Liane Mahugh’s The Oncoming Storm, the gripping third installment in her Elemental YA series, launches readers into a whirlwind of danger and discovery. We follow Raya Salian, a young astronomer passionate about charting the stars. Her dream shatters when a routine mission to a nebula transforms into a nightmare. She returns from her exploration to a scene of destruction: her ship obliterated, her friends gone or dead. Grief and rage fuel Raya’s quest for justice, and she’s unrelenting. But in her pursuit, she lands deep in enemy territory and finds herself captured by the terrorists she’s hunting. As the reality of their cataclysmic plan unfolds, her mission shifts from revenge to a desperate fight for survival. Raya must escape, rally her allies, and find a way to stop the looming disaster before it wipes out everything she loves.

Mahugh crafts a tale that is as intricate as it is emotionally rich. Raya’s odyssey is more than a battle against cosmic threats; it’s a journey of growth and resilience. From the start, Raya’s character shines with a love of peace and a passion for the stars, contrasted with the turmoil and loss she faces. Her relationships give the story its emotional depth, particularly the complex dynamic with Dev, her love interest. Mahugh captures the duality of their bond—Dev’s protectiveness clashing with Raya’s fierce independence. Scenes brimming with tension highlight how Dev questions her readiness for the dangers ahead, even as he admires her tenacity. This love, marked by doubt and loyalty, adds layers to the narrative. The stakes are sky-high. Mahugh immerses readers in a world teetering on the edge of ruin, making every confrontation pulse with urgency. Entire civilizations hang in the balance, and there’s no guarantee of survival, even for Raya. Yet the book doesn’t rely solely on action. It weaves in moments of quiet introspection that lend weight to the chaos. Raya’s struggle to escape her captors is relentless, but the narrative never loses sight of her vulnerability and reflection. This blend of high-stakes drama and heartfelt emotion makes The Oncoming Storm compelling read.

Mahugh’s writing is at its finest when portraying Raya’s courage and ingenuity. Her trials are brutal, from enduring rigorous training in uncharted cosmic regions to enduring nerve-racking encounters with her enemies. Yet, she emerges as both a strategist and a fighter, embodying intelligence and bravery.

Themes of love, sacrifice, and friendship pulse throughout the novel. Raya’s allies—like her steadfast co-pilot Quinn and the ever-complex Dev—are richly developed, bringing warmth and humanity to a story set against a vast, often hostile universe. Each character adds depth, reminding us that even in the darkest reaches of space, loyalty, and compassion are the greatest strengths.

For fans of young adult sci-fi craving fierce female protagonists and adventures that pair cosmic stakes with emotional resonance, The Oncoming Storm delivers a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to the Elemental series. Mahugh wraps up her tale with an ending that satisfies yet lingers, leaving readers with a lasting reminder: true courage isn’t just about facing the unknown but having the strength to believe in yourself when it matters most.

Pages: 207 | ASIN: B0DDJWQCN4