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.
My thoughts before reading Roar were a jumbled mess. I wasn’t sure or not if I’d end up liking Roar at all. The synopsis at times seems sketchy at best and is vague in terms of the story in full. I had immensely high hopes for Roar. I wanted to like this story really badly, and thankfully, the story not only delivered, but went above and beyond my expectations.
Within Roar there are 5 points of view, the two main ones we read from are Aurora, and Locke.
Aurora is seen as a powerless princess in a Kingdom that is ruled by those who control storms. Rora is a great character. I loved the journey she went on in Roar. Reflecting back on the story, Rora has pretty much grown into herself versus when we see her in the beginning of Roar.
Locke, is a character that I didn’t think that I wouldn’t expect to like. That’s all I’m going to say on that front to avoid any possible spoilers.
Cassius, is seen as a dark and broody prince, with dark hair and dark eyes. Cassius is pretty predictable to tell you the truth. He’s like, TEXTBOOK YA “BADBOY.” Saying that Cassius is a pretty powerful stormling himself. From what I gathered, he was seen as neither good nor evil. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him in the next book. I honestly don’t care much for Cassius at all. Cassius is very much the definition of “Cool motive, still murder.”
Nova, is such an important character. I hope she’s in the next book as well. What I had actually predicted about Nova’s character came true for Rora instead.
What I didn’t like about Roar is that Casimir (Cassius’ brother) gives me the vice that he is a relentless malicious force who didn’t respond well to Aurora asking about his life. During the beginning of the book, I didn’t appreciate all the different points of view. I really wanted Roar to only have one or two points of view, since the story could have focused more on Aurora. That being said…
What I liked about Roar was all the different points of views we read from. They all prove to be an important part of the story, and are significant to the story overall. There’s actually a fifth point of view that we only read from like, twice, but they’re pretty important to the story as well.
I also like that the story is fast paced. Oh man. Roar is so fast paced. Most of the synopsis happens within the first 5 chapters of the book! The story definitely gets under way quickly. The story flows incredibly well; even with the 5 different points of view. I found that while Roar is certainly action filled, the action that takes place isn’t much like a “normal” action book might have. Instead of fighting people the characters are fighting storms. Which is bonkers, but in this Fantasy YA, it works so well.
Another small tidbit about this book that I liked was that one of the dresses that Aurora wears reminds me of Aurora’s dress from Sleeping Beauty. You know the one that changes from Pink to Blue, Blue to Pink and back again? Except this dress was covered in stones and ombre’d from a bright white, to grey, and finally to black. And it had a train too, I believe, so I am NOT drooling over that dress. Nope. Not me!
Seeing the storms be described by the different points of view was nothing short of fascinating.
Out of the 4 predictions I had made previous to even opening the book, none of them came true. Thus rendering Roar to be unpredictable to me.
My thoughts on Roar after I read this book are that when I first read about Roar, I was excited about this story. When I had Roar in my hands though I was kinda wary about Aurora’s story. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like, and I didn’t want to end up wasting my time if I had started reading it only to find out that I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t want Roar to be a let down. Thankfully Roar was no let down. If anything the book is way better in my opinion than the synopsis led me to believe.
I am 1000000% looking forward to reading the next book, Rage, when it (apparently!!!!!) is being published this upcoming June ’18!
I give Roar, 5 stars!
Have you read Roar? What’re your thoughts on the book?
Happy Reading!
Adele
Adele Is Reading 
3 thoughts on “Roar, by Cora Carmack | Book Review #320”