ARCTIC STORM by Joanne Sundell starts off with plenty of mysteries to unravel. Between the lovable sled dogs, the barely cared for protagonist, and the hints of spiritual/mythological deities, it seems like a story packed with adventure and excitement. However, as the novel progresses, it slowly goes downhill. The writing becomes more and more repetitive, and the plot progresses in incoherent and confusing directions. The initial setting in the beginning is nice, but as Anya's surroundings change, the less weaker the world building becomes. The magical/fantasy side of the story is shaky, and it makes it hard to keep up with what is happening to the characters.

The small budding romance between Rune and Anya seems to come from nowhere. Most of their conversations are brushed over, and it makes it hard to establish where in which their connection stems. The story almost attempts a kind of love triangle with a boy Anya left when she went after her dogs, but it feels more like a love triangle with the bare memory of him since he only makes an appearance in the beginning. Since this is a series, this may be something that develops more later on, but it feels awkward in this part.

While the premise is intriguing, ARCTIC STORM by Joanne Sundell ultimately did not work well with me. Readers interested in unique settings and sled dogs may want to try it, but in the end, it wasn't for me.

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