Review: Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let the Storm Break
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Sky Fall #2

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the publicist in exchange for a honest review.

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Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance. By the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own.

But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.

With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?

Let the Storm Break is the second installment in Messenger’s Sky Fall series, following dual narratives of the predestined Sylph King Vane and his guardian Audra. The book takes place approximately a month after the events of the first book. Vane is still adjusting to his role as Sylph King (air elemental, wind-walker) and his new bond with Audra. Audra on the other hand is in shocked that she broke her oath as a Gale Guardian by bonding with Vane, who she was suppose to only watch over and protect; so instead of facing the consequences she runs to put as much distance as possible between herself and Vane. Meanwhile, Raiden (Ex-Gale Guardian gone rouge) is doing whatever is necessary to capture Vane; to possess the powers of the fourth wind language.

The second book in the story did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed Let the Storm Break; it was just as good as the first book if not a tad better. In the first book the story focused mostly on training Vane in the four different wind languages and teaching him the sylph history. With the foundation of the story already laid out in the first book, readers delve deeper into the politics and aspects of the Gale Force, we get a better glimpse and understanding of Raiden, and Vane and Audra’s relationship is tested from all sides.

Audra and Vane were probably a part for the majority of the book, but never once did that affect their love for one another or their relationship. Audra and Vane both go through a self-discovery journey (Audra more so than Vane) this time around, everything that they thought they knew gets turned up on its side and they can’t do anything but take it one step at a time and put the welfare of the people above their own needs. Audra was getting a lot of backlash for leaving Vane, for wanting space and a break after she devoted 10 years of her life protecting him. I didn't think Audra was selfish at all, I mean she deserved a break; especially after she found out her mom lied to her, her entire life.  While on this ‘self discovery/reflection’ Audra was captured by a man long thought dead and she came face-to-face with Raiden. Audra utilized her knowledge of the fourth language to the best of her abilities and was able to get out of both situations alive. I really admired Audra’s determination, courage and strength… it’s everything that I look for in a character. I think this is the type of role model teens should be reading about; not like the whiny, annoying, damsel in distress found in other YAs. But this isn't to say she’s not affected by little things, she is after all still a teenage girl. For example, Audra questioned herself and her relationship to Vane when she returned home and saw Vane with his ex-betroth Solana (No, this isn't a love-triangle…thank goodness). However, the addition of Solana’s character wasn't a strain on their relationship, but instead made it stronger.

Vane’s character in my opinion hasn't really grown much over the course of book two. Vane wasn't any better at mastering the three winds or his own westerly language or as a strategist or fighter.  Audra was able to learn Westerly through their bond and yet she was better at controlling the wind than Vane. For most the book Vane was moping around wondering when Audra would return, and even when he knew Raiden was on his way….all he could think about is if Audra still loves him or not. It wasn't till the last 2-3 chapters that he took his role more seriously but what really made him jump into his role as King wasn't seeing his hometown pulverized or all Gale Force wiped out…it was because Audra was in danger.  I wish he stepped more into a leadership role early on, especially when the Gales and humans depended on him.

Let the Storm Break was a bit slow but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I was intrigued by all the new characters and loved learning about Raiden and the scary things he was capable of doing. Let the Storm Break might be lacking in the romance department (the first book was heavy on the romance) but it was full of action, suspense, and had a load of new fascinating characters that I didn't mind at all.  Messenger weaved yet another captivating book and expanded on her already unique world building. Messenger has an incredible way with words, sucking readers into the story right from the first page and had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I’m a big fan of this series and her MG series. She is definitely another writer to watch! The book ended on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I know it’s going to be crazy good!