Roar (Stormheart, #1)

by Cora Carmack

[lizarodz]

4.5 Stars

I am probably the only reader in the planet who had never read a book by Cora Carmack. So, when I read the blurb for Roar and saw its cover I was sold. As you know, I adore fantasy and Roar has the makings of an epic story.

I fell in love with Aurora / Roar’s world. It’s hostile and very dangerous, but fascinating. Their world is plagued with constant storms of all types – hurricanes, fog, tornadoes, light storms – and they require the protection of powerful people that know how to steal the heart of the storm in order to dissipate them. What an original concept, so intriguing.

Princess Aurora comes from a very strong linage of Stormlings, but she has no powers. To avoid losing her kingdom, she agrees to a loveless marriage with the second son of the kingdom of Locke. However, Aurora is dreading the marriage and then she discovers that magic can be gained and not only inherited. She grabs the opportunity to do just that and carve her own destiny. Roar is brave, scared, loyal, naive, lonely, stubborn, and powerful.

Locke is one of the leaders of the band of hunters that shelters Roar. He is handsome, powerful, cautious, protective and one of the best book boyfriend ever. Seriously. I loved his patience, how careful he was with Roar, they bickering and fighting was priceless. Their relationship is slow to grow and develop, but beautiful to read about.

Of course, I cannot tell you what happens in the story, but let me just say that it’s surprising to say the least.

Cormack’s writing is enthralling and compelling. The pace was a bit slow at the beginning since there was a lot of world building to develop, but it picked up later, after all there’s a lot of action, plotting and of course storms in the story. I also appreciate that the ending was not a cliffhanger, but a gentle reminder of what’s yet to come.

Overall, Roar was a great beginning for what I hope is an epic fantasy series. With a strong heroine, a to-die-for book boyfriend, an awesome host of secondary characters, and amazing world building (not to mention the gorgeous cover) Roar is an enthralling YA fantasy that left me craving for more.