Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities and monsters, “Storm Siren” is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win. As previously noted, this is the first offering from Weber, the self-proclaimed “ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands and imaginary throwing knives” while “in her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings ‘80s hair band songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine.”

Wanting to find out more about this author, I Googled her and found her blog. She is very active on Facebook and Twitter. Weber visits high schools often and does giveaways of her novel. At Christmas she did a “You are loved” campaign and had fans submit stories of someone they loved who needed, perhaps, just a little more love, and though she was only going to choose two, announced all 13 entries were getting a signed copy of her book. An interesting author, she gives back to her readers.

Perhaps the most electric aspect of this novel is Weber’s command of the English language. She not only has created a whole world of lands warring against one another, but she has populated it with new creatures, words, languages and a deep history. She truly knows how to turn a phrase, describe a character, build a whole new world and slowly lure us in. Her descriptions are as magical as the cover art, and yes we say to never judge a book by its cover, but we all have done it. Often a cover is one of the best ways to draw in a reader, and I would say this cover hits its mark.

My only desire would be a glossary of terms in the back of the book. I’ve seen it done many times with fantasy series, and I think in this case it would be well placed. There are many new words/creatures/terms, and while it would seem odd to instantly explain it in the setting, being able to flip to the back would be perfection. When learning of a new term/word/creature, sometimes you had to bumble along in the reading until it was finally explained. There is a map at the beginning of the book, which is always a huge plus and ought to be required of all stories set in a new world.

Written in first person, Nym develops throughout the novel, discovering things about herself, her past and what her future can hold – and we discover everything along with her. The world through her eyes is convincing and never falters in the writing. The descriptions do not suffer from her view, and the world in fact is better for her viewpoint. The minor characters are even carefully thought out and well portrayed. The villains are well done and, not only that, multi-dimensional. I will say that the descriptions of what the royals/rich were wearing reminded me of “The Hunger Games” styles, but were fun and engaging.

The plot moves at a nice pace. The battle scenes are well done, and the tension is just right. I started this book in the afternoon, had to break to do a few other things, and finished it by 11 p.m. It grabs your attention, and you do not want to stop reading. The ending is a twist I did not expect, and a few of the characters grace us with surprises of their own. I am hardly ever shocked by something that happens in a novel, but a few of the revelations in this book surprised me. It is not only Nym herself who grows; it is not only her story we slowly learn about. The supporting characters and the people you meet as you read along also develop and change, their stories slowly are shared, and you become as connected to the world as Nym herself. I look forward to the next one, “Siren’s Fury,” coming out June 2.

In the world of Young Adult, a popular genre among the young, old and older, this is a gem. Instead of the normal romance, we have a fantasy. The characters are easy to connect to, interesting and varied. It is the tale of a young girl, an elemental, who, having already faced many challenges, is now watching her country go to war, and becoming the person she was always meant to be. For young readers, it can be empowering, teaching them to look at themselves, and also to realize they have the power to do what they can, what they need to, and to become who they truly are.

“Storm Siren” is a thrilling, heart-wrenching tale set in a world easily imagined through the writer’s excellent grasp of language and description. It will have you laughing, tapping your fingers and crying. It is a page-turner with the promise of a second and third book. Does Nym give in and become a weapon so desperately needed to save her people? Or does she find a way out? I implore you – buy the book and find out!

DNF.

I just couldn't like the first two books but I gave the last one a try to at least finish the series. Unfortunately, I still couldn't bring myself to like these characters, the story, etc.

This series was simply not for me.

This is the third and last book in the Storm Siren series by Mary Weber. I would have to say that this is my favorite of all three books.

With the loss of Tulla still fresh in mind, Rasha’s fate unknown, and Lord Myles taken over by the dark ability, Nym and the few Bron soldiers rush to warn Cashlin’s queen. I have really liked being able to follow Nym along this ride with her. I thought at first she was not going to be able to hold up to being an elemental, but she has surprised me and does just that.

I don't want to ruin the ending to this series by telling you exactly what happens. You need to read it for yourself. This is a great read that will have you longing for more from Mary Weber and these characters. Mary Weber has a unique way of describing the world that she has made for her characters and it feels like it is so real. I love her descriptive writing.

I look forward to what is next from Mary Weber after this great ride she took us on with Nym and these characters. Great job Mary Weber!!

What do you say when you turn the last page of a story that spans three books without giving anything away?

Wow. The feels. All the feels.

Siren’s Song is the satisfying conclusion of Nym’s story. A beautiful, passionate story of overcoming and becoming one’s true identity infused with love, peril, and plenty of action.

Like Storm Siren and Siren’s Fury, the pace is fast, the tension and the stakes are high, and the characters leap from the pages with life and raw emotion. I laughed. I cried. I needed a moment to adjust to reality again.

Good-bye Nym and all the other characters we grew to love. It was a great adventure. An adventure I highly recommend.

*I received an advance reader copy in conjunction with the book tour.*

Mary Weber concludes her fantasy series about a teen girl with special powers in a futuristic world. Books 1 (Siren’s Fury) and 2 (Storm Siren) were reviewed last year (July/August 2015).

In Siren’s Song, Nym is an Elemental (one who is able to summon and control storms) who is used as a weapon by those in power for their own agenda. Each time it drains her, physically and emotionally. But as a slave, she has little control over her own life.

Her last battle with Draewulf leaves her barely alive. Now as he prepares for another battle, Nym realizes she must warn the other kingdoms before he strikes again. Is her power strong enough for the battle ahead? What about Nym’s role in the final prophecy?

Throughout this series, Weber’s storytelling engages the reader’s attention from the first page, holding until the gripping final chapter. The third installment – like the earlier ones — is filled with imperfect characters and plot twists, making it both character and plot-driven.

Sacrifice for the good of others is a strong theme in her series. The faith element is very light, but compassion and emotional strength are valued. The battle of good vs. evil is clear. For example, Nym’s Elemental power – the one she was born with — is considered good but the unnatural (dark) power is considered evil.

A satisfying end to a thoroughly enjoyable, and very unique fantasy series