Mistress of the Storm: A Verity Gallant Tale (review)

As a misfit both at school and at home, Verity Gallant never expected to find herself the heroine in adventure involving ancient evil, undying revenge, and familial love. But that is exactly what happens when a mysterious stranger hands her a dusty old book in the library of Wellow, a town where stories can come true. Suddenly, all sorts of strange things start happening in her small coastal village, including the arrival of a woman who, while claiming to be Verity’s grandmother, seems to be hell-bent on destroying the young girl and her family. Fortunately, with some help from her similarly outcast friends, Henry and Martha, Verity begins to unravel the mystery surrounding her heritage, realizing that her grandfather wrote her role in this story long before she was even born and that it is now up to her to defeat the tale’s villain. Steeped in maritime lore and with a delightful cast of characters, this series opener will certainly find followers among fans of Cornelia Funke and N. E. Bode. Vivid details and an intriguing backstory make Grandmother a truly terrifying opponent, while Verity herself is just right as the shy, put-upon underdog destined for great things. Though pacing does hit a few snags, most readers will be satisfied with Verity’s impressive transformation from scapegoat to seafaring hero and will look forward to her next adventure.