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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
If you enjoyed the first two books in this series, then Stormcaster should be okay to read. There is no doubt that this book was written to build up the events that will be happening in the final book, but I still found it enjoyable.
I’m so glad that I got to see more of the old characters I loved from the Seven Realms series. The stakes are definitely higher in these books than they were in the previous series. On the topic of characters, I was a little annoyed that there are still characters being introduced in the second last book. It was beginning to feel repetitive.
Most of my faith in Cinda Williams Chima is coming more from her previous work than from this one. I do have expectations from the final instalment, and hope that all of the characters that have been introduced in the Shattered Realms series are wrapped up nicely.
I’m so glad that I got to see more of the old characters I loved from the Seven Realms series. The stakes are definitely higher in these books than they were in the previous series. On the topic of characters, I was a little annoyed that there are still characters being introduced in the second last book. It was beginning to feel repetitive.
Most of my faith in Cinda Williams Chima is coming more from her previous work than from this one. I do have expectations from the final instalment, and hope that all of the characters that have been introduced in the Shattered Realms series are wrapped up nicely.
This book was fantastically written! Chima did a phenomenal job juggling POVs and bringing all the storylines together. so much happened that I've been waiting for - we finally got all the POVs in one book, and the thing about Han I've been waiting since Flamecaster to confirm was confirmed. All in all, spectacular with a few great twists thrown in! I loved getting to know some of the characters even better, and their personalities are all so strong.
I did have to dock a star from the review, however, because I was ambushed by the gay romance. It's not something I expected from this series, and it's not something I like nor want to read. That said, I like the backstory and friendship between these characters just fine. Still, I felt like this factor was forced (at least in Destin's case) and that way too many people just assumed that someone or other might be gay (this happened at least three times in the book, compared with NEVER in the other books.)
I did have to dock a star from the review, however, because I was ambushed by the gay romance. It's not something I expected from this series, and it's not something I like nor want to read. That said, I like the backstory and friendship between these characters just fine. Still, I felt like this factor was forced (at least in Destin's case) and that way too many people just assumed that someone or other might be gay (this happened at least three times in the book, compared with NEVER in the other books.)
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This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
When I first read Flamecaster, I told myself be careful what you wish for.
This Shattered Realms series is set 25 years after The Seven Realms series, which is one of my all time favorite YA fantasy series. Because that is the case, the character shift to Han and Raisa’s children being the main characters meant they are not safe. Some of the characters I love from the first series are going to die and that was also why thirty pages into Flamecaster I was in tears sobbing and didn’t think I’d continue the book. Stormcaster made me glad I continued because after I wiped away all my tears I had a theory, a dream, a hope for my beloved character who was gone and I WAS RIGHT!!! and it made everything so much better for me.
Stormcaster is much like Flamecaster and Shadowcaster, in that we spend the first 30% of the book with a new character getting their backstory and bringing us up to present time. Evan was the envoy that came to Ardenscourt for Jenna in Flamecaster. His origin story was so interesting I didn’t care that it took us a third of the book to get back to where we left off at the end of Shadowcaster. Evan and Destin’s history was fleshed out and I will say it was different than I expected but wonderful. I was happy to find out he wasn’t exactly what we thought he was.
We have a few different story lines happening; Adrian is with Lila headed back to his homeland and to see his mother *insert tears here*. Alyssa is captured with Breon and headed to wherever the Empress lives. Hal is on his way to his father to try to gather an army to look for Alyssa. Destin is in Ardenscourt hoping to stop a civil war. Lila is actually in all of the places because that girl is badass and totally gets around. Jenna is with her Dragon Cas and they are having their own adventure, let’s just mention here how awesome Cas is.
The thing I love about this world is that the women in it are so strong. It is one of the few stories I’ve read that has a Queendom instead of a Kingdom. The head of the Army is a woman, one of the top spies is a girl and another girl is a tamer of dragons and has hatched a dangerous plan of her own. Never is it said the girls should be bundled up, stowed away safely, knitting. They are all out there making differences and being strong in so many ways.
Stormcaster is where I think a lot of the story is getting traction. There are some bigger movements on what the Magemarked are and why the Empress is after them. I especially enjoyed learning more about the bloodsworn and trying to develop a theory about what those crazy blood drinking priests might be. Adrian’s reunion with his mother opens back up the political intrigues which lead to Han’s assassination and the attempt on Alyssa. I loved getting page time with Raisa. I’ve missed her so much since she is not the star of the series. But again she is the wonderful character I loved so much in the Seven Realms series.
It is fantastic to be back in this world and while you might have shied away from it if you read the Seven Realms series, I think fans will be especially excited about a few of the developments in this series in regards to characters from the original series.
Warning – This contains a developing relationship between a same sex couple. While there is no sex, there is a kiss. I don’t say this to discourage anyone from reading it but as a parent I liked knowing those things going in so I could answer questions my kids might have had. I hope this doesn’t dissuade anyone from reading.
Audio Note: As always, this is well performed and the narration of the all the characters is done well.
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us/stormcaster-by-cinda-williams-chima
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
When I first read Flamecaster, I told myself be careful what you wish for.
This Shattered Realms series is set 25 years after The Seven Realms series, which is one of my all time favorite YA fantasy series. Because that is the case, the character shift to Han and Raisa’s children being the main characters meant they are not safe. Some of the characters I love from the first series are going to die and that was also why thirty pages into Flamecaster I was in tears sobbing and didn’t think I’d continue the book. Stormcaster made me glad I continued because after I wiped away all my tears I had a theory, a dream, a hope for my beloved character who was gone and I WAS RIGHT!!! and it made everything so much better for me.
Stormcaster is much like Flamecaster and Shadowcaster, in that we spend the first 30% of the book with a new character getting their backstory and bringing us up to present time. Evan was the envoy that came to Ardenscourt for Jenna in Flamecaster. His origin story was so interesting I didn’t care that it took us a third of the book to get back to where we left off at the end of Shadowcaster. Evan and Destin’s history was fleshed out and I will say it was different than I expected but wonderful. I was happy to find out he wasn’t exactly what we thought he was.
You are in deep water, Pirate, and you’ve forgotten how to swim. Do not fall for this dangerous, moody, mercurial boy. It will lead to heartbreak or worse.
We have a few different story lines happening; Adrian is with Lila headed back to his homeland and to see his mother *insert tears here*. Alyssa is captured with Breon and headed to wherever the Empress lives. Hal is on his way to his father to try to gather an army to look for Alyssa. Destin is in Ardenscourt hoping to stop a civil war. Lila is actually in all of the places because that girl is badass and totally gets around. Jenna is with her Dragon Cas and they are having their own adventure, let’s just mention here how awesome Cas is.
The thing I love about this world is that the women in it are so strong. It is one of the few stories I’ve read that has a Queendom instead of a Kingdom. The head of the Army is a woman, one of the top spies is a girl and another girl is a tamer of dragons and has hatched a dangerous plan of her own. Never is it said the girls should be bundled up, stowed away safely, knitting. They are all out there making differences and being strong in so many ways.
Stormcaster is where I think a lot of the story is getting traction. There are some bigger movements on what the Magemarked are and why the Empress is after them. I especially enjoyed learning more about the bloodsworn and trying to develop a theory about what those crazy blood drinking priests might be. Adrian’s reunion with his mother opens back up the political intrigues which lead to Han’s assassination and the attempt on Alyssa. I loved getting page time with Raisa. I’ve missed her so much since she is not the star of the series. But again she is the wonderful character I loved so much in the Seven Realms series.
“You smell of the road— sweat and horses and leather, meadowsweet and pine.” She put up a hand when he tried to apologize. “No. I like it. My father was a clan trader, and he always came home smelling like faraway places. It reminds me of something your father said once.” She closed her eyes, remembering. “He said, ‘I want to breathe you in for the rest of my life.’”
It is fantastic to be back in this world and while you might have shied away from it if you read the Seven Realms series, I think fans will be especially excited about a few of the developments in this series in regards to characters from the original series.
Warning – This contains a developing relationship between a same sex couple. While there is no sex, there is a kiss. I don’t say this to discourage anyone from reading it but as a parent I liked knowing those things going in so I could answer questions my kids might have had. I hope this doesn’t dissuade anyone from reading.
Audio Note: As always, this is well performed and the narration of the all the characters is done well.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us/stormcaster-by-cinda-williams-chima
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
These books keep getting better in my opinion.
But the fact that I now have to wait (likely a year?) for the finale just hurts. Can't wait.
But the fact that I now have to wait (likely a year?) for the finale just hurts. Can't wait.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
i love this world and these characters so much hoooomygod
this book, like all the others in this series, is really good; i do feel like my slower, disjointed reading pace limited my enjoyment of this one. the narrative jumps around a lot (POV-wise) and keeping track of all that movement was really difficult in a slow read through. i feel like i would have like this story even more had i been able to read it quicker.