STORMFRONT – Book 2 in the UNDERTOW Series

MORE REVIEWS HERE: GOODREADS

STORMFRONT is the second book in the UNDERTOW series.

AVAILABLE: Local booksellers, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Ingram

ISBN: 978-0-9897763-4-9

Full details click here: Wicked Whale Publishing

Want STORMFRONT on your library or bookseller’s shelf? Scroll to the bottom of this page for a book details to give to your local bookish haunt :)

 

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Not long ago Eila Walker’s choices were limited: death by a bullet to the head, or at the hands of her beloved bodyguard, Raef. Now, five weeks after Raef triggered her power and she nearly leveled a historic mansion, Eila is dealing with the fall-out of her decisions. While she doesn’t remember dying in the arms of the soul thief who loves her, she knows that Raef remembers everything about the night he nearly killed her.

Now on the mend and attempting to keep one step ahead of the FBI, Eila and her team of misfits are desperate for a bit of normal. Eila is trying to navigate high school, while her BFF Ana is cautiously hanging with past-boyfriend and soul thief, Kian. Shape-shifter, MJ, is trying not to piss off his mother, while Raef is coping with his fears that Eila will never be safe.

But just as “normal” seems within their grasp, a powerfully built newcomer arrives. Raef knows the scarred man as a Blacklist Dealer – a soul thief, who peddles the names of humans who deserve to die. Eila, however, knows him as the protective hunter from the woods, who she nicknames Thor. Before long, Raef and Eila realize they’ve met the same killer, and he has one hell of a story to tell the five friends . . . if Raef doesn’t murder him first.

 

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Booknut (NetGalley Reviewer): “Holy undertow Batman! Another cliffhanger to add to the list of ‘Books Endings That Tested My Will!’ Far from being unsatisfying, or totally devastating (like some cliffhangers I’ve read), the ending to Stormfront was just enough of a teaser to get you dying of anticipation for the next book.

It was funny, because I’d set this book aside for a little bit (to finish off some urgent reviewing) and I was chatting with K.R. Conway via Twitter. I told her how I was almost at the end of the book, and her response was, “You didn’t get to the end yet? Oh dear…”

Aaaaand that made me realise that:
1. I had to pick up that book and finish it PRONTO!
2. I was in for one hell of a cliffhanger.

Luckily for me, K.R. described the ending best: “It’s good, but it is also a shocker.” And I give total author points to her for finding a way to balance the shock factor with a sense of satisfaction. It’s a hard talent to acquire, and she did a spot on job :)

And the book itself was just as good.

Raef and Eila’s relationship is further explored in Stormfront and I love the amount of personal growth Eila displays in this book. It’s always nice to see a character acquire some kind of three-dimensionality – growing, changing and learning like any real person would. Stormfront‘s Eila seems more in control, and far more aware of her strengths. Go girl power!

You’ve gotta love a heroine who nicknames a mystery hunter Thor XD

I think the character I felt most for in this book was Raef. He seems to be so burdened – with guilt, and the constant fear of something bad happening to Eila. Poor guy! It can’t be easy knowing you ‘killed’ (well, almost killed) your girlfriend. That would weigh on anyone, to be sure.

Overall I loved this book, can’t wait for the next one, and am super-excited for Cruel Summer to make its appearance!”

 

Melissa Brown (English HS teacher – midwest): “Okay, I had to let this sit for a few days before I even attempted to write a review on Storm Front (Undertow Book 2) To say that this book blew me away would be the understatement of the year. It’s unusual to like the second book in a series MORE than the first book in a series, but this one is unbelievably good!

I consider myself so fortunate that I got to read this book early, I honestly can’t wait to read it again, and I NEVER want to read a book twice.

The characters in this book will absolutely grab hold of you and shake your very being. You will be transported to their world, and what a world it is… you’ll laugh with them, want to scream at them, but most of all, you will absolutely love them!

The addition of Rillin in this book is SUCH a great addition, I love him! He adds so much depth and intrigue to the story, it definitely would not be the same without him. Christian is even likable now, as we see that he truly wants what is best for Eila. He also does a stellar job of keeping Mae occupied throughout this book as well as looking out for everyone.

The writing is of course wonderful, but the absolute shining star of this book is the characters! They are SO believable. I’m seriously looking at people I see on the street and wondering if they are Mortis. The plot is fantastic even though I could have spit as I read the last line of the book! Are you serious???!!!

It is well thought out, well executed and simply phenomenal. I can’t say enough positive things about it. This screams make me into a movie like no other book I’ve read.”

 

A 1000 Lives Lived (Book Blogger): “Initial Thoughts: Um wow. I didn’t think anything could surpass the first book because it was so well done but boy was I wrong! It was even better. Not to mention a cliffhanger for an ending? *evil smile* My favorite.

The Characters & Story: The stakes definitely seemed higher in this book. Eila knows she needs to learn/come into her abilities before it’s too late. Raef is still hurting from having to kill Eila from the ending in the first book and not knowing what to do with himself because he loves her and always wants to protect no matter the cost. All the characters really step up and become better and stronger people because they know that they aren’t going to have a normal life or relationships with at least their current situation. Especially Eila because she refuses to rely on others to defend her. She wants/was able to pull her own weight and help all her other friends in all the mystery and struggles they go through!

The book alternates POV between Eila and Raef and this really added a lot more information and more emotion and connection between the characters. You get to see the struggles everyone is having because there is so much love for everyone that everyone wants to protect each other. But it’s hard to protect the ones you love when you also have to let them make their own decisions even when they go against your better judgement.

The other main characters – MJ, Ana, Kian – were still as funny and strong as in the first book. They all add a lot of depth and characterization to the story that it would be completely different without them. They all have parts and they all work and fit together to help create this great story. Not to mention the new character, Rillian, added great plot twists and information to the story and I absolutely loved him.

The Romance: Eila and Raef’s connection and love became even bigger and better in this book. They already had a wonderful relationship from the first book and it only grew and developed in this one. They matured in their love and stepped up their relationship love and I truly loved every second of these two together.

End Thoughts: This book was just absolutely amazing. There was so much action and suspense and romance. Some questions were answered but even more would pop up. I was so into the book that when the ending came around, I just couldn’t believe it was actually over. I wish I had the next book already because it just keeps getting better and better with each page starting with the first book. 5 stars! ”

 

Linda Ransom (Librarian): “Let me first say: I love how K. R. Conway writes. I have read a good many YA novels in my life, and she is by far one of the best writers in the genre. Her characters are so real you’d swear they’re sitting next to you while you’re reading. And I have to admit to having a crush on Kian. And maybe a little one on MJ.
The story picks right up after the events of the first book in the series, Undertow. The action never flags, either. It took me four days to read it, and the only reason it took that long was because of my job and family. Otherwise I’d have sat down and read the whole thing in one sitting. I won’t give away much here in this review, because that would be doing a disservice to the book: you simply need to buy it or borrow it and READ IT. If you loved Undertow, then hang on, because Stormfront is even better. I will say this: there are some changes in relationships. I won’t mention which ones – you need to read it for yourself.
I have a love-hate relationship with the ending (kind of like I do with JAWS, but that’s a whole different story). I thought it made sense to stop the story there for now, but it’s also driving me crazy, because something big happens at the end, and now I have to wait until next year(?) to find out what comes next. I see that Kian and Ana are getting their own novella, so I’m super-excited about that, but that also doesn’t come out until 2015. That’s a long wait, people.
So, after reading this review, go directly to Amazon or wherever you can get the book, and buy it and read it. You don’t want to miss all the action that occurs in Stormfront!”

Rampant Readers (Book Blogger): “Why I Picked It Up: I absolutely adored Undertow so of course I needed to get my hands on this one!

Plot: Stormfront was full of unexpected surprises, new characters, and a whole lot of action. Regarding plot, it was definitely more engaging than book one, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. The pacing in this book was fast which kept me absolutely glued to the book. I put a lot of emotional stake into what happened to the characters. There wasn’t a single dull moment in the entire book and I found myself wishing that I could read faster so I could know what happened next.

Leading Lady: Eila grew stronger in this novel. Of course Raef was as protective as ever, but she refused to let him smother her. She wanted to be able to defend herself which I find admirable. She was tough in the fights that she was in. She also learned more about her heritage in this novel than the previous one. I was nice to see some of Elizabeth’s history and how that affected Eila. I can’t wait to see how much more she comes into her powers. Other than that, she was still selfless as ever. And funny. And just great overall.

Leading Male: Raef, as I mentioned, was just as protective as always and that got him in trouble with Eila a few times. He had to learn to take a step back and let her be her own person. He chillaxed a bit more in this novel. He always put her first and I adore that about him.

Romance: The romance in this novel was just as flaming as in the first once Raef let go of his idea of not being with Eila until she could defend herself. I knew it wasn’t going to last long. The chemistry between the two characters was just too undeniable. Raef and Eila seem to forge a deeper emotional connection in this novel with their fears for each other and Eila’s want to protect herself. They get a lot of things out in the open, complete with a few arguments, but it really just made them closer. I loved them and I want more of them!

Other Characters: We see more of the other characters in this novel as well. For the most part, the quotes above speak for themselves. MJ was as quirky and supportive as always. There was more development and glimpses of Ana and Kian’s past together and I liked the lead up that we have for Cruel Summer. I want more than anything to know what exactly happened between the two of them. We see more of Christian in this novel as he has taken up residence in the Cape to look after Eila. And finally, we are introduced to a new character from Elizabeth’s past that I won’t talk about for fear of spoilers.

World Building: As I mentioned, we get more of Elizabeth’s past in this novel and we also pull in some unexpected characters. I really enjoyed piecing together the information that we discovered over the course of the novel. It all lead to an absolutely evil cliffhanger that left me gaping like a fish. Hopefully we’ll get the next book soon!

Conclusion: Stormfront was even better than Undertow: it had double the action, double the unexpected twists, and double the history. An engaging book that I refused to put down, it is definitely one that I can recommend.”

Priya (Teen Reviewer): “This book was AMAZING! I thought it couldn’t get any better than UNDERTOW, but it was way better than UNDERTOW. The language in the book was so vivid and I could imagine in my head everything that was going on! This book kept me on my toes and had me turning page after page. I cannot wait for her next book!

After surviving from the scene at The Breakers, all Eila Wallker wants is for her life to be normal again, but that can’t happen when you have a bodyguard with you constantly. And that certainly can’t happen if there are other Mortis trying to kill you. And also add a mysterious guy, Rillin, who seems to be saving you and happens to be your bodyguards’ dealer. Well, let’s say there’s a lot going on. And don’t forget the necklace and the diary which is in the hands of the diabolical cheerleader Nikki Shea!

This is certainly a great book to read. I recommend this to mostly people at least the age of 13 and to those who like a great thriller/mystery with a hint of romance!”

Books and Sweet Epiphany (Book Blogger): “I am in love with the story. There is no doubt about it. It is just unbelievably good and it keeps sucking me in like a proverbial drug. The second book is even better than the first as certain things are getting clearer to me, Eila’s fantastic family history, the connections of dots from multiple storylines on multiple timelines. It is just fantastic.

In the second book, I get to rave at what an idiot Raef (Eila’s boyfriend) is and yet still feel like I understand him. I mean, come on, a girl can take care of herself with support from someone she loves. Yes, I am being a feminist but when I read how Raef seems to be obsessed with protecting Eila, I just keep rolling my eyes at his idiocy.

At that particular note, the growing characters and of course, the idiocy of Raef just makes this book really really really worth the read. It really shows the imperfections of life and I am thankful that some books are doing that. Unlike many other stories, it keeps getting better and better.

Stormfront also focuses on the other characters like the relationship between Ana and Kian, on how they came to be and more appearance of MJ, who is utterly hilarious. Did I say how much I love MJ’s character?

It is tragic, surprising and when you think you can guess the gist of it, you’re completely wrong.”

Lindsey Hughes (YA Librarian): “I believe I enjoyed this book even more than the first, Undertow. Stormfront was able to delve further into the characters, showing their depth. It begins in the snowy Northeast and whisks you away to a tropical local described so well, that any New Englander would eagerly travel to it the middle of winter. Strong new characters are introduced, and like any great read, twists and turns are unexpected and exciting. The end= perfection.”

Alisha Tarran (Book Buyer / Seller): “So, when I read the previous book, I went in to it a bit skeptical, judging a book by its cover and all that, but I loved it, it ticked so many “hell yes” boxes, and I was super excited to dive in to Stormfront!

Undertow left you wanting more, a hell of a lot more, and Stormfront doesn’t disappoint! I mean, I spent the whole book muttering and gasping to myself as I had various different “oh my god, whaaaaatt” moments that I couldn’t see coming if they’d dressed up as a giant pink elephant and did the macarena right in front of me. Seriously, if you’re after a book where you can’t tell what’s happening next, then this one’s for you!

If you haven’t read Undertow, I really think you should before you dive in to this book, not just because it’s an awesome book but because you’ll know what’s going on, and get the full experience as Stormfront plunges us straight back in to the world we left at the end of Undertow.

Much like Undertow I was hooked from the first page of Stormfront, many a series has fallen thanks to a crappy sequel, but Stormfront doesn’t have that problem, it’s just as good, if not better than Undertow.

Stormfront was fast paced, with a great flow and was engaging the entire way through. The world building continued to be atmospheric and vivid and sucked you in to the world in all encompassing kinda way.

All of the characters continued to wreak havoc on my feels, coming to life right on the page in front of me and I tried to not get attached, I really did but ya know…it was kind of impossible, they’re just all written so well and you love all of them kinda like how Dany loves her dragons. It’s not as weird as it sounds…..I promise? haha

Don’t believe me about how well the secondary characters are written? Doubt their depth? Well Conway gives us backstory/glimpses of the past for Ana and Kian and I don’t know a single author who would give that kind of detail to secondary characters, not to mention the development.

Anyways, we get some new characters, who are all awesome and have just as much depth as the others, including one who’s….questionable? Is a he a friend? Can he be trusted? I don’t know but I sure as hell better find out soon!

Eila continued to be a character I love, I learned my lesson from Undertow, and I made sure I didn’t read this in a public place so I could chuckle away without looking like a total weirdo. There’s just so much about Eila that makes her so easy to connect to. As much as I loved her in the first book, she really has some growth in this book, she becomes more confident in everything which is a joy to watch for a character you love. Not to mention how she decided she wanted to be able to protect herself.

Eila and Raef together are just so cute and sweet together it could give you a cavity, seriously. As I said in my review about the first book, their relationship gives you the warm and fuzzies and squeals. I love how they work together, I love how Raef knows she can handle herself so backs off, they are ridiculously adorable and their bond becomes tighter in this book. He always puts her first and seriously what girl will not love that?!

Stormfront threw a curve ball, which made the book even more intriguing. We get a split POV this time round, Eila and Raef our are narrators, and I just loved learning more about both of our main characters from the other ones perspective! It’s something that always intrigues me and was done incredibly well!

These two books are such a breath of fresh air in to the YA genre, they’re unique and engaging and Conway writes everything so that everything is so natural and realistic. I mean, there’s no pointless drama just to further the plot or to make the romance more “interesting” and I honestly can’t get enough of it!

We get to see Eila learn more about her heritage and so we got more of the rich and intriguing history I loved so much in the first book. I’m a history geek okay, I love all history, I do not discriminate! The plot for Stormfront is just as carefully thought out as Undertow and the different elements are blended together perfectly.

My only complaint? Pleeeaaasseeee nooooo not another cliffhanger! How am I supposed to cope with the wait for the third book? I mean…waaaa!

Stormfront is a fantastic continuation of what’s shaping up to be a truly unique breath of fresh air in to the YA genre saturated with vampires and other over done supernatural creatures. We get rich history, more action, more plot twists you don’t expect, an entire cast of characters as well developed and written as our leads, a sickeningly cute romance, but most of all, a world that sucks you in and a plot that keeps you engaged the entire way through, so that when you reach the end, it’s a mild shock.

Although a word of warning…Stormfront is going to be the kind of book that you sit and read and try to piece together everything you learn in the book to try and work out where the authors going with this….even though you know you’re gonna be wrong because the curve balls keep on coming!”

Winter Haven Books: “There are so many awesome components that overall make this a home run for me. It is unique story line that constantly kept me on my toes and left me with a nasty book hangover. The way Mrs. Conway sets the scene is flawless as her love for her home, the Cape Cod, Massachusetts area, shine brightly through in her writing. If I had the means I would want to make it my home. The fictional world and history of the Lunterra and Mortis also play a huge role in this installment. I can say that I have never been more satisfied with a sequel in my life. Every single question I had swimming around in my brain was answered as more and more of the puzzle that was Elizabeth Walker’s life came into view. Now I’m just left with a whole new set of questions. The pacing moved nicely along throughout the story. I do however suggest reading the last chapter of the first book before heading into this one. I was a bit lost until i did that cause there are just so many details one seems to forget. The all came rushing back the second i finished up and that made my overall enjoyment all the better. I think hell may have also frozen over since I had a case of the I-hate-you-for-some-unknown-reason syndrome with Eila last book and she has fully cured me of that which HAS NEVER HAPPENED before. She really grew as a person as all of the cast did. Conway has a way of giving you the maximum amount of details without it seeming like a complete info dump. Bravo on that! The ending was always quite perfect in my book. It was a cliff hanger but more of a perfect place to stop till the next edition. So often I’m left unsatisfied with endings in a sequels. If your looking for a unique supernatural YA thriller with ties to a historical fiction flashbacks give this series a try. Your inner bookworm will be sated I promise!”

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Click below to open a pdf version of STORMFRONT’s Press Release – hand one to your bookseller, teacher or librarian and have them start stocking the UNDERTOW series:

press release for STROMFRONT