Yukiko has an amazing gift, she could talk to animals, and this doesn't bode well in an empire headed by a greedy Shogun who would burn those he considered Impure. But when Yukioko's warrior father, a reknowned hunter was given the task to capture a Griffin ( a thunder-tiger with wings), Yukiko and her family's fate lies on pleasing the Shogun and fulfilling this impossible mission.

Circumstances brought Yukiko to an unknown place together with a not so friendly wounded Griffin. From there, blooms friendship, past are rediscovered, more mysteries awaits and a war brims- can a girl and a flightless griffin take on an empire?

STORMDANCER features a very unique, interesting plot and a beautiful cover. Jay Kristoff weaves a new world of steampunk, feudal Japan and fantasy so well, that readers are pulled in into the world he created. The world-building is well-thought of and very rich in details; the story flows naturally, it's fast- paced and always keeps the reader on edge on what would happen next.

Despite the new terms (Japanese words), it's very readable and engaging, not at all overwhelming and packed with technical words as I expect it to be. Plus there's a Glossary so when you feel a little bit lost (what with the Japanese names) feel free to look at it. Although the first few chapters might slow you down with it's details and the society the heroine lives, it sure prepares you to an exciting adventure once Buruu shows up.

The characters are so well-developed, that I can't help but think that the Griffin almost feels real and human to me. I found myself falling for their friendship and I even began to hope that Buruu could turn into a human. I was touched to the brink of crying when the once proud Arashitora said, "Feathers grow back, sisters do not".

And don't worry this isn't just about bloody katanas and samurai fighting, there's humor too. I enjoyed Buruu's witty dialogue with Yukiko, his comments, his humor- and he, being himself. He's such a fun creature to be with.

When I read STORMDANCER, I wasn't reading the words, I was in the story together with the characters, the words are just a blur, I felt the story and that is more than enough for me to consider this book as one of the best, fantasy-steampunk I've ever read- I guess that's what matters.

The story ends with a cliffhanger—that will truly want you to grab the next book just to continue where you left off. I can't wait to read Kinslayer, the next book in the series.

STORMDANCER is very intense, unique, enthralling and riveting. It's one of a kind story that features friendship that surpasses beliefs and prejudices. It's definitely a book I would highly recommend!

Book Summary