Stormsong is the sequel to Witchmark, the gaslamp fantasy I fell in love with a few months ago. When I realized only the first audiobook was on Libby, I asked my library if they could get the others, and they did! Thank you @nelson.public.library! Although tbh, I was disappointed that instead of Miles, Stormsong follows his sister Grace through the aftermath of Witchmark (with a new narrator too). But overall, Iloved this book.

Stormsong follows Grace Hensley as she deals politically and personally with the fallout from the events of Witchmark. The aether network is down in the middle of winter, massive storms are battering the country, fae-like Amaranthines are demanding retribution for the wrongs of the country, and Grace is struggling to maintain her hold on political power through it all. Teaming up with firebrand Avia, they seek to find peace and head off the beginnings of a working-class revolution.

Initially, Grace drove me crazy. She is exceptionally privileged, and her personality definitely rubbed me the wrong way. Fortunately, she has a good character arc and I did come around to her eventually. In contrast, I was IN LOVE with Grace’s love interest Avia Jessup. Avia estranged herself from her wealthy family to escape social pressure and become a journalist. The whole time she reminded me of Asami from Legend of Korra - they both have bad-ass, go-your-own-way vibes. 

While Grace’s privilege made her insufferable, I liked learning about Aeland from a new perspective. After all, Grace is a woman at the height of power in the country. She is the royal representative in the elected lower house, economically affluent, a royal knight, and the strongest mage of her generation. It certainly gives you new information and enriches the worldbuilding started in Witchmark. Grace is moderated by, and learns from, Avia, who had to learn to make her own way after estranging herself from her family, but by and large this book is in the rich halls of political power and grand mansions.