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Storm Breaker #1
Storm Breaker
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 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.
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 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.
Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Nisha J. Tuli
20 books5,319 followersVisit 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.
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 867 reviews
May 9, 2026
YA dystopian fantasy + slow simmering feminine empowerment/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, with the adrenaline-packed deadly trials component and the whole choosing between two factions type of vibe. Although it’s romantasy, so keep that in mind if you like keeping dystopian and romantasy separated, because YA romantasy is entwined here (mild, non-explicit spice and the vibe is more suited to an upper YA or NA audience, potentially).
I also would add that our beautifully brown-skinned, purple-haired FMC Poet Graves’s POV comes from a place of privilege and proximity to power and it’s kind of like we’re in the head of someone from the Capitol, just with more of a conscience. 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 this cool elemental magic ability where she can get struck by lightning, absorb the shock and survive. A pretty useful skill if you live in an environment plagued with deathly storms on the reg! But oh wait, nope…apparently the government will disappear her if they find out she can do that… just a wee bit of irony there. And there are some obvious metaphors for our current society today here if you would like to spiral.
Another thing I noticed about this Venice-but-make-it-NY inspired world—(gondolas + canals! because the planet warmed and the glaciers melted and the world flooded and all the polars bears and other animals died, my eyes are leaking)—is the patriarchal society, with 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. Very “what in the Gilead is going on here?”. I’m pretty sure we’re all exhausted by the patriarchy, so if you like themes of finding the courage to stand up to oppressive systems, 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 with a shrivelled mango apparently in charge. And, once you see who The E-Squad, aka the Extinguishers represent (is it a coincidence they wear red?), you can’t unsee it. (Reading is political, and dystopian fiction especially has always functioned as a reflection of anxieties over power structures, what can I say 💁🏽♀️)
Highly recommend it if you want a similar vibe to the classic YA dystopians of yesteryear, just with a lot more pining and romance. My teenage self would've loved this and my current self also loved it.
Not surprised, but am extremely delighted that this has been optioned for a TV series.
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
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, with the adrenaline-packed deadly trials component and the whole choosing between two factions type of vibe. Although it’s romantasy, so keep that in mind if you like keeping dystopian and romantasy separated, because YA romantasy is entwined here (mild, non-explicit spice and the vibe is more suited to an upper YA or NA audience, potentially).
I also would add that our beautifully brown-skinned, purple-haired FMC Poet Graves’s POV comes from a place of privilege and proximity to power and it’s kind of like we’re in the head of someone from the Capitol, just with more of a conscience. 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 this cool elemental magic ability where she can get struck by lightning, absorb the shock and survive. A pretty useful skill if you live in an environment plagued with deathly storms on the reg! But oh wait, nope…apparently the government will disappear her if they find out she can do that… just a wee bit of irony there. And there are some obvious metaphors for our current society today here if you would like to spiral.
Another thing I noticed about this Venice-but-make-it-NY inspired world—(gondolas + canals! because the planet warmed and the glaciers melted and the world flooded and all the polars bears and other animals died, my eyes are leaking)—is the patriarchal society, with 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. Very “what in the Gilead is going on here?”. I’m pretty sure we’re all exhausted by the patriarchy, so if you like themes of finding the courage to stand up to oppressive systems, 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 with a shrivelled mango apparently in charge. And, once you see who The E-Squad, aka the Extinguishers represent (is it a coincidence they wear red?), you can’t unsee it. (Reading is political, and dystopian fiction especially has always functioned as a reflection of anxieties over power structures, what can I say 💁🏽♀️)
Highly recommend it if you want a similar vibe to the classic YA dystopians of yesteryear, just with a lot more pining and romance. My teenage self would've loved this and my current self also loved it.
Not surprised, but am extremely delighted that this has been optioned for a TV series.
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
May 12, 2026
4.25 🌟 “𝙿𝚘𝚎𝚝 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎.”
this book includes a few of my favorite things… dystopian romance, academia vibes, and new york city 🫶🏻✨ and oh boy!! it felt so very nostalgic of early 2000s YA dystopian (big Divergent vibes)
this takes place on a future Earth that’s been effected by climate change. this creates such a cool reimagining of NYC, it sort of gave me like Venice vibes since they have to use boats to get around after everything flooded.
we follow 𝙋𝙤𝙚𝙩, a college student whose the daughter of a high society Scion, as she attends Amery Academy. i love our girl Poet so much!! 💜 she is so relatable. i really enjoyed watching her grow and find herself in this book. and 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙠 🤭 our mysterious love interest hehe that i need to know more about like HELLLOOO!!!! 🧸🪡🌩️
i loved the concept of the storms and i found the trials really interesting. the plot was a bit predictable and the dialogue is clearly aimed for a younger audience so i didn’t completely connect with it but i still had such a good time!! that ending and set up for book 2??! yes yes yes 🤭🙂↕️
this book includes a few of my favorite things… dystopian romance, academia vibes, and new york city 🫶🏻✨ and oh boy!! it felt so very nostalgic of early 2000s YA dystopian (big Divergent vibes)
this takes place on a future Earth that’s been effected by climate change. this creates such a cool reimagining of NYC, it sort of gave me like Venice vibes since they have to use boats to get around after everything flooded.
we follow 𝙋𝙤𝙚𝙩, a college student whose the daughter of a high society Scion, as she attends Amery Academy. i love our girl Poet so much!! 💜 she is so relatable. i really enjoyed watching her grow and find herself in this book. and 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙠 🤭 our mysterious love interest hehe that i need to know more about like HELLLOOO!!!! 🧸🪡🌩️
i loved the concept of the storms and i found the trials really interesting. the plot was a bit predictable and the dialogue is clearly aimed for a younger audience so i didn’t completely connect with it but i still had such a good time!! that ending and set up for book 2??! yes yes yes 🤭🙂↕️
May 8, 2026
3.5 ★— Much like Jesus on the third day, the dystopian romance genre, believed to have been killed in the mid to late 2010s, is quickly rising back up, giving us all the feisty heroines and tall, broody love interests who will sneeringly call them “princess.”
Which is a thing that happened in this book. Which maybe already sets up the overall consensus I have for this story, which is: sometimes fun, kinda nostalgic, definitely predictable, but enjoyable if you’re ready for that.
Poet is from an upper-class family, living a life that has predestined her to being on the arm of a wealthy man and continuing on her family’s legacy, when she’s sent to Amery Academy, a school that will determine her future role in society. But, like these books usually go, she has a secret power as a Storm Breaker and meets a mysterious boy from the lower classes she isn’t supposed to get close to.
First and foremost, I appreciated that Poet is a brown girl, that we get her as a woman of color, and that the male love interest, Rook, is described as brown-skinned as well, as explicit main characters of color are frustratingly rare to find in this genre!
Poet herself is a very familiar dystopian heroine: brave, willful, and determined to control her future. What makes her more interesting is the story letting her reckon with some of her privileges through her budding relationship with Rook.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the backdrop of this book being a future ravaged by climate change, which is just a fantastic theme overall and made for very interesting world building that I wish had been explored in more depth and will undoubtedly be expanded on in sequels. The world didn’t feel too dissimilar from ours, with characters having electronics not far from our own, making the story feel grounded in our reality and helping to hammer in the societal critiques the narrative features.
Generally, though, the book really had a hard time truly captivating me. I felt like most story beats and twists were easily foreseeable, and Rook sadly felt quite bland. While he isn’t the typical bad boy and is actually nice and respectful once he and Poet get closer, I still thought he suffered from a lack of interesting characterization and that his and Poet’s romance followed a very typical, predictable progression that just didn’t manage to keep me fully invested.
All this being said, the novelty of a brown girl heroine and my nostalgic enjoyment have me curious enough to want to read the sequel, so I am definitely keeping my eyes open for that one!
_____________
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC.
Which is a thing that happened in this book. Which maybe already sets up the overall consensus I have for this story, which is: sometimes fun, kinda nostalgic, definitely predictable, but enjoyable if you’re ready for that.
Poet is from an upper-class family, living a life that has predestined her to being on the arm of a wealthy man and continuing on her family’s legacy, when she’s sent to Amery Academy, a school that will determine her future role in society. But, like these books usually go, she has a secret power as a Storm Breaker and meets a mysterious boy from the lower classes she isn’t supposed to get close to.
First and foremost, I appreciated that Poet is a brown girl, that we get her as a woman of color, and that the male love interest, Rook, is described as brown-skinned as well, as explicit main characters of color are frustratingly rare to find in this genre!
Poet herself is a very familiar dystopian heroine: brave, willful, and determined to control her future. What makes her more interesting is the story letting her reckon with some of her privileges through her budding relationship with Rook.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the backdrop of this book being a future ravaged by climate change, which is just a fantastic theme overall and made for very interesting world building that I wish had been explored in more depth and will undoubtedly be expanded on in sequels. The world didn’t feel too dissimilar from ours, with characters having electronics not far from our own, making the story feel grounded in our reality and helping to hammer in the societal critiques the narrative features.
Generally, though, the book really had a hard time truly captivating me. I felt like most story beats and twists were easily foreseeable, and Rook sadly felt quite bland. While he isn’t the typical bad boy and is actually nice and respectful once he and Poet get closer, I still thought he suffered from a lack of interesting characterization and that his and Poet’s romance followed a very typical, predictable progression that just didn’t manage to keep me fully invested.
All this being said, the novelty of a brown girl heroine and my nostalgic enjoyment have me curious enough to want to read the sequel, so I am definitely keeping my eyes open for that one!
_____________
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC.
May 14, 2026
ew who would read this book?
ew YA y2k dystopian vibes
eww dark academia/combat college
forbidden romance? eww
eww elemental magic
ew the fmc has a character development
wait...
ew YA y2k dystopian vibes
eww dark academia/combat college
forbidden romance? eww
eww elemental magic
ew the fmc has a character development
wait...
May 5, 2026
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
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
April 25, 2026
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.
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.
Read
March 13, 2026I 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!
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!
Did Not Finish
April 23, 2026DNF @ 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
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
Want to Read
March 23, 2026thank 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
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
May 10, 2026
The 2000s Dystopian Era Is SO Back ⚔️
Nothing made complete sense, but somehow it was still incredibly entertaining🤣
Everyone is constantly running around, fighting for survival, uncovering secrets, and causing chaos — and honestly, that’s part of the fun.
This was definitely very YA for my taste. If I had read this at sixteen, I probably would’ve been completely obsessed🔥
Even though I was left with quite a few unanswered questions — the logic behind the political system, the division of society, the motivations of those in power — it was still a genuinely enjoyable read.
The story is fast-paced, packed with action, danger, and constant challenges. And honestly? Early-2000s-style dystopian fiction is officially making a comeback🔥
The heroine is brave, compassionate, loyal, and genuinely easy to root for, though at times she can be frustratingly naive and makes some questionable decisions (very YA-coded, honestly).
And the male lead is exactly what you’d expect — mysterious, tall, attractive, arrogant, protective, and impossible to ignore.
I’m definitely curious to see where this story goes next because there are still so many secrets and mysteries I want answers to🕵🏻♀️
✨ TROPES ✨
⚡ Dystopian world
🗡️ Rebellion against the system
👑 Corrupt ruling class
🔥 Survival trials
🖤 Mysterious protective MMC
⚔️ Action-packed adventure
💫 Strong but naive heroine
🕵🏻♀️ Secrets & hidden truths
💥 High-stakes missions
❤️ Slow-burn romance vibes
🌪️ Found family vibes
Nothing made complete sense, but somehow it was still incredibly entertaining🤣
Everyone is constantly running around, fighting for survival, uncovering secrets, and causing chaos — and honestly, that’s part of the fun.
This was definitely very YA for my taste. If I had read this at sixteen, I probably would’ve been completely obsessed🔥
Even though I was left with quite a few unanswered questions — the logic behind the political system, the division of society, the motivations of those in power — it was still a genuinely enjoyable read.
The story is fast-paced, packed with action, danger, and constant challenges. And honestly? Early-2000s-style dystopian fiction is officially making a comeback🔥
The heroine is brave, compassionate, loyal, and genuinely easy to root for, though at times she can be frustratingly naive and makes some questionable decisions (very YA-coded, honestly).
And the male lead is exactly what you’d expect — mysterious, tall, attractive, arrogant, protective, and impossible to ignore.
I’m definitely curious to see where this story goes next because there are still so many secrets and mysteries I want answers to🕵🏻♀️
✨ TROPES ✨
⚡ Dystopian world
🗡️ Rebellion against the system
👑 Corrupt ruling class
🔥 Survival trials
🖤 Mysterious protective MMC
⚔️ Action-packed adventure
💫 Strong but naive heroine
🕵🏻♀️ Secrets & hidden truths
💥 High-stakes missions
❤️ Slow-burn romance vibes
🌪️ Found family vibes
May 17, 2026
Dystopian romance is so back, and Storm Breaker is one of the latest additions to this sub genre revival.
🗓️ Pub date: May 5, 2026
🎁 eARC gifted to me by Entangled Publishing
💜 Upper YA dystopian romance
💜 1st person POV
💜 Forbidden romance
💜 Deadly trials
💜 Future Manhattan
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (not overly explicit)
I love Nisha J. Tuli's two romantasy series, so I was counting down the days until this release. The premise of this story is VERY up my alley, and, overall, it delivered vibes wise. It's fast-paced, action-packed, and angsty.
Poet's characterization is fitting given her age, upbringing, and experiences. It brought me back to my headspace at 19, and I sympathized with how transitional this moment in time was for her. Poet is FINALLY given a level of independence she's been desperately craving and takes full advantage of it.
I enjoyed the politics, magic system, and dystopia within this book. It's very fitting and realistic based on what's currently happening in the world, and I think Nisha J. Tuli did a good job at developing these aspects.
The romance in Storm Breaker was hit or miss, but I think it came down to not fully knowing/understanding our MMC. While I love our FMC and a forbidden romance, I struggled a bit with how their romance progressed. Based on the ending, we're definitely going to learn more about him in book 2, and I'm looking forward to it.
The plot was a little too predictable for me, at times, which brings me to my next point:
I think one of my biggest issues with Storm Breaker is it's not consistently marketed as YA/upper YA. In some places I see it being marketed as "upper YA dystopian romance"/"YA dystopian romance" and in others it's just called "dystopian romance." This book reads upper YA (MAYBE new adult) mainly due the writing style, coming-of-age characters, level of predictably, and monologue (casualness & lingo). I went into this book thinking it was adult and had to rewire my thinking. Once I did, I ended up enjoying the story more in the second half.
I'm excited to continue this series, especially after that ending!
A sincere thank you to Entangled Publishing for gifting me an eARC ahead of its release!
🗓️ Pub date: May 5, 2026
🎁 eARC gifted to me by Entangled Publishing
💜 Upper YA dystopian romance
💜 1st person POV
💜 Forbidden romance
💜 Deadly trials
💜 Future Manhattan
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (not overly explicit)
I love Nisha J. Tuli's two romantasy series, so I was counting down the days until this release. The premise of this story is VERY up my alley, and, overall, it delivered vibes wise. It's fast-paced, action-packed, and angsty.
Poet's characterization is fitting given her age, upbringing, and experiences. It brought me back to my headspace at 19, and I sympathized with how transitional this moment in time was for her. Poet is FINALLY given a level of independence she's been desperately craving and takes full advantage of it.
I enjoyed the politics, magic system, and dystopia within this book. It's very fitting and realistic based on what's currently happening in the world, and I think Nisha J. Tuli did a good job at developing these aspects.
The romance in Storm Breaker was hit or miss, but I think it came down to not fully knowing/understanding our MMC. While I love our FMC and a forbidden romance, I struggled a bit with how their romance progressed. Based on the ending, we're definitely going to learn more about him in book 2, and I'm looking forward to it.
The plot was a little too predictable for me, at times, which brings me to my next point:
I think one of my biggest issues with Storm Breaker is it's not consistently marketed as YA/upper YA. In some places I see it being marketed as "upper YA dystopian romance"/"YA dystopian romance" and in others it's just called "dystopian romance." This book reads upper YA (MAYBE new adult) mainly due the writing style, coming-of-age characters, level of predictably, and monologue (casualness & lingo). I went into this book thinking it was adult and had to rewire my thinking. Once I did, I ended up enjoying the story more in the second half.
I'm excited to continue this series, especially after that ending!
A sincere thank you to Entangled Publishing for gifting me an eARC ahead of its release!
May 13, 2026
I enjoyed this book! Storm Breaker definitely provides a vivid dystopian environment. The young female protagonist struggles against the chains of familial and societal expectations while finding her strength to pursue her own goals and needs. I was cheering her on!
Thank you to Entangled Teen/Mayhem for the gifted physical ARC of this book to read and review.
Be aware, important triggers: This book explores parental abuse of a child through late teens, as well as abuse and humiliation of the FMC by her fiancé.
Poet, the FMC, is physically and emotionally abused by her father throughout her life, and by her betrothed, Knox. She is told what her future will include and how she’s expected to behave and succeed at Amery, their version of a college. She has no choice in the matter, and she feels trapped. Once she arrives at Amery, Poet starts to pave her own course and choose herself over the expectations of others. She is strong but for a girl raised in this society, she seems naive and blindsided by the consequences of her actions. The MMC, Rook, is a Solitude, a person from outside the bounds of New Manhattan, and an unlikely ally. Their relationship is slow burn, with good tension. We don’t learn much about Rook throughout this book, so I didn’t feel very connected to him as a character.
I like how this book explores the fragility/frailty of young people’s friendships and relationships.
The plot was medium paced with fast paced action scenes. I liked the writing style and highlighted several quotes.
The world building for this story is interesting. New Manhattan is supposedly the only thriving area left in the world. Their population and survival are closely guarded and monitored. The four societal houses are detailed in their assigned tasks and allegiances. I like the layering of the differing lives of society citizens, the cogs, the hollows, and the solitudes, and the clashes and biases associated to this structure. The setting is clearly presented. The impact of the storms and the use of Spark as a resource is also interesting.
My one issue is with the magic system. I don’t understand the infection process, types of Keepers, and actual power of Keepers, like why and how? Keepers are people who have evolved to be immune to the Empire Storm’s plasma arcs, called Spark. The Keepers take this Spark into their bodies and become euphoric and almost addicted to it. But they don’t do anything with it? How many types of Keepers are there? The Keepers can become “infected” and lose their minds and go on killing rampages. So to avoid this, all Keepers are hunted down by Extinguishers for testing/assessment, and if they fail, receive execution or exile. But there is a job called a Storm Breaker where they literally use wands to attract and funnel Spark through their bodies and into the tower/ground. But if you’re a Keeper, they don’t want you to be a Storm Breaker. Why? And General Sol can do all of this and it’s OK? I’m confused. I am hoping for some clarity in book 2.
This book has steam and light spice (no actual sex).
Overall, this book was interesting and compelling. I will continue the series.
Thank you to Entangled Teen/Mayhem for the gifted physical ARC of this book to read and review.
Be aware, important triggers: This book explores parental abuse of a child through late teens, as well as abuse and humiliation of the FMC by her fiancé.
Poet, the FMC, is physically and emotionally abused by her father throughout her life, and by her betrothed, Knox. She is told what her future will include and how she’s expected to behave and succeed at Amery, their version of a college. She has no choice in the matter, and she feels trapped. Once she arrives at Amery, Poet starts to pave her own course and choose herself over the expectations of others. She is strong but for a girl raised in this society, she seems naive and blindsided by the consequences of her actions. The MMC, Rook, is a Solitude, a person from outside the bounds of New Manhattan, and an unlikely ally. Their relationship is slow burn, with good tension. We don’t learn much about Rook throughout this book, so I didn’t feel very connected to him as a character.
I like how this book explores the fragility/frailty of young people’s friendships and relationships.
The plot was medium paced with fast paced action scenes. I liked the writing style and highlighted several quotes.
The world building for this story is interesting. New Manhattan is supposedly the only thriving area left in the world. Their population and survival are closely guarded and monitored. The four societal houses are detailed in their assigned tasks and allegiances. I like the layering of the differing lives of society citizens, the cogs, the hollows, and the solitudes, and the clashes and biases associated to this structure. The setting is clearly presented. The impact of the storms and the use of Spark as a resource is also interesting.
My one issue is with the magic system. I don’t understand the infection process, types of Keepers, and actual power of Keepers, like why and how? Keepers are people who have evolved to be immune to the Empire Storm’s plasma arcs, called Spark. The Keepers take this Spark into their bodies and become euphoric and almost addicted to it. But they don’t do anything with it? How many types of Keepers are there? The Keepers can become “infected” and lose their minds and go on killing rampages. So to avoid this, all Keepers are hunted down by Extinguishers for testing/assessment, and if they fail, receive execution or exile. But there is a job called a Storm Breaker where they literally use wands to attract and funnel Spark through their bodies and into the tower/ground. But if you’re a Keeper, they don’t want you to be a Storm Breaker. Why? And General Sol can do all of this and it’s OK? I’m confused. I am hoping for some clarity in book 2.
This book has steam and light spice (no actual sex).
Overall, this book was interesting and compelling. I will continue the series.
May 4, 2026
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!)
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!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
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.
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.
April 25, 2026
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!
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!
May 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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!
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!
Read
April 29, 20262.5 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.
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.
Did Not Finish
April 26, 2026i 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!
April 27, 2026
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.
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.
May 5, 2026
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.
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.
May 6, 2026
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
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
May 7, 2026
Thank you so much Entangled Publishing for an eARC of Storm Breaker!
4.5⭐️ stars. This book gave me early 2000s superhero TV show vibes, think Arrow, Flash, Supergirl meets Divergent. This was so fun and nostalgic! The book follows Poet Graves who is part of a high society and ends up joining an elite academy. This book takes place in a post-apocolyptic dystopian setting where there are all types of storms plaguing the city. This has trials, political intrigue, and a slow burn romance.
I loved the academic setting of this book with different houses competing against each other. The familial aspects of this book were so heartwrenching and devastating, it was so tough to see what power does to a family. The misogyny the fmc had to go through gave me so much rage, seeing how much power some of these men held in this city. On the other hand, the romance was so sweet but also so powerful, seeing two people fight through storms and be there for each other through the toughest obstacles.
The first 20% was a little hard to get through with all the information on the world and all of the world building, but after that I was absolutely hooked. The last 15% had me on the edge of my seat and left me with so many questions. That cliffhanger was devastating and I need book 2 immediately! I'm also so excited that this book is going to be a TV show because I can totally imagine it looking amazing with all of the effects!
4.5⭐️ stars. This book gave me early 2000s superhero TV show vibes, think Arrow, Flash, Supergirl meets Divergent. This was so fun and nostalgic! The book follows Poet Graves who is part of a high society and ends up joining an elite academy. This book takes place in a post-apocolyptic dystopian setting where there are all types of storms plaguing the city. This has trials, political intrigue, and a slow burn romance.
I loved the academic setting of this book with different houses competing against each other. The familial aspects of this book were so heartwrenching and devastating, it was so tough to see what power does to a family. The misogyny the fmc had to go through gave me so much rage, seeing how much power some of these men held in this city. On the other hand, the romance was so sweet but also so powerful, seeing two people fight through storms and be there for each other through the toughest obstacles.
The first 20% was a little hard to get through with all the information on the world and all of the world building, but after that I was absolutely hooked. The last 15% had me on the edge of my seat and left me with so many questions. That cliffhanger was devastating and I need book 2 immediately! I'm also so excited that this book is going to be a TV show because I can totally imagine it looking amazing with all of the effects!
April 22, 2026
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.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for the complimentary copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2026
ARC review. 5⭐️ I love Nisha Tuli’s books and this one did not disappoint! In this dystopian world we meet our FMC, Poet. She grew up in elite Society and her future is laid out before her. Or is it? She and her friends attend an elite academy and face deadly trials while things slowly start to unravel. Poet is a strong, smart, persistent FMC with a secret of her own who is determined to find out the truth. A dystopian setting with lies, secrets, trials, betrayals, friendships, and maybe a romance, ending in a way that leaves you desperate for the next installment!
May 2, 2026
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 🙂↕️💗
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 🙂↕️💗
April 2, 2026
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.
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.
April 5, 2026
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.
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.
Did Not Finish
March 27, 2026I need to learn from my previous mistakes - like repeatedly picking up Red Tower books thinking they'll be well-written...
Want to Read
August 30, 2025Just saw the cover 👁️👄👁️ I AM SEATED!!!
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