Review of ‘We Unleash the Merciless Storm’ (We Set the Dark on Fire #2)

Synopsis

In this nail-biting sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia's critically acclaimed fantasy novel We Set the Dark on Fire, La Voz operative Carmen is forced to choose between the girl she loves and the success of the rebellion she's devoted her life to. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and Anna-Marie McLemore.

Being a part of the resistance group La Voz is an act of devotion and desperation. On the other side of Medio's border wall, the oppressed class fights for freedom and liberty, sacrificing what little they have to become defenders of the cause.

Carmen Santos is one of La Voz's best soldiers. She spent years undercover, but now, with her identity exposed and the island on the brink of a civil war, Carmen returns to the only real home she's ever known: La Voz's headquarters.

There she must reckon with her beloved leader, who is under the influence of an aggressive new recruit, and with the devastating news that her true love might be the target of an assassination plot. Will Carmen break with her community and save the girl who stole her heart--or fully embrace the ruthless rebel she was always meant to be?

Review

We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia is an excellent sequel. It was an excellent decision on Mejia’s part to take the story into another direction and follow Carmen’s point of view. Through Carmen’s perspective and journey, the reader gets to know the inner workings of the rebellion and what they fight for. There is an incredible scene Carmen going over the wall that resonates so strongly with me as a Latina and Mexican reader and will resonate with all immigrants trying to get over a border to a new and better life. It was a powerful scene that captured the hope and struggle and sadness of the situation, and that is only one part of the novel that makes it so incredible.

A New Perspective

There is also joy in seeing Carmen grow beyond the scope of Dani’s vision in the previous novel. Readers can now see that there was a whole different side to her, one they probably never knew existed. There is a fierceness that is different from Dani’s; it comes from living in the rebellion since childhood and being a spy for her entire life. She knows who she is and is trying to fight for a better life; she is a fierce protagonist who does not give up her identity, her hope, or her love.

Having the main characters represent not only Latinx characters, but the LGBTQ community is empowering. It makes for a great read by being both empowering and sending a powerful message to readers. It deepens the dynamics between Dani and Carmen, focuses on the rebellion, and shows the reader what La Voz is fighting for — equality.

Final Thoughts

We Unleash the Merciless Storm is an empowering and thoughtful read that inspires readers to be true to themselves and fight for what is right and their beliefs.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.