Stormfront: Stormbearers: Book 1

by Ess McKinney

Niki has always dreamed of becoming a Stormbearer, and getting all the glory that comes with it. But the dreams we have as kids don't always turn out how we'd expect them to and as Niki starts at the Stormfront Academy he realizes he was very wrong about his.

Izaya was always just focused on surviving. After running away his own country, he has been hiding from his own people amongst enemy lines. But one wrong move has him in those enemy hands and making a deal. Become a Stormbearer for them or face execution.

Both of them are willing to do whatever it takes to make it through the academy and become Stormbearers. Even if that means sabotaging the other when they make quick enemies out of each other.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

Reviews

[Brittney Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am reviewing on this. I enjoyed the characters in the book. Niki, Raska, and Izaya are lovable and a dynamic trio. I enjoyed getting to know them in this book. I enjoyed the premise of the book and was really excited to read it! I loved the trans character and the LGBTQIA+ representation in this story. I realized quickly that this book was primarily focused on the relationship between the characters and less on the world building and environment of the book. I don't have a good understanding of what exactly a stormbearer is, even after reading the book. I would love more information on what they are, how they came about, and what it means to people in the world to have stormbearers. I would love more information about the different powers or abilities that people have in the book. It is briefly talked about in regards to the main characters, but there isn't a breakdown of the different types of abilities and what they can or can't do. This would be super helpful! I have questions about why there is fighting between the countries mentioned in the book as well. What happened? What's the history there and how is it still going now? This is briefly hit on, but it left me with more questions than answers. The book felt a little choppy in areas with dialogue and transitions. Overall, I enjoyed the book and hope to read more from this author.

[Kaila Tomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as an ARC, and just like the other two of Ess McKinney’s books that I’ve read, this one did not disappoint! I love how her books just plop you right in the middle of things that have been happening in the world for some time. I love books with multiple POV! And with good LGBTQ+ representation. I can’t not wait to find out more about why and how the war started (I assume it will come as this story continues) though I would have liked to know more about the different types of abilities the stormbearers have, and just more about stormbearers in general. I was able to piece some of the abilities together throughout the story so far.
I will say that the characters are lovable. Niki just seems sweet. Izaya gets better as the book goes on. At the beginning he was rather annoying because he just seemed to be an ass for just because, but I do like that he does have character growth. And I can not wait for the story to continue!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I usually have a hard time following the changes in perspectives and get frustrated but the smooth transitions and incredible writing style make this one easy to follow. The story keeps you suckered in the entire time! So many emotions! I can't wait for another one!