This is War - My ARC Review of SACRIFICE by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Sacrifice
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Kennsington
Publication Date: 9/30/2014
Source: ARC from Netgalley

Synopsis:
Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.

They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. Storm: The Elemental Series is her first novel. 

I love friends on Goodreads, so don't hesitate to hit me up with a friend request! I don't review a lot of books out of respect for other authors, but I will have discussions about books, and I love hearing what other people have to say. That said, please note that I ignore all random book recommendations and event invites. Nothing personal, but that system has turned into a spam generator, and it's impossible to suss out what's real and what's being sent to everyone and their brother. If you really think I should read a book (and I love genuine recommendations), message me! I'd love to hear from you!

SACRIFICE continues the thrilling story of Michael Merrick and his brothers, all Elementals having control over one of the elements, Earth, Fire, Air, & Water.  We immediately jump right into the action, with the houses on the Merrick's cul-de-sac all going up in flames.

In each book in the series, the Merricks face enemies (usually Guides) and end up defending their ground and their family.  As SACRIFICE kicks off, the Merrick family finds themselves not only facing an unknown and unseen enemy, but it's the attacks coming from the unexpected familiar sources that shake Michael's world apart.

If you've read the series, you will remember Hannah, Michael's girlfriend.  You will also remember that her father is the Fire Marshall and after this new series of fires and 'accidents', he has focused his investigation on the Merricks and more to the point, on Michael himself.  As if that isn't enough to drive a wedge between the two, Michael has determined to protect Hannah by keeping her in the dark about his family's abilities and therefore about the Guides who are hunting them.

This final book was an emotional roller coaster and if I were to voice a complaint, it would be that it was just over too fast.  I wanted to linger and savor the final chapter and I feel like I was reading 'THE END' long before I was prepared to.  I also wish that Michael could have had more romantic times.  In the books about the brothers, we were able to see and appreciate the love that grows between them and their significant others, and I feel like we missed a lot of that with Michael.  I will say that the author did a great job of closing the series out by leaving us with hope for the future, both for the Merrick family and for Elementals.  

I enjoyed this ride and look forward to what Kemmerer has planned next.

4 out of 5 stars

30 Seconds to Mars - This Is War