
As with all the other books in the series, we get another perspective – this time from Michael, the oldest Merrick sibling. I’m so glad all the hormonal teen boy violence was kept to a hush and we actually got some story. Though there was an awful lot of people getting shot, blown up and killed. But the Merrick brothers seemed to have chilled a bit – that or they are still reeling and in shock.
I enjoyed the story, but ‘Sacrifice’ just didn’t pack the punch I was expecting. Maybe because Brigid Kemmerer already had a follow-up in the works, who knows. The characters and storylines are feeling more realistic, so I don’t understand why this didn’t grab me as much. Plenty of tension, the stakes were high for Michael... possibly it was the angst that was absent? Or maybe it’s my unmet expectation of the ultimate showdown not being realised? I was also hoping to get more on the mythology of the Elementals, the formation and organisation of the Guides and their motivation. It’s just been very precursory up until now. I want more history and nitty-gritty of these secret warring factions.
I also didn’t get much over the relationships of the other brothers – Kemmerer tends to omit the other characters when she’s concentrating on the story of her books protagonist. I missed Becca, Laney, Adam... I mean it’s a close-knit family unit and is seems common sense that their boyfriends and girlfriends would be present for most of the time.
But that’s just me being picky. And a little gibbed about not getting some of the answers I wanted.
Otherwise ‘Sacrifice’ was another great addition to the Elemental universe. I’m still wondering how there are so many Elementals though, it was getting to a point you couldn’t hurl a stick without hitting one. But that meant plenty of displays of awesome supernatural powers. Me likey! The tension between Hannah and Michael was great, especially with Hannah’s father continually getting in the way. I really enjoyed this emotional tussle.
I read this very quickly, in fact I was wondering where the rest of it was when I’d finished. The same breeze writing style leant to completing the novel in a day.
I’ve seen Brigid Kemmerer’s note on Goodreads informing fans that the next novel in this series ‘Strife’ had been put on indefinite hiatus due to contracts on some of the releases we are now starting to see released and on the publishing schedule. But I hope we get to see her return to the Merrick boys and publish the next book – maybe it will give me the answers I crave?
Nonetheless, I’m putting this guilty pleasure back on my shelf and looking towards the next challenge.
At this point in time, ‘Sacrifice’ is meant to be the last book in the Elementals collection. But I didn’t feel it. I was hoping for the all stakes battle, for all the Elementals to join together as one unstoppable fighting unit. We’ve been getting hints of this all through the series – and well... *fizzle* *deflated balloon*
As with all the other books in the series, we get another perspective – this time from Michael, the oldest Merrick sibling. I’m so glad all the hormonal teen boy violence was kept to a hush and we actually got some story. Though there was an awful lot of people getting shot, blown up and killed. But the Merrick brothers seemed to have chilled a bit – that or they are still reeling and in shock.
I enjoyed the story, but ‘Sacrifice’ just didn’t pack the punch I was expecting. Maybe because Brigid Kemmerer already had a follow-up in the works, who knows. The characters and storylines are feeling more realistic, so I don’t understand why this didn’t grab me as much. Plenty of tension, the stakes were high for Michael... possibly it was the angst that was absent? Or maybe it’s my unmet expectation of the ultimate showdown not being realised? I was also hoping to get more on the mythology of the Elementals, the formation and organisation of the Guides and their motivation. It’s just been very precursory up until now. I want more history and nitty-gritty of these secret warring factions.
I also didn’t get much over the relationships of the other brothers – Kemmerer tends to omit the other characters when she’s concentrating on the story of her books protagonist. I missed Becca, Laney, Adam... I mean it’s a close-knit family unit and is seems common sense that their boyfriends and girlfriends would be present for most of the time.
But that’s just me being picky. And a little gibbed about not getting some of the answers I wanted.
Otherwise ‘Sacrifice’ was another great addition to the Elemental universe. I’m still wondering how there are so many Elementals though, it was getting to a point you couldn’t hurl a stick without hitting one. But that meant plenty of displays of awesome supernatural powers. Me likey! The tension between Hannah and Michael was great, especially with Hannah’s father continually getting in the way. I really enjoyed this emotional tussle.
I read this very quickly, in fact I was wondering where the rest of it was when I’d finished. The same breeze writing style leant to completing the novel in a day.
I’ve seen Brigid Kemmerer’s note on Goodreads informing fans that the next novel in this series ‘Strife’ had been put on indefinite hiatus due to contracts on some of the releases we are now starting to see released and on the publishing schedule. But I hope we get to see her return to the Merrick boys and publish the next book – maybe it will give me the answers I crave?
Nonetheless, I’m putting this guilty pleasure back on my shelf and looking towards the next challenge.
I don’t know what to give this book. So I’ll leave it unrated. But Brigid, if you ever read this:
WHY DID YOU KILL HUNTER???????????!?!!?!!!!!!!!
WHY DID YOU KILL HUNTER???????????!?!!?!!!!!!!!
Not a fan of that ending, if you can even call it that.
If I thought the intensity of the previous books in the series was high, this was one getting close to off the charts for me. Once again, in order to handle that nail-biting suspense, I had to read forward a number of page and skim to see if our wonderful Michael survived. It was back-to-back fear and danger, and my poor little heart was having a hard time handling it.
Things really become disrupted for the Merrick family in this one. Their home, their livelihood, their lives, are all disrupted. The peril they are in, actively and seriously being targeted by Guides, makes me wonder how they can possible survive what is thrown at them.
I know that the next in the series is put on indefinite hold. I'm hoping that won't be too long.
Things really become disrupted for the Merrick family in this one. Their home, their livelihood, their lives, are all disrupted. The peril they are in, actively and seriously being targeted by Guides, makes me wonder how they can possible survive what is thrown at them.
Spoiler
There is a big sacrifice in this one, one that I still haven't truly accepted yet. In fact, I'm going to hold out hope that in some future book, this can be rectified.I know that the next in the series is put on indefinite hold. I'm hoping that won't be too long.
Finally we get a book based on Michael and I am so excited to read it, he kind of wiggled himself into my heart as we got to see more of him in the other books. In the previous books the main characters and their love interests were great and epic and their relationship is still pretty new but rocky at parts.
One word that I have seen to describe Hannah in this book is daddy issues and I have to somewhat agree with the others as we see more into her life as she is a single mother who disapproves of her father yet wants his approval. At the end of the book Hannah wins me over
The best part of the books are the action scenes, plus a new stalker who is watching the Merrick brothers and caused their house to go up in smoke. It has heart wrenching twists that will leave readers with feels almost on the brink of bringing a reader to tears at the end. My downfall with this book it is the final book in the series but in my opinion it leaves questions that need to be answered.
One word that I have seen to describe Hannah in this book is daddy issues and I have to somewhat agree with the others as we see more into her life as she is a single mother who disapproves of her father yet wants his approval. At the end of the book Hannah wins me over
The best part of the books are the action scenes, plus a new stalker who is watching the Merrick brothers and caused their house to go up in smoke. It has heart wrenching twists that will leave readers with feels almost on the brink of bringing a reader to tears at the end. My downfall with this book it is the final book in the series but in my opinion it leaves questions that need to be answered.
I can't... i'm emotinally compromised over what happens to Hunter in this book :( But it was a really good book and a really good conclusion to the series.
This book had me in tears on the bus ride to work, and gasping at the end. I felt it was a tad rushed at times, but I can't work out if it was really rushed or if I just wanted the book to go on forever. I can't believe some of the things that happened in the end. I want more, but I know this was supposed to be the final book.
I'm going to miss the Merrick brothers and Hunter - but I guess that's what re-reads are for!
4.5/5 stars
I'm going to miss the Merrick brothers and Hunter - but I guess that's what re-reads are for!
4.5/5 stars
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pretty decent conclusion to this series. Mikes story is more action packed and it really is only him. The progression with the guides fit with the story but it's pretty singular.
3.5 stars.
Over two years since reading Secret and here I am, finally reviewing the (for now) final book. I wish I hadn't waited so long, and I truly have no idea why I did, because even though this was not the conclusion I was expecting and even entirely wanting, most of it was so enjoyable to read.
You know who I love? Michael Merrick. With each book, his character became more and more sympathetic and likeable, and I was really looking forward to reading from his point-of-view. And honestly, his story was not anything like I imagined it would be, but one of the reasons for this is because of where it takes place in Michael's life: this man, who is only two years older than me at the time of this review, is literally at his breaking point, because the world around him, the world he's fought so hard to build for his brothers, it literally falling apart. He puts on such a strong persona in the previous books and still does his best to in Sacrifice, but I was literally just waiting for the moment when he would snap, when his emotions and everything that happens to him and his loved ones in this book finally just waylays him. And it happens, though it was a lot more quiet than I might have initially wanted, although the scene Kemmerer wrote fits him perfectly. I really just love Michael: his strength, his weakness, the insecurity, the brave front, the ways he loves his brothers and places them above everything else...yes, give me more of a character like this.
Honestly, my favorite aspect about this book, and the whole series, was everything going on between the Merricks and Hunter, because brother relationships are truly the best, and Kemmerer makes these boys feel so real. This, incidentally, also leads into one of my bigger issues with the book: the younger three brothers didn't play a big enough role. The main thing they do is cause Michael even more stress and fear, though it's nothing they actively do. Maybe it's because this book was shorter, but I didn't feel their presences enough, and instead, this felt more like a single character story as opposed to how the other books place some focus on each of the brothers. And another thing: not enough emotional interaction between them. I liked the football scene and adored the one in the hospital, but after the climax? Meh.
I must confess: I did not feel like this fit the image I had of what was eluded to at the end of Secret. There was jut a lot of things going on and other things that weren't, and while I was interested by the action and suspense, I'm not sure how it worked in the long run.
So...Hannah. Up until this point, I liked her; or rather, I liked the idea of her, because we didn't see a lot and what I knew/saw of her was interesting. However, I really didn't care for her voice at all, because she didn't come across as this tough, independent firefighter we're led to believe she is. Instead, she was whiny about most everything (although I did appreciate her scenes at the hospital very much) and didn't seem like she knew what she wanted. Also, daddy issues were way too important. This didn't even feel like it was partly her story - it felt more like Kemmerer just forced her narrative into Michael's. The romance between them wasn't like I thought it would be either and really paled when compared to the romantic relationships in Books 1-4.
This may sound like a lot of negative comments, but remember, I don't necessarily like this series for the overall plot about the Guides and the rouge Elementals, though the abilities the brothers have and the way they are depicted is another thing I love most about this series. I enjoy it for the relationship between these four brothers plus Hunter, who's technically been adopted into their family, and how they and the ones they love have to navigate the world around them. Kemmerer has mentioned one day coming back to the series, and I hope she does, because for me, this does not feel like an ending; I'm biased because I wasn't fully satisfied with it, but I would definitely love to see more of my boys.
Over two years since reading Secret and here I am, finally reviewing the (for now) final book. I wish I hadn't waited so long, and I truly have no idea why I did, because even though this was not the conclusion I was expecting and even entirely wanting, most of it was so enjoyable to read.
You know who I love? Michael Merrick. With each book, his character became more and more sympathetic and likeable, and I was really looking forward to reading from his point-of-view. And honestly, his story was not anything like I imagined it would be, but one of the reasons for this is because of where it takes place in Michael's life: this man, who is only two years older than me at the time of this review, is literally at his breaking point, because the world around him, the world he's fought so hard to build for his brothers, it literally falling apart. He puts on such a strong persona in the previous books and still does his best to in Sacrifice, but I was literally just waiting for the moment when he would snap, when his emotions and everything that happens to him and his loved ones in this book finally just waylays him. And it happens, though it was a lot more quiet than I might have initially wanted, although the scene Kemmerer wrote fits him perfectly. I really just love Michael: his strength, his weakness, the insecurity, the brave front, the ways he loves his brothers and places them above everything else...yes, give me more of a character like this.
Honestly, my favorite aspect about this book, and the whole series, was everything going on between the Merricks and Hunter, because brother relationships are truly the best, and Kemmerer makes these boys feel so real. This, incidentally, also leads into one of my bigger issues with the book: the younger three brothers didn't play a big enough role. The main thing they do is cause Michael even more stress and fear, though it's nothing they actively do. Maybe it's because this book was shorter, but I didn't feel their presences enough, and instead, this felt more like a single character story as opposed to how the other books place some focus on each of the brothers. And another thing: not enough emotional interaction between them. I liked the football scene and adored the one in the hospital, but after the climax? Meh.
I must confess: I did not feel like this fit the image I had of what was eluded to at the end of Secret. There was jut a lot of things going on and other things that weren't, and while I was interested by the action and suspense, I'm not sure how it worked in the long run.
So...Hannah. Up until this point, I liked her; or rather, I liked the idea of her, because we didn't see a lot and what I knew/saw of her was interesting. However, I really didn't care for her voice at all, because she didn't come across as this tough, independent firefighter we're led to believe she is. Instead, she was whiny about most everything (although I did appreciate her scenes at the hospital very much) and didn't seem like she knew what she wanted. Also, daddy issues were way too important. This didn't even feel like it was partly her story - it felt more like Kemmerer just forced her narrative into Michael's. The romance between them wasn't like I thought it would be either and really paled when compared to the romantic relationships in Books 1-4.
This may sound like a lot of negative comments, but remember, I don't necessarily like this series for the overall plot about the Guides and the rouge Elementals, though the abilities the brothers have and the way they are depicted is another thing I love most about this series. I enjoy it for the relationship between these four brothers plus Hunter, who's technically been adopted into their family, and how they and the ones they love have to navigate the world around them. Kemmerer has mentioned one day coming back to the series, and I hope she does, because for me, this does not feel like an ending; I'm biased because I wasn't fully satisfied with it, but I would definitely love to see more of my boys.
Wow..... I do not know how I feel about this! I did not expect that! Once again, Kemmerer has shocked me!
Let’s pause for just a moment to admire the cover model’s blue eyes… simply gorgeous. Soooo much better than the covers of the previous books.
Now that that’s out of the way:
I discovered the Elemental series 2 years ago through my friends here on Goodreads and was completely bowled over by the level of adrenaline and excitement I felt when reading this series. Reading them reminded me of books I read when I was a teenager; stories like LJ Smith’s Secret Circle trilogy, or Christopher Pike’s Witch. Books about witchy characters that are full of magic, action, and fun.
I have always said in my Elemental reviews that if people are looking for a read to lose yourself in that isn't heavy or loaded down, this series is for you. This is all still true, even with the lower rating. I think the problem with this final installment was the strength of my anticipation. The Elemental series starts with a short story about the oldest Merrick brother, Michael, and it was one of those shorts that packs a big wallop. Then, in all of the following books, you watched Michael support all of his younger brothers. He loved them, accepted them, protected them… they sometimes took advantage of his presence in their lives, which is often the case with the ones who carry the responsibility, but we the readers never stop seeing the strength he is for his family even when he’s in the background.
So then you finally, after waiting through 4 more books and 2 more short stories, finally get the second half of Michael’s story and I think maybe there was just no way to write it that would satisfy the readers. I wanted something spectacular for him, and I just didn't feel like I got it.
That’s really the only reason this one was rated down. Other than the lack of a good, blow me away, Michael story the rest of the book was just as great as the earlier books. I thought I had a handle on the tricks that the author pulls, believing that I had thought up every possible twist that could be thrown at us and I was still wrong! I don’t mean to sound cocky, but I've read a lot of books and usually I can guess what’s going to happen before it actually happens. Not with this series. So that is definitely a mark in the positive category.
All in all, I would still over recommend this series to anyone wanting a fun paranormal read full of hot brothers. You can’t go wrong with that formula.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews.
Let’s pause for just a moment to admire the cover model’s blue eyes… simply gorgeous. Soooo much better than the covers of the previous books.
Now that that’s out of the way:
I discovered the Elemental series 2 years ago through my friends here on Goodreads and was completely bowled over by the level of adrenaline and excitement I felt when reading this series. Reading them reminded me of books I read when I was a teenager; stories like LJ Smith’s Secret Circle trilogy, or Christopher Pike’s Witch. Books about witchy characters that are full of magic, action, and fun.
I have always said in my Elemental reviews that if people are looking for a read to lose yourself in that isn't heavy or loaded down, this series is for you. This is all still true, even with the lower rating. I think the problem with this final installment was the strength of my anticipation. The Elemental series starts with a short story about the oldest Merrick brother, Michael, and it was one of those shorts that packs a big wallop. Then, in all of the following books, you watched Michael support all of his younger brothers. He loved them, accepted them, protected them… they sometimes took advantage of his presence in their lives, which is often the case with the ones who carry the responsibility, but we the readers never stop seeing the strength he is for his family even when he’s in the background.
So then you finally, after waiting through 4 more books and 2 more short stories, finally get the second half of Michael’s story and I think maybe there was just no way to write it that would satisfy the readers. I wanted something spectacular for him, and I just didn't feel like I got it.
That’s really the only reason this one was rated down. Other than the lack of a good, blow me away, Michael story the rest of the book was just as great as the earlier books. I thought I had a handle on the tricks that the author pulls, believing that I had thought up every possible twist that could be thrown at us and I was still wrong! I don’t mean to sound cocky, but I've read a lot of books and usually I can guess what’s going to happen before it actually happens. Not with this series. So that is definitely a mark in the positive category.
All in all, I would still over recommend this series to anyone wanting a fun paranormal read full of hot brothers. You can’t go wrong with that formula.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See this and other reviews at Badass Book Reviews.