Book Review: Spirit Storm

Spirit Storm (Spirit Guide #2)

By: E.J. Stevens

Published By: Sacred Oaks Press

Release Date: January 2011

Buy it at Amazon

Source: Provided by Author

Audience: Young Adult

Spirit Storm was captivating. I started this book late last night and flew through it - finishing it in less than 24 hours. I enjoyed the first book in the Spirit Guide series, She Smells the Dead, but this book was far and above better in every way. The writing flowed, the action was paced perfectly, and the characters I had grown to love in the first book continued to become more real in my mind. E.J. Stevens truly shines in this edition. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in book #3. I keep devouring these books like candy - savoring the moment and regretting when I get to the last morsel as I start searching for a new bag. This series is the perfect balance of paranormal, mystery, and romance that keeps me wanting more.

Spirit Storm, like She Smells the Dead, has two main plot strands. The strand following Yuki revolves around her preparation for Samhain, the night when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Yuki will be bombarded with spirits and without some protection she might just lose her sanity during the ordeal. The strand following Cal revolves around the death of one of his pack mates and the abduction of another. Who could possibly want the wolves dead? Cal and Yuki must work together to find a way to protect Yuki from the dead who will soon walk the Earth and track down a killer.

One of the main reasons I am so drawn to this series is the characters. I adore them. In this edition, I really felt like I got to know them on a much deeper level. Characters that I found annoying at times in the first book - Emma and Simon - really grew on me in Spirit Storm. I am starting to love them in spite of their quirks. Cal is quickly becoming one of my newest book boy crushes, (Hmmm, do I sense a future book boyfriend post in the making?) while Yuki is a girl I would love to have as a friend. She is strong and not afraid to be different - even in the face of high school drama and discrimination. I love that she is unique and lives on the fringes of the high school social hierarchy. 

Spirit Storm not only delves deeper into Yuki's ability to smell the dead and spirit animals, but has a few new twists. Folklore is explored in depth as Yuki and the gang research ways to keep her safe on Samhain. Also, Emma gets a special power in this one as well. I don't want to ruin the read so I will keep my mouth shut, but I loved her power and thought it was very fitting.

This is an excellent second book in a series. I feel it outshines the first book; sadness crept into my bones when I finished this evening. I wasn't quite ready to leave Cal and Yuki. I just hope I won't have to wait too long for the next book. If you haven't started this series yet - I highly recommend you get started.

One Last Gripe: I hope that Calvin being hurt and out of commission is not going to be something that happens in every book. It seems to be a theme so far. I am hoping that in book #3 he will avoid this fate.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I am having a hard time choosing between the plot and the fast paced action in this one so I am just going to put both of them. :)

First Sentence: "A Pox Upon All Thieves," read the sign hanging at eye level on the wall behind the glass case.

Favorite Characters: Calvin, Yuki

Least Favorite Character: Gordy

 

Summary:

"Let the spirits guide you, but never let them take you."

Spirits of the Dead are coming...

Yuki is about to face an army of lost souls on Samhain, the night of Halloween, when the spirits of the dead roam free. Yuki will need all the help she can get from her friends, but will Calvin be there for her when she needs him the most?