Okay, on to the goods. When I saw that Cora Carmack had written a YA Fantasy novel I was PUMPED. I've read--more like devoured--her Rusk University novels already and was dying for more. The fact that the "more" was a genre that I am especially obsessed with had me rushing to request an ARC from NetGalley and turing into a fangirly mess once I actually got it.

Honestly, this book was really damn good. The only thing that bothered me was that there were a lot of abrupt changes in POV but that could just be the editing of my ARC and it could be taken care of once the book is actually in print. Other than that, this was such a fresh newpremise!!!! This book is set in a fantasy world where storms of any kind are magical and violent and there are only a select few people called Stormlings that are born with the power to reign them in and protect their kingdoms. Aurora, the main character and heir to the Pavan throne, was born without powers and has had to keep it a secret her entire life. Of course, her mother, the queen, decides that it’ll be a great idea to marry her off to another Stormling prince so that her throne remains secure and her people stay protected. Of course things don’t always go as planned…When Rora feels betrayed by her groom-to-be she sets out with a band of storm hunters to take control of her future and learn how to tame the horrible storms herself.

First of all, we are introduced to an interesting and easily likable/hateable group of characters. It seems at first like there could be a possible love triangle but fear not!! That isn’t a thing in this first book. Rora, or Roar as she eventually becomes known as, was an extremely likeable female lead for me. She falls a little too easily for her male counterparts but given her sheltered life, I guess I can see how she quickly made a connection with two of the first two people who *really* paid her attention. Other than that though, she’s a fighter. She’s stubborn and pig-headed and I’m really excited to see how her future pans out. Locke, the love interest, is VERY swoon worthy. Oh my lawd. You guys will see. I’m a big fan…

Overall the story is a memorable one. The ending isn’t a huge cliffhanger but does set up for book two perfectly which I will 100% be pining for. I highly recommend!!

I can't believe how thoroughly Cora Carmack wrecked me with this book. Cora has been a genius in the romance genre, and I knew that the YA genre would be no different for her. In Roar, Cora creates an entire cast of characters that you can't help but love, even the antagonists. The only true villain in this story, in my opinion, is the storm itself. Carmack creates a rich and vibrant world with characters that make your heart pound and bring tears to your eyes. Roar is a true masterpiece.

You NEED to add this to your TBR right now!!

I can't share my full review yet, but just know that this book is as AMAZING as I knew it would be! Cora is one of my absolute favorite authors; I love her writing, and her dynamic, addictive, and intriguing characters. And, as always with Cora's books, the romance was undeniably SWOON-WORTHY! The magic system and world building in "Roar" was also so captivating and so different from any other fantasy books I've read that I wanted read slowly to be sure to absorb every word, but the plot and characters urged me to devour it as quickly as I could. I was so torn. I cannot wait for everyone else to read this book! This will be your new favorite YA fantasy book of the year!

This review is going to get started with a huge bow-down to whoever the cover artist of ROAR is. It was what drew me to the book in the first place and I was in love. It’s just gorgeous. I really really hope Tor doesn’t pull a cover-redesign for this series, EVER. I’ve seen a full art print of it without the words and everything and wow, I am in LOVE.

Beyond the physically aesthetics, the premise for this story is incredibly intriguing. I found it to be incredibly intriguing, considering how little I’ve read about the idea of using the weather as the means of the overall plot that grips the story together. The world-building is done impeccably and made me want to soak in the world even more. The lore behind it just made it so so easy to dive in and get lost in the epic details. I loved that I got to discover the extent of how storm wrangling (it’s not called wrangling at all in the book) works for people who were born with it, those who have taken it, and those who have not had real experience with it at all.

There are a few criticisms that I do wish to contend with that did bring down the quality of what I think is one of the most creative ideas in a long time. First, the romance. I am all for steamy corset-ripping time action. I love that stuff. I LIVE for that stuff (ex: my love Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series), but I was disappointed by how easy it seemed for Aurora to be swayed by these incredibly attractive men who found no issue with using possessive language when talking about/to her. Even with her second love interest, I felt like Cormack was trying hard to make it seem like her trust with men was broken because of her first love interest, but I could tell that she was trying to do that. The trust issues felt forced and were in it for the same of giving Aurora dimension in that part of her life. Don’t get me wrong, the love scenes were pretty steamy and I know Cormack is critically acclaimed for that genre (which is awesome), but I certainly felt like Cormack’s novice side in YA was coming through.

As such, I feel like Aurora’s character development and autonomy were both stunted because of the romance. The causes to her development are essentially and ultimately because of a make character. When I think back on it, I realize that there was not an epic moment of self-realization or turn of events for Aurora that was not spurred on the heels of a male character or her interaction with one. I guess what I want to say is that she is too much of a bystander and allows things to happen rather than have complete control over the situation. This is why I felt like Novaya had more character building than Aurora did. She seemed singular in her person whereas Aurora did not. I wanted more with Novaya because of this. Nonetheless, I feel like she has a lot of potential to be an amazing heroine in the series. I hope that she really grows in the STORMLING series because I want to love it a lot.

(With that paragraph being said, I really like the subtle shift in Aurora’s name whenever she changed surroundings. When she’s in Pavan, she’s Aurora or Rora, but when she’s in the wild, she goes by Roar. I really really loved this and thought it was a great touch that made her character feel fleshed out just a bit more.)

I was also jilted by the abrupt jumps into situations where scenes would switch in the middle of chapters. I am a fan of having real boundaries drawn between shifts in perspectives and didn’t like how I had to adjust to it so quickly only to have it happen a few paragraphs later.

Despite the criticisms I have for ROAR, I want to champion this book because the plot is so creative and unique. It has so much flipping potential and just needs a little polishing to be great.

I have been waiting for this book forEVER. Cora teased us with is 2 years ago and since then I have been itching for her to write it. I couldn't be MORE excited with how AMAZING this book is. For real, it was WONDERFUL and EXHILARATING and everything you love in a high fantasy and more.



Storms, magic, royalty, OH MY.

Aurora has a kingdom to rule and ignorer to do that she must have magic. Only, she has none. She is a fierce woman with the will to do all she can to save her kingdom, to protect those she loves and to be true to who she thinks she has to be.

So Aurora leaves her life and future marriage to find a way to save her kingdom. She will do everything she can to find storms and rule them one by one. Well, once the troupe of hunters she has joined teaches her.

ALL THE FEELS!

And they are because of ONE word with SO many meanings in this book: Hunter.

I was SO lucky to read an advanced copy of this book. BUT that also means I get to sit on my feelings for ALL THE DAYS while I wait for the second book.

Each character in this book was more wonderful than the next. Cora could write a novella for each of them and I would pay anything she asked. They became my family reading this and I wasn't to know everything I can about them.

The we had the book itself! THIS WORLD. It was such an adventure. You can tell that Cora did her research because this world felt like somewhere I have lived. I felt a kinship to it and OBVIOUSLY that isn't possible, but it goes to show how much at home Cora makes you feel. The Storms, the family, the cities, all of it feel familiar enough for you to get lost in the words.

I absolutely loved this story. I've been a reader of Cora's for years, and I wondered how she would handle moving to the Fantasy genre, but she did it beautifully.

Aurora is such a strong character and a great example for women. She is searching for who she is deep down, despite always feeling like she is lacking. I love that she doesn't let these feelings overwhelm her or stand in the way of her doing what she feels is right.

The world building that was done for this book is quite extensive and unique. I was completely enraptured by the storm-chasers and their quest to 'challenge their tempests'.

The romance in the story takes a backseat to the intrigue and the action, but it is still quite swoon-worthy. Locke is such a great love interest, but I haven't completely counted Cassius out yet. I think he has some redeemable qualities that have yet to be explored. I really hope we get a chance to see more of him in future books.

The entire supporting cast definitely has me re-thinking my #squadgoals.

I loved it. I loved every bit of it and need more right now.

I've known Cora for a long time. Back before she was Cora but, I've never read any of her books. I remember when she told me she got her first book deal I was super excited for her but I knew I wouldn't read it because it was contemporary. So when I heard she was writing a YA fantasy I was super stoked and oh my gods she wrote an amazing story! I fell hard for Roar and Locke and even Cassius he may seem bad but I think there's something more to him. I can't wait to read the next one! It's going to be a long wait!!!

Princess Aurora or Roar, to her new storm chasing comrades, escapes a betrothal in hopes to save her people from the ongoing storms that ravage their lands. Born a royal "Stormling", Roar is supposed have the magic to dissipate the storms and keep her kingdom from harm, but she does not and hiding this fact has been her only existence. It isn't until she realizes there is another way to gain the magic that she sees through the fog of lies and betrayals that have made up her life. An epic fantasy adventure with intriguing and wry characters for readers of Sarah J. Maas and Victoria Aveyard. A strong addition to any YA collection.

Well this is hard to review... I loved the cover and the blurb and to be honest the first couple of chapters were entertaining.

This book had a few issues and it took a while for me to finish it:
• special not so special heroine who is isolated from her people for her own good
• insta love #1 named Locke
• insta love #2 nicknamed Locke #AreYouSerious - and he nicknamed her princess *major eye rolling*
• lots of weird names like Bait and Sly and stuff
• paranormal buried in teen cheesy love

I loved the storms and the premise of the hearts but the balance between paranormal and romance was way off. Aurora was all over the place, she starts off as the innocent heroine who needs the hero to hide her inabilities - which she's been faking at the expense of her own well being most of the time - to running away from him - all due to a misunderstanding of course - and following another stranger with the same name she met two days ago.

I loved the cover and it reminded me a bit of Game of Thrones and Daenerys but ultimately I read two books while trying to finish this. Will probably read the next but only because I kinda like Locke #1?

For readers of Maria Snyder, Amy Tinterra, Kristin Cashore comes this YA paranormal romance. Aurora Pavan comes from a long line of Stormlings, but she has a terrible secret, her stormling magic has never manifested. Now to save her family's reputation and to keep her town safe she must marry another stormling to unite the families. But Cassius Locke has dark secrets and what begins as a thrilling storybook romance quickly becomes something else entirely. More than that Aurora discovers that everything she has ever been taught about magic and her land is a lie. Now Aurora must set out on a journey to learn all that she can in the hopes that it will be enough to save her home.

I Loved this book! Being a huge fan of YA Fantasy, this is one you surely need to read! I promise you will not be disappointed. I did find there were some similarities to Truthwitch, but the characters and the world building in this novel stand on their own. Although I will admit I wasn't a fan of the "insta- love" cheesy romance at times, but it did not deter me from reading through to the end. I loved the world building and the complex magic system. The pace of the book had me finish it all in one siting! I must read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of “Roar” by Cora Carmack. This book is phenomenal. The characters are well developed and realistic. The main character is both fierce and yet naïve, making her entirely relatable. The main male character is a combination of bad boy and charming prince. The world build is original and glamourous. I have already pre-ordered my own copy and so has the library that I work at. Perfect for fans of young adult fantasy and swoon worthy male characters.

My experience with Roar was all about ups and downs. Literally: before I started and throughout the first part of the novel, my excitement nearly threatened to overwhelm me, I was enjoying the story so much. Then insta-love happened, and I started to lose interest; but after that it kind of got intriguing again, and I was hooked once more. In all honesty, the urge to go further and to avoid putting it down at all costs never deserted me, so I never did not enjoy it, but the book has got some noticeable flaws that at times are simply too much.

Plot and world building, even though with certain reservations, are both very enthralling and well thought out. I admit that every so often, the latter gave me some trouble: a few things were not very clear and you had to be patient and hope they would be explained later, and I still am uncertain about a couple of them, like, for instance, does the act of getting the heart of a storm allow a non-Stormling to obtain magical abilities? Since that’s supposedly the way our storm hunters have their powers in the first place, I just assume it does, but it is never explicitly made clear, so mine’s just a guess.

The plot is probably what surprised me the most. In the final chapters, a certain revelation is made and it’s so good, because the author has been so clever as to scatter many subtle hints throughout the whole story, enough to let you get the sense that something is wrong but not enough to let you figure out exactly what that is. Even though you have an idea of what may have happened, you still enjoy the plot-twist fully, precisely because it’s been so skillfully planned, and you feel like the whole story was a long but delicious build-up meant solely to lead you to that. Very satisfying.

So now the question is, what ruined it for me? And the answer is, the romance did.
The issues here are manifold. First, the book features two –two– instances of insta-love. Both cases are dramatically severe, thus I suggest you keep an eye on your blood glucose. Secondly, both love interests are over-controlling, domineering, insufferably overprotective imbeciles. They see her, they lose their wits; then they constantly have to fight the urge to lock her in a tower and throw the key away. What language do I have to use to convey this simple truth so that it can be well understood? Your man going all caveman is not romantic, it’s frustrating, and it should make a warning bell ring in your brains. And it’s all the more alarming when you realize that the protagonist is actually thinking things like this:

“And as long as she met Locke’s expectations, as long as she exceeded them, she had the chance to become exactly who she had always wanted to be.”

The female lead is measuring herself and her worth against her love interest’s expectations. I do not approve and this romance for me is a big no.

Aurora/Rora/Roar, the main character, at one point during her journey with a group of storm hunters (I told you the world building was so cool) starts having strange outbursts of strong emotions life rage, fear and so forth. This is explained later in the story and I rather liked the explanation at that –it all comes full circle do perfectly and naturally, and I just love when that happens– but these eruptions of feeling are written in such a laughable way they only feel ridiculous, unwarranted, and generally WTF-ish. She is fine one moment and trying to scratch and punch the hell out of everybody the next. It only makes you want to laugh.

To sum it up, Roar constitutes a really unique case for me, because I don’t remember the last time I got so hooked on a book without really liking the characters –or downright despising them, I should say. And it’s all the more astonishing because the writing isn’t even that spectacular, and sometimes it isn’t even really able to convey the right things in the right moments. So the reason why I found Roar to be so addictively unputdownable is still a mystery, but I did find it so. And I can’t wait for its sequel.

Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read this ARC!

First, that is one beautiful cover! Second, this was a stormy ride that did not disappoint. Lastly, this book has a unique premise that is sure to intrigue even the stingiest of readers.

Cora Carmack never disappoints! I've always loved her contemporary/adult books, and it's a delight reading her first fantasy book! I thoroughly enjoyed it! The storyline was fantastic. The romance made me giddy like a teenage girl! I finished reading this book in just three hours, I couldn't put it down! I'm recommending it!

I’ve read many books in recent years with themes of magic and kingdoms, princesses and power. However, something about Roar by Cora Carmack is unique and memorable. I love the character of Aurora. At first, she seems docile and easily manipulated, but quickly shows courage and strength. Aurora is princess of Pavan, and her mother is queen, and they have descended from a long line of Stormlings who are able to control the tumultuous storms that besiege the land through their magic.


However, Aurora hasn’t inherited this magical ability, and she and her mother have gone to great lengths to keep this hidden from the populous. Storm season is approaching, and to secure their kingdom, Aurora must marry a powerful prince to help protect them from the storms. She is soon betrothed to Prince Cassius from Locke, but she quickly suspects that Cassius is not who he seems to be.


She discovers that a black market exists to sell magic to the ungifted, and that storm hunters who may not have been born with magic have become gifted. Maybe this would solve her problems by providing her with an alternate way of obtaining magic to protect her throne and people. Aurora must gather her courage and determination to change the path of her life.

I love the transformation Aurora makes through this novel. At first, she is easily influenced and confused by her feelings, then as she gains confidence in who she is and what she is capable of, she becomes who she was meant to be.

This story was very imaginative and a great jumping off point for a series. The premises surrounding storms and Roar were really interesting. There were a lot of unknowns in the book that I can't wait to read about in the next installment!

Carmack is best known as a New Adult Author, and this transition to Young Adult is an uneven one. It slides from Aurora being sheltered and unknowing teen to bodice-ripper romance novel description within a whiplash inducing paragraph. Carmack loves world building, this is apparent, but the plot suffers as a result of this. It never feels as though there is much conflict or fear though you're supposed to feel threatened by the loss of her kingdom. We only vaguely hear of a possible villain near the end and it never gets near the group. I wanted to like it...but it just feels like it was missing something important. The characters are bland, Rora especially so Maybe the obvious second book will have a little more.

Pavan and its neighboring countries are mauled by devastating storms day in and day out. A rare few have the magic to be able to contain the storms and steal the heart of the storms, to use to keep their lands safe. Aurora has been isolated for years from everyone outside of the Queen. After the death of her brother, she is the Pavan heir, but she has no powers to protect her country. Her mother devises to a plan and Aurora is betrothed to the second son of the neighboring country, someone who can use his magic to protect Pavan from the horrible storms. At first he is intimidating, but then she learns the truth of his actions. She follows him to a forbidden market and meets a crew of storm hunters who go out and protect the lands as well as trapping magic to be used to help people. She takes on the name Roar and stages her own kidnapping to run away with the hunters and learn about how they control storms. Without storm magic, she feels she can learn from them how to do it to protect her lands.

But there is much, much more to Roar than meets the eye and when the storms start rolling by, Roar has an intense reaction to them. So a search begins to find out what is special about Roar and why she reacts the way she does.

I loved this story! I had never heard of this author, and then I saw on a post on facebook from a book review page and thought it sounded good. I was excited when NetGalley posted it and couldn't wait to read it. This is a Young Adult book, but much more for older teens, as it does have some sexual scenes, much as the Throne of Glass series by Sarah Maas. I enjoyed Roar's character, and alternately wanted to smack Locke and hug him. The hunter crew of Duke, Bait, Jinx, Sly, and Ransom were all very interesting characters, though I am not a fan of Sly. I am interested to see where the storyline goes with her.

All in all I thought this was really a fantastic new young adult fantasy book. The cliffhanger, though. Gah!! Authors keep doing this to me!