The Storm

 By Virginia Bergin

This book surpasses it’s predecessor by 10 fold. Maybe it’s because I was able to get past the writing style/voice and enjoy the heart of the story more quickly than before. Maybe it’s because I really knew the small bit of science included in the solution because of my microbiology background (this is why my friend originally thought I might love H2O). Maybe it was because I knew to brace my heart when animals were involved. Whatever the case, my journey in The Storm was much more enjoyable than H2O.

There was some confusion about the origin of the phage, though. In the middle of the book there was an allusion to the possibility that the phage originated from a rotten apple. Then, when the Spratt survived the rushing river and the Princess survived the (still) killer rain, my prediction of phage origin shifted. Yes, it was discussed in the end that the “Rockety thing” (phage), was transferred via Ruby’s mucous. Since she kissed Darius Spratt a few times he got the phage, and since she kissed the cute little chihuahua in the beginning of all of this and then the chihuahua kissed the Princess, the phage was transferred to her as well. (Does that mean the doggy is completely immune, too? - like ultra immune?) My frustration with this scenario stems from the untidiness of it all. There are likely other things (other people?) that Ruby got mucus on and are not further discussed. Wouldn’t the mom have the phage after dealing with a crying Ruby for years? Wouldn’t her baby brother also have the phage either from mom or Ruby kissing him? And if we are assuming mom has the phage, then obviously Simon would get it, too. A more complete and thorough solution to phage origin would be something that all three orphaned kids experienced together in their journey. Maybe there was something in that supply closet where the two leads first kissed that then transferred to the Princess. Maybe there was something in a barn or a tractor. I don’t have this perfectly worked out. My point is, I wish the solution was included in the previous book and I wish it was more consistent to something the three leads experienced together. 

Even though I find this phage origin story frustrating, it does not greatly tarnish the book. All in all the book brought me great joy and if you found the first book entertaining, this is sure to follow with even greater reactions. Also if you read H2O, the desire for closure will likely be high (it ends with many unsolved situations - no bow on the conclusion) and this book satisfies with closure. Yes, there are still a few things not wrapped up, but the trajectory is obvious and you leave the characters feeling good about their lives. 

    --did Grace ever escape that museum? Or was that Xar’s point; don’t come back without them. 

Happy Reading, Bookworms!