Brigid Kemmerer
Author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely
About the Author
Image credit: amazon's author picture
Series
Works by Brigid Kemmerer
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1978
- Gender
- female
- Agent
- Mandy Hubbard
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Nebraska, USA
Members
Reviews
This is about two teenagers who are both receiving unwanted messages and don’t want to talk to their parents about it. Rev has recently begun receiving emails from his abusive father, whom Rev hasn’t seen in over a decade ago. He doesn’t want to (and arguably does not know how to) explain to his adoptive parents how he feels about this contact with his biological father. Emma keeps receiving abusive messages from a fellow player of an online game that Emma built. She doesn’t think show more telling her parents will help – she expects her gamer father to say that this is just part of the gaming industry that Emma has to deal with, while her mother will use the situation to insist that Emma stop gaming altogether.
I found this very compelling. I had recently been struggling to focus on other books but, as with Letters to the Lost, I did did not have that problem – instead, what I did have trouble with was putting the book down (it was after midnight and I had to work in the morning)!
I loved Rev’s friendship with Declan. Obviously having seen that relationship from Declan’s perspective in Letters to the Lost means there’s been space to develop it in more depth, but I think it’s also the way the two of them have helped each other through traumatic stuff that shows both the strength of their bond and how important it is that they have this. (One of my favourite moments was when Declan asks Rev to accompany him for moral support as Declan does something personal and difficult. Another favourite was when Rev, who has been Not Coping, is convinced that Declan will be mad at him, but Declan isn’t, he’s just worried. Also when Declan helps Rev and his new foster brother understand each other better, because the latter two are too on edge, due to past trauma, to see the other clearly.)
In contrast, I did not feel as invested in most of Emma’s relationships – with the notable exception of her dog. (Definite points for her dog!) But continuing my theme of talking about these characters like they’re real people, I thought that it was probably a good thing for Rev and Emma that lots of Emma’s other relationships aren’t quite so complicated – the relationships that Emma will be continuing beyond the borders of this story, I mean. She also has some dark and tense experiences, which kept me hooked, and I liked that the ultimate conclusions about her online experiences were thoughtful and sensible – neither blaming her for the abuse she experiences, nor banning her from online spaces in the name of safety. show less
I found this very compelling. I had recently been struggling to focus on other books but, as with Letters to the Lost, I did did not have that problem – instead, what I did have trouble with was putting the book down (it was after midnight and I had to work in the morning)!
I loved Rev’s friendship with Declan. Obviously having seen that relationship from Declan’s perspective in Letters to the Lost means there’s been space to develop it in more depth, but I think it’s also the way the two of them have helped each other through traumatic stuff that shows both the strength of their bond and how important it is that they have this. (One of my favourite moments was when Declan asks Rev to accompany him for moral support as Declan does something personal and difficult. Another favourite was when Rev, who has been Not Coping, is convinced that Declan will be mad at him, but Declan isn’t, he’s just worried. Also when Declan helps Rev and his new foster brother understand each other better, because the latter two are too on edge, due to past trauma, to see the other clearly.)
“Help me, Dec. Which one am I?”Rev’s adopted parents are also great.
His eyes are dark and serious. “Neither. Is that what you need me to say? You’re neither son.”
“But—”
“You’re not selfish. You wouldn’t be the son who asks for his money and leaves. And you’re not spiteful. You don’t resent anyone, even the one person you should.”
I flinch again. “Don’t you understand? I have to be one or the other.”
“No, you don’t! You moron, there are three people in the story.”
“What?”
“You’re neither son, Rev. If you’re anyone, you’re the man who watched his kids act like total dicks, only to stand there with open arms and forgive them.”
I’m speechless. I might be gaping at him. As many times as I’ve read that parable, I’ve never considered a third perspective.
In contrast, I did not feel as invested in most of Emma’s relationships – with the notable exception of her dog. (Definite points for her dog!) But continuing my theme of talking about these characters like they’re real people, I thought that it was probably a good thing for Rev and Emma that lots of Emma’s other relationships aren’t quite so complicated – the relationships that Emma will be continuing beyond the borders of this story, I mean. She also has some dark and tense experiences, which kept me hooked, and I liked that the ultimate conclusions about her online experiences were thoughtful and sensible – neither blaming her for the abuse she experiences, nor banning her from online spaces in the name of safety. show less
I was looking through a list that I’d made on Libby for a book that might hold my attention. Way way down in the list was this one. It was available and I finished it within a few hours.
This is about an anonymous correspondence between two grieving teenagers. Juliet leaves letters on her mother’s grave, not expecting anyone to actually read them. Declan, who does grounds maintenance at the cemetery as his court-mandated community service, adds a comment of his own to one of Juliet’s show more letters, not expecting anyone to read it.
This is shades of You’ve Got Mail, which is one of my favourite films. Juliet and Declan both attend the same high school and keep crossing paths in person, and I briefly wondered if it was going to become frustrating, or even unbelievable, that they don’t draw the dots. However, I actually really liked how the story handled it – in context, their reactions to their suspicions and revelations were understandable. Possibly even more so than You’ve Got Mail, given the protagonists’ youth and everything else’ they’re dealing with – Juliet is still very much in the throes of grief, and while Declan’s had more time to process his own loss, his father is in prison, he has an antagonistic relationship with his new step-dad and he’s struggling with feelings of guilt about, well, some traumatic things that have happened.
Declan and Rev’s very close, very supportive friendship is one of the most interesting relationships in this book – Kemmerer definitely has a knack for writing relationships that I feel very invested in – so I liked getting to see more of their interactions, and I liked how the sequel provides some insight into how things are progressing for Declan (albeit just from Rev’s perspective). There’s also small glimpses of Juliet too.
Reading this book set me to thinking about the appeal that contemporary young adult fiction still has for me, despite the ever increasing years since I was a teenager in high school. Part of it is that it’s an inherently hopeful genre – protagonists’ circumstances are often guaranteed to change, and moreover, change in ways that grant them greater autonomy and independence, because that’s what happens when one grows up.
Part of it is that there are often lots of big emotions in YA. And contemporary YA can focus quickly in on the emotional heart of the story because it doesn’t have to use a lot of words to establish worldbuilding – it can assume that the readers are familiar with the concept of high school and go from there. Sometimes I like worldbuilding, obviously, but sometimes I don’t have the headspace for it. show less
This is about an anonymous correspondence between two grieving teenagers. Juliet leaves letters on her mother’s grave, not expecting anyone to actually read them. Declan, who does grounds maintenance at the cemetery as his court-mandated community service, adds a comment of his own to one of Juliet’s show more letters, not expecting anyone to read it.
This is shades of You’ve Got Mail, which is one of my favourite films. Juliet and Declan both attend the same high school and keep crossing paths in person, and I briefly wondered if it was going to become frustrating, or even unbelievable, that they don’t draw the dots. However, I actually really liked how the story handled it – in context, their reactions to their suspicions and revelations were understandable. Possibly even more so than You’ve Got Mail, given the protagonists’ youth and everything else’ they’re dealing with – Juliet is still very much in the throes of grief, and while Declan’s had more time to process his own loss, his father is in prison, he has an antagonistic relationship with his new step-dad and he’s struggling with feelings of guilt about, well, some traumatic things that have happened.
I’d say you’re kind of dark, but I’m writing to a girl who leaves letters in a cemetery, so I guess that’s a given.This was a perfect cure for a reading slump. I had no trouble focusing on the story and, as I said, I finished this in a few hours. The ending felt a bit too abrupt and that might have been unsatisfying except that I realised that there’s a sequel about Declan’s best friend, so I dived into that pretty much straightaway.
You said you were wondering if my pain was anything like yours.
I don’t know. I don’t know how to answer that.
You lost your mother. I haven’t lost mine.
Don’t you think it’s funny how people say “lost” as if they were just misplaced. But maybe it’s a different meaning of “lost”, in that you don’t know where they went. My best friend believes in God and heaven and eternal life, but I’m not sure how I feel about all that [...] My best friend would die if he knew I was talking to you about this, because this is the kind of thing I won’t discuss with him.
Declan and Rev’s very close, very supportive friendship is one of the most interesting relationships in this book – Kemmerer definitely has a knack for writing relationships that I feel very invested in – so I liked getting to see more of their interactions, and I liked how the sequel provides some insight into how things are progressing for Declan (albeit just from Rev’s perspective). There’s also small glimpses of Juliet too.
Reading this book set me to thinking about the appeal that contemporary young adult fiction still has for me, despite the ever increasing years since I was a teenager in high school. Part of it is that it’s an inherently hopeful genre – protagonists’ circumstances are often guaranteed to change, and moreover, change in ways that grant them greater autonomy and independence, because that’s what happens when one grows up.
Part of it is that there are often lots of big emotions in YA. And contemporary YA can focus quickly in on the emotional heart of the story because it doesn’t have to use a lot of words to establish worldbuilding – it can assume that the readers are familiar with the concept of high school and go from there. Sometimes I like worldbuilding, obviously, but sometimes I don’t have the headspace for it. show less
When Brigid Kemmerer first announced the title of her latest project, I was all over it. WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN? Three characters I would gladly read about and enjoy every minute. For the most part, that is true. I loved the characters at an individual level. Additionally, the plot raises numerous questions to pique my interest.
My main problem with WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is that I am uncertain if we need another throuple. Call me old-fashioned, or just old, but I miss the days when show more authors made their heroes choose between love interests instead of having each point of a love triangle fall in love with the others. Sure, love triangles cause a lot of consternation among fans, but that's half the fun! Can you imagine if Team Werewolf and Team Vampire became Vampire, Human, Werewolf? Ugh.
So, yeah, I have issues with throuples. It feels like an author is taking the easier path when they write them into the plot. I have yet to read a polyamorous relationship that feels truly genuine, where all three parties are truly in love with each other. Attraction and lust? Yes. True love - the only thing that would allow such polyamorous relationships to succeed? Not so much.
I will say WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN has a pretty steam payoff for such a slow-burning story. That almost makes up for my ongoing questions about the necessity of a polyamorous relationship. Almost.
The other slight issue I have with WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is the fact that, for a story about a warrior and assassin and two countries on the brink of war, there is surprisingly little action. Most of the book focuses on character development, relationship building, and uncovering secrets held by the three main heroes. I hope this means there will be more action in the second book; you can't have a warrior infamous for his fire magic and a talented assassin without a lot of bloodshed.
Lastly, while I normally never try to predict where an author is leading her readers, I feel like WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is a little too obvious about what is to come. There is one very obvious solution to all of the problems, and I hope that Ms. Kemmerer does not take that obvious path. Unfortunately, there is more than one hint that my theory will come to fruition, and I'm not certain I am happy about it. I don't like being able to predict anything. I read for entertainment and escape, and I deliberately try to avoid any inkling of prediction. That I can do so even though I actively avoid it speaks volumes for how obvious Ms. Kemmerer is with her clues. I rarely want to be wrong, but this is one instance where I want to be.
None of my little issues prevented me from devouring WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN. I loved each character for different reasons. All three are compelling and sympathetic with their share of tragedies and spines of courage. I enjoyed the way Ms. Kemmerer built the relationships between the three, even though I remain unconvinced that the assassin feels love for the warrior and vice versa. I am curious to see what resolutions are in store for the rather hopeless situation the three find themselves in at the end of the novel, and I can secretly hope that there is some sort of choice or sacrifice made to avoid yet another throuple. show less
My main problem with WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is that I am uncertain if we need another throuple. Call me old-fashioned, or just old, but I miss the days when show more authors made their heroes choose between love interests instead of having each point of a love triangle fall in love with the others. Sure, love triangles cause a lot of consternation among fans, but that's half the fun! Can you imagine if Team Werewolf and Team Vampire became Vampire, Human, Werewolf? Ugh.
So, yeah, I have issues with throuples. It feels like an author is taking the easier path when they write them into the plot. I have yet to read a polyamorous relationship that feels truly genuine, where all three parties are truly in love with each other. Attraction and lust? Yes. True love - the only thing that would allow such polyamorous relationships to succeed? Not so much.
I will say WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN has a pretty steam payoff for such a slow-burning story. That almost makes up for my ongoing questions about the necessity of a polyamorous relationship. Almost.
The other slight issue I have with WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is the fact that, for a story about a warrior and assassin and two countries on the brink of war, there is surprisingly little action. Most of the book focuses on character development, relationship building, and uncovering secrets held by the three main heroes. I hope this means there will be more action in the second book; you can't have a warrior infamous for his fire magic and a talented assassin without a lot of bloodshed.
Lastly, while I normally never try to predict where an author is leading her readers, I feel like WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN is a little too obvious about what is to come. There is one very obvious solution to all of the problems, and I hope that Ms. Kemmerer does not take that obvious path. Unfortunately, there is more than one hint that my theory will come to fruition, and I'm not certain I am happy about it. I don't like being able to predict anything. I read for entertainment and escape, and I deliberately try to avoid any inkling of prediction. That I can do so even though I actively avoid it speaks volumes for how obvious Ms. Kemmerer is with her clues. I rarely want to be wrong, but this is one instance where I want to be.
None of my little issues prevented me from devouring WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN. I loved each character for different reasons. All three are compelling and sympathetic with their share of tragedies and spines of courage. I enjoyed the way Ms. Kemmerer built the relationships between the three, even though I remain unconvinced that the assassin feels love for the warrior and vice versa. I am curious to see what resolutions are in store for the rather hopeless situation the three find themselves in at the end of the novel, and I can secretly hope that there is some sort of choice or sacrifice made to avoid yet another throuple. show less
Spirit is headlined by the Merrick brothers’ “frenemy” Hunter, a Fifth who first came to town determined to eliminate the Merricks but has been distracted from his goal due to his friendship with Chris Merrick’s girlfriend Becca. I know not every reader is a fan of Hunter’s character, but I’ve always liked him so I was pretty excited to have him as the leading man this time around. After reading Spirit, I’m a bigger fan than ever, simply because my heart goes out to a character show more that just may be the biggest wounded bird in the series.
Author Brigid Kemmerer does a wonderful job filling in Hunter’s back story and showing what an emotional mess he is. This guy is STRESSED! He has so much going on in his personal life that it isn’t surprising that he blows hot and cold with the Merricks and can’t seem to really let his guard down around them. My heart bled for him with all the challenges he is currently up against. A mother who has fallen apart at the loss of her husband and seems to have no inclination to help Hunter through his loss, a grandfather who is quick to anger, and a sudden attraction to the new girl in school (who has a major secret of her own) all have Hunter struggling just to make it through each day. Hunter’s challenges turned out to be both the biggest positive – and negative – of this story for me.
On the positive side, Hunter’s clashes with his grandfather and the lack of support from his mother end up bringing him to the attention of Michael Merrick, who gets a chance to really shine in this story. I absolutely loved the interactions between Michael and Hunter. Michael’s endless patience and support of a (somewhat) hostile and (very) insecure Hunter showed once again that he is basically the best “parent” in this series. When Hunter really needs him Michael is there, providing either an assist or a restraining hand. Hunter’s family issues also allowed some rather important information about his father and their relationship with the Guides to come to light, AND hinted at some big developments to come. Spirit has all the earmarks of being the pivotal book in the series.
On the negative side (and it’s not a big negative), Hunter found himself attracted to new girl Kate Sullivan, who turned out to be the first romantic interest in the series I didn’t particularly like. She is a well-written character with plenty of layers, a kick-butt attitude, and a nice chemistry with Hunter. I have no idea why I didn’t bond with her character, but something just didn’t gel for me until very late in the story. However, with all the twists and turns their relationship took (and there were some MAJOR ones), I was quite happy with them as a couple by the end even if Kate wasn’t one of my favorite characters. I was also impressed by Kemmerer’s fearlessness in taking Hunter and Kate’s romance down a non-traditional route that I didn’t anticipate, kicking things into suspense/thriller territory while setting the wheels in motion for the explosive finale.
It only took three books (and a couple of novellas) for me to finally – FINALLY – understand the whole Fifths vs. Guides facet of the Elemental mythology that has been eluding me. I have always been confused by the differences between Fifths and Guides, and it looks like Kemmerer heard my cries for help. With Fifths and Guides having a strong presence in this story, I learned that all Guides are Fifths but not all Fifths are Guides, which is probably why I was confused. By the time Spirit ended, though, I had a clear understanding of the Guides and their place in the Elemental world as judges, juries and executioners. Not everyone is pleased with the power the Guides are wielding, and a rebellion is brewing that looks like it will pit Elemental against Elemental for the rest of the series. Plenty of action, revelations, and serpentine twists got my blood pumping and set things up for some major showdowns in future installments. It looks like we are in for a wild ride.
Spirit is another kick-butt installment in Brigid Kemmerer’s fantastic Elemental Series. Hunter turned out to be the perfect protagonist/romantic lead as his story was used to clarify the mythology of the Elemental world and set the foundation for what will happen moving forward. Kemmerer continues to impress with her ability to provide relatable characters, unforeseeable and shocking twists, and plenty of tension-filled drama. Major reveals, suspense, action, romance and an emotionally wounded hero all combine to make Spirit an exciting – and pivotal – entry in the series. show less
Author Brigid Kemmerer does a wonderful job filling in Hunter’s back story and showing what an emotional mess he is. This guy is STRESSED! He has so much going on in his personal life that it isn’t surprising that he blows hot and cold with the Merricks and can’t seem to really let his guard down around them. My heart bled for him with all the challenges he is currently up against. A mother who has fallen apart at the loss of her husband and seems to have no inclination to help Hunter through his loss, a grandfather who is quick to anger, and a sudden attraction to the new girl in school (who has a major secret of her own) all have Hunter struggling just to make it through each day. Hunter’s challenges turned out to be both the biggest positive – and negative – of this story for me.
On the positive side, Hunter’s clashes with his grandfather and the lack of support from his mother end up bringing him to the attention of Michael Merrick, who gets a chance to really shine in this story. I absolutely loved the interactions between Michael and Hunter. Michael’s endless patience and support of a (somewhat) hostile and (very) insecure Hunter showed once again that he is basically the best “parent” in this series. When Hunter really needs him Michael is there, providing either an assist or a restraining hand. Hunter’s family issues also allowed some rather important information about his father and their relationship with the Guides to come to light, AND hinted at some big developments to come. Spirit has all the earmarks of being the pivotal book in the series.
On the negative side (and it’s not a big negative), Hunter found himself attracted to new girl Kate Sullivan, who turned out to be the first romantic interest in the series I didn’t particularly like. She is a well-written character with plenty of layers, a kick-butt attitude, and a nice chemistry with Hunter. I have no idea why I didn’t bond with her character, but something just didn’t gel for me until very late in the story. However, with all the twists and turns their relationship took (and there were some MAJOR ones), I was quite happy with them as a couple by the end even if Kate wasn’t one of my favorite characters. I was also impressed by Kemmerer’s fearlessness in taking Hunter and Kate’s romance down a non-traditional route that I didn’t anticipate, kicking things into suspense/thriller territory while setting the wheels in motion for the explosive finale.
It only took three books (and a couple of novellas) for me to finally – FINALLY – understand the whole Fifths vs. Guides facet of the Elemental mythology that has been eluding me. I have always been confused by the differences between Fifths and Guides, and it looks like Kemmerer heard my cries for help. With Fifths and Guides having a strong presence in this story, I learned that all Guides are Fifths but not all Fifths are Guides, which is probably why I was confused. By the time Spirit ended, though, I had a clear understanding of the Guides and their place in the Elemental world as judges, juries and executioners. Not everyone is pleased with the power the Guides are wielding, and a rebellion is brewing that looks like it will pit Elemental against Elemental for the rest of the series. Plenty of action, revelations, and serpentine twists got my blood pumping and set things up for some major showdowns in future installments. It looks like we are in for a wild ride.
Spirit is another kick-butt installment in Brigid Kemmerer’s fantastic Elemental Series. Hunter turned out to be the perfect protagonist/romantic lead as his story was used to clarify the mythology of the Elemental world and set the foundation for what will happen moving forward. Kemmerer continues to impress with her ability to provide relatable characters, unforeseeable and shocking twists, and plenty of tension-filled drama. Major reveals, suspense, action, romance and an emotionally wounded hero all combine to make Spirit an exciting – and pivotal – entry in the series. show less
Lists
READ IN 2020 (6)
check for sequel (1)
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YA Fantasy TBR (2)
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al.vick-series (1)
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Statistics
- Works
- 27
- Members
- 14,815
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- Rating
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