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There’s a phrase in the South, “telling stories,” which
means telling lies. Growing up, Karen Metcalf told a lot of stories, which wasn’t always a good thing.
She was raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where she spent most of her time reading science fiction and horror. She continues to explore those worlds through her writing today.
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
When Carly Matthews is at the end of her tether with the life she and her brother, Mitchell, are subjected to, she discovers an amazing escape. In the Storm by Karen Metcalf poignantly and heartbreakingly describes the force of Carly’s will as she discovers an alternate universe into which she escapes. In this special place that opens to her after tremendous stress, and is represented by varying degrees of weather and severe thunderstorms, Carly meets Morgan, who is supposed to try to protect her. Unfortunately for Morgan, Carly is too stubborn and finds out more about this different path of reality than she is supposed to know. Torn between protecting her little brother from their drunken, dangerous step-father and enjoying the peace of her special clearing at the base of a tremendous tree, Carly tries to find a way to save the two of them and escape the horrors of home. What happens is a lesson in determination, but is tempered by the whims of fate – knowledge that Carly should not have had.
In merely 86 pages, Karen Metcalf provides a universe full of amazing action, emotion and personal choices. In the Storm gets right to the heart of a teen’s struggle with the horrible reality of her life as she takes responsibility for her 5-year-old brother while she wishes that things could be different. Vivid descriptions of nature provide a stark backdrop to the feelings Carly experiences and heighten the impact of the story. With several amazing twists, the story leaves you breathless, with plenty to think about long after you close the book. Incredible story that is as gripping as a full length saga! It's hard to believe that so much emotion fits into so few pages! This is an amazing read for YA and adult readers who are looking for something different and quite stimulating.
