Audiobook Review: Storm Runners #1: Wind

My Review: Storm Runners is a young adult series geared toward middle school children. This is the first in the series, Wind. Wind begins a little slow but picks up speed with a flash. Thirteen year-old Chase lives with his dad after the tragic death of his mom and sister. Chase witnesses his dad being struck by lightning and the book takes off from there.

Being storm runners, Chase and his dad are heading towards the projected landfall of Hurricane Emily but things go horribly wrong. Circus animals, sinking school buses and destroyed roads are only half of the problems they’ll face.

When I listen to young adult audiobooks, I always try to put myself in a parent’s shoes. Would I want my middle school aged child to read this? Would they like it. Both answers are yes. There’s minimal description of the damage to the area as the Hurricane moves through, but plenty of action and survival skills thrown into the mix. Chase, a former boy scout, keeps a handy “Go Bag” ready with survival items like a satellite radio, ponchos, pocket knife, emergency blanket and batteries. I’d imagine any lover of the popular TV show Man vs. Wild would love Chase’s skills!

The audiobook really stresses disaster emergency and the reminder to be safe and use your head when you’re in a tough situation. That’s my opinion, but a 12 year-old might not see those subtle hints. I really enjoyed the friendship building between Chase, Nicole and Rashawn and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I think this would be a great series for children, probably ages 11-15.

Finally, I am a tad irritated with this audiobook. I understand it’s for middle school children, but I’m a grown woman and you left me hanging! This book abruptly ends and informs us that Chase’s story will continue in the next audiobook, The Surge. I’m all for listening to audiobooks that are a part of a series, but honestly, this ended to abruptly for my taste. The majority of the story was left hanging with “What happens next?!”