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A man, hung from a light-post in the center of Death Alley. Nude, tortured, headless and left for half-vampire Detective Raven Storm to find, it's her most challenging case to date. Ever-reliable Detective Rupert Levac and new forensic specialist Aspen stand with her as she attempts to unravel this twisted case, all the while coping with the devastating loss of family and friends butchered in the war against a hidden enemy who will stop at nothing to take Lady Valentina's throne and force Fürstin Raven to kneel by his side.

In the end, one cop will stand alone against the darkness.
Darkness should start praying.

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2014

42 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Skye Knizley

23 books224 followers
Skye Knizley is the USA Today bestselling author of the Storm Chronicles series, an urban fantasy tale that mixes mystery, magic and horror, Midnight Roads, her homage to road movies with a dash of mystery and horror and the Shadowlands series of modern adventure/mysteries. All of her books feature strong female leads who can hold their own the men and then some, witticisms and of course Skye’s trademark snark.

Skye lives in the middle of nowhere, the small town life appeals to her and is conducive to writing. When she isn’t writing Skye can be found camping, motorcycling and hiking with her psychotic Siberian husky.

Skye is also a proud gamer girl and an avid fan of roleplaying games. She currently participates in a weekly game held at a local gaming store (stop in and say ‘hi!’) and is the writer and game-master of a private Fantasy Flight Star Wars game held once a month.

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5 stars
328 (40%)
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301 (36%)
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149 (18%)
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29 (3%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Lex Kent.
1,683 reviews9,875 followers
January 26, 2018
3.5 Stars. I liked this just a hair less than book one, but not by much. The series is pretty addictive and I started book 3 already. This book had a few editing issues I noticed, but it wasn't bad. The cover of the one I read is different than this cover. Makes me wonder if she edited a little when she changed it, since again the editing did not seem as bad as some older reviews mentioned.

Raven dated a women off screen in between books, but now has feelings for her male partner. So the books are still more in the HET category. No sex scenes in this book. Book one had a short fade to black one but that was it. So far this series is more mystery/paranormal than romance.

Profile Image for Farah.
767 reviews86 followers
November 14, 2018
Bloody great! More preternaturals and a demon with a very demonic name, Angul conjured up to hunt our kick ass heroine and the other creatures. Raven practiced take no prisoners policy and got herself into trouble a few times but she was unstoppable. Customized I ♥️ Raven Storm T-shirts for the family should be ordered.

Fact on Detective Raven Storm, she was a generous tipper. No amount smaller than 5O bucks and sometimes even more. I wouldn't mind being a snitch.

Now to the romance part, thank you Ms.Knizley for cutting short on the disastrous romance between Raven and Francois. He was still in the picture but whenever he and Raven shared scenes, death threats by Raven always followed. However, Raven found herself having some feelings towards her partner and it was reciprocated by him. Some passionate kissings and confessions but they were just going to see how it goes before committing to something... Wait! Don't walk away yet, there was a new lab technician, Aspen Kincaid and she will make you lesfic fans happy.

Something to lure you into reading this

Aspen stopped next to Raven and started to set her kit on the hood of the Shelby. Raven lowered her sunglasses and arched an eyebrow at her and Aspen pulled her kit away as if the car was on fire.

Book 1 and 2 were violent but not dark and disturbing.
349 reviews22 followers
February 25, 2014
Ms. Knizley has done an amazing job pulling this reader in and leaving me wanting more. This story has everything a reader could want. She allows you to have many emotions thru out this story from laughing, sitting on the edge of your seat, to feeling sorrow and fighting tears even. I found myself experiencing what the characters felt and forming a bond with them as well.
Bonds will be formed and secrets revealed. But who can Raven trust? When the drug, Thirst, comes into play, what will she have to do to get it off the streets and find those responsible for the deaths of others? You can find yourself seeing Rupert in a different light as well for more than just the sloppy detective he is.
This was an amazing story and one I found myself loving more than the first. I’m hoping soon that we can look forward to the next book in the series. This was a GREAT read.
Profile Image for Lexi.
Author 130 books252 followers
March 19, 2014
** Originally written for Book Bliss book blog. I received a copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**

Review:5 stars
General: Stormrage is an awesome combination of some of my favorite series all blended together for one kickbutt original plot. The kickbutt heros are right up there with Xhex from BDB, the harpies in LOTU, and all of the female DH in that series. I am a huge sucker for vampires and cops so this book was bound to be good before I even read it. It is a book 2 but I think it stands perfectly fine on it's own but book 1 is Stormrise. From the world building to the characters Skye Knizley's book is a well written, well thought out book. I was captivated by Raven immediately and the rest fell into place from there.

I am torn between which is the books strongest point, the details from which we are spared none or the characters that really draw you in. Chicago will never look the same again because the descriptions were so spot on I will most likely look for things that don't exist lol. The plot had so many things going on to keep your attention and it never felt over the top or melodramatic. It was a great mix of a drug called Thrist, crime and romance that I can't wait to see where the latter goes. I love a good romance connection in an Urban Fantasy series and this one is touch slow but the connection is strong and easy to see.

If I could change one thing it would be to slow down just a little. There were certain sections that I would have loved to have fleshed out more and I don't think the added length would be a problem for any reader.

Characters: Raven- Raven is both hysterical and slightly heartbreaking. She is take no prisoners kick butt and snarky as heck. But you can see some of the cracks in her armor as the romance kicks in and as she isn't as annoyed with her partner in this book. I loved the mix of her nature and her job and can't wait to see how romance shapes her.

Rupert- Rupert entertains me. He keeps up (barely) with Raven's snark and has personality traits that make him uniquely him and would drive me nuts if I was Raven.
Profile Image for Jeannette Joyal.
71 reviews28 followers
February 26, 2014
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Take a ride with raven as she hunts the monsters that you have only seen in your worst nightmares. The ones that lurk in the shadows waiting on their prey in the deepest corner of the streets of Chicago....

Raven is on the hunt once again along with Rubert her partner, who has grown on her to spite his sloppy habits. Now this time they are after those who are responsible for a drug called thirst that is killing people. However time is not on her side as she races frantically to unearth who is truly responsible. Meanwhile, during all this secrets are revealed that could send her over the edge.
I do need to mention this, I just love Raven's style not only in attitude but also this chic really knows how to accessorize... Got to love her!

Ms Knizley has truly out done herself in the second book of this amazing series with her superb story telling ability! Now more than ever I would love to see this go to a TV series! Yes, seriously is that good! I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book in; The Storm Chronicles.

Oh by the way once you start this book you won't be able to put it down!
Profile Image for Runningrabbit.
1,387 reviews99 followers
April 24, 2015
I was over halfway through this when I finally chucked it, it was really that difficult that I no longer suspend my disbelief and incredulity. Bad police work that was too stupid, bad actions that were too stupid, and the kick-arse police wonderwoman was way too much.

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Profile Image for Belinda.
253 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2014
Again Ms Knizley has brought us a book that isn't your usual vampire read - I have enjoyed following Raven thru being a Chicago cop as well as being a dhampyr and also seeing the closeness grow between Raven and her partner - would definitely recommend this to everyone as a must read - Thank you Ms Knizley for an amazing read
Profile Image for Andi.
2,230 reviews
March 22, 2014
I really like Raven Storm and was glad Stormrage came soon on the heels of Stormrise. This was another fast-paced novel with an interesting--but grisly--case to solve, with Raven and her partner, Rupert Levac, hot on the trail of another supernatural killer.

Raven's and Levac's trust in each other grew while on the case, but I was a little annoyed with the direction of their partnership. But I very much enjoyed the addition of Aspen to the cast of characters.

Having dhampyr blood makes Raven both self-assured and highly capable of handling just about anything. And she's so darned likable, too. Levac also proves that there is a good detective underneath that sloppy appearance.

There were more editing errors in this novel than the previous one, such as improper punctuation, spelling errors (like using complement instead of compliment), and a few sloppy sentences. Despite that, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Barbara.
7 reviews
April 16, 2014
Love this series!! Fantastic characters!!

Skye Knizley knows how to get your attention and keep you reading until the end. Bet "Dirty Harry" wishes he could have had Raven Storm as his partner!! Can't wait for the adventure!
474 reviews15 followers
December 22, 2015
March 2014: Excited for book three!
Profile Image for Meredith.
8 reviews
May 15, 2016
This is a C&P of my Amazon review, because I didn't feel like typing the same things twice.

The first story reminded me some of a younger fanfic author writing a story. The heroine was beyond perfect, better than everyone at everything, despite the fact she was a lot younger. There also seemed to be more emphasis on clothing choices than characterization. The world building had potential, even if the plot was thin, so I decided to continue in the series. I wish I hadn't.

Full disclosure, this is one of the few books that I couldn't bring myself to finish reading, so perhaps it got better at the end.

The main issue I had was the characterization, or lack thereof. The main character is completely a Mary Sue. Her skill set is way too advanced for her age and experience. She is constantly shown to be eclipsing others, even ones who are older, more experienced, and theoretically more skilled. This could be okay if it were ever explained in any way other than "she is special", or if she were ever shown to have any flaws or weaknesses, but this is never done. I love strong female characters, but they have to actually be characters.

Raven's Mary Sue nature leads to my next issue with the series. The relationships. Everyone either adores her (even as they are "forced" to work against her because who but a villain would want to go against such a wonder?), or they despise her because they are evil and she is the paragon of perfection. No one has any complexity or any motivation other than trying to have all the power, which means they obviously have to take Raven down because she is the most powerful one ever. Even one person who dares to doubt her is shown that he is only doubting her because he had a spell placed on him that compelled him to do so. Because how dare anyone even think to question the perfection that is Raven? I had some hope with the revenge storyline that seemed to start the book, but nope! Back to "people who want power are after Raven because she is so amazing" yet again. I would have killed for even one or two three-dimensional characters. Good, bad, neutral, anything. (Although more neutral characters also would have been a nice thing just on its own. Considering 90% of the people think Raven is amazing and the other 10% are evil.)

The romantic entanglements also seem like someone very immature wrote them. Even the guy who supposedly betrayed Raven still loves her and does things for her. Just because. And the whole "OMG, he thinks my drinking blood (excuse me... "claret") is icky! How can anyone think that! Our love is doomed!" Followed by of course him not having an issue with it because it is part of her and everything about her is perfect. There is no tension. No give and take or compromise. And thus, no interest.

I could forgive light characterization and immature romance if the plot were good. I have read many "brain candy" action stories before and enjoyed them. However, as I said above, there is no plot. No nuance or suspense. Once again it is a big bad who is entirely focused on Raven. And Raven is never allowed to do anything flawed or interesting. Take out 20 supernaturals with no lasting consequences? Sure! Why not? Let's do that several times! Even the sacrifice (which I don't know if it stuck, as just after that is when I stopped reading) had no impact. Of course everyone is willing to sacrifice themselves for Raven! I doubt there was any depth to it afterward. (Especially as it didn't seem like there would be any lasting consequences, what with the decision she made about it.) Where is a story of her failing at first and then figuring out how to do things. Or needing people with different skill sets to help her and work with her instead of her always knowing everything and instructing (or condescending to) others. I expect more out of a group of supernatural beings who have been around for hundreds of years than them being surpassed and bested time and time again by a young Mary Sue who inexplicably knows everything and can do everything. (Oh, I'm sorry, it's not inexplicable. It is magic because of her strong blood that no one else has ever.)

If you don't mind overpowered Mary Sue characters (which I know sometimes people like because of self-insert) and flimsy characterization, world-building, and plotting (again, lots of people like "brain candy" and that is fine), then this book might be just for you. If you want anything more, then I strongly suggest you look elsewhere.
Profile Image for Andrew.
677 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2017
I mentally equate the 4 parts of a thriller to a roller coaster. Exposition and conflict are the equivalent of that large climb at the beginning of the ride, until you get to the top – and that little pit in your stomach says that the climax is about to begin with a big drop and some really quick twists and turns along the way. Good writers can control the emotions like that.

Then, you get someone like Skye Knizley. In “Stormrage”, the 2nd book in the Storm Chronicles, Raven Storm continues to live her life through both her late father's influence as a police investigator – and her mother's, the vampire queen of Chicago. Ms. Knizley takes us for the emotional roller coaster ride described earlier – until you get to the climax, and realize that the author has located the roller coaster on top of a cliff! The inevitable drop, the twists and turns … you think you've been prepared, only to find out that you don't know the half of what's coming!

The first book in this series, Stormrise, was darned good. With the second, Ms. Knizley has set her bar even higher – and surpassed it. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment to find out what happens to Raven Storm, Det. Rupert Levac, Aspen Kincaid, and the supernatural underworld of Chicago.

RATING: 5 stars

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book. No obligations were requested nor bestowed other than an HONEST review.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 17, 2016
He Is Dead.... Right?


•••NOT for the homophobic or closedminded•••


This series must be read in order. The first book is Stormrise. This is the second book. I can't wait to read Stormwind!


Raven so did not realize the mess she was getting herself into when she killed her stepfather (who was supposed to be dead ages ago) but now she's in a bit over her head. There is a way going on over a dead man (she SWEARS she truly killed him forever like) and the renegades who want him to rule are seriously making her crazy. All she does all day every day is kill renegades ... Investigate crimes... And defend her family as the rightful rulers of the city. It is getting to be too much... Can't her siblings help even a little? So what if she's stronger... They ARE vampires after all!


Amazingly she still has the same partner and he's all in one piece ! Rupert and Raven are called Le Storm by the locals and are on a roll solving crimes and kicking butt. Then the past is brought glaringly back to haunt Raven in the form of the evil drug Thirst... And the bizarre murders that look like the end stages of Thirst Addiction. Thirst cost her her partner ... Her "little sister" and her job on vice squad... Raven is going to stop Thirst and the people who make it if it kills her. Poor Rupe has NO idea what they have gotten themselves into with this case or how far Raven will go to put it to bed for good... Preferably 6 ft under! How long can Rupert stay in the dark about the true nature of their cases? About Raven? Read it and see!


I personally believe this sequel was better than the original even if there was no real romance or sex or anything to classify it as an adult and not young adult book (other than the murders and their disturbingly graphic nature). I found it very realistic and refreshing that Raven did not rush off and jump into bed with anyone right away after François ripped her heart out. It isn't every day your lover drugs you and serves you on a silver platter to your mortal enemy after all :) If you liked the first book you will love this one I promise! I can't wait for the next book and really hope it is out soon!!!


***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy dark urban paranormal fantasy with an incredible snarky heroine who never gives up or gives in when pursuing justice in all forms and filled with action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, thrills and a dash of romance and plenty of horror laced with humor :)
Profile Image for Angus.
Author 9 books33 followers
May 22, 2014
Raven Storm, or Ray as her friends get to call her, is a tall red headed woman of mixed heritage. What I mean by mixed is she is part human and part vampire from birth. She can walk and kick ass day or night. As a police detective she is very close to the only partner that has ever survived the shrapnel of her very effective enforcement of justice. His name is Levac and between cheeseburgers or hot dogs he is only just starting to figure out what he has gotten into.

I enjoyed the way the authoress developed her protagonist in this book. Though I know it is the second in the series I was impressed at how it did not stagnate. Another feature of Raven that is commendable is that she does get injured and sometimes she makes mistakes. This is not typical of the current vampire works being turned out and it is refreshing.

So here is my parting thought on this book. Grab your copy, a cool drink and a quiet place to read. That will make the roar of the classic muscle cars, the shots from the Automag or Barrett, and the slicing of flesh come all that more alive in the great screen of your imagination. Four out of five awesomeness points. Well played.


http://www.amazon.com/Stormrage-Storm...
344 reviews13 followers
July 21, 2015
This is the second volume of the "The Storm Chronicles," trilogy. Often, I see a drop off, a sort of losing their way, in a lot of second books in trilogies. That is not the case here. This is an improvement over the opening volume, "Storm Rising." Here Raven has, from the last book, found a partner who can somehow keep up with her and has lived to tell the tale. We also meet a new member of her "team", an ally in the coroner's office.
Again, trying to summarize all the ins and outs of Knizley's version of vampire politics would be a waste of time. As is typical, the motives of the "bad guys" go back centuries and there are many out to either possess or kill Raven, a damphir, half human, half vamp, with many of the advantages of both. She is deadly.
As I wrote in my review of the first book, what keeps me reading is the fast-pace of the action, the amazing skill SK has at describing action/fight scenes and most of all, Raven, her protagonist, gets even snarlier and nastier in dealing with her adversaries. I love that about Raven. She kicks ass and has no time to take names. Very fast read, excellent second book in the trilogy, but do read the first one first. Great summer stuff.
Profile Image for W.H..
Author 2 books52 followers
February 21, 2016
Excellent installment!

Amazeballs!!! Miss Knizley has done it again in this second installment of the The Storm Chronicles, Stormrage, grabbed my attention and kept it there from page one...when I had to put it down... I found it stayed in the forefront of my mind!

Action packed from start to finish, filled with mystery, suspense, twisted turns and snark. Who is really behind all the darkness?

Raven and Rupert have their hands full with battling horrific evil... so vividly picturesque in it's presentation... I felt like I was right there with them... I Love that quality of writing and Miss Knizley does not disappoint.

I recommend this series to the +18 vampire readers out there who LOVE a strong female lead. Raven Storm is KICKASSERY BADNESS for sure!
Profile Image for Dena.
4,480 reviews12 followers
May 17, 2015
enemies on the inside

Poor Raven is betrayed and the funny thing is we saw it coming. We see that Raven is to caught up in her human responsibilities to notice the vampire rise towards her mother. She uses her title and the police to get what she wants. I want to know more about her and how the betrayal happened and why. I keep saying that most of these stories are about her cases in detail and everything else is glanced over very superficial. I'm hoping for more depth in the coming books.
Profile Image for Amanda Muller.
124 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2016
The author did it again.

Skye knows how to write and pull you into the book from page 1. It is all family and honor with Raven. Raven loves her family, while it can be frustrating at times. Honor to the badge And Furstin to her family. She will do all she can to protect them even from their own.

I found myself wanting and needing to see Raven and Levac come closer. Hoping there is something there. I can't wait to read the next installment of The Storm Chronicles
Profile Image for Evan.
13 reviews
January 7, 2015
Another strong offering by Knizley. It's not as strong as the first book, without as much focus on the police procedural elements. However, she does spend some time introducing Raven's partner into the paranormal world, which is very interesting and she handles it fairly well. She doesn't handle as well revelations about another member of the police force that is also somewhat involved in the paranormal world. regardless, I enjoyed the book enough that I've round this up from a 3.5 to a 4.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,920 reviews114 followers
February 17, 2015
This was an amazing and awesome book, that once I started reading I could not put it down. The action is so real like that you feel as though you are there with Raven and Rupert and experiencing what they do. The story is non stop and will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I think that this needs to be on every ones TBR list, there is no doubt about it.
Profile Image for Tia.
Author 10 books141 followers
February 14, 2015
I found this one pretty boring, yes, there was a bit of mystery but it was all of the same shit as the first novel, different pile, sort of deal. *Now that was a run on sentence!*

I can say I'm pretty disappointed, the first novel had so much flare and style, now I'm bummed out and thinking the third novel with be an extreme fail.

2.5 stars.
Profile Image for bunn3h.
79 reviews
July 29, 2014
I give it a 3.5 just like the first book because a lot of stuff was left out of the ending of both books. Both times I felt like I missed a chapters worth of aftermath of a fight only to be faced with a bland scene jump ending.
633 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2014
I didn't want this book to end!!!

I was so caught up in Storm and Lev story of fighting the unnatural. Family against family. Wrongs being corrected. I wish it could go on but all good things must come to an end. But maybe, I will wait and see!
86 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2015
My opinion of the book hasn't improved since book one. Stormrage is an read.

There is something about the story telling that kept me from really getting into the book or feeling captivated. I just can't quit put my finger on what.

I might still read book three though, since it's the last one.
12 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2016
Awesome Page Turner!

Fantastic plot! I truly enjoyed the roller coaster ride with the second book in the series. I look forward to the continued saga in book three. I am a fan of Le Storm!
Profile Image for Donna McDonald.
394 reviews
December 14, 2016
Impressive

Book 2 wonderful!! As a 1/2 vampire detective she gets all the weird cases saving her family and friends. Disappointed her handsome boyfriend delivered her to the enemy I am still hoping there is a method to his madness and all turns out. On to book 3
Profile Image for Vanessa .
306 reviews45 followers
June 4, 2014
The ending was pretty good in this one and darn it...now I have to read the third book!
Profile Image for Brittany Wendtland.
127 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2014
I loved this book better than the first! Again Raven Storm is one badass chick! Another page turner for me! Can't wait for Stormwind!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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