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Temple of the Storm #1
Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm
A storm is brewing in the kingdom. If she unleashes the power inside her, can she make justice rain?
Arianna struggles to control the tempest deep in her heart. Longing to rid herself of the quick-tempered Lightning Spirit trapped within her, she’s desperate to cool her emotions and save her people from the devastating drought that began the day she was born. But when her father is murdered during a quest to break the curse, Arianna vows to channel her powers to end the suffering and take revenge.
Teaming up with her skilled swordsman best friend, she embarks on a treacherous journey to retrieve the lost relics that could halt the terrible dry spell. But with callous knights hot on her tail, Arianna must stay ahead of her pursuers and defeat an unknown enemy’s sinister plans.
Can the young woman free the might of the heavens before her realm falls to a shadowy foe?
Arianna struggles to control the tempest deep in her heart. Longing to rid herself of the quick-tempered Lightning Spirit trapped within her, she’s desperate to cool her emotions and save her people from the devastating drought that began the day she was born. But when her father is murdered during a quest to break the curse, Arianna vows to channel her powers to end the suffering and take revenge.
Teaming up with her skilled swordsman best friend, she embarks on a treacherous journey to retrieve the lost relics that could halt the terrible dry spell. But with callous knights hot on her tail, Arianna must stay ahead of her pursuers and defeat an unknown enemy’s sinister plans.
Can the young woman free the might of the heavens before her realm falls to a shadowy foe?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
105 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Robbie Ballew
7 books11 followersRobbie is one of those introverts who loves to stay out late at parties or hanging out with friends, but then has to crash for three days afterwards.
He's been passionate about writing since he was 11 years old, when he started a cheesy novel about a group of medieval kids who were stranded alone in the woods and had to kill an elephant for food (Don't worry, all copies of that manuscript were destroyed with his old Gateway computer).
He peaked in his early teenage years when he posted emo poetry on Xanga, and now writes young adult novels to help him relive his glory years and pretend like he's not almost 30.
He lives in Arkansas with his talented wife, Amy, and their two head-strong daughters, Lucy and Hero.
Visit www.robbieballew.com to sign up for his mailing list and get a free copy of his short story, 'Rubble'!
He's been passionate about writing since he was 11 years old, when he started a cheesy novel about a group of medieval kids who were stranded alone in the woods and had to kill an elephant for food (Don't worry, all copies of that manuscript were destroyed with his old Gateway computer).
He peaked in his early teenage years when he posted emo poetry on Xanga, and now writes young adult novels to help him relive his glory years and pretend like he's not almost 30.
He lives in Arkansas with his talented wife, Amy, and their two head-strong daughters, Lucy and Hero.
Visit www.robbieballew.com to sign up for his mailing list and get a free copy of his short story, 'Rubble'!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 30, 2020
A moderately sized, whimsical tale of magic and family.
I usually don't go for traditional fantasy, but this is a tightly written 1st person story that takes a few different POVs to weave a very complete narrative. Not as much action as I usually liked but a lot of very effective worldbuilding and character development.
A good, interesting read!
I usually don't go for traditional fantasy, but this is a tightly written 1st person story that takes a few different POVs to weave a very complete narrative. Not as much action as I usually liked but a lot of very effective worldbuilding and character development.
A good, interesting read!
March 7, 2021
Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm is the first in a children's High Fantasy series, featuring elves, fauns and dwarves. Though it does have a slow start, the plot is revealed at page 30, and the story is revealed through multiple first person views.
What's great about this novel is that we follow a teenage heroine through a variety of biomes, it gives us a clear vision of the entire world and creates key relationships between every character that we meet. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into creating an immense amount of lore, I love reading about elemental mages and thought this book in particular portrays the main character majestically through her decision making, bravery, and smarts.
The flow is the biggest flaw, some plot twists are very predictable and when we do get introduced to new characters, we don't see enough of them. I would've expected a fantasy to be much more enchanting and to use more diverse language.
Overall, if you do push through this book, you are left with a memorable story about extremely interesting characters, and I feel excited to know what happens to Arianna in the second book. A feel-good story for those who love a good storm.
What's great about this novel is that we follow a teenage heroine through a variety of biomes, it gives us a clear vision of the entire world and creates key relationships between every character that we meet. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into creating an immense amount of lore, I love reading about elemental mages and thought this book in particular portrays the main character majestically through her decision making, bravery, and smarts.
The flow is the biggest flaw, some plot twists are very predictable and when we do get introduced to new characters, we don't see enough of them. I would've expected a fantasy to be much more enchanting and to use more diverse language.
Overall, if you do push through this book, you are left with a memorable story about extremely interesting characters, and I feel excited to know what happens to Arianna in the second book. A feel-good story for those who love a good storm.
May 10, 2022
Arianna has struggled her entire life with the lightning magic she has inside of her, always seeking to suppress the anger and destruction that the voice seems to want to inflict. She has not had an easy life thus far. Her mother died giving birth to her, and the day she was born marked the beginning of a drought that has cursed the land ever since. As a result, many blame Arianna for the curse. When her father, who has been investigating the curse ever since in the hopes of finding a way to end it, is found killed - supposedly be a satyr - suddenly the situation for Arianna changes very rapidly. Not wanting to leave her village, Arianna plans to work in the mines. However, on her first day of work, two knights try to kill her when she shows up. She is able to escape, and she and her best friend leave the village on a quest to end the curse.
This was a really good book and I really enjoyed listening to it. The author did a wonderful job with the characters and the world-building that it was easy to visualize what was happening. I also really liked the way the author handled Arianna's struggles with how she views the satyrs, which has been greatly influenced by propaganda put out to increase the tensions between the fauns (satyrs) and the elves. The cunning of the bad guys was very well-done, and by the end I was moving him up my list of most hated villains. He did not surpass Professor Umbridge as my most-hated character in a book, but he did get pretty close. (Also, I'm avoiding naming the bad guy so I don't give away any spoilers).
Finally, I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this book and loved it. The narrator, Shannon Hobby, did a wonderful job. Indeed, she's one of the few narrators that I have found I do not have to speed up in order to have them approach a normal speaking speed. LOL. The only issue I had with the audiobook was that there were a few places where parts of sentences were repeated in sequence, most likely as a result of a mistimed pick-up. A quick run-through with an audio-proofer would fix that. That being said, it didn't happen often and didn't interfere with my listening. So don't let that be the reason you avoid the audiobook.
This was a really good book and I really enjoyed listening to it. The author did a wonderful job with the characters and the world-building that it was easy to visualize what was happening. I also really liked the way the author handled Arianna's struggles with how she views the satyrs, which has been greatly influenced by propaganda put out to increase the tensions between the fauns (satyrs) and the elves. The cunning of the bad guys was very well-done, and by the end I was moving him up my list of most hated villains. He did not surpass Professor Umbridge as my most-hated character in a book, but he did get pretty close. (Also, I'm avoiding naming the bad guy so I don't give away any spoilers).
Finally, I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this book and loved it. The narrator, Shannon Hobby, did a wonderful job. Indeed, she's one of the few narrators that I have found I do not have to speed up in order to have them approach a normal speaking speed. LOL. The only issue I had with the audiobook was that there were a few places where parts of sentences were repeated in sequence, most likely as a result of a mistimed pick-up. A quick run-through with an audio-proofer would fix that. That being said, it didn't happen often and didn't interfere with my listening. So don't let that be the reason you avoid the audiobook.
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September 24, 2024DNF at page 135
June 24, 2020
I enjoyed diving into the world of Arianna and Chass; theirs is a journey of growth and change.
What I loved: reading from multiple character perspectives, and the plot was interesting.
There were some writing elements that could have been smoother/themes and ideas that I wish were more in depth than they were but overall it was a good read.
What I loved: reading from multiple character perspectives, and the plot was interesting.
There were some writing elements that could have been smoother/themes and ideas that I wish were more in depth than they were but overall it was a good read.
February 17, 2021
“Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm” is the epic, adventurous, fantasy quest of Arianna, who was infused with elemental lightning magic at birth (though she has tried to suppress, rather than master it, since it makes her an outcast in her village.) There has been a drought affecting her kingdom ever since. Accompanied by her older best friend and soon a faun (whether he is friend or foe is part of the book’s mystery,) the teenager must travel her world on a perilous and often exciting journey to find relics to break the curse and save her people. Her father’s journals offer secrets and clues. Arriana shows bravery and a caring moral compass.
The authors, Robbie Ballew and Stephen Landry, have built a world full of good and bad beings, creatures and monsters (many stemming from roman myth) interspersed with real animals, all within settings from forests and swamps to icy mountains. There are plenty of deep emotions too. Their descriptions bring all to life, although I didn’t realize our main characters were not human ‘til quite a way into the book. I fell in love with Arriana’s pet, and would have loved to see it a bunch more, since it’s a fun, unusual character. I admit I was surprised at some of the nightmarish descriptions in some scenes, considering this is in the children’s genre. (see below if you don’t mind spoilers and want to know potential triggers.)
There are a just a few editing mistakes, usually in tense. A few sudden paragraph segues were a little confusing as well, like they could have used a line spacer in between. The different chapters assigned to different characters’ points of view were a nice touch.
I plan to continue the saga with the next book, which proves I enjoyed this one. I received an ARC, but wound up reading it through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Spoilers and Triggers: Parental deaths (through childbirth and murder); bloody corpse in a funeral home with ritualistic bloody cut markings; bloody battles; homes destroyed by fires; sadistic killer who cuts off a woman’s tongue first; slavery; animal cruelty; hallucinogenic herbs and ceremony
The authors, Robbie Ballew and Stephen Landry, have built a world full of good and bad beings, creatures and monsters (many stemming from roman myth) interspersed with real animals, all within settings from forests and swamps to icy mountains. There are plenty of deep emotions too. Their descriptions bring all to life, although I didn’t realize our main characters were not human ‘til quite a way into the book. I fell in love with Arriana’s pet, and would have loved to see it a bunch more, since it’s a fun, unusual character. I admit I was surprised at some of the nightmarish descriptions in some scenes, considering this is in the children’s genre. (see below if you don’t mind spoilers and want to know potential triggers.)
There are a just a few editing mistakes, usually in tense. A few sudden paragraph segues were a little confusing as well, like they could have used a line spacer in between. The different chapters assigned to different characters’ points of view were a nice touch.
I plan to continue the saga with the next book, which proves I enjoyed this one. I received an ARC, but wound up reading it through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Spoilers and Triggers: Parental deaths (through childbirth and murder); bloody corpse in a funeral home with ritualistic bloody cut markings; bloody battles; homes destroyed by fires; sadistic killer who cuts off a woman’s tongue first; slavery; animal cruelty; hallucinogenic herbs and ceremony
December 15, 2024
The kingdom has been plagued by a curse as long as Arianna has been alive. In fact, it started when she was born, although it wasn't her fault. The night she was born was also the last day it rained. Since then there has been a drought that her father has been intent on fixing. He just needs to find the spirits of the storm in order to break the curse. But, when her father is murdered Arianna takes it upon herself to continue his journey and save her world with the help of her best friend and some unlikely friends upon the way.
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I know I have said it a lot recently, but I am so sorry I am so behind on reviews. I am working on it, and again, I am sorry for how long the authors have been waiting on their reviews.
This is a YA fantasy adventure book that I completely enjoyed. While I don't remember Arianna's exact age, she is late teens to early adulthood. She and her best friend team up to leave their village and break a curse that has been going on her entire life. During their journey she finds out more about her father than she ever before knew. While he was one person with her there was so much more to him that she never got to experience, except through his friends and journals.
While a quest to find 3 artifacts housing the spirits is difficult enough, Arianna and her friends must also contend with some knights that wish to do away with her, as the drought is a very lucrative business for the mine owners. Who they can trust is constantly being called into questions, and the voice of her powers is rarely helpful.
There is non-stop action within these pages, with just a dash of romance. Don't forget the elves, dwarves, and fauns that make up the characters within. If you think you know who the romance aspect includes before you start the book based on what you know from this review, I think you will be happily surprised.
All in all it was a good book that ended on a point where you can easily end the series if you would like, or you could continue reading to see how Arianna adjusts to what happened in book one.
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I know I have said it a lot recently, but I am so sorry I am so behind on reviews. I am working on it, and again, I am sorry for how long the authors have been waiting on their reviews.
This is a YA fantasy adventure book that I completely enjoyed. While I don't remember Arianna's exact age, she is late teens to early adulthood. She and her best friend team up to leave their village and break a curse that has been going on her entire life. During their journey she finds out more about her father than she ever before knew. While he was one person with her there was so much more to him that she never got to experience, except through his friends and journals.
While a quest to find 3 artifacts housing the spirits is difficult enough, Arianna and her friends must also contend with some knights that wish to do away with her, as the drought is a very lucrative business for the mine owners. Who they can trust is constantly being called into questions, and the voice of her powers is rarely helpful.
There is non-stop action within these pages, with just a dash of romance. Don't forget the elves, dwarves, and fauns that make up the characters within. If you think you know who the romance aspect includes before you start the book based on what you know from this review, I think you will be happily surprised.
All in all it was a good book that ended on a point where you can easily end the series if you would like, or you could continue reading to see how Arianna adjusts to what happened in book one.
August 15, 2021
I previously reviewed the prequel story in this series, Egris and the Silence of the Storm. While reading the prequel isn’t required to fully understand the story, I suggest it as it’s a nice bit of world-building and backstory.
A handful of the main plot points are all things you’ve likely heard before if you read fantasy. How many times have you seen the story of the rebel/driven parent who’s never around; only for their kid to grow up and discover they had a secret life as they meet their parent’s friends and Allies while digging through their past. Supernatural, The Amasai Rising Trilogy, the Inheritance Cycle, and so on. While it may not be original, it brings enough new to the table to keep it interesting.
As I said with the prequel story, it’s either intended for a younger audience or at least “kid friendly” a term I’ve always disliked. Despite that, I still found much to enjoy about it. It’s a series that I think would make a great beginner fantasy story for somebody new to the genre. The journey the characters go on does feel a bit rushed because it’s not an 800-page tome like so many other fantasy stories are. It makes for a nice in-and-out adventure.
I didn’t have any issues with the narrator until she said “clawred”. I’ve said many times in reviews, I truly can’t stand when professional narrators can’t pronounce basic words properly. There are a couple of times in the audiobook where you’ll hear the same line twice. It seems to be a rare issue with Audible audiobooks where audio sessions or parts aren’t connected properly. It’s not a common occurrence in the sorry, it happens maybe 2 – 3 times, but it can take you out of the moment.
Overall, I think this story is interesting and engaging. While the world lore is puddle deep, sometimes that’s for the best. I think it’s worth a read or listen.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
A handful of the main plot points are all things you’ve likely heard before if you read fantasy. How many times have you seen the story of the rebel/driven parent who’s never around; only for their kid to grow up and discover they had a secret life as they meet their parent’s friends and Allies while digging through their past. Supernatural, The Amasai Rising Trilogy, the Inheritance Cycle, and so on. While it may not be original, it brings enough new to the table to keep it interesting.
As I said with the prequel story, it’s either intended for a younger audience or at least “kid friendly” a term I’ve always disliked. Despite that, I still found much to enjoy about it. It’s a series that I think would make a great beginner fantasy story for somebody new to the genre. The journey the characters go on does feel a bit rushed because it’s not an 800-page tome like so many other fantasy stories are. It makes for a nice in-and-out adventure.
I didn’t have any issues with the narrator until she said “clawred”. I’ve said many times in reviews, I truly can’t stand when professional narrators can’t pronounce basic words properly. There are a couple of times in the audiobook where you’ll hear the same line twice. It seems to be a rare issue with Audible audiobooks where audio sessions or parts aren’t connected properly. It’s not a common occurrence in the sorry, it happens maybe 2 – 3 times, but it can take you out of the moment.
Overall, I think this story is interesting and engaging. While the world lore is puddle deep, sometimes that’s for the best. I think it’s worth a read or listen.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
March 22, 2022
Okay i'll be honest with ya'll im not usually a fantasy reader, I like my books to have some romance. In fact any kind of romance is pretty much all I read. Going in I was pretty hesitant in thinking I would be able to get through it, not because of the story itself but because of my own reading preferences. But HOLY MOLY.
It's like Lord of the Rings meets Percy Jackson. You've got Elves, you've got Fauns. You've got lighting magic and mages. I mean it doesn't really get better than that. The world that was built in this story was just incredible! You go from swamps to mysterious forests to icy mountains to a lavish kingdom. You really felt like you were on this journey with the characters.
It has multiple POVs which again, isn't something I usually enjoy but there was just something about the story and the unique personalities and perspectives of each character that had me itching to read more! There was never a dull moment during the story. The plot line never got lost in the story telling which, in the past, is what has turned me off of books similar to this. It was all tied together beautifully by the end of the book. I throughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
It's like Lord of the Rings meets Percy Jackson. You've got Elves, you've got Fauns. You've got lighting magic and mages. I mean it doesn't really get better than that. The world that was built in this story was just incredible! You go from swamps to mysterious forests to icy mountains to a lavish kingdom. You really felt like you were on this journey with the characters.
It has multiple POVs which again, isn't something I usually enjoy but there was just something about the story and the unique personalities and perspectives of each character that had me itching to read more! There was never a dull moment during the story. The plot line never got lost in the story telling which, in the past, is what has turned me off of books similar to this. It was all tied together beautifully by the end of the book. I throughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
May 24, 2022
After Arianna discovered that her father learned the secret to end a decades long drought in her kingdom, she decides to set out and do what she can to continue his work. Along the way, she faces several conflicts and battles. She also learns of the elemental power that she possesses and how to use it.
Ballew and Landry came up with a very original idea with this tale. The action is tight, and this duo’s writing is spot on with lots of detail. The story is told through several points of view, with different characters voicing the chapters throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the storm spirits and the elemental magic that flows through them. If you like elves, fawns, dwarves and even humans, then you’ll enjoy this book. Despite the fact that it’s categorized as a YA adventure, adults can enjoy this story, too.
I wasn’t enthralled by the narration, but the story really kept me hooked. I will definitely continue with this series
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the authors and freely offer up an open, honest opinion about this book.
Ballew and Landry came up with a very original idea with this tale. The action is tight, and this duo’s writing is spot on with lots of detail. The story is told through several points of view, with different characters voicing the chapters throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the storm spirits and the elemental magic that flows through them. If you like elves, fawns, dwarves and even humans, then you’ll enjoy this book. Despite the fact that it’s categorized as a YA adventure, adults can enjoy this story, too.
I wasn’t enthralled by the narration, but the story really kept me hooked. I will definitely continue with this series
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the authors and freely offer up an open, honest opinion about this book.
February 21, 2021
I folded shortly after the ten-percent mark with this one. One thing that I couldn't get past me was the formatting. It looked like it was uploaded from an aligned-left Word Doc, so that alone raised a red flag.
Then came the two chapters of backstory. Like, okay, whatever, maybe it'll get better with the following chapters. I woke up today dreading the 300-plus pages I had to go.
The front-loaded backstory, formatting, and abrupt POV changes with huge typographic notes in the middle of pages doomed this work.
On the plus side, it had fantastic pacing and for a work with such bad formatting, not a single typo. Often when I see a work uploaded from an aligned-left Word Doc, I'll spot one on every page.
Then came the two chapters of backstory. Like, okay, whatever, maybe it'll get better with the following chapters. I woke up today dreading the 300-plus pages I had to go.
The front-loaded backstory, formatting, and abrupt POV changes with huge typographic notes in the middle of pages doomed this work.
On the plus side, it had fantastic pacing and for a work with such bad formatting, not a single typo. Often when I see a work uploaded from an aligned-left Word Doc, I'll spot one on every page.
May 16, 2021
"Arianna and the Spirit of Storm" was an amazing fantasy story that I loved to dive in it with all the magic and the mythical creatures in it. It took some time to finish it due to my schedule but it was a nice read that I kept thinking about when I had to put the book down.
I liked the different POVs in this book mainly when it came to her father's narrative of his adventures to find the answers to the curse and to end the drought. I loved the mystery part about the king and Ariana's power that kept me hooked. The world created by the author was fantastic and kept the story more interesting.
This book was a nice discovery and a great adventure to continue in the next books that I will be waiting for.
Thank you to StoryOrigin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the different POVs in this book mainly when it came to her father's narrative of his adventures to find the answers to the curse and to end the drought. I loved the mystery part about the king and Ariana's power that kept me hooked. The world created by the author was fantastic and kept the story more interesting.
This book was a nice discovery and a great adventure to continue in the next books that I will be waiting for.
Thank you to StoryOrigin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
Audio book
First story I heard by the author and the narrator. Both authors wrote a story full of magic , it is written from Roman mythology, which I can relate since I’m Greek . Arianna was gifted with magic one day , no reason why , ishe was at the age since she’s not human it was time instead of letting it get stronger she ignored the magic until she needed to protect herself and her family. There are wolf and other wild animals . Lots of twists and turns , some sad , some gruesome and at the end everything works out.
First time I heard Shannon Hobby. Her performance was good. Her voice is strong and smooth.
First story I heard by the author and the narrator. Both authors wrote a story full of magic , it is written from Roman mythology, which I can relate since I’m Greek . Arianna was gifted with magic one day , no reason why , ishe was at the age since she’s not human it was time instead of letting it get stronger she ignored the magic until she needed to protect herself and her family. There are wolf and other wild animals . Lots of twists and turns , some sad , some gruesome and at the end everything works out.
First time I heard Shannon Hobby. Her performance was good. Her voice is strong and smooth.
March 27, 2022
Oh my good brown gravy
Got to page 69 and couldn’t force myself to read any further. The IDEA is good, but the story telling is all over the place, and I. just. could. NOT. 🥴
It takes ALLAT to offend me, but this book got me so ticked off that I’m molting (Iago). Buuuut because I’m a weirdo/glutton for punishment, I’ll eventually finish it, though it’ll be a while; gotta read it in chunks instead of all at once. I’ll update if/when that happens. In the meantime I’m gonna find something else to read that DOESN’T get on my last nerve. Sorry to be such a negative vibe merchant (Neil Pye).
(Yes, I like, erm, borrowing quotes😁)
Got to page 69 and couldn’t force myself to read any further. The IDEA is good, but the story telling is all over the place, and I. just. could. NOT. 🥴
It takes ALLAT to offend me, but this book got me so ticked off that I’m molting (Iago). Buuuut because I’m a weirdo/glutton for punishment, I’ll eventually finish it, though it’ll be a while; gotta read it in chunks instead of all at once. I’ll update if/when that happens. In the meantime I’m gonna find something else to read that DOESN’T get on my last nerve. Sorry to be such a negative vibe merchant (Neil Pye).
(Yes, I like, erm, borrowing quotes😁)
April 21, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is and honest review. Narrated beautifully by Shannon Hobby, this is an harrowing journey Arianna, from birth possessed the ability of the Lightening relic and altering her life going forward. When she loses her father in haunting fashion, Arianna seeks justice for her pain but discovers secrets he father has kept of breaking them deadly drought that has cursed the kingdom. Along with her friend Chass and accompanied by her father's trusted friend, Egris they stand against the dark and fierce forces of a mad king that desires to possess the relics and their powers... no matter the cost it takes. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2020
In a world suffering through one of the worst droughts in history a girl must figure out why she was born the same day the drought started, the same thing her dad was working on, until he died. The action was not as good or as much as i hoped but the world building and characters were amazing. the plot was interesting and the author makes reading from multiple points of view easy to follow and enjoyable. I cannot wait to read part 2!
I received a free review copy from StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review
I received a free review copy from StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review
February 21, 2021
I really liked this story. It slowly build at the beginning so that you really like and understand Chass and Arianna and understand what motivated them to begin the journey that Arianna's father began. I liked the characters both major and minor and really had my fingers crossed as the duo starts on their quest to solve the drought. The run in to good guys, bad guys and uncertainty but had my attention throughout the whole thing. Was both entertaining and a bit addicting as I had to see what they would come across next.
April 17, 2021
Arianna is a special girl. She has lightning inside that comes out when she gets angry. The problem is, it is against the law to perform what the normals call magic outside the Royal Academy. After her father was killed, Arianna goes on a quest with Faun and a young man from her village. There are plenty of sword fights, strange animals, and reanimated dead attacking, This story is the perfect fantasy to while away some time. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I can say this book will leave you reading well into the night. The quest to end a drought and bring together the relics to make it rain is passed from father, to his daughter. With the lightening spirit guiding her way, Arianna finds herself hunted by the king’s men, as she and her friends embark on this treacherous journey. The ending is not expected, but will leave you with lots of questions. A must read
April 15, 2022
Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm: An Elemental Magic Fantasy Adventure (Temple of the Storm Book 1), my first fantasy read from author Robbie Ballew. I look forward to reading more from this author. Shannon Hobby’s distinctive narration added to the enjoyment of the book. 9-hours 20-minutes/327-pages. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 22, 2022
Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm is a great introduction to the Temple of the Storm series. The worldbuilding is excellent, multiple POVs that actually work, and characters that are liked/loved and well developed. This story has a roller coaster of emotions and is a great fantasy for most ages! Audio Version: Shannon Hobby did a great job narrating. There were some production issues but nothing that took away from the story.
July 29, 2020
I enjoyed this story, it was well written and engaging. I loved the characters and the whimsy of the tale. There were many different species with different levels of magic and battle prowess. It got choppy at times but then straightened out. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a copy of this book for free from storyOrigin for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free from storyOrigin for an honest review.
August 1, 2020
This book is a good beginning to this series. A father has kept many secrets from his daughter, in order to protect her. He thinks that a curse on their country is magical in nature, and only his daughter can get rid of it. Many different types of characters and a well imagined world, all make for an enjoyable read. Ready for Part 2!
August 15, 2020
Great beginning to a set of stories. The main character, Arianna, is a powerful force both in the literal sense and the deeper meanings. The overall world is well laid out and it already draws the reader in. The writing is good and a lot of thought has gone into the story. The only complaint is that it was not longer. Look forward to more on the character from the author!
June 26, 2021
This was a good story, but a better narrator would made a Big difference. Though there quite a few characters Narrator tryed but failed to make the voices sound different. Where one character stops speaking and another starts, or a person from the past starts thier story. The use the same sounding voice is confusing and that disrupts the story.
July 10, 2021
Honest review for free audio ARC.
I was hoping this would be a good fantasy. Unfortunately, I listened for over 3 hours but couldn't continue. The storyline was choppy at best, dragging at worst. The narrator was whiny, and oh my word, the wasted time at ends of chapters!?! Won't be looking for more by either author or narrator.
I was hoping this would be a good fantasy. Unfortunately, I listened for over 3 hours but couldn't continue. The storyline was choppy at best, dragging at worst. The narrator was whiny, and oh my word, the wasted time at ends of chapters!?! Won't be looking for more by either author or narrator.
September 15, 2021
Great read!
I don't think it is a surprise to anyone who knows me that I loved this book. Give me magic, give me dragons, give me a fantasy world and I'm all about it lol. Great writing, great style don't want to give anything away but I would say check it out especially if you have Kindle unlimited like I do
I don't think it is a surprise to anyone who knows me that I loved this book. Give me magic, give me dragons, give me a fantasy world and I'm all about it lol. Great writing, great style don't want to give anything away but I would say check it out especially if you have Kindle unlimited like I do
November 21, 2022
It was a good story. A lot to take in at first, but it was clean and a good read. Will continue the series at a later date. Arianna was a good character that was easy to get along with. Other characters were a little hard to grasp. But overall, I would recommend this book to someone and it will be on my bookshelf eventually!
December 4, 2023
Arizona's quest
I loved Arianna and her quest to break the curse that stopped all rain for the lands beyond the kingdom. Her father started the hunt for the relics that he believed caused the curse. He died trying to do this. Arianna was born with the gift/curse of lightning. She found out that she was the last relic that would end the curse.
I loved Arianna and her quest to break the curse that stopped all rain for the lands beyond the kingdom. Her father started the hunt for the relics that he believed caused the curse. He died trying to do this. Arianna was born with the gift/curse of lightning. She found out that she was the last relic that would end the curse.
July 28, 2020
This was an okay read. There were parts I really enjoyed and the story idea is good, but I never really connected with any of the characters enough to sympathize with them. The ending seemed to come out of nowhere. I don't feel compelled to continue the series.
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