Storm (The Paper Gods, #3)

by Amanda Sun

[jeannamichel]

The Paper Gods series is back with this riveting conclusion. No one can out run their past. Tomohiro and Katie are no different. Despite their desire to be normal, Tomohiro’s drawings are still coming alive, in deadly ways. Jun believes the only way to control the world is to put his plan of world domination into motion. He starts by murdering those he believes have wronged him and gathering followers to start a war. When Tomohiro is put to the test, he begins to slowly succumb to the darkness his fate predicts. Each Kami are plagued with nightmares which tell them how to break the cycle, how to end the suffering and save the world. In the end, they come face to face with true evil—the storm they have been anticipating. The nightmares have prepared them for the battle but not for an outcome. Save the world, or die trying.

I’m not one to complete series. Sure, I talk about finishing series but it always difficult to get into that mindset, “Yes, I am finishing this series today.” Finishing a series is like seeing a friend off at the train station. I have a problem about goodbyes. The Paper Gods series is over—I can never get the same reaction as I did the first reading around; my thoughts will always be different. It’s quite sad really.

Despite my qualms about goodbyes and as far as goodbyes go, Storm was a sweet goodbye. It wasn’t too dramatic and there wasn’t a cliffhanger. It was nice and sweet.

From the very beginning, I loved this series as a whole. Ink killed me, it was the perfect combination of setting to drag you in and plot which held you still. Rain wasn’t as amazing but still a good path for the series to take. Storm was just the icing on the cake. Here is the complete package.

Throughout the first two books, I found myself disliking Tomohiro. Ever since that scene with the love motel, I was definitely turned off by Katie’s boyfriend. I explain a little more about my dislike in my previous reviews. Jun was my guy: the strong, coffee lover who totally cared about Katie and tried not to get her too involved. In Storm, my team switched and here’s why. Jun took a huge back seat in this book. He was barely mentioned and if he was mentioned, he was brought up in fear, disgust, or caution. Total turn-off. Storm was Tomohiro’s story. It was the book where I started warming up to him—liking him much more. Throughout the whole series, Sun created gorgeous characters with intense depth, power, and form.

Sun is a fantastic author. Her genius lies in description, whether she delves deeper into war upon a battlefield or she depicts a perfect picnic in Japan. Readers will be forced to read on to experience as if it was happening right beside them.

As much as I hope for another book in the series, Storm concludes The Paper Gods series. It was a good ending to a great series. Readers will love the final battle between the past and present. Amanda Sun has truly created a work of art.