Rising Like a Storm

Gr 7 Up–In the conclusion to the “Wrath of Ambar” duology, readers meet up with Gul after King Lohar has been killed by one of his own trusted Sky Warriors, Shayla, who took over the throne by force and sent the true king into exile. Gul is being hunted, still at risk due to her newly coined title of Star Warrior—the one who will save the kingdom. Cavas is struggling with his own demons after his father’s death, and his ability to do magic is now tied to Gul’s powers. A new prophecy has risen and binds Gul and Cavas together as complements; their power is stronger when they are together. A new battle brings terror to the lands at the hands of now Queen Shayla’s Sky Warriors who will stop at nothing to destroy Gul. They are tested by their loyalty and their feelings for one another. The character development only improves in this sequel to Hunted by the Sky; Gul and Cavas are well-developed characters who are brought together by something stronger than physical and emotional attraction, which makes for a unique relationship. One of the strongest elements of the story is the depiction of female leaders who have risen to power—both good and bad—and dominate the story line in a way unusual to medieval and magical fantasy novels.