Storm: Elementals 1

The four Merrick brothers are Elementals, a species of human with supernatural powers relating to Earth, Fire, Air and Water. They are being targeted by Guides for causing the deaths of several people. And the Guides mean business. Earthquakes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, floods are unleashed in a whirlwind of violence and fury as the Elementals and Guides do battle.
Becca Chandler, a high school student with a dubious reputation, is drawn into this vortex when she innocently steps in to save Chris, the youngest of the Merricks, from getting beaten up in the school car park. Chris and Becca are both outsiders and they are drawn to each other. Chris is sullen and disdainful by nature, but Becca gets to know him and his brothers and sees another, vulnerable, caring side to Chris. As it happens, they need each other.

As the relationship between Chris and Becca develops and heightens, Hunter appears. Son of hippy parents, Hunter is a gentle and mysterious soul who seems to have Becca’s best interests at heart and is keen to protect her from Chris, whom he doesn’t trust. Becca becomes increasingly conflicted in her feelings for both boys. Sexual tension and frustrated opportunities for love abound.
This novel will appeal to readers who like teen fantasy romance. It would be best suited to year nine students and above, but not suited to class text study, as it contains violence, bad language and an attempted rape scene.  It is not a particularly slick read: Every character is introduced with a full wardrobe description, which is clunky. There is a host of characters to get your head around and loads of dialogue, which is not always easy to follow. Add to that lots of coy looks, lip-biting, ragged breathing and a fixation on male chests. Key scenes unfold in well-known fast food family restaurants.  For all that, quite readable and engrossing - teenage girls should love it!
Emma Johnston, Shepparton High School