For Ruby (from whose perspective the story is told), books, and science, and helping her dad with the invention that will bring the family some much needed money are most important for Simon, its baseball and his new friends. Ruby and Simon had always been very close, but in their new home, they began to go their separate ways, much to Ruby's regret, and she wonders if 'maybe they'd never really been inseparable so much as they hadn't ever had room to separate' (page 10). It's the story of two twelve year-old twins, Ruby and Simon, relocated from the suburbs to ten acres of midwest farm land by their idealistic (and quite possibly over-optimistic) parents.

Those on the lookout for good American rural fantasy should immediately get their hands on The Storm Makers.

I can't wait for more!Ĭover Comments: Sarah ( saz101) mentioned that she thought this looked 'Van Gogh-licious' and is that not SPOT-ON? I think so. I was so hooked on discovering some inside facts about the world of weather control and I really hope that this book has a sequel so that I can learn more!ĭespite the fantastical elements, The Storm Makers seems a realistic and relatable novel in the characters and the progression of their talents. I've always been intrigued by the elements and stories about people that worked with them on a magical level and so this was really a hit for me. If you're into magic, this is a book for you. I love that there was initially some jealousy of her brother's power but always also a love for him and desire for him to succeed. Ruby was such a great character: level-headed, logical and firm in her beliefs. In this case, I think that decision worked out really well and it was fascinating to get a peek into the mind of someone privy to all the action but not necessarily going through it first-hand. As I was reading this novel, I kept thinking to myself that it was such as interesting direction to have taken to have RUBY as the main focus of the story rather than Simon.

They're adjusting to a somewhat new city, the weather is just a little too hot and they're not as extraordinarily close as they were before, but for the most part, nothing too out of the ordinary has happened.Ī real page-turner, The Storm Makers guides you through Ruby's life as she tries to adjust to the fact that her brother has the ability of control the weather. Ruby and Simon are having a typical summer.

The Storm Makers by Jennifer E. Smith