A Storm Rises is the first book in Rose Garcia’s new series, Bloodline Legacy. Readers who are looking for an upper YA/New Adult series to dive into will absolutely find this fresh series worth checking out.
The first thing that readers will notice when they first glance at this book will be the sword that takes up the majority of the cover. Wreathed in blue light and puffs of magic, it is sure to draw the eye and pique the interest of many a reader. This fantasy series whispers that there is more to be discovered within it’s pages. The sword is a key element that will take some time to be discovered later on in the story.
A Storm Rises begins the story with a prologue that will detail the loss of a particular character. While there is a loss, author Garcia also shrouds in shadows the child that comes from this tragedy. If you pay attention though you’ll see other minute clues that will aid you as you delve deeper into the story. While the prologue is filled with waves of sadness, it is not the end. It is merely the beginning of what is to come.
As this story pushes forward readers are taken in a different direction than what one would expect. We say this because the characters we were introduced to first were royals. So then, why are we in a completely different place that in no way resembles a palace? What happened? Well, the author wants readers to meet Mateo Vela. He is a lowborn – part fae, part human. He and others like him are looked down on by the royals. Truth is...they are struggling. Sickness is ravaging their people, and help is hard to come by.
But Mateo has made a decision to join the Summit Range Hunt. If he wins? It will mean blessed help for his family. He’s thinking about the Hunt that he has managed to earned a place in. He strongly believes that he has a good chance at winning it. What he doesn’t know is that should he lose? There will not be any second chances. Why? Well, the rules have changed...and they’re not in anyone’s favor, but those who are in power.
As A Storm Rises progresses the story alternates between chapters that focus on Mateo and chapters that focus on the Princess, Avalynn Stromm, daughter of the High King. As you read more about Avalynn and her family, you’re quickly going to develop a severe dislike for the King. The Stromm bloodline has a rather dark history that swirls around a quest for power and the desire to hold onto it no matter the cost.
While the day of the Summit Range Hunt draws closer things quickly begin to shift and change. There is a change in the lineup for the contestants, deals are struck behind the scenes, threats are made, and alliances are struck. Mateo is going to find that sublanders are despised by almost all the people and he’s going to have quite the challenge ahead of him. Of course, you can expect that he’s not going to let that dim his determination.
A Storm Rises isn’t an action-packed novel, but it will do a decent job at keeping readers engaged in the storyline. The back-and-forth between Mateo and Avalynn is interesting to say the least. Avalynn has been taught to look down on those deemed beneath her. Yet now, her father has tasked her with the job of making sure that Mateo comes in last. Should he come in last it will mean more than just that his family goes without the help they so desperately need.
A Storm Rises has many secrets written in that author Garcia has expertly hidden throughout the book. For the majority of the book, the story will focus on Mateo and Avalynn simply fighting to survive the hunt. Secrets between the contestants will come out, and one by one they will fall. An exciting element of the story surrounding the hunt will be that despite Avalynn’s edge she’s still going to struggle. This fact adds another level of intrigue to the story.
Readers hoping for romance will absolutely find it. The romance angle in A Storm Rises moves pretty quickly. It is a true “enemies to lovers” trope though without the “instalove.” It is simply that the two characters fall for each other rather quickly. Is there more to be found in the romance angle? The answer is yes, but it’s left up to the reader’s imagination with a discreet fade to black moment with just a hint of where things lead.
It’s the final chapters of this story that will truly kick things into high gear. The quest for the truth and answers will be on! Author Garcia has hidden the truth’s revelation for the end and it is going to truly surprise you! So get ready, because you’ll be eager for what the author has in store for you. These are twists that, odds are, you won’t see coming. A few things you’ll have figured out, but the rest will definitely come as a surprise.
While the characters aren’t the most engaging, the storyline manages to make up for that for the most part. Readers who prefer when the title of the book ties into the storyline will be disappointed that this is not the case for this book. A Storm Rises blends together touches of modern or familiar aspects with old world elements. Though it’s safe to say that the story leans more toward old world with just a few elements of the familiar/modern.
A Storm Rises ends on a mild cliffhanger. Author Garcia will leave readers with questions as to what comes next. This book absolutely ends with an interesting twist that will have readers patiently waiting for book two to find out how things unfold from there.
Pros:
- Interesting storyline
- Twists
- Romance
- Magic
- Secrets
Cons:
- Lackluster characters
- Rushed romance
Cover Score: 8.9
4.5 out of 5 stars
Thanks to the author, Rose Garcia, for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.
