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Storm
The sinister eeriness of Doll Bones meets the dark humor of Lemony Snicket in this smart middle grade ghost story. Frances—you can call her Frankie—was not a happy baby. She was born amidst chaos, to two loving but unprepared parents. On a beach. In a storm. No wonder she’s always had a temper. And you know what did nothing to quell her anger? Dying dramatically in a freak natural disaster that wiped out her whole town. As a ghost, it’s not so easy for Frankie to hide her rage, especially when suspicious visitors to her ruined home seem to have a keen and ominous interest in her. But when you were born with a storm inside you—sometimes the only way to calm it is to finally let it out. Readers who loved the heart of books like Shouting at the Rain and Orphan Island will love following Frankie’s ghostly journey.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2020
15 people are currently reading
3718 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Skinner
6 books105 followersI started my writing career aged nine when my mum gave me a WHSmith diary and from then on I was hooked. I decided that the only thing worth doing in my life was writing and that one day, very soon, I'd write books.
I studied English Literature and Film and Television Studies at Glasgow University. I still think back with amazement that I got part of my degree by watching films. Seriously, what a gig. I once wrote an entire essay about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk. Those were the days.
After graduating, I worked in loads of different jobs, from barwork to copywriting, and as time went on, I'd wonder - when was that book-writing going to happen? It had been three decades. I mean, come on. Oh, and also, when was someone going to ask me about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk?
Then in the summer of 2015, when my four year old daughter blew a dandelion at my head , I had a sudden idea for a story that I couldn't stop thinking about. And that was Bloom.
Writers that have influenced me include: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Sue Townsend, Helen Fielding, Louise Fitzhugh and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with a special nod to Jim Davis (creator of 'Garfield'.)
I studied English Literature and Film and Television Studies at Glasgow University. I still think back with amazement that I got part of my degree by watching films. Seriously, what a gig. I once wrote an entire essay about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk. Those were the days.
After graduating, I worked in loads of different jobs, from barwork to copywriting, and as time went on, I'd wonder - when was that book-writing going to happen? It had been three decades. I mean, come on. Oh, and also, when was someone going to ask me about the symbolism of staircases in the films of Douglas Sirk?
Then in the summer of 2015, when my four year old daughter blew a dandelion at my head , I had a sudden idea for a story that I couldn't stop thinking about. And that was Bloom.
Writers that have influenced me include: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Sue Townsend, Helen Fielding, Louise Fitzhugh and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with a special nod to Jim Davis (creator of 'Garfield'.)
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January 12, 2022I saw it, I liked it, I wanted it, I got it. Well, technically my boyfriend got it. But I read it first. I mean, this cover (and the cover of Bloom) are breathtakingly beautiful, I didn't even read the synopsis. The most stunning part though is only revealed when you take off the dust cover and see the beautiful design beneath. If there was a middle grade cover beauty contest, this book would take away the crown.
I really enjoyed the writing and the humour. The set-up was original and really kind of devastating: Frances', her family and her whole town of 3000 people die in a tremendous tsunami. But Frances returns as a poltergeist. 100 years later things have changed a lot and her home is turned into a museum of all things. And if that wasn't enough already, ghost hunters are lurking nearby, ready to pounce. The book was off to a heartfelt and hilarious start and I really enjoyed myself for the first 150 pages. Around that time the story lost steam and trickled on. 400 pages are long for a middle grade book and I think the plot should have been condensed to a lower page count. It would have resulted in more excitement in less time. I also felt that some plot-decisions didn't quite add up, which also resulted in me losing interest in it.
Nevertheless it's a beautiful story about family and friendship and I'll make sure to pick up Skinner's other book.
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I really enjoyed the writing and the humour. The set-up was original and really kind of devastating: Frances', her family and her whole town of 3000 people die in a tremendous tsunami. But Frances returns as a poltergeist. 100 years later things have changed a lot and her home is turned into a museum of all things. And if that wasn't enough already, ghost hunters are lurking nearby, ready to pounce. The book was off to a heartfelt and hilarious start and I really enjoyed myself for the first 150 pages. Around that time the story lost steam and trickled on. 400 pages are long for a middle grade book and I think the plot should have been condensed to a lower page count. It would have resulted in more excitement in less time. I also felt that some plot-decisions didn't quite add up, which also resulted in me losing interest in it.
Nevertheless it's a beautiful story about family and friendship and I'll make sure to pick up Skinner's other book.
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dnf
September 14, 2023Started off good but lost me after began and continued.
I wasn't keen on the plot point in the spoiler but gave it a chance.
Not sure what I was expecting besides spooky, but this was a miss for me in the end.
Maybe if the hadn't happened and led to the other thing *shrugs *
I wasn't keen on the plot point in the spoiler but gave it a chance.
Not sure what I was expecting besides spooky, but this was a miss for me in the end.
Maybe if the hadn't happened and led to the other thing *shrugs *
July 15, 2020
This was such an unexpected marvel of a book! Just when I thought it was one kind of story it would morph in to something else and I was never sure where it would go next. It’s a really fresh, unique story that is hard to sum up and I loved every minute of it.
The general gist of the story is Frankie (and the rest of her small English seaside village) dies in a tsunami, she wakes in her house as a ghost, takes a sleeping potion and wakes 100 years later and becomes a stranger in her own house (which becomes a tourist attraction). I don’t want to spoil what happens next though.
I completely loved this book and now need to read Nicola Skinner’s first book, Bloom. Storm would be perfect for fans of Ross Welford.
The general gist of the story is Frankie (and the rest of her small English seaside village) dies in a tsunami, she wakes in her house as a ghost, takes a sleeping potion and wakes 100 years later and becomes a stranger in her own house (which becomes a tourist attraction). I don’t want to spoil what happens next though.
I completely loved this book and now need to read Nicola Skinner’s first book, Bloom. Storm would be perfect for fans of Ross Welford.
June 9, 2021
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by Jonathan Ball Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
'You've got a storm inside you, haven't you, Frances? Isn't it time you let it out?'
If you are in the mood for a fun middle grade read with the cutest illustrations, look no further! Storm: The Smashing Afterlife of Frances Ripley written by Nicola Skinner and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino is about a young girl, Frances Ripley, who tragically dies in a tsunami that wipes out her village. The story takes a turn when Frances doesn't die properly and wakes up in her house as a ghost.
While Frances was alive, she had a short temper and she came to the conclusion it was because her parents weren't prepared for her birth and she was born on a beach during a storm. Now all alone in her home, Frances is filled with questions about the whereabouts of her family, why she didn't die properly and what's going to happen next, all the while trying to control her temper. During this confusion, a bus arrives who picks up children twelve years and under, children who didn't die properly and aren't old enough to be alone. Jill, the death guardian, tries to persuade Frances to board the bus by answering some of her questions, but Frances refuses to board the bus. Jill gives Frances a sleeping potion that allows her to sleep and to wake up in the presence of other people, alive or dead. Frances takes the sleeping potion and wakes 100 years later when her house is transformed into a museum.
Being surrounded by strangers every day, Frances loses it. Her temper flares and she starts smashing things until a regular visitor warns her to stop attracting attention to herself. But as stubborn as Frances is, she doesn't listen. Intrigued by the idea that someone can see her, she pursues this strange boy named Scanlon, against his warnings, and soon finds herself in a new dilemma.
The story has a good pace and is told from Frances' POV. The writing style is easy to follow and the chapters are short, accompanied by cute illustrations. This book is a joy to read! There is laugh out loud moments, sad moments and angry moments, but every moment leaves the reader entertained. This is such an enjoyable read and even adults will learn a moral lesson after reading this book. This story is suitable for readers 10-12 years and older; even though the main character is a ghost, it isn't scary. I highly recommend this read! It's my favourite middle grade read for the year.
A storm isn't always a bad thing and Frances shows us why.
Do yourself a favour and read this book!
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
'You've got a storm inside you, haven't you, Frances? Isn't it time you let it out?'
If you are in the mood for a fun middle grade read with the cutest illustrations, look no further! Storm: The Smashing Afterlife of Frances Ripley written by Nicola Skinner and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino is about a young girl, Frances Ripley, who tragically dies in a tsunami that wipes out her village. The story takes a turn when Frances doesn't die properly and wakes up in her house as a ghost.
While Frances was alive, she had a short temper and she came to the conclusion it was because her parents weren't prepared for her birth and she was born on a beach during a storm. Now all alone in her home, Frances is filled with questions about the whereabouts of her family, why she didn't die properly and what's going to happen next, all the while trying to control her temper. During this confusion, a bus arrives who picks up children twelve years and under, children who didn't die properly and aren't old enough to be alone. Jill, the death guardian, tries to persuade Frances to board the bus by answering some of her questions, but Frances refuses to board the bus. Jill gives Frances a sleeping potion that allows her to sleep and to wake up in the presence of other people, alive or dead. Frances takes the sleeping potion and wakes 100 years later when her house is transformed into a museum.
Being surrounded by strangers every day, Frances loses it. Her temper flares and she starts smashing things until a regular visitor warns her to stop attracting attention to herself. But as stubborn as Frances is, she doesn't listen. Intrigued by the idea that someone can see her, she pursues this strange boy named Scanlon, against his warnings, and soon finds herself in a new dilemma.
The story has a good pace and is told from Frances' POV. The writing style is easy to follow and the chapters are short, accompanied by cute illustrations. This book is a joy to read! There is laugh out loud moments, sad moments and angry moments, but every moment leaves the reader entertained. This is such an enjoyable read and even adults will learn a moral lesson after reading this book. This story is suitable for readers 10-12 years and older; even though the main character is a ghost, it isn't scary. I highly recommend this read! It's my favourite middle grade read for the year.
A storm isn't always a bad thing and Frances shows us why.
Do yourself a favour and read this book!
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
September 17, 2021
Oh. My. GOODNESS. You know how sometimes when you start a book and you’ve barely finished a page, you have this feeling of “This is going to be a very good read.” This. This is how I felt as I opened the first page and read that description they gave of a poltergeist. I knew I would love this book based off that one page alone and WHAT DO YOU KNOW? I did!
Firstly, the writing style. Um? Brilliant!?!! It’s funny and witty and sooo entertaining. It’s great for kids and also adults, honestly. I like finding juvenile books that adults can enjoy. It’s just the best feeling.
And also? I’m not usually a fan of juvenile books that have random font changes. You know, when the font gets huge or small or changes font styles completely for a sentence. I usually find that takes a lot away from a book, makes it a pain to read. But this one? It did it PERFECTLY. It was delicious and added so much magic and quirkiness to the book. ✨
Secondly, Frankie is a delight to have as a MC. She’s so spunky and relatable and funny and oh, she’s such a 12 year old girl. I loved her.
And thirdly, THE POLTERGEIST DETAILS. I’m a huge fan of all things paranormal. I listen to a paranormal podcast (it’s Ghoul Intentions, btw, go listen to it if you want a good dose of humor, spooky delight, a touch of true crime and aliens and cryptids, and beautiful history) and I love learning and hearing about all things spoopy. So I was incredibly impressed by how much Nicola Skinner must’ve researched! I kept grinning in delight over the smallest of things. For example, destroying eggs, cold spots or corners, animals noticing Frankie, doors slamming shut, etc. All of these things? I’ve heard about them in real poltergeist stories. To have such familiar details that make me laugh and go Oh, of course!” just made me love this book even more. Serious kudos to Nicola Skinner. There were sooo many details that most people will not even think twice about but I sure picked up on a lot of things that just made Frankie a definite poltergeist.
Anyway, can you tell that I’m in love with this book? I read two chapters and knew I need this in my collection. This is one I’ll recommend and I desperately need to go read all of this author’s other works. 💖
Firstly, the writing style. Um? Brilliant!?!! It’s funny and witty and sooo entertaining. It’s great for kids and also adults, honestly. I like finding juvenile books that adults can enjoy. It’s just the best feeling.
And also? I’m not usually a fan of juvenile books that have random font changes. You know, when the font gets huge or small or changes font styles completely for a sentence. I usually find that takes a lot away from a book, makes it a pain to read. But this one? It did it PERFECTLY. It was delicious and added so much magic and quirkiness to the book. ✨
Secondly, Frankie is a delight to have as a MC. She’s so spunky and relatable and funny and oh, she’s such a 12 year old girl. I loved her.
And thirdly, THE POLTERGEIST DETAILS. I’m a huge fan of all things paranormal. I listen to a paranormal podcast (it’s Ghoul Intentions, btw, go listen to it if you want a good dose of humor, spooky delight, a touch of true crime and aliens and cryptids, and beautiful history) and I love learning and hearing about all things spoopy. So I was incredibly impressed by how much Nicola Skinner must’ve researched! I kept grinning in delight over the smallest of things. For example, destroying eggs, cold spots or corners, animals noticing Frankie, doors slamming shut, etc. All of these things? I’ve heard about them in real poltergeist stories. To have such familiar details that make me laugh and go Oh, of course!” just made me love this book even more. Serious kudos to Nicola Skinner. There were sooo many details that most people will not even think twice about but I sure picked up on a lot of things that just made Frankie a definite poltergeist.
Anyway, can you tell that I’m in love with this book? I read two chapters and knew I need this in my collection. This is one I’ll recommend and I desperately need to go read all of this author’s other works. 💖
March 18, 2022
"Because that's the answer to everything, isn't it? Do what you're best at, even if it frightens you, and do it with love."
Мисля, че тази е най-добрата от трите книги на писателката.
Frances Riplay - 11 годишно момиченце загива трагично в цунами през 2019 и се "събужда" през 2121...и от тук става интересно...😃
Мисля, че тази е най-добрата от трите книги на писателката.
Frances Riplay - 11 годишно момиченце загива трагично в цунами през 2019 и се "събужда" през 2121...и от тук става интересно...😃
October 9, 2020
A really original story, beautifully told. Early in the book, the main character, Frances Frida Ripley, dies in a tidal wave and from there the story takes some very unexpected twists and turns. It deals with death, anger, friendship and family and there are interesting insights into the human character.
June 16, 2020
Depressed, sad, happy, slightly crying and emotional.....some of the main feelings this book took me through. I was a really good piece of writing and as with 'Bloom'; easy to read and follow with an intriguing storyline that captures you in a weird and wonderful way. The cover itself is stunning and the undercover is even more beautiful...visually its an amazing book and the lay out of the wirting inside is definitely aimed towards middle grade. Saying that though I am 25 and loved it too.
What I would say about this truely emotional book though is for a middle grade book....the subject matter is very depressing and sad through most of the way. The main character has to deal with great lose, death of herself and her family and then with others and being used as an item and or a sujbect instead of being treated as a human being. It is in truth very dark subject for a the age group and although the way the author reveals and writes it is the best you can write it for the age....it is still in my opinion a bit dark.
Saying that though I would 100% recommend to anyone who is a bit older (14 years and above) and is interested in reading this heart wrenching emotional storm.
What I would say about this truely emotional book though is for a middle grade book....the subject matter is very depressing and sad through most of the way. The main character has to deal with great lose, death of herself and her family and then with others and being used as an item and or a sujbect instead of being treated as a human being. It is in truth very dark subject for a the age group and although the way the author reveals and writes it is the best you can write it for the age....it is still in my opinion a bit dark.
Saying that though I would 100% recommend to anyone who is a bit older (14 years and above) and is interested in reading this heart wrenching emotional storm.
April 22, 2022
This book is so GOOD??! The ghostly characteristics that Frankie has were perfect!!! ❤️ Frankie was such an adorable, relatable character. And the author’s storytelling is absolutely phenomenal. 😫
I seriously almost cried with that ending. 😭 I don’t have enough words to say how much this book means to me already.
I seriously almost cried with that ending. 😭 I don’t have enough words to say how much this book means to me already.
April 14, 2021
I loved this middle grade novel the same way I love an awesome adult fiction book. The cover drew me in and the story had me completely captivated from the start. So unique! I loved the wit and humour throughout and really enjoyed the creativity of the story.
January 7, 2022
“You were born raging, Frances Frida Ripley. That’s what happens when you’re born in a storm.”
I was so delighted that my library finally had the newest book by Nicola Skinner in stock! I really enjoyed Bloom so I was eager to find out if I would like Storm as well!
In Storm we meet with strong-willed and stormy Frances. She is a ghost. Well, in the beginning of the book she is a normal girl… until a freak disaster hits and she loses it all. I just wanted to hug her so badly. I can only imagine how much pain it must have been, to wake up in your own house. But you are dead. No one can see you. We see how she tries to get through those first days before she takes that sleeping potion that will set the time forward to 100 years (and 2) later. We meet Jane/Jill (sorry, I also forgot her name and mostly because Frances gets it wrong). And then 100 years later we meet many other people. Because Frances’s house has turned into a museum. 😐 Yep. People making money out of anything.
Seeing Frances go through her days. Struggle. Find a safe place in all the chaos that her old home became. Finding the rage inside her. The storm. I had quite a laugh when she first found out about what she could do. Yes, it was sad, but I also loved it because she could finally do something. Finally she didn’t have to just watch. She is quite a storm! And you don’t want to mess with her.
My heart broke for her though as the time went on. She was warned about it, but she didn’t think about it. But memories do rot and I was just heart-broken how this girl kept losing things. Time. Memories. Losing her family all over again.
While I couldn’t imagine 200-ish pages more with the museum and Frances rage.. I also wasn’t sure about the ghost-hunting and the ghost stuff that followed after? I mean at times it was pretty interesting to read and fun even, and sometimes even heart-breaking because time just continues and for ghosts that isn’t the best, but our villain… I just wanted to punch him. And his son as well. I get he is meant to be evil, well at least the father (Crawler) is, but seriously I just wanted to punch so much. It was very distracting from the read if all you want is to punch someone or yeet the book. XD
While the ending was what I was hoping for… it just felt too fast? Does that make sense? Haha. One moment we are doing x and the next it is over. I just feel that it could have been a bit more emotional, a bit more OOMPH.
The writing-style was just as amazing as the first one. Really, this is one book that I just flew right through. It just grabs you. Even in the moments that you want to yeet the book you cannot leave.
And I adore the cover! Just look how shiny and pretty it is and how well it fits with the book!
All in all, despite some issues and despite that some of the story could have been better, I did enjoy it! I cannot wait for her next book~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so delighted that my library finally had the newest book by Nicola Skinner in stock! I really enjoyed Bloom so I was eager to find out if I would like Storm as well!
In Storm we meet with strong-willed and stormy Frances. She is a ghost. Well, in the beginning of the book she is a normal girl… until a freak disaster hits and she loses it all. I just wanted to hug her so badly. I can only imagine how much pain it must have been, to wake up in your own house. But you are dead. No one can see you. We see how she tries to get through those first days before she takes that sleeping potion that will set the time forward to 100 years (and 2) later. We meet Jane/Jill (sorry, I also forgot her name and mostly because Frances gets it wrong). And then 100 years later we meet many other people. Because Frances’s house has turned into a museum. 😐 Yep. People making money out of anything.
Seeing Frances go through her days. Struggle. Find a safe place in all the chaos that her old home became. Finding the rage inside her. The storm. I had quite a laugh when she first found out about what she could do. Yes, it was sad, but I also loved it because she could finally do something. Finally she didn’t have to just watch. She is quite a storm! And you don’t want to mess with her.
My heart broke for her though as the time went on. She was warned about it, but she didn’t think about it. But memories do rot and I was just heart-broken how this girl kept losing things. Time. Memories. Losing her family all over again.
While I couldn’t imagine 200-ish pages more with the museum and Frances rage.. I also wasn’t sure about the ghost-hunting and the ghost stuff that followed after? I mean at times it was pretty interesting to read and fun even, and sometimes even heart-breaking because time just continues and for ghosts that isn’t the best, but our villain… I just wanted to punch him. And his son as well. I get he is meant to be evil, well at least the father (Crawler) is, but seriously I just wanted to punch so much. It was very distracting from the read if all you want is to punch someone or yeet the book. XD
While the ending was what I was hoping for… it just felt too fast? Does that make sense? Haha. One moment we are doing x and the next it is over. I just feel that it could have been a bit more emotional, a bit more OOMPH.
The writing-style was just as amazing as the first one. Really, this is one book that I just flew right through. It just grabs you. Even in the moments that you want to yeet the book you cannot leave.
And I adore the cover! Just look how shiny and pretty it is and how well it fits with the book!
All in all, despite some issues and despite that some of the story could have been better, I did enjoy it! I cannot wait for her next book~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 29, 2020
This was an interesting book with a different story line. It kept me reading to the end and was quite enjoyable. I feel a bit mean giving it 3 stars and would give it 3.5 stars if I could. I think some readers will really enjoy it.
September 6, 2022
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tent udder!! I absolutely LOVED this book! Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for introducing me to my first Nicola Skinner novel. Admittedly, I was annoyed by our dear Frankie in the first few chapters - I generally have a problem with people like her in real life, regardless of age - but, thankfully, that didn't last for long.
There's so much to love about this book:
- Story: Frankie's story is original and refreshing, taking place in the present and the future,
- Writing: Skinner has such a unique style of writing; light-hearted and deep, humorous and serious by turns all wrapped up in a delicious burrito of plot twists and character growth,
- Characters: All of the characters are well-written, layered and relatable, spanning across time,
- Genre blending: This book is a mini mish-mash of genres providing for a very fun read; fantasy, horror, science fiction, paranormal and yet it is also a coming-of-age story,
- Fun: This is just a super fun read, whether you're young or young at heart.
So, a little note to all you brats out there: even though being selfish and tantrum-y may get you killed, a little anger is a good thing.
Tent udder!! I absolutely LOVED this book! Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for introducing me to my first Nicola Skinner novel. Admittedly, I was annoyed by our dear Frankie in the first few chapters - I generally have a problem with people like her in real life, regardless of age - but, thankfully, that didn't last for long.
There's so much to love about this book:
- Story: Frankie's story is original and refreshing, taking place in the present and the future,
- Writing: Skinner has such a unique style of writing; light-hearted and deep, humorous and serious by turns all wrapped up in a delicious burrito of plot twists and character growth,
- Characters: All of the characters are well-written, layered and relatable, spanning across time,
- Genre blending: This book is a mini mish-mash of genres providing for a very fun read; fantasy, horror, science fiction, paranormal and yet it is also a coming-of-age story,
- Fun: This is just a super fun read, whether you're young or young at heart.
So, a little note to all you brats out there: even though being selfish and tantrum-y may get you killed, a little anger is a good thing.
April 13, 2021
Tent udder! Beautiful, haunting and heart warming. Frankie is a brilliant character, and this is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
June 7, 2021
Brilliant poltergeist perspective. Loved it.
January 20, 2021
If you like your books funny, moving and full of imagination, this is the one for you. It's bursting with ideas about family and the future. What's it like being a ghost? How can a bad temper be good? Why would anyone wear pyjamas to parties? All these questions and more are answered in STORM... Oh yes, and the writing is mind-blowing too!
December 11, 2020
Frances was born on a beach in the middle of a storm and her fate sealed. Such an emotional yet funny story of a young girl who has to face a world without her family in it. A girl with a temper who has to discover a way to harnass that anger if she is to survive the nemesis who is out to capture her and use her anger for his own gain. Nicola Skinner's visual language is beautiful and heartfelt and I can't wait to read 'Bloom'.
April 21, 2021
I mostly picked this up from the library because of the cover, and from the synopsis I was expecting something completely different. I liked the first 30%, it was light and funny and interesting. Then the story turned into something completely different from what I expected and I didn't like it at all. The main character was apparently really stupid, taking ages to understand things, the story takes place a century into the future but only small insignificant things seem to have changed, and the main plot of Frankie's afterlife is she gets captured along with a few other ghosts for a weird fairground-like attraction and things just get really weird and nonsensical. Above all, the main reason for Frankie's ghost hanging around seems to be that she needs to break free from the weird ghost-train situation and it's evil owner, than she can move on to find peace, but if she hadn't been a ghost at all than she wouldn't have been captured in the first place?? And her afterlife seems completely unrelated to her life when she was still around so than what was the point? I was just very annoyed throughout the last 50% of the book and kept thinking it would go in a different direction but it never did, and am quite disappointed cause had hoped for a fun, adventurous children's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
I expected to love this book.
The beginning felt exciting, and I was curious to see what the author would do with the subject of being earthbound as a ghost.
Unfortunately, the story fell flat very quickly and I could no longer bear with these silly, boring and overbearing monologues of the main character.
The beginning felt exciting, and I was curious to see what the author would do with the subject of being earthbound as a ghost.
Unfortunately, the story fell flat very quickly and I could no longer bear with these silly, boring and overbearing monologues of the main character.
October 27, 2020
A ghost story with a difference. Full of emotion, adventure and friendship and just a little touch of eveything you'd excpect from a story with a poltergeist. Brilliant.
April 9, 2024
The book was pretty good. The cover drew me in and I was hooked as soon as I started reading! The writing style is wonderful. It's easy enough to be understood by younger readers, but still interesting enough to be followed by adult readers.
Frankie is a lovable (and honestly relatable) main character, and the tsunami scene was fast but very impactful. Frankie comes back as a poltergeist, and her attempt to find her family is heartbreaking.
Despite the bits I didn't like, I really enjoyed this book and am glad I read it. I now want to read the rest of Nicola Skinners books! I do really recommend this, as it is unique and easy to follow.
Frankie is a lovable (and honestly relatable) main character, and the tsunami scene was fast but very impactful. Frankie comes back as a poltergeist, and her attempt to find her family is heartbreaking.
Despite the bits I didn't like, I really enjoyed this book and am glad I read it. I now want to read the rest of Nicola Skinners books! I do really recommend this, as it is unique and easy to follow.
March 9, 2021
Francis Frida Ripley. Born in a storm. Born mad, born furious, born raging.
Frankie is easily aggravated, which can mean she is a difficult person to be around. Her mother father and sister Birdie love her but can find she can be hard work even at the best of times.
When a tsunami hits Seaview, the Ripley's home town, Frankie is killed and becomes a ghost. Anxious to find her family and uncertain of her future, Frankie attempts to find her family. As she searches for her beloved family, Frankie is met by a strange bus full of ghosts in the form of children. A lady explains that before anyone can be completely dead, they have to complete an activity significant to them, called a 'ToDo'. Frankie refuses to come on the bus, afraid that her family might come looking for her. So Frankie decides to wait. The lady gives her a sleeping potion that wakes the consumer up as soon as someone walks through the door. Frankie accepts the potion and falls asleep.
Frankie wakes to 3 people walking through the door. They are inspecting the home to become a show home as part of a museum funded project. People are welcomed from near and far to see an 'authentic' home from 200 years ago. Frankie has slept for 200 years!
Frankie is angry. These people have taken her home. They have cleaned it up and taken away the authenticity. Frankie is mad. Frankie lashes out, breaking things and tearing everything up. All the visitors and staff are horrified. They can't see Frankie. They can't hear Frankie. But they can see her pain. They can see her anger.
All Frankie wants is her family back. To make up for her mistakes. To apologise. To live again.
Frankie is easily aggravated, which can mean she is a difficult person to be around. Her mother father and sister Birdie love her but can find she can be hard work even at the best of times.
When a tsunami hits Seaview, the Ripley's home town, Frankie is killed and becomes a ghost. Anxious to find her family and uncertain of her future, Frankie attempts to find her family. As she searches for her beloved family, Frankie is met by a strange bus full of ghosts in the form of children. A lady explains that before anyone can be completely dead, they have to complete an activity significant to them, called a 'ToDo'. Frankie refuses to come on the bus, afraid that her family might come looking for her. So Frankie decides to wait. The lady gives her a sleeping potion that wakes the consumer up as soon as someone walks through the door. Frankie accepts the potion and falls asleep.
Frankie wakes to 3 people walking through the door. They are inspecting the home to become a show home as part of a museum funded project. People are welcomed from near and far to see an 'authentic' home from 200 years ago. Frankie has slept for 200 years!
Frankie is angry. These people have taken her home. They have cleaned it up and taken away the authenticity. Frankie is mad. Frankie lashes out, breaking things and tearing everything up. All the visitors and staff are horrified. They can't see Frankie. They can't hear Frankie. But they can see her pain. They can see her anger.
All Frankie wants is her family back. To make up for her mistakes. To apologise. To live again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
It was with some trepidation that I started this book as I have read Bloom by the same author and just didn't get it! I knew many would, but I didn't!!
BUT, the blurb of Storm drew me in and so I thought I would give it a go!
Well... it had me gripped from the get go and didn't let go until the end. I am an exceptionally slow reader, but polished this 400 page novel in two days (admittedly it was the holidays!!)
Frankie has some anger management issues, which her parents are trying to navigate, and when she sulkily demands that the family all go out for lunch with her friends, her parents reluctantly agree. They leave their house on a hill overlooking a cute little seaside village and trudge down the steep hill to the restaurant, only vaguely noticing some unusual happenings... no seagulls squawking, a strange pressure in their ears.
When a tsunami hits the village and essentially wipes out everyone in it, Frankie feels terrible guilt that she has killed her family. And she gradually comes to the realisation that she has died as well.
She heads home and lies down for a nap on her bed... waking up 102 years later, covered in dust and distraught at being alone.
She yearns to see her parents and little sister again, but when her home becomes a place of historical interest, her life (or should I say death) takes an unexpected turn.
This is such a clever story, told with great wit and humour. It delves into some deep themes - not least death - but does it in such a way that I found myself chuckling often.
I feel that this will appeal to fans of Ross Welford's work, Skulduggery Pleasant and Darkmouth - all of which also come out of left field!
BUT, the blurb of Storm drew me in and so I thought I would give it a go!
Well... it had me gripped from the get go and didn't let go until the end. I am an exceptionally slow reader, but polished this 400 page novel in two days (admittedly it was the holidays!!)
Frankie has some anger management issues, which her parents are trying to navigate, and when she sulkily demands that the family all go out for lunch with her friends, her parents reluctantly agree. They leave their house on a hill overlooking a cute little seaside village and trudge down the steep hill to the restaurant, only vaguely noticing some unusual happenings... no seagulls squawking, a strange pressure in their ears.
When a tsunami hits the village and essentially wipes out everyone in it, Frankie feels terrible guilt that she has killed her family. And she gradually comes to the realisation that she has died as well.
She heads home and lies down for a nap on her bed... waking up 102 years later, covered in dust and distraught at being alone.
She yearns to see her parents and little sister again, but when her home becomes a place of historical interest, her life (or should I say death) takes an unexpected turn.
This is such a clever story, told with great wit and humour. It delves into some deep themes - not least death - but does it in such a way that I found myself chuckling often.
I feel that this will appeal to fans of Ross Welford's work, Skulduggery Pleasant and Darkmouth - all of which also come out of left field!
May 15, 2022
This was a random pick from the juvenile books displayed at my local library. The storyline sounded interesting to me so of course I had to bring home and read. I was not disappointed and while it has some sad facts to it, it was also quite interesting. This is a ghost story...Frankie's ghost story.
Frances Frida Ripley (aka Frankie) had heard her own birth story many times from her parents. She was born on a beach in the middle of a storm...and her parents always told her she started raging from the moment she was born and never stopped.
On the last day of the Christmas holidays Frankie was on the phone with her best friend Ivy. Ivy asked her if she could come to the Crab Pot for lunch. Frankie and her family had never been there and she knew it would be difficult to convince her parents to go. She did her best (and of course her anger got slightly out of control when they said no). To her surprise later her mom said that as an early birthday present to Frankie, they agreed to go there for lunch. During their walk to the restaurant they all noticed some strange things happening around them...the fact there were no birds singing, strong pressure on their eardrums and the fact that there was no power once they got to the restaurant. Frankie's dad mentioned that the sea looked strange and then someone nearby started talking about the earthquake that had happened in France. Soon everyone was looking and pointing at the sea...the sea that would soon swallow them all.
Frances Frida Ripley (aka Frankie) had heard her own birth story many times from her parents. She was born on a beach in the middle of a storm...and her parents always told her she started raging from the moment she was born and never stopped.
On the last day of the Christmas holidays Frankie was on the phone with her best friend Ivy. Ivy asked her if she could come to the Crab Pot for lunch. Frankie and her family had never been there and she knew it would be difficult to convince her parents to go. She did her best (and of course her anger got slightly out of control when they said no). To her surprise later her mom said that as an early birthday present to Frankie, they agreed to go there for lunch. During their walk to the restaurant they all noticed some strange things happening around them...the fact there were no birds singing, strong pressure on their eardrums and the fact that there was no power once they got to the restaurant. Frankie's dad mentioned that the sea looked strange and then someone nearby started talking about the earthquake that had happened in France. Soon everyone was looking and pointing at the sea...the sea that would soon swallow them all.
May 2, 2021
"Being yourself will set you free"
Frances Ripley was born raging in a storm. She always had a temper that was quite contradictory to her parents' chilled outlook, who believed that the world is filled with good things. Even her sister is t stark opposite of her. She feels like a misfit at a very young age, detesting everything positive that her family has to say about everything.
Her world came crashing down when she woke up one day soaked in water on her bed, with soggy skin, covered in cuts and couldn't find anyone from her family, not even a single individual that's when she realised she had died but she needs answers
Where are her parents?
Why is she the only one left behind?
What is the task that she's supposed to do to be able to reunite with her family?
This book was a surprise to me, I picked it up randomly and had no clue that I would enjoy it so much. Though this book is for "children" but I believe I learned a lot from Frances and her journey after death. This book had a lot of sad moments and also places where I laughed. She was the only character in the book for the most part and we see everything through her perspective and how she learns to adjust to the situation. Once when she accepted the storm she had in her is not her enemy but her strength she freed herself.
Do read this book guys if you get a chance, if you have children or kids around who read, suggest them to read Frances Frida's story.
Frances Ripley was born raging in a storm. She always had a temper that was quite contradictory to her parents' chilled outlook, who believed that the world is filled with good things. Even her sister is t stark opposite of her. She feels like a misfit at a very young age, detesting everything positive that her family has to say about everything.
Her world came crashing down when she woke up one day soaked in water on her bed, with soggy skin, covered in cuts and couldn't find anyone from her family, not even a single individual that's when she realised she had died but she needs answers
Where are her parents?
Why is she the only one left behind?
What is the task that she's supposed to do to be able to reunite with her family?
This book was a surprise to me, I picked it up randomly and had no clue that I would enjoy it so much. Though this book is for "children" but I believe I learned a lot from Frances and her journey after death. This book had a lot of sad moments and also places where I laughed. She was the only character in the book for the most part and we see everything through her perspective and how she learns to adjust to the situation. Once when she accepted the storm she had in her is not her enemy but her strength she freed herself.
Do read this book guys if you get a chance, if you have children or kids around who read, suggest them to read Frances Frida's story.
April 6, 2020
What happens to strong emotions when you're not allowed to feel them?
Frankie Ripley was born on a beach in the middle of a storm (because her rather impractical parents didn't think to bring anything they might need, y'know, like a car or a phone) and it seems like she's been raging ever since. (Though, honestly, can you balme her?) Then Frankie, her family and whole twon are wiped out in a freak natural disaster, and her ghost is left stuck at their home, waiting for her family to return. 100 years later, the cottage is turned into a visitor atttaction and she's stuck with strangers gawping at and traipsing through her home. Is it any wonder then she becomes a poltergheist? All her life Frankie had been told to smother her anger, to calm down, unallowed to feel or explore it. Now here's the perfect opportunity, but she's unaware it's put her in danger.
I liked Bloom but I REALLY loved Storm! An incredibly moving and funny book full of ghosts, that touches lightly and skillfully on for some some what might be some dark and uncomfortable subjects, that's just as beautifully illustrated inside as it is out.
Highly recommend.
(Also, do read this excellent article from the author on why literature needs more angry girls: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...)
Frankie Ripley was born on a beach in the middle of a storm (because her rather impractical parents didn't think to bring anything they might need, y'know, like a car or a phone) and it seems like she's been raging ever since. (Though, honestly, can you balme her?) Then Frankie, her family and whole twon are wiped out in a freak natural disaster, and her ghost is left stuck at their home, waiting for her family to return. 100 years later, the cottage is turned into a visitor atttaction and she's stuck with strangers gawping at and traipsing through her home. Is it any wonder then she becomes a poltergheist? All her life Frankie had been told to smother her anger, to calm down, unallowed to feel or explore it. Now here's the perfect opportunity, but she's unaware it's put her in danger.
I liked Bloom but I REALLY loved Storm! An incredibly moving and funny book full of ghosts, that touches lightly and skillfully on for some some what might be some dark and uncomfortable subjects, that's just as beautifully illustrated inside as it is out.
Highly recommend.
(Also, do read this excellent article from the author on why literature needs more angry girls: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...)
March 1, 2022
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Frances “Frankie” Ripley was born on an English beach during a storm and her parents would say that the storm stayed inside her. She has poor impulse control and a temper to match. One summer day she begs her family to go and meet some friends at a pricey restaurant in town. While there, disaster hits in the form of a tsunami, killing everyone. But Frankie is not gone – she is a ghost, waiting in her house for her family that will not return. She refuses to go with Jill, the ghost guardian, opting instead to take a sleeping potion. Frankie wakes 100 years later to her home being converted into a historical site. But the storm that was inside Frankie never left and when she lets it out, things change.
Although this is a ghost story, it is not scary. It is told from Frankie’s perspective and was humorous in parts. A very warm and moving story. I definitely would recommend for readers in grades 4 and up.
#Storm #NetGalley
Frances “Frankie” Ripley was born on an English beach during a storm and her parents would say that the storm stayed inside her. She has poor impulse control and a temper to match. One summer day she begs her family to go and meet some friends at a pricey restaurant in town. While there, disaster hits in the form of a tsunami, killing everyone. But Frankie is not gone – she is a ghost, waiting in her house for her family that will not return. She refuses to go with Jill, the ghost guardian, opting instead to take a sleeping potion. Frankie wakes 100 years later to her home being converted into a historical site. But the storm that was inside Frankie never left and when she lets it out, things change.
Although this is a ghost story, it is not scary. It is told from Frankie’s perspective and was humorous in parts. A very warm and moving story. I definitely would recommend for readers in grades 4 and up.
#Storm #NetGalley
August 7, 2021
I don't know what I was expecting, but Storm by Nicola Skinner surpassed anything I might have THOUGHT to expect. Ghost stories are just pure imagination fodder - it's that endless question of "What's next". And this book feels like a right answer you weren't expecting.
Frankie is a great main character. Readers know who she is and what she thinks of her life right from the get-go. She's unapologetically loud and brash and daring - and that's within the first three chapters. She's so full of life it's ironic that she's dead. Readers see a bit of the mundane ins and outs of the daily life of a ghost lingering on, without the read being mundane itself, until something comes along to violently upset it all. Frankie's emotions that kept her on, made her a poltergeist, are also the key to her freedom.
If you're a fan of Mary Downing Hahn, try this one out!
Frankie is a great main character. Readers know who she is and what she thinks of her life right from the get-go. She's unapologetically loud and brash and daring - and that's within the first three chapters. She's so full of life it's ironic that she's dead. Readers see a bit of the mundane ins and outs of the daily life of a ghost lingering on, without the read being mundane itself, until something comes along to violently upset it all. Frankie's emotions that kept her on, made her a poltergeist, are also the key to her freedom.
If you're a fan of Mary Downing Hahn, try this one out!
October 19, 2024
After a tragic tsunami that takes out an entire small English village, a girl named Frankie wakes to find that she and her family have died. The rest of Frankie's family have moved on, but for some reason Frankie's ghost is tethered to her home. After her home is turned into a tourist attraction, she gets angry and becomes the local poltergeist. One day she discovers that a human boy can see her and they develop a reluctant friendship. Unfortunately, the boy's evil father is a ghost hunter and captures Frankie and forces her and other ghosts to perform for him in a haunted train ride. At first Frankie is resigned to her fate, but eventually comes up with a plan to free everyone. This was a unique and entertaining story that would appeal to a wide range of readers. Highly recommended for paranormal fans ages 10+.
April 6, 2020
Oh my word, this is good. My daughter (9) and I have just finished reading this together and we were both quite moved by it.
The story is imaginative, fast-paced, and vivid. Nicola Skinner’s writing is lyrical and quite gorgeous. This is not a ‘candy-floss’ book - just like Dahl’s best works there are challenging themes of loss, drama, betrayal, but then equally triumph, wicked humour, liberation, friendship, and a big fun slice of bonkers-ness! Just like ‘Bloom’, be ready for a moving ending too.
The characters are complex - Storm does a great job of exploring peoples capacity for being both goodies and baddies simultaneously.
This is real quality writing, and great for 9-13 yr olds (and parents!) who are after a proper rollercoaster of a story.
The story is imaginative, fast-paced, and vivid. Nicola Skinner’s writing is lyrical and quite gorgeous. This is not a ‘candy-floss’ book - just like Dahl’s best works there are challenging themes of loss, drama, betrayal, but then equally triumph, wicked humour, liberation, friendship, and a big fun slice of bonkers-ness! Just like ‘Bloom’, be ready for a moving ending too.
The characters are complex - Storm does a great job of exploring peoples capacity for being both goodies and baddies simultaneously.
This is real quality writing, and great for 9-13 yr olds (and parents!) who are after a proper rollercoaster of a story.
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