“If you can’t fix what’s wrong, you focus on what you can make right.”
It's funny that this was my least favourite book in the series when I first read it, but after a reread, I think I like Spirit a tad bit more than Storm.
Hunter is usually cool, calm and collected and he always seems to have it together, so it's interesting to see him at one of his lowest points in life, the decisions he has to make and the guilt he deals with. Hunter never seems to be on the 'right' side and no-one is sure where he stands. He can also be a frustrating character at times because as a reader, the 'right' choices are so obvious, but his actions suit his personality and backstory.
Kate is the type of heroine that I have a soft spot for. She's bold, sassy, flawed and tough, but she also has vulnerabilities and insecurities. She's not one of my favourite characters, but I found her likable (though she's not an easy character to like).
I also like the romance aspect, but the romance is not the main focus of Spirit. I'm sad that Hunter's story didn't end happily, romance-wise. This book is all about Hunter figuring out how to deal with the challenges in his life and how to do what's 'right'.
Michael's character development with each book in the series is downright amazing and he could possibly be the real MVP of the Elemental series. I also like Hannah. She's another cool character and I can't wait to see more of her in Michael's story, Sacrifice. Gabriel is still an epic jerk, but he's also still my favourite character, (solely) because I love his aggressive and witty comebacks. I'm also really interested in seeing more of Nick and his element, Air, because it's such a subtle, but also very powerful elemental ability.
I love the elemental aspects of this series and I love how it's woven into the story and the plot. The idea of a fifth element, Spirit, which has ties to all other elements is really interesting, especially from the PoV of a character who is a Fifth.
The plot takes intriguing and surprising turns. It's fast-paced and exciting and the last quarter made me so anxious for the characters. With each book in the series, the threats become more tangible. The Guides are shown as the huge danger they're made out to be and their narrow-mindedness, sense of duty and ruthlessness is terrifying.
Hunter isn't one of my favourite characters, but I still enjoyed reading his story.
“The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day, you are brothers.”