Latest Read: Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger

Let the Storm Break (Let the Sky Fall #2) by Shannon Messenger
Publication date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal
Source: Borrowed from the library
Summary: Vane Weston is haunted by the searing pull of his bond to Audra, by the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance and by the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own. Audra’s still running from her past, the Gales, even Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds - especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon. With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?( (Adapted goodreads.com)

The good

The Let the Sky Fall series by Shannon Messenger is one that took me completely by surprise last year. I may or may not have decided to pick up that book solely based on its pretty cover but my reasons for continuing? 100% the characters and the unique story. Vane and Audra are still reeling from their recent discoveries: the "forbidden" bond between them, Vane's destiny to become a leader and king, Audra's mother's betrayal and the war against Raiden. In some ways, this affects Audra more than Vane and while she's away trying to come to terms with it all, Vane is stuck with the Gales (the soldier air sylphs) for protection as he learns to fit among them to become the person they want. Except he's not ready to be a king and more than anything, he's not ready or willing to let Audra go even if that's what the Gales want.

All the things I enjoyed about Let the Sky Fall are still present in Let the Storm Break albeit a little slower in the beginning. We learn more about the sylphs and their history and why Raiden is such a threat to them. It sheds light on why everyone has been pushing Vane so hard to learn about his abilities. I'm a big fan of the mythology here because I can't think of another book with this kind of concept. The author goes into great detail as to how sylphs wield the wind as weapons which I think helped to emphasize the battle ahead and how important nature is to them. But if I'm really being honest..

My favorite part of the book is Vane and Audra! Their relationship, despite its intensity, is a nice break from the drama of the upcoming battle. They're technically still teenagers and the way Messenger writes Vane's dialogue and inner-thoughts always crack me up. It's just so.. teenage boy. I love it. But I also like that at the end of the day, they're two strong individuals fighting for each other and for their people. There are lot of obstacles in their way (I did mention their bond is forbidden right?) but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for their eventual happy ending.

(Super minor) Reservations

The pacing was a bit slower this time around and the story is strongest when Vane and Audra are together, which is why the beginning didn't immediately reel me in. Plus I needed a bit of a refresher since it had been so long since I read the first book. I want more mythology and focus on what they're up against and maybe less unnecessary romantic drama. I get where it's coming from but I don't think it's needed with everything else going on.

Do I recommend?

I do! I enjoy the series overall and I plan to continue. I need to know how it ends!

Happy reading!