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The Coolest Warrior Ever
The Call of Thunder centers around a young woman struggling with identity and duty, living a hidden existence in a mountain village where she must resist the urge to reveal her own extraordinary powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I give a lot of credit to The Legend of Zelda video games, also Marvel (costume was inspired by Black Widow), and movies like The Avengers, Black Panther being my favorite. Being able to create your own world and literally do whatever you want with it got me really excited about this. I spent years trying to create the storyline and figuring out what powers she would have. I truly wanted her to be the coolest warrior ever!
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
There were times in my life that I wanted to stop being so reserved, stop caring what other people thought of every single thing I said and did. I recall in my younger years how frustrating yet amazing it can be to first experience romantic feelings. I wanted to bring that to light in Havanna as somewhat of a reflection of myself.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Probably when Havanna arrives in Sabbia and fights the Backers trap that was set up for her there. I loved writing about Queen Calista and their relationship, and how freaking awesome she is. It was a way to give Havanna some hope after so much loss.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Hidden Heroes series? Where will it take readers?
It picks up right where book 1 leaves off, with Quill and Havanna going to find the next Descendant. There are tests along the way to find the other Descendants, such as fighting enormous monsters and one particularly cold, brutal personality. Slow-burn romance is for certain as the characters get to know each other and learn to work together for the same purpose. The ending, in particular, will leave readers shocked, just the way I like it.
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In the kingdom of Petros, twenty-year-old Havanna wants nothing more than to be free, to find herself, and to use her powers without reserve. But using her lightning abilities could expose her to the Backers—who do the Dormant King’s dirty work in hunting down her kind—and the bloodthirsty, fatal Dormants.
Besides, not even Havanna’s best friend knows her secret.
When her own impatience, isolation, and a bully create the perfect storm, Havanna’s desperation snaps her self-control. But she triggers the wrath of the Dormant King and a deadly raid that leaves her more alone than ever.
Determined to make things right, Havanna breaks out of hiding to take revenge. While searching for the Dormant King, testing her powers, and exploring the kingdom she begged to see her whole life, she finds that this quest is more difficult than expected.
Maybe that’s because this quest was never Havanna’s alone…
The Call of Thunder is a YA fantasy with an epic quest, adrenaline-spiking action, and a heroine learning the full scope of her power.
The Call of Thunder
The Call of Thunder, by Sarah Blynne, follows Havanna, a young woman marked by loss and destiny. Torn from her parents during a violent raid as a child, she grows up in hiding within the mountain village of Ketra. Her life balances between ordinary tasks like running the eatery and extraordinary challenges such as resisting the urge to reveal her lightning-born powers. Legends of Descendants, monstrous Dormants, and the looming shadow of the Dormant King shape her world. Alongside friends, rivals, and potential love interests, Havanna struggles with identity, duty, and the yearning to break free of secrecy while danger lurks just beyond the village gates.
Reading this book felt like being carried along by a current that shifts from gentle to wild. The writing is vivid and often cinematic. The opening scene of Havanna’s escape filled me with both panic and heartbreak, and that urgency never really let go throughout the novel. The world-building is strong, layered with history and myth that feel alive rather than forced. At the same time, the dialogue sometimes struck me as a bit too modern for the medieval-like setting. Still, I admired how the author balanced action with quieter, emotional moments.
Havanna’s character truly makes this book unique. She’s stubborn, flawed, fiery, and vulnerable all at once. Her grief over her parents, her frustration at hiding, her clashes with Darius, her tender bond with Aria–all of it felt raw and real. I found myself frustrated with her when she lashed out, yet cheering for her every time she picked herself back up. The undertones of a love triangle with Victor and Claeron added charm to the storyline. What I enjoyed most were the training scenes and moments where Havanna questioned her place in a world that expects her to be both hidden and heroic.
I would recommend The Call of Thunder to readers who love fast-paced fantasy adventures with a strong female lead, plenty of tension, and emotional depth. It’s ideal for those who enjoy stories about chosen ones grappling with responsibility and identity. If you appreciate a mix of sword fights, mystical powers, heartfelt friendships, and a dash of romance, this book will keep you hooked until the last page.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0DHNLHF59
LITERARY TITAN 