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Review: Roar

by Cora Carmack

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Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish Date: 13th June 2017

Title: Roar
Author: Cora Carmack
Publisher: Tor Teen
Book: #1 of Stormheart
Genre: Fantasy
Found: Netgalley
Rating: 4.5 Voodoos

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honourable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realises there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.
She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

-Netgalley

Well! I’m pleased to report I really enjoyed this book. Not that I thought I wouldn’t, but it was different to what I thought. Some of it good, some of it not quite so good.

This was an uncorrected proof copy in digital format so there were no divides within the chapters and that made things a tiny bit confusing, there’s a few switches of POV but I kept missing the beginnings and having to go back again once I realised. Other than that they worked well, Though I found I wasn’t that interested in what was going on in Pavan, not really. Of course, I am NOW, but unfortunately the book ended and I don’t get to find anything else out until book 2…

This book has a sort of love triangle. Sort of, but not quite. I was really torn to start with too! Usually guy number 1 is just an obstacle and I never like him even when I’m meant to but I really felt for Cassius! I’m sure there’s more to him than we see and I really felt that he wasn’t as bad as he seemed and that given the chance we’d see a better side to him. I’m still holding out for that, he could be useful…

The other side of his triangle is Locke, which was so very odd. Prince Cassius is Cassius Locke because that is the name of his country. Locke is named so because that is where he was born so it was almost like they should be brothers  and I found that a little distracting, to be honest. But I got over it quickly.
Locke (the person, not the prince or country) was an interesting character. I think I was expecting a lot from him as he’s the love interest and I’m not sure he’s done it quite yet. I’m hoping he’ll pass the test, but with it coming at the start of book 2 it’s likely he’ll be a child about it….
I felt their relationship was a little cliche, they were attracted to each other so they argued etc etc. But I did like how Roar dealt with him after the firestorm! Too often that kind of situation is used to passify, instead she responds with “You still did not ask.” and it was just fantastic.

Princess Aurora, Rora, Roar. It’s true. she had a reason to have all the skills she did, the fighting was a little odd however as there were no women in the military – at least that we saw – but it still felt like she had a little too many. I’m not sure if I picked up on that because so many people complain about this now, or if it’s because I felt it was actually a little too easy for her. She also went from really trusting to closed off quickly too, but then I guess there was a reason for that too. Other than that I quite liked her. It was subtle but I think she actually changed quite a bit and I’m looking forward to seeing where this new development takes her next. I kind of hope this is only going to be a duology, but book 2 done well could support a book 3, maybe.

There were a few odd things that went on that didn’t quite make sense, things that happened that should have been noticed and weren’t, favourite things missing etc that MAYBE were able to be explained away but maybe not. Also Nova’s change in attitude seemed quite sudden too but her situation is a little dire so I can forgive her hat I guess.

This sudden new look at the world is really quite fascinating and I can’t wait to find out more in book 2! I wonder how well it will go down and how well the people involved will hold their own and I hope book 2 comes out really soon because I need answers!!

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