Arianna is affected with the power of lightning since birth. Combine this with an ongoing draught that’s been going on since her first diaper change, and, well, she is an outcast. Together with her best friend the girl must travel the world searching for relics to break this curse and save her people. So, no pressure.
I always make a big deal about character interaction. To this date think I’ve ranted ad nauseum about having a believable, grounded cast with real dialog in many, if not most of my reviews. But why is that? Is it because I tend to be a picky jerk? Yes, but also it is one of those things that can be an enhancer -or a crowbar to the kneecap – for a novel. Chances are if the dialogue doesn’t work, and the cast doesn’t act like real people might, then the plot, setting, and rest of the literary foundations will crumble.
Or, in some cases, great characters can shore up a shoddy porch. Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm, however, is the literary equivalent of a hobbyist trying to do a job they should have hired a professional for. Sure, there are some triumphs, and it might keep the rain out, but odds are a good kick will bring the whole thing down. In this case, banal interactions, lightning fast (no pun intended) romances, and shoddy dialogue serve as one heck of a test.
Worldbuilding, though, is a strength of authors Ballew and Landry. The scenes are often vivid and quite easy to picture. This book also effectively explores many different tones, from the lighthearted, and even into some scenarios that border on horrific. So, just because this is set in the Young Adult, don’t expect to be coddled or spared from more mature themes. Lastly, the plot and pacing are effective, if not good.
Arianna and the Spirit of the Storm is a well plotted novel, which could use a little more elbow grease on the character creation side. Despite this I found the read enjoyable, even if it missed the high mark. I am sure many will look past this, and if they do, they won’t regret it.
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