‘STORM SIREN,’ BY MARY WEBER
It’s been a long time since I read a proper fantasy novel. There have been many friends urging me to read Marissa Meyer’s well known fantasy chronicles and I’ve seen various other books in this genre pushed (lovingly, of course) on readers. Yet for some reason I had an idea affixed in my mind about the genre, one I must have unconsciously applied to every book in the genre. Fortunately I went into Storm Siren with an open mind.
BOOK REVIEW | ‘DESTINED FOR DOON,’ BY CAREY CORP AND LORIE LANGDON
‘STORM SIREN,’ BY MARY WEBER #bookarchives #Fantasy #YALit Share on XSTORY: Nym is a young slave girl with a deadly touch; she’s a storm siren who can summon any storm when she’s provoked. Today, on her fifteenth sell, the an owner’s cruel treatment of a young girl enrages her. The properly insane Adora, who claims alliance with Faelen’s king, purchases Nym. She then offers Nym a choice: die or train to be a weapon against the incoming Bron forces. Frightened of her own abilities, Nym joins forces with her training partner, Colin and their trainer, whose touch is able to still Nym’s powers, hoping war is the last option.
Storm Siren, by Mary Weber | Book Review
One of the most anticipated books in the Christian fiction market I think Storm Siren lives up to its grand expectations. There’s insanely outlandish characters (think Effie, only descriptively stranger) as well as supernatural powers that reveal at various story points. Secondly, the character of Nym transitions well. She isn’t a character who has the luxury of being immature, and I think sometimes her narrative is very “dark,” which influences the novel. If there is anything that might keep readers from enjoying this, those would be the two things. But this is where the “bad” of the titular character ends.
Nym is a surprisingly tender heroine, who is more afraid of hurting innocents than protecting herself as a hunted race. She’s got empathy; and she fights against anyone using her as a kind of weapon, even against enemies. Beyond Nym, I really feel nothing one way or the other for the supporting characters, maybe because of the first person narrative or perhaps because finding out “who” Nym is, is the real draw. Either way, I’ll admit that I’m not nearly as invested in any other character by the time this book rolls to a close.
Mary creates an interesting world sufficient to stand up to the best of the best. This isn’t merely “good fantasy,” it’s inventive and in a market that doesn’t explore young adult or fantasy. Past experience with the fantasy genre teaches me to be distrustful of it because it isn’t something that “reads” well for me. Fortunately the pattern breaks in this novel. I love that there isn’t any over explaining as to how this world came to be or great detail into the past of the Elemental’s or any of the anomaly’s. The prose flows easily, pulling the interested reader into a fascinating world.
One of 2014’s best debuts, this novel creates a storm not just of its heroine’s making – it brings the genre to new heights spinning new twists, fear and emotions into one solid punch, though not without casualties along the way. Another thing to brace for is the arrival of a cliffhanger that leaves us questioning the practicality of waiting nearly a year to see what comes next in Nym’s dangerous world; and more importantly whether or not she’ll rise above those who seek to destroy her.
About the Book:
Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Author
Publication Date: 2014
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Add the Book: Goodreads
Series: Storm Siren, book 1
Genre: Fiction; Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Sincere thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
I have this. I have to get to it asap. Thanks for the review doll!
You sure do, Juju. Hope you enjoy it. :)
I think I may need to read this. My thing with fantasy: It can really take me awhile to make myself pick up a fantasy. I don't know why, but it's harder for me to convince myself that I want to read a fantasy. But then almost every time, when I do, I end up loving it. Case in point: Ted Dekker's Circle series. Those books are soooo amazing. And i love the cover of this one. The synopsis sounds awesome too. I'll have to give it a try.
Same for me, Melissa. I'm not sure why, but it takes a lot for me to pick up fantasy. With this one, I was definitely intrigued so I knew it was one I wanted to read and I'm glad I did. Mary did a wonderful job with it and it's for sure a series I want to read more of. :)
I've not read anything by Ted, however I've heard all positive things on them.
Hope if/when you read it, you find a great story. :)
I have this book on my bookshelf waiting to be read. This review makes me want to dig in right now! Ugh unfortunately I have to finish my current read, but afterwards Storm Siren and Destined for Doon– here I come. :) Lovely review, Rissi!
Yay! Hope you enjoy it, Bekah – and I can sympathize with your desire to read a book *right* now. I'm in that state constantly. ;)
Thank you – as always, for reading.
Oh, so glad you liked this, Rissi!!! I thought it was unique, definitely dark, but well developed and I liked that there wasn't a ton of fact dumping. That cliffhanger though!!! Next June is a long time to wait.
Me, too, Tressa. It was exciting and thrilling and everything this genre should be! Definitely eager for book 2 – Mary knows how to tease her readers. :)