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Saturday, August 9, 2014

Review: Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Read (August 1-5, 2014)
Book: Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1) by Mary Weber
Publication Date: August 19, 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins
Number of Pages: 320
Genre/s: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley

“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. - (source)

You might want to see my initial animated review. I am told it's hilarious. *straight face* 
“I think some have to fight harder to choose good over evil because the evil's got it out for them. And maybe it's because those're the ones evil knows will become the strongest warriors, recognizing true wickedness when it rears its head ... Maybe the ones who've struggled with true evil are the ones meant to make the biggest difference against it, you know?” - taken from an uncorrected ARC 
In a nutshell, Storm Siren is about an orphan slave girl suddenly thrust in the middle of a long waged war between two kingdoms. She was bought by a batshit crazy slave owner as a pawn and a weapon to end this war once and for all. She must then prove her worth and learn to control her abilities or she would be hanged for the abomination that she is.

Nym is a lost, broken girl plagued by guilt, grief and self-loathing. She sees herself as nothing but a monster cursed at having an ability that could kill anyone that gets too close. Cheeky and cynical, it's equal parts exasperating and empowering to see her come to terms with what and who she is. Is she a monster that brings only havoc and destruction or is she the savior that will ultimately save her kingdom?

Eogan, her ability trainer, is mysterious and frustrating. Hot and cold, his attitude inconsistencies drove me crazy.  But it is not without good reason and glimpses of his true feelings showed that he cares and understands Nym more than he will ever let on. He makes her feel visible and safe, feelings that Nym tried to hide with indifference. I ship these two so hard. It was hard work and I totally have to beg Mary Weber to finally make my ship sail and when it did, it was unfrakingbelievable.
“I stare back, as if to defy him and whatever his problem has been. Except something hungry stirs behind his gaze, and the next thing I know he's taking my heart for a thirsty-leap into green depths, and I'm drinking him in as fast as I can, excruciatingly aware of how parched I am.”
— Goodness. *fans self*
But Eogan is not there merely to make us swoon because he is definitely a character in his own right and plays a bigger role than being Nym's love interest. And guys, Eogan is a person with color! I don't even want to make a big deal out of this because it shouldn't even be a deal in the first place, but he is, and my heart is so happy. And since we're talking about not your usual run-of-the-mill characters, we have here a bald, well-muscled flirty guy and a sassy blind friend. Even Nym has a mishappen hand.

Like I said, the romance was perfection for me. There were gazillion chances for Weber to go for the love triangle route but she didn't. The romance, while one of the best aspects of this novel, is just an excellent backdrop as it was supposed to be, because this story is most importantly about Nym's journey to self-discovery and self-redemption.

But what is a fantasy novel without a solid worldbuilding?

I am greatly delighted to say that the worldbuilding here was off the charts. It's bursting at the seams with its commitment to geography, language and social structure. The steampunk-esque details and magic system were interesting. But what I admire the most was how Weber handled the enslavement aspect. It was not swept aside and used simply as a means to make Nym's history colorful but it was treated as a real problem that needs resolution. I hope in the next installment Weber will give focus on the perverse nature of some men in this novel because they really irked me out.
“...But instead of my power exploding like a thunderstorm, it comes as a gentle tide. A heart surrender. Almost painful in its approach, beckoning tears to my eyes as it renders my defenses nonexistent. And suddenly I can't remember why I ever needed them anyway because the very power I've spent my life cowering from is, at its core, pure.”
The prose was simply lovely. No matter how eager I was to turn pages after pages, I had to pause once in a while so I can reread some passages that were just beautiful. This novel made me come alive with its electric magic and the come down from the high was pretty agonizing. There were plenty of WTF moments, swoon-worthy moments, hair pulling moments, awe-inspiring moments and gasp-inducing moments. The ending was all of these combined and it was brutal. In truth, Mary Weber has a dangerous persona that concerns me, yet I'm beyond excited to read the next installment.

Highly unpredictable, imaginative and vividly woven, this book is the reason why I am reading fantasy novels. Storm Siren rocked my world from the very beginning and left me reeling as I turned the last page. Mary Weber has truly written a wonderful, riveting debut novel and it's definitely one of my best reads this year.

Cupid's Verdict:
4.5 Cupids

A copy was provided by the publisher at no cost
in exchange for an honest review

41 comments:

  1. Lol, I only see 3.5 cupids. O.o Anyway, I'm not very fond on the cover because it seems like TOO MUCH, you know? There are too many stuff on it (or the MC just takes a lot of space haha.) BUT, I do feel like the world-building is a great one. Manic + steampunk? Oh my! Plus the romance sounds grandiose if you liked it so much. Marvelous review and haha I think I've already read that review on Goodreads but why didn't you put those gifs on here too by the way? :P

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    1. Oh. Thanks for heads up, Lola! Clearly, I don't know how to count. *facepalm* I actually really like the cover because it fit the story well. The worldbuilding was great! Yes, I have two slightly different reviews. I can't put the GIF without my review getting too long! That's what my Goodreads review is for. ;)

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  2. Woah, powerful review Sarah, it sounds like the world building and the characters were really amazing in this one! Eogan sounds amazing, reminds me of my favourite Dimitri from YA. The romance sounds really swoon worthy. The way Nym is an orphan slave girl makes it sound like she has a long way to climb and it would be amazing here. Lovely review, I'm glad you enjoyed!

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    1. Thank you, Jeann! I loved the intricateness of this one and to think that this is a debut novel, it simply wowed me. I don't know Dimitri but if he sounded like Eogan, then I think I love him already. Haha! Nym has tons of growing up to do and I really appreciate the struggle she has to go through. It's all very realistic despite this being a fantasy novel.

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  3. Wow, so glad you enjoyed this book so much Sarah! I haven't heard of this one until I read it on your blog today. It shouldn't surprise anyone that there are non-cliche characters in books, yet it's still so rare that us readers can't help but rejoice every time an author writes about it. Eogan sounds amazing, how do you pronounce his name anyway haha. This book definitely sounds like my kind of fantasy with a focus on the plot and world-building but scattered with some romance. Swoon! Amazing review, I'm gonna keep an eye out for this :D

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    1. Thank you! Everyone should know about this book, IMHO. In my head, I pronounced it as Ee-yo-gan. Maybe I'm wrong though. I know, Joy! It's so frustrating not to have diversity in characters.

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  4. OH GOSH! That second quote is just *drools* I'm so fascinated by the sound of this story! Where did you find it?! lol. It sounds so good! And glad that Eogan isn't just a romantic plot device (though he clearly excels at it) ad yayyyy for amazing worldbuilding! I love when so much effort has been put into crafting a world. And so true! Based on these quotes the prose is just yummmm all around :) So happy you enjoyed, Sarah!

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    1. *hands you a tissue* I found it on Netgalley, Siiri! When I spotted it, I just know I have to read it. And Eogan is just rawr. HAHAHA.

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  5. First off, that initial review is hilarious. I've already heard so much about this from Nick, but still it sound even better now. Girl I want Eogan right now. That second quote. I mean I'm melting over here. It also sounds like a story with amazing world-building which makes me so happy. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Great review, Sarah :)

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    1. Thanks Tanja. Glad to know I wasn't the only one who found my review hilarious. Lol. EOGAN IS MINE, Tanja! You can't have him. Nick read this? I must to talk to her right now then.

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  6. I think I already ship Nym and Eogan just by reading that quote! Hotdamn that was romantic, and the author sure does have a way with words. Besides that, her decision to not make the romance as a central focus is awesome. Other times it's more nakakakilig that way. :) The great worldbuilding and diverse characters (yay for diversity!) are also a huge draw for me. I'm adding this to my tbr. Beautiful review, Sarah!

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    1. Thank you, Dea! I know. I think romance is something that should just be another element in a story, not its central focus especially in a fantasy book. You have to really read this, Dea. I hope you'll love this as well.

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  7. That cover! Oh gosh it's lovely! This is honestly one of the most brilliant reviews I've read!
    This sounds incredibly intense and absolutely love the wide diversity of the characters as well. I can't wait to grab a copy. Absolutely incredible review Sarah, loved it to bits!

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    1. Awww, thank you Kelly! Right?? The cover is not just another pretty cover. It fit the story perfectly well. This book is like a dream come true fantasy book for me. I can't wait for you to read it.

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  8. Oh my goooosh! That first teaser you typed out made me squeal!! I never even heard of this book! I have got to find it!!! THANK YOU for sharing this. Your review got me all excited and mushy inside HAHA

    www.lite-rate-ture.com

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    1. Glad to know my review was effective, Chyna! I can't believe only a few have heard of this book before. This book deserves to be read. I really hope you'll like it.

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  9. I'm not a big fantasy reader (although I really want to be haha) but I can feel all your love for this book Sarah! The idea that we don't know what Nym's ultimate goal in the world she is in is really intriguing. And she feels like an anti-heroine with flaws and personal struggles. I also love the fact that there's not love triangle and that her love interest is absolutely to die for! Plus, I like that Eogan is more than a love interest of the main character. That aside from the romance, he has a bigger role in the story. And I know what you mean when you said that you shouldn't even mention that he's a person of color but I understand why you're happy about that fact and have to point it out. Amazing review Sarah! I'm definitely checking this book! Like, right now ;)

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    1. Right? Having no instalove is the best thing ever. I know, Amir! We need more diversity in our books. I'm glad I made you check this out. Everyone needs to read this. :D

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  10. And I totally forgot about this one. Egads. One more book I need to hurry up and read, BUT at least it looks like the reading will not be a hardship. I only skimmed, but I'll be sure to come back once I've finished the book myself, and THANKS for the inadvertent reminder ;) Glad you liked it!

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    1. Yay! I can remind you every five minutes about this book, Jessica, if you need me to. ;)

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  11. If the story itself didn't capture me, your descriptions of the prose certainly did! I love books that are so well-written that they read almost like poetry, and it sounds like this one is the best of both worlds. Clearly, I need to read this! Great review!

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    1. Thank you, Melissa! *blushes* Yes, this one has a really lovely prose. I hope you'll love this as well. I can't wait to know what you'll think of it.

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  12. "There were gazillion chances for Weber to go for the love triangle route but she didn't."

    THANK GOODNESS!!!!! It seems like books without a love triangle are the rarities these days rather than the other way around, so whenever I see a YA book with a strong romance that isn't forced into a geometric shape of any kind, I automatically add it to my list. This sounds like a truly amazing story, I can't wait to give it a try Sarah!

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    1. I never liked Geometry in class so I loathe it when I see them in my books. I'm so happy this wasn't the case here and I feel like by that merit alone, this book deserves to be read. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you'd love this as much as I did, Jenny!

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  13. I just read your animated review and I hereby give you permission to collapse into fits of uncontrollable giggles because YES that was hilarious. And now I've added yet another book onto my TBR no thanks to you. I have to admit that if it wasn't for your review though, I probably wouldn't have given this book a second glance because the cover's so generic and I've had horrible experiences with sirens *cough*Silent Echo*cough*, so I've pretty much been scarred for life.

    But wow, good romance? Hard to come by that these days, so it's a huge plus, in my book. I always admire authors who don't take the easy-drama way out because that's basically a ticket for me to get onto the nope train and go to nope town and throw the book into the nope lake. And fantastic world building, too?! This book is starting to sound really, really good. Storm Siren reminds me so much of Shadow & Bone. *hint hint* YOU NEED TO GET ON WITH THE GRISHA SERIES NOWWW.

    Ahem. Yes. Thanks for putting such an amazing book on my radar. Definitely hope I'll get to read this one in the future and then go into another reading slump because it was just too good. ;D

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    1. HEE HEE. Thanks, Meg! You know I live to make you laugh. This is not about sirens so I think you're all good.

      *steals the 'nope' word* You can't use that again until you learn not to overuse a word. XD I knoooow, the Grisha series is on my NEEDS-TO-BE-READ-BEFORE-MEG-KILLS-ME list.

      I'm hoping with all the hope that's within me that you'll read this soon and you'll love it as well, because I cannot bear it if you won't. Be still, my heart.

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  14. Well now, after reading your review, I do believe that this book has all of the elements that I look for in a fab Fantasy novel. Plus, the fact that it's this author debut, installment #1, AND has a fab cover are all definite pluses. Win/win!

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    1. Yes, Carmel. This is too good to be true. I hope you'll read this soon. :)

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  15. OMGG no way!! I can be a bit distrustful of such pretty covers because I have been burned one too many times by them so I am honestly surprised that this one has received such high praise from you. And excited of course!! Sooo awesome that this one has so many elements working in its favour - that's pretty amazing! Oh, and I just checked out your GR review and yes, great gifs :D Awesome, awesome review!!

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    1. *takes a bow* I have to painstakingly look for those GIFs so I'm glad they served their purpose well. And Aylee, you've got to read this. This is not one of those meh stories that hide in pretty covers. I swear! If you don't like this, then you can hate me forever. :DDDD

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  16. I actually neglected this one on Netaglley a few weeks back and read a really awesome review for this book just yesterday and started kicking myself in the head for ignoring it but now after reading your review too I feel like kicking myself, again. i'm a huge fantasy fan but i'm been burned by the genre too many times so i was skeptical of this one but you make it sound like a book I need on my bookshelves now! AHHHH

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    1. Aww, don't worry, Lily. The release date is so close! You can totally read this by then. :D

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  17. Oh my gosh, Sarah - this is a beautiful review for a awesome book! From the heroine herself, to the secondary characters, the magic/world building and *sigh* romance, it's pretty awesome right?! This is a case of what's inside the cover is wonderful as the outside cover :)

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    1. Thank you, Kim! This book is just a surprising delight. I am so happy I got to read it.

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  18. Oh my. I thought this sounded good, but I hadn't read any reviews yet. Holy wow, I NEED a copy now!! I wanted to do a little happy dance at your mention of the world-building being awesome, and then another at the one about slavery actually being treated as the problem it is, rather than as a tool. I'm going to be buying myself a copy of this ASAP. Lovely, lovely review Sarah!!

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    1. *goes happy dancing with you* I feel like I haven't showered this book all the praise that it deserves so it makes me happy that I put this book on your TO-BUY-ASAP list. I hope you'd love this one, Rachel! :D

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  19. Sarah, I'm jumping up and down out of joy because you loved this book as much as I did! Wasn't this one of the best YA fantasies you've ever read?
    Anyways, not many people have read it, so I'm thrilled to see that people are starting to see the brilliance of this book.
    I definitely fell in love with all these gorgeous characters. I loved Nym as well. She was such a delightful character and Eogan! <3 I didn't want to make a big deal out of the fact that he was a person of color, but it's such a rarity, especially in YA fantasy, so it made me really happy.
    I've been complaining to Mary about how cruel she is for giving us that heart-stopping ending. She thinks chocolates will console me. *is grumpy*
    Anyways, she is one talented lady and she's also the sweetest! I'm curious to see what she has up her sleeve next. Hopefully, she doesn't kill me!
    Gorgeous review, Sarah!

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    1. IT WAS AND I'M BASKING IN JOY RIGHT NOW BECAUSE YOU LOVED THIS ONE, TOO! *turns caps lock off* I can't believe not many people knew about this book. Everyone need to read this because it's just so amazing. Mary is really cruel and I'm quite afraid at what she'd do next but I simply cannot wait to read more from her. We need to talk about this one, Nick, because I'm about to explode from too much feels here.

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  20. Eogan reminds me of Dimitri, somehow. I don't know why. This sounds like an amazing read, Sarah. I mean, awesome worldbuilding, beautiful writing and the premise really looks interesting! Cannot wait to read it.

    Now, who can I contact so I can change that cover? HAHA. Do you approve of that cover though, Sarah? Maybe I don't like it that much because I still haven't read the book.

    Lovely review!! :)

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    1. I must know this Dimitri, then. ;) I love the cover, Paula. It's what made me take a second look at this one. That's why I'm so so glad that it wasn't just a pretty cover and it made absolute sense when I read the book. :D

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  21. This looks excellent Sarah. When you say: "Eogan is a person with color!" Do you mean that his character full of depth or that he's not white. Because either way I'm cool. So many love interests are flat and one dimensional, it's hard to find one's that are fully developed. It's also rare to find YA books that have diversity. Oy.

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