I expected this to be like the Weather Wizard series, and while I wasn't completely wrong, it wasn't right either. Apparently each one will take place in a different country, and honestly, that's not typically my thing. I liked this one well enough, and while I likely wont follow it forward, I have customers I know will, so WIN!

A force of nature is the first part in the Spirit seekers series by Janna Ruth. Each of these books will focus on a European capital. This is how this first part takes place in Berlin.

Since childhood, Rika has lived on the streets, where she has to survive every day. This winter it is very cold, and a snow storm is coming. When the storm breaks, Rika quickly realizes that this is no ordinary storm. Too many spirits are present, and when she comes face to face with their king, Rika finds herself in an unexpected situation. Because Rika can see the spirits, she is invited to take shelter by the spirit seekers, a group of soldiers trying to stop natural disasters by capturing the spirits. But when Rika appears to be the target of multiple spirits, does she reach out to her spirit friend for more information? Who was the king of the blizzard? Why are the spirits after her?

To see the Erlking’s face is to see your own death

A force of nature is a very nice start to this series. The first few chapters you have to get into, but after that the story starts to pick up pace. The story has action, magic, mystery but also emotion.

Rika is a fighter and does not give up easily. This also comes out well in the story, but in addition to this strong side you also get to know her vulnerability. When she is taken care of by the spirit seekers, she feels welcomed, but also not quite out of place. In addition to a good build-up of the characters, the story also has enough depth.

Janna Ruth has managed to describe Berlin very beautifully and visually in this fantasy, so that the story comes across as realistic. The story has a nice pace and is well written. Janna Ruth has a very nice writing style and really knows how to involve the reader in the story.

I really enjoyed A force of nature and am very curious about the next installment in the spirit seeker series. The second part Natural Enemies is expected to be released on September 24 and follows Rika to Budapest.