Powered by pain and passion, Mary Weber’s Storm Siren transported me to the beautiful, fantasy-futuristic world of Faelen through the eyes of one brave, battered girl named Nym.
Nymia, or Nym as she’s more often nicknamed, has been sold to owners fourteen times, leaving her disheartened and cold, as she’s despised by nearly all. She hides her true heritage of being a white-haired female Elemental, which is a rare type of person who is inextricably connected to the elements. At her merest emotion, lightning crashes across the sky, thunder roars and rain floods down. At the mercy of her feelings, Nym tries to block them all out. But sometimes, it isn’t enough, and Nym bears self-inflicted scars as a reminder of all those who have died at her hands, whether intentionally or not. Her only hope comes when a cruel mistress, Adora, entrusts Nym’s training to the enigmatic Eogan, a deeply handsome man with an unusual gift. Can Eogan help Nym find the key to taming her powers? Is something deeper afoot with Adora’s plans? When will Bron, the rival kingdom, attack?
Mary Weber weaves an exciting, heart-wrenching and powerful tale which whirls you away into the fate of Nym. Weber writes beautifully, giving form and art to even the simplest descriptions. As I read, I felt Nym’s deep-seated pain and desire for good.
“Storm Siren” is one of those rare books which dances lightly around the “Story,” as Weber alludes to it, of God’s love and Jesus’ saving grace. Though never mentioned by name, the “Creator” is mentioned many times. It fits comfortably into the concept of another world that God could have created. Furthermore, the themes of redemption and forgiveness, of using one’s God-given talents, sacrifice, and of having hope in spite of all are lovely metaphors set in this faraway place.
I would recommend this book to young women especially, who (as I do) love magical stories rich with wonder, strong heroines who don’t always get it right but are fierce and likeable nonetheless, and action/adventure. It reminds me of the excellent Tamora Pierce’s “Wild Magic” YA series, if you’re familiar with those. I’ll also caution that Weber’s book is not a happy-go-lucky fairy story in the least; heroine Nym deals with self-inflicted cuts, unwanted male attention, soul-wracking guilt over causing death and murder, and the fate of a kingdom.
I look forward to reading this book again! It truly was a high-stakes adventure that went at the pace of lightning, with all its sparks, fury and white-hot beauty.
I received this book from BookSneeze for free in exchange for an honest, open review.
{Susie Boles Books} 