Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart ~ Review & Giveaway

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Lharmell #2 
Publication Date: 1st August 2012
Pages: 364

Book Source: Own Purchase

Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts:

I was stoked to find another fantasy series to add to my keeper bookshelf after devouring Blood Song. Now Rhiannon Hart continues the fantasy adventure with Blood Storm and it's another effortless read chock full of quest-like danger and excitement, romantic tension, and wicked creatures in a unique world.

Don't worry I'm keeping this spoiler free but I'm pretty sure fantasy lovers and YA fans will adore this addictive series. If you missed the first book (and awesome debut) or need further convincing check out my review of  Blood Song. 

Zeraphina & Rodden grow and mature in this installment, we learn so much more about them (especially Rodden, which is great as he was quite the enigmatic character in book 1.) I love the interaction between these two, the sarcasm and banter, the subtle dance around their attraction. The sparks-flying-mutual-antagonism of Blood Song has eased into growing trust, friendship and mutual respect but the romantic tension simmers and bubbles ... love it. 

Zeraphina and Rodden's quest to make Brivora safe from Lharmellin's and their harming retainers oozes suspense - anticipation helped along by a few plot twists I didn't see coming; always fun being kept on your toes. Zeraphina's time away from Amentia has added strength and assertiveness to her feisty character but I confess I wanted to slap Zeraphina's mother Renata and for good measure her sister Lilith. Not to worry, Zeraphina can take care of herself ... with a little help from Rodden lol

Now I was pretty sure I liked Ms Hart but after coming to that ending in Blood Storm I've come to the conclusion Rhiannon Hart is an author with a Lharmellin size evil streak ;) 

Come on ... you wouldn't really do that to your dear readers would you Rhiannon? 

 *stamps feet* ... nope I'm not entertaining that one.

Ok breathing now, I've convinced myself ... it's just an evil twist 

Blood Storm is a brilliant second installment, it'll have you screaming for more. Bring on the final book, I'll be one of the first in line. Be warned, I'll also be the one throwing a hissy fit if the 'evil twist' proves to be more evil than twist? 

Find Rhiannon Hart on her blog Dangers Untold and Hardships Unnumbered or Twitter or Facebook.

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Giveaway:

Since I'd already purchased my own copy of Blood Storm Rhiannon is happy to give away one paperback copy to a lucky Australian reader. Just leave an email with your comment. 
Giveaway ends 7th October

Extra Entries: 

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+2 comment on my review of Blood Song and let me know.