REVIEW: Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan

**I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you, Jimmy Books!). These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**

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Book: Girls of Storm and Shadow (Girls of Paper and Fire #2) by Natasha Ngan

Release Date: November 5, 2019

My Rating: 4.25 stars

Rep: ownvoices Asian-inspired world and characters

Summary: In this mesmerizing sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

Lei, the naive country girl who became a royal courtesan, is now known as the Moonchosen, the commoner who managed to do what no one else could. But slaying the cruel Demon King wasn’t the end of the plan—it’s just the beginning. Now Lei and her warrior love Wren must travel the kingdom to gain support from the far-flung rebel clans. The journey is made even more treacherous thanks to a heavy bounty on Lei’s head, as well as insidious doubts that threaten to tear Lei and Wren apart from within.

Meanwhile, an evil plot to eliminate the rebel uprising is taking shape, fueled by dark magic and vengeance. Will Lei succeed in her quest to overthrow the monarchy and protect her love for Wren, or will she fall victim to the sinister magic that seeks to destroy her?

Read my review of book one, Girls of Paper and Fire.

Wren and I might not be Paper Girls anymore, but we are still capable of creating fire.

And now we have a whole world to set ablaze.

Girls of Storm and Shadow was one of my most anticipated releases of 2019, and I honestly screamed on the inside when I received an ARC in the mail. It had been a while since I read the first book, so I had to take a bit of a break to reread Girls of Paper and Fire. Then I had to mentally prepare myself to start this book, and I was not disappointed. Girls of Storm and Shadow is a stunning sequel, one that heals and steals your breath away. (tw’s for discussions about sexual abuse, violence, and scenes/discussions of trauma recovery)

I loved returning to this world and these characters. Girls of Paper and Fire was one of my favorite reads last year, partially because I adored this Asian fantasy that actually encompasses all of Asia and not just East Asia. We get to traverse this world more with Lei and Wren as they travel throughout the difference provinces, expanding the world building to its limits.

With Wren and a different new character, the magic system is explored more. It’s definitely an interesting addition to the story. I liked finding out more about these powers and their consequences.

This is definitely more of a healing story, which is so important. Lei and Wren have been through the unimaginable, and even though they’ve escaped, it doesn’t meant they’ve escaped the hurt that continues to haunt them. It’s a very personal thing to Ngan, and while I can’t even think of the pain that is there, I think she captures the recovery journey very well, slow as it is.

Being vulnerable isn’t a flaw . . . There is nothing stronger than people who endure the worst hardships in the world, and still raise their fists at the start of a new day to fight all over again.

Lei and Wren don’t let their trauma stop them; they have to keep moving on, so they do. Yet they also get to help each other heal, taking comfort in their strong bond. I loved seeing their character growth: Lei struggles to fit in with the rebellion and Wren refuses to take down her walls, taking refuge in her stoicness and strength.

All that being said, I will say that Girls of Storm and Shadow is more plot-heavy than its predecessor, which was incredibly character-driven. Lei, unfortunately, is still very much in the dark with the rebels and their secrets, including Wren. We learn a lot more about their intentions and plans; there are betrayals and blurred intentions. I love that Ngan explores the parallels between the rebels and the king: they have different intentions, yes, but are they necessarily good?

Lei and Wren are adorable in this book. Give me more soft f/f’s in fantasy any day! I also love that, despite their very strong love, they still have disagreements. With Wren keeping so many secrets, Lei is bound to be upset, and tensions arise.

     I’ve experienced first-hand how desire can twist and corrupt a person. What happens when it lives untamed.
     Like fire, it destroys everything in its path.
     Like fire. it burns, until there is nothing left.

Girls of Storm and Shadow is breathtaking, really. Ngan returns with her beautiful prose and brilliant world building; I adored these characters and can’t wait to get more of them. After that cliffhanger, I desperately need book three! If you haven’t read Girls of Paper and Fire yet, I definitely recommend you do so before Girls of Storm and Shadow releases! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this amazing sequel.

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About the Author: Natasha Ngan is a NYT bestselling author and yoga teacher. She grew up between Malaysia, where the Chinese side of her family is from, and the UK. This multicultural upbringing continues to influence her writing, and she is passionate about bringing diverse stories to teens. Natasha studied Geography at the University of Cambridge before working as a social media consultant and fashion blogger.

She recently moved to Paris, where she likes to imagine she drifts stylishly from brasserie to brasserie, notepad in one hand, wineglass in the other. In reality, she spends most of her time getting lost on the metro and confusing locals with her French.

She is represented by Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary. Her YA novels THE ELITES, THE MEMORY KEEPERS, and GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE are out now. GIRLS OF STORM AND SHADOW will be published in November 2019 by Hachette.

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