Silver Storm

by Michelle Madow

Dark magic. Forbidden romance. And an insane twist you’ll never see coming.

Jade Harrington had her future all mapped Yale Law, a prestigious career, the perfect life her parents demanded. But when her plane goes down and she wakes up with silver electricity sparking across her skin, she learns everything she believed was a lie.

Welcome to Blaze Academy—a hidden school for witches where magic is tied to fire and emotion. Where one wrong spark could expose Jade as an anomaly the mysterious Witch Council would kill to control.

The only person who can help her survive? Logan Ashford. Fourth-year proctor. Devastatingly beautiful, impossibly powerful, and hiding secrets darker than the black flames that burn at his fingertips.

He saved Jade’s life during the academy’s initiation trial. He knows what she is. And he's willing to become the monster everyone fears to keep her safe—even if it means teaching her to control the storm inside her and breaking every rule he's sworn to uphold.

But when a student is murdered and an ancient goddess chooses Jade as her champion, survival becomes more than just hiding forbidden magic. Because Jade has to navigate deadly challenges, uncover conspiracies that run deeper than she imagined, and decide whether the man who holds her heart is her greatest protector… or her ultimate betrayer.

Silver Storm is the explosive first book in USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow's highly anticipated Witch Blade series. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing's heart wrenching romance, ACOTAR's fated mates and spice, The Atlas Six's dark academia vibes, and Powerless's hidden magic twists.


Get ready for a series filled
- Forbidden romance with a morally gray love interest who would burn the world for her
- Touch her and die energy
- Enemies-to-lovers tension that EXPLODES into slow burn heat
- Forced proximity in a deadly magical academy
- A heroine who stops apologizing and embraces her power
- A plot twist so devastating you'll scream (seriously... this one will blow your mind)

Are you ready to enter Blaze Academy? Then one-click now and brace yourself for a dark romantasy wrapped in lies, violence, impossible choices, and mind-bending twists.

Genres: Romance

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over three million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with 50 books published (and counting), she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she spent nearly two decades in Florida before a brief chapter in NYC—and now she’s back in the Sunshine State, where golden days fuel her creativity and moonlight sparks her imagination.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the touch her and you die trope.

Set on a remote island at a secret witch academy (very dark academia). Jade is (literally) thrust into a world she had no idea existed. She always knew she was a little different, but she never would’ve thought she was a witch from an otherwise dead bloodline. The action starts from the very beginning and keeps you turning page after page. The story is from the POV of Jade, so you find out everything as she discovers it. You don’t know who to trust or what the truth is. There’s a great cast of characters including a lovable best friend and a brooding MMC. The academy is highly competitive and social hierarchy is even more complex than if she would’ve gone to an Ivy League, as was her Plan A. The complexity of the situation is heightened when she discovers she has a unique power that may get her killed …and then one of her peers is found dead on campus.

Will Jade figure out what this unique power is? Or will she be punished for being different? Will she pick the brooding Logan who acts like he wants nothing to do with her in public? Or will she fall for the most popular guy at school who also happens to be her best friend’s brother? Will she find out who murdered her fellow student? Or will she find herself victim to the same fate? All these questions had me devouring this book in just a few days, finishing the last 40% in one sitting. Truly unputdownable!

[Kaitlin B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4ish star read for me. I overall really enjoyed the book but there were moments the MMC (Logan) really got on my nerves being wishy washy every other paragraph. There were also times where the same convos already happened. I loveddd all the secrets we have going on 😈 and the story is really really cool! I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us.

Here’s what we got going on:
Jade basically gets denied to every college she applies too and is sent to Blaze Academy - completely cut off from the outside world. Apparently it’s an all witch academy, and she literally just found out she was a witch 5 seconds ago. She he finds a hottie that keeps saving her ass - and of course it’s a forbidden romance

tropes:
-magical academy
-touch her and d!e
-forbidden romance
-possessive mmc
-elemental magic
-single pov
-secretsss

Thank you Michelle Madow for the gifted ARC!

[Allison Romeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

This was a super fun read! Lots of tropes in this one! If you enjoy a dark academia setting with a MMC who falls hard and tries to push the FMC away at first, hidden magic, found family, training scenes, this one is for you!

If you like Zodiac Academy with a touch of The Magicians, this would be right up your alley. I definitely was rooting for Jade through the whole story, that she could control her special powers and that she could get over her parents' unrealistic expectations of her, and obviously get with Logan.

The ending of the book was great and I can't wait until book 2!

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Storm by Michelle Madow
Star Touched Witch Blade book 1
Releases 1/13!

Thank you to Michelle for entrusting me with an early copy!

Dark academia
Single POV, forced proximity, found family, training and hot private training, he falls first, mental health rep, f*ck it, elemental magic, possessive MMC, magic is tied to emotions, chosen one, magical academy, forbidden romances, meddling gods, touch her and find out, secrets, hidden magic, lots of trials, twists, burn it all down for each other, lovable side characters

Jade's life has fallen apart and now she has been unexpectedly delivered to a magical school for witches. When she almost loses her life in the very first trial, the handsome fourth year, Logan, steps in to save her. From there, the learning curve is STEEP for her as someone whose life was completely normal before now. Well, besides sometimes being able to create small flames with her fingers. Now she must train in both combat and magic and attempt to make up for being years behind. She continues to be drawn to Logan and he… sends mixed signals back. But he continues to look out for her and then starts training her privately to help her control her forbidden magic. Can Jade break through the walls he puts between them and discover what is going on with her magic before someone else discovers her secret and turns her over to the Witch Council?

This was SUCH a great read! I was absolutely enthralled and couldn't put it down! I love dark academia with magic and this hit all the spots with the learning magic and the world and the found family and hot broody MMC! AND the emotional devastation. Whew! It's scratching my Zodiac Academy itch (but no bullying by the MMC!). I enjoyed Jade and was absolutely routing for her as she tried to navigate a completely new and dangerous world as well as her feelings of failure and her parents being disappointed in her leading into this adventure. I loved Jade's friends along side the push and pull tension with Logan. There are so many secrets still to learn more about and I think another forbidden romance brewing and I'm so excited for book 2! This is my first book by Michelle but I will be diving into her other books too!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece that is well crafted. It's a romantasy wrapped in darkness with lies, unforseen twists and impossible choices. There's the aspect of a forbidden romance with morally gray love that unfolds between the main characters. The tension there is so much of it in this that you can feel it coming off the pages as you read it. The slow burn is done perfectly and then that plot twist is going to hit you like a freight train. I literally was caught off guard with it. My jaw just dropped. There's so many moving components in this that make them necessary to get the bigger picture of what's going on. It builds up the anticipation for the unknown and the unexpected. And then that ending takes everything and pulls it together to give you just enough of a satisfying conclusion but will leave you with questions and wanting more. I am so excited to see where the series is going to go and what's going to happen next. I cannot recommend this more than enough.

[Kari Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a Michelle book and I’m mad it’s been so long. Her characters always grip me. Jade is your normal fmc who didn’t realize she had magic… or is she? She knows she can play with fire a little but never thought much about it. This is book one in the new series and I cannot wait for the next to come out. Jade goes through so much learning who she is and what she can do but we know she’s barely scratched the surface. And the chemistry between her and Logan is off the charts. These two literally burn up the pages. So much happened, but at the same time I know this is barely the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come. After that ending I’m nervous for what’s next.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Michelle's book for years and this is very different. This is not young adult and it is a very DARK story. Also it does have spice and the ending chapters are intense with not just spice but with action and dark magic. A know that this series will for sure have three more book but as always I want more and I am so glad I did not read this when I got this because that ending is always what gets me. As always highly recommended!

[C_Reads8811 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!! I fell in love with Jade and Logan since the beginning 😍 definitely recommend it was a fun and adventurous book fast paced and the story building was great! Thank you for the eARC. I can’t wait to read more of your books 😊 #jade #logan #evie #silverstorm #michellemadow

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok

I was absolutely hooked from the beginning of this! If you live for the dark academia aesthetic mixed with a forbidden romance, this book is your next obsession. The pacing is relentless; the action begins on page one and maintains a breakneck speed until the end
.
The story introduces us to Jade, a girl who is suddenly thrust into a dangerous magical society she never knew existed. Blaze Academy is the perfect backdrop—shadowy, gothic, and full of secrets. But the real standout is the chemistry. Logan is the ultimate MMC: he falls first, falls hard, and his protective, possessive nature over Jade is chef's kiss. Their training sessions are overflowing with 'touch her and you die' energy and simmering tension!

The ending to this was crazy! The twists were amazing. It’s clear that Jade is only beginning to tap into a terrifyingly vast power, and I am counting down the days for book 2!!

‎‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧

➳❥ Dark Academia
➳❥ Forbidden Love
➳❥ Hidden Powers
➳❥ He trains her
➳❥ He falls first
➳❥ Possessive MMC
➳❥ Elemental Magic


ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼

“You’re going to be the death of me.”

“Help me understand why you look at me like I’m everything you’ve ever wanted, but everything you’re terrified of having.”

“Everything about you hurts, Jade. And I can’t get enough.”

“I’ll destroy everything it it means having this — having you.”

“Let it burn.”

“Fire asks permission. Lightning takes it.”

“I‘m no savior. I’m the storm. And storms don’t save. They destroy.”

Thank you Michelle Madow for this arc! ♡

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow............................ I didn't want this to end. Especially the last couple chapters are up there with the best Ms Maddow has written, & that's saying alot! This is not the usual Michelle Madow book (though I like everything of her's that I've read). In the promo, she talks about it being darker & more "steamy" (I hate that phrase) than usual. I'd agree with the darker, anyway. And yes, it's gone from "G" to "PG"; but nothing I found inappropriate for someone over 14. The main difference for me between this & her other work is less young people's romance, & more suspense. There is still plenty of romance & a somewhat likely HEA to keep previous fans very satisfied, though.

Point is, the story is KILLER. I can't wait for book 2, This is really good, folks.

(Note: I just noticed in the author's notes that book 2 isn't expected until Spring or Summer 2026. Waahhhhhhhh!

[Myria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to the only school Jade had been accepted into should be easy but all these weird things keep happening to her, first the plane crashing from a lightning strike well she thought it maybe had but how can she be alive on the ground with her pilot T if it crashed see told ya weird but the next series of events that happens is literally so freaky like being dumped at school having to fight a hydra an ohh kiss a boy. Yes jade has magic well it’s weak fire magic but maybe something more something hidden deep inside her that might just make her completely different from anyone else whether that’s a good thing only time will tell. Logan who saved Jade during the hydra trial also gives the most knee buckling kisses but that’s just the start of one of Jades adventures at school where nothing is as it seems how many will make it out alive only time will tell

[Chewybooks88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Storm by Michelle Madow is an easy 5-star read that completely delivers on dark academia vibes, elemental magic, and a touch her and die level of devotion. The world is rich with gods, goddesses, and power simmering beneath every page, making it impossible not to get sucked in. Logan, our tall, dark, quiet, and mysterious MMC, is instantly drawn to Jade and gives off that intense, can’t-stay-away energy that makes every scene with him crackle. Jade is a standout FMC—new to her magic but armed with a “whatever, I can do this” attitude that makes her impossible not to love. There’s no unnecessary whining or unnecessary drama; instead of folding into the usual woe is me spiral, Jade accepts her fate and uses it as fuel to keep pushing forward. This book is a full-on page turner that grabs you from the start and refuses to let go until the very last page

[Kelsey Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend it to you all if you love a seriously electrical slow burn romance with a lot of magic, and a possessive man with touch her and dìe vibes!

This book is nestled into Blaze Academy— a magical school with all the dark academia vibes. After a trip up in the air on their family jet goes awry she finds herself at their door after all of her options were denied and left with a school acceptance that she doesn’t remember ever applying to.

The tension and world building were phenomenal here and honestly I had a hard time putting it down… if I did at all. The FMC, Jade, is tenacious and driven which works so well given her walk into a lions den.

The plot and spice were both well written and thought out. I felt my heart drop at the cliffhanger at the end as I honestly was NOT ready for the story to end yet. But I do promise I’ll be impatiently waiting for the sequel!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Storm by Michelle Madow was such a fun, addictive read and a fantastic start to a new series. I loved being introduced to Blaze Academy and diving into Jade’s world as she’s thrown into a place full of secrets, power, and danger. Watching her dynamic with Logan develop was one of my favorite parts — the tension, banter, and slow-burn sparks were chef’s kiss, especially as everything around them kept getting more intense. This one is a bit spicier than her usual, which I absolutely enjoyed and felt perfectly matched the emotional stakes.

The pacing kept me glued to the pages, and I was constantly telling myself “just one more chapter”… which of course never worked. Getting to read this as an ARC was such a treat, and now I’m officially counting down until the next book because I need to know what happens next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade Harrington. This YA series is fun and addicting. And the spice is sizzling. The fourth installment of the Star Touched series and yes this is the last Champion. Recommend reading the others before this one, after having read all the installments. What I enjoy most is Jade’s personality. Comedic wit. Shocking. Betrayals. Murder. Mystery. Watching her immerse herself in this new world is entertaining. Especially her crush on Logan Ashford, student proctor. I enjoy this Star Touched series that touches each supernatural aspect. We learn so much in this first book, I am eager for the second book because eventually Jade will meet the other Star Champions. And all the girls are named after gems.
I received a copy from BookFunnel and voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade is on her way to a school that she has never heard of, instead of the various prestigious colleges to which she had applied. Her plane went down after being struck by lightning and went down. She finds herself on an island with a group of others. There is a trial to get into this school and she must pass it to stay. Magic is needed, and although she had previously had been able to conjure some flames netween her fingers, that was all. Well that was what she thought. She finds she has an ability which isn't allowed and a handsome boy helps her hide it. She finds that there is much trouble ahead, but she is right where she needs to be.

[Tiffany Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a 5 star read a couple of chapters in.
This was such a good time! I love Michelle's writing style and how she can jump right into a story without missing any key character intros.

Dark Academia, touch her and d*e, and so many other tropes.
I feel like this gives Harry Potter for adults and Zodiac Academy vibes.

The setting was intriguing, the professors stood out without taking too much page time, and dang at the spice.

I loved the banter between our love interests and was rooting for Jade throughout the entirety of the book. The ending was perfect and left you anxious for book 2.

Bravo Michelle 👏

Read ebook

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to be honest with my reviews. For instance, loved Wolf Bound and Vampire Bride series, but couldn’t get into Fae Bound. I gave this 4 stars because it was more of a slow burn for me, but I will say I really enjoyed where it went. I’ve read a great many books Michele has written, and still think she is a fantastic author. My favorites to this day are still the Elementals and Elementals Academy, and The Angel Trials series (though the whole Dark World sets are awesome). If you choose to read this specific book, just note it is much more adult oriented, unlike many of her others.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book that I’ve read from Michelle Madow and let’s just say that she’s got a forever reader from me.

Silver Storm is an absolutely riveting, fast paced book that had me hooked from page one. Taking place on a remote island, Silver Storm gives you all the elements and tropes that keep you engaged and gripping your kindle harder.

If you’re a fan of dark academia, found family, forced proximity, epic world building, and a slow burn touch her and d!e vibe then THIS. IS. FOR. YOU.

Thank you so much Michelle! 🩶

[Camille Blais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a hell of a book to finish the year. Honestly Michelle Madow never disappoints. I have not read one book from her that was not incredible. Jade’s story is exactly what we needed. As the 4th star touched, she did not disappoint. We’ve had all types of FMC during these series but none like her. I do wish we would have seen her actually ask the questions she was dying to know, but obviously everything is and will be revealed in good time. I cannot wait for the next book !

[Aisha Sarfraz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED the direction in which this story went. The start was pretty slow for me and personally felt quite un-Michelle Madow-ish. But the last few chapters, oh god, classic Michelle Madow style. Murder. Betrayal. Mystery. I had an inkling of what the twist might be but, boy was I wrong. Mind-blowingly epic. Can't wait for the next book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, having read the other three series I have to say this is probably the best one yet. Starts slowly as you will discover when you start reading and then by the end (which by the way I did not see coming) it’s going full blast. I’ll tell you I cannot wait for book two to see what happens next. Highly recommended.

[Judy Sescil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade planned on attending Yale but ended up at Blaze Academy for witches. There she falls for her proctor Logan who keeps her safe and helps her control her magic. Very suspenseful and fast paced. I can't wait for next book in series!

[tio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I cannot wait for the second book already !! So many secrets.. I was on the edge of my seat! And don’t get me started on Logan and Jade, they’re so perfect I love them so much! I need more of them it was nowhere near enough

[Kelly Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Jade has so much power and she's just now learning about magic. Logan is so protective of her. He's convinced he needs to keep his distance despite the yearning they have for each other. There's a lot of will they, won't they.

If you like spicy romantasy, you're going to love this!

Thank you for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.