Monday Reviews: Roar by Cora Carmack

Roar by Cora Carmack
Published June 13th 2017 by Tor Teen
Published May 19th 2015 by Greenwillow Books
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Magic
Page: 380
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

Kudos to Cora Carmack for tackling YA. She is Shon's fave author and she recommended me her contemporary/new adult romance fictions last year so I was both excited and surprised with the release of Roar; I didn't know she can write something so compelling and unique. 

Review

The story begins by telling the reader that Aurora is magic-less. She comes from a long line of royal Stormlings blood but she herself has no magic. Her mother is one of the most powerful magic wielder/storm tamer and to hide Aurora's shameful secret, she is kept in seclusion most of her adolescent life. Her mother believes to save her kingdom, she must marry Aurora to one of the powerful Stormling families. Aurora is conflicted with wanting to be obedient and wanting to seek her independence.

One night, as she follows her betrothed into the darkness, she discovers an underground black market of magic for the giftless. Sheltered all her life, this is a very exciting new possibility.

Overall

Electrifying.

Here's why. This story can take so many different directions. First of all, her situation is already bleak because she has no magic. I can already envision a life of dominance by her future husband and she hasn't told him that she carries no abilities yet, imagine the mayhem. Second, I didn't even think there is a chance of non-Stormling to carry Stormhearts, this is just too cool. Storm Hunters? Yes!! Third, she has two prospects? Whoa! I'm already liking her hot betrothed and now she has another love interest? Fourth, even though Aurora can't tame a Storm doesn't mean she might not have some other abilities. That's why I think this book is amazing. The possibilities are endless! There's so much potential and the adventures are exciting.

And the epilogue? I want to throw a tantrum very badly, I want the next book now...