Customer Reviews

In The Storm

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the Storm is a novella that almost reads as a diary. I felt as if I was being told, not shown what was happening. That is not the style of writing that I particularly love to read. Therefore, I had a difficult time becoming engaged in the story. Having said that, as I got further along, I found it harder and harder to stop reading. I don't know if that is because I became invested in the story or that I was determined to hash through the confusing details of Carly's "storm world". And believe me, when the world is explained, it becomes very confusing.

There were some things that I did really like about In the Storm, though. Karen Metcalf does an excellent job of giving the imagery of the storm world. I found myself visualizing the trees, the angry sky and waves. I felt the raindrops. I felt Carly's despair. Metcalf also does an excellent job of building suspense. I found myself reading at a frantic pace throughout the second half of the book. All the while, I had a building sense of dread. The book has a very heartbreaking, haunting end.

In the Storm was for me, a very disturbing look at abuse. In saying that, I'm not saying "Don't read this. It's upsetting". I whole-heartedly believe that abuse is a subject we should all be conscious of, even when not directly affected. This book made me more sad than anything. But, as I write this, I realize this very haunting, sad book will stick with me for quite some time.

I am still reeling from just finishing this novella, and let me tell you it's going to stick with me for a while. In the Storm is a book like no others. The 88 pages flew by and I'm left with a feeling somewhere between exasperation at the fact that there is no more left for me to read, and total awe at the whole concept behind the story. This was definitely one of a kind.

Although this is a shorter novella, the characters really come to life. The sheer fact that Karen Metcalf was able to fit so much character development into these pages is what really blew my mind. In a matter of pages I was one with Carly and the immense anger that bubbled underneath her surface. Anger at her life, anger at the circumstances surrounding her, anger at the fact that she couldn't seem to control anything. Carly is definitely not a happy girl, and it shows both in her actions and her words. However despite her deep anger, you can see that there is a wounded Carly there who just wants to reach out to someone. She craves someone in her life to hold onto. Despite my short stint of reading her, I'm happy to say that I really did feel for Carly.

I don't want to give anything away, but the plot of this story is truly what blew me away. In beautiful dialogue between Carly and the mysterious Morgan, Karen Metcalf weaves a story that made me stop and think. Hard. Fate is focused upon heavily in this story, as Carly navigates the reality of the dream world she has so recently found. There were portions of the story that I found myself re-reading and blinking at in amazement. Somehow despite my confusion initially it all clicked into place. Now I can't keep myself from mulling over what my eyes have been opened to. Fiction or not, the way fate is discussed in this book is definitely something to think about.

My one qualm? I want more. I want to know more about why Carly was so important, why her dream world was so vividly created, and why Morgan was so essential to her. Truth be told if the book had been 400 pages I would have read ravenously. The questions that hang in the air at the ending are deliciously maddening.

Long story short, I truly loved this novella. I give it the highest recommendation I can and urge you to pick it up! Perhaps it might have been one that you would glance over normally in favor of books with more buzz, but let me tell you In the Storm is one that you don't want to miss.

I found the story very creative and interesting. It dealt with a strong-willed daughter, her younger brother and their drunken step-father. Carly finds her job in this world is to protect her younger brother - which she does. Along the way, she gets drawn into her own world and meets a young man around her age. It may seem like an old story being retold again but, with Ms. Metcalf's edgy writing she puts a spin on it that makes it fascinating.

Okay, I don't typically go for work that can be classified as YA - this story could be, but it is so, so much more.

Carly is trapped in a recurring nightmare that plays over and over in her own home. Though she longs to protect her younger brother, Mitchell, she cannot help but long for an escape. Watching summer storms is her normal refuge.

One night, however, she quite literally escapes.

One CLICK brings her to a strange universe where she encounters an even stranger guide in the form of Morgan. He shows her more than he should about her life's twists, turns, and that which is supposed-to-be. Her very presence could change everything about this universe. Will those changes bring about their salvation, or their doom?

This is one of those stories that will stick with me for a very long time, much like Stephen King's 'Stationary Bike.' It will leave you questioning the notions of fate and karma versus free-will, the nature of time, and how even the smallest of actions can have profound consequences.

In the beginning I was confused about what exactly was actually happening in this book, but it was okay, somehow, because the main character, Carly, was confused as well. What's so great about this novella is that in a short period of time you really grow to care about Carly and her little brother, Mitchell. You want Carly to find out answers about this strange storm world she's been transported to, but you also desperately want her and Mitchell to be able to escape the abuse of their stepfather. It's so horrific to me that people have to live with abuse. The sad reality is that most people don't have a storm world to escape to, and it makes me wonder what their escape is. However, even a storm world is no guarantee of everything going right, and I liked how this was dealt with in the story, even though it was heartbreaking.

I would definitely recommend that you check out this novella. The writing is so incredibly lovely; I would definitely describe it as atmospheric or evocative. You could really imagine what the storm world was like, and I loved that. The whole book is a very emotional, worthwhile read. While I found the ending to be predictable, it was still very satisfying. With so much horror in Carly's life I can only hope that her ending remains happy.

Carly's Mother left her and her little brother, Mitch to the hands of her evil stepfather, Richard. Richard is an alcoholic and he shows the kids no mercy. Carly and Mitch end up walking around on pins and needles, hoping to just stay hidden behind the shadows and not be noticed by Richard. He enjoys seeing them miserable and he enjoys making them cry. He is just very abusive and a horrible person.

One evening after Carly is so angry with Richard, she is transported to another world. She thinks that she is dreaming, but soon is told that she is not. This world is unlike any other that she has seen, with purple skies and grey sand. She starts visiting this world more often and tries to find out answers to questions about her future, but what she finds out, may not be exactly what she is looking for.

This book was a very short read. I was mesmerized from the beginning by this alternate world that was created.

***Small Spoiler Alert*****

I LOVED the ending! Right before I read the last page, I was like...wait?? Where does J.L. fit into all of this??? Awww....Morgan...*swoon*!!

The Novella is beautifully written and I was hooked from the first page. The author made the characters come to life and the description of the scenes made me feel that I was right there among the characters. Cary and Morgan were my favorite characters in the book but the other characters played a big part in the plot of the story. Cary lives an abusive life and when she finds herself in the beautiful storm world she meets Morgan. Cary is intrigued by Morgan and finds comfort when she is with him. I was impressed that the author could develop all the characters in such a short book and when I finished the book I wanted more. I wanted to learn more about Cary, Morgan and the dream world.

In The Storm captured me from the first page and kept my attention. Yes, it is a short story, but it is a well written one with well developed characters.

This is very emotional and it deals with tough issues, but it's woven with fantasy. Carly is a great main character, she has a great voice and she has a personality that I gravitate towards. I really liked the relationship between her and her brother, it was sweet and I could feel the emotion there. Morgan is a great interest with mystery, and awkwardness. I'd love for him to be in my safe-haven.

Its a very fast paced read, but it didn't feel rushed to me. The ending sat well with me, and made my imagination run as to what could happen next (in a good way).

In the storm by Karen Metcalf

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.

No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay? (Synopsis provided by goodreads)

When I first started this story, I wasn't sure what to expect. Metcalf had me hooked after the first chapter. I thought the story was well-written. In the Storm is a novella, but it isn't what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I was expecting to be honest.

I really enjoyed reading Carly's story and her other world she goes to.

Carly has a lot to learn and during the course of the story she learns more and more. Her character development is very strong. Carly is the main character and most of the story is in her mind we always see what she is thinking, more so I think then in other books where the main character is the narrator.

The dialog was strong, even if there wasn't a lot of it. I will be watching Metcalf in the future for more stories, she is a wonderful new story teller.

Overall rating:

**** 4 out of 5 stars

Cover art: I like the artwork, it really shows the world Carly goes to.

Obtained:

I was sent a copy by Karen Metcalf for review.

After the death of their father and their mother long gone, Carly and her younger brother Mitchell are left to live with their step father, a man who insists on making their lives miserable. Richard, their step father, has a drinking problem and often goes after Mitchell to hurt Carly even more. One time Carly reacts to his violent behavior but, `CLICK', she enters a storm world where she meets a boy named Morgan. Carly is not supposed to believe the storm world is real and by her knowing it is affects everything and everyone around her.

Carly has so many questions, yet each time she finds herself in the storm world and faces Morgan, she cannot seem to remember them all. Morgan tries his best to explain the other world dimensions that exist. They involve alternate paths that Carly directly influences with each decision she makes. Although this storm world seems beautiful and safe at first, Carly soon learns that this world is not as stable as she thought and those she cares for are in danger, including herself.

Carly's emotions are the focus of the novel and from the very beginning she is portrayed as a well-defined and strong protagonist. Although at times she lets her emotions get the best of her, she learns to overcome her fear and does everything she can to protect her little brother.

In The Storm is a short story with emotional depth that will stay with you long after reading the very last words. This novel deals with a lot of heavy issues such as alcoholism, abuse, love, and sacrifice. I believe there are many lessons readers can learn through Carly's actions, one being that with each choice there are consequences which must be accepted, good or bad.

Karen Metcalf has presented a wonderful concept of unique worlds that are represented by people's emotions that will leave you wanting to create and enter your very own. I also appreciate that readers can easily relate to the emotions portrayed by the characters and can understand each threat involved without any use of graphic details.

This novel is appropriate for most age groups and I would definitely recommend this to all who enjoy YA Fiction with more depth.

4/5 - An Enjoyable Read, Well Written, Recommended