The Storm Child

Having read and enjoyed Gabriela Houston's The Wind Child, I was eagerly awaiting the sequel. The wait was worth it. Readers who have not yet read and enjoyed The Wind Child may like to indulge themselves so that they have knowledge of Mara's mythical origins but it is not essential to have read the first book in this gripping series.

In The Storm Child, we are reunited with Mara, granddaughter of the winter god, and her trusted shape-shifting friend, Torniv. In this adventure, Mara has to evade the vengeance of Koschei. Koshkei will stop at nothing to destroy Mara and so she is, again, on the run.

There is a definite sense of change in the character of Mara in this sequel; the reader senses the weight of responsibility that Mara now feels and there is a feeling that she has matured since we first met her. Mara and Torniv continue to traverse harsh and hostile environments but, in this story, they become part of a community and learn the importance of family ties.

The draw of being part of a circus community provides a dilemma for Mara and Torniv; they find great comfort within the heart of a family group. However, the power of their quest and their realisation that their presence may bring devastation to those around them leads them to venture onwards. Torniv finds himself on a journey of discovery as he learns that his family is more complex than he had once thought and the story conveys his mixed emotions with great empathy and realism.

There are scenes of peril in the story and for most readers these will enhance the excitement. Those of a sensitive nature beware though - there are some graphically detailed descriptions of violence. Mara's quick-thinking trickery has developed well since we first met her and her ability to outwit her opponents makes her a memorable protagonist.

There is real sense of light and dark in Storm Child - the love is strong and the happiness is bright but the evil is dark and the fear is tangible. Another thrilling read from Gabriela Houston.

208 pages / Reviewed by Jo Clarke, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

The Storm Child is the eagerly awaited sequel to The Wind Child. It follows Mara and her friend Torniv the bear shape-shifter who are on the run from Koschei - who is trying to kill them.

I love the world that the author, Gabriela Houston, has created. Her strong story telling really brought this Slavic tale to life for me. Although The Storm Child is a sequel, I think it could easily be enjoyed without having read The Wind Child first. There are throwbacks to the first book throughout the story, so I was able to recap easily. If you haven't read it yet, The Wind Child will explain the back story to Mara's current predicament.

The Storm Child is a pacey adventure and doesn't dwell on the grief that led to Mara's journey in the first book. Mara, granddaughter of the God of Winter Winds, has lost her human soul. She is yet to discover her true powers and seems to rely heavily on her 'gift of the gab' and help from other Slavic friends and relations. She makes bargains with forest lords as their help is not given without strings attached. There is always some offering or price to pay and Mara doesn't always have something to barter with.

I loved the friendship between Torniv and Mara and the lengths that they would go to protect each other. I enjoyed learning more about Torniv's back story. I found the story so absorbing that this was a really quick read for me as I simply could not put the book down. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way which will keep the reader on their toes. The characters are likeable and very well fleshed out. I loved that I got to meet some of the characters from the first book again but there are plenty of interesting new faces added.

I think The Storm Child will really appeal to those that enjoy fantasy, magic and adventure stories as well as myths and legends. I would love to read more about Zevena, Mara's mother and daughter of Stribog. Will there be a book 3 where we learn more about her story?

208 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+