My parents and sister, to whom this story is dedicated—for the hours of your time and the honor of your love. And to my siblings, their spouses, and the Weber clan. For believing, and for showing up to every Storm Siren bookish event ever just in case no one else did.
Lori Barrow, Jeanette Morris, Danielle Smith—WHERE would I be without you ladies? The Barrows, Morrells, Sara Steffey, and so many other precious friends—for the laughter and sanity and feasting. To Robert Perez, without whom so much would fall apart. And to my Father’s House family, my incredible RISE teens and tweens, and my team. As always, you guys have my heart. Thank you for being my home.
To my Thomas Nelson publishing family, who spoil me beyond coherent reason. Thank you for being so much of the heartbeat that moves my world. Daisy Hutton (hugs you), Amanda Bostic (hands you tea), Katie Bond (raves about your style), Keri Potts (laughs wickedly), Jodi Hughes (fangirls), Kristen Ingebretson (those book covers!), Ansley Boatman (mind reader), Becky Philpott (superstar!), Karli Jackson (that smile!), Elizabeth Hudson (fooood), and my editor Becky Monds (aka The PRECIOUS), and everyone else. Y’all are the best pub team + friends a girl could have, and I could not adore you more.
Allen Arnold, whose chats always bring life to my spirit at the right times and remind me to look up for manna. Thank you for this journey, dear friend.
Jay Asher, for your brilliant humor, friendship, advice, and amazing support. And for being normal.
Julee Schwarzburg, for editing me into coherency. Lee Hough—I know you’re grinning! Sarah Kathleen and Garth Janzten, for creating awesome with your souls. And to so many author friends who’ve extended time and kindness—I still can’t fathom why you do it, but YOU ARE THE NICEST: Marissa Meyer, Nancy Rue, Chuck Sambuchino, CJ Redwine, Josie Angelini, Shannon Messenger, Lindsay Cummings, Tonya Kuper, Heather Marie, Ronie Kendig, Colleen Coble, Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Sara Ella, and Mary Pearson.
To my local Barnes & Noble family who work so hard to make your authors and readers feel so very loved. I treasure you all.
A fanatical fangirl mention to my early reviewers Lauren @Love Is Not a Triangle, Anya @On Starships & Dragonwings, the FFBC, Laura @Crafty Booksheeps, Nick @Nick’s Book Blog, Mandy @ Forever YA, Maci & Zoe (ALA!), Jill @Radiant Lit, The Book Bratz, Rissi @Dreaming under the Same Moon, Jen @Jenuine Cupcakes, Alyssa Faith, Sarah @Smitten over Books, Rel @Relz Reviews, Ashley @Wandering the Pages, and sooo many others. Just THANK YOU.
And to all of you, sweet readers!!! You rocked my world by picking up Storm Siren and talking about it, recommending it, and writing to me regarding it. Thank you for reading this silly girl’s writing. You burst my heart at the seams. squishes
Jesus. Because you are all this heart exists for.
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. In chapter 9, Rasha tells Nym her strength doesn’t lie in her powers but in her ability to be compassionate. Nym responds (internally) that compassion without the power to effect change is useless. However, later on Nym decides that compassion will always change things because it changes people. Do you think that’s true in our real world? Can compassion alone always make a difference? What about power, money, or influence? Are there times when compassion and the means to effect change go hand in hand?
2. For the most part, Myles is quite honest with Nym about what he wants from her in their relationship—and about the fact that he is using her to accomplish his own plans. Nym is just as blunt about how she’s using Myles to get what she wants as well. In the end, however, their selfserving relationship not only breaks down but also hurts them both. But was that okay? How might they have done things differently? Have you ever had a friend who wanted to use you for his or her own gain? What advice would you give to Nym or Myles in this situation?
3. Early on in Siren’s Fury, Nym’s friend Kel suggests, “Maybe power comes in different forms, and maybe we get a choice how we use it. Maybe not everything that seems weaker is.” What do you think prompted him to hold such a different view than his father (Kenan) and grandfather (Sir Gowon)? What do you think ultimately changed Kenan’s mind so that he agreed with his son?
4. In chapter 20, Rasha becomes angry with Nym for taking on the dark power after she’d warned her about Myles. However, Nym believes Rasha should’ve been more honest about Myles’s offer in the first place. Should Nym have gone to Rasha once Myles made his offer? Should Rasha have trusted Nym more with her information? Either way, do you think it would have made a difference?