Stormdancer - Jay Kristoff

A fantastic, fierce fantasy tale, loved it!!

 

I found the characters and setting of Stormdancer, especially the descriptions of a slowly poisoned, dying land unbelievably compelling. The insidiousness of the lotus, now the backbone of civilization but soon to be the architect of it's destruction. This and more came alive as the attention to detail and richness of history was built to a level of detail that I felt leap off the page.

 

Then we have Buruu, the magnificent, mythical thunder tiger that becomes our protagonist's savior and protector. He aligns himself as her 'brother' and their relationship as they strive to protect each other from the Shogun's vile and selfish attentions are a straight tug to the heart.

 

This story has it all; a complicated world filled with adventure and the resiliency of spirit as a people fight to reclaim a better life.