A poetically told story that needed a little more…
The Girl in the Storm is a contemporary fantasy focused on the arch angels including Michael, and Lucifer.
SYNOPSIS
Angels are real, demons walk the Earth, and she alone can stop the Devil…
Seventeen-year-old Genevieve Reidell loves to paint, and values her closest friends above all, but when a gunman terrorizes her high school, her near-reckless bravery sets her on a path that will change the entire course of her life. Her best friend is shot and dying but when Genevieve holds her, the bleeding stops and the wounds close.
But when she tries to save another friend, she can’t. Overcome with guilt Genevieve struggles to understand. But when a stranger arrives at her home with a mysterious book and an ominous warning, she learns about her destiny. Angels have protected her, but the time has come to unravel the mysteries that have haunted her for years. Genevieve must learn to harness and control her gifts and accept that whatever she does might not be enough. The Devil must be stopped, and Genevieve is ready to walk into the storm. She’s cheated death before, but can she save herself again without losing those she loves?
A Cinematic Experience…
I’m having trouble really describing this book so instead I want to share my experience. When I started the book I was impressed and at the same time confused by the way the story was being told. It’s told in a very cinematic way as if the scenes were edited, the chapter’s often going back and forth between present and a flashback often within a single page. In the first chapter we are told of the shocking thing that has occurred to the main character Genevieve as she tells her therapist.
The reason talking about this book feels so complicated is because I had a lot of contradicting thoughts about it. Like in the first half of the book I was very impressed by the storytelling. It’s captivating, and a the same time it was too much… poetry. The descriptions were detailed and poetic but I felt they went on too long sometimes and just wanted the story to continue.
Two Books in One…
I think the easiest way to explain is to talk about it like this. I felt like I read two books in one. The book is 437 pages, but I felt like book one ended on page 271 and book two started immediately after. For the first 60% of the book there’s a clear primary antagonist, and a clear book one antagonist. One threat acting for Lucifer who Genevieve must face.
She has obstacles to overcome, fears to face, and questions that need answers. But as the book seemed to be coming to a close I was really confused that I had so much of it left. From that page where I felt like book one ended all the way to the actual end, I consistently felt I was reading the sequel which is why I want to discuss this as two books instead of one. That being said book one was very interesting but I wished for a lot more, specifically with the character’s.
MORE DETAILS
Word Count (rounded)~ ?
Page Count: 437
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Mythical Fantasy
My favorite part of any book is the character’s. I love the moment’s spent away from the main plot line. I love getting to know their personalities, their interests, their flaws. And book one only focused on the main plot so I had names and faces, but not much to make me form an attachment to the character’s. Book two on the other hand had much more depth with the character’s. I finally felt like I was getting to know Genevieve and the other angel’s, but suddenly it was all too fast. While I spent book one wanting it to move faster, I spent book two wishing it would slow down. Like I said, contradictory thoughts. But the true strength of this book is the writing.
A Poetic Writing Style…
The writing style reminded me a bit of Neil Gaiman, specifically American gods. It’s extremely detailed and often dove into the backstories of even the smallest character’s. For example at the start there is a shooter and later in the book, the author explores his day showing how he was led to the school that day. The most important thing I thought was that although it didn’t meet my priorities with character’s, I remember every detail of what I read and to me that means I was never bored. Because believe me, when I’m bored I retain absolutely nothing from the page. My hopes are that book two is a little more consistent with pace.
My Rating…
I thought this book was great but I can imagine how much better it could get which is why I’m looking forward to book two. I’ve decided that my personal rating is three stars because I enjoyed it, but I don’t think I will be rereading it.
The next book I’ll be reading is “Dark Corners” by Megan Goldin, a crime thriller.
Jasmin De Anda 