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Secrets of the Storm #1
Secret of the Storm: Secret of the Storm Series, Book 1
Cassie King's father told her the universe was on her side, although lately it doesn't really feel like that's true.
The only thing Cassie enjoys is the volunteer work she does at her local library with her classmate and kind-of friend Joe. After a very intense storm, they discover an abandoned kitten. Figuring the kitten needs a friend just as much as she does, Cassie names him Albert and takes him home with her.
Soon Cassie begins to notice that Albert is acting . . . strange. He seems to have impossible strength. Cassie swears she sees plumes of smoke rising from his water bowl. And one day, while Albert is in the room, a unique symbol appears on Cassie's closet door.
After a bit more investigating, it turns out that the symbol isn't so random, and neither was that weird storm that occurred when they first found Albert outside. Albert is not really a cat at all, and he has links to a historic and incredibly strong dragon world, a world that once had an alliance with the human one. But a breach in this usually well-oiled machine has put everyone-including Cassie and Joe—in grave danger. And their biggest enemy is closer than they ever imagined.
The only thing Cassie enjoys is the volunteer work she does at her local library with her classmate and kind-of friend Joe. After a very intense storm, they discover an abandoned kitten. Figuring the kitten needs a friend just as much as she does, Cassie names him Albert and takes him home with her.
Soon Cassie begins to notice that Albert is acting . . . strange. He seems to have impossible strength. Cassie swears she sees plumes of smoke rising from his water bowl. And one day, while Albert is in the room, a unique symbol appears on Cassie's closet door.
After a bit more investigating, it turns out that the symbol isn't so random, and neither was that weird storm that occurred when they first found Albert outside. Albert is not really a cat at all, and he has links to a historic and incredibly strong dragon world, a world that once had an alliance with the human one. But a breach in this usually well-oiled machine has put everyone-including Cassie and Joe—in grave danger. And their biggest enemy is closer than they ever imagined.
Audible Audio
First published March 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Beth McMullen
19 books225 followersBeth McMullen lives with her family and an assortment of pets in Davis, CA. She writes for adults and kids. Look for Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls from Aladdin/S&S in July 4, 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 29, 2022
I loved this middle-grade mystery; it's one of those books that deserves a spotlight.
The action and adventure is great, but what I loved most was the friendship between Cassie and Joe. Strong writing and a compelling story. Recommended for all MG readers, young and old.
The action and adventure is great, but what I loved most was the friendship between Cassie and Joe. Strong writing and a compelling story. Recommended for all MG readers, young and old.
October 22, 2022
I will be honest: reading right now is challenging. I was pleasantly surprised when I finished this story in one weekend! It was such a pleasure to find myself reading Beth McMullen's voice again. Her writing is succinct and action-packed, full of imagination and also real-life conflicts and emotions. I found myself laughing out loud at certain points. She knows how to write for middle grade readers and she does it well! I had fun reading for the first time in awhile, and I can't wait for book two!
July 21, 2025
Read this solo to screen for my young daughter and I just know she’s going to love this storyline. She loves kittens and dragons and this book features both topics! Initially read as a library ebook and finished it today, immediately ordering both this novel and its sequel in print. Super well done!
July 25, 2022
What do black holes, the FBI, and a kitten that smells like burned plastic have in common?
August 6, 2022
When twelve-year old Cassie King's father dies, her mother retreats from the world and Cassie. Cassie feels like she's lost two parents and has no one to talk to or share secrets with. Cassie can't turn to her ex-best friend since her friend ditched her for the popular kids. The only outlet Cassie has is her volunteer work at the library where she spends hours with her "sort of" friend Joe.
Nothing ever happens in their boring town of Lewistown, California, until one day Cassie and Joe are trapped in an alley during a violent, magical storm. After lightning strikes a dumpster near them, the storm subsides and Cassie hears an animal crying. She discovers a tiny black kitten survived the strike and appears somehow unhurt. She names the kitten Albert and takes him home.
Soon Albert becomes something more than a tiny kitten and Cassie and Joe discover what Albert truly is and where he came from. Albert has unbelievable strength for a tiny cat and a symbol appears to Cassie. She thinks the symbol is a map, but doesn't know where the map is goes to. Lewistown is suddenly much more dangerous, yet exciting place.
Cassie's goal is to protect Albert no matter what. With Joe's help, the two discover pieces of Albert's past. Miss Asher, the librarian, has secrets and is "the best librarian ever." Who doesn't love a librarian with a past?
A cliffhanger ending leaves readers wanting more, and Book 2 is already released!
Highly recommended grade 5 and up. For readers who love dragons and fantasy.
Nothing ever happens in their boring town of Lewistown, California, until one day Cassie and Joe are trapped in an alley during a violent, magical storm. After lightning strikes a dumpster near them, the storm subsides and Cassie hears an animal crying. She discovers a tiny black kitten survived the strike and appears somehow unhurt. She names the kitten Albert and takes him home.
Soon Albert becomes something more than a tiny kitten and Cassie and Joe discover what Albert truly is and where he came from. Albert has unbelievable strength for a tiny cat and a symbol appears to Cassie. She thinks the symbol is a map, but doesn't know where the map is goes to. Lewistown is suddenly much more dangerous, yet exciting place.
Cassie's goal is to protect Albert no matter what. With Joe's help, the two discover pieces of Albert's past. Miss Asher, the librarian, has secrets and is "the best librarian ever." Who doesn't love a librarian with a past?
A cliffhanger ending leaves readers wanting more, and Book 2 is already released!
Highly recommended grade 5 and up. For readers who love dragons and fantasy.
September 6, 2022
This book is fast-paced, high-adventure and just plain fun. I devoured it over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it! Albert is a riot, and Miss Asher is awesome (yay for a great librarian character!) I loved the fantasy of the story, but I think I liked the way Cassie works through the real-life stuff the very best. I really appreciated the developing, unlikely friendship between Cassie and Joe, especially in contrast with the disintegrating friendship Cassie experienced with her long time bestie Mia who was all caught up in the "popular posse". It was a very relatable, realistic representation of middle school relationships. There were also some of the sweetest examples of what real friendship should look like, such as "Joe lets me cry, because a good friend never tries to talk you out of your feelings, even if they wig him out." and "I like who I am around Joe too. It's as if he has given me permission to be myself, to say out loud the words that usually are stuck in my head." I also found the writing about Cassie dealing with the death of her father, and navigating life with her mom whose grief is overwhelming and limiting her ability to function incredibly poignant. As a wife and mother, my heart ached for Cassie's mom and I thought McMullen did a beautiful job of showing what real, soul-crushing grief can look like in some people. Mixing these real-world topics with the fun and fantasy of dragons made this an excellent book that I'll enthusiastically recommend to my upper elementary students.
September 22, 2022
Nothing is as it first appears in this book, least of all fuzzy kittens.
Cassie’s father always told her that all she had to do was work hard and the universe would work things out for her in the end. That was until her father died and her mother threw herself into her work as she grieved, essentially leaving Cassie alone to raise herself. Even her best friend decides to move on and hang out with the popular crowd instead of Cassie. Cassie volunteers at the library, the only place where she can forget about all her troubles. But the school's weird outcast kid, Joe Robinson, always volunteers there too and Cassie isn't keen to sharing the space with him when she wants to be alone.
As Joe and Cassie leave the library they are caught in a strange storm. After the storm passes they discover a tiny kitten in a dumpster and Cassie takes him home. Albert, the kitten, is a little strange. For such a tiny kitten he is very strong, and she even sees him breathing smoke. Then a mysterious symbol appears on her door and she and Joe must figure out what it means. But Albert is no kitten, he is actually a dragon and he is in danger. Only Cassie can help him. All Cassie wants is to keep him safe but she will have to face down a terrifying enemy in order to protect the ones she loves.
This was a beautiful story with subtle underlying themes about the grieving process. It is a fun fantasy adventure for middle grade readers but there are powerful lessons on healing and family interwoven into the suspense and action.
Cassie’s father always told her that all she had to do was work hard and the universe would work things out for her in the end. That was until her father died and her mother threw herself into her work as she grieved, essentially leaving Cassie alone to raise herself. Even her best friend decides to move on and hang out with the popular crowd instead of Cassie. Cassie volunteers at the library, the only place where she can forget about all her troubles. But the school's weird outcast kid, Joe Robinson, always volunteers there too and Cassie isn't keen to sharing the space with him when she wants to be alone.
As Joe and Cassie leave the library they are caught in a strange storm. After the storm passes they discover a tiny kitten in a dumpster and Cassie takes him home. Albert, the kitten, is a little strange. For such a tiny kitten he is very strong, and she even sees him breathing smoke. Then a mysterious symbol appears on her door and she and Joe must figure out what it means. But Albert is no kitten, he is actually a dragon and he is in danger. Only Cassie can help him. All Cassie wants is to keep him safe but she will have to face down a terrifying enemy in order to protect the ones she loves.
This was a beautiful story with subtle underlying themes about the grieving process. It is a fun fantasy adventure for middle grade readers but there are powerful lessons on healing and family interwoven into the suspense and action.
February 6, 2022
The start of a new series, with an interesting premise about dragons and freak weather occurrences. Unfortunately a little slow in the beginning with characters who aren't particularly likable. For grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
December 15, 2021
Beth McMullen, author of the Lola Benko and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series, is starting a new one with this first installment, Secret of the Storm. Middle-schooler Cassie has just lost her father in a car accident, her mom has become depressed and doesn’t seem to be aware that her daughter still needs her, and best friend for life Mia has changed her mind about that promise. But a little kitten and another student searching for a good friend may turn things around. The book summary, McMullen’s website, and none of the promo materials I have seen have revealed the main fantastical element in this book, so I will continue in that vein and assure readers of this review that Cassie and Joe are believable heroes and their new friendship has all the elements of a solid partnership as the two seek to right the balance between our world and one that is only a rip away. This will be a must buy series for libraries of those in grades 4-6. No profanity or sexual content and violence is mild.
Thanks for sharing an arc with #BookAllies, Aladdin books.
Thanks for sharing an arc with #BookAllies, Aladdin books.
December 26, 2021
From the opening paragraph to the last sentence, Secret of The Storm is perfection! The humor is laugh-out-loud clever, and the story is full of heart and all the feels.
The main character, Cassie, is dealing with the loss of her father and a grieving mom, all while trying to navigate school and a toxic friendship. Thankfully, the universe has bigger plans for our hero, and she gets thrown together with Joe, the most lovable and endearing sidekick of all time. Seriously, my favorite. So lovable. I want a friend just like Joe.
In life . . . Be a Joe.
This rip-roaring adventure never lets up, whether in action or the quiet scenes that made me pause and reflect, gasp with delight, or cry.
Secret of The Storm belongs in every library and in the hands of every kid.
Bravo!
The main character, Cassie, is dealing with the loss of her father and a grieving mom, all while trying to navigate school and a toxic friendship. Thankfully, the universe has bigger plans for our hero, and she gets thrown together with Joe, the most lovable and endearing sidekick of all time. Seriously, my favorite. So lovable. I want a friend just like Joe.
In life . . . Be a Joe.
This rip-roaring adventure never lets up, whether in action or the quiet scenes that made me pause and reflect, gasp with delight, or cry.
Secret of The Storm belongs in every library and in the hands of every kid.
Bravo!
December 12, 2021
Secret of the Storm is a delightful read! The story is both satisfying and leaves you wanting more. Adventure, friendship, dealing with grief, fantastical exploration, and making choices all meld together into one uniquely entertaining and meaningful story. It also champions libraries and information, and in my opinion you can’t go wrong with that. This story kept me reading and any time I was forced to put it down, it was hard to close the page and walk away. I have a feeling it will have that effect on many other readers as well. Beth McMullen can tell a story full of excitement, wonder and mysterious intrigue.
March 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book , “Secret of the Storm” by Beth McMullen. I mean it’s about a cat that isn’t a cat, an girl who has been irreconcilably changed by grief and loss and doesn’t know where she fits anymore, a nerdy but loveable boy, a secret division of the FBI, and touches on friendship, mental health, loss and they all hang out at the library. You know how sometimes the 1st person narration of a MG story doesn’t always sound authentic? Not this one, McMullen does an excellent job capturing the inner monologue and dialogue of a middle grade girl. Can’t wait until Tuesday when the sequel is scheduled to arrive!
June 29, 2022
I loved this one! So creative and exciting with just the right amount of tension and suspense. The banter between Cassie and Joe is humorous and doesn’t feel forced. And there’s a great librarian to boot! I love that Cassie’s mom is now in on all the secrets and look forward to reading about them working through their grief. Readers will love the first book in this series. I can’t wait for the next book so Cassie can be reunited with Albert.
November 9, 2021
Mystery, fantasy - not a book typical of my choosing - but thought I would give this a try as part of my #bookposse membership! I loved the mystery, I loved Albert, the cat, and the dynamics between the two kids and the important roles the parents played! Many kids will enjoy this story and I plan on pushing them to read it as soon as it makes its way back to me! Great read!
July 6, 2023
Cliffhanger finish
Good story with a lot of background to set the scene for the next book but I think the cliffhanger at the end is a bit much. I would have preferred her getting her mom back and being happy going to sleep and the next morning when she woke up be the start of the second book and have her mom and Mrs. Asher talk to her then and start the second book.
Good story with a lot of background to set the scene for the next book but I think the cliffhanger at the end is a bit much. I would have preferred her getting her mom back and being happy going to sleep and the next morning when she woke up be the start of the second book and have her mom and Mrs. Asher talk to her then and start the second book.
July 7, 2023
A stray kitten ends up being a dragon. Shouldn't that be enough motivation to read this book? (And I'm not even a cat person.…) SECRET OF THE STORM was a wonderful start to another wonderful series by Beth McMullen. And the best part is that since I was delayed in getting to book #1, book #2 in the series is already out, so I get to keep rolling right along as the adventure continues!
January 9, 2022
This fantasy adventure is also a meaningful story about friendship and having the courage to do the right thing and be oneself. It's an engaging read and I think readers will be eager for the next book.
January 30, 2022
A page turning adventure mg story!! This heartwarming book is action packed, addresses grief, what it means to be a true friend & perseverance-never giving up on those you love. There is a secret notebook and a mystery to be solved. Kids are going to love this one!
August 4, 2022
I’m not usually a big fantasy reader, but I’m trying to expand my horizons and also find more books to recommend to my students.
If you like black holes, cats, dragons, and libraries! This book is for you! Such a fun concept and a nice budding friendship between the 2 main characters.
If you like black holes, cats, dragons, and libraries! This book is for you! Such a fun concept and a nice budding friendship between the 2 main characters.
March 27, 2022
It's cute. On the younger side of Middle Grade.
August 13, 2023
I really liked it. Has some sad bullying in it.
Want to read
January 4, 2024A
March 10, 2024
A modern-day dragon tale. Preteens will enjoy this story, as it's filled with adventure, surprises, and characters that readers can identify with.
June 25, 2024
Aw Albert is so cute 🐈⬛🥰
June 26, 2022
Join Cassie as she navigates quite the adventure with her new friend Joe and the adorable kitten that turns out to be a handful! So much fun!
November 8, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss or Netgalley
February 24, 2023
This is now the 6th book I've read by this author I believe. So it's safe to say she has quickly become a favorite. I adore her writing style, her humor, dialogue, & AMAZING characters. I think out of all her books, I’ve loved this 1 the most. Cassie is such a great kid. She's been through so much already. She's grieving her dads death, plus the feelings of loss over a mom who has such great anxiety, & retreated into herself after her husband died & stopped being a mom really. Cassie is lonely too. Losing her dad, her mom being a shell of her former self, & then her longtime best friend not wanting to be her friend anymore, but be with the popular girls. So the friendship she makes with Joe is such a great thing, for both of them. He's pretty lonely in many ways as well. They have the best dynamic. Albert has my whole heart, & the bond he & Cassie share..he saves her too in many ways. There's also an out there professor ranting about crazy theories (or are they? Lol), FBI looking types that keep weird stuff hush hush (Men in Black Dragons division lol), & more. Every detail about this, from the librarian & professor, the symbol, the storms, Albert..all of it is so imaginative. I can't wait for the sequel that comes out March 7th! Especially after that incredible ending! Highly recommend! STUNNING cover by Vivienne To as well! 💜
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews