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Storm To Spring
Lover. Fighter. Survivor.
Yeena's spent years trying to tame the storm that rages inside of her, hiding and locking away emotion and making herself into a shell as cold and as ruthless as a winter wind. She's gotten by on just surviving and keeping everyone at arm's length, but the one thing that threatens to chip away at her rock-solid defenses is now upon her- choosing her consort. Bound to a generational pact, Yeena fulfills her part as a future matron by setting out to make a tour of the eastern covens, meeting with each eligible young lord who wishes to win her favor. She saves the best for last, going to stay with a longtime lover in Nakoya. Hiro is stable enough, in Yeena's opinion, and even if she can't call the feelings she has for him deep in any capacity, she can see no problem with choosing him as consort. Everything changes with the capture of a particularly lively Andan trespasser, a spring witch who appears under mysterious circumstances that he stubbornly refuses to explain, even under threat of torture. Being the only one that is able to communicate with the prisoner, Yeena tries to negotiate and finds herself more involved with the spring witch prisoner than she ever intended to be. In a bid to win his freedom, Yeena offers him a choice; to become her consort instead and live freely and safely among her coven in Miang. What Yeena doesn't count on is the magnitude of the secret the young elemental has been hiding, and of the immediate impact it will have upon her life and the lives of her people. Nor does she anticipate that in taking Yijeong- the spring witch- as her consort, she will have to find her own strength as a matron. In order to protect her new consort and the bond that is slowly forming between them, Yeena will have to face down her demons and come to terms with what it means to really survive, and to love again.
Yeena's spent years trying to tame the storm that rages inside of her, hiding and locking away emotion and making herself into a shell as cold and as ruthless as a winter wind. She's gotten by on just surviving and keeping everyone at arm's length, but the one thing that threatens to chip away at her rock-solid defenses is now upon her- choosing her consort. Bound to a generational pact, Yeena fulfills her part as a future matron by setting out to make a tour of the eastern covens, meeting with each eligible young lord who wishes to win her favor. She saves the best for last, going to stay with a longtime lover in Nakoya. Hiro is stable enough, in Yeena's opinion, and even if she can't call the feelings she has for him deep in any capacity, she can see no problem with choosing him as consort. Everything changes with the capture of a particularly lively Andan trespasser, a spring witch who appears under mysterious circumstances that he stubbornly refuses to explain, even under threat of torture. Being the only one that is able to communicate with the prisoner, Yeena tries to negotiate and finds herself more involved with the spring witch prisoner than she ever intended to be. In a bid to win his freedom, Yeena offers him a choice; to become her consort instead and live freely and safely among her coven in Miang. What Yeena doesn't count on is the magnitude of the secret the young elemental has been hiding, and of the immediate impact it will have upon her life and the lives of her people. Nor does she anticipate that in taking Yijeong- the spring witch- as her consort, she will have to find her own strength as a matron. In order to protect her new consort and the bond that is slowly forming between them, Yeena will have to face down her demons and come to terms with what it means to really survive, and to love again.
- GenresFantasy
420 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 19, 2021
"Not a single man had ever looked into my eyes and recognized the true chaos eating me up inside."
The second instalment in the Matrons of Miang universe did not disappoint! Much like the first book Spark to Shadow, we follow a feisty, confident and self-assured main character Yeena - the heir to a coven of Miangese witches - as she spends time in the foreign kingdoms of Nakoya and Anda on a search for an appropriate consort.
Something I massively appreciate about these books is how powerful the female characters are in their own right. In this universe, magic flows predominantly through the female line, and so we have this matriarchal magical society as a result. I loved that in the first book, but enjoy it even more in the second as its interesting to see that in contrast to Nakoyan society, which we know is not as female-led as Miang or Anda - they have more male witches and so this tips the balance.
"I've wanted to see you smile since I first saw you, just because you always look so sad."
Another sweet, light romantic plot flows through this book, and it is a delight experiencing Yeena and Yijeong falling in love. They have instant chemistry, which means we get a lot of fabulous banter. Not only is Yijeong a secret softy but he also acts as an anchor for Yeena, helping her tackle her own demons and realise her inner strength.
Atima Kim writes really healthy, strong, real relationships and it is refreshing to see them in the fantasy genre, which can be saturated with problematic male characters and unrealistic romance.
"Yeena, you are strong. You are the storm."
The second instalment in the Matrons of Miang universe did not disappoint! Much like the first book Spark to Shadow, we follow a feisty, confident and self-assured main character Yeena - the heir to a coven of Miangese witches - as she spends time in the foreign kingdoms of Nakoya and Anda on a search for an appropriate consort.
Something I massively appreciate about these books is how powerful the female characters are in their own right. In this universe, magic flows predominantly through the female line, and so we have this matriarchal magical society as a result. I loved that in the first book, but enjoy it even more in the second as its interesting to see that in contrast to Nakoyan society, which we know is not as female-led as Miang or Anda - they have more male witches and so this tips the balance.
"I've wanted to see you smile since I first saw you, just because you always look so sad."
Another sweet, light romantic plot flows through this book, and it is a delight experiencing Yeena and Yijeong falling in love. They have instant chemistry, which means we get a lot of fabulous banter. Not only is Yijeong a secret softy but he also acts as an anchor for Yeena, helping her tackle her own demons and realise her inner strength.
Atima Kim writes really healthy, strong, real relationships and it is refreshing to see them in the fantasy genre, which can be saturated with problematic male characters and unrealistic romance.
"Yeena, you are strong. You are the storm."
October 7, 2021
Storm to Spring is the second in an own voices standalone fantasy series. Full of witches, strong female characters, dragons, romance and secrets come to light!
Full disclosure - I was so sold on the synopsis that I didn’t realize this was the second in a series 🤦🏻♀️ (synopsis is in the comments)
I really enjoyed this book. It was great getting to watch Yeena and the growth of her character. To see a women who feels like she needs to carry herself a certain way really work to deal with her inner demons, was something I totally could relate to.
I also love that this was a matron society (I know most witch books are) - to see so many strong female characters is still something that makes my heart happy. I think it played in well with the different types of covens that have men… and thinking about how Yijeong wasn’t threatened by Yeena’s power made me love him more.
The book was well paced - which I think ties back to the fact that this is book two and a lot of groundwork was probably laid in book one. I did miss some of the world building elements, I wanted some of those details in this book.
The only thing I really wish there was more of was depth of character. I felt like I just scratched the surface with so many people and wanted more (I liked them that much!)
Storm to Spring was an easy book to pick up and a hard book to put down.
It is also celebrating a book birthday this week!
If you are looking for an easy fantasy read - I totally recommend this book!
I received an ARC of this book from Literary Bound Tours in exchange for my honest review
Full disclosure - I was so sold on the synopsis that I didn’t realize this was the second in a series 🤦🏻♀️ (synopsis is in the comments)
I really enjoyed this book. It was great getting to watch Yeena and the growth of her character. To see a women who feels like she needs to carry herself a certain way really work to deal with her inner demons, was something I totally could relate to.
I also love that this was a matron society (I know most witch books are) - to see so many strong female characters is still something that makes my heart happy. I think it played in well with the different types of covens that have men… and thinking about how Yijeong wasn’t threatened by Yeena’s power made me love him more.
The book was well paced - which I think ties back to the fact that this is book two and a lot of groundwork was probably laid in book one. I did miss some of the world building elements, I wanted some of those details in this book.
The only thing I really wish there was more of was depth of character. I felt like I just scratched the surface with so many people and wanted more (I liked them that much!)
Storm to Spring was an easy book to pick up and a hard book to put down.
It is also celebrating a book birthday this week!
If you are looking for an easy fantasy read - I totally recommend this book!
I received an ARC of this book from Literary Bound Tours in exchange for my honest review
October 11, 2021
Book 2 in the Matrons of Miang series, but I was able to read and understand it as a standalone. It seems each book covers the story of a different woman in this world, and they overlap but not their stories. And what a story it was! I loved out protagonist Yeena who suffers from PTSD and is an air witch with a pet dragon!!! How flipping cool is that?! Each coven had a different element/power to wield and protect their lands and the mortals who reside there. Yeena has this incredible heart that she keep buried until she meets a young male spring witch who starts to thaw her heart and soul. The character development and world building is impressive as hell and there's some lovely subtle LGBTQ+ rep that made my little queer heart happy. I'll definitely be watching Atima's work and plan on buying the first book ASAP!
October 5, 2021
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
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ARC provided by Atima Kim via Literary Bound Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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10-05: The story is casually paced and at first glance, seems to give off Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes through its clan and magic system design. Once beyond that initial impression however, it develops into a broader topic.
Carefully curated through layers of Asian inspired fantasy, is a gentle discussion about generational obligation and what it means to try to balance such ingrained beliefs with the personal need for individuality and actual happiness. In Yeena's case, the cost could be high, but that's something she has to figure out for herself.
I feel like the prose is a little stiff. It's clear that Kim is still developing her skills, as it reads a little like someone just out of a creative writing class in regards to sentence structure.. not quite fluid or comfortable yet. But the plot moves forward steadily and all of the basics are in place.
While the relationships contained within the book could be given a bit more depth.. again, I chalk that up to an author just on the cusp of blossoming. Kim obviously has lovely stories to tell and a lot of potential in the future.
As traditional as the setting was laid out, the dialogue language did pull me out of immersion a bit.. but I still enjoyed the journey. If you're looking for a quick read with some interesting texture and strong female representation, give this one a try.
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[image error]
ARC provided by Atima Kim via Literary Bound Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
Blog | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | BookBub
10-05: The story is casually paced and at first glance, seems to give off Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes through its clan and magic system design. Once beyond that initial impression however, it develops into a broader topic.
Carefully curated through layers of Asian inspired fantasy, is a gentle discussion about generational obligation and what it means to try to balance such ingrained beliefs with the personal need for individuality and actual happiness. In Yeena's case, the cost could be high, but that's something she has to figure out for herself.
I feel like the prose is a little stiff. It's clear that Kim is still developing her skills, as it reads a little like someone just out of a creative writing class in regards to sentence structure.. not quite fluid or comfortable yet. But the plot moves forward steadily and all of the basics are in place.
While the relationships contained within the book could be given a bit more depth.. again, I chalk that up to an author just on the cusp of blossoming. Kim obviously has lovely stories to tell and a lot of potential in the future.
As traditional as the setting was laid out, the dialogue language did pull me out of immersion a bit.. but I still enjoyed the journey. If you're looking for a quick read with some interesting texture and strong female representation, give this one a try.
Add to Goodreads
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSAMILLION | BOOKSHOP.ORG | DYMOCKS | INDIEBOUND | INDIGO | KOBO | WATERSTONES
October 31, 2021
"What's life without a little risk?"
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Content warnings: torture, imprisonment, war, injury, animal death, mention of sexual and physical assault, parental neglect
Thank you to both Atima Kim and BookSirens for an e-book and physical ARC of this book! All contents in this review are my honest opinion/thoughts.
Storm to Spring is Book 2 of the Matrons of Miang series! This book follows Yeena, a soon-to-be Matron of her Opal Coven and an air witch! She is currently on her debut tour of sorts, and meeting with prospective consorts to ally herself with. While spending time with her most probable choice, they happen upon an intruder found on the nation's borders who has been taken prisoner, and Yeena decides to step in on his behalf. Will she be able to unravel his secrets in time to help?
Spark to Shadow was one of my favorite reads of 2021, so I was highly anticipating this book! As this is more of a spin-off I was primarily worried about two things: 1.) That I wouldn't enjoy the new main characters as much and 2.) That the story would feel too repetitive the original. I am happy to report that neither of these concerns were true!
Yeena and the romantic interest ended up being perhaps even more enjoyable to me than Fang and hers from Book 1! It was interesting to see two entirely different elements in this story as well. I'm curious to see if Book 3 will be a Water/?? pairing. I believe that both pairings in Book 1 and 2 were Although the story didn't feel repetitive, I'd be interested to see a different pairing with a wether/non-Andan in the future books!
The atmosphere in this story was as delightful as last time, and there was plenty more dragon-related plots in this one! It truly has earned its name in being a story about dragon-riders! I will say that this was at the cost of the side-character growth, however. In Book 1, the side characters felt essential, but in this one, I could barely remember their names and a single trait about them by the end of it. The two friends and some of the coven members weren't really relevant to the story except for a few joking comments/side-eyes.
The writing was great and the dialogue had me laughing just as much as the first book! The plot ended both with a few tiny things never seeming to be addressed/resolved, but this could absolutely be because it will relate to the next book.
I still really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy romance, dragons, fierce females, and witty dialogue!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Content warnings: torture, imprisonment, war, injury, animal death, mention of sexual and physical assault, parental neglect
Thank you to both Atima Kim and BookSirens for an e-book and physical ARC of this book! All contents in this review are my honest opinion/thoughts.
Storm to Spring is Book 2 of the Matrons of Miang series! This book follows Yeena, a soon-to-be Matron of her Opal Coven and an air witch! She is currently on her debut tour of sorts, and meeting with prospective consorts to ally herself with. While spending time with her most probable choice, they happen upon an intruder found on the nation's borders who has been taken prisoner, and Yeena decides to step in on his behalf. Will she be able to unravel his secrets in time to help?
Spark to Shadow was one of my favorite reads of 2021, so I was highly anticipating this book! As this is more of a spin-off I was primarily worried about two things: 1.) That I wouldn't enjoy the new main characters as much and 2.) That the story would feel too repetitive the original. I am happy to report that neither of these concerns were true!
Yeena and the romantic interest ended up being perhaps even more enjoyable to me than Fang and hers from Book 1! It was interesting to see two entirely different elements in this story as well. I'm curious to see if Book 3 will be a Water/?? pairing. I believe that both pairings in Book 1 and 2 were Although the story didn't feel repetitive, I'd be interested to see a different pairing with a wether/non-Andan in the future books!
The atmosphere in this story was as delightful as last time, and there was plenty more dragon-related plots in this one! It truly has earned its name in being a story about dragon-riders! I will say that this was at the cost of the side-character growth, however. In Book 1, the side characters felt essential, but in this one, I could barely remember their names and a single trait about them by the end of it. The two friends and some of the coven members weren't really relevant to the story except for a few joking comments/side-eyes.
The writing was great and the dialogue had me laughing just as much as the first book! The plot ended both with a few tiny things never seeming to be addressed/resolved, but this could absolutely be because it will relate to the next book.
I still really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy romance, dragons, fierce females, and witty dialogue!
October 15, 2021
STORM TO SPRING was a fantastic follow up to SPARK TO SHADOW, which I read earlier this year on a camping trip and absolutely loved. In this second installment, we see Yeena come into her own a bit more, though she still suffers from PTSD from past events. Slowly but surely she’s becoming more sure-footed and starting to make choices that will affect her future status as matron, including choosing a consort. She has her secrets, and so does the boy she’s chosen to be her consort. Out of all the boys vying for her, she chooses the one wrapped tight in mysteries and steeped in secrets, and those secrets are of the rather large and life-altering variety.
I really enjoyed this second installment in the MATRONS OF MIANG series, and I really loved the depth in this one. There’s mystery, intrigue, and court politics at play, with a broken girl and a lovely squishy boy at the center of it all. I adored the romance in this one, and I appreciated that the relationship had its complications and will continue to be complicated because love isn’t easy, especially when past trauma is involved. I also like that we get even more magic because the elemental magic system is one of my favorite aspects, along with the witches and the female-centric storyline.
Bottom line — a great second installment in the MATRONS OF MIANG series, and certainly one I recommend for lovers of intricate worlds, elemental magic, dragons, and witches. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to MTMC Book Tours and the author/publisher for sending a gifted copy.
I really enjoyed this second installment in the MATRONS OF MIANG series, and I really loved the depth in this one. There’s mystery, intrigue, and court politics at play, with a broken girl and a lovely squishy boy at the center of it all. I adored the romance in this one, and I appreciated that the relationship had its complications and will continue to be complicated because love isn’t easy, especially when past trauma is involved. I also like that we get even more magic because the elemental magic system is one of my favorite aspects, along with the witches and the female-centric storyline.
Bottom line — a great second installment in the MATRONS OF MIANG series, and certainly one I recommend for lovers of intricate worlds, elemental magic, dragons, and witches. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to MTMC Book Tours and the author/publisher for sending a gifted copy.
September 27, 2021
Thank you BookSirens for a copy of this ARC in return for an honest review.
I’m a big fan of this series. I went into this book worrying the plot sounded too much like the first book but I was so wrong. I love how the author made this it’s own love story but carefully tied it to Spark to Shadow. It also really helped move along some of the unfinished storylines from the first book. If this is how all the books in this series are going to go, I’m 100% in!
The love story between Yeena and her consort (I don’t want to give anything away!) is so precious. The love is clearly very fragile and the mutual respect between the two of them is how love should be written about in all the fairytales.
I’m so very excited to see which matron is next to find her consort.
I’m a big fan of this series. I went into this book worrying the plot sounded too much like the first book but I was so wrong. I love how the author made this it’s own love story but carefully tied it to Spark to Shadow. It also really helped move along some of the unfinished storylines from the first book. If this is how all the books in this series are going to go, I’m 100% in!
The love story between Yeena and her consort (I don’t want to give anything away!) is so precious. The love is clearly very fragile and the mutual respect between the two of them is how love should be written about in all the fairytales.
I’m so very excited to see which matron is next to find her consort.
October 7, 2021
OMG! I loved this book! I was a little worried that second book syndrome would hit with this series, but I am so glad and relieved that it didn’t!
I loved Yeena. She is so strong, but broken, and a little unsure. It’s nice to see a character with doubts!
Yijeong is total book boyfriend material. Flirty, but sensitive, and loving.
I also loved Yeena’s coven, and the dragons, oh the dragons!! So cute, so funny!
I was a little bit unhappy that the storyline here was so similar to spark to shadow, but it was a different enough that it didn’t read the same.
The political intrigue added depth to the story, as did Yeena’s trauma.
This book has it all. Magic, dragons, romance, intrigue, humour, and a dash of danger, one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I loved Yeena. She is so strong, but broken, and a little unsure. It’s nice to see a character with doubts!
Yijeong is total book boyfriend material. Flirty, but sensitive, and loving.
I also loved Yeena’s coven, and the dragons, oh the dragons!! So cute, so funny!
I was a little bit unhappy that the storyline here was so similar to spark to shadow, but it was a different enough that it didn’t read the same.
The political intrigue added depth to the story, as did Yeena’s trauma.
This book has it all. Magic, dragons, romance, intrigue, humour, and a dash of danger, one of the best books I’ve read this year.
October 19, 2021
If you’ve read Kim’s Spark to Shadow you don’t want to miss this next installment in the Matrons of Miang series. This book is yet another can’t put it down read! Kim has exceptional world building and a magical system that isn’t hard to follow even if you haven’t read Spark to Shadow. Characters that I absolutely love and lush storytelling that makes me want to devour her books, Kim has written yet another phenomenal Asian inspired fantasy. There were scenes in Storm to Spring that were so incredibly wholesome and beautiful that I was smiling like a fool…in public. Anything by Atima Kim is a must read!
October 16, 2021
Storm to Spring was a delightful read for me. I absolutely adore dragons, and this story has them in spades! Throw in the fact that in this fantasy world, women are respected and in some cases rulers of entire covens, I was hooked. If you need some romance there is definitely a slow burn sweet romance in the midst.
I absolutely would recommend this book!
I absolutely would recommend this book!
June 3, 2022
*4.5 Star*
Yeena is weeks away from her debut as a matron. She hasn't claimed anybody as her consort yet and is visiting her friend Hiro who she thinks she may choose to be her consort. When somebody from the Andan area is found crossing borders into Nakoya and is being held prisoner, Yeena offers to translate for the Nakoyans and offers a solution that will change both the prisoner's life and Yeena's.
I really enjoyed Storm to Spring and the interactions Yeena has with everybody. She is a strong matron to be but has her flaws. I waited for the moments between Yeena and Yijeong so much and that's what made me finish the book. I love the sarcastic banter and slow-burn romance between the two. I also enjoyed learning about Miang, Andan, and Naoya lands' history. I love the elemental magic of each area and learning the abilities of all the characters in the story.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to people who love political intrigue, slow-burn romance, banter between love interests, lgbtq+ representation, & east and southeast asian influenced fantasy. The only complaint I have were super long chapters but I enjoyed the book otherwise <3
Disclaimer: I received Storm to Spring as an ARC through BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Yeena is weeks away from her debut as a matron. She hasn't claimed anybody as her consort yet and is visiting her friend Hiro who she thinks she may choose to be her consort. When somebody from the Andan area is found crossing borders into Nakoya and is being held prisoner, Yeena offers to translate for the Nakoyans and offers a solution that will change both the prisoner's life and Yeena's.
I really enjoyed Storm to Spring and the interactions Yeena has with everybody. She is a strong matron to be but has her flaws. I waited for the moments between Yeena and Yijeong so much and that's what made me finish the book. I love the sarcastic banter and slow-burn romance between the two. I also enjoyed learning about Miang, Andan, and Naoya lands' history. I love the elemental magic of each area and learning the abilities of all the characters in the story.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to people who love political intrigue, slow-burn romance, banter between love interests, lgbtq+ representation, & east and southeast asian influenced fantasy. The only complaint I have were super long chapters but I enjoyed the book otherwise <3
Disclaimer: I received Storm to Spring as an ARC through BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
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