One of the most highly anticipated young adult novels of 2015, the “Siren” is back on store shelves and the wait finally over. Mary Weber’s follow up novel is here. With the heart-stopping ending to Storm Siren and more questions than we could handle left hanging, there was a lot to discover in book two. Now the adventure was about to continue inside the pages of this visually pretty novel.
BOOK REVIEW | ‘THE GIVER,’ BY LOIS LOWRY
‘SIREN’S FURY,’ BY MARY WEBER #FWarchives #YALit #FantasyFiction Click To TweetSTORY: The opening picks up just where book one left off with Nym realizing that her mentor and the only person she’d truly come to love, Eogan was being used to house Draewulf for his own evil purposes. This is where the story begins and evolves from. Aided by Princess Rasha, Nym has to figure out how to defeat Draewulf, but holding her back is the man she sees each time she confronts Draewuld: Eogan. This leads to Nym and Rasha becoming stowaways; it’s this that gets our sequel in motion.
Siren’s Fury, by Mary Weber | Book Review
What’s great about this fantasy series is its distinct voice. Mary packs quite the imaginative happenings into this novel. Mostly it’s serious, yes, but occasionally an unexpected, hilarious speck of witty humor creeps through Nym’s drudgery. Those going into this expecting it to be like its predecessor will be disappointed. Book two is very different. Because of Nym’s journey to rescue the man she loves and honor the memory of those they lost, she’s very much about silencing Draewulf’s plans. What results from this is a story with a lot of time inside Nym’s head (we rely on her to paint the scene) and a shift towards political themes. Then there is Draewulf; a villain with chilling plans. The consequent story and outcome tends to be slower.
Given the many strategy talks and meetings of the powers that be, this is a much more character-driven novel than book one. Or that’s my memory. I admit I have forgotten far too much about things like the characters who don’t get along and the reasons why. That being said, this story has a really powerful theme, and is significant when measured by a superior “rule” because of that. There’s a line in the novel about power coming in different forms. But the truth is, it’s how we chose to use it which holds real power. Everything hinges on Nym’s choices; and this is the theme because of Nym’s choices and her ultimate discoveries.
Though not as powerful as the first book (make sure you pick it up first), this is definitely an excellent read for the fantasy lover. Full of tense negotiations, tepid pacts and creative whimsy, Siren’s Fury has everything you ‘ll want or anticipate in this genre. Plus there’s an epic climax, great characters and an airship. (No, seriously, guys that happens.) If you liked Mary’s debut, this novel is a must read.
About the Book:
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Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Author (Publisher) Provided ARC
Publication Date: 2015
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Series: Storm Siren, book 2
Genre: Fiction; Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Sincere thanks to Mary Weber (and the publisher) for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
9 Comments
I haven't heard of this series, but it is always good to know how to enter in on a book! Great review!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
It's a really good series, Missie. That being said, yes, I'd definitely say read book one first. :)
Thanks for reading! :)
Great review friend!
Hi, Jamie! Always happy to see you over here, girl. Thanks for reading. :)
I have the first book still on my TBR. I have come to almost expect for the second in a YA series to not live up to the first. I don't know what it is. Anyway, great review.
I hear you, Suzi. This book IS very good. I think I just had to adjust my thinking. It's more about characterization and "quiet" moments between them – or in this case, enemies working together. If you can get past that, Mary has done a fantastic job with the book. Hope you like the series when you read it – and thanks for reading! :)
Can't believe I missed this post as well. :( Awesome review, friend!! Totally with you about book two being different and shifting towards more political themes. It's such an epic fantasy series–can't wait for book #3. :D
Neither can I wait for that conclusion. I'm anticipating book three like nobody's business – what is to come!? :)
[…] story picks up closely following in the shadow of book two, Siren’s Fury when Eogan was – for all logical appearances, lost to Nym. Or at the very least under the control […]