Let The Storm Break by Shannon Messenger, Book Review

By: Shannon Messenger

Published by: Simon Pulse

Released on: March 4th, 2014

Series: Sky Fall #2

Source: arc from publisher to review

Rating: 4 Stars - I Enjoyed It

Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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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?

This is a great sequel! I loved that Messenger hooked me with her story, more so than I was excepting to be. Normally when it comes to sequel, rarely do I find myself not rolling my eyes at something. Yes, I just admitted I roll my eyes at books, but only when I can totally point out what's going to happen next. This wasn't a sequel where I could point out what was going to happen next. That's not for a lack of not trying either. It was a harder to predict what was going happen. I liked that. With this storyline the risks are higher, there's more danger, and holy cliff hanger, just kill me now, that ending was awesome. Also, I learned a new word in this book....haboob! Go ahead and laugh, and then go google it. It's a real word.  

I love a good series, but there are times when I get so excited about reading a sequel that I worry if it will live up to the acceptations I've had for it. When I have to wait over a year to read the next book, it's easy to overly hype it up in my mind. Which I've done a time or two, or more. There have been times when I've read a sequel that the character journey that often times takes place in the second book, falls flat. When that happens I am left feeling that the characters in book two are not the characters I feel in love with in book one. Luckily that is not the case for this book. Shannon does a great job at continuing Audra and Vane's story. I liked seeing the journey they each took, both individually in part of the story, and together.

There were times I felt Audra was a little selfish in her journey, but it didn't take me long to realize there was a reason behind what she was doing. In her own quest, she learns more about herself, the dangers she and Vane are up against, and the importance of really protecting the things you love most. Not that she didn't get that before, but I think she realized the urgency of having to make choices, and sacrifices more so now then previously. Vane gets huge kudos from me for standing firm in his feelings for Audra, even when doubt creeps into his mind, and some of those around him tell him it's a mistake. Outside of their bond/relationship, both Vane and Audra are forced to group up more, and make some critical choices. This story was one that had both characters questioning and realizing their roles in all that's going on around them. Whether they want to have the roles they do or not, they are forced to step into them. 

I love the sweet, romantic relationship Vane and Audra have. It not only fits them, but it's fitting for this series. Often times I love a relationship that has more sizzling chemistry, and snark, but the relationship these two have is refreshing, and suits the two of them perfectly. If it had been written any other way, it wouldn't have matched who the characters are. With this sequel there's a new element to Vane and Audra's relationship. I don't even know how to describe it. There's no questions about the loyalty, devotion and love they have for each other. There's a lot more danger that threatens to not only break the two of them apart, but it threatens those they care about, and everything they've been entrusted to protect. When their love and the one thing they both fiercely protect is threatened, one of them makes an ultimate sacrifice to protect more than just their relationship..... 

Aw, yes, that lovely sacrifice leads right into the book's lovely cliff hanger. I knew something was going to happen, I just didn't except it to be that, though I should have. Messenger does a great job at dropping hints through out the story about that very thing that happens. No, I won't say what that thing is. Looking back over the story I had a feeling that something was going to happen, but I couldn't pin point what exactly that was. Now everything makes sense, because Messenger doesn't include things into her story unless there is a reason for them to be there. I like that about her style of writing. There's definitely more action in this book, more danger, and some great twists that leave me wishing book three was coming out sooner rather than having to wait another year to find out what happens. 

Be sure to stop by Shannon's website and check out her release day celebrations and enter her giveaways!