Reviews

Birth of the Storm by Valerie Storm

piperkitty's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Thanks to the WriteReads, the author and Shaow Spark Publishing for my book copy.

We have a very strong start to the Demon series

This story follows Kari, a wolf demon who has lost her parents in a brutal attack. We see how Kari integrates herself into human society while seeking justice for her parents' murders. As we follow Kari through her journey, we witness her forming friendships, experiencing losses, and discovering that this is not your average young adult book."We are taken through so many emotions, and I truly couldn't stop thinking about Kari when reading. I needed to know what happens next. This book, at certain points, especially with Kiki, gave me Inuyasha vibes which I adore. This will be a series I will be continuing as I can't wait to see where it takes us. This is a 5-star read from me. captivating read that evokes a range of emotions, reminiscent of Inuyasha vibes at times. Excited to continue this series and discover where it leads. A definite 5-star rating from me!

#WriteReads #ShadowSparkPublishing #DemonSeries #BookReview #EmotionalJourney #InuyashaVibes #5StarRead #Bookworm #FantasyReads 

f33lthesun's review

4.0

As I started reading this I did not expect it to affect me as much as it did. It is to the author’s credit that I was pulled into Kari’s world and didn’t want to leave.

Valerie Storm has created an imaginative, dangerous world in which Kari has so much thrown at her from such a young age. This book does not shy away from violence and death, those Kari builds relationships with put in danger because of the power Kari was born with, despite her trying to keep it hidden, and those who are hunting her. 

I had to keep reminding myself that Kari was a teenager to explain some of her reactions but she copes extremely well given her limited knowledge of her gift, the way most people treat her and the trauma of loss and separation she suffers. Her feelings of isolation, indecision and need for revenge drive her.

This is not a cosy fantasy story, it is hard hitting and powerful, better for it. It also ends on a twist and cliffhanger like no other. 

I thought I was going to have to wait for the next book in the series so was very happy to realise that this was published in 2022 so others in the series are already out. Off to buy them. 

Thank you to @The_WriteReads and Shadow Spark Publishing for the review copy.

ccollins19's review

5.0

This book had its claws in me (if you pardon the pun) from the very first chapter. Kari's journey felt relatable on a primal level in a way that I did not expect, diving into the realms of revenge fantasy we all share. The twists (of which there were quite a few) all felt earned, and the ending leaves you thirsting for the next book. Valerie paints a truly creative take on demons and the fantastical world around them, and I cannot wait to start the rest of the series.

kasena's review

It feels like a really slow start. I expected the dead parents thing to be far in the past by the time the book started, but chapter three, and we're still just a couple days out from it. Might eventually come back but /shrug