Storm Caller: Storm Breaker 2

Storm Breaker #2

by Nisha J. Tuli

Poet Graves has only ever wanted to be free. But no matter where she turns, she’s held captive—by a power she doesn’t understand, a truth she no longer believes in, and a love she can’t deny.

As Poet is drawn further into Rook's world, his secrets force her to question who she can trust. But when friends turn into enemies, enemies prove to be allies, and the place that was once a safe harbor is revealed as the eye of the storm, Poet's only choice is to fight for what she believes in.

When New Manhattan's darkest secrets refuse to stay hidden, the cause Poet and Rook fight for will be called into question. The answers are out there…and they could destroy everything.

Don’t miss the thrilling continuation to a thrilling upper YA romantasy by Nisha J. Tuli, where Divergent meets The Cruel Prince in a glittering, storm-wrecked Manhattan where the elite rule through legacy―and one forbidden romance could tear it all apart.

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

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 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 romance with Divergent vibes but make it more stormy and purple-haired.

This sequel to Storm Breaker is a nostalgic-feeling YA dystopian fantasy romance that activated two completely different parts of my brain: 🥰 and ✊. Therefore, I shall write two mini reviews, while attempting to keep this spoiler-free for both books, wish me luck:

Review 1, for the vibes-first readers.
Soundtrack: Golden - EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami

Rook is such a green flag hello and Poet’s character growth in this really shines and they’re so cute together, I love them and everything they represent. Poet’s friendship with Domino in this one was also a real highlight, as well as exploration of her relationship with her father and mother. It gets deep.

I kind of started reading this thinking it might give me the same Divergent vibes as book one did, but it, er, diverged quite a bit.

Especially that last stretch.... like what in the Lana and Lilly Wachowski did I just read?! I was bawling my eyes out.

I really look forward to seeing this play out as a TV series, because it's just so visual and action-packed.

And if you don’t like cliffhangers, perhaps wait till the third book of this trilogy comes out before starting this series… because ouch.

[Vibes-first readers, you can stop reading here.]

Review 2: For the reading-is-political readers.
Soundtracks:
This is America - Childish Gambino
Killing in the name of - Rage Against the Machine

Storm Caller is a dystopian fantasy romance and dystopian as a genre is inherently interested in power, oppression, inequality and who gets to decide how society functions.

Anyway, I write this secondary review for Storm Caller with a different part of my brain. I felt unsettled the whole time I was reading it, especially as the story leaned into its political side. Maybe because I kept having the strange sensation that I was reading fiction while simultaneously watching the news?

Because in this fictional world, people are disappeared for no reason, the media manipulates, suppresses and distorts, marginalised groups are targeted and discriminated against, the climate is irrevocably screwed and anyone who knows too much becomes a target to be silenced.

Sound familiar? I could go on but it would spoil some of the big reveals.

Anyhow, the parallels are difficult to ignore. The surveillance, propaganda, xenophobia, wealth inequality, capitalism, concentration of power, manufactured enemies and deliberate division of ordinary people (Society, Cogs and Hollows + Keepers & Solitudes), are all baked into the worldbuilding of "New Manhattan". Just wait till you clock what the Extinguishers represent! 🧊

I suppose that is what good dystopian fiction is meant to do, YA fantasy-romance-coded or not. Some dystopias do warn us about the future yet many of them also make us look more closely at the present and recognise how easily the horrors of the past can and are getting repeated. And people of colour, especially Black and Indigenous people, have been warning us / y’all about that for centuries.

Anyhow, underneath all that political commentary, the romance still works beautifully and there was plenty here for the escapist, cute-seeking part of my brain to enjoy. Spice level is that line that sits between open door and fade to black, which I think suits its upper YA/NA classification. Maybe the correct term is “door ajar”, thank you Imbi & Youssra.

By the end, the action and social commentary gets more searing, incisive and emotionally devastating and I was in a chokehold. If you plan to read this, get your tissues.

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing & Nisha J. Tuli for the ARC via Netgalley.

[Karly Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another criminal cliffhanger for me this month.

🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: September 1, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Entangled Teen

Overall, Storm Caller was a very solid sequel! I love the way this expanded the world and further developed the magic system that we learned about in Storm Breaker.

I wasn't aware that this was a YA series when I began Storm Breaker, so this sequel was a lot easier for me to get into and follow along. These characters very much act their age and what they're experiencing is very relevant and relatable for a coming of age story.

While some of this book was pretty predictable, there was a scene that had my stomach DROP. I really appreciate Nisha J. Tuli's descriptions within this book because it really paints a clear picture of what's happening—like watching a movie.

I ultimately didn't rate this book the full 5 stars because it gave a littleeeee bit of second book syndrome and the dialogue was a bit cringey (it was more noticeable than Storm Breaker). There were a handful of moments where I wish the plot would've progressed a lot faster, and it left me wondering why were spending so much time on that moment. On the flip side, there were key moments I wish we would've spent more time on.

Storm Caller answered a ton of questions I had after reading Storm Breaker, but NOW I HAVE EVEN MORE QUESTIONS GOING INTO BOOK 3. Looking forward to seeing how Nisha J. Tuli will wrap up this series.

[joni ౨ৎ]

3 BOOKS IN A YEAR?? NISHA IS FEEDING US OMG

[Sarah Medeiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

😮‍💨 WELP. Just spent a lot of the last 15% switching between crying my eyes out and gasping all while on the edge of my seat. Wow, where do we go from here???

I love this take on dystopian romance from Nisha J Tuli. The world becomes so much bigger in book 2, the cast of characters even more interesting and the story expands in a way that has me so ready for more. I can just see this story playing out on a screen and for me, that’s the sign of a great book.

The twists and turns and reveals just kept coming and seeing Poet’s growth and rage, while still maintaining this level of empathy and caring was so satisfying. She reminded me so much of Katniss and I think Hunger Games fans should all be reading this series! And Rook! Gahhh I love him and I love that we get so much more of his backstory which will only make you love him more. Poet & Rook 4eva 🫶

Thank you so much to Entangled & Mayhem Books for the early copy! I can’t wait for this to be out in the world.

[addy ϟ [at]ananxiousadventure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. WOW.

Storm Breaker is one of my favorite reads of 2026, and Nisha J. Tuli blessed us with Storm Caller less than six months later. The sequel picks up right where we left everybody at the end of book one, but dare I say Storm Caller might be even better than Storm Breaker?! NJT did an incredible job balancing lore, plot, and romance while truly opening this world up; just as the map expands, Poet's growth from book one to now made me cry by the end. She's really coming into her own as a young adult. And there's so much more to Rook and where he comes from. The tension between their two worlds and their respective roles really is trying to tear them apart. As a resident of NYC during recent storms and flash floods, the futuristic New Manhattan NJT imagined might not be so far off, and she asks a relevant question: will humans ever learn from our history and quit repeating past mistakes? That remains to be seen both in reality and fiction, but I, for one, can't wait to see what happens next in this story. (Respectfully, when's book three coming??? 👀)

Horizons? Widened.
Stakes? Higher.
Romance? Swoonworthy.
Lives? Changed.

I screamed when the email hit my inbox!! Thank you to Netgalley and Mayhem Books for the eARC! 💜

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely diabolical ending. I was on an emotional rollercoaster that i never wanted to get off of!

[Stacey | read.with.stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Review to come

[Meg (bookish.apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thrilling, fast paced adventure continues in this dystopian fantasy romance that picks up right where Storm Breaker left off. We get to see what’s really out there in the Wastes and meet a crew of new characters, including Rook’s mischievous and loving siblings. Poet and Rook’s relationship is getting stronger with every storm they weather and I adore them. So many questions are answered and there were some wild plot twists. Poet’s father was a complicated character and it was so satisfying to witness Poet realize her own strength and that he really doesn’t have any control over her. That last 25% was especially exhilarating and impossible to put down. The ending is setting up for a whole new adventure and I already cannot wait for book three and to learn more about the nature of the storms themselves. Thanks to the author and Entangled for the eARC! Also my guess for the next book’s title: Storm Wielder.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poet & Rook. The best kind of trouble.

If there’s one thing you can count on returning to the New World, it’s that trouble definitely continues to find them, and it seems to take a lot of continuous effort to stay out. Especially when they find themselves in the thick of it. Sorting through truth and deception.

The lies run deep, and there are so many layers and things to unpack in book two, I was at the edge of seat the entire time. I read this in one sitting, sore limbs, sore ass, zero blood flow. It was worth it lol.

And the chemistryyyyy. Ugh. The sweet and tender moments they share?! The quiet devotion, the longing in the stares. I LOVE Rook, and he is just the man for Poet. He would literally cross the wastes time and time again for this woman. A heart so big you can’t help but fall too. ( He also falls first and it is soooo endearing. )

So much growth and character development for both Poet & Rook, but specifically Poet. She really becomes someone who is unafraid, someone who is free. Someone who has more strength than she ever gave herself credit for, with the bravery to match.

I really appreciated how in depth book two went into the New World to give us a better understanding of what’s outside of it, and a deeper look into why their society is built the way that it is. I also loved the introduction of all the new characters and their personalities. Navy is such a little firecracker, and is an excellent judge of character. Loved her the minute she entered the page lol.

So much action, a jaw dropping unraveling of secrets, and a wild ending.
I need book two immediately!!

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words. I love Nisha J. Tuli’s Storm Breaker series. Readers everywhere fell in love with Poet Graves and Rook Athira in Storm Breaker, the first book in the trilogy. I mean, how could you not? Poet has always lived her life as a high-society girl, doing what she was told to do, but always in fear for her life and wanting to be her own person. Rook was the mysterious Solitude outsider, feared by all, who had the guts to attend Amery Academy, meant only for the upper class. Together, the two formed a friendship built on human kindness, shared experience, and trust. Their friendship ultimately led to a forbidden romance that seems destined.

Storm Breaker was simply child’s play compared to Storm Caller, which can perhaps be read as a standalone. Before the first chapter, Nisha sums up some key events of Storm Breaker. All that’s missing is a character glossary showing relationships or personalities, and ALL the reasons Rook Athira is in the running for “book boyfriend” of the year.

Storm Caller picks up where Storm Breaker left off and pretty quickly starts with the surprises. Lingering questions about Rook and his world are answered, and you're able to see how he became the person he is. Poet continues to come into her own and shine. I love watching her time and again step into a role she never asked for, showing courage, strength, and determination. She and Rook risk their lives to do what’s right for all of the citizens of New Manhattan and the Wastes.

The political intrigue continues, with new discoveries and a cat-and-mouse game where the lines are blurred between who is the predator and who is the prey. In this installment of the series, friends become foes, alliances are formed and broken, and truths have never been scarier. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Nisha hits you with something new.

Storm Caller was a fun, exciting, heartbreaking read. Thank the Warming Age stars that there is a third book. I have it on good authority that things will work out. But I'm sure it's going to be another heart-plunging, heart-stopping adventure. The question is, am I truly ready?

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“There’s always a little truth in every lie.”

“You don’t know what you don’t know.”

“It’s the little things sometimes.”

“There is always a choice.”

“I’m just one person. What could I possibly do?” - “A lot. One person can do a lot.”

“You’re stronger than you’ve ever given yourself credit for?

**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover copy.**

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ FUUUUCK and I thought the last cliffhanger was stressful…!!! This book was action packed, lots of twists and turns, lovable new characters introduced, political intrigue that turned things upside down over and over. Fast paced with short chapters that made it hard to put down! I adore Poet & Rook (especially Rook). I felt so engaged with the world building and this book read like a movie in my head. Cried through the last 20%. I know this *just* came out but I’m already dying for the next!!!!

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

ELITE Dystopian series

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nisha J Tuli said she tried to make you feel all the emotions, and emotions I did feel. Happiness, anger, disgust, stress… a whole lot of stress.

[Bree Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Entangled Pub and Nisha for the eARC of this wonderful book!

5Stars!!!!

This book picks up exactly where book 1 leaves off. We continue to follow Poet and Rook as they attempt to navigate the new information they have discovered while running for their lives. Poet has her eyes opened to things The Shield has been lying about for years. They find an unlikely ally that has a LOT of secrets and they aren't sure if she's 100% trustable.
We uncover a secret organization that is incredibly helpful. People are arrested, go on trial and are saved by more allies. We have so many amazingly traumatic moments where secrets are revealed and we are left questioning what is going to happen next!

There are some big battles and an ending that I was not ready for at all! This series is everything a YA dystopian story should be about!

[Jefferz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part two of Nisha J. Tuli’s Storm Breaker series, Storm Caller picks up after the first book’s high‑energy and cliffhanger ending. Featuring more overt dystopian elements, this book leans away from the typical academy setting and training arc, instead focusing on heavy world‑building that substantially expands the scope of the story far beyond New Manhattan. While this novel continues the signature storm motif and builds on the first book’s dystopian elements, it can unfortunately feel less balanced and lacking notable progression, giving it a transitional and somewhat underwhelming feel in addition to having a more juvenile tone.

Highlights:
☕︎ Further narrative developments that expand the scope of the series beyond New Manhattan allow great opportunities for societal contrasts and stronger dystopian elements. The storm and electrical motif continue to set the series apart.
☕︎ Poet and Rook continue to have good chemistry, albeit the first half feels repetitive. Their differing opinions of where they consider home are well integrated into the plot.
☕︎ Great visual and sensory descriptions of storms, lightning strikes, sprawling landscapes, and lovely depictions of the sky.

Considerations:
-The sequel follows the middle‑book syndrome and largely feels like a transitional entry in the series. The book features a lot of world‑building but limited narrative progression that doesn’t quite fill a full‑length novel.
-This book loses the balanced and well‑paced approach of the first installment, with the vast majority revolving around characters talking with little action or variation. Nearly all of the world‑building, plot twists, and details are simply told in a lackluster manner rather than shown or discovered.
-Dialogue feels noticeably more stilted and unnatural, particularly with both young teens and older adult characters who often don’t feel age‑appropriate. Figures in power and villains’ motivations can feel lackluster and basic. Poet has repetitive internal thoughts coupled with impulsive choices that some readers may find frustrating or immature compared to her resilience and resourcefulness in Storm Breaker.

Following Poet’s escape through the tunnels with Rook, Storm Caller sees her outside New Manhattan and into The Wastes. While the first book largely consists of a traditional academy training arc common in YA books, this one switches up the formula and focuses on expanding the world outside the protected city. As the second book in a now‑planned trilogy, it carries much of the burden of expanding the lore: life and culture in The Wastes, the history and conflicts with New Manhattan, General Sol’s spark‑channeling ability, and exploration of the Keeper condition plaguing citizens.

Caught up in conflicting groups and power struggles, Poet and Rook’s chemistry continues to be one of the series’ strengths, while her trust is tested when numerous secrets and hidden agendas come to light. After the first book’s storylines involving Poet’s family power, status, and Shield politics, this one focuses on Rook’s background and life. The contrast between their families, values, and sense of home provides great narrative conflict beyond miscommunication, though the book uses that trope more than ideal. The change of setting also provides strong opportunities for scenic visuals. Whether it’s the landscape of The Wastes, settlements, farmland, or valleys, Tuli’s visuals are a highlight. Similar to Storm Breaker, the sensory descriptions of energy strikes, sparks, and storm ambiance continue to be a treat.

Given the story now includes several communities, political organizations, and underground groups, a good portion of this book consists of secret reveals, societal history, and general lore information. While the ideas themselves are quite good, they’re conveyed through lengthy and repetitive conversations between characters. Nearly every new discovery follows the formula of a character needing to come clean and confess their secrets, Poet demanding they “tell me everything,” and the character delivering a dramatic explanation followed by a request for help. The book spends a lot of time telling the reader what’s happening rather than showing it. Later scenes will follow with Poet telling other characters everything which can feel unnecessary considering not every character plays a major role in a given confrontation in addition to further making her look naïve as some of them should not be trusted. While Storm Caller has brief moments of good action toward the end, they’re few and far between. As much as 80% of the book consists of characters talking. While the book isn’t slow‑paced, the story can drag due to excessive world‑building and romance that feels repetitive, coupled with limited narrative progression. This is particularly disappointing compared to the first book, which had an excellent balance of action, character development, romance, and dystopian lore.

The overall tone and character writing also feel considerably more juvenile and YA compared to the first book, which had crossover appeal as a new adult novel. Poet’s narration feels more immature and surface‑level, and her decision‑making feels noticeably more spastic and questionable compared to her resourcefulness previously (thankfully though, this book does not have the CW Gossip/Mean Girls dialogue present at the beginning of Storm Breaker). Repeated betrayals and poor judgement make her appear unintelligent, and the chosen‑one trope is used more heavily despite her limited understanding of the Shield, the Keepers, and external communities. It stretches believability that a strike task force, a secret rebellion organization, and powerful political figures would rely on a second‑year academy student’s expertise over years of established knowledge and experiences. Her internal thoughts also tend to slow the pacing without adding much to the story, and the romance sometimes feeling like it’s just going through the motions. The dialogue is also notably more stilted and awkward throughout this book, where it was only an occasional issue in the first one. Lines like “I'm Justin, the youngest of the Althira siblings” feel unnatural and not how someone would introduce themselves, try saying that out loud. There’s also an issue where many of the supporting character’s dialogues seem age-inappropriate. Younger characters can sound too childish, while older adults sound overly dramatic and like teenagers. Villains and adult character motivations can seem quite basic while the explanations behind the dystopian system can feel underwhelming despite the overall ideas being good.

Largely serving as a transitional book in the series, Storm Caller is a bit of a mixed bag. While it covers crucial and necessary world‑building while leaning further into its dystopian elements, it lacks the engaging balance, consistent pacing, and appealing character work that made Storm Breaker so impressive and memorable for me. It also doesn’t feel like it progresses the story much, and the sparce narrative content seems stretched to fill its four‑hundred‑plus pages. When I originally ARC‑reviewed Storm Breaker, I believe the series was a planned duology. However, now it is being marketed and described as a trilogy. My suspicion is that the original draft may have been too lengthy to fit the typical YA novel format or there was a notable change in direction for the series. The near‑absence of the Shield’s houses and political structure, despite their prominence in book one, makes it almost seem like there wasn’t enough planning with the series outline or there was a pivot toward external groups and affiliations. The cliffhanger ending also left me mildly concerned with the series’ trajectory. However, despite these weaknesses, the world remains intriguing and the storm‑wielding elements continue to be exciting to read about. Although this book has a less polished and rushed feel, I’m still interested in seeing where the final installment takes the story and how Tuli plans to tie everything up!

This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Entangled: Mayhem Books.

*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

# STORM CALLER — A REVIEW FROM A CERTIFIED LITERARY MENACE

**Rating: 5 ⭐**

## ⋆ THE SPOILER-FREE PORTION ⋆

This has officially, rapidly become one of my favorite dystopian series.

Let me address something up front: yes, this series leans a little more YA in its vibes. But I want to be crystal clear, that is NOT an insult coming from me. It isn't as complex or as bleak-your-soul dark as some of the heavier adult dystopians, and there's a certain lightness in how NJT describes genuinely horrific situations. And honestly? I don't mind that one bit. Sometimes it is genuinely lovely to NOT be utterly bewildered for the first 70% of a book. That accessibility takes absolutely nothing away from the worldbuilding, the characters, the lore, the plot, the writing, or the romance. It just lets you actually enjoy all of them.

On the non-spoiler front: I loved how much this world cracked wide open in this installment. NJT pulls off a genuinely impressive balancing act here, keeping the lore, the plot, and the romance all humming while expanding the map, and the story, in every direction. And Poet? Watching her grow from where she started in book one to who she is now had me actually crying by the end. She's really stepping into herself as a young woman, and it's beautiful to witness. We also get so much more of Rook, where he comes from, what shaped him, and the growing tension between their two worlds and their opposing roles is doing its level best to tear them apart. I'm invested. Devastatingly so.

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## ⋆ SPOILER ZONE — TURN BACK IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED ⋆

### ❗ Seriously. Leave if you haven't finished. ❗

Okay, let's dig in.

**I was glad we didn't open on "everything's safe and perfect."** That said, I never fully believed they were ACTUALLY in danger early on, because it was pretty obvious Fisher was his brother or cousin or related somehow (Rook always speaks so glowingly of his family). But I appreciated that it kept the book-one cliffhanger from getting instantly, tidily resolved. And it was SO fun getting to see his world and watch Poet's naivety fall away in real time as she learned how things actually work out there.

**General Sol.** The MOMENT Rook got suspicious of him, I KNEW something was up. (Again, this isn't trying to be a hyper-deep, twisty, complex book, and that's fine.) But I did NOT have it on my bingo card that the reveal would be that BIG. And I feel a little stupid that I didn't clock the General was the one behind the killings, I genuinely assumed the deaths were just propaganda and that nobody was actually dying. Well played.

**Her brother.** I was 100% certain he was coming back... and I mean, he kind of did? Just, not in the way I was hoping for. But is that actually the end of his story? Is there a chance they were wrong? Because they didn't officially check him or take him out of the tank... right? RIGHT? I'm not letting this go.

**And here's my big prediction:** the people who stole her at the end? I think THEY are the ones who were actually attacking the Veil. I think they've been trying to pit the two sides against each other so they can sweep in while everyone's distracted. I'd bet money they're the ultimate big bad, because the General Sol plot wrapped up a little too neatly, which always tells me there's a bigger threat waiting in the wings for next book.

(That prediction that Poet and Rook would go the same way as the General was a touch ominous... but given the style of this series, I'm fully confident it'll resolve okay in the end. I trust the vibes.)

[Megan Bajorek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was I shocked to get the opportunity to read Storm Breaker as an ARC? Yes!

​Did I love it and want more? Also yes.

​So imagine my shock when I was given the opportunity to read the sequel, Storm Caller!! A HUGE thank you to Nisha J. Tuli, NetGalley, and Entangled Publishing for this amazing opportunity.
​⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧅🧅
🌶️ - the door is ajar, but descriptions are still very PG

I read this book in about 24 hours because I couldn't put it down; I was immediately hooked and I still feel locked in! The sequel picks up right where the first book left off, and Nisha does an amazing job reacquainting the audience with a "previously on" recap and a refresher on the who's who!
First, I demand (not really) a Rook POV because he has prime YA Best Book Boyfriend potential... like if another of Nisha's MCs, hmmm, like Nadir or Rabin, were in their YA phase of life. Massive swoon. Even though Poet's journey is the dominant one, we get a unique glimpse into who Rook is, as well as how his love for Poet is genuinely opening his eyes and pushing him to find his place. I really want more of him, and for him! He is so in love with her that in every interaction, you can feel his commitment, seriousness, and determination to love Poet forever.

Now Poet, my sweet girl, you've been going through it and you're still surviving, kicking, clawing, and cursing the night!

My one bugaboo about YA is that the general pace of the novel, and therefore character growth, is relatively fast. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and it makes it feel like I'm only getting a glimpse of things. For example, I crave strong female friendships. Poet's new friendship with Navy is hinted to have developed over time, but at the very least it has been several weeks off-page. Or the fact that at one point months had passed, which should have had more of an impact on the relationships left behind.

Still, I loved Poet finding her voice and her trust in Domino and Journey. And THANK GOD she socially destroyed Trinity, who is just the worst! She's weak, jealous, bitter, and a terrible friend to someone who, while perhaps better off financially, is also dealing with her own demons and scars. Um, hello, verbal and physical abuse and PTSD, anyone? The betrayal from Trinity literally would not stop, and I still want Poet to physically, emotionally, and spiritually put her in her place because Trinity is a character not worth saving!

Despite constantly feeling like she's being misled, lied to, or just one step behind the truth, Poet finds her drive, purpose, and footing. She is left on her own quite a few times, and once the shock and loneliness subside, she is able to work on actually trusting herself, trusting herself to know what is right, what is wrong, and what the path forward is for her. I loved her growth and the authenticity of her journey, especially regarding her past relationships with Trinity, Knox, and her parents. She also comes to terms with her own weaknesses and failures as she desperately tries to find her place.

​Poet and the audience are asked to reconcile a lot in this book, as there are some massive and absolutely insane government/society conspiracies uncovered. Every time I thought something was predictable or foreshadowed clearly, I was thrown for a loop because of the depth, minute details, and complexity of this society and its dark dealings. I mean, c'mon: Trinity, Sol, Ada, Grady, etc.! I was truly impressed by the immersive world Nisha creates, along with the perfect balance of complexity, shock, and continued mystery.

I cannot wait to see where this story goes, and I desperately hope a HEA is on the horizon for Poet and Rook 😍

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli only a few short months ago, so I was pretty surprised when I discovered Book 2 in the series was going to be published soon. Of course I had to read it. And, man, what a ride!

Poet and Rook are in the Wastes and headed toward Rook's home, where Poet learns and sees for herself how everything she's been told about Solitudes was a lie meant to protect those in high society. She's still wrapping her mind around this when General Sol arrives. Apparently, she's been in frequent communication with Rook's father, and she has a mission for Rook and Poet. Return to New Manhattan and help find the cure for Keepers, and she'll teach them her ways of controlling Spark when it hits them, which is exactly how she's kept New Manhattan powered for all these years.

Poet and Rook both show growth from Storm Breaker and continue to grow as characters throughout this installment. They're young and a bit impulsive, and their occasional teenage dramatics could be a little much for me. Still, they remained highly relatable, and I loved watching their relationship begin to blossom. Of course, more secrets and surprises muscle their way in to make an already difficult mission even harder and push them apart again. When will they find some peace? I also love all the descriptions of the different storms: the weather is a character in its own right.

Tuli's prose remains straightforward and accessible. It's a dialogue-heavy story told in present-tense, first-person narration by Poet herself. It's romance-forward with a few swoonworthy moments, but nothing explicit. Mounting tension drives a tale that remains fast-paced throughout.

I. Cannot. Wait. for what comes next. Storm Caller leaves the reader hanging off a cliff. I hope my grip lasts until the third book is published!

This is a great fit for readers who enjoy dystopian fantasy and, of course, for readers of the romantasy genre.

Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— a stormy sequel full of secrets and tension

Let's Discuss: What sequel cliffhanger had you counting down the days until the next book?

I read a digital copy made available by Entangled: Mayhem Books through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

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[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 stars** 🌶️

Content Warning: violence, death

+~ In this sequel to Storm Breaker, the world opens up for a little bit and Poet travels pasts The Wastes and gets to meet Rook’s family and friends at Cloudspire. Her eyes are open to the truth of the world around her now. I do wish they stayed in Cloudspire longer so we could get to know it better. But Poet and Rook go back to New Manhattan to find out more about what’s going on there.

+ The romance between Poet and Rook is solid. There is no wondering if these two will be together, they love one another, already confessed it and it’s them against the world or against New Manhattan. I like that they don’t have drama with one another because it lets all the rest of the story happen without wondering if their relationship is rocky.

+~ I can’t really pinpoint what it is that made me feel like the first half of this book was slow and not as engaging as what I read in the first book. Maybe it’s the second book syndrome for me. I love the ending with all the action, secrets, betrayals and it moved faster. But the first half had Poet and Rook coming back to New Manhattan and dealing with a lot of people I don’t like, like her ex best-friend, Trinity. Also, Poet’s relationship with her dad is not good, she gets more clarity about some things about him but it just doesn’t feel good that she doesn’t have a family that she can really count on, which is why Rook is so important to her.

+ So much is happening in the end and then it ends in a cliffhanger. I don’t really know what will happen in book three after the way this ended.



Final Thoughts:

I think this was a solid sequel but I do wish we got more time in Cloudspire with the rebels because I love seeing Rook in his element. I do love Rook and Poet together, and so glad their love is established. It has less romance because of it but many cute moments of them together, some steamy but not very detailed steam. This one had more political intrigue than book one. And I do not like Trinity (Poet’s ex bestie) at all, maybe that’s why I didn’t love the middle of this book. My favorite part is the ending which is filled with so much action, secrets revealed, betrayal, and then it ends with a cliffhanger.

Read if you like:

dystopian romance
secrets and betrayals
political intrigue
complicated relationships

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚡ Heartbreaking betrayals, secret societies, and a dark truth exposed...

​I just finished reading this 5-star sequel and wow—the sheer level of betrayal and heartbreak in this book left me completely speechless! I literally had to pause and take a moment multiple times while reading. If you loved the first book, this installment takes the stakes, emotional devastation, and world-building to an entirely new level! 5/5 stars! ⚡💔

​The Setup: After her best friend Trinity turns on her and accuses her of being a Keeper, Poet flees New Manhattan alongside Rook, who was gravely injured saving her life. Escaping into the desolate Wastes, Poet discovers that everything she was taught by The Shield was a lie. With the help of General Sol—a fellow Storm Caller—Poet learns the truth about her abilities and agrees to return to society under cover to help clear her name and find a cure for infected Keepers. 🌪️🩹

​The Plot: Back at Amery, Poet works to master her powers while navigating dangerous territory. But when a front-line storm lesson goes horribly wrong, Poet gets struck by a spark saving her ex-brother-in-law and is thrown off the storm tower. She wakes up in the hidden headquarters of "The Fog"—a secret rebel group dedicated to exposing The Shield. Driven by guilt over her friend Edward’s imprisonment for hacking the Citadel on her behalf, Poet joins forces with The Fog to pull off a dangerous rescue mission. 🏛️🔓

​The Catch: The ultimate breaking point arrives when the head of Amery forces a surprise, mandatory Keeper blood test on all students. When the test yields impossible positive results—first for a trusted Cadet, and then for Rook—Poet urges him to run. As the guards hunt him down and Poet uncovers the horrifying truth behind The Shield's hidden agendas, all hell breaks loose, leaving off on a jaw-dropping open ending that will leave you begging for the next book! ⏳⚡💥

​An absolute 5-star roller coaster of emotion, action, and shocking twists that you won't be able to put down! 👏✨

​⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars
​📌 Tropes: Betrayal, Secret Rebellion, Hidden Powers, Dark Academia, Found Family, Massive Cliffhanger

My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/storm-call...

[Lenni Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book left me in a sort of reading slump - knowing that the sequel was so close to publication made me want to read nothing else. And now, as I finish book two, with no idea when the next book will come out (as of 9/8/2026), I am not sure how I can be expected to read anything else.

That's a little dramatic, but it's true that this series has captured me. I went out on release day just to buy this book and have struggled to put it down ever since. At one point, I told myself, "Eh, I'll just read one more chapter for the morning," and then proceeded to spend another two and a half hours reading without getting out of bed. To say I am hooked appears to be a bit of an understatement.

I love the romance, of course, but I also love the side characters. We get more side characters in this book, and I loved them! Plus, some of the previous side characters get some more development. The characters are lovable, the takes are HIGH, and the romance is just so perfect - it's hard to find a better balance!

One thing that bothered me in this book is the way that Poet's father was developed. We spent the whole first book building him up as this great enemy to be feared, but in trying to develop some of his motivations more, Tuli made him into someone I didn't fear that much, maybe even someone that could be forgiven, who is trying to make right choices after so many wrong ones. At the end, Poet says to him that she will never forgive him, after he defends her and protects her from capture. He gave his life for her. But she still tells him she can never forgive him. That actually made me kind of sick - I think it's so ugly to say such a thing to someone who is trying to change. On the other hand, I've never been a victim of domestic abuse, so I suppose it's hard for me to grasp the complexity of such emotions. But I also feel like the author failed to make him as dislikeable as Poet sees him in this book, after seeing all of the ways he chose to do the right thing.

I'm glad I kept up with the reviews that said the ending is a crazy cliffhanger, otherwise I don't know how I could continue with my day, LOL. I hope the next book comes out soon, and I hope I can somehow secure an ARC!

I wish you all a happy reading!

[Kathleen Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian YA with major Hunger Games and Divergent vibes. Book 2 in the Storm Breaker series and holy cow this kept me on the edge of my seat! This is how you do dystopian, the world is so complex and Storm Caller isn't afraid to touch on some very hard topics. This story is very coming of age and loss of innocence/naivety that shows why YA can be such a great narrative vehicle for dystopian. I especially appreciate the exploration of healing from abuse and trauma, and how complex the relationship between abuser and abused can be. There are very few straight up moustache twirling villains here, and instead just complicated humans who may have started with good intentions but have done some very, very bad things. Except for *spoilers*, she can go straight in the bin.

I love Poet and Rook, they are both young characters but still manage to be such multifaceted characters. The romance is definitely YA coded, but manages to not be cloying and saccharine like some YA romance. And Rook may be a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, but he's definitely not the stereotypical bad boy. No toxic masculinity here, he loves his family (and his girl) and isn't afraid to show his vulnerabilities. And Poet may be naive but it's in an endearing way that makes you want to wrap her in bubble wrap and protect her from a harsh world. As her character learns hard truths she manages them with grace and strength, and would honestly be a great role model.

This is a very fast paced book that begs you to consume it in one sitting. It's action packed, but still lingers in the emotional moments to let them land. And whoooo boy that ending, holy cliff hanger! I guess I'll just be sitting here (im)patiently waiting for the next book. The Storm Breaker series is perfect for any dystopian fans who are looking for something that scratches that Hunger Games type itch, full of rich characters and complex world-building.

[Dhruvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all what was thay ending?.From her being skeptical about leaving her home to actually agreeing to move with rook and taking her mom to ending the last chapter with her being captured by whom ?, we don't know,taken where? We don't know anything. My guess is one of neo-cities but let's see 👀
As for talking about the book it didn't started with a strong hold but we got many information outside of new manhattan and the waste is not how they mentioned it would be...obviously not, it was tiera frais a whole new city with everything with limited resources and we got to know more characters basically rook's whole family ie, commander summit and faroe,this his sister navy (whom I love ) and brother justin and finally half-brother fisher whom I am still skeptical about. As for new manhattan, the secrets about general sol and her methods and raine being one of the subjects and then fog(ada,henry,brookly) and then there was her dad in his own twisted way loved her and afterr all that his death made me cry and that apology that poet needed ...aghhhh😭😭😭😭😭😭 all that was kind of predictable yet okaish but I would love to see where domino,edward,journey,edward and trinity(even though I hate her) will be upto in the last book And lastly my poe and rook and all their moments were everything to me and the only thing that kept in reading and the only reason it is 4 stars cause even though the plot the revelations were shocking the story kind off felt off-structured unlike the first book with only the seeting felt structured.
As for the next book I don't now how nisha will end it up all because after all the revelations the city is going to go up in flames and then there is the topic of this different people kidnapping her,there is so much open ends to everything that it would be difficult to end that all in one book but if nisha is writting then I am reading it so I am excited for the final book which will decide if it was worth it or not😬😬

[Valerie Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I wanted to read this book since I turned the last page of "Storm Breaker? YES!
Do I want to put purple streaks in my hair? YES!
Am I currently emotionally wrecked and wondering how I'm going to survive the wait until the final installment - Oh hell YES 😭😭
I mean the title of the book is enough to send shivers down my spine. Who hasn't stood outside and felt the energy on the wind of an incoming storm? Only in Poets world, storms are a whole lot deadlier than in ours, especially if you're different to everyone else.. In that case storms can get you hunted, storms can get you killed..

Storm Caller carries on where Storm Breaker left off, with Poet learning more truths about Rooks world and realizing that everything she was raised to believe was well...
Secrets are uncovered, bargains are made and hearts are broken...
What I loved so much in the first book was how I could so easily see this world becoming our reality and that continues in Storm Caller. I love how well Nisha portrays the best and worst of humanities characteristics in her characters, making me several times want to cry at the levels we can stoop to..
I loved watching Poet really grow into her strengths in this book even though at times I did want to scream at her to open her eyes when it came to where her loyalties should be. There is only one very clear choice...
Rook continues to be, well Rook.. If only we could all have someone like him in our lives!
The plot twists especially in the latter half of the book had me sitting up straight, my adrenaline racing and my heart breaking..
My only complaint is that I now have to wait an undisclosed amount of time to find out what on earth is going to happen to Poet and will she and Rook get their happy ending?!?
Thank you to netgalley and Nisha J.Tuli for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!

[SwoonAndScroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're so cute when you threaten bodily harm"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'll be sending my therapy bill directly to Nisha for this one.

I appreciated Nisha's use of a "...and that's what you missed on Glee"-esque recap, as Storm Caller picks up immediately where its predecessor left us, and got right into the action.
This series has single handedly thrown me right back into my dystopian phase, and I make no apologies. I forget how much I love a post-apocalyptic world and Nisha gives us such a good one.

Rook is a top tier book boyfriend. Nothing but green flags up in here.
I love him.
His utter devotion and unconditional love for Poet has me absolutely frothing at the mouth for more.
A Rook POV would bring me the most joy possible.
I'm still not over the Teddy scene from book 1, tbh...

"He smells like safety and comfort. Meeting Rook taught me that I'm allowed to ask for those things."

Poet is fierce, and well and truly finds her footing in this instalment.
She's found her confidence, and she's found her people.
She's a force to be reckoned with, and one hell of a FMC

"I hate you." "That isn't what you said last night."

The bond between Domino, Journey, and Poet absolutely melts my heart.
Domino gives Christina in Divergent vibes and I love her for it.
This female trio is one I would go to war for and you can't stop me.

I've lost count of how many books by Nisha I've read, but they're all absolute bangers, and this one is no exception.
It had me hook, line, and sinker from the first page to the very last.
With 25% left, I made a deal with myself that I'd read 10%, sleep, and then read the rest in the morning.
Yeah, I had to explain to my husband that I did, in fact, not do that, and I had no regrets; that last quarter had me absolutely on the edge of my seat.

And that cliffhanger should be a crime!
I will be begging and pleading for book 3 until further notice, thank you.

Thank you, Nisha and Entagled, for the opportunity to read this eARC!

[Maria J Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving Storm Breaker, I had HIGH expectations for Storm Caller… and somehow Nisha J. Tuli made me even more obsessed with this world. 🤩⚡️

Picking up after that brutal first-book ending, Storm Caller takes everything I loved about the series and expands it. We get to see so much more of the world beyond New Manhattan, uncover new truths about the society Poet thought she understood, and watch her continue to grow into someone willing to question everything she has been taught.

Poet’s character development was one of my favourite parts of this book. I loved seeing how much she has changed while still feeling completely like herself. The expansion of the world also made this sequel feel bigger, and the found family element added so much heart to a story that can otherwise be incredibly dark.

And then there’s Poet and Rook. 👀 Their relationship continues to be one of the things keeping me completely invested. The tension, their evolving dynamic, and everything happening around them made it impossible for me not to root for them.

What makes this trilogy feel so special to me is the combination of dystopia, science, environmental themes, deadly situations, romance, and bigger questions about truth, power, freedom, and who gets to decide what people believe. It feels imaginative while also being unsettlingly relevant.

The twists kept coming, and just when I thought the cliffhanger in Storm Breaker was criminal… THIS BOOK SAID HOLD MY BEER. 😭😭😭 So many questions. So many theories. I NEED BOOK THREE.

A huge thank you to Nisha J. Tuli and the Entangled Publishing team for having me back on the ARC team for book two. I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to follow this series from the beginning. 💜💖⚡️

ARC received in exchange for an honest review via NetGally!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes book two in a series loses a little momentum, but I definitely didn't feel that here. Storm Caller picked up right where Storm Breaker left off and kept me completely invested. The characters, action, politics, and world-building all worked together to create a very entertaining story that I couldn't get enough of.

I really loved how much Poet continued to grow in this installment. Poor girl is constantly trying to figure out what she doesn't know while secrets, lies, betrayals, and shifting alliances are being thrown at her from every direction. Friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and honestly, sometimes it was hard to know who to trust. The world also expands quite a bit, and I really enjoyed getting to see more of it.

And then there's Rook. I just plain love him. 🥰 I loved that his and Poet's relationship was solid throughout this book and that their connection as Callers continued to develop. Their relationship taking that next step was beautifully done, too. I appreciate that this is upper YA and their intimate relationship was handled tastefully. Although I am still over here begging for a few chapters from Rook's POV. PLEASE. 🙏🏼

This sequel also answers A LOT of questions, only to promptly give us A LOT more. I appreciated that it came out relatively quickly after the first book, and thankfully there's a little recap at the beginning. Even without it, though, the first book was recent enough that I wouldn't have been completely lost.

I was already invested in this series, so naturally the ending had to come along and make everything worse. Why is this cliffhanger somehow even more diabolical than the first one?! That's just mean. But yes, I'll absolutely be picking up the next book because I need to know what happens next.

[Serena Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

First- Thank you to Nisha and Entangled publishing for allowing me to get an eARC and read this book early. I absolutely love this series!

Now- The ending of Storm Breaker had me on edge, I NEEDED to know what happened. So when I started reading and found out there’s SO MUCH more than what poet was told? MY GOODNESS. THIS is the dystopian vibe I have been wanting. It brings out the dystopian in me, the girl who loved dystopian as a kid and has been searching for that high since.

Poet and Rooks love story has been everything, and I cannot wait for rage rook in the book. The way he is going to burn down this world to find her?!?! UGH GIVE IT TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Rook is officially my favorite book BF. He’s the bad boy, but is such a cinnamon roll at the same time.

The entire time reading the book I had a gut feeling that Sol was lying and that Raine was somewhere. My heart absolutely shattered when she found him in that tank. I’m glad she got that final goodbye but I was hoping he was alive. She has had so much bad and evil, I wanted her to have one win.

When she went live and told everyone the truth- it was giving Katniss vibes and I had CHILLS. Tears coming to my eyes that she finally got to tell her truth and be set free. That’s going to look so good on the big screen and I cannot wait.

Onto the ending- WHO do we think kidnapped poet?!?! Because reading that my heart stopped. Will her mom think she abandoned her? Will Rook? My heart hurts so much thinking about it.

[Shann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced copy provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot stop thinking about Storm Caller, and I can’t wait for the story to continue in the next book. Nisha J. Tuli, you left us hanging and it hurts SO GOOD!

Storm Caller picks up right where Storm Breaker left us, and it is action-packed, with so much info revealed and some great twists and turns. I loved finding out more about the characters and learning that there was much more than meets the eye to so many of them. To get any more specific would be risking spoilers, so you’re just going to have to read it. (And if you haven’t read Storm Breaker yet, what are you waiting for?)

I feel emotionally wrung out in so many ways. I cried my eyes out, but I also laughed at the banter and sass, raged at the system, yelled (yes, out loud) at the characters, was absolutely horrified at times, and felt immense relief as well as incredible sadness for the characters. Nisha has a way of writing characters that are so relatable and believable, and I felt a strong connection to them throughout the story.

Thank you for a second book in a series that definitely didn’t feel like it had that middle book syndrome at all. Storm Caller kept moving forward, advancing the plot and developing the characters, all while avoiding that dragging lull that so many middle books have. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and devouring Storm Breaker, book one in the series, I was so excited when I received an ARC of book two, Storm Caller. Storm Breaker is definitely one of my favorite books of this year. So when this ARC arrived I was so excited I honestly did a happy dance.

Storm Caller continues right where book one ended. Poet and Rook are on the run and end up in Rook’s part of the world. Poet learns that there is a lot Rook hasn’t told her, and even though she is hurt and scared, Rook might be the only one she can really trust. There is no time to think for too long though, the world Poet knows is on the brink of changing forever.

From the moment I started reading Storm Caller, I found myself hooked again to these characters, the setting and the secrets of New Manhattan. I loved being back into this world. There honestly is no dull moment!

Poet and Rook’s relationship is in danger. But their chemistry is as amazing and swoon-worthy as in the first book.

We finally got some answers to questions we had after the first book. But we also get plenty of new questions. Next to some familiar characters, we also meet some very fun new side characters. And honestly, I read this book way too fast. I need more!

The romance was fun, and the action and suspense was just as good as in the first book. This book kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. And I just love this series so much and can’t wait to read the next one.