After her world is shattered with a shocking revelation, fae-touched Halja finds herself in the care of Eilith, an elder who nurtures her latent fae powers by teaching her The Old Ways. But in a kingdom that’s become increasingly hostile toward the fae-touched, Halja is forced into going on the run with Byrgir (a skilled warrior) as they’re hunted by monsters and the Paragons of Light—a hostile and prejudiced religious cult who are determined to rid the land of fae influence. As their kingdom teeters on the brink of war, Halja must embrace her power and identity if she wants to protect her people’s way of life.
Written by Angelina Jeanette Kelly, THE SOURCE OF STORMS is an engrossing fantasy adventure from start to finish. With inspiration from Celtic and Viking mythology and culture woven through the world, the book packs a ton of lore into its well-paced plot. Thoughtful prose keeps the book concise and engaging with beautifully written descriptions like this: “We didn’t dare light a fire, and the lack of light and warmth let the shock of the day dig its teeth into my bones.”
The story never languishes, moving swiftly through tense action scenes, high-stakes political intrigue, and breathtaking romance. Rich, layered world building and a unique elemental magic system—entwined with nature and ancient fae power—heighten the captivating geography of the places these characters inhabit.
Lively dialogue only adds to the book’s cast of charming, likable characters. Bursting with emotion and sweet character moments, THE SOURCE OF STORMS lays the groundwork for an exciting new fantasy series led by a kickass heroine. Halja’s arc is one of the most interesting in recent memory—a journey of breaking free from toxic relationships and finding oneself in a world that’s unkind to those who are different. Halja forges her own path and learns to embrace her identity, her power, and her fae lineage without fear or shame. An extremely relatable narrative that will surely resonate with certain readers, her storyline is given a raw, nuanced, authentic approach.
The found family is strong in this one, and Halja’s swoony, slow-burn romance with the Viking-esque Byrgir is the stuff romantasy dreams are made of. The romance only enhances our protagonist’s journey and deftly flows through the book—with Byrgir’s unwavering devotion as a refreshing touch. Overall, THE SOURCE OF STORMS is a spellbinding page-turner of a fantasy debut.
Rich and layered world building, a unique elemental magic system, and a tightly paced plot make Angelina Jeanette Kelly’s THE SOURCE OF STORMS an engrossing and romantic adventure.
~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader