(Book 1 in the Elemental Series) Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water - just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid in town, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all... Gr 9 Up-High school junior Becca Chandler is dealing with lies an ex-boyfriend is spreading about her and interest from two new guys at school, one with a reputation as a troublemaker and the other, a boy with a secret. In addition, she learns about the Elementals, people with power over fire, water, earth, and air, knowledge that makes her dangerous and marks her for possible death. This novel features an interesting story line and a strong heroine with realistic reactions to difficult situations. The writing is accessible, and the plot offers a new take on the supernatural genre, despite a logic flaw regarding why Elementals with power over one element are considered dangerous, while others, with even greater powers, are valued. Because of the romantic relationships, this debut novel invites possible comparisons with Twilight. It has great appeal to readers of supernatural fiction, as well anyone looking for a fast-paced story, realistic and relatable female protagonists, and serious issues that show up, surprisingly, in the last couple of chapters. It contains scenes involving underage drinking and sexual violence, making it most appropriate for older teens.-Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, ORα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "A refreshingly human paranormal romance...read fast and keep that heart rate up." - Kirkus Reviews " Awesome paranormal powers, a love triangle, risk-taking adventure, and the secret of Becca's connection to the Merrick brothers create exciting chemistry in this edgy page-turner that will appeal to older teen and adult paranormal suspense fans, both male and female ." - VOYA "A new take on the supernatural genre...[STORM] has great appeal to readers of supernatural fiction, as well anyone looking for a fast-paced story, realistic and relatable female protagonists, and serious issues." - School Library Journal Brigid Kemmerer finds time to write between her family and her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. You can follow her blog at www.brigidkemmerer.com. Storm The Elemental Series By BRIGID KEMMERER K TEEN BOOKS Copyright © 2012 Brigid Kemmerer All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-7582-7281-2 Chapter One The self-defense class had been a waste of sixty bucks. Becca hadn't felt like a victim going in, but she sure did now. When she'd seen the flyers around school advertising a three-hour session with a "women's defense specialist," she'd been eager to sign up. But the instructor—really just some college kid named Paul—had been texting half the time, happy enough to pocket their cash in exchange for halfhearted instructions about body blocks and eye gouges. She'd lose another Saturday scrubbing kennels to make this money back. She'd left her cell phone in her locker, so after class she went to get it. Her best friend had left fourteen texts about some drama with her mom, so Becca stood in the shadowed corridor to write back. Quinn wasn't exactly patient. The night air bit at her flushed skin when she slid out the side door, making her wish she'd brought a heavier jacket—but at least the promised rain had held off. Darkness cloaked the now empty parking lot, and her car sat alone near the security lamp in the middle of the cracked concrete. This was exactly the kind of situation Paul had warned them about: secluded and solitary, offering little visibility. But Becca welcomed the darkness, the silence. She almost wished she smoked, so she could lie on the car's hood, flick a lighter, and make up names for the constellations while nicotine burned her lungs. You should be so cool. Her key found the lock, but the door handle to her aged Honda refused to release. She muttered the obligatory prayer, but nothing happened. Sometimes it took a curse. Then she heard a muffled shout, a distant scuffle on pavement. She froze, more curious than afraid. A fight? Here? She saw the combatants, just at the edge of the security light over by the east wing. Three guys fighting, two on one, it looked like. One caught another in a headlock, and the third swung a fist at the captive's midsection while he struggled. They weren't s