Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Book Review–Storm Siren

9781401690342_JKT.inddIt took way longer than it should have, but here, finally, is my review of Storm Siren!

About the Book:

"I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don't want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you."

In a world at war, a slave girl's lethal curse could become one kingdom's weapon of salvation. If the curse - and the girl - can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn't merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth - meaning, she shouldn't even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she's being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn't want to be the weapon they've all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

My Rating: 5 Stars

I had been anxiously looking forward to reading Storm Siren ever since I first set eyes on the cover. Just look at it. Isn’t it one of the most gorgeous covers you’ve ever seen? I suppose I’m a bit biased considering my obsession with the color blue. But anyway, the book itself did not disappoint. Mary Weber created a fascinating world that was very different from other fantasy books I’ve read (and I’ve read quite a few since it’s my favorite genre). The society almost felt like The Hunger Games with the crazy costumes worn at the parties. Another of the things I found so different was that the book was in first person. I’m not sure I’ve read a first person fantasy before this. I personally prefer third person, but Mary did such an excellent job with first person that it didn’t bother me at all. Even though the whole book was from Nym’s point-of-view, you get a very clear sense of all the different character’s personalities, and they’re each very distinctive.

My favorite character was probably Eogan. I especially loved the twist when you learn his backstory. But I can happily say I really, really liked Nym too. That’s a big deal. I always have a hard time finding female protagonists I actually like, especially in first person stories.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted read, this probably isn’t for you. There’s a lot of cruelty and it is a pretty dark story at times. And if you’re used to really obvious Christian stories, this probably doesn’t fit that. But it has a strong theme of knowing your worth and that you were created for a reason. So if you don’t mind darker tones and like following the stories of broken characters like I do, I do recommend it to fellow fantasy readers who are looking for something different and interesting. Just be prepared for the agonizing cliffhanger ending! I literally yelled, “No!!” when I finished. Now I have to try to be patient book two’s release next summer.

I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

2 comments:

  1. ok, both this review and th one for Chasing the Lion made me want to add them to my reading list.

    Especially the thing about liking the female protagonist. That is a HUGE thing for me. There are several REALLY popular YA series (I'll let you guess which ones) that have strong female protagonists, but they drive me crazy! Especially later in each series. Someone needs to find a way to make the protagonist in book 2 of any series not a huge whiner. :)

    I entered a giveaway to wine Storm Siren, so now I've got to investigate whether it's still going on or if I have to buy it myself!

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  2. Great review, Jaye! I've got the eBook sitting on my Kindle and really need to start reading it soon! Good to know you thought it was so great :)

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