This review was initially shared on Oct 7, 2023, on a former platform. In my quest to maintain harmony and unity, I've decided to repost this review, preserving its essence and integrity.
Author: Michelle Frohman
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
E-Book
Book 1 of the Realm of Istmere series
Despite my initial challenges during the writing of this review, I am happy to report that overall, I was truly captivated by this book!
The imagery that Michelle Frohman provided was something I haven't experienced in quite sometime. I found myself going back to re-read a previous page because I was so sucked in with imagining the surroundings, my brain felt like it hiccupped. This isn't a bad thing at all.
The first paragraph of the prologue was an instant transportation to a dark and chaotic battlefield in Istmere. I could hear the clashing of swords, the sounds of bodies dropping to the ground, and the panic/pain in Annelise's voice when she screamed for the king of the Nightshade's, (the race of witches slaughtering her race of witches known as the Stormashade's) as he was stabbed in the chest. He was her lover, and the person responsible for his slaying, was her own daughter who became so consumed by darkness and power. However, as I feverishly wait to find out what happens next, bam! I am transported to the Rocky Mountains in Silver Oaks, Colorado, where the story really starts to brew (no pun intended).
I think what I enjoyed most about this book is that Michelle added a lot of little details, that at first (personally) was kind of annoying, but once I was done reading, I realized that she hid a lot of foreshadowing, that really doesn't come to light until you reach the final chapters.
Our main character Diana Barnes, is an average teenage girl that keeps her head down and just wants to graduate high school. She has one best friend that she's be stuck to the hip of since her family first moved to Silver Oaks, just 4 years earlier, and really doesn't think of herself as special. However, all that changes when she encounters a giant wolf with human like piercing blue eyes, in the mountains that overlook her small town. She starts dreaming of a strange world and something inside of her stirs awake. Even more strange things start to happen when a new kid arrives at school causing her uncover a family secret that she's not even sure where to begin to understand what it means for her past, present, and future, let alone who she can trust.
In an effort to not give too much away, I just think that you should read this book. It's an experience in itself and it really leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, this is only the first book of the Realm of Istmere.
Purchase When Storms Awaken Here when it releases on 11/7/2023.
Disclosure: I would like to clarify that this review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) provided by the talented author, Michelle Frohman. I want to assure my readers that this is not a paid review, and all opinions expressed here are my honest and unsolicited thoughts on the book. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.