The Wind Whisperer (The Wind Whisperer, #1)

by Krista Holle

[Angie]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up The Wind Whisperer. I hadn't read any Native American fiction before, so this was something new for me. I did like it though! It's always nice to read something different, and diversity is great too, but what really sold it for me was the paranormal twist. I know Native Americans are always portrayed as being very spiritual and in tune with nature, but Anaii really does have a gift. She can understand the language of the wind and speak back. Later she even discovers that she can control the wind, making storms at will. Anaii is the most important person in her village since she can warn them of impending attacks and other important events, but she feels like a prisoner. Then she meets the son of her tribe's enemy's chief, and realizes that she's meant to use her gift for a greater purpose.

I was surprised that The Wind Whisperer ended up almost being a typical YA Paranormal Romance complete with the BFF versus the forbidden boy love triangle. Elan and Anaii have been friends since childhood and he's one of the few members of their tribe who treat her like a normal person. Jayttin is slightly older and the son of the enemy chief. However, unlike Elan, Jayttin is not a warrior and wishes for peace between the two tribes. There's also another player in this romance: Koko, an esteemed warrior who believes Anaii should be his. He's essentially the Kocoum to Anaii's Pocahontas. Jayttin is John Smith, and Elan is Flick, since he's far too serious to be Meeko. This love triangle didn't end up how I was expecting. There's a very nice twist at the end, which luckily didn't feel like a cop out.

Although, Koko isn't a real contender. Anaii despises him, but he is the final straw which makes her leave her village. This is when the plot finally gets going. Anaii and Elan plan to run away to another village and get married (for practical reasons, not necessarily romantic ones), but their escape is interrupted by...Jayttin! The unlikely trio head out together even though tensions are high, and end up on a quest to rescue his missing sisters. Of course, things aren't so easy and they learn the truth about the girls' disappearance and the reason behind the recent attacks between their villages. There is a war brewing, and it's larger than either tribe had anticipated.

The Wind Whisperer was a delightful surprise! It was refreshing to read about a culture that doesn't seem to be covered much in YA. I loved how Anaii's gift was handled. She's not all-knowing or all-powerful, but she is important. My only real complaint is that at times the story seemed to drag and I found myself bored. It felt quite a bit longer than it really is.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.