Book Review: Storm of Locusts

Storm of Locusts by Rebecca Roanhorse
Storm of Locusts is the sequel to Trail of Lightning, which is the podcast's January 2020 pick. I loved it so much I absolutely had to get the sequel immediately! After all, Trail of Lightning leaves you with a lot of questions. 

Here is my disclaimer: this review will spoil Trail of Lightning. So if you haven't read that, go do it now! And then Storm of Locusts too. 

Storm of Locusts picks up about a month after Trail of Lightning leaves off. Maggie joins a mission with the Thirsty Boys to find a missing Council member. They go to the lair of a cult leader named White Locust, to find the Council member dead, and they loose a team member of their own fighting a strange woman with metal insect wings. Maggie picks up a new buddy, Ben, a sixteen year old girl. She takes Ben to Grace's bar when she hears Kai and Grace's youngest son, Caleb, have gone missing. Maggie, Ben, Rissa, and Clive head out on a mission to find them. This takes them past the wall, meeting new horrors in the ruins of the world. They run into old friends, or frenemies, like Ma'ii and Mosi. They also pick up an ally named Aaron. They find the White Locust and Kai, and the White Locust is more powerful than they feared. But Kai doesn't do a whole lot, to be honest. Maggie and co must find a way to prevent the White Locust from destroying Dinetah, or die trying.

Positives: I loved Maggie, as always she's a strong female character. Lots of agency, lots of bravery, lots of sass. She also grows and becomes more sociable and trusting. And my favorite part: she gains confidence to use an impressive weapon. I liked Ben too, she can stay. 

Negatives: If you're hoping for romance, look elsewhere. Kai doesn't pop up until near the end and there's no time for a make out scene. Maybe book three though. Not the worst negative in the world, the rest of the story is engaging enough without romance. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5 
If you loved Trail of Lightning, you'll love this too. You really don't have a choice but to read this, and it doesn't let you down. Especially that ending! Rebecca Roanhorse sure knows how to stick a landing! (Teach me your ways!!)

Have you read Storm of Locusts? What did you think?