Mistress of the Storm

May 2, 2011
Originally published in the U.K. and first in a planned quartet, Welsh's debut sweeps readers into the harbor town of Wellow, a place of magic, riddles, and mysteries. Verity Gallant is an unpopular and awkward 12-year-old girl who prefers to hide away in the library. That's where she encounters a stranger who gives her an ancient red book about the Keeper of the Wind, a witch rumored to be able to control the weather. This simple act changes Verity's life, leading to new friends and the discovery that she has amazing instincts for sailing. It also leads her deep into the history of her townâa tale of smuggling and dark secrets tied to Verity's familyâeven as old evils rise again. Welsh's prose is lovely, her characters are well-drawn, and the atmosphere of the town is palpable. In creating a place in the world where a story read aloud can become true, Welsh offers a benediction of sorts to readers, that "every child who is alone or out of place will find the friends they need, and the love they deserve." Ages 8â12.

May 15, 2011

In Albion, there are places where stories become true. Unbeknownst to her, Verity Gallant is at the center of one such tale.

Verity is the unlikely heroine in a story that combines elements from Joan Aiken, Cornelia Funke and J.K. Rowling. Bullied at school, a misfit at home and ignorant of her family history, Verity is the only one suspicious of the "Grandmother" who invades her home to await the birth of Verity's youngest sister. Welsh sets a brisk pace and delivers a nightmare-worthy villain as Verity, with help from her friends combined with some convenient revelations, discovers the horrifying truth. The intruder is the Mistress of the Storm, said to drink the blood of infants to survive. Verity's grandfather, leader of the famed smugglers known as the Gentry, had been duped in the past by the murderous Mistress. In revenge, he created a tale in which Verity is fated to destroy her. The setting and cast of characters are so richly described readers will see the scenes, which cut from one to another, as if watching a movie. For those not content to stay on the surface, there are psychological depths to plumb, a point made in a regrettably didactic last chapter.

This is an exciting debut—with the promise of more to come—that will leave readers clinging to their seats, or masts, as the case may be. (Fantasy. 10 & up)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from October 1, 2011

Gr 4-8-Verity Gallant, 12, has always been the odd one out-the plain, dark-haired child overlooked in favor of her pretty, talented younger sister, Poppy. Her life changes dramatically after she receives an old book from an exotic stranger whom she sees in her local library. It tells the legends of the Mistress of the Storm, a being who commands obedience and terrifies all who cross her. Suddenly, the girls' never-before-seen step-grandmother appears, taking over Verity's room and taking an immediate dislike to the child. New friends Henry and Martha help Verity deal with the cruel woman and try to make sense of the stories she reads. As she begins to understand the many secrets about her family and the truths that are hidden in the book, she realizes that her life is in danger and that she needs to find strength and courage to save her parents and sister. An action-packed conclusion brings answers to many questions and offers a new beginning. Welsh has created a moving and gripping fantasy that will keep readers guessing and a cast of characters that moves beyond stereotypes and expectations, including a variety of helpful grown-ups. Verity is a sympathetic and engaging heroine, and readers will appreciate her friendships and relationship with Poppy, who becomes more sympathetic and supportive as the story evolves. Verity's grandmother is a threatening, looming presence, and her meek parents add a touch of humor. Fantasy fans will enjoy discovering along with Verity that behind everyday small-town life is a world that offers hidden magic-and not-so-hidden danger.-Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.