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Storms

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Storms

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2017

13 people are currently reading
578 people want to read

About the author

Chris Vick

7 books45 followers
Chris Vick writes books for young people about the sea, danger and the wonder of magic and stories.

He spent years working in whale and dolphin conservation and a lot of time surfing before enrolling on the Bath Spa MA in Writing for Young People. He has written four books, published in several countries.

Chris has appeared at festivals including Hay, Bath Children's Literature festival and Mare di Libri (Sea of Books) in Italy and has written blogs/features for the Guardian and Bustle.com. on YA issues. He lives near Bath, with his wife and daughter.

Girl. Boy. Sea.

Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie medal

'Perfect for your 14 yr old,' 'A world of near death and the discovery of an unlikely friendship.'
Jasbinder Bilan (The Guardian)

'Moral dilemmas, spiritual guidance and human cruelty underpin this rollicking adventure of unlikely friends.' (The Daily Mail)

Kook

'A no-holds-barred love story set in the Cornish surfer scene' 'A fast-paced read for older teens.' 'Kook is a gripping and heartbreaking story of love and obsession.' (The Guardian)

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5 stars
35 (18%)
4 stars
59 (30%)
3 stars
64 (33%)
2 stars
22 (11%)
1 star
13 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lucy  van smit.
4 reviews
May 30, 2017
An absorbing, thrilling, edge of your seat love story of two teenagers from different sides of the tracks, posh, swotty, honourable Hannah and surfer Jake who fall for each other and against a backdrop of saving whales stranded on a beach, and who get drawn out of the depth into murky world of drugs and the repercussions when we make bad choices for a quick fix, beautiful writing of the sea by the talented writer Chris Vick - if you haven't read his first book KOOK give yourself a big treat and pack it as your summer read. Hands up, I know Chris personally from studying an MA in creative writing and was very nervous reading his second novel, in case it wasn't as brilliant as Kook. Storms is very different ride, and just as wonderful, cleverly plotted and the thrills build and build and I couldn't stop reading this today. Boys who read novels will love it as much as the girls who devour books. A YA Tim Winton, Love, Sea, Dilemmas, Moral choices, thrills and more. Brill
Profile Image for Donna.
1,655 reviews
May 6, 2017
Interesting story about romance, lies, and trusting someone you care about. Hannah comes from money, Jake does not. Hannah has plans for her future, Jake surfs all day and works in a pub at night, content with life. That is, until he meets Hannah. Money and drugs enter the picture and cause all sorts of problems. There are also whales that need to be rescued.
There is adventure, danger, and plenty of lies in this fast-paced story. Hannah and Jake are a couple you want to root for, but aren't sure if it will work until the end.
Profile Image for Madelon.
155 reviews16 followers
December 27, 2017
Wederom een bijzonder boek van Chris Vick. Helaas was het niet zo'n tranentrekker als zijn eerste boek, Surf!, maar dit boek was absoluut weer goed! Spannend en met een leerzame kijk op het leven!
Een uitgebreide recensie volgt binnenkort op www.thebookdiaries.nl.
Profile Image for Caroline Fosse.
469 reviews70 followers
October 22, 2017
I can’t even bring myself to write a blurb for this book, it’s just the usual YA love story told from two point of views where a boy meets a girl, they fall in love instantly, something happens and one of them is acting really secretive, they feel heartbroken even though there’s no chemistry between them to begin with, I’m just gonna copy and paste the blurb and move on.

«Jake never meant to fall for a girl that night. But plans change and soon Jake and Hannah are together, inseparable. That is, until Hannah gets an opportunity that will take her away, where Jake could never afford to follow.

Then the storm comes, bringing with it an extraordinary discovery, something that could Jake’s life around. But the gifts from the sea can be cursed, and the great wave that is forming may break Jake and Hannah’s world - and their hearts…»

Let me get this right, first Hannah and Jake meet, then they spend a night together after drinking too much tequila, then after calling herself a «hussy» the next day, she meets him at the beach where he is surfing and suddenly falls for him. I am very confused as in how it’s possible to fall in love in a couple of days, and then become inseparable.

Let’s talk about the characters, beginning with Hannah. It was nice to read about a smart female protagonist interested in marine life, other than that, I didn’t think she was that interesting as a character. I did admire her for following her dreams, letting nothing stop her from reaching her goals and that she wanted to be a marine biologist.

The only thing the male protagonist, Jake, was doing was surfing. For him, it was love at first sight as he saw Hannah for the first time. However, every single time Hannah called him or needed him, he was out surfing. He was just a handsome surfer summer fling, without that much of a personality. He continuously made stupid decisions (), leaving everything behind for Hannah.

They didn’t know that much about each other, there wasn’t any chemistry between them, they didn’t have much in common, and Jake’s plan to get money was just lazy in my opinion. It was very predictable, I didn’t care for them enough to bother when things happened between them. Also, the scene where Hannah gets interviewed and Jake interrupts and kisses her on the cheek made me roll my eyes. I get that he’s supposed to be «saving» her, but I just found that to be very cringeworthy. I just couldn’t take them seriously as a couple.

«Jake is a part of who I am, and I need him just like I need to see the sea everyday. It’s not about wether it’s right or wrong, it’s about belonging»

I don’t think their love is believable, they talk about loving each other and not being able to leave one another, yet they have no chemistry and act stupid throughout the book. Jake ends up in trouble because he wants to help, then he just causes more trouble and stress on the others. I get that he’s trying to help, but everyone can see that the choice he made wasn’t a good choice.
Profile Image for Jai.
106 reviews
August 29, 2017
I didn't get very far into this book before I decided to throw in the towel. This happened at the 25% mark. I chose to stop reading after that. But first, I'll tell you what I liked about this novel.

I enjoyed reading about the female protagonist Hannah and her interest in marine life. She seemed like an intelligent young woman and spouted lots of interesting facts, which I found fascinating. Who doesn't like to learn a thing or two while reading a book?

The male protagonist, Jake, seemed likable enough, a bit of a bland character, but likeable. At first. He didn't appear to have much drive or ambition, unlike Hannah, which made me wonder what she saw in him, other than a hot surfer dude and a potential summer fling. Fine, I thought. I can deal with that. She'll have a little fun and then leave for her exciting employment opportunity studying marine life.

But my interest in their characters and relationship soon petered out. They didn't have much chemistry. I just didn't feel it. So when Jake decides that all he wants is to be with Hannah, and join her on her working trip to Hawaii, I didn't buy it. Also, didn't she tell him she'd be busy working most of the time? Let the poor girl follow her dreams!

When Jake's "big discovery" was revealed and his decision to use it to fund a trip to Hawaii to stay close to his new girlfriend, I rolled my eyes and pulled the plug on this adventure. It seemed a pretty stupid and lazy way to fund his trip, and I couldn't get behind his plan.

Jake hardly knew Hannah, so why did he need to disrupt her amazing opportunity and insist on coming along, even though she'd made it clear that she would be busy? Blah!
Profile Image for Kirsty .
3,780 reviews341 followers
March 15, 2017
I get to a certain point in the year when I start to crave books about surfing and/ or Cornwall and this book nicely filled that craving. I read Chris Vick's Kook last year and it left me very excited for this as soon as I heard it was about to be published.

Storms is the story of Jake and Hannah. I loved them as a couple and found myself rooting for them from the outset especially as they face so many obstacles in their relationship particularly around money as Hannah comes from a wealthy family and Jake's is struggling to get by financially.

The book also focuses on a group of whales who end up beached locally as Hannah finds herself involved and desperate to help them. I found this aspect of the story particularly fascinating because I'd not really thought much about anyone would go about helping beached whales out.

A really interesting read that I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Lettrici Impertinenti.
299 reviews103 followers
April 20, 2019
Recensione di Alessia per il Blog LE LETTRICI IMPERTINENTI
https://lettriciimpertinenti.blogspot...

Se non vedete l'ora di andare in vacanza, di vedere il mare e prendere il sole, STORMS è il romanzo che potrebbe ingannare l'attesa.
È estate e Jake e Hannah si incontrano a una festa in spiaggia. Non potrebbero essere più diversi. Lei è la figlia di Pete Lancaster, l'uomo più facoltoso della loro città, e ha dei progetti per il suo futuro che comprendono un viaggio alle Hawaii, viaggio che le farebbe fare esperienza come biologa marina. Lui è senza un soldo e fa surf, la sua grande passione, il suo grande amore fino a lei.
Jake e Hannah si innamorano, ma la partenza per le Hawaii si avvicina e minaccia la loro relazione. Lui decide di partire con lei ma deve trovare i soldi. Ed è da qui che il romanzo inizia a entrare nel vivo.

Una tempesta si abbatte sulla loro città e il mare porta in superficie due sfide per i nostri protagonisti: Hannah trova delle orche spiaggiate e capisce di dover agire per salvarle e organizza i soccorsi; Jake trova una barca arenata in un punto nascosto e scopre un carico di cocaina.
Cosa fare? Denunciare il ritrovamento o venderla per poter aiutare la madre a pagare l'affitto e le bollette e poter partire per le Hawaii?

STORMS non è soltanto un romanzo sulla storia d'amore di Jake e Hannah, ma è anche e principalmente un romanzo di formazione.
I nostri protagonisti non sono ancora adulti, ma non sono nemmeno più adolescenti. Si ritrovano al confine delle due fasi della vita e le scelte che faranno determineranno ciò che diventeranno.

STORMS è un romanzo adrenalinico, ti tiene incollato fino all'ultima pagina. È uno di quei romanzi che ti fa porre delle domande: e se io fossi stato al suo posto, cosa avrei fatto? Un'azione sbagliata per un fine giusto può essere perdonata?

Hannah è il personaggio che mi ha conquistata maggiormente. Nonostante i dubbi, nonostante le persone intorno a lei cercassero di indirizzarla alla via più semplice, nonostante in una sola estate le persone che ama di più al mondo la deludono, lei rimane nel giusto. È costretta a compiere scelte dolorose, ma lo fa, dimostrandosi in questo modo già adulta e facendo vincere l'onestà.
Non mi resta che consigliarvi di prendere la tavola da surf e immergervi in STORMS.
Non ne rimarrete delusi.
Buona lettura.
2 reviews
May 11, 2021
Boh raga spettacolare. Cioè che si deve dire? Perla di surf (e già lì duemila punti) e c’è pure un intreccio particolare quindi non ti annoi. Ho messo quattro stelle perché ora sono frustrata e vorrei vivere in un paesino in cima al mondo con il mare per vivere di surf.
Author 5 books72 followers
October 15, 2024
A powerful, atmospheric novel that sweeps readers into a gripping tale of love, survival, and the raw power of nature. The story centers around two teenagers, Tom and Ella, who find themselves caught in a treacherous storm at sea, battling not only the elements but also their own emotional storms. Vick’s writing is evocative, bringing to life the fierce beauty of the sea and the intensity of the characters' inner struggles.

The tension builds beautifully as the storm approaches, with the narrative capturing the danger and unpredictability of nature. The relationship between Tom and Ella is delicately portrayed, growing organically as they fight to survive. What truly stands out is Vick’s ability to weave together the themes of survival, trust, and human vulnerability with such emotional depth.

"Storms" is a thrilling yet reflective novel that keeps you on edge while tugging at your heart. Chris Vick masterfully combines adventure and introspection, making this book a must-read for fans of YA fiction and survival stories. It’s both heart-pounding and deeply moving—a story that lingers long after the last page.
Profile Image for Megan.
63 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2017
I'm not normally someone to rate books bad. I just found that this book was a little all over the place. I'm not really sure what it was about it I'm honest.

The book is set out with alternating chapters being someone else's point of view. I don't feel like the characters stories really overlapped untill the last few chapters. It was more of Jakes story and Hannah's story. The two didn't really come together.

The book was set out to be all about this great romance between Hannah and Jake, however, I just did not feel it. As mentioned, the two characters don't really overlap and I just didn't feel any chemistry between them.

I did like how this book promoted whale and dolphin friendly and did enjoy getting abit of an insight into the dangers of netting in the oceans.

I feel like I only read this book to say I had read it and to add to my figure count. I probably wouldn't recommend this to others.
Profile Image for bianca.
19 reviews
July 9, 2023
➯ rating: 4.75

this book is most definitely one of my favorites by far, and it gives me full outer banks vibes, Jake reminds me in every way of John B, and Hannah of Sarah. Goofy, probably my favorite character, reminds me of JJ.
So if you love outer banks, you will love this book.


besides the love at first sight between Jake, the kind of boy who would do anything for the ones he loves, and Hannah, the most precious girl, the friendships in this book made me sob.
Jake and Goofy are the best duo, I loved them so much.

There’s the smallest miscommunication trope but it’s worth it for the plot twist, a lot of things happen in this book and most of them are unexpected.

Overall I loved it, as if I didn’t say it already, but it’s the best summer read if you’re looking for something that’s not only focused on the romance! 💗
114 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025
Exciting and fast paced surfer, sea animal story.

Storms, Chris Vick. 5 stars
Fast paced exciting story especially for nature sea lovers.
Surfers, people who care and those who who work with whales and dolphins come together in this story. It is heart breakingly hurtful at times as orcas are swam with and caught in nets. The story involves some characters making bad mistakes over money with drugs. This is aside from those involved with animals yet involves them. The two main characters romance is well written and included in the excitement. It is a page turner if a little unrealistic. It will entice you to read Chris’s other books!

Profile Image for Amy.
13 reviews
May 15, 2020
Storms by Chris Vick

I bought this book from an independent book shop in St. Ives in Cornwall. Me and my partner were staying a few days, I’m originally from Cornwall sometimes I just need to go home!

Storms is written on alternating perspectives of Jake and Hannah.

Jake is a surfer, living with his mum and Hannah an aspiring marine biologists from a well off family.

Teen love, surfing, Cornwall, drugs, parties, whales and dolphins. I read this book on the beach and did enjoy it. It’s a nice easy summer read for anyone like me missing their beach time!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨ 3.5
Profile Image for The Obsidian Nook .
49 reviews
August 7, 2025
Jake has fallen for Hannah but with Hannah going away to Hawai for education can Jake come up with the money to go. Hannah is determined to save little one and Jake is willing to pay for the rescue mission which impress Hannah. A drug deal gone wrong but Jake ends up in danger as he triesto save the day.
Little one gets stuck and needs rescuing again but Jake is there to help.

A light sweet romance by the sea.
A drug deal goes horribly wrong and puts Jake and his family at risk.
Saving wildlife and sacrificeing his dream life in Hawaii to save whales to make his love happy.
Profile Image for Deborah.
707 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2018
It's not that this was done poorly, I just didn't like it. I didn't like the setting. It was unique but I didn't think it worked. I didn't like the characters; the constantly made stupid decisions. I really didn't like the plot. .

This just wasn't a book for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
Profile Image for G.
140 reviews
April 30, 2022
4.5 stars

A very fast paced, highly enjoyable novel, with a great plot and characters! The romance felt real, despite being quite instalovey it was told extremely well, and the friendships and the way the characters talked felt real. I would definitely read again, could scarcely put it down.

recommended for: ages 13+. violence, drugs, swearing, sexual references.
Profile Image for zozolibrary.
93 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2024
I didn't like this book at all. Little known in the booktok, but too overrated by those who read it. The bookseller had recommended it to me and then I bought it. At first it was nice, but page after page it got uglier. The only nice thing is that it's flowing and you can read it in a day. 3🌶️. No tears.
80 reviews
January 5, 2026
Easy read.

A love story, and a mystery in one. The plot you can probably guess from about the 1/3rd mark but nonetheless it’s well written.

A tad insta-love for me and I don’t usually enjoy reading about teenagers - which is the ding in the star rating for me.
Profile Image for Liz Sergent.
1,354 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2017
This is a YA book about Jake and Hannah. Jake loves surfing and Hannah loves whales. its easy, quick reading but nothing too exciting.
Profile Image for Shadow.
60 reviews
June 9, 2022
This was a great book but at the same time I felt it moved to slowly in spots. I definitely love the opposites attract angle
Profile Image for Aika.
2 reviews
August 5, 2023
🌊
"Nessuno sa cosa capiterà giusto? Stai navigando nel cuore della tempesta, nella speranza di uscire dall'altra parte per rivedere il cielo."

Qui troviamo una storia d'amore improvvisa, due persone con mondi lontani, scelgono di vivere con leggerezza, giorno per giorno. In poco tempo Jake e Hannah diventano inseparabili, ma poi a lei capita una grande opportunità che la porterà lontano. E all’improvviso, arriva la tempesta, portando con sé una scoperta incredibile che sembra capovolgere completamente la vita di Jake. Ma i doni del mare a volte sono maledetti, e la grande ondata che si sta formando potrebbe, invece, spezzare il mondo di Jake e Hannah, insieme al loro cuore.

Una storia scorrevole e interessante, non mi sarei mai aspettata di imbattermi in certe situazioni che mi hanno trasportato e accompagnato alla fine del libro. Come si capisce dalle tre stelle non tutto mi ha convinto, come l'inizio veloce praticamente senza introduzione, ho il fatto che dalla trama si percepisca più una storia d'amore, ma secondo me è messa in secondo piano da quello che è veramente scritto in questo libro. Però consiglio lo stesso questa lettura perché non è quello che sembra e molto altro è molto di più.♡
Profile Image for Lara Sns.
14 reviews
April 1, 2023
Una storia d’amore bella e intensa, un amore ancora più grande per il mare ed è questo che mi ha colpita particolarmente! La storia è davvero bella, l’autore riesce a trasmetterti tutta la sua passione per l’oceano e le sue meraviglie! Consiglio questa lettura, veloce scorrevole e piena di colpi di scena!
Profile Image for Editha • ° ✯.
23 reviews
January 13, 2024
Niet echt het soort verhaal wat ik leuk vind (romantisch en drugs gedoe) maar ik vind het verschil rijk en arm wel altijd leuk maar best een oke boek! Let wel op: hij heeft 350 blz ipv 301 zoals hier op goodreads staat!
Profile Image for Anna.
49 reviews
October 18, 2023
C'è stato qualcosa che fino a metà circa non mi ha fatti scattare la scintilla, ma dopo sono scoppiate milioni di scintille
Profile Image for Book.
461 reviews
Read
April 17, 2017
This book lost me when Jake decided to sell drugs to raise money. There are really only two ways that can go--really bad or unrealistically lucky--and neither of those interested me much. I'm sure there will be lots of people who like this, so ymmv.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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