cover image The Stormbringer

The Stormbringer

Isabel Cooper. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-72822-928-7

Cooper (Highland Dragon) launches an exciting fantasy romance duology with this epic adventure. When Sentinel Darya stumbles on the sleeping body of Amris var Faina, a legendary general who fought a war against the Traitor God 100 years ago, and awakens him from his slumber, she discovers that the Traitor God is plotting his return, as his servant, the dark wizard Thyran, gathers strength once more. Darya catches Amris up on the events of the last century as they gather other Sentinels and wizards to join the fight that’s sure to come, but their relationship is complicated by the spirit of Amris’s former lover, the wizard Gerant, now embedded in Darya’s soul-sword as a weapon. Cooper’s worldbuilding impresses as her characters prepare for the dreaded clash with the Traitor God, laying the groundwork for another stimulating adventure to come. Though the love story takes a backseat to the action, the characters are well-drawn and easy to root for. The well-crafted magical world and dash of romance are sure to win over readers. [em](Dec.) [/em]