Book Review: Storm Shelter, Vol I by April Salee

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!

  I love to look for books to read online for free. I never know what awesome gems I may come in contact with. Free books can be highly underrated, and often overlooked. 

  Upon searching online I found another book by April Salee, whom I have reviewed before. I enjoyed her last book I that I read. But, this one was different. I was not a self-help book, it was a young adult fantasy book. I was intrigued, and it was free to download. I am happy that I did.

  
  Storm Shelter begins with teen, Amelia Barber, returning home early from school due to a severe storm that is about to hit her area. Upon returning home, Amelia realizes that she does not have her key to her home (having left it on her father's desk). She about to seek alternate shelter from the storm when she is abruptly pulled under ground. She comes face to face with Starla, an Earth Ranger. Starla is a protector of those in need, and informs Amelia that she has the potential for great things in the future. She explains this is why she was saved from the now-escalating storm above.

  Amelia is skeptical, wanting to be just an ordinary girl growing up doing ordinary things. But soon she realizes that everything the Earth Ranger has said is all true. Some time after, Amelia is once again approached by Starla. The Earth Ranger begins to inform her of those she is to save, as well as offering her encouragement and guidance. From there Amelia must accept her new role in the world. This includes helping defeat a bully (with the best mean kid name I have heard thus far), Clayton Thumbs. And helping a "furry friend", named Dara, that enters Amelia's life and offers some comedy relief. Amelia's world is opened to new possibilities that lead to the discovery of amazing powers she did not know she had.

  This story has a lot of underlying messages about caring for others, bullying, and the wonders that we often miss by being embroiled in petty things. I hear that this is series that will continue soon. I was happy to hear that. Ameilia Barber is a great role model for teenagers, with a sharp wit and caring heart. Salee has unearthed her own talent as an up-and-coming Young Adult writer. There is a sense of wonder not only in Amelia's narrative, but in the author's writing style.

  I gave this book four out of five stars. I walked away from Storm Shelter feeling very warm and happy. That is always a great feeling to carry away from a book.


     Because there is always time to read,
  Xepherus3

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