by Mary Weber
Especially my husband, Peter, who more than anyone has walked beside me, forging his own awesome path amidst steadying mine. You are the very best person I know and I rabidly love you.
Same with my three muses, Rilian, Avalon, and Korbin, who remind me daily that the key to believing is to pause, breathe, and look for the magic. (Also, shopping.)
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?
5. Nym is tempted by the same power (and the positive changes it could bring) that Draewulf has. However, she also sees what it’s done to him and what it could do to her. Do you think if she kept the power, Nym would’ve eventually become like Draewulf? Do you think the evil existed solely in the power, or in the one who ingested it? And what makes the Elemental power Nym was born with good and the unnatural one she consumed evil?
6. Eogan and Kel are part of a society that values physical power and unity over emotional strength and individuality. What are the benefits (and drawbacks) of both systems? Imagine what reasoning or circumstance in their history might have led the Bron people to value physical power above emotional strength.
7. In the final battle, as Nym is fighting Draewulf, she sees a third man—Draewulf’s “real” self—inside his body. It occurs to her that Draewulf is “as much a slave to the animal he’s become as Eogan’s body was.” She’s struck with pity for him and repeats Kel’s belief to Draewulf—that he has a choice as to how he will use his power. Do you think Draewulf truly could’ve chosen differently? Do we all have a choice about what actions we take and what future we embrace?
8. Rasha and Myles have a somewhat volatile relationship—partly because Myles can be despicable, but also because Rasha’s offense toward him goes deeper than simply an annoyance at who he is and the choices he’s made. As a citizen of a pacifist nation, why do you think she struggles with him so much? Do you think her past has influenced her attitude and biases?
9. Toward the end of Storm Siren (book 1), Nym gained a measure of freedom and healing from self-loathing and self-harm. Even though she’s a stronger person in Siren’s Fury (book 2), those early struggles arise again when she feels alone and bereft of everything. Have you ever struggled with similar feelings or perhaps even with self-harm? Do you know anyone who has? What advice would you give to Nym? What help offered to you would make a difference for her? If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or self-harm, please talk to a safe person about it. Support, resources, and hope are available to you, including through To Write Love on Her Arms (http://www.TWLOHA.com). Just please reach out. I promise you are not alone. ♥
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PHOTO BY SARAH KATHLEEN PHOTOGRAPHY
MARY WEBER IS A RIDICULOUSLY uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings ’80s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking LA bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean.
Visit her website at maryweber.com
Facebook: marychristineweber
Twitter: @mchristineweber
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