Storm Breaker

Storm Breaker #1

by Nisha J. Tuli

From the publisher who brought you Fourth Wing comes your next romantasy obsession...

For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.

A gripping dystopian romance filled with forbidden power, ruthless challenges, and a heroine who refuses to burn quietly―perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy, Science Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Visit my website to sign up for my newsletter and download a bonus chapter from Rule of the Aurora King and Not Safe for Work!

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Nisha J Tuli is a USA Today and international bestselling author of glittering fantasy worlds, steamy rom-coms, and kissing scenes full of angst. Her book, Trial of the Sun Queen, went on to become a BookTok hit, selling over a million copies and finding its way into readers' hands around the world. Her book Storm Breaker is currently in development with Amazon MGM for a TV series.

When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found in the gym or the kitchen (to eat, not to cook) or maybe knitting scarves to survive a Canadian winter. She lives in Manitoba with her husband, their two kids, and their fluffy Samoyed.

Reviews

[Esta · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA dystopian fantasy + feminine rage but with yearning and butterflies (raging butterflies?) and I was so here for it.

You know that feeling when you read a book that makes you want to eat the rich, burn down the patriarchy and oppressive regimes, while sobbing over the destruction humanity has caused and will continue to cause to our beautiful planet... but it also makes you giggle and kick your feet? This was that.

This has a very clear target audience and I think the publisher’s comparisons to The Hunger Games and Divergent in their blurb are very fair, although it’s romantasy, so keep that in mind if you like keeping dystopian and romantasy separate, because YA romantasy is entwined here (very mild spice).

I also would add that our beautifully brown-skinned, purple-haired FMC’s Poet Graves’s background and POV is from a place of privilege and it’s kind of like we’re in the head of someone from the Capitol. And that’s what I think sets this apart. Because Poet is coming to terms with her complicity in systemic oppression, classism, exploitation and starting to question the systems she’s been raised in, which is an interesting angle.

Oh and she has the cool ability where she can get struck by lightning and survive and stuff. A pretty useful skill if you live in an environment where you get solar storms on the reg! But oh wait, nope…apparently it’s a death sentence if anyone finds out she can do that… Alanis Morrissette has a song for that.

One more thing about the Storm Breaker world I noticed was the Society there is patriarchal, almost a subtle Handmaid’s Tale undercurrent. The implication that a woman’s autonomy and agency evaporates after marriage I didn’t find super cute, I’m sorry guys. I won’t be visiting. Very “what in Gilead is going on here?”. I’m pretty sure we’re all very tired of the patriarchy, so if you like themes of feminine rage, you will find it here.

The other thing that struck a chord with me was the very on the nose parallels to a certain country. And, once you see who The E-Squad, aka the Extinguishers represent, you can’t unsee it.

Highly recommend it if you want a similar vibe to the classic YA dystopians of yesteryear, just with a lot more pining and romance.

Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

The blurb says this is "perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games." Guess my sleeper agent code's been activated

[Cozy Puppy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been searching for a book that captures the heart-pounding adrenaline of The Hunger Games, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire trials, mixed with the intense war college vibes of Fourth Wing, Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli is your next obsession. I was so locked in while reading this that I found myself fighting my own eyelids at 2:00 AM, telling myself "just one more chapter" until the very end. This book had me hooked in the best possible way!

The story follows Poet Graves, a high-society daughter of a powerful Scion who is fed up with being a pawn in her father's patriarchal games. After being forced into an arranged marriage with the insufferable Knox, Poet decides to stage the ultimate rebellion. Instead of falling in line with the house her father chose, she pledges to a different one and signs up for the Storm Guard. It is giving major Mulan empowerment vibes—she is disciplined, regimented, and refuses to take anyone's nonsense as she trains to become a warrior.

I was absolutely obsessed with the dynamic between Poet and her love interest, Rook. He is mysterious, aloof, and brooding in the best way possible. Their connection is described so beautifully—especially the moments they share during the storms. But the real scene-stealer? There is a moment where he literally sews her childhood stuffed animal back together while she’s recovering. I’m sorry, but, swoon! Does it get any more sweet than that?

The world-building is centered around elemental storm magic, and the tests Poet has to pass are intense. It captures that same nail-biting feeling where anything can happen, much like the high-stakes pressure of The Hunger Games. People are disappearing, the tension is suffocating, and the action scenes are so vivid they play out like a movie in your head. There is also a heavy layer of classism, with Rook belonging to an ostracized class called the "Solitudes," creating a forbidden romance that kept me so hooked.

Just when you think you have the world figured out, Nisha J. Tuli flips the table over. I can’t believe that ending! My jaw was on the floor and I have so many questions! There are so many mysteries left at the end, and I need to know what happens next! I’m still in shock that this is only the first book, because so much ground was covered. I love Nisha's writing style, it was so addictive and it literally had my heart racing. I can't wait for the next book!

Perfect if you love:
✨️ Strong, disciplined FMC (Mulan energy!)
👀 Broody, mysterious MMC
✨️ War College and Dark Academia settings
🤯 High-stakes trials and deadly initiations
💜 Forbidden romance and class tension
😍 Addictive, fast-paced world-building
⚡️ Elemental storm magic
💜 Female empowerment
✨️ Rebellious vibes

Reminded me of:
❤️ 2000s Dystopian and Fantasy
✨️ The Hunger Games
🔥 Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
✨️ Fourth Wing
❤️‍🔥 ACOTAR Series
✨️ Mulan

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Rook lands flat on his back, and I'm on him, my thighs straddling his chest, knees pinning his elbows to the floor.
"Now who's the princess?" I ask with a smirk.
"Sit a little higher and you'll be a Queen," he taunts, and it takes me a moment to process his meaning."

I owe you an apology Rook, I was not familiar with your game.

Storm Breaker felt like such a throwback to the 2010s dystopian reading era. If you loved the Divergent series, and most recently Silver Elite, I think you'll have a great time with this one.

I will say, I found the writing style a little inconsistent at times. Nisha J. Tuli has a really easy and enjoyable writing style for the most part but there were definitely a couple of chapters that the writing needs tightening up.

One thing that irritated me slightly was how often Poet's father's abuse was repeated. By chapter 5, I was like I GET IT. I think it could have been woven more subtly into the story rather than us just telling us, repeatedly. It was little things like this throughout that stopped this being a 5 star read for me.

The storyline had me hooked and I love a school/university setting. The relationship development between Poet and Rook was enjoyable and it felt natural alongside the main story. I was very relieved that the storyline about Knox and Poet's position in House Fiama wasn't dragged out unnecessarily. The pacing of this book was perfect for me and once I hit the 25% mark, I struggled to put this book down.

If you don't enjoy YA reads, this might not be the book for you. But as I said, if you were a reader/fan of the 2010s dystopian era then this may be the right read for you.

I'll definitely be picking up book 2 - I need to know what happens with Poet and Rook!

I received an advanced reading copy for free through the publisher (Mayhem Books), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Demi Winters]

I devoured this book and can’t wait for it to take the world by storm (pun intended 😇)

Here’s my official blurb:

An addictive YA dystopian romance that had me counting down the minutes until I could get back to my book! Set in a world of lethal magical storms, the forbidden romance and games of cat and mouse had me eagerly turning the pages. This book grabbed me by the throat in chapter one and never let go!

[Mai ༊*·˚]

I am so curious about this! Hoping this one can be a new YA gem 🤞



____________

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC.

[joni ౨ৎ - hiatus]

thank you thank you thank you entangled teen for the physical ARC!!! treasuring this forever !!!!!

im SOOOO excited to read this book like omg?!!?! wdym the hunger games/divergent meets THE CRUEL PRINCE !!!! i fear this is the dystopian of the year!

and a movie is in production !!! 👏🙂‍↕️ love seeing brown authors win <3

[Grapie Deltaco]

DNF @ page 146

I’m just so bored with it. There are dozens of side characters that I know are supposed to be interesting or memorable on some level but they’re so insignificant, jumbled, and forgettable that major moments where they’re dying or they’re experiencing a high stakes conflict feel hollow. I don't see or feel a connection between our main character and these people she’s supposed to love and be close to.

I’m also just really confused by how life at this academy works. When we’re not in one class getting glimpses of interactions with the MC and her love interest, we’re seeing really repetitive conflicts within her social group outside of class and bizarre hazing from the different evil dystopian frat houses that run this institution

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead)]

Okay Nisha I see you with that new Fantasy release. Are we talking standalone or series here?

[Katie (Katieeatsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

05/02/2026-05/03/2026

Thank you to Mayhem Books (Entangled Teen) for the gifted digital proof copy of “Storm Breaker” by Nisha J. Tuli 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Coming 05/05-2026)

So, let me start by saying I did enjoy this one.
Honestly she would’ve been a five star… if I thought it wasn’t a complete Divergent rip off.

I see everyone say this book is like Divergent and Fourth Wing having a baby. With Fourth Wing, I can understand because of the academy system and the MMC with tattoos. ⚡️

However, with Divergent it is a completely different story:

💜 We have an FMC who has a father that’s the lead of their dare I say faction aka Poet.
💜 Poet decides to leave her safe “faction” (I know they use another term but tbh in my head after a while I just started calling it this) for the less safe sort of enemy “faction.”
💜 Once leaving her “faction” her family basically is no contact (because the “faction” is your new family.)
💜 Poet has to jump to an unknown (except hello? It’s a secret net at the bottom of darkness) - Divergent initiation??
💜 She goes through three (in Poets case two) trials to secure her spot as a first year… sound familiar? (*whispers* Fourth Wing.)
💜 Poet isn’t like everyone else she’s basically “Divergent” in this world (which means she’s got special immunity powers)
💜 She’s being hunted and also there’s special testing technology for this “divergent” issue.
💜 The MMC (Xaden coded) also has these special abilities but also is working in secret with the wastes (somehow both Xaden and Four?)
💜 They sneak out of their dorms and find a solace spot aka room to share (*cough* Divergent.)



I really wanted to hash this one a two 🌟 but I enjoyed the concept of the storms and what this could’ve been. And also I was a sucker for Rook regardless (hello jeans, cowboy boots, tattoos and overall yummy men!)

[Hallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Teen for this ARC and would like to note that all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Storm Breaker. A new YA Dystopian that I would definitely label as dark due to a few themes of physical abuse.

I love that dystopian is making a comeback (even more so ironic that the FMC mentioned one of her favorite stories was hunger games). I think this book would be a good introduction for YA transitioning into more adult themes. We have the “good girl”, dark theme set, touch her and die, all great themes popular in more adult rated novels.

The idea behind the background of the collapse of society, and their way of harnessing storm power is unique and I loved that. I was super excited to start another dystopian theme, but unfortunately most of this book fell a bit flat for me. It was easy enough to read, but I would’ve preferred a more confident, less immature FMC. The ideas of the different houses also very much gave “faction before blood” vibes. The different plot lines also felt a bit shallow and I was constantly waiting for the dark underbelly of this society to show its face, but it never happened.

Overall it was a decent book, just not for me. I was craving something a little more deep and I had a hard time connecting with the FMC. Though I did enjoy the MMC. I would say this book also borders the edge of YA with darker themes and just a sprinkling of smut that I would deem inappropriate for a 14 year old.

I don’t see myself rereading it, nor continuing the series, though I am a bit curious about the MMC’s background.

[Lucca Powers Bates]

2.5 stars

This was sadly not for me. The premise was promising, and I did really enjoy the storm concept - it felt atmospheric and genuinely magical to read about at times.

However, I struggled to connect with the book overall.

Firstly, it felt very clearly inspired by other popular dystopian stories, to the point where it lacked a sense of originality. While familiar tropes aren’t necessarily a bad thing (I love them!), here they didn’t feel reimagined in a way that made the book stand out.

Secondly, the characters fell completely flat for me. This applies to both the main and side characters. Character building is probably the most important element in a book for me, and if I don’t care about the characters, I don’t really care what happens to them. Poet, in particular, felt like a very typical YA dystopian/fantasy heroine. A “not like other girls” girl which I personally struggle with. Rook, our MMC, was even less distinct; he was simply… there? I never felt like I got to know him in any meaningful way, and I just did not get their connection at all. There was zero tension or chemistry to me. The side character which are supposed to add some fun and lighthearted vibes also failed in doing so.

Thirdly, I found the setting and overall worldbuilding confusing. The academy, which is such a central part of the story, never fully made sense to me. The structure of the academy (with houses, military-style training, and then basic academic classes) felt inconsistent, and I couldn’t quite grasp its purpose within the world. Because of that, it was difficult to feel grounded in the story.

Overall, this was an easy and fast read, and I can appreciate the core idea behind it. The atmosphere had potential, and the concept itself is intriguing. However, the execution, especially in terms of character depth and world building, left a lot to be desired. Despite spending 430 pages on this book, I ultimately I felt very disconnected from the story and characters.

Huge thank you to the publisher for the proof. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Axellesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved reading the Divergent series, read this book!

Poet Gaves is nineteen when she enters Amery Academy. There are four Houses and she needs to choose one and fulfill some trials to either that House. It’s brutal and she struggles to survive, especially with her parents having a high status in this society. An outsider from beyond the city walls enters too, everyone got told that people from there are very dangerous. So obviously Poet is drawn to him. Maybe she doesn’t want the life her parents have mapped out for her. She has to make some big decisions…

This book is literally everything I want a dystopian story to be. It’s so well written! I was completely captivated by this book. Suspense and dialogue alternate in a balanced way, so that there is not a single dull moment to be found in this story.

Poet is a strong female character, she struggles to find her place in the Academy, but she’s fighting really hard against the future plans her parents have written out for her. The dynamics between all of the characters in this book, really shift because of the decisions Poet is making. Which makes this book in its entirety really dynamic.

Furthermore, the world-building is simply amazing. You gradually receive more information about how everything works in this world. It is very well explained, and you really get drawn into this world.

There’s also some romance in this story. I totally lived for the romance in this book too, even though it’s not the main focus of it. That’s why I’m already longing for the sequel! I hope to see more of the romance developing in the next book.

In any case, Stormbreaker is a story you must read. I really have nothing negative to say about this book, except that I already need a sequel NOW to move on with my life. But anyway, this book is truly already the best book of 2026 for me. Five stars!

[◦ Ellie ◦]

i didn't get too far into it but it didn't peak my interest. I might read the published version but this just wasn't for me!

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just the beginning to what I feel will be an epic series. The author created such a compelling dystopian world with the location, the government, the hierarchy and the different types of storms. I was sucked in immediately and then wanted to scream when the book ended on a cliffhanger. That ending has opened up so many possibilities for this series. Obsessed with the names of the MCs. Rook and Poet. A chess piece and dreamer.

Poet is tenacious and will not let society change her morals. This character goes through so much and it is just the beginning. Hiding her secret for so long and finding out the truth about her family. Poet finds some solace in Rook who in his own way, has had her back at the academy. The Solitude who is supposed to be the monster enemy is more empathetic than the people of New Manhattan. These people in Society are the monsters. Poet finds out who her true friends are. Rook and Poet have much in common and still more to figure out about what they really are. Very curious to find out what all Rook is hiding and to see how Poet deals with her new circumstances.

💜Elite Academy
⚡️Two Houses, One Choice
💜Post-Apocalyptic Venice Vibes
⚡️Forbidden Romance
💜Found Family
⚡️Deadly Initiation Trials

Thank you to the author, @entangledteen @mayhembooks and @netgalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dystopian dark academy, a girl coming into her own and again a sequel I now have to wait for!

Poet, that first name time some time getting used to, enters an elite academy for future leaders, shaped by a father who treated her as less than a commodity, including an arranged marriage to an ally’s insufferable son. Her main struggle - obedience vs. autonomy -drives the story, and refreshingly, her choices remain entirely her own.

Rook, the outsider or „solitude“ (dark hair, hazel eyes, scent of green grass and apples), adds tension without overshadowing her agency.

Great start, with most mysteries still unresolved. I will probably never learn to only read finished series!

At least a star for Teddy 🧸 and his caretaker!

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Entangled Teen for the gifted ARC!

I absolutely devoured this book and finished it in two days. I was staying up way too late and ended up reading until almost midnight because I could not put it down.

The dystopian world was so immersive and exactly the kind of vibe I love. The storm magic felt fresh and different, and the academy setting kept me hooked the whole time. There were so many secrets, betrayals, and moments where I just had to know what happened next. Watching everything Poet believed get flipped upside down made it even harder to put down.

Poet was such a strong FMC and I loved watching her start questioning everything she had been taught and choosing herself instead of the life everyone else expected from her. Her growth felt so real, and I was rooting for her the entire time.

And Rook… yeah, I’m obsessed. Mysterious, protective, and giving major touch her and die energy? Absolutely. Every scene with him had me hooked, and I already need more of his story. I am not so patiently waiting for book 2 now.

If you love bingeable dystopian romance, hidden secrets, strong character growth, and a man who would burn the world down for her, you need this on your TBR.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.5 rounded up to 5.0 stars.

Wow just wow! I devoured this in 24hrs, it ticked a lot of boxes for me with the academic setting, political strife and somewhat dystopian vibes.

I really like the FMC even though girly could do with making better choices considering the dire circumstances. I enjoyed seeing her grow and figure out who she wants to be in this book, I think we’ve only just begun to see the feminine rage she could produce. The plot is unique with a world teetering on chaos and disaster, it felt like a every man for themselves kind of vibe under the pretense of unity under the banner of survival of the fittest. I think there’s so much more to understand about the storms and the keepers, I don’t even think we’ve scratched the surface on this.

This has a good romantasy vibe to it with archaic themes in relation to a womans role in society and the status of men in powerful positions. I look forward to seeing that collapse in the next book.

[Sarah]

I need to learn from my previous mistakes - like repeatedly picking up Red Tower books thinking they'll be well-written...

[♥Milica♥]

Just saw the cover 👁️👄👁️ I AM SEATED!!!

[Blair Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this so fast it’s not even funny. Storm Breaker is a new adult dystopian the blurb says for the fans who like Divergent and Hunger Games. I will say I love both of those and I did absolutely adore this. But I will say this is more along the lines of Divergent than the Hunger Games. Our main character’s name is Poet. She is betrothed to a guy named Knox… we don’t really like him…. He’s a butt. She really wants to be part of the storm guard. And she’s destined to be the wife of the next Scion of the House of Fiama. Her father is the current and due to her brother’s passing whoever she marries pretty much becomes the next scion and that is going to be Knox. There are four houses in total under the shield. And that is Aria, Fiama, Tera, and Asale. Now to get into one of these houses, you have to do three trials basically when you end up getting to school. I really don’t want to say much more. I think the storm stuff was very interesting. I really love Poet. She is harboring a secret, and that could mean death on her part. And immediately when we are introduced to Rook’s character is screeched out loud because I knew that was gonna be our love interest and I was set. I adore him. I love their interactions together. I loved pretty much everything about this book. I love the twists and turns and I called it from the beginning about a few things and I was 100% right. There are some questions I do have that now. I need the next book for because I’m dying to know and have my answers on things that we were left not knowing. NISHA…I NEED TO KNOW. I’m dying here for the next book. Of course I do see it up for pre-order and pre-order I did! If you want something that is addictive and you can read through in one setting pick up Storm Breaker. It gave me that nostalgia, dystopian society that I have been longing for.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for the complimentary copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Magically Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Entangled Teen | Entangled: Mayhem Books and author Nisha J. Tuli, for providing me with the ALC of “Stormbreaker”.

Excuse me!!! What kind of ending was that?! I am going to need book 2 like I need air.

Rook lived up to expectations, is he perfect? No, but he’s so much better than anyone else Poet has in her life. I do want to know what secrets he’s keeping. And this could potentially be a spoiler so stop reading…….. I hope her “brother” is alive.

Poet is finally away from one abusive man for her “fiancé” to be another abusive man. I am so happy she said no, with a hard NO, to letting them continue to dictate her life. And the way she just kept trusting Rook!! Even at the end, she had to know he would die for her. (Okay well maybe but I get that vibe).

Her “friend” is the worst human being. Nothing she does will change that even if she does make amends.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️
Publisher: Entangled
Single 1st POV
416 Pages

Dystopian
YA (note there is some spice)
Storms Plague the World
Academia (Collage)
Trials / Competitions
Family Secrets
Hidden Identity
Strong FMC
Teddy Bear 🧸
Banter

TW: Parental Abuse, Sibling Loss, Death

[Kaitlyn Douthitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way. I haven’t had a book hangover like this in a while and the second I finished, I was already desperate for the next installment.

Poet is such a strong and compelling main character. I loved her resilience and how easy it was to root for her the entire time. And Rook… easily one of my favorite book boyfriends this year.

The story was incredibly immersive and fast-paced. I was completely pulled into the world and did not want to leave these characters behind.

Five stars. I will be thinking about this one for a long time.

[Emma Lovelady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and an E-ARC, here is my honest and spoiler free review:

holy shit i loved this!!! the return of the dystopian genre has never looked so good. i was sat and entertained from the first chapter and it just kept getting better. although it is classified as “YA” i sincerely think anyone at any age would enjoy this. the lack of spice is made up for with the amount of YEARNING. it’s a glorious mash up of divergent and an academy setting with games and trials that ATE!!! soo soooooo excited to read the rest of this series 🙂‍↕️💗

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli
Book Blurb: For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

Rating: *****
Feels:
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction
First published May 5, 2026 : 416 pages


This book has:

[Eden]

DNF @34%

This world made no sense at all, & I couldn’t subject myself to the nonsense any longer. I needed a diagram of the different levels of leadership because I had no clue why her dad was so important or how her marrying someone from another family would strengthen their position in their House. & her dad is apparently super powerful, but she can still defy him? Doesn’t seem logical... Also, the relationships with her friends were odd, how everyone in Society is brainwashed to believe certain things wasn’t believable, & the magic started super cool, but I still know little to nothing about it at this point in the book. It follows a very formulaic approach to dystopia, and it’s best for us all if I just DNF it.

[Sandra (bookishoxygen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️

Y’all, I did not realize how much I was yearning for another dystopian until I read Stormbreaker.

I love dystopian books. A lot of them have been hugely popular too, but somehow, over the last few years, I haven’t really read that many of them. So when I heard that Stormbreaker was a dystopian romance, I was almost instantly sold.

And now that I’ve finished it? I can 100% confidently say that I am sold. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I am dying for the sequel. 🥹

Stormbreaker is set in a future where humanity has ruined planet Earth during the warming age, which is basically the age we’re in right now. The world is now plagued by devastating storms, loaded with so much energy that they kill.

A small part of society has survived and created a new way of living in New Manhattan, where people follow very strict rules and everyone has to contribute to society. We follow Poet, who is about to go to Amery Academy, where she will pledge to one of the four houses and choose how she will contribute.

The story felt well-written, original, fast-paced and action-packed. I had a few hunches about where it could go, but I was definitely still surprised by some of the twists the story took.

One of the things I really loved was how easily we’re introduced to this dystopian world. There was no big info dump. The worldbuilding just flowed naturally through the story, with little bits of information being revealed as the plot moved forward. Combined with the short chapters, it made the book so easy to fly through.

And Poet? I loved her.

She’s funny, witty, loyal, badass, and not afraid to speak up. This girl had me chuckling out loud multiple times with her comebacks.
This is the kind of FMC I love reading about. She has had a very hard life, despite being one of the “lucky” people who gets to live inside society, and the book does show that pretty clearly on page, so that may be something to keep in mind if certain topics are triggering for you.

I really felt for her. You can tell how much she has been through and how much it still affects her.

For the romance lovers, there’s also a nice romance subplot that is swoon worthy 😏.

The only small note I would make is that I personally wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a typical adult book. To me, it kind of sits somewhere between upper YA and adult. There are some spicy moments, so it’s not fully YA, but I do think marketing it as adult could create slightly different expectations.

That said, I love upper YA and new adult books that sit somewhere in between, so this wasn’t a negative thing for me at all.

All in all I just had such a good time with this book. It immersed me completely, kept me captivated, and had me genuinely on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next.

I’m dying to know how the story continues, and I’m seeing some promising release dates on the sequel online 👀.

[AOKayy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen Publishing, and Nisha J. Tuli for the ARC of Storm Breaker.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

This story follows Poet Graves, the daughter of one of the society leaders in the post-apocalyptic world of New Manhattan. It begins as she enrolls at the elite Amery Academy, where the children of society’s upper class must undergo a series of trials to determine which house they will pledge to and ultimately shape their future careers. These trials are not only high-pressure but often deadly, raising the stakes from the very start.

All the while, Poet is hiding a dangerous secret, a power she has possessed since childhood that could get her killed if discovered. Her journey reflects a familiar but compelling struggle: a FMC born into privilege who resists the rigid life planned for her, including an arranged marriage into another powerful family and a future as a compliant society wife.

While I found the storyline to be fairly predictable, it still managed to hold my attention. The concept of the storms and the Keepers added an intriguing layer to the world-building. At times, the book felt like a blend of Divergent and The Silver Elite, with its house-based societal structure and the presence of forbidden abilities that are both feared and stigmatized.

The romance delivers on popular tropes of yearning, forbidden love, and forced proximity. The MMC, Rook, is protective and consistently shows up for Poet, especially when she is at her most vulnerable.

Overall, this is a compelling dystopian YA novel set in an academy environment, with engaging elements despite its familiar framework.

[Joleen Turns Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoutout to Entangled Publishing for the ARC!

4⭐️ Review — Stormbreaker

Dystopian is so back—and this one felt like stepping straight into a time machine to when I first devoured Divergent in the early 2000s.

There’s something really nostalgic about Stormbreaker. It hits that addictive, fast-paced dystopian rhythm: high stakes, a fractured world, a heroine you can root for, and just enough tension to keep you flipping pages way past when you should’ve stopped. It leans into familiar tropes, but in a way that feels comforting rather than tired—like revisiting a genre that shaped you as a reader.

That said, it doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel. Some plot beats feel predictable, and I found myself wanting a little more depth in certain character dynamics and world-building layers. But honestly? The momentum carries it. It’s the kind of book you feel more than you analyze while reading.

For YA especially, this was great. It captures that coming-of-age urgency and rebellion so well, and I can absolutely see this being a gateway dystopian read for a new generation.

Overall, this was a fun, nostalgic ride that reminded me why I fell in love with dystopian in the first place. If you’ve been craving that early-2000s energy—rebellion, tension, and a heroine against the system—this will absolutely scratch that itch.

That cliffhanger? Where do we go now?

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

“Poet Graves, you are the best kind of trouble I’ve ever found in my life.”

A combination between Divergent and The Maze Runner (imo), Storm Breaker had me in a choke hold! I stayed up far too late reading Storm Breaker because I simply could not put it down. New Manhattan is plagued with storms that have the power to kill people if they get hit with an electromagnetic arc, unless you are a Storm Keeper—but people with those abilities are never seen again if the government finds out. Each person of Society is pledged to one of four houses at Amery Academy.

Between Rook and Poet’s banter, the cruel dystopia they live in, and Poet standing up for herself, this book checked all the boxes. Not only does this hit right in the nostalgia for everyone who grew up reading dystopias (and the messed up governments that control them), but it also deals with difficult personal topics like abuse—both emotional and physical. I cannot wait for book 2 because that ending had me like👀

✨Cruel dystopian government
✨Protective (& secretive) MMC
✨Abusive parents
✨Strong FMC with powers
✨Slowwwwww burn
✨top notch banter
✨storms plague the world
✨Elite academy