Tuesday, January 28, 2020

STORMRISE- DECEMBER 2019 BOOK SELECTION


I have been following Jillian Boehme for several years on her blog, Miss Snark’s First Victim. She created this blog for fellow writers who are seeking publication and a community in which to share ideas, writing samples, frustrations and victories. Agents and editors followed her blog as she spearheaded several contests. Pairings and success stories followed. She remained anonymous as a fellow seeker until last year when she finally got an agent and then a book contract. I and so many other fans were thrilled for her. It’s as if we actually know her. Her first published, YA fantasy novel, Stormrise was published this fall. Although this blog is a little late, I read Stormrise in December and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Boehme tells the story of a young girl, Rain, taught exceptional fighting skills by her father, a Neshu master of the form. Although this is forbidden for females, she excels. When a war in her kingdom threatens her family, she risks everything, including death, to join in the fight. She uses Dragon magic to disguise herself as a boy. This same Dragon magic has unforeseen side-effects which shape the destiny of the kingdom and Rain’s future. 

There is everything to enchant the reader, from unique world-building, breath-taking adventure, well-drawn characters, magic potions and friendship to a strong, capable heroine.We need more heroines like this in literature to help all our daughters see an unlimited future which is not defined by gender. Kudos to Boehme.



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