24 Mar / We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia [in Booklist]
Finishing what she so affectingly began, Kyla García returns to conclude Tehlor Kay Mejia’s high-octane duology in which the privileged world of Medio and the rebellious encampments of La Voz implode, with the inevitable showdown of Medio’s heir-apparent Mateo Garcia and his two wives – his Primera Dani, his Segunda Carmen. García began in Medio from Dani’s perspective in We Set the Dark on Fire, which ended with a bang – both emotionally and physically.
Storm belongs to Carmen, who has returned to La Voz after surviving the explosion, but is forced to abandon Dani. In Carmen’s years away, however, the resistance has dramatically changed: La Voz’s commander is uncharacteristically deferring to newcomer Ari, whose rash anger and unfounded accusations make him more liability than leader. Determined to rescue Dani at any cost, Carmen unleashes the merciless storm that will mean either salvation or devastation.
With precision and control, García’s rhythmic narration is an instant draw, mirroring Carmen’s vigilant calculations. Her voice grows urgently charged at just the right moments – escape, desperation, falling in love – never giving in to melodramatic unrestraint. Let the storms unleash.
Review: “Media,” Booklist, March 15, 2020
Readers: Young Adult
Published: 2020