Stormdancer captivated me since I saw its cover. It is a gorgeously delivered piece of art that catches your eye and nearly demands that you read the book. I couldn’t have picked a better cover myself. Since this can be seen as a double-edged knife I can assure you that this is not one of those typical Young Adult novels that give you a mediocre story and hope to make up by their pretty covers.

Stormdancer is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I swear, hand on my heart, that I’m not exaggerating.

One of my main reasons for liking Stormdancer so much is the amazing universe Jay Kristoff has created. It’s one of the most unique and detailed universe out there. The tattooed bodies, the masked faces, the goggled eyes. Social and environmental changes. Pollution caused by the Lotus plants. Samurais! Thunder Tigers!!



How can you not love all that? Especially since nowadays the entire Young Adult genre focuses on love triangles, teenage angst and stupidity.

Which brings us to the characters. Stormdancer is a party attended by the coolest characters you could find. Shallowness? No sir! Jay Kristoff is too good for that.

Yukiko is our beloved heroine. Even though she’s sixteen years old she behaves like a mature and responsible teen.



A mature and responsible young adult. It is not a myth people! They do exist. She is likable, strong, keeps her shit together and did not annoy me. Not even once.

And now it's time for my favorite character in the book. Arashitora. Thunder Tiger.

Her protector. Her brother. Her friend. Then I will call you Buruu.

Buruu is cruel, unpredictable, even funny at times. However, the reason why I like him so much is the love he developed for Yukiko. I have a soft spot for beasts developing strong feelings for humans. A dog is a man’s best friend. A dog that saves a human’s life is a hero in my eyes. Now imagine my feelings when it comes to a telepathic relationship between a normal girl and a Thunder Tiger.



Is it just me or do they resemble Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi from Bleach?



And yes, it does have a love triangle. A thing you should know about me is that I absolutely hate love triangles. However, in our Stormdancer’s case you get a perfectly performed love triangle and a perfect conclusion to it. Short-lived, cruel and painful. Perfect!

Another reason why I loved Stormdancer is that it reads like Anime. Many scenes in the book were full of action and reminded me of some cool Anime shows that I watch. It doesn’t give you a chance of getting bored. That’s always a plus.

So if you are in need of a great book, unique and deliciously interesting then go for Stormdancer. You won’t regret it.


ARC courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.

Review also posted on