I received this book for free from Leap Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Storm Watcher by Maria V. SnyderPublished by Leap Books on October 19th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Middle-Grade
Source: Leap Books
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Luke Riley is lost. His mother's recent death has set Luke and his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and become a family again. The summer after sixth grade looms in Luke's mind as a long, lonely three months where the only thing he can look forward to is watching The Weather Channel. Luke is fascinated with the weather, but since his mother's death in a storm, he is also terrified. Even the promised 13th birthday present of a Bloodhound puppy fails to lift Luke's spirits. He would rather have a different breed - a petite Papillon, but his father insists he get a Bloodhound.
When Luke decides to get the Bloodhound from Willajean, a dog breeder who owns Storm Watcher Kennel, he works out a deal to help at her kennel in exchange for the expensive dog. Thrilled to have a summer with a purpose, Luke befriends Willajean's daughter, Megan and together they plan how Luke can get a Papillon puppy instead of a Bloodhound. But nothing seems to work as they struggle with stubborn fathers, summer storms, unhelpful siblings, and hidden guilt. Can one little white dog really save both families?
This was my first book by Maria V. Snyder, though it was also a Middle Grade. It’s a quick, short read about a boy terrified of storms and a passion for dogs.
After having lost his mother, Luke is still adjusting to having this big hole in his life. He gets a summer job at a dog kennel where they breed and train dogs. It’s a perfect book for dog lovers. We get into dog training, especially tracker dogs, which I find kind of fascinating. But the best part of this novel for me was its characters. We have this boy who’s so sweet. His emotions and blame for his mother’s death broke my heart. I also loved the bond he has with his family. Even though they were in rough waters at the time, you could still tell they cared for each other in the moments where things mattered. We also meet a woman who fills the motherly figure a little bit. She becomes a rock for Luke to lean on. Someone – and somewhere – else he can turn to when he’s feeling trapped.
Throughout this novel we see Luke find himself, find what he’s good at and what he needs to overcome to get there. It’s a journey to self discovery. For an MG novel I was not expecting this level of depth. Not to say MG novels are generally superficial, but it was a very realistic look at grief, self blame, and deep rooted fears.
With all that positive, why didn’t I rate this any higher than 3? For one, due to the small number of pages I didn’t get more than a brief foray – albeit a moving one – into these people’s lives. I didn’t not connect with them, but it did not get me completely invested. For another, I found it was fairly predictable. I could have told you how it would end in the first quarter and I would have had it nailed, more or less a few details. On the same note, I found the ending was a little too perfectly worked out. MG novels do tend to have more Happily Ever After endings, I guess.
I know this review is short – but so is the book. I really don’t have much else to say about it. Overall it was a sweet read and dog lovers, especially, are sure to enjoy it.
3 Hot Espressos
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Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
I don’t read many MG books, but all I keep hearing is how deep they can be and it makes me want to read a lot of them. Unfortunately, there’s just so little time.
This sounds like a short but powerful story. It’s a shame you didn’t connect with any of the characters though.
I’m a big Maria V Snyder fan, so I might give this one a shot.
Great review, Giselle!
Bethzaida (bookittyblog)
This one sounds sweet. I read Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and loved it. Maybe I should give this one a try.
Savannah
I had no idea that she had a mg book out. I thought she just wrote YA or Adult. Cool! I’ll have to check it out.
Christianna
This one sounds cute! Thanks for the heads up, cause my nephew is about that age and loves books like this!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I read and loved touch of power from maria v. snyder and I have her study series mocking me from my bookshelves, but I haven’t heard of this one yet. It looks cute.
Thanks for bringing a new book to my attention Giselle. Great review.
Michelle
fishgirl182 @ nite lite book reviews
Sad you didn’t love this one. I really like Maria’s Poison Study series. But I totally understand. Sometimes books are just alright. Not bad but not great. You should def give some of her other books a try someday.
Mary @ BookSwarm
Definitely try Maria’s Poison Study. That’s my fave series of hers so far. I do understand about those shorter MG books (or any book). It’s always harder to really get involved with the characters.
Lauren
I struggle with middle grades because of the reasons this wasn’t higher than 3 espressos for you—predictability, too short for me to invest deeply and a tendency toward tidy endings. Still, I can’t seem to stop reading them! I’ll probably give this a try sometime, but I’m sure I’ll have a similar reaction—liking it but not being blown away. Great review!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Awesome Giselle, I didn’t realise she came out with a middle grade book! It sounds so cute, don’t think I’ve read many books that focus on dogs. Thanks for your honest review – perhaps if it was longer you would have enjoyed it more.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I’ve never heard of this one by Maria. V Snyder before, and since it’s MG I think I’m willing to give it a go as it’ll be a quick fun read! And like you, never read any of this woman’s novels before.
Fantastic review, Giselle! <33
Pili
This one sounds so sweet, and since dog lovers would like it, I think it’d be the perfect book to give to the bf’s elder niece for Xmas this year! Thanks for the review, Giselle!
Jack
I’m not a huge fan of MG novels, but the synopsis and the cover are really pulling me towards this one. But I really hate predictability, so I don’t think I’d enjoy it. Also, if a you can’t connect with a book well… Great review, Giselle!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I haven’t seen this on yet. Normally I don’t read a lot of middle grade, but I do read some with my daughter. I will keep an eye out for it. Great review.
Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows
Oh I’m glad you managed to enjoy this one despite how short it is. I know what you mean, at this length, it’s hard to develop much of a connection to the plot/characters! I’m planing on starting this one today actually…I meant to sooner but there’s just no time dammit! Anyways, thanks for the lovely review as usual G 🙂