Stormrise (The Storm Chronicles)

Storm Rise
by Skye Knizley

Does anyone remember Darren McGavin as “Kolchak: The Night Stalker”? Carl Kolchak, a grizzled investigative reporter (as are so many portrayed in fiction), used to find himself wrapped up in cases that always managed to center around a paranormal antagonist. The series only lasted one season in the mid-70s – which is a shame, because I found it highly entertaining and, at least in its best episodes, was an almost perfect blend of mystery and horror.

I've not seen anything like it – certainly not anything that I'd consider “good” - since then.
Until now.

“Storm Rise”, the first book in Skye Knizley's Storm Chronicles series, is a fantastic blend of murder mystery and paranormal. Raven Storm is a Detective for the Chicago police (what IS it about Chicago that provides the setting for this kind of story?), usually coincidentally (we assume) thrown into the most bizarre cases by her superiors. She follows her late father into this career. Raven also remains a part of her mother's world; there, she is known as Furstin Ravenel Tempeste, daughter of the leader of Chicago's vampires and a powerful Dhampyr (half-human, half-vampire) having the powers of the vampire without the inherent weaknesses.

In this novel, Raven and new partner Levac, deal with a suspicious death – a victim with a wound that apparently emerged from his interior rather than the traditional exterior entry. A second victim, well-acquainted with the first, is also located with a similar wound. And a voudou gris-gris bag is also found with each body. (No spoilers, except to state that author Knizley has found one of the most unique and grisly murder weapons I've ever encountered in years of reading murder mysteries.)

While this investigation is going on, Raven also deals with an attractive suitor who is newly arrived to her mother's court – and has to deal with a challenger to her mother's position.

As one might be able to tell by reading between the lines, I absolutely loved this novel and am looking forward to the next installment. (Which is already available – this book was released 2 years ago.)

RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

Skye has skillfully created a combined paranormal and law enforcement world in a unique manner. Her two main characters, Raven and Levac, are well developed in personality and colorful endearing traits. Follow the duo of Raven and Levac as they try to solve a mystery full of multiple plot twists and loads of action. A wonderfully constructed who done it. This book is the first in a series and I can hardly wait for the next one.

I will start with my basic overall review: I LOVE THIS BOOK!!

Ms. Knizley has managed to craft not only identifiable and believable characters, but characters you manage to care about deeply and want to root for almost from page 1. The visuals created by her wordcraft are stunning, the technical details of the weaponry are amazing, and I love the detailing on everything from the outfits to the food to the weather. With a fantastic plot, enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the page, and just a peppering of some romance to the action and mystery theme, I found I wasn't able to put the book down. I am now counting the days until the 2nd installment of Raven Storm is available. Kudos to Ms. Knizley, and thank you, thank you, thank you for a most wonderful fantasy world that I cannot wait to keep revisiting.

Storm Rise was really great. The overarching plot is very good. The author seems to tie in a love of magical culture along with real police investigation/pharmaceutical information and policies. The main character is both lust inducing and admirable, but still down to earth and very human in her mannerisms. There is also a fair nod to geek culture and modern slang. Knowing that this book was written by a local author (as I am also a CT native), it renewed my passion to work on my own fantasy book.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this story from start to finish! The historical information was intriguing all in itself, who would have known that Chicago had that kind of history. Now the fact that this book had so many supernatural being in itself was an attraction to me right from the get go!! However, I just loved the fact that Raven is a detective! Not to mention her partner and boss are a trip!! There was none stop action while she hunted down mortals and immortals alike while getting into some pretty sticky situations! To solve her case! Honestly this would make an excellent TV series not to mention a movie!!! Meanwhile I found Raven romance with the sophisticated François so dam hot!
Now I don't want to give too much away but this is a book you can't simply pass up!! I am dying to read the second book and this heart stopping series!!!

This is not your run of the mill Vampire story - Raven is half vampire and half human - she works as a Detective on the Chicago Police force - she always gets the weird cases. After going thru 2 partners her new partner is Levac who everyone has nicknamed "Codumbo". Follow the mystery of who is doing the killing - whether it be Lycan - ghoul - vampire or what have you. This book is well written and will keep you turning pages to find out what is gonna happen next and who is gonna get killed. Can't wait for the next book. Would definitely recommend to everyone

Stormrise is a dark sexy suspenseful lol funny read full of action & mystery Raven is a smart sassy bad to the bite heroine! Skye Knizley ROCKS!!! 5 STARS!!!

This was an amazing read, that had me hooked from the very first page. I could not put it down and as soon as I was finished, I ordered the next 2 books in this series. It moved along at an amazing pace, keeping me interested and entertained throughout and keeping me on the edge of my seat. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them personally. I am looking forward to reading book 2 and 3 in this awesome series. This is a must read and must be on your TBR list, if not you do not know what you are missing.