Review of Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Weather Warden Book 2

Roc – August 3, 2004

Facebook: yes a fan page

www.rachelcaine.com

Source: Louisville Free Public Library

Next book in series:  Chill Factor

From Goodreads: Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly

It has been a while since I read the first book in the series, Ill Wind. I was afraid that I would forget crucial pieces and debated on re-reading that one before starting Heat Stroke. I had even forgotten what had drawn me to this series in the first place. I mean, I knew what had drawn me to Rachel Caine-everyone is still talking about the Morganville Vampire series. But I needn’t have worried, I was immediately swept into the story. I remembered how much I liked Jo as the main character. Even though she was not technically human in this book, her voice was very familiar and very realistic (under the circumstances).

                There are a lot of elements that I really like in this book. And since I know that there are 7 more books in this series, I know that the story continues and that is quite comforting because I definitely want more. What I have learned from the first book is that I will never be able to guess at the true ending which is fine with me.

                Jo is now a Djinn and David is trying to teach her control and the ins and outs of Djinn life. But of course something happens that threatens the world as we know it. And of course Jo jumps in to save the day. Jo has gone from an amazing, truly gifted weather warden to a completely dependent “baby” djinn. As the story progresses the costs and risks of djinn-hood are revealed. Jo can take the cowardly way out but she chooses to push through and tackle the hard stuff. Some could say that she’s the hero of the story, but in truth she is only accepting the responsibility for the part she has played in causing the catastrophe (even though she was unaware of it and didn’t make the choice).

                I can’t say that there was a whole lot of growth in Jo, I think she reacted the same way she has always reacted to challenges, but I did learn a lot more about her in this installment.  I would say that if there are fans of Rachel Caine that have delayed on reading this series they should definitely check it out.

My rating:

Always Shine,

Starr K