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The Storm Below #2
Reavers of the Tempest
Pirates rampage across the skies!
Ary, Chaylene, and the crew of the skyship Dauntless are called into action again! The Bluefin Raiders pillage and burn, but the greatest threat lurks aboard the ship...
Vel plots murder.
Wanting Chaylene for himself, he waits for his chance to poison Ary. Only it's not poison he carries...
It's a plague.
You have to read this epic, action-packed fantasy novel as the Reavers of the Tempest ravage across the Storm!
Ary, Chaylene, and the crew of the skyship Dauntless are called into action again! The Bluefin Raiders pillage and burn, but the greatest threat lurks aboard the ship...
Vel plots murder.
Wanting Chaylene for himself, he waits for his chance to poison Ary. Only it's not poison he carries...
It's a plague.
You have to read this epic, action-packed fantasy novel as the Reavers of the Tempest ravage across the Storm!
- GenresFantasy
603 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2019
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 5, 2025
This wonderful epic fantasy stands out on a number of points, including the unusual and unique worldbuilding, but more than anything, it is the life lessons woven into the plot that moved me and make this a one-of-a-kind read. Reavers of the Tempest picks up where Above the Storm left off, and I definitely recommend reading this series from the start because you'd miss out on too much of the interpersonal explorations this author does.
So, while there are a number of important life lessons wrapped up in this particular volume, there are three that stood out for me even more than all the others. The first, is the in-depth exploration of how damaging lying to oneself can be. While it is common knowledge that lies gain a life of their own and often sow the seeds of suffering for the one(s) lying, I really appreciate how this author goes into self-deception and shows how much worse that kind of lie is. Vel's lies, especially the core of them that he tells himself in the previous book, grow out of proportion in this volume, illustrating how damaging such self-deception can be, bringing isolation, mistrust, and suffering upon a person.
The second aspect that really struck me is the exploration of trust in romantic relationships. What the author achieved in the previous volume is built upon to show what truly meaningful relationships are built on a level of trust that allows the couple to be vulnerable with each other and to honestly support each other for the benefit of the partner's wellbeing. While toxic relationships seem to be more and more common in fantasy, I really appreciated this deep and moving examination of what a healthy and strongly supportive relationship can look like. Chaylene and Ary really grow into their relationship, and it was beautiful to see.
Thirdly, the candid exposition of how easy it is to slip into an addiction like alcoholism was really well done in my opinion. I have a feeling this particular topic is going to play a role going forward, but what has been shown so far is an honest take that offers gentle understanding for the kind of hardships that lead people to us vices such as alcohol to get through their days, especially to numb whatever regrets are haunting them. I appreciate how there is no judgement in the moments where this topic comes up.
And, while I love Ary and Chaylene together and love how their characters have developed, my new favorites from this volume are Estan and Esty. The sworn bachelor and avid scholar finally met his match and their story is so cute. Loved every moment of how things develop with them, especially when it came to some very unexpected twists about Esty and her past. Estan really handled the situation admirably and it made him even more endearing.
So, if you're looking for an epic read with unusual worldbuilding and a unique setting reminiscent of the 17th century but with magic interconnected with technological advancement, airships, loads of battles especially against pirates and assassins, and all that nail-biting plot intertwined with high personal drama and the complexities of relationships, then you will absolutely love this series.
So, while there are a number of important life lessons wrapped up in this particular volume, there are three that stood out for me even more than all the others. The first, is the in-depth exploration of how damaging lying to oneself can be. While it is common knowledge that lies gain a life of their own and often sow the seeds of suffering for the one(s) lying, I really appreciate how this author goes into self-deception and shows how much worse that kind of lie is. Vel's lies, especially the core of them that he tells himself in the previous book, grow out of proportion in this volume, illustrating how damaging such self-deception can be, bringing isolation, mistrust, and suffering upon a person.
The second aspect that really struck me is the exploration of trust in romantic relationships. What the author achieved in the previous volume is built upon to show what truly meaningful relationships are built on a level of trust that allows the couple to be vulnerable with each other and to honestly support each other for the benefit of the partner's wellbeing. While toxic relationships seem to be more and more common in fantasy, I really appreciated this deep and moving examination of what a healthy and strongly supportive relationship can look like. Chaylene and Ary really grow into their relationship, and it was beautiful to see.
Thirdly, the candid exposition of how easy it is to slip into an addiction like alcoholism was really well done in my opinion. I have a feeling this particular topic is going to play a role going forward, but what has been shown so far is an honest take that offers gentle understanding for the kind of hardships that lead people to us vices such as alcohol to get through their days, especially to numb whatever regrets are haunting them. I appreciate how there is no judgement in the moments where this topic comes up.
And, while I love Ary and Chaylene together and love how their characters have developed, my new favorites from this volume are Estan and Esty. The sworn bachelor and avid scholar finally met his match and their story is so cute. Loved every moment of how things develop with them, especially when it came to some very unexpected twists about Esty and her past. Estan really handled the situation admirably and it made him even more endearing.
So, if you're looking for an epic read with unusual worldbuilding and a unique setting reminiscent of the 17th century but with magic interconnected with technological advancement, airships, loads of battles especially against pirates and assassins, and all that nail-biting plot intertwined with high personal drama and the complexities of relationships, then you will absolutely love this series.
January 22, 2019
JMD Reid launched his Storm Below saga last year with Above the Storm, a tale of high fantasy with a coming-of-age romance, action-packed aerial warfare, pirates, soldiers, magic, and mythology. Reavers of the Tempest picks up that story, carrying on the themes and storyline with even more action and tension.
The love triangle between Ary, Chaylene, and Vel does not dominate the story - this is a fantasy, not a romance - but it does underlay much of the action. It is a dark, anxious element of the story, with readers constantly aware of Vel's sinister motives. We see the betrayal coming, and are constantly wondering if 'this' will finally be the moment that he follows through on his plans.
It is no spoiler to reveal that what he thinks is merely a poison is really the choking plague - it's in the cover blurb - but how that infects the whole story, who is behind it, and the true purpose of the would-be assassin is far more significant than some lover's quarrel. Reid deepens the overall mythology nicely in this second volume, exploring more about the Church of Riasruo, its censorship of Nzuuth’s heretical poems, and its persecution of the Stormtouched - those with Theisseg's blessing/curse. To that end, Wriavia of its Order of Adjudication is one of the most interesting characters in the story - far from likeable, but certainly intriguing.
This continues to be Ary's story, however, with his interactions with Theisseg some of the most exciting aspects of the book. I came to crave the dreams and the void, anxious to find out more about the war beneath the battles. As for those battles, familiarity does nothing to rob them of their wonder. No matter how many times you read about sailing ships of the air, horses racing on the wind, and bolts of lightning being fired across the bow, it still gets your heart racing. The ending is absolutely fantastic, from the massive battle, to the declaration of war, to the surprise surrounding a simple egg, leaving the reader breathless for the third chapter.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/01/...
The love triangle between Ary, Chaylene, and Vel does not dominate the story - this is a fantasy, not a romance - but it does underlay much of the action. It is a dark, anxious element of the story, with readers constantly aware of Vel's sinister motives. We see the betrayal coming, and are constantly wondering if 'this' will finally be the moment that he follows through on his plans.
It is no spoiler to reveal that what he thinks is merely a poison is really the choking plague - it's in the cover blurb - but how that infects the whole story, who is behind it, and the true purpose of the would-be assassin is far more significant than some lover's quarrel. Reid deepens the overall mythology nicely in this second volume, exploring more about the Church of Riasruo, its censorship of Nzuuth’s heretical poems, and its persecution of the Stormtouched - those with Theisseg's blessing/curse. To that end, Wriavia of its Order of Adjudication is one of the most interesting characters in the story - far from likeable, but certainly intriguing.
This continues to be Ary's story, however, with his interactions with Theisseg some of the most exciting aspects of the book. I came to crave the dreams and the void, anxious to find out more about the war beneath the battles. As for those battles, familiarity does nothing to rob them of their wonder. No matter how many times you read about sailing ships of the air, horses racing on the wind, and bolts of lightning being fired across the bow, it still gets your heart racing. The ending is absolutely fantastic, from the massive battle, to the declaration of war, to the surprise surrounding a simple egg, leaving the reader breathless for the third chapter.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/01/...
August 7, 2024
Reavers of the Tempest is the second book in Reid's The Storm Below series, and it continues the story, adding more intrigue, action and danger into the path of our young heroes. Ary, Chaylene and Vel still struggle with the love/friendship dynamic, and here, it takes a much more sinister turn.
Following the events of Above the Storm, Vel decides the only way to finally claim Chaylene as his own is to kill Ary. But, by doing so, he unleashes a terrible plague (unbeknownst to him, though), and things take a turn for the worse, to say the least.
And true to its high fantasy genre, Reavers of the Tempest features some really intricate world-building, which expands on plenty of subjects, not in the least regarding religion and mythos.
Like its predecessor, Reavers of the Tempest has plenty going for it, what with the sweeping battle scenes, Ary's intriguing nightmares, uncovering hidden truths about their deities, and the emotional turmoil that our heroes go through. It's an entertaining read, which is further brought to life by the narrator. And I continue to be in awe at his ability to pronounce some of the names mentioned in this series. Well done on all accounts!
Following the events of Above the Storm, Vel decides the only way to finally claim Chaylene as his own is to kill Ary. But, by doing so, he unleashes a terrible plague (unbeknownst to him, though), and things take a turn for the worse, to say the least.
And true to its high fantasy genre, Reavers of the Tempest features some really intricate world-building, which expands on plenty of subjects, not in the least regarding religion and mythos.
Like its predecessor, Reavers of the Tempest has plenty going for it, what with the sweeping battle scenes, Ary's intriguing nightmares, uncovering hidden truths about their deities, and the emotional turmoil that our heroes go through. It's an entertaining read, which is further brought to life by the narrator. And I continue to be in awe at his ability to pronounce some of the names mentioned in this series. Well done on all accounts!
March 1, 2022
Although this is part romance (a love triangle is an undercurrent of the story), there was also plenty of action and magic. Characters we're already familiar with return, and we get to watch them grow and change anymore. We do get to learn more about the belief system of this world, which adds some nice depth to the setting.
October 15, 2023
Stephen King Saud that an author must not be afraid to kill their babes. He was referring to the characters in his book. Reid killed his babies. And maimed them. And tortured them. There was so much action in this book. But there was also a good story. The religion and history being built is interesting. Hopefully, the third book will continue good writing.
October 11, 2019
3.5 stars good read.
May 18, 2025
fantastic series. found my accident and now addicted!
September 7, 2023
Mich better than the first book, actually has world building and character development other than Chaylene complaining about racism while being a racist and realizing that maybe cheating on your hubby with his bf isn't a good idea. The terribly done love triangle is basically none existent in this book and it's greatly appreciated, giving more time to characters that got brushed aside in the first book like Zori, the berserk rip-off Guts, Eston (not sure if I spelt that right), and somehow even Vel. If you hated book one like I did I recommend sticking through the second as its pretty good.
April 12, 2021
I like all five of the Storm Below books, and 2 is one of the best in the series. We see more of the war above the clouds and are introduced to more characters with their own unique voices, one of the strongest things about this series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews