Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1)
Mary Weber
Thomas Nelson
Published August 19, 2014
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
About Storm Siren
Since her parents’ deaths, Nym has lived as a slave with one unusual problem. An inexplicable ability erupts from her when she’s terrified or furious. Storms and lightning explode from the sky and take out her oppressors as well as any innocent bystanders. Nym carries memories of their deaths marked into her arms: the owners as rings on one arm, the innocent as an intricate mural on the other.
When a new owner purchases Nym and reveals that she’ll be trained to use her ability as a weapon to save her kingdom, Nym balks. Then she meets the handsome trainer whose skill and ability make her feel safe for the first time. Gradually he draws her out, builds her trust, and captures her heart. With the advancing army drawing ever nearer, Nym doesn’t have time for romance. A powerful foe threatens civilians. Nym can’t stand the thought of more innocent lives lost. She rushes into battle as a treacherous plot unfolds, one which could destroy her people before she even has a chance to save them.
My Review
Throughout the story Nym remains a complex character. It’s so easy to root for her, to want her to give in to her love for Eogan, her trainer, and to trust her new friends Rasha, Colin, and Breck. The whole cast of characters is well-balanced and interesting. From the cheerful blind servant girl, Breck, to Nym’s highly volatile new owner Adora, each character has a distinct personality and contributes something essential to the story.
The story may begin with gentle pacing, but it doesn’t take long for things to begin to rocket forward, growing more and more intense. Other reviewers commented on wishing for more world building. It’s true that there isn’t a lot of time pausing and going into the politics and history of the story world, but I enjoyed the fact that it kept the pace quick and allowed for more focus on the characters. There are things I would have wanted to know more about, but I’m hoping they will be revealed in subsequent books. I have a feeling there are reasons we weren’t told certain things… yet.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I’d requested the second book, Siren’s Fury from NetGalley to review it and had started reading it before I realized I was just too interested in the characters and backstory to start with book two. I definitely recommend starting with Storm Siren if you’re new to the series.
Content Notes
Profanity/Crude Language Content
No profanity.
Sexual Content
Brief kissing. One very brief reference to Nym’s past in which she was forced to work in the “Favor House.”
Spiritual Content
Nym’s people (Elementals) possess powers, things like controlling water, wind, earth, etc. One very powerful man can shape shift and take over someone else’s body.
Violence
Nym trains for battle in a war her people are currently losing. Her powers have accidentally killed several people in the past, including her parents. She bears a lot of guilt for these deaths.
A terrible monster attacks Nym and her ally in the woods on their way to battle. Nym and another warrior battle an army. Descriptions are brief and not gory.
Drug Content
None.
Extra Goodies
Read an interview with author Mary Weber on the blog Love is Not a Triangle.
Check out the book trailer from You Tube:
