Taming the Storm

Crimson Storm Chronicles #1

by Yumoyori Wilson, Avery Phoenix

A mysterious pocket watch, six mage shifters, and one deceased lover... My name is Crimson Arashi and I'm your typical twenty-two-year-old, finishing my Bachelors of Arts degree. Sadly, my father insists I become a doctor, claiming he’d supported my attempts to be an artist for way too long. In this world full of magic and shifters, it sucks that I am the only child of a powerful warlock — my father, and a Kitsune shifter — my mother. I'd disappointed them from birth because I was born a human — neither shifter nor mage.

I’d be lucky to be able to light a candle with the snap of my fingers. After one night of drinking to drown my sorrows of being a disgrace to my family, I crash into a thief on the run with six men in pursuit. None of them notice the pocket watch that escapes their grasp, falling to the cold, wet ground.

I didn't think opening it would grant me all the power and strength of the previous owner. I also didn't think it would belong to Storm Yuna, the strongest female magician known in our world. Too bad she had been murdered. Now, I'd inherited not only her powers, but her feelings too. Yeah...feelings. It will take all my strength to navigate the storm of power and feelings swirling inside of me. I just hope I can survive the trials that await me.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Marguerite (M)]

Rating : ?

The thing with Yumoyori Wilson is that while her stories might be different everytime, her books are always very similar; it's bright, colorful, fun and kind of like reading an anime.
And I would say it can be both a strength and a weakness, because if you loved one of her book, you will love the others. But if you're not a hundred percent into it, something will always be missing.

And she strikes again in the first book of the Crimsom Storm Chronicles with her recipe:

1. Pink, pink, pink;
2. A good handful of instalove;
3. A very MC orientated book;
4. Fantastic fantasy that gives a warm and fuzzy feeling;
5. Some more pink;
6. A special snowflake;
7. A bit of pink;
8. And a slice of life kind of vibe.

Yumoyori's books are the dose of happy sunshine everybody needs from time to time and probably perfect for the readers looking for that. Unfortunately, even if I do love pink and feeling all warm and fuzzy, that was not what I wanted this time.
But while I might not have loved the book, it is absolutely not bad and I enjoyed it. And being the fourth novel I read from Yumoyori, I can say she definitely did improve as a writer.
That is why I won't rate it because it would probably be very unfair. Taming the Storm does a good job for a few hours of entertainment and lightness, but it's not the cup of tea I needed today.

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made my jaw drop. I fucking loved it. It was amazing and fuck I thought my heart was going to stop a couple of times. The ending made my scream and I can't fucking wait to read the next book.

[Zahalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The "love of their lives" died a week before meeting the FMC, and they don't even seem to be grieving! Kmt.
The whole chemistry, flow of information...kmt. This book wasn't for me, but from the high reviews, it's the cup of coffee for some people.

[Princess J. Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some slow moments but I can tell the author tried to keep the flow of the story at a fast but steady pace. She did get her points across effectively but the author needs to have this book re-edited due to some repeat paragraphs.

This is the first book I've read by this author. I did enjoy the heroine and the heroes and she did give us a pretty good villain. Overall it was a pretty good storyline. I will give the author a shout of the different culture she has introduced in this storyline. Love the diversity. I'm still interested enough to read book 2 of this series, so off I go.

Overall rating:
4* - A Pretty Good Read

[Kimberly Mcfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finished this book unfortunately

This is the second Book I’ve read by this author and both books have had so much potential the store line the characters the world she created are all great but I can’t get pass the insecurity and general lack of confidence she gives all her main characters in this book and also in ceslestia which is the other book I read from this author the girl had no friends everyone hates her she’s alone and sad and she meets these guys and she just blurt out all her insecurities and it’s like so you just gonna share your whole life story in the first second you meet these guys like really not even believable not only that but the female characters is so boring always wallowing in her self misery like no spunk at all and then all the guys have similar pitiful life and they just dealt with it I couldn’t get into it I tried cuz the premise of the story is great she could have done so much with this story but instead just made me hate the whole book cuz the main characters is so insecure and boring you’d think the female characters has been shunned all her life and she would take time to bear here soul to the characters but no she’s like everyone hates me everyone leaves me your Gonna leave me too blah blah blah and I’m like why why couldn’t this story be good it has so much freaking potential sorry at this point I I’m just ranting cuz I wanted this to be good so bad

[Runningrabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

KU

I loved this, something a little bit different; I do enjoy a kitsune tale. Crimson’s character is a likable one and it’s good to see her evolve from a life of unappreciated talent, to that of a beloved uber talent. I’m really looking forward to the next novel.

[Klizbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Underwhelming Stars

I really didn't enjoy reading this book at all. I can't even tell you one thing I enjoyed about this story. The main problem was the writing. The dialogue was so unnatural and awkward. Even FMC's thoughts and internal dialogue were cringey and weird. The entire tone of this book felt juvenile. I kept being pulled out of the story because I was cringing so hard. Ultimately I ended up DNF-ing this book at about 65%.

The storyline was interesting and I might have continued reading despite the bad writing...if one of my least favorite plot devices weren't in play. The Dead Lover. Storm Yuna was sweet, and loving, and giving, and powerful!! She was the most powerful magic user in the world AND she shifted into multiple animals. She had political power as well. Storm even meets FMC and they become friendly, so its not like she's been dead a long time. Storm dies a few days before FMC "inherits" her lovers.

So, days after Storm dies, her "essence" and magic are absorbed by FMC. Storm's six lovers stand by FMC and help her, they protect her, they flirt with her...they begin growing feelings for her...DAYS AFTER THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE DIED!!!

...And then FMC starts having vivid memories of the men having sex with Storm. Like super vivid memories. Penis + vagina memories. The story quickly took a turn from mildly disturbing to completely freaking gross and horrifying.

...and its not like FMC is going to be enmeshed with Storm's essence forever. She has a limited timeframe before the magic runs out. So those detailed sex memories she is seeing in her head feel even more wrong. Because Crimson (FMC) is NOT Storm.

- 👀 POV: Single, First person
- 📖 PNR Reverse Harem
- 🎱 Tropes: The dead lover, mistreated FMC, flakey boyfriend, no magic FMC
- 🦊 FMC: She has no magic in a world where power is everything. She's hated by her father, reviled by her community, and basically abandoned by her mother. She's a doormat.
- 🌎 5/5 World-building Stars. Based in Japan, all about Japanese culture + customs.
- ⭐️ 3/5 Plot-line Stars
- 🤓 2/5 Character Development Stars
- 👥 Harem: 6 inherited lovers
- 🍒 Virgins: None
- ♥️ 1/5 Romance Stars
- 🌶 1/5 Spicy Stars (one sex scene)
- 🔥 Medium slow burn
- 🚫 No: MM, Cheating, bullying
- ‼️ Triggers: men have sex with OW in FMC's memories, history of child abuse and neglect, cheating boyfriend (not harem)

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Who wants to enter a world of fantasy, magic, and intrigue? If the answer is yes then you have to read this book!! Crimson is human when she suddenly gains powers in a weird way. As if her life was not difficult enough with a scrappy boyfriend and hateful father. This makes her a target. Her and a new group of men have to figure out what is going on before it is too late. They are so many surprises my brain is still spinning with a huge one at the end. I can't wait to see where this series is going next. If you like slow burn paranormal reverse harem romance novels then you really have to read this. In case you can't tell I loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

[C.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story with lots of mystery, action, feeling and revelations. I loved the setting and all the characters. Can’t wait for the next book. Recommend.

[Paige T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough one to rate..
While I enjoyed this book more than the other books Yumoyori has released recently, it could have been a lot better. There were still errors and inconsistencies and also felt rushed -perhaps to meet unrealistic deadlines. I personally prefer quality over quantity.


What I liked:-
* I loved the idea - Kitsune shifters (didn't feel we got to know too much about them though) and familiars
* I loved the Japanese culture.
* I loved the new guys that come into Crimson's life - Aki, Yoshi, Malachi, Haru, Itsuki and Quil. Love their personalities and how they care for Crimson.

What I didn't like:-
* For me personally, Crimson is not the type of female MC I enjoy reading about. I didn't feel she was strong, and she had no backbone to stand up for herself. I'm really hoping this changes in the next book.
* I didn't like that her Mother didn't stand up for and support Crimson for 21yrs.
* When getting Storm's memories (and powers) I really would have preferred they were absorbed into Crimson on their own - not been a separate 'essence' that took over Crimson every now and then. The concept of multiple spirits in the one body is a common theme in all of Yumoyori's books, and I would have liked to see something different.
* There were several inconsistencies throughout the book, some within mere paragraphs or pages of each other.
* There were several errors, not just in English but in Japanese.
* The explanation at the end of the book for Crimson's poor childhood didn't make sense to me.
* It felt a bit too fast for the boys to move on from Storm to Crimson.
* I personally wasn't really a fan of getting Storm's pov and some of the memories - why try to make us attached to someone that is already dead? But that's just me.


Would I recommend this book for the price being asked? Comparing with the quality of other books out there and what their price is, unfortunately I'd have to say no.
Would I read the next book? Possibly, depending on price.

[amy r · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this and I tried, the premise sounded amazing, but the execution just fell short. I had a really hard time connecting to Crimson, both before she had magic and after. She is a young Japanese woman and an amazing artist but extremely lacking in self-esteem. Over and over again she put herself down and let others treat her horribly. I'm not sure why she didn't move away or totally cut her parents out of her life, I am assuming this might be a cultural thing I just don't understand? I tried to cut her some slack since this is something that was indoctrinated in her since birth but again, I had a hard time connecting with it.

Another thing that made it hard for me to continue was the pacing. It was really, really slow. I don't mind reading a long-ish book but there has to be something driving it. Character development or action- this felt like neither to me. (I'm not sure if it's because I had such a hard time connecting to Crimson or what) It just felt like it was dragging on.

On the plus side - I did like the Japanese culture. I haven't read too many books with this so it was a nice change. I like the embraced tradition - sword dancing/fighting - but with a modern/magical twist. Overall I liked her harem men. They seemed interesting and kindhearted. I wouldn't have minded a multi-POV to get to know them better but YW tries to differentiate them enough I didn't feel overloaded.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover Blurb:
A mysterious pocket watch, six mage shifters, and one deceased lover…
My name is Crimson Arashi and I’m your typical twenty-two-year-old, finishing my Bachelors of Arts degree.
Sadly, my father insists I become a doctor, claiming he’d supported my attempts to be an artist for way too long.
In this world full of magic and shifters, it sucks that I am the only child of a powerful warlock — my father, and a Kitsune shifter — my mother. I’d disappointed them from birth because I was born a human — neither shifter nor mage. I’d be lucky to be able to light a candle with the snap of my fingers.
After one night of drinking to drown my sorrows of being a disgrace to my family, I crash into a thief on the run with six men in pursuit. None of them notice the pocket watch that escapes their grasp, falling to the cold, wet ground. I didn’t think opening it would grant me all the power and strength of the previous owner.
I also didn’t think it would belong to Storm Yuna, the strongest female magician known in our world. Too bad she had been murdered. Now, I’d inherited not only her powers, but her feelings too.
Yeah…feelings.
It will take all my strength to navigate the storm of power and feelings swirling inside of me.
I just hope I can survive the trials that await me.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crimson Arashi is a human, a disgrace to her father, a disgrace to her House. She's not worthy of his time, attention or love. Her mother is too weak to stand against him and her boyfriend is ashamed of her so they appear as roommates to the rest of the world. Crimson is smart, a talented artist but born human to a powerful mage and a kitsune with magic, she is of no value to their world. She is alone. After a particularly ugly family dinner and a night of drinking, Crimson has an encounter with a thief that leaves her in possession and control of a valuable pocket watch. The watch is a vessel containing the magic, memories, and essence of the recently murdered Storm Yuna, the most powerful female magician in the world. Along with the watch comes the promise to avenge Storm, care for her familiar, Uru, and take care of her guards/loves, Aki, Yoshi, Malachi, Itsuki, Haru, and Quil.

Taming the Storm is superb storytelling. A paranormal shifter/magician story placed in a partially modern, partially ancient Japanese culture. A lead female who is convinced of her own worthlessness, willing to allow everyone around her to discredit and demean her. Six lovers who just lost the love of their lives. These do not seem like components for a successful story. They are. The Japanese backdrop is exquisite. Crimson is humble, talented, unbelievably strong, and has an unmatched capacity for love. The guards take time to remember and mourn Storm while getting to know and fall for Crimson. It's not disrespectful like I feared, they honor her memory. I was uncomfortable with the idea of a harem moving from one happy relationship to another like the women are interchangeable but it was handled with decency.

The story itself is overflowing; world-building, character introduction, action, critical information. Memories, dreams, and feelings all keep the reader involved even as time works against Crimson. It adds to the tension as does the general worry stemming from all of the guys. This is not a book you can set down easily! It doesn't end with a true cliffhanger but there's still so much story to be told. Ms. Wilson continues to impress me with her talented storytelling.

*Personal note: Having lived in Asia for several years I am so appreciative of this book's setting. It captures the grace, dignity, and beauty of old Japan. It also shows the other side; just how harsh treatment can be when expectations are not met and the hidden corruption and violence of the streets. The acknowledgment of the artistry of swords in Japan and the illustrations of the cherry trees and blossoms were welcome touches. The blossom and the sword. Beauty and strength. Storm Crimson.

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really liked the start of this series. Tho it seemed to move a little slow at times there is still a lot going on. I like Crimson she has had a hard life but still remains humble and kind, however, her mood swings and crying are a little much at times.

So I expected it to be a little weird with the whole storm essence and then her men but I didn’t feel weird, or like they are rushing too much.

We start the story with Crimson as a human in a pretty crappy roommates with benefits relationship with James, has a horrid relationship with her parents after being neglected and mentally abused basically her whole life. She has “anxiety” issues which cause nose bleeds and fainting spells. On a chance encounter while being stood up by the dick James, a thief runs in dropping a pocket watch with the magical essence of The recently deceased Storm Yuna, a super powerful peace loving magician shifter. Following the thief were Storms 5 boyfriends. After opening the stopwatch Crimson starts her adventure of finding out plots, deceptions, and intrigues that have been hatching since before she was born, all the while trying to put Storms essence and soul to rest.

This was a really enjoyable read. We weren’t exactly left with a cliffhanger but the author set up the story to continue with needing to find the jewels for the pocket watch and continue peace attempts maybe? Not sure where we are headed now but I hope Crimson trains hard and wrecks shop!

[Natasha Maltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5

1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread.
5 Star = Bloody LOVED it! ❤️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel was great and amazing. I really like Crimson and cried at times with how she was treated by her parents and others.

Wow!!!!I really love Crimson. Odd name choice but very good. I hated her "father" with all my heart. Her mother was to me a door mat!!!!!!! Another then that, the stupid idiot so-so boyfriend was driving me up the wall.

[Peachy.Milk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to really push through at the end. Like hear me out:

The girl you have been deeply in love with just died. Then immediately you go after another just because you dead gfriend said to move on like ????

Also no one is this nice. Dude the six of them had just met Crimson, not even spoken a single word to her and they are all like, yeah, this is the one to replace my dead love. I repeat Dead. Murdered. No one gets over that so easily.

Also also, the plot is very meh. You can see the twistplots miles away and even then, the book is not very plot driven(? It would be fine if at leaat we got some character development but couldn't care less about the guys, forgot half of the time who was who and the only purpose o see in this book is to tell Storm how great of a human been she is.

Ugh.

[Courtney Burke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish it

I tired. It had so much potential to be good, the story is unique in its own way, considering the genre, but the author writes like a high school student. The story line doesn’t flow easily and the main character, Crimson, is an immature, insecure, bratty 10 year old, not a young adult.

[Adrienne McFarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manga like story

This book came across as very manga like. I could easily picture it in anime form. While the story was interesting, I found it difficult to get through.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have i been more excited to discover a new author than when I lucked into this book! Crimson, or Crim as she's known to loved ones is a kind, loving, talented, and tortured soul. In Japan, she's the child of a powerful Kitsune and mage yet she somehow turned out to be a mere human. An utter disappointment to her parents, she wears this burden around her neck daily. Always reminded by HIM (her father the councilman) of what a waste she is. Verbally abused and all but cast aside her entire life, she has two means of true happiness. One is her best friend who tutors her in the art of swords, and then there's her beloved art. Once again her "father" looks down his nose at this "hobby" of hers. Yet for Crim it brings joy and beauty into her life....and she must have some form of talent as she has a growing number of clients. Even james, her boyfriend that lives with her likes her art. Now if only he'd man up and act like a boyfriend in public. Instead she's his roomie and best friend to the outside world...Once out the doors she walks behind him,he barely acknowledges her in public...and if he does it's in a manner similiar to her father. Yet she's come to expect and almost accept this all as over the years it's been drilled into her that as a mere human of two such magical and high ranking parents she's a disgrace...less than nothing. She's always longed for a loving touch of word from at least her mother....Yet she had never stood up for Crim that she can recall. This baffles her since her mother is an extremely powerful Kitsune, yet she sits back and allows such hatred in HIS home. Thank goodness she no longer lives under that roof!! However she does have the mandatory family dinner every month. Why she goes, or is even commanded there monthly she has no clue...after all HE loathes her. It makes no sense, and Lord knows it's the last place she ever wants to be. Who knows, maybe tonight will be different...after all James will be going with.

Turns out things are slightly different when her father gleefully tells her that he's sent her mentor/BFF who trained her far away...so the small joy she actually had was now gone. She didn't even get to say goodbye as HE sent her away already. Shockingly Crim's mum was less than thrilled with this news. Her head still reeling she goes to leave. While on a walk she bumps into a woman on the street who seemed familiar. Could it be Storm the so called hope for the future? Highly magical herself, and the only hope for peace in their lands...after touching Crim she says an odd thing....calling her a Sealed One. Whatever that means. How was Crim to know by nights end the hope for peace would be dead, and Crim's entire life would change.

News broke about the murder of Storm and the country mourned. Out walking after a fight with James who she knew was pulling away....and honestly she was tired of being the dirty secret in the closet. A man bumps into her and drops something. She notices something shiny and like anyone would, picked it up. What an unusual pocketwatch. There was a jewel in the face and slots for five more....within seconds she's attacked and a large, hands on man comes to her rescue. It was that night she learned her life would never be the same. Upon finding and opening this watch, what magic remained of Storm entered Crimson. Within moments she also met the men in Storms life....Her guards and lovers. These men would now protect Crim with their lives...and it appeared their hearts too. They let down Storm, and would NOT let it happen again. They needed to find the remaining jewels from this magical watch. Each jewel was the magical essence of a familiar. Once all are reunited things would change. However things get off to a rather rocky start when they all go back to her and James place. Happening around each family visit Crim has been getting sicker and sicker...this time she blacked out and had a massive nosebleed...no body knows what's causing this...and of course as her father thinks she's a waste of space a way he flat out doesn't care. Something odd is definitely happening....how Crim coincidentally ran into Storm less than an hour before her death? Magically finding this pocketwatch? Something is going on, and these brave, handsome men would not rest until they see it through.

HUGE revelations and lots of intrigue and suspense occur....they all needs find who was behind the murder of Storm....and was it the same entity trying to destroy their beloved country? Why is Crimson so ill...and can she be healed? Also, if shes human why do these lovely men feel there's something else. This book has excitement around every turn...I loved reading about the Japanese culture and the Kitsune....if you like paranormal books in general, and action , suspense and mystery then this is for you.. soooooo much packed into this first book of the brilliant series!

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book by Yumo ❤️

Holy moly, this book is amazeballs!!! I cannot get over how much I loved everything about it. This book has all the keys to an amazing series and twists and turns you will not see coming (some yes, but NOT ALL OF THEM!). I think that is why I really enjoyed reading this monster of a book, because it kept me guessing and it was a nice change of pace. I have seen in the past a lot of the same concepts being repeated but this book is a diamond in the rough (yes, I did just quote Aladdin).

I really connected with Crimson from the beginning of this story and with almost every single one of the guys in the harem. Crimson has to deal with a lot of heartbreak and difficult situations but she never gives up and continues to fight against the evil people and those who are trying to thwart her success. I loved the concept of this book, with Crimson getting the essence of Storm. It was interesting to see Crimson navigate the new life she is thrusted into and distinguish between her feelings, Storm's feelings, and the combined CrimStorm feelings. I loved Uru 😍, I wish familiars like her were real haha. I am interested to see what else comes out of the pocket watch in the next book!!

The guys in this harem are AMAZING!!!! I absolutely fell for them, definitely glad its #whychoose. I am excited to see what they end up being (in terms of creature) and getting to see more of their relationship with Crimson develop. So many cute moments, tension filled scenes, and tasteful steam. I honestly cant find really anything at fault with this book, besides leaving me in a horrible book hangover haha. I really liked how Yumo explored the feelings Crimson felt because of James and his treatment of her. So much of this was relatable to the reader, even those its a super paranormal book haha. I also really appreciated the asian cultures that Yumo weaved throughout this book. Growing up and living with friends, at different times in my life, who were Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean, I can say that Yumo hit the nail on the head with the culture references. You can tell Yumo put her heart and soul into this book, understood the culture she was writing about, and created this wonderful story that I highly recommend everyone go pick up!!!

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
I keep running out things to say about Wilson's books as by now it pretty obvious I'm loving with her worlds and characters. This one is an interesting one. In some ways, it's very different from other series but other ways you can draw parallels.

I have been intrigued to read this one for a while. The excerpt that Wilson has provided at the end of her other books, has definitely hyped this book and I wasn't disappointed. It really gave a excellent insight into this book and set it up book nicely.
It’s a pretty unique setting. I love the homage in this series . This series is set in Japan and revolves around Crimson, a daughter of two powerful shifters/warlock who is an expectation to the rules. Perfectly human and only a gift for the arts. As a result she is forced to take life pretty much on her own due to her parents being lacking in the parental department because of the whole situation.
With all this stacked against her , Crimson is no pushover and she adapted pretty well this world despite her limitations. She need to be given that she was about to thrown into .
I love the idea of Crimson being thrown into this deep end situation and being forced to assume an important role. As Crimson is a very interesting person all things considered. She worked well in the role she had and was given despite everything that came with the new responsibilities. She has her up’s and down’s like any other person. But she definitely a person you want on your team.
It ‘s totally complicated this story. It’s hard to described the arc, it one that confusing for a while and takes a key hints to reveal the magnitude of this one event has on the entire world .
I liked the obvious Japanese influence with the story. It works well given that most of the characters have some connection to Japan. It added a flair to this story and I love the beautiful setting and imaginary.
If you love this author or/and reverse harem. This one not to be missed.


For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story with the plot based on Japanese folklore and colourful descriptions. The main character is exactly as portrayed on the cover, and so is the story, very colourful and so full of love and positivity. This is the first time I read this author so I am not familiar with her other work, but I will definitely become so, as I found this book addictive and immediately continued reading the next one.
This story is so much more than just a paranormal romance. The plot is complex and well thought through, the writing and characters are consistent and well developed, and the world is incredibly interesting. The author also deals head-on with issues of female sexuality, social discrimination and emotional abuse. 
The main character is strong, independent, and tragically neglected by everyone, so she does not rely on anyone but herself, until dramatic events bring up an unstoppable change in her life. there is a dose of sadness about her, which is understandable considering what she has been through, and still is going through. A very slow burning romance is occurring in parallel to the mystery solving part of the plot, and I have to admit that both of these components have been executed brilliantly. The whole story was interesting and gripping from page one. And a warning for readers who do not like cliffhangers - get the next book immediately.
The reading order is: Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles #1), Calming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles #2), and Facing the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 3) coming in September.

[Tracy Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magically delicious, and so Yumo!

I will attempt take two on this review, Kindle kicked me out...to start, I love this story, these characters, this world! Crimson, the MC, is such a lovable, humble character! Through chance or fate, she literally falls into the story, and is given love, adventure, and multiple mysteries to solve. I love her main love interests, with the exception of one, but, if you read this story (which you should!), he is a fairly obvious chump to pick out. As the book progresses, more memories and more of the mystery become clearer, as does Crimson's strength, heart, and confidence. At the start, I cried for her struggles, and the loss of another secondary, but no less important character, to the story. No one in this book has an easy life, but their struggles give their characters the strength and depth they need to persevere. The larger mystery, solving a murder, and the members of a nefarious group, hover over Crimson and her men, as they work to uncover the truth and enact justice. Not all of the answers are provided in this book, but, that's okay, because that just means more books and more of this wondrous world! There is some heat in this book and some satisfaction for Crimson, but I predict, the best is yet to come! The creatures and characters in this book come alive with color, grace, and beauty in all its forms! I love this new world, and I am so looking forward to more! Thank you Yumoyori!

[Tamara Tabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 100% recommend this book! It's a must read when it comes to RH! It's a wonderful and unique story.

I don't know where to start. Everything was just so amazing about this book. The characters, the time spent developing the world and relationships, each emotional scene. Another AMAZING read by Yumo.

This book just kept coming with the surprises! just when you thought you were coming to the end it kept going... and only got better! I have never been this happy with a book that was this size in my life and I have read A LOT of books.

A Little about the book (no spoilers):
The female main character had to deal with a lot of heartbreak but with that heartbreak she came out so much stronger. The description of the guys was great and you do get at least a basic knowledge on them all. I do feel like there were times where there could have been a little bit more expanding on things but honestly even those few moments took nothing away from this story and this is only the first book. I am a little concerned or on the fence on how I feel about how Crim and the guys got together. That may just be a personal issue and even then I don't feel it had too much of an effect on the story for myself. I will say that it took me a min to get over it because it just makes me leery. With that being said I still am so excited to get to follow Crim and the guys on their journey! I can not wait for the next book (July 2018 I think)!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm beyond words

I first read Yumoyori's words in her book "Celestia" and was in love with her writing. When I learned she wrote another RH series, this was an instant buy! The world building, the mystery, and those characters, everything was so beautifully put together! There's so much I want to express but I also don't want to spoil anything.
Crimson our female lead is such a strong women. She was mentally abused her whole life thinking she was a huge family disappointment. She was mentally and emotionally abused by a guy she thought she loved, until her whole world shifts and she's introduced to 6 very different but very loving men. They're emotionally depressed from losing their love Storm Yuna, who was a huge magic mange in this world. Storm and Crimson, let's just say turn things up a notch. Things are not as they seem in Crimsons family or in the council. There's so much mystery and intrigue in this book that you're mind is constantly working. Some things I saw coming and others my jaw hit the floor.
THAT ENDING!!! Talk about a huge surprise. At first I thought it was going one way, which I had thought also, but then bam! JK surprise never saw that coming! Anyway yes buy this book! Read it, love it and support this author cause she is amazing!
Book 2 please!

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice. Concept

I like the concept but the main character was kind of whiny and full of self-pity. I know there’s people like this in real life but I like my female character strong and if I heard one more time how everybody was mean to her I was just going to delete the whole book. I like a description of hot guys but these descriptions went on to the point of nauseating, midway through I stop caring and skipped the rest of the guys. The ending of this book didn’t make a lot of sense. Yes there’s a second book and this is a bit of a cliffhanger but still the ending had huge holes and overly convoluted. Spoiler.
Why would her “father” seal her Powers then spend her whole life whining about the fact she was human. Her being an artist and trying to fill commissions while her world fell apart was silly.
I love Japan, I love the Japanese language but to put in the occasional Japanese word in odd places with mostly English was awkward.
The only reason I finished is I really want to like this book and was hoping it would improve. It was like watching a movie with great actors but was a horrible movie.
The reason I gave this 3 stars was the storyline and author have promise. I will not buy the next book but will check back with this author to see what she does in the future. She has great imagination but needs to mature in the details of writing.

[Kayla Pipkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only one thing in this book had my questioning it, but I still enjoyed it.

Crimson is human as far as she knows.
Something her father never lets her forget.
It's made her life miserable.
The one good thing she has in her life, her boyfriend, is too ashamed to show her off in public.
Instead keeping their "love" hidden away as drunken encounters secluded away in their apartment.
Finding a pocket watch shouldn't have a big impact on her life, except it does, because it isn't just an ordinary pocket watch.
This particular watch belonged to the beloved Storm Yuna. An influential woman in their country.
When Crimson opens the watch, she absorbs Storm's essence and must help solve the case surrounding her murder with the help of Storm's sinfully handsome six guards.

I don't want to give anything away when talking about this book.
There is one aspect, it deals with how Crimson obtains her harem, that I'm on the fence about.
I'm not sure how I feel about them coming together, but other than that I loved this story.

The storyline is interesting and a little different from what has been going around.

I thought Crimson's character was unique.
She is strong, yet shows her vulnerable side.
Not only to the readers, but also to some of the other characters in the book.

I LOVED the guys in this story.
We don't really get to know all of them on a personal level, so I can't wait to get to know them more.
But what we do get to see in this book, is amazing.
They are diverse and unique in their own way.

It does end on a slight cliffhanger.
Most of the issues you learn about in the story are solved, but there are lingering obstacles they will need to overcome.
For the most part though you are left satisfied.

Story is told from multiple points of view.
I love getting to see everything from different aspects.
I think it makes the story more well-rounded.

I would recommend the story.
I think everyone will enjoy this tale.

[Amanda Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great new read!

Crimson was born human to two strong supernaturals, a shifter mom and mage dad. On a world where status means everything, she is a disgrace and her father never let's her forget it. Her "boyfriend" loves her in secret to protect his own status, but constantly leaves her without support or even defending her against all the bullies. All she has is her painting.

I understood that she sincerely believed what she had was what she deserved, but ooh I wanted to shake her and tell her even without magic or shifting she's an amazing human being. She's so strong to just keep surviving her life the way it is, but doesn't recognize the strength it takes.

Then she finds a locket and everything changes. Suddenly she has powers, a familiar and six sexy guards. I loved how they got to know her as a person and were there for her as friends before moving forward. Crimson needed someone, or in this case someone's, in her corner just for her, not what she is.

Ms. Wilson is an amazing author and the hits just keep coming. Can't wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interest new series by Ms Wilson that captivates the readers attention all the way through. The MC in the book are all well written and developed, especially Crimson. She is an intriguing character that really starts to come into herself near the end of the book. She is generous, slightly naive, independent and has been emotionally mistreated her whole life. She has no confidence or self worth and this really effects her throughout the story. But bring in the six guardians and they really start to heal her. These guardians are s developed to different levels throughout the book, and in this book we read Crim’s connection really develop mostly for one or two of them. I can’t wait for future books to learn about the others and she these relationships grow deeper! This is an enjoyable book that is full of emotion, magic, pain and love. However there was a bit of concern on how quickly the guys turned to Crimson, that is why it is good to read them building a relationship slowly. I think this is a series that will get better and better with each new book and I can’t wait to read book 2. Highly recommended!!