The Storm Gathers - (Stormfall) by Maelan Holladay (Hardcover)

About the Book

"After being forced from her home five years ago, Alana Zaya has finally been given the opportunity to return and claim her rightful place on the Okaron throne. When her voyage is waylaid by pirates, she soon finds herself stranded at sea, surrounded by strangers harboring dark secrets. But hers are perhaps the darkest of all. Across the world, Rae Toma is a warrior who can't walk away from a fight. After years of using her skills to rebel against the regime that trained her, her treachery is revealed, forcing her to flee into the Shatter a maze of islands that no one has ever returned from. There, she finds Nur Del Sue, a Stormwitch on a mission to prove herself in a world determined to ignore her. Forced from their homes, can these characters survive long enough to uncover the deadly mysteries at the heart of their world?"--

Book Synopsis

Discover what Kirkus calls "an electric work of epic fantasy," where allies are scarce and almost everyone will kill for power.

One day, my dear daughter, you will destroy the world.

After being forced from her home five years ago, Alana Zaya has finally been given the opportunity to return and claim her rightful place on the Okaron throne. When her voyage is waylaid by pirates, she soon finds herself stranded at sea, surrounded by strangers harboring dark secrets. But hers are perhaps the darkest of all.

Across the world, Rae Toma is a warrior who can't walk away from a fight. After years of using her skills to rebel against the regime that trained her, her treachery is revealed, forcing her to flee into the Shatter--a maze of islands that no one has ever returned from.

There, she finds Nur Del Sue, a Stormwitch on a mission to prove herself in a world determined to ignore her.

Forced from their homes, can these characters survive long enough to uncover the deadly mysteries at the heart of their world?

Review Quotes

Holladay's kinetic prose brings her characters to dramatic life ... Many of the elements of the setting and story will be familiar to fantasy fans; even so, Holladay's worldbuilding is rich and subtle, and her protagonists are memorably bold. Readers will look forward to a sequel.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

The Storm Gathers is a delight, an exhilarating tale of elemental witches, magic schools, rebellions and power games. The world is big, fresh and full of energy, and the characters fizz with secrets and undiscovered feelings. Sparky dialogue, lashings of humour and a propulsive plot will leave readers desperate for more by the story's end. An intriguing start to what promises to be a stellar series.--David Wragg, author of the Articles of Faith series

Fast-paced, thrilling, and full of stormy seas, pirates, and witches. The Storm Gathers feels modern and fresh while harking back to the best fantasy traditions, with a world that is expansive and wholly original. Holladay is definitely an author to watch.--Genoveva Dimova, author of Foul Days

There is one thing I like more than fast-paced fantasy, and that is fast-paced fantasy with pirates. I inhaled this book. I was transported in three different directions and was engrossed in every point of view. Somehow, The Storm Gathers managed to feel fresh and wholly unique, whilst still paying homage to my favourite fantasy elements of old. Maelan Holladay builds worlds you want to be lost in. The Storm Gathers is a warm embrace for all readers of fantasy.--Stacey McEwan, author of The Glacian Trilogy

About the Author

Maelan Holladay was born and raised in the Bay Area. When she isn't lost between the pages of a book, she can be found doing archery, training crows, or re-watching the same movie for the hundredth time. She enjoys stories with complex worlds, morally-gray characters, and mythical creatures. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in animal biology.