Retrieve (The Storm Trilogy #1) by Sarah Addison-Fox

Retrieve by Sarah Addison-Fox is a YA Fantasy story of a girl who disguises herself as a boy in an attempt to find her brother and a boy who trains her to be the next Stormer.

“What if the job you took to stay alive might be what kills you?

Kade knows what it is to suffer. He knows what it’s like to lose everything and everyone around him.

His job in a Stormer Unit guarantees not just his survival in the decimated country of Azetaria, but his sister Meg’s. Even if it means facing the Numachi warriors baying for his blood, he’ll do what it takes to keep her safe.

Hadley is alone and surviving the only way she knows how. By hiding where predators won’t find her and scavenging enough just to keep her alive.

When desperation drives Hadley to search for her missing brother, she mistakenly accepts the offer of recruitment into the Stormer’s camp, only to be partnered with Kade and sent as a scout into Numachi territory.

The intimidating young Stormer may just know where her brother has gone. But can they stay alive long enough to find him?

Release schedule:

Book Two Retreat releasing Jan 26th 2019
Book Three Receive releasing Feb 26th 2019”

This book is submerged in a fantasy world where survival is key to making it through another day.

Through two perspectives, we follow Hadley who is a girl trying to find her brother after suddenly leaving her to fend for herself, the world that can be brutal to young girls. So, with little choice left, she joins the Stormers disguised as a boy in the hopes to get enough supplies and strength to run off and continue to look for her brother.

Then there’s Kade, the guy who is stuck training Hadley as his next partner. With a secret mission to find the kidnapped princess, they begin to trek through the kingdom. But soon after finding out Hadley’s secret, their mission turns into a battle of trust and survival.

I will say that reading this book, I found myself immersed in some parts, but overall, I wish there was more world building. The concept of the book was unique, and I think it sets up a good foundation for a series with the ending, but I just wanted a little more from the story. Hopefully this is one of those series that begins to elaborate the suppressed world they are in after the action of the first book.

I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. The characters were fun, and they interacted nicely together through their teamwork in the mission. I liked the plot twist towards the end when it came to the princess, and it left a more realistic vibe to the story.

I would like to know more about the king and how their world became in shambles. Overall, this was a rather quick read with under 200 pages. I think that if you are looking for a YA story that is shorter yet leaves that fantasy taste in your mouth, this may be one to pick up next!

Published: 26 December 2018

Publisher: Double Edged Sword Publishing

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 170

How I Read It: eBook from Author

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinion only and are not influenced in any way.*

Stay tuned for more book reviews every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday! You can subscribe below for instant links to each of my posts and help share the love of YA!