Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-74331-074-8
(Age: 13+) Spark is book number two in the Elementals series by Brigid Kemmerer. This book is done in third-person and follows a segment of both Gabriel Merrick and Layne's lives, the two main characters of the book and like the book's prequel Storm there is a male and female main character, their stories just as important as the others.
Gabriel Merrick is a hot tempered teen who likes to play with fire, he is rash and quick to get into a fight but he has the ability to think when adrenaline comes calling.
His family life is hard enough having lost his parents a few years ago and to be in his older brother's care along with his twin and younger brother, but failing his classes is something that will not be tolerated, the only reason Gabriel cares about school is for his sport but when his grades start to slide he is very close to losing his place on the team. This results in Layne tutoring Gabriel.
Layne is a quiet, intelligent sophomore and is in a few of Gabriel's classes. Her whole life is wrapped in mystery and isolation; she keeps to herself but finds it hard when she starts to tutor Gabriel.
Mysterious fires start to appear all over town and most of the evidence points to Gabriel and his elemental ability. His brothers suspect him and the Guides suspect but there is no proof for Gabriel to use to stop these accusations.
The characters are realistic to relate to and the language used by the author is very understandable and gives a good overall picture of the story. Thoroughly enjoyable and keeps you actively enchanted until the very end.
Sarah Filkin (Student)