A review by marylannireads
The Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

 

Nargis is not the most imposing of humans, but she possesses a power that many would be thrilled to have. She also relies on a crutch due to a past injury, and Nargis has crafted strong walls to protect her from the comments of others as she works to improve her abilities as a spirit singer. When a young prince of the garuda–the sky people who rule over Nargis’ homeland–unexpectedly arrives in their midst, Nargis knows danger is not far behind. And as the unlikely companions are forced into an adventure together, they must rely on each other's strengths and abilities in order to survive. This engaging fantasy adventure introduces readers to the fictional land of Bharat, which shares customs and culture with India while simultaneously existing as its own unique world. Nargis is the primary protagonist, and the narrative is told in the first person from Nargis’ perspective. Rough around the edges and wary of strangers, Nargis is a difficult character with whom to connect. However, as the story unfolds, both Nargis and her garuda companion begin to soften, seeing their world through one another's eyes. Though there are no illustrations, the imagery created by the text is memorable, and readers will be nonetheless immersed in the story. Best for confident middle grade readers due to the length and complexity of the story, this novel is an enjoyable fantasy adventure that will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Filled with themes of friendship, acceptance, and bravery, this novel is a positive addition to library collections for confident middle grade readers and up.