Mundie Moms

Thursday, August 10, 2017

ROAR By Cora Carmack / Book Review #Roar



By: Cora Carmack
Published by: Tor Teen
Released on: June 13th, 2017
Series: Stormheart #1
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars
An ARC/copy of the book was received from publisher in exchange for my honest review

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.


A captivating debut! I've long been a fan of Carmack's new adult/adult books, and have anxiously awaited her YA debut. This book did not disappoint! I absolutely loved the way this story is told. The sweeping fantasy, character developments, and scorching romance and character chemistry were my favorite elements to this story. Paired with Roar's richly layered mythology, alluring world building, magic, and deadly secrets, make for a mesmerizing read I couldn't put down. 

I think Carmack has found her niche. She has crafted a story that combined magic, controlling the elements, and romance perfectly. I liked that there was the right amount of each of these elements that was satisfying, yet kept me wanting more. Same with the characters. The overall character development was perfect. Carmack gives you just enough about each character where you know them, yet, you don't know them enough that it wouldn't surprise me if something shocking was revealed or happens in the next book. I have a few theories...

The only issue I had with the story itself, had to do with Roar, and a certain secret I felt she should have shared towards the end of the book. I'm predicting this is going to cause some issues in the next book. Which, I can not wait to read, because I need more. I devoured this book, despite trying to slowly pace myself while reading it. Roar has a little bit of everything I love in a well crafted YA fantasy. I can hardly wait to find out what's in store for Roar in the next book.

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