Chris Wooding is a British author who, according to his website, specializes in adult and YA science fiction and fantasy.  Scholastic has republished this 2006 work in the US and I’m thinking it was added to the collection at my junior high via the Scholastic bookfair this past fall.  Hooray for summer – I’m catching up on those novels!

Storm Thief is an interesting blend of Sci Fi/fantasy set in the dystopian community of Orokos.  I like the author’s description of his own work so much I’ll quote it here to give you a better idea of the plot:

“Storm Thief is another light romp through daisy-filled pastures with… wait, wait, no it’s not. It’s a grim dystopia where our heroes cling to life by their fingernails. It’s about order versus chaos, about the storms of adolescence, about hope and hopelessness. And it’s also about love and dreams and hope and sacrifice, and how even in the darkest places you can find a light.”

A rather difficult read, this one will appeal only to dedicated Sci Fi/fantasy and gifted readers.  Imaginative and different, neverless the plot is cumbersome and somehow not completely satisfying.  Storm Thief seems open to a sequel but I could find no mention of one on Wooding’s website. 

If you find this one in your summer reading stack, unless you are a HUGE fan of Sci Fi/fantasy, put it on the bottom.  There are sure to be more rewarding reads in the pile.  Sci Fi/fantasy lovers – put it on the top!