Stormflower

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite

Stormflower by Keegan and Tristen Kozinski is a gripping and intense science fiction novel that delves into a world where revenants, powerful and deadly creatures, roam the city. The story follows Jade, a skilled fighter and member of the Purifiers, as she takes on a particularly challenging mission to eliminate a first-tier revenant in a retirement district. Does she have what it takes to succeed, or will this mission be marred like the one she previously undertook? From the opening pages, it's clear that Keegan and Tristen Kozinski have crafted a masterful tale of action, suspense, and intrigue with unforgettable characters.

The writing is vivid and immersive, with descriptions that transport the reader into a unique world. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Jade being a particularly well-developed protagonist. Her backstory is hinted at throughout the novel, adding depth to her character and motivations. Her inner world is finely executed as well, and it is easy for readers to understand the burden she carries. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with constant tension and urgency. The use of technology and magic is cleverly woven throughout the story, creating a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. The world-building is impressive, with a rich history and mythology that adds depth to the narrative. Keegan and Tristen Kozinski deftly explore themes of trauma, grief, and mortality. Jade's past is shrouded in mystery, and glimpses of her troubled history are revealed as the story unfolds. The pacing is well-balanced, with intense action scenes followed by quieter moments of introspection.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Stormflower is penned by author team Tristen Kozinski and Keegan Kozinski in the urban fantasy, adventure, and suspense genres. The story follows Jade, burdened by grief and secrets after betraying her brother and the Redeemers two years ago. Exhausted from a lifetime of fighting monsters and seeking rest, Jade finds herself facing a new threat: an unnatural plague is spreading and a friend is grappling with an alien compulsion. As the plot unfolds, madness intensifies, threatening to consume everything hidden beneath their world. Tristen Kozinski and Keegan Kozinski have brought their best skills together to craft a gripping journey into a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

I always enjoy a narrative that immerses readers in a realm of darkness and intrigue, and this duo does it with such an atmospheric command of language and a very clear, confident sense of place. The characters layered into this world feel realistically shaped by it in every moment of attitude and dialogue. Jade's internal turmoil and external struggles are well-balanced and equally weighted in the plot, and there’s a lot for readers to latch onto as they get to know her and root for her. The authors deftly blend the mystery element into the story with well-placed clues and sudden discoveries, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and revelation. Overall, Stormflower by authors Tristen Kozinski and Keegan Kozinski is a thrilling and thought-provoking tale that leaves a lasting impression, and I highly recommend it to fans of immersive fantasy adventure everywhere.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Stormflower by Keegan and Tristen Kozinski is a gripping and atmospheric dystopian tale that follows Jade, a skilled hunter with the Purifiers, as she navigates a treacherous and eerie landscape to confront a revenant that has infiltrated a retirement district. Burdened by her past and determined to correct some of her mistakes, Jade is determined to accomplish this mission perfectly. She understands that minutes can seem like a brief span, but a revenant is capable of killing dozens in that span, leeching them of life to sustain and grow itself. Will Jade be able to handle her past trauma and face the dangers ahead of her?

The vivid descriptions of the setting and atmosphere draw the reader in from the opening pages. The use of sensory details, such as the sound of the rain, the scent of lavender, and the feel of the adaptive suit, immerses the reader in Jade's world. Jade is well-developed and complex. Her past is steeped in mystery, and her motivations for hunting revenants are not entirely clear. However, her dedication to her work and her skills as a hunter are evident throughout the story. The authors do an excellent job of conveying Jade's emotions and thoughts through her actions and intelligent dialogue. The revenant is a terrifying creature, described in vivid detail. The language to describe its movements and appearance is masterful, creating a sense of unease and dread. Stormflower features relentless action, and the suspense grows as the conflict intensifies. Keegan and Tristen Kozinski have created a science fiction narrative with an unforgettable, finely drawn female protagonist.