Storm Born

by Amy Braun

A single night can change your life… for the worst.

It’s been a century since the last Centennial Storm, the calamitous phenomenon that covered the world in disasters– tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, tsunamis, and dust storms– caused not by nature, but by alien creatures from another realm. The Stormkind.

Ava Reid tries not to think about that night, when she was caught in a hurricane and brought face to face with one of the Stormkind, the man with a dagger, and the agony she felt when he stabbed her with a crystal blade. Yet as she and the rest of Florida’s citizens begin to rebuild their lives, Ava can’t help but notice strange things happening around her. Things she seems to be causing. The gusts of wind and sudden floods attract the attentions of a mysterious stranger who leaves her clues, and the deadlier men following her.

It isn’t long before Ava is swept up into a wild conspiracy, led by a secret society that knows the truth about the Stormkind– and what their enemies have planned for the world she loves. If she wishes to protect her friends and her family, Ava must harness her strange new abilities and become part of the Stormkind society. Because if she loses control, there will be no force strong enough to stop her…

Genres: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Science Fiction

354 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2016

About the author

Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action.

When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction, and diving headfirst into danger in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Amy can be found online on Facebook (www.facebook.com/amybraunauthor/) Twitter (@amybraunauthor) and Instagram (@amybraunauthor)

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Reid’s world is about to be turned upside down. A race of superior and chaotic beings will descend on the Earth and cause elemental catastrophes that will wipe out millions. This culling happens about every 100 years, just enough time for the myths and fables to have grown, leaving the Earth's inhabitants totally unprepared for the true destruction on its way.

Ava Reid is caught up by a Stormkind, the elemental beings creating the havoc, while trying to save her family. Taken by an unknown creature while the Stormkind cowers, Ava’s circumstance goes from bad to worse when she is stabbed with a crystal blade. Altered genetically, Ava is now something truly different.

Ava finds herself caught up in a battle of the gods, protecting those she feared and doing everything she can not to turn into the creatures that once again destroyed her world.

Wow, yup, I’m sticking with Wow. Where in all the world did Braun come up with this amazingly original world, plot, characters and did I mention world. I did mention world twice because the world building was truly amazing.

You might ask why 4 stars and not 5, I utterly loved everything about this story except the romance. I just didn't feel the romance worked and was unnecessary for the storytelling…otherwise, what a marvelous stand-a-lone.

Riveting, moving and absolutely shocking in its intensity, Storm Born is a young adult fantasy that should not be missed.

I received this ARC copy of Storm Born from Amy Braun in exchange for a honest review.

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Ever since I read the premise for this book, I have been obsessed with it. I thought about it all the time and was dying to read it since it sounded amazing and chaotic. Which, as it turned out, was so right!
This is a standalone novel and it follows Ava, one of the millions of victims of a recurring centennial storm that might not be so natural. This book starts out in the middle of all the chaos and it doesn't let up. I was completely immersed into this world from the start. I've never met characters like these before, villains and heroes alike. Ava is incredibly hilarious and I loved watching her come out of her shell as the story progressed.
My one complaint was due to the relationship between Ava and a certain someone. I didn't believe it was the big 'L' like she described it to be. I always need more 'evidence' if I'm to believe a love story and I felt like I didn't get much of it here. I felt like I didn't get to see much of 'him' in order to see what she saw in him. He was definitely swoon-worthy but I would've loved to have seen more of his personality, a bit more often. I did, however, believe that she was attracted to the guy (maybe a little too much and too quickly) but not in love. Fortunately, since this book isn't that heavy on the romance, it didn't really take away from my experience. BUT... my opinion about the relationship changed dramatically once something happened and I refused to believe it. Those last 2 chapters tore my heart out and I found out that I had grown fond of these two together. So all in all, Amy managed to manipulate my emotions in her favor. And I am pretty glad she did!
There are epic battle scenes- a constant with Amy- in every corner and I was attached to most of the supporting characters as well. Some things were a bit predictable but in the end, I didn't care. The powers these people possessed were amazing and I was a bit (a lot) jealous of all of them because I didn't have them.
As much as those last few chapters tore my heart out, I couldn't stop smiling after closing the book. I was riding a high that nobody was able to take me away from. It was a perfect ending and this is where I cry and beg Amy to write a sequel. Just for me...
P.S. Can I give this a full start for just for the smell alone? Fun fact: Amy's books have the BEST smell ever. They are a must buy if not just for that.
4.5 stars!

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

They came from the sky, aliens on a mission of destruction and death and humanity will once again be caught in the crosshairs of life-sucking monsters and storms of monumental proportions. Once every 100 years it happens, unexplainable, mysterious, but at least Mother Nature’s wrath was expected. Was it really Mother Nature in a fury or was even she being manipulated?

After securing her family, Ava becomes witness to the Stormkind, the monsters feeding off humanity, but a strange warrior type being saves her only to change her world forever with the brutal stab of a crystal blade and leaving her alone and in pain, hours from her home.
She is special, a warrior in her own right and the being charged with her care and training, as well as the secret group she now belongs to, may be the only thing that can stop the end of humanity.

Talk about riveting action! Amy Braun hasn’t let a single world building detail go unnoticed! Storm Born is chaotic, and the mental pictures of each scene of destruction, action and battle play out in HDX! If an outspoken, character with a dry sense of humor is up your alley, Ava is your girl. No matter what is going on, she keeps a sense of herself and it shows as she comes to life and grows into a heroine to watch! A touch of romance, mild and almost too unexplored does not shadow the entertainment value of good versus evil and man versus the unknown!

Publisher: Amy Braun
Publication Date: March 26, 2016
ISBN-10: 0993875866
ISBN-13: 978-0993875861
Genre: Young Adult | Urban Fantasy
Page Count: 350 pages
Available from: Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm Born is urban fantasy at its best. Filled with intriguing characters, a fast-moving plot with plenty of action, aliens creating chaos via weather/natural disasters, this is a must read! I read it in one sitting and it made me think twice about going out in bad weather. lol!

My Rating: 5 stars

[Whitney McGruder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava's neighbors have been trained and prepped for a Centennial Storm, which is a string of natural disasters that everyone dreads. While Ava and her family survive the storm, it's not the end of disastrous weather and turmoil.

While being trapped in the storm, Ava gets caught in the middle of power struggle between the Mistrals and the Precips. She's "tethered" to a Precip, Hadrian, and from then on, she learns about what truly causes these storms and how her role in this whole mess could potentially stop them.

She's given abilities to control ice against her will, but despite the pain she endures, she knows she'd rather be involved if it means saving her family and community. Ava doesn't like working with the Precips, but wonders if she has what it takes to avoid the Mistrals' plans to make her their ultimate world-shattering weapon.

What I enjoyed:

* Extensive, interesting action: If there's one thing Braun excels in, it's crisp and engaging fighting. There's a lot of action—whether it's full on battles, scuffles, or Ava testing out her new powers. Instead of glossing over fight scenes, she gives literal blow for blow so you can fully visualize what each character is doing. It's helpful to readers since the characters are almost always doing something interesting.
* World building/magic system: There's a lot of magic rules to digest, but Braun helps us understand how Ava "charges" her powers uses them to attack her enemies or defend herself. You understand how powerful she is and her limitations. The Guardians (characters who are really old and really good at cleaning up Centennial Storms) and their charges have tethers where they can borrow each other's energy to boost their own. It adds a bit of interest factor; Ava and the others have to decide when to rely on their own abilities and when it's safe to borrow.

What I didn't enjoy:

* Ava as the weak and white girl: Ava kept reminding us (the novel is in first-person) that she was pale and weak. It sort of made it difficult to root for her when she spent a lot of time not rooting for herself. She constantly compares her unattractiveness against the flawless features of Piper; her confidence at the end, but for a college freshman, she sure carries a lot of teenage angst.
* Hadrian as the cliché lover: Because we're constantly reminded of Ava's frailties and unattractiveness (she looks great on the cover), it's hard to believe that Hadrian would fall in love with her. He explains his feelings at the very end, but the chemistry was hard to believe for a long time. He simply chooses to brood instead of explain his emotions like a reasonable adult.
* Hard-to-follow language: While the metaphorical descriptions were beautiful and interesting, they were distracting. Since Braun is explaining unique magical concepts unique, metaphorical instances of intestines being rearranged or lungs exploding made me wonder what was literally happening to Ava. Like, if someone was watching her take someone's powers, would she be convulsing, standing still, or something else altogether?
* Declan as the cliché bully: Declan is literally described as a "walking stereotype" from the get-go. It made it hard for me to sympathize with his background, or really see him as a person, even though Ava has her moments of sympathy for him. Braun does some interesting things with him towards the end, but the bull-headed, misogynistic jock ploy was a bit overdone.
* Too many "blackout" chapter endings: Ava herself says she's tired of blacking out—which she experiences in at least half of the chapter endings, if not more. There has to be better ways to transfer to another scene or chapter.

My Final Thoughts

I realized part-way through that I'm probably not the target audience for this novel. I'm sure younger readers, or those who love a good romance, will really get a kick out of this novel. The magic and world building kept me reading the novel, but the cliché characters made me wince once or twice. After writing a few clichés myself, I'm not one to talk, but once you notice them, it's hard to forget. I'd recommend this novel to young adult readers, with a warning that there are a few carefully-placed F-bombs here and there.

[The Blonde Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every 100 years, planet Earth is destroyed by hurricanes, tornados, dust storms and other natural disasters. As The Centennial Storm is approaching, Ava and her family try to do what they can at home to wait out the storm. As Ava is attempting to close off her home and protect her family, she is washed out into the storm and comes face to face with what she thought was a myth, The Stormkind. Just before this mythical creature is about to take her life, a strange man grabs Ava and stabs her with a crystal blade, giving her abilities that she never could have imagined.

Ava is forced to learn to adapt to her new powers while attempting to protect her family at the same time. She comes into contact with a strange group of secret guardians and she must learn to trust them as well as trust herself and her strange new abilities if she wants to protect her family… and the entire world.

Once again, Amy Braun has blown me away! This story is unlike anything I have ever read. Ava and the Stormkind had me sucked in within minutes and I could only put it down long enough to stuff my face and suck down more caffeine. I’m serious, the only reason I stopped reading is because my stomach was growling at me and complaining about a lack of nutrition.

Ava is such a strong leading character. She’s that type of girl that all other girls wish they could be. Braun has a good habit of creating strong female leads and I LOVE that about her writing. Throughout the story, the reader is allowed to follow along as Ava transforms from a normal Florida girl into a strong, power wielding Stormkind. She protects those she loves, fights those she doesn’t, and falls for one she would never imagine possible.

There were so many ups and downs throughout Ava’s story and enough action to keep me begging for more. I love Braun’s writing style and the “realness” of her characters. She truly allows the reader to connect with her characters and feel totally sucked into the story. Well done Amy, well done.

[Raven_Blake (dreamy addictions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions


This book was so much entertaining and action packed. Loved the characters, setting and the writing. This was my first book from Amy Braun and I’m quite impressed with her work. I was very intrigued when I first checked out this book’s cover and the blurb. Honestly, I hadn’t expected to enjoy it as much as I did. I really loved the concept especially the elemental powers aspect and the author executed the plot in a way that’ll make readers engaged to the story through out. The action is totally epic and it’s the best part I loved about this book. Amy is definitely a talented and creative author and I seriously need to check out her other works.

Ava Reid’s world turns upside down when her city is hit by a centennial storm, a deadly calamity that causes massive destruction with it’s tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, tsunamis, and dust storms. It was rumored that the centennial Storms are actually caused by the alien elemental gods called stormkind but there were no sightings of them yet and anyone who encountered them are always turned out dead. When Ava gets caught in the hurricane at the night she comes face to face with a stormkind who stabs her with a crystal sword. Later, when she wakes up to find herself alive, she gets pretty surprised that she is still alive even after getting stabbed. She thinks maybe every horrible thing happened that night was just a dream but the strange mark on her chest proves that it wasn’t a dream. Few days later, Ava meets a mystery man who leaves her clues and she finds that her emotions are somehow causing havoc around her with the sudden winds and the floods. When some mysterious dangerous people tries to abduct her, she’s saved by the same mystery man who tells her that she’s now the stormkind and there’s a whole other world of secret society of stormkind who are willing to use her as a weapon. Caught between a war, Ava needs to harness her power not only to save herself and her family but also humanity.

I really liked Ava and her wittiness! She’s just an ordinary human girl who is suddenly gifted with an extraordinary power that is quite deadly. I loved the character development of her from being a vulnerable innocent girl to strong protagonist. Hadrian was hard to connect especially with his mysterious and broody personality but there’s something captivating about him that made me like him. I liked the relationship between Ava and Hadrian and I wish there was more romance in this book but it isn’t the major aspect of this book nonetheless I enjoyed it. I also liked Piper, she’s Ava’s best friend who is quite sarcastic and has fun personality. All the other supporting characters including the villains are the great addition to the plot cause they really made the story more enjoyable and interesting.

The plot was amazing! It was fully action packed and was hard to put down. The pacing is quite good and It definitely felt like watching a sci-fi action movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. The concept was very unique and I enjoyed each and every part of it. I really liked the writing style, it was vivid and descriptive. The world building is simply great. The author has perfectly crafted a fictional world that felt very realistic and fascinating.

Overall, it was an awesome YA read! I had a great time reading this book and It’s a pity that it’s only a stand-alone cause It would make an amazing YA sci-fi series. I highly recommend this book to all the readers who love action packed Young Adult sci-fi novels.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character, Ava has lost her home, everyone has. After a centennial storm that has created complete destruction, a Florida community is trying to rebuild and bring their world back to some semblance of normalcy. At the same time, Ava is struggling with losing more than her home; she has also lost herself. After losing a week of her life to unconsciousness, Ava discovers she has become a controversial creature; some believe they exist, but most don’t. As soon as she discovers the truth behind her new identity, she commits to protect her loved ones. The hard part is she has to protect them from her new found society.  For a young girl that hasn’t mastered emotional self-control, this much more difficult than it sounds.

I love the story, the characters, and the adventure Braun provides her readers. There isn’t a dull moment and the suspense will keep you ready. However, there was a bit too much sarcasm for my taste. I’m as sarcastic as the next girl, but when it comes to the intense moments, I felt it got in the way and took away from the suspense.

With that said, I still loved Storm Born; I rate it with 4 Boundless Stars.

Also, this did not affect my review or rating, but I have to say; as an editor, I have the unfortunate talent of reading my books word for word and catching every error. There are a lot of typos, and missing words in the e-book I received....Beth

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[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing to be reviewing Amy's books for her, Amy is an extremely talented writer bringing the unthinkable to life. I really enjoyed reading Storm Born it was witty even when the situation deemed unhumorous, incredibly visual throughout the entirety of the book and was just all round perfection.

I think it was great that Amy had the storm in the book personally because that sort of devastation is real in real life and from my point of view I only see these sort of storms on the news. This book has helped me understand the devastation that happens when these sort of storms happen. Couldn't get enough of the plot it was such a great book.

[T.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story, fun to read

Loved the inventive worldbuilding, and the characters involved. Plot seemed really rushed at the end, but overall I enjoyed the read. There seemed to be several editorial issues throughout, with missing or duplicated words, but they didn't really impact the read in my opinion.

[Gnome Claire *Wishes she was as cool as Gnome Ann* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book really annoying. The world didn't feel particularly well thought out (the systems they have set in place to deal with the fallout of the storm seem arbitrary and it didn't really feel like they were living in a world that was deprived-talking about throwing out food despite the fact they're all on food rations ect.)

I also hated the relationship, Ava seems to fall completely into insta-love for no real reason and then her feelings for Hadrian seem to drive so many of her decisions, she's a bit obsessed and it's kind of sad to read about a girl changing so much for a man who's never even hinted he has feelings for her. I never real felt much of a connection between them. To be honest most the characters felt pretty one dimensional, their motivations were simplistic and a bit random.

The magic played a big part in the story but wasn't particularly well explained.

also I really coulnt understand why they had to let all the storm born out once a century, for a start not doing it evactly even 100 years would have been a bit less conspicuous, I also wondered why they didn't just stagger them, one storm born seems able to cause a lot of damage but when we meet them one on one in the book they're not causing the carnage that they apparently cause when released together. Surely just release them one at a time in the Bermuda Triangle or something? It was just an arbitrary decision that really effected the story and the world and I couldn't understand why.

[Thistle · Rating 1 out of 5]

In this one, every 100 years a "Centennial Storm" hits the entire world. Rich people and people who win a lottery can go to underground shelters, but everyone else has to ride it out as best they can.

The worldbuilding was really, really unbelievable. The main character (Ava) was so uninteresting and hard to root for. Eventually I went to Goodreads to see what others think, and apparently it all gets a lot worse, including instant-love between Ava and a mysterious handsome man.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without spoilers: A fast paced modern fantasy with a likable protagonist and a secret society of warriors tasked with protecting elements of the earth. Good for adults but would also recommend for young adults.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Action packed and good story.

[We Said It: Literary Reviews w/ Ts Blogging · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Couldn’t Get Enough
“Storm Born” by Amy Braun

Reviewed by T’s Blogging
5/2/2016
9:36 p.m.

Talk about a riveting and action packed tale that keeps readers devouring each page. Avid readers, there is nothing on book shelves in comparisons to author Amy Braun’s young adult novel, “Storm Born.” Staying true to her strong female protagonist, Amy introduces readers to Ava, a common girl in a not so ordinary situation. The story is set during a time of the Centennial in which earth is being plagued by Stormkinds, amazingly gifted and strong creatures that feed on human life sources. As a storm floods Florida, the wealthy are safely tucked underground, meanwhile, the less-fortunate are forced to remain above ground only to be battered and killed. But rest assured, Amy introduces readers to a trio of warriors whose sole purpose is to return the hungry heathens back to their cages; but trust me when I say, “It is not that cut and dry.”

The foundation of this story has such a powerful meaning and focuses a spotlight on the destruction human-beings inflict upon mother earth. Using the Stormkind as a voice for the elements in which many people take for granted, readers are given the opportunity to see what could happen if wind, water, lightening and forth, were controlled by creatures.

Masterfully weaving reader’s reality into a fictional world, the author leaves book lovers with a thought provoking last impression they can appreciate. Moreover, she gives romance lovers just enough intimacy that causes their cheeks to turn crimson red, especially when the blue-eyed hunk known as Hadrain is introduce. There is so many layers to this story that this short review is incapable of even capturing the heart of this tale. With an epic ending that warms the heart along with a subtleness of true love shown throughout the book, one thing is for certain, “The author out-did herself this time.”

I give “Storm Born” 5 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading

T’s Blogging

[Tiffany Shand · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC copied provided in exchange for an honest review.

Storm Born is a stand alone novel and the first book I have read by this author.

After reading the blurb I was intrigued to read this book as it sounded very interesting and something different from the usual paranormal stuff I've read recently. I haven't read any books lately that have an elemental element and Amy writes in it a very believable way that will appeal to readers.

The story revolves around Ava, a 20-year-old waitress who is one of the many survivors of a centennial storm which might not be a natural occurrence. After Ava is stabbed and realises she has strange new elemental powers her life is changed forever.

The book is very fast-paced and full of action. I liked the relationship between Ava and Hadrian although romance isn't the main part of the plot. I really liked Ava's strong personality. Although it was a young adult book I think it would appeal to an adult audience as well.

The only thing I didn't like was there were a lot of mistakes and some missing words in the books - I'm a professional editor and find things like this a bit annoying but still a thoroughly enjoyable read.

4 stars

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy Braun brings us another exciting urban fantasy novel. Storm Born is about Ava, a girl with mysterious powers who is being hunted by both good and bad. She is shocked to discover that she may be causing the weird things that have been happening around her. She must protect her family and decide where her loyalties lie. There is also a boy, because there is always a boy, and, therefore there is a romantic component to the story.

Braun writes some pretty spectacular urban fantasies with lots of suspense and enough description to pull you in. Storm Born is geared more toward the YA set, but as an adult, I still enjoyed it and I think you will, too!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, complex story, replete with future mythology that's outside he run of the mill but still has ties to reality.

This book is the literary equivalent of those films which you have to pay attention to throughout, for fear of missing a key plot point. But, although I had to occasionally re-read pages to understand what was going on, it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story.

The relationship development is delicate, yet the writing imparts a deep sense of longing between the characters.

And the ending? Well, let's just say that it was all that I hoped for.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.