Release Date: August 1st 2012
Author: Rhiannon Hart
Publisher: Random House Australia
Source: Won from Author
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads
Summary from Goodreads:Cover:
The rain wanted to be ocean; the ice in the mountain caps wanted freedom. I never knew that water held such longing. The clouds above my head rumbled like a growling wolf, impatient to release their burden. I held the rain there a moment longer. I turned to Renata, heard her gasp and knew my eyes glowed blue.
I spoke a single word. 'Rain.'
In the Second Book of Lharmell, Zeraphina and Rodden must travel across the sea to find the elusive ingredients that will help them to win the coming battle against the Lharmellin – but shadows from Rodden’s dark past may come back to haunt him. And while she learns to harness her new abilities, Zeraphina still fights the hunger that makes her crave the north – not to mention avoiding her mother, who wants to see her wayward daughter married to a prince at all costs.
Striking and stunning! I adored Blood Song's cover but I LOVE Blood Storm's cover. The blue background and the clouds really appeal to me and I love the girl's dress too!
Story:
A bloody storm is heading towards Zeraphina...
If you remember reading my review of Blood Song, then you'll know how much I loved it. Besides the fact that it's an Aussie novel which meant that of course I had to read it, the world Rhiannon Hart has created in Blood Song sang to me in many different ways. I was immersed in her writing and Zeraphina's story. I needed the sequel so badly and when I finally had the chance to read it, it completely took my breath away. Blood Storm is an AMAZING sequel to Blood Song.
Blood Storm continues Zeraphina's story as she unravels more secrets behind her life and what it means to be a Harming. In Blood Storm, we're taken on a journey with Zeraphina and Rhodden as they gather ingredients which can help them defeat the Lharmells. I absolutely love 'road trips' and Zeraphina and Rhodden's trip is so exciting! I like how things are slowly beginning to unravel, such as Rhodden's past and the looks of Zeraphina's future. Rhiannon continues with her beautiful, eerie and gorgeous lyrical writing, hooking me into the story with each words and leaving me hanging with the ending. I could not believe Blood Storm ended that way and now I am desperate for the third book already!
Characters:
How I adore Zeraphina and Rhodden. Let's start with Zeraphina first! During the journey, Zeraphina endures quite a few problems that she deals with very well. Rhodden is not available to help her at times and I like how she can stand on her own, defend herself and also help others. Her growing relationship with Rhodden is my favourite! After that beautiful 'peacock' scene in Blood Song, I am curious of how their relationship will develop and I'm glad my curiousity is answered in Blood Storm. Rhodden is slowly opening up to Zeraphina, including sharing his past to her and while sometimes Rhodden can be cold, I like his sweet moments with Zeraphina. It pains me to think of what Rhodden has been through! While I liked Renata and Lilith (Zeraphina's mother and sister) in Blood Song, I feel annoyed with them in this book. Renata is all about 'Zeraphina, you are 17 already! You must marry someone now!' and Lilith is not supportive of her own sister. I wish they can understand Zeraphina's feeling better, rather than thinking of themselves all the time! But it's not a problem since Zeraphina and Rhodden's scenes coats my little frustration over Lilith and Renata!
Overall:
Blood Storm is the lyrical and eerily gorgeous sequel to Blood Song. Rhiannon Hart's writing once again pulls me into the world of Lharmells, hooking me with each words and leaving me hanging with the ending. Dark, romantic and exciting, Blood Storm is an epic stormy sequel to Blood Song readers will love!
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| 5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Blood Storm! |
Thank you Rhiannon Hart for the copy of Blood Storm! ♥
Your review is divine, Celine. :) I've been meaning to read this series for a loooong time (honestly, Aussie author+superb reviews+AND fantasy? What is wrong with me?). Thus, your review was a definite push in convincing me that I must hunt down this book and make it mine! I'm so thrilled that this sequel lived up to your expectations. :D
ReplyDeleteLovely Celine <3 "an epic stormy sequel” You got that right! Although it’s not as great as my ‘a tempest of a sequel’ line :P I actually think Lilith and Renata’s views and actions are very clear and made to be that way as to show a contrast between the sisters and between mother and daughter. I was listening to an audio interview with Rhiannon and Nalini from DarkMatter and Rhiannon addressed that. Worth a listen :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh I love it when romance develops slowly but surely. Gods know how much I dislike instant romance. I don't know what kind of setting this series has so maybe marrying at 17 is normal? But anyhow, I understand why you find Renata annoying. Heck, I think I'll find her annoying too. I also agree with you on the cover. I like Blood Song waaay better than Blood Storm's cover. Also, this cover sorta reminds me of the cover of Bitterblue. :/
ReplyDelete'Aussie' is the magic word in the world of fiction. How is it you have so many talented writers?! Tell us your secrets! :D I'm looking forward to reading this as I enjoyed the characters in the first book. I'm so glad to see you liked it, Celine. Brilliant review!
ReplyDeleteOoooo this definitely sounds like a series I would like Celine! Especially the words "dark, romantic, and exciting" - those are three things I look for in any book I read! Since it's an Aussie title I'm not sure if it's available in the US, but I'll be looking for it at Fishpond or Book Depository to see if I can snag a copy of the first book!
ReplyDeleteNevermind. Just saw the links above where I can get it! I'm super challenged, ignore me:)
DeleteYay! I'm so glad you liked this one, Celine! I'm really excited about reading it and while I didn't enjoy Blood Song as much as everyone else seemed too, I can't wait for more Rhodden! ;) Wonderful review!(:
ReplyDelete~Keertana
Ivy Book Bindings
Three good reasons why Maja is a complete jerk:
ReplyDeletea) I've always wanted to read this book, but never really got around to it.
b) I actually OWN this book
c) I know for a fact I would like this book.
The fact that the sequel is just as good doesn't really help my case, does it? And the cover, OMG, that cover is so gorgeous.
Lovely review, Celine. :)
I really love the cover too, you can have the dress if I can have her cloak!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a fantastic book, I have Blood Song on my shelf, I just need to make some time to read it! Great review, hun!
I have book one of this series so I'll read this after I'm done with that. Nice to see your 5 stars though! :)
ReplyDelete