Five words: I enjoyed it a lot.

That seems a pretty simplistic way of saying it but yes, I was hooked on the Spirit Storm the moment I read a teaser about it from the first book of this highly engaging series (please see my review for the first book in the series, She Smells the Dead on The Traveling Reader).

Spirit Storm picks up a few weeks after Yuki solved the murder case of Mr. Jackson Green and helped him cross to the light (it was quite a relief for Yuki, too, not having to smell his vinegar-y like presence anymore). But with the advent of Samhain, the time of the year when the veil separating the spirit world from ours thins to let malevolent spirits have a play, Yuki is far from safe. As a light bringer or spirit guide, Yuki not only attracts harmless spirits with unfinished businesses but also those who may wreak havoc and ultimately cause her demise. The threat of Yuki being overwhelmed by these spirits is looming yet no one knows what to do. Then enter Yuki’s brilliant yet rather risky idea. Switch the Amulet of Nera – a known repellent of bad juju whose history is steeped in controversy and magic – with a grade A fake. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? If only Yuki and her friends can find and afford to hire a master craftsman who can wield an exact replica. If only she can summon enough strength to ward off the spirits (or have the guts to try breaking & entering). If only the amulet wasn’t guarded by witches in Salem, Massachusetts. And if only Calvin was not plagued by a mysterious werewolf killer hellbent on exacting revenge on his pack. So what’s it gonna be for our merry band of characters? Steal the amulet and up the odds of Yuki being safe? Or forego the chance of facing the wrath of Salem witches and watch Yuki die?

It’s always tough for any author to top what her debut novel has done but E.J. Stevens did a super remarkable job with Spirit Storm and then some. Not only has the book captured the mood and success of She Smells the Dead, it has also cemented the normalcy of paranormal beings like werewolves, not a common feat even in paranormal series. Since I am an avid reader of fantasy books, the introduction of otherworldly characters does not pose a problem for me. Those preferring contemporary reads, however, might have a little bit of difficulty if the paranormal aspect is not handled well. But not with this series. E.J. Stevens has created likeable characters, a fast-paced plot and a fair share of romance to keep even the most picky readers engaged.

The defining moment of this book for me was how our heroes and heroines used a combination of smarts, special abilities and sheer boldness in conquering the trouble they were in. It was also great seeing secondary leads Simon and Emma take on a much bigger role and impact to the overall story arc. Yuki and Calvin have also proved to be tenacious characters who have just the right sense of adventure to keep everything going together. While the book is too short for my taste (it usually is when you’re enjoying something too much), I’ll be looking forward to further escapades with Yuki, Calvin, Simon and Emma as they face the consequences of their actions and who knows what else in this terrific world that E.J. Stevens has crafted.

You can stalk the author on:
Her blog: http://ejstevensbooks.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @EJStevensAuthor
Goodreads: E.J. Stevens on Goodreads