Author: Jonathan Friesen
Publisher: Blink YA Books
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: Jessica Higgins
When a Tornado hits a small town in Oklahoma, it brings more than just destruction and devastation.
Oklahoma is known for its tornados and the destruction they bring. When Jonah was just a baby, a twister hit his town and not only destroyed parts of it, it also left a baby on the lawn next to his. He has since fallen in love with Stormi. Jonah is plagued with scoliosis and epileptic seizures. Stormi doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. She goes through life seeing things before they happen. She listens to these prophecies inside her even when she doesn’t like what they are saying. Her latest feeling is telling her to get out of town. She goes to Jonah for help and they both leave and discover the secrets the town has been keeping could do more damage than a twister ever has.
Jonathan Friesen has crafted a unique story that twists and turns faster than the EF5 tornado that has hit the town more than once. With characters that are easily relatable, even if they are considered weird and different by many, the story is easy to follow and hard to put down. The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is how it shows that even if you have a condition or disability it doesn’t limit your ability to help others and believe in those you love. Jonah had many problems but he never once let that stop him from trying to help Stormi and others. He had a determination that is very lacking in many of that age. Stormi knew that others didn’t want to believe in her predication and thought she was unnatural; however, still she follows her heart and does what she can and knows to be right. I loved how Friesen crafted the secret the town has hid for so long and the way it came out. There is a lot to like about this book and not much to dislike. So few novels, especially YA read this quickly but still have a good message that doesn’t get lost in the mindless ramblings of characters that aren’t needed. This is a story that I will recommend to YA lovers and readers of all ages who just enjoy a really good story with a message.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
