My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Conclusion or Another Instalment?

Storm Child is the fourth book in the Cyrus Haven series and a really good addition.  Personally, it feels like this series has reached a conclusion with many of the storylines being answered but I suppose there is always a chance that Cyrus becomes involved in other adventures so I wouldn’t like to say for definite that this is the end of the road.  If the author doesn’t intend to revisit though I would say that this makes for a very satisfactory conclusion.  I would also mention that I think to really enjoy the full benefits of the character growth and the backstory these books should be read in order.  And, I would also suggest that new readers need to be aware that some of the topics explored here can be quite dark and I would say triggering.

So, Storm Child is the instalment that finally brings to us the true events from Evie’s past.  Evie and Cyrus are actually enjoying a day out at the seaside when a tragedy unfolds before their eyes.  A number of bodies are washed up onto the shore, migrants whose boat has been rammed.  Only one young boy survives.  Cyrus immediately rushes into the water trying to find survivors, Evie’s reaction is one of abject fear before her natural instinct to hide kicks in.  From here, Evie begins to recall things and the two go in search of some answers to help uncover her past.

What I liked about this.  It’s another natural step in discovering what truly happened to Evie.  I think I already knew, or had guessed at certain elements but it was still quite riveting to watch Cyrus and Evie as they reveal events from the past and I think the conclusion that this gives us was really well executed.  I probably still have a couple of little niggling questions at the back of my mind which is why I’m going back and forth between wondering if this is the conclusion or not.  I would be very happy to have another book to round things out but at the same time I wouldn’t feel cheated or disappointed if the author takes this in a new direction.

I think the natural story arc of both Evie and Cyrus has been a thing of beauty to read.  They’ve both come so far during the course of these four books and I really like both characters.  Evie can be very prickly and doesn’t easily trust people, but this is no surprise given her history and her natural talent for spotting when somebody is lying.  Cyrus also has his tragedy from the past and this has all become entangled in the way he helps Evie.

As I mentioned above some of the material here is very dark  Cyrus is on the trail of traffickers, people who will go to great lengths to keep their secrets and dark pasts hidden.  Both Cyrus and Evie end up in terrible trouble and the conclusion was definitely nail biting.  Their investigation takes them to Scotland and involves rolling back the pages of the past and taking a look at some powerful and politically connected people.  Not everyone is keen to revisit these events and in fact most people seem to have an overriding fear of someone known only as The Ferryman.

I like that Cyrus is a criminal psychologist, it gives a really good link into the police investigations but with a slightly different slant.  I’m sure that a few liberties are taken here and there, particularly in terms of police procedures, but I really enjoy this element to the stories and can see how Cyrus could become involved in other investigations, maybe even something that will finally tie up the remaining loose ends and give Evie some respite.

This is a really good series with characters that you can’t help becoming attached to.  Their own personal tragedies and suffering have led them in two entirely different directions but when Cyrus took over guardianship of Evie the process of healing finally began for both of them. I liked that the two are actually helping each other.

I’ve really enjoyed this series, it’s well written and quite gripping.  It does touch on some very heavy material that might not be for everyone but I would have no hesitation in recommending or picking up more books featuring these characters.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks, the above is my own opinion.

My rating 5 of 5 stars