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Storm Singer #1
Storm Singer
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief meets One Thousand and One Nights in this thrilling middle grade fantasy from Rick Riordan Presents author Sarwat Chadda about a girl with the magical power to control the elements with her song.
In a land ruled by fierce winged warriors known as eagle garudas, twelve-year-old Nargis is just a poor, lowly human, a Worm who hates the garudas that killed her parents. But even though she can’t fly—and her childhood attempt left her walking with a crutch—she is far from powerless. Nargis is a spirit able to coax small bits of wind, water, fire, and earth to do her bidding through song…well, sometimes.
When Nargis loses control of her power in a high-stakes kite fight, she is exiled. Cast into the desert, she discovers Mistral, an injured boy who turns out to be an eagle garuda, the prince of her enemies! He’s on a mission to take back his throne from a terrible vulture garuda. In spite of their mutual distrust, the two have no choice but to forge an unlikely alliance if they want to escape the desert alive.
And as Nargis and Mistral battle dangerous assassins, befriend crafty sky pirates, and sneak into the mysterious sky castle of Alamut, Nargis discovers she carries a family secret, one that could bring Monsoon’s rains back to the desert, but only if she’s willing to risk her life in the bargain…
In a land ruled by fierce winged warriors known as eagle garudas, twelve-year-old Nargis is just a poor, lowly human, a Worm who hates the garudas that killed her parents. But even though she can’t fly—and her childhood attempt left her walking with a crutch—she is far from powerless. Nargis is a spirit able to coax small bits of wind, water, fire, and earth to do her bidding through song…well, sometimes.
When Nargis loses control of her power in a high-stakes kite fight, she is exiled. Cast into the desert, she discovers Mistral, an injured boy who turns out to be an eagle garuda, the prince of her enemies! He’s on a mission to take back his throne from a terrible vulture garuda. In spite of their mutual distrust, the two have no choice but to forge an unlikely alliance if they want to escape the desert alive.
And as Nargis and Mistral battle dangerous assassins, befriend crafty sky pirates, and sneak into the mysterious sky castle of Alamut, Nargis discovers she carries a family secret, one that could bring Monsoon’s rains back to the desert, but only if she’s willing to risk her life in the bargain…
368 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2025
12 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Sarwat Chadda
60 books596 followersSarwat Chadda has lived and traveled throughout the world, from China to Guatemala. He’s been lost in Mongolia, abandoned at a volcano in Nicaragua and hidden up a tree from a rhino in Nepal. Not to mention being detained by Homeland Security in the US and chased around Tibet by the Chinese police. Maybe he just has that sort of face.
Anyway, now he’s trying to settle in one place and stay out of trouble. Hence his new career as a writer. It’s safe, indoors and avoids any form of physical danger.
Throughout his travels, Sarwat has soaked up the myths, legends and cultures of far away places. Now, with the Ash Mistry series, he aims to bring these unfamiliar tales of ten-headed demons and blue-skinned heroes back home and put them beside the exploits of Achilles and Thor. His heroes are Prince Rama and the demon-slaying Kali. Isn't it about time you met them too?
Anyway, now he’s trying to settle in one place and stay out of trouble. Hence his new career as a writer. It’s safe, indoors and avoids any form of physical danger.
Throughout his travels, Sarwat has soaked up the myths, legends and cultures of far away places. Now, with the Ash Mistry series, he aims to bring these unfamiliar tales of ten-headed demons and blue-skinned heroes back home and put them beside the exploits of Achilles and Thor. His heroes are Prince Rama and the demon-slaying Kali. Isn't it about time you met them too?
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 9, 2025
3.5 Stars
reminded me of why i love middle grade.
reminded me of why i love middle grade.
April 16, 2025
“‘Suddenly the fate of Bharat rested in my hands. So what else could I say?’
‘No. Absolutely not.’”
Storm Singer is a middle grade fantasy inspired by Indian mythology set in an ancient India (Bharat).
This was such a great MG story about friendships, fighting for justice for all, how power corrupts.
Nargis was such a great character, she is sarcastic & impulsive but cares deeply for her family & friends. She hates the garuda’s who rule Bharat because of the way they have oppressed the earthbound people & the cause of their suffering.
So she is reluctant to help the prince who is an eagle garuda, Mistral.
Mistral was such an interesting character, a young boy who carries all the prejudices of his privileged life but also wants to “fix” the problems. But as he travels with Nargis, he learns what the people he is supposed to look after, truly need & how his family have failed them as leaders. He realises things need to change, not just “fixed”
Nargis is a spirit singer, she can sing to the elements to encourage them to work for the people. It means she can encourage plants to grow, fire to burn & winds to storm. But she lacks control so it often causes more harm than good. And through her journey she learns to trust her self and her powers to help those around her with the help of Mistral as they slowly grow together & become friends.
One of my favourite things was the disability rep, Nargis has a disability & chronic pain in her hip & leg. She has to use a crutch & it affects her walking & impacts her as a person. She is in pain constantly but has found ways to manage it. She sees herself as a burden but those who love her don’t. They just help & adjust to help her as she needs it without making her feel less.
This is such a great story & with characters you will root for & villains who you will love to hate & at the root of the story is about building a better world for everyone even if it means tearing down the old system.
‘No. Absolutely not.’”
Storm Singer is a middle grade fantasy inspired by Indian mythology set in an ancient India (Bharat).
This was such a great MG story about friendships, fighting for justice for all, how power corrupts.
Nargis was such a great character, she is sarcastic & impulsive but cares deeply for her family & friends. She hates the garuda’s who rule Bharat because of the way they have oppressed the earthbound people & the cause of their suffering.
So she is reluctant to help the prince who is an eagle garuda, Mistral.
Mistral was such an interesting character, a young boy who carries all the prejudices of his privileged life but also wants to “fix” the problems. But as he travels with Nargis, he learns what the people he is supposed to look after, truly need & how his family have failed them as leaders. He realises things need to change, not just “fixed”
Nargis is a spirit singer, she can sing to the elements to encourage them to work for the people. It means she can encourage plants to grow, fire to burn & winds to storm. But she lacks control so it often causes more harm than good. And through her journey she learns to trust her self and her powers to help those around her with the help of Mistral as they slowly grow together & become friends.
One of my favourite things was the disability rep, Nargis has a disability & chronic pain in her hip & leg. She has to use a crutch & it affects her walking & impacts her as a person. She is in pain constantly but has found ways to manage it. She sees herself as a burden but those who love her don’t. They just help & adjust to help her as she needs it without making her feel less.
This is such a great story & with characters you will root for & villains who you will love to hate & at the root of the story is about building a better world for everyone even if it means tearing down the old system.
April 8, 2025
What worked:
The author creates an imaginative world where birdlike creatures rule over the humans. The garuda call humans Worms because they’re a lower life form, barely worth worrying about. Nargis finds an injured eagle garuda named Mistral, although she likes to call him Birdy. Raptor garudas are the most powerful, and Birdy’s father was the ruler before being captured by a vulture garuda named Shamshir. As you can see, the characters live in a caste system with humans at the bottom. Normally, characters aren’t able to move to higher caste levels, but Mistral’s father has ideas that are not popular among many garudas. The sarcastic banter between Mistral and Nargis is a highlight.
Young readers will root for Nargis, as she’s an unlikely hero. She seems feeble due to her damaged leg and the fact that she must use a crutch carved by her deceased father. She’s been ostracized from her village and lives in a small hut with her Baba. Her lone friend is Arjuna, owned by the greedy, ruthless man controlling the village. Nargis has a magical ability to control the spirits, although she still needs to learn that they can’t be ordered to help. Her songs asking for help have good intentions but the spirits don’t always act as she wants. Readers will wonder why Shamshir wants her dead once he learns Nargis’s connection to her father.
The setting is very important to the events, so readers are constantly reminded of the harsh, dry, barren lands. Nargis assumes her village is worse off than most others until she discovers they’re more fortunate. Nargis and Baba have a well that provides small amounts of water, but the stream running by the village is tainted with yellow poison. Nargis and Baba use spirit singing to help their small garden survive, but everyone else struggles for food. Nargis is banished from the village and ventures into the severe terrain, which reminds readers that it’s unforgiving. The hostile environment forces all the caste groups into competition for survival, with the strongest typically surviving.
What didn’t work as well:
The crippling of Nargis’s leg is a little confusing, as she seems to move about better than expected. The author emphasizes the pain and cramping she experiences, but she’s still able to travel across rocky, hilly terrain and scale a ladder. Also, there isn’t any technology in the book; bows, arrows, spears, and clubs are used as weapons, but Shamshir has a cannon called the Dragon. It’s powerful enough to wipe out a whole village, but its power doesn’t fit the context of the overall book.
The final verdict:
Nargis’s sympathetic character highlights the book, as her story is literally spiritual. The author saves some surprises for later in the book, as Nargis learns of her father’s history with the garudas. I recommend you give this book a shot.
The author creates an imaginative world where birdlike creatures rule over the humans. The garuda call humans Worms because they’re a lower life form, barely worth worrying about. Nargis finds an injured eagle garuda named Mistral, although she likes to call him Birdy. Raptor garudas are the most powerful, and Birdy’s father was the ruler before being captured by a vulture garuda named Shamshir. As you can see, the characters live in a caste system with humans at the bottom. Normally, characters aren’t able to move to higher caste levels, but Mistral’s father has ideas that are not popular among many garudas. The sarcastic banter between Mistral and Nargis is a highlight.
Young readers will root for Nargis, as she’s an unlikely hero. She seems feeble due to her damaged leg and the fact that she must use a crutch carved by her deceased father. She’s been ostracized from her village and lives in a small hut with her Baba. Her lone friend is Arjuna, owned by the greedy, ruthless man controlling the village. Nargis has a magical ability to control the spirits, although she still needs to learn that they can’t be ordered to help. Her songs asking for help have good intentions but the spirits don’t always act as she wants. Readers will wonder why Shamshir wants her dead once he learns Nargis’s connection to her father.
The setting is very important to the events, so readers are constantly reminded of the harsh, dry, barren lands. Nargis assumes her village is worse off than most others until she discovers they’re more fortunate. Nargis and Baba have a well that provides small amounts of water, but the stream running by the village is tainted with yellow poison. Nargis and Baba use spirit singing to help their small garden survive, but everyone else struggles for food. Nargis is banished from the village and ventures into the severe terrain, which reminds readers that it’s unforgiving. The hostile environment forces all the caste groups into competition for survival, with the strongest typically surviving.
What didn’t work as well:
The crippling of Nargis’s leg is a little confusing, as she seems to move about better than expected. The author emphasizes the pain and cramping she experiences, but she’s still able to travel across rocky, hilly terrain and scale a ladder. Also, there isn’t any technology in the book; bows, arrows, spears, and clubs are used as weapons, but Shamshir has a cannon called the Dragon. It’s powerful enough to wipe out a whole village, but its power doesn’t fit the context of the overall book.
The final verdict:
Nargis’s sympathetic character highlights the book, as her story is literally spiritual. The author saves some surprises for later in the book, as Nargis learns of her father’s history with the garudas. I recommend you give this book a shot.
May 8, 2025
This is a fast-paced novel, mixing the garuda of mythology with a girl who has song-based powers. Garuda - humanoid beings with functional wings - live in the sky; the call humans "worms", and treat them as slaves, based on their inability to fly, and use them for cheap labor. But Nargis is different than most of the humans around her - she can perform magic when she sings. When Nargis and her friend Arjuna find a lost and injured garuda - and not just any garuda, but a member of the Raptor class, the rulers of all the garuda - they form an unlikely friendship as they try to help Mistral, the wounded garuda, return to his home and overthrow the rebel who killed his father and tried to kill him.
The three are unlikely companions; Mistral is a historical enemy, but he is wounded and alone, and all three are adolescents. Nargis is an outcast, both because of her deformity (caused by an injury when she fell out of a tree as a child and permanently damaged one leg) and because she and her grandfather are the only magic users anyone knows - feared for their gift, but needed for it as well, because their healing magic enables the few remaining crops to survive the ongoing drought. Together, the three youths set out to return Mistral to his home, and along the way, Nargis finds out things she never knew about her parents, and also that she can end the drought and save the world, but only if she's willing to destroy her society in the process. This novel is appropriate for, and will be enjoyed by, readers of all ages.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The three are unlikely companions; Mistral is a historical enemy, but he is wounded and alone, and all three are adolescents. Nargis is an outcast, both because of her deformity (caused by an injury when she fell out of a tree as a child and permanently damaged one leg) and because she and her grandfather are the only magic users anyone knows - feared for their gift, but needed for it as well, because their healing magic enables the few remaining crops to survive the ongoing drought. Together, the three youths set out to return Mistral to his home, and along the way, Nargis finds out things she never knew about her parents, and also that she can end the drought and save the world, but only if she's willing to destroy her society in the process. This novel is appropriate for, and will be enjoyed by, readers of all ages.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2025
4 ⭐ CW: violence, death of a parent mention
The Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda is a middle grade stand alone fantasy using Hindu mythology. I received an arc of this book from a friend. I have come to really enjoy Chadda's MG works. I love the focus on friendships and the great messages within the stories. Plus it's nice to see more South Asian representation.
We follow Nargis, a spirit singer that can command the elemental spirits through song. She lives in Bharat, a world ruled by Garudas, fierce winged warriors, that murdered her parents. When she stumbles upon Mistral, the crown Prince of the garudas, and helps him. She is pulled into his orbit, and travels the desert with him to help get his kingdom back from an usurper. But Nargis finds there is even greater magic at stake that could save the kingdom.
Nargis is a wonderful main character! We get a very grumpy, disabled FMC. We don't get to see a lot of female characters be grumpy, stubborn, and hotheaded, but we get that with Nargis. Her best friend Arjuna is, of course her sunshine counterpart. He's charming, and usually convinces Nargis to entertain her compassionate side. There are several other female side characters that I also really enjoyed. This is a story about the dangers and pitfalls of pride. We get themes about oppression and privilege, and how it's easy to hate a group of people when you have never interacted with them. The message here is clear: we all have more in common than not. We all live on this Earth, we all need water and food.
Nargis being a spirit singer was a cool device, and I'd like to see more of that in stories. This was such a fun read. This title is available on April 15th.
The Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda is a middle grade stand alone fantasy using Hindu mythology. I received an arc of this book from a friend. I have come to really enjoy Chadda's MG works. I love the focus on friendships and the great messages within the stories. Plus it's nice to see more South Asian representation.
We follow Nargis, a spirit singer that can command the elemental spirits through song. She lives in Bharat, a world ruled by Garudas, fierce winged warriors, that murdered her parents. When she stumbles upon Mistral, the crown Prince of the garudas, and helps him. She is pulled into his orbit, and travels the desert with him to help get his kingdom back from an usurper. But Nargis finds there is even greater magic at stake that could save the kingdom.
Nargis is a wonderful main character! We get a very grumpy, disabled FMC. We don't get to see a lot of female characters be grumpy, stubborn, and hotheaded, but we get that with Nargis. Her best friend Arjuna is, of course her sunshine counterpart. He's charming, and usually convinces Nargis to entertain her compassionate side. There are several other female side characters that I also really enjoyed. This is a story about the dangers and pitfalls of pride. We get themes about oppression and privilege, and how it's easy to hate a group of people when you have never interacted with them. The message here is clear: we all have more in common than not. We all live on this Earth, we all need water and food.
Nargis being a spirit singer was a cool device, and I'd like to see more of that in stories. This was such a fun read. This title is available on April 15th.
August 3, 2025
Well, this was different. I was thinking during most of it, that Nargis was going to avenge her parents deaths and then live happily ever after. The way many fantasy goes. I should have known better with Chadda as author. I also wasn’t so sure I liked Nargis. I’m still not sure, but she grew and changed during this story into a more mature person who made a choice not based on hatred but love of the world and its people.
In some ways it felt a bit simplistic with a villain who seemed just a plain nasty garuda, no redeeming features. Until you discover that wasn’t the real villain. I’m not too sure we have discovered all the secrets of this world. I will say that Monsoon is both a complex and powerful, but also too simple, spirit for this story. More of a 3 star story in many ways but retaining that fourth star for sheer creativity and for the beautiful writing towards the climax. I also appreciate a main character being disabled in a similar way to one of my disabilities. The pain is described so vividly! But you never really see Nargis just whine about it. She mentions the pain then gets on with what needs to be done. Or (reluctantly and grumpily) accepts help from one of her friends.
And, I got to admit, the love and admiration that Chadda had for his father whom he dedicated the book to and explained why in a beautifully written eulogy, also got me to raise the number of stars. Definitely recommended. I’m hoping there will be more to this series!
In some ways it felt a bit simplistic with a villain who seemed just a plain nasty garuda, no redeeming features. Until you discover that wasn’t the real villain. I’m not too sure we have discovered all the secrets of this world. I will say that Monsoon is both a complex and powerful, but also too simple, spirit for this story. More of a 3 star story in many ways but retaining that fourth star for sheer creativity and for the beautiful writing towards the climax. I also appreciate a main character being disabled in a similar way to one of my disabilities. The pain is described so vividly! But you never really see Nargis just whine about it. She mentions the pain then gets on with what needs to be done. Or (reluctantly and grumpily) accepts help from one of her friends.
And, I got to admit, the love and admiration that Chadda had for his father whom he dedicated the book to and explained why in a beautifully written eulogy, also got me to raise the number of stars. Definitely recommended. I’m hoping there will be more to this series!
April 20, 2025
🌪️✨ Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda is an electrifying middle grade fantasy that had me hooked from the very first chapter. With vivid worldbuilding, strong characters, and a totally original magic system, this is the kind of story that sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
The magic system is fresh and creative—songs that call on wind, fire, water, and earth? Yes, please! And the world is stunning, from endless desert landscapes to sky castles and monsoon legends.
Nargis is a fantastic protagonist—fierce, flawed, and full of heart. I also adored Mistral, who grows so much over the course of the book, and Baba, her kind and wise grandfather. There’s also a deeply satisfying family mystery that gives the story emotional weight and keeps you turning pages.
I also appreciated the disability rep—Nargis uses a crutch, and it's portrayed as a natural part of her journey, not a limitation.
A magical, heartfelt fantasy with rich culture, high-stakes adventure, and unforgettable characters. Middle grade readers will love it—and so will adults!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review!
Be sure to enter my giveaway on my blog to win my copy of this book! https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting...
The magic system is fresh and creative—songs that call on wind, fire, water, and earth? Yes, please! And the world is stunning, from endless desert landscapes to sky castles and monsoon legends.
Nargis is a fantastic protagonist—fierce, flawed, and full of heart. I also adored Mistral, who grows so much over the course of the book, and Baba, her kind and wise grandfather. There’s also a deeply satisfying family mystery that gives the story emotional weight and keeps you turning pages.
I also appreciated the disability rep—Nargis uses a crutch, and it's portrayed as a natural part of her journey, not a limitation.
A magical, heartfelt fantasy with rich culture, high-stakes adventure, and unforgettable characters. Middle grade readers will love it—and so will adults!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review!
Be sure to enter my giveaway on my blog to win my copy of this book! https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting...
June 10, 2025
Full disclosure, I have no idea how much of this is based on Hindu belief and where the line between it and the Muslim author's imagination starts and ends. I read this book because I enjoy the author's writing style. He consistently writes quality MG fantasy: some with a lot of Islam, some tinged for readers that might see snippets woven in, and some none at all. This book, has a single salam in a sea of namastes, a Sheikhah and Sheikh in a cast of garudas, but nothing more. Ultimately, the story is delightful, the protagonist likeable, the supporting cast comical, fallible, and endearing.
The author says in the backmatter and in online interviews, that the story was inspired by the have and the have nots, the isolation of Covid, and the love and loss of his father, thus allowing a fantasy world that is easily accessible to those of us not naturally drawn to the genre. Family, friendship, hope, and survival are familiar themes that relate to all, no matter if you are a worm, a flying garuda, a sky sailor/pirate, or a roc rider. The world building is well done and the desi setting, that isn't focused on jinns is so desperately needed and appreciated.
An easy recommendation for all middle grade readers.
The author says in the backmatter and in online interviews, that the story was inspired by the have and the have nots, the isolation of Covid, and the love and loss of his father, thus allowing a fantasy world that is easily accessible to those of us not naturally drawn to the genre. Family, friendship, hope, and survival are familiar themes that relate to all, no matter if you are a worm, a flying garuda, a sky sailor/pirate, or a roc rider. The world building is well done and the desi setting, that isn't focused on jinns is so desperately needed and appreciated.
An easy recommendation for all middle grade readers.
March 19, 2025
Sarwat Chadda has such a gift for middle grade fantasy. The true fantasy maestros understand that kids need more than just pretty stories. They need imagination and danger.
Chadda's characters do, in fact, face dangers - but these characters, like the kids who read them, are brave & resilient.
Nargis is one of Chadda's best. Creative and brave but also carrying her fears and the weight of the world.
We jump into the world with Nargis experiencing one of her darkest moments: "Then Mommy screams. I've never heard her make a sound like that. It's the sound you might make when your world ends. She stops, just like that. The silence is more horrible than her scream."
And there's just enough magic and joy sprinkled in to make this story un-put-down-able! Did I mention pirates? (There's pirates!) And wings? Icarus?
"I had a million reasons why I shouldn't, and only one why I should. Mistral. Every now and then you had to do the right thing, no matter what."
Nargis is the hero you've been seeking. And Sarwat Chadda is the writer you've always wanted to share with your middle grade readers.
"Why do you cry, child? ... I offer you the world!"
"My tears were for them all."
Chadda's characters do, in fact, face dangers - but these characters, like the kids who read them, are brave & resilient.
Nargis is one of Chadda's best. Creative and brave but also carrying her fears and the weight of the world.
We jump into the world with Nargis experiencing one of her darkest moments: "Then Mommy screams. I've never heard her make a sound like that. It's the sound you might make when your world ends. She stops, just like that. The silence is more horrible than her scream."
And there's just enough magic and joy sprinkled in to make this story un-put-down-able! Did I mention pirates? (There's pirates!) And wings? Icarus?
"I had a million reasons why I shouldn't, and only one why I should. Mistral. Every now and then you had to do the right thing, no matter what."
Nargis is the hero you've been seeking. And Sarwat Chadda is the writer you've always wanted to share with your middle grade readers.
"Why do you cry, child? ... I offer you the world!"
"My tears were for them all."
April 30, 2025
I listened to this on audio with my 9 year old 3rd grader. We both loved it and kept looking for time when we could listen together.
Nargis lost her parents when she was young and she knows a Garuda killed them. Garuda are the winged creatures that rule humans and while humans work all day, Garuda's benefit from their labor. When she finds a Garuda, injured and unconscious, she doesn't want anything to do with him. She's just been banished from her village and doesn't need any more trouble. Her friend Arjun can't walk away though and offers to help him. Turns out he's not just any Garuda, he's a prince on the run from the fierce Shamsheer. His parents are being held captive and he's determined to stop Shamsheer.
Nargis and Mistral form.an unlikely pair, can they learn to work together to save what's left of their lives?
I would recommend this as a read aloud for younger kids or as a great family read to enjoy together. I liked hearing about the spirits and the plot twists as Nargis and Mistral journeyed throughout the book.
Thank you to Simon Audio for a copy to review.
Nargis lost her parents when she was young and she knows a Garuda killed them. Garuda are the winged creatures that rule humans and while humans work all day, Garuda's benefit from their labor. When she finds a Garuda, injured and unconscious, she doesn't want anything to do with him. She's just been banished from her village and doesn't need any more trouble. Her friend Arjun can't walk away though and offers to help him. Turns out he's not just any Garuda, he's a prince on the run from the fierce Shamsheer. His parents are being held captive and he's determined to stop Shamsheer.
Nargis and Mistral form.an unlikely pair, can they learn to work together to save what's left of their lives?
I would recommend this as a read aloud for younger kids or as a great family read to enjoy together. I liked hearing about the spirits and the plot twists as Nargis and Mistral journeyed throughout the book.
Thank you to Simon Audio for a copy to review.
April 8, 2025
Nargis is not the most imposing of humans, but she possesses a power that many would be thrilled to have. She also relies on a crutch due to a past injury, and Nargis has crafted strong walls to protect her from the comments of others as she works to improve her abilities as a spirit singer. When a young prince of the garuda–the sky people who rule over Nargis’ homeland–unexpectedly arrives in their midst, Nargis knows danger is not far behind. And as the unlikely companions are forced into an adventure together, they must rely on each other's strengths and abilities in order to survive. This engaging fantasy adventure introduces readers to the fictional land of Bharat, which shares customs and culture with India while simultaneously existing as its own unique world. Nargis is the primary protagonist, and the narrative is told in the first person from Nargis’ perspective. Rough around the edges and wary of strangers, Nargis is a difficult character with whom to connect. However, as the story unfolds, both Nargis and her garuda companion begin to soften, seeing their world through one another's eyes. Though there are no illustrations, the imagery created by the text is memorable, and readers will be nonetheless immersed in the story. Best for confident middle grade readers due to the length and complexity of the story, this novel is an enjoyable fantasy adventure that will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Filled with themes of friendship, acceptance, and bravery, this novel is a positive addition to library collections for confident middle grade readers and up.
January 8, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
My readers have really changed over the last fifteen years, but they must be the only middle grade readers who aren't consuming a lot of fantasty. There are so many fantastic titles out there, but I'm buying fewer and fewer, especially since my students also have lost their desire to read series. I probably won't purchase this title for lack of interest, but if you know die hard fantasy fans, definitely recommend it.
Nargis, who can command the elements, lives with her Baba after the deaths of her parents, purportedly at the hands of thieves. When she runs afoul of Pandit, who has her best friend Arjuna sold into his service, she is exiled, and has a lot of adventures with Mistral, who is a member of the eagle Garuda, who tax the residents and take their food. I loved Chadda's City of the Plague God series, but I have several action and adventure series with connection to Indian folklore and legend that I can't get my readers to check out.
My readers have really changed over the last fifteen years, but they must be the only middle grade readers who aren't consuming a lot of fantasty. There are so many fantastic titles out there, but I'm buying fewer and fewer, especially since my students also have lost their desire to read series. I probably won't purchase this title for lack of interest, but if you know die hard fantasy fans, definitely recommend it.
Nargis, who can command the elements, lives with her Baba after the deaths of her parents, purportedly at the hands of thieves. When she runs afoul of Pandit, who has her best friend Arjuna sold into his service, she is exiled, and has a lot of adventures with Mistral, who is a member of the eagle Garuda, who tax the residents and take their food. I loved Chadda's City of the Plague God series, but I have several action and adventure series with connection to Indian folklore and legend that I can't get my readers to check out.
May 14, 2025
The Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda is a fun fantastical adventure on another world divided into those who live on the earth, Earthbound, and those who live in the sky, the Garudas and the Roc. The tenuous “peace” is ready to break at any moment and it will be deadly. Nargis was five when her parents were murdered, now living with her maternal grandfather, she’s learned a bit of her ancestral magic, singing to the elements, which tends to lead her into trouble. And the biggest trouble yet, is the injured garuda, Mistral, who actually is the crown prince. Nargis is a fighter who hids a sweet heart and refuses to let any limitations, including a childhood injury, keep her from doing what’s right. Loveable, enjoyable, full of action, The Storm Singer was a definite pager turner for me and I wouldn’t mind another Nargis and Mistral adventure next year…
February 19, 2025
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Woah, this was awesome! There is so much tension between the poverty that Nargis experiences and the fear of the Garuda and the ways they oppress humans. I really loved the layering of various story elements, and the reveals about Nargis’ father as well as what’s going on with Mistral’s family and the Garuda kingdom. This is a really great story and I kind of hope there’ll be more, though this is definitely a complete story. I had a lot of fun with this once I got into it and got to a point where I couldn’t put it down cuz I needed to see how things would resolve. A wonderfully engaging story with interesting characters and complicated motivations.
Woah, this was awesome! There is so much tension between the poverty that Nargis experiences and the fear of the Garuda and the ways they oppress humans. I really loved the layering of various story elements, and the reveals about Nargis’ father as well as what’s going on with Mistral’s family and the Garuda kingdom. This is a really great story and I kind of hope there’ll be more, though this is definitely a complete story. I had a lot of fun with this once I got into it and got to a point where I couldn’t put it down cuz I needed to see how things would resolve. A wonderfully engaging story with interesting characters and complicated motivations.
March 31, 2025
I loved that this book allowed for what at the start of the book were two different communities, to see each other in a light where they found value and appreciation for what each different culture had to offer. Nargis is a strong character who will do anything to fight for her people and Nargis while self-centered at the start of the book grows to see value in others and creates a friendship that allows him to see why his father wanted to give Nargis people power that previously they didn’t have in this dynamic world. I think that young readers will be swept away by this fantastic fantasy world.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
March 8, 2025
Nargis is a twelve year old orphan living in a time when there are land people and garudas, eagle warriors. Nargis can't fly, but she is able to sing to the elements and they will do what she asks. She has hated all garudas since they killed her parents, but finds herself helping one, a boy named Mistral. Through their adventure, their mistrust slowly becomes friendship.
I plan to purchase this title for my students to enjoy. I teach sixth grade and know I have several students this will appeal to. This is a good middle school fantasy read!
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I plan to purchase this title for my students to enjoy. I teach sixth grade and know I have several students this will appeal to. This is a good middle school fantasy read!
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2026
This is a middle grade fantasy adventure that has great worldbuilding and adventure elements. The main character has to let go of some of her prejudices to work with what she considers an enemy. I also really appreciated the disability representation.
This is great for fans of Rick Riordan, especially readers interested in exploring fantasy that issn’t as heavily based in European middle ages.
This is great for fans of Rick Riordan, especially readers interested in exploring fantasy that issn’t as heavily based in European middle ages.
April 16, 2025
👦🏻 reviews: This book reminds me one of Rick Riordan’s books about slaying the devil and forging a friendship with a rival. The chasing and actions have renewed my curiosity about the characters and their motivations. Also, I like the cover of the book because it simply gives the reader a chance to imagine what could be going on inside of the book. It is an easy read and fast paced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
I enjoyed this action adventure book. So many wonderful aspects and details of a culture I know very little of. I think my middle school students will enjoy reading this fast paced story with fun characters.
June 3, 2025
Beginning in the village of Lalpani and narrated by Nargis, as a child, Nargis witnessed the murder of her parents.
Years later, Nargis finds an injured Garuda in a dry river bed.
A fun adventure that draws inspiration from Pakistani folklore.
Years later, Nargis finds an injured Garuda in a dry river bed.
A fun adventure that draws inspiration from Pakistani folklore.
May 28, 2025
Somewhere between three and four stars
June 16, 2025
I was 200 pages into it before I knew it. Great tension, interesting cast of characters, nice reveal of secrets from the past, and a gutsy heroine.
October 15, 2025
this was fun :3 interesting world building and characters for a younger audience
obvi im reading an ARC copy so i will ignore the typos lol
obvi im reading an ARC copy so i will ignore the typos lol
October 16, 2025
I liked how this was kinda like Skyborn.
January 9, 2025
An adventure-filled and exciting story about a girl with powers is my cup of tea. Whenever I review MG books, I like to look at it from the perspective of a child in that age range. The writing, the plot, the character arcs, and entertainment are absolutely perfect.
The only criticisms I have are the formatting and definitions. There are many words being thrown at the readers and while some of them are defined, there are some that are hard to understand. Words like garuda and patang are defined but Pandit was a little hard to grasp. Growing up, I thought it meant priest? The book shows the village's Pandit to be a mayor or governor. There are many other words in the book that could use a clearer definition, especially if the reader didn't grow up learning about them. As for the formatting, the main character's thoughts could've been italicized. Yes, it's in first person POV but having that italicized font would help the text flow easier.
My rating: 4.5/5. Thank you so much Sarwat Chadda for gifting me a copy! It was a delightful read.
The only criticisms I have are the formatting and definitions. There are many words being thrown at the readers and while some of them are defined, there are some that are hard to understand. Words like garuda and patang are defined but Pandit was a little hard to grasp. Growing up, I thought it meant priest? The book shows the village's Pandit to be a mayor or governor. There are many other words in the book that could use a clearer definition, especially if the reader didn't grow up learning about them. As for the formatting, the main character's thoughts could've been italicized. Yes, it's in first person POV but having that italicized font would help the text flow easier.
My rating: 4.5/5. Thank you so much Sarwat Chadda for gifting me a copy! It was a delightful read.
May 25, 2025
Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda follows a young disabled girl named Nargis, who helps a stranger find his family. Twelve-year-old Nargis is a poor human living in a world ruled by fierce winged warriors known as garudas. The eagle garudas are considered royalty, and their word is law. Nargis dislikes the garudas because she knows they killed her parent, despite everyone else claiming it was bandits.
Nargis is left disabled after a childhood attempt to fly like one of the garudas. She walks with a crutch after the accident. While she appears powerless, Nargis is a spirit singer, capable of controlling the elements through song.
Nargis is persuaded to participate in a kite fight with the son of the ruler village. She attempts to use her powers to win the battle but loses control and is subsequently exiled. As she walks to her new home in the desert, she encounters an injured person. After helping him to safety, she realizes the injured boy, Mistral, is an eagle garuda.
Mistral is on a mission to return home and reclaim the throne from the usurpers. However, he needs allies and the means to get back home. Unwillingly, he enlists Nargis's help for his mission. Both Nargis and Mistral would rather not work together and would prefer to be anywhere else; however, they must join forces if they want to protect those they love.
The novel is an entertaining read, though it lacks twists or turns. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. The world-building was vibrant, and I felt as if I were there. I liked the characters and their interactions. I was curious about what would happen between Nargis and Mistral. I appreciated that this wasn’t a love story, but more about two people becoming unlikely friends in a difficult situation. I would love to read more adventures from the author!
Nargis is left disabled after a childhood attempt to fly like one of the garudas. She walks with a crutch after the accident. While she appears powerless, Nargis is a spirit singer, capable of controlling the elements through song.
Nargis is persuaded to participate in a kite fight with the son of the ruler village. She attempts to use her powers to win the battle but loses control and is subsequently exiled. As she walks to her new home in the desert, she encounters an injured person. After helping him to safety, she realizes the injured boy, Mistral, is an eagle garuda.
Mistral is on a mission to return home and reclaim the throne from the usurpers. However, he needs allies and the means to get back home. Unwillingly, he enlists Nargis's help for his mission. Both Nargis and Mistral would rather not work together and would prefer to be anywhere else; however, they must join forces if they want to protect those they love.
The novel is an entertaining read, though it lacks twists or turns. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. The world-building was vibrant, and I felt as if I were there. I liked the characters and their interactions. I was curious about what would happen between Nargis and Mistral. I appreciated that this wasn’t a love story, but more about two people becoming unlikely friends in a difficult situation. I would love to read more adventures from the author!
September 30, 2025
Some humor.
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