"Storm Singer" Review – A Sky-High Adventure Full of Heart and Magic

From the very first page, Storm Singer by New York Times bestselling author Sarwat Chadda pulls you into a vibrant, wind-swept world where magic is sung into being and ancient rivalries take flight—literally. Set in a realm ruled by fearsome eagle garudas, this middle-grade fantasy is packed with vivid world-building, unforgettable characters, and a soaring story.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review. Be sure to read my full review below and enter the giveaway for the book!

Title: Storm Singer

Author: Sarwat Chadda

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Audience/Genre: Middle Grade (Ages 8–12), fantasy, mythology

Book Buy Links: Goodreads ‖ Amazon ‖ B&N ‖ IndieBound

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)

Synopsis:

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief meets One Thousand and One Nights in this thrilling middle grade fantasy from Rick Riordan Presents author Sarwat Chadda about a girl with the magical power to control the elements with her song.

In a land ruled by fierce winged warriors known as eagle garudas, twelve-year-old Nargis is just a poor, lowly human, a Worm who hates the garudas that killed her parents. But even though she can’t fly—and her childhood attempt left her walking with a crutch—she is far from powerless. Nargis is a spirit able to coax small bits of wind, water, fire, and earth to do her bidding through song…well, sometimes.

When Nargis loses control of her power in a high-stakes kite fight, she is exiled. Cast into the desert, she discovers Mistral, an injured boy who turns out to be an eagle garuda, the prince of her enemies! He’s on a mission to take back his throne from a terrible vulture garuda. In spite of their mutual distrust, the two have no choice but to forge an unlikely alliance if they want to escape the desert alive.

And as Nargis and Mistral battle dangerous assassins, befriend crafty sky pirates, and sneak into the mysterious sky castle of Alamut, Nargis discovers she carries a family secret, one that could bring Monsoon’s rains back to the desert, but only if she’s willing to risk her life in the bargain…

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My Review of "Storm Singer" by Sarwat Chadda

Our fierce and relatable heroine, Nargis, might not be able to fly like the garudas who rule over her world, but her power to control the elements through song makes her anything but powerless. I was instantly hooked by her resilience and determination—especially since she’s navigating a world that’s both physically and socially stacked against her.

After a kite-fighting mishap sends her into exile, Nargis meets Mistral, an injured eagle garuda prince. Talk about plot twist! What follows is a gripping and heartfelt journey filled with danger, unlikely friendships, and a family secret that could literally change the weather.

🦅 Enemies to Allies (and Sky Pirates?!)

Nargis and Mistral’s dynamic is so well-written—it’s tense and awkward at first (they are supposed to be mortal enemies, after all), but it grows into a partnership built on trust, survival, and shared goals. The world around them is just as rich: there are assassins, sky pirates, and the legendary sky castle of Alamut—each described in such vivid detail I could practically see it in my mind.

Chadda’s descriptions are chef’s kiss. The way he paints the desert landscapes, soaring cities, and the chaotic beauty of a monsoon made me feel like I was right there alongside Nargis and Mistral.

👨‍👧 A Touch of Heart with Baba

One of my favorite elements was Baba, Nargis’s grandfather. He brings warmth and grounding to the story, and their bond adds emotional depth to all the action. The family mystery that unfolds keeps the pages turning and raises the stakes in the best way possible. It’s not just about magic or adventure—it’s about legacy, healing, and finding strength in unexpected places.

🎤 What Makes Storm Singer Shine

What really sets this book apart is the originality. From elemental magic powered by song, to a cast of characters that truly feels fresh, Storm Singer doesn’t rely on typical fantasy tropes—it builds something new and dazzling. I especially loved that Nargis is a disabled protagonist who uses a crutch. Her physical limitation never defines her, but it’s part of her story in a powerful, real way.

And I can totally see middle schoolers falling in love with her. She’s fierce, flawed, funny, and full of heart—basically everything a young hero should be.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of fast-paced fantasy with rich worldbuilding, layered characters, and an empowering storyline, Storm Singer needs to be on your radar. It’s a phenomenal series starter, and I already can’t wait to see what’s next for Nargis and her storm-swept world.

Whether you're 10 or 40, this book will speak to the adventurer in your heart.

🌟 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda is a magical triumph full of heart, adventure, and sky-high stakes. A must-read for middle grade fantasy lovers!

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Sarwat Chadda

About the author:

Sarwat Chadda is the New York Times bestselling author of the City of the Plague God duology, the Spiritstone Saga, the Ash Mistry trilogy, the Shadow Magic trilogy, and the Devil’s Kiss duology. He has written for Star Wars and Minecraft as well as the 39 Clues and Spirit Animals series. Sarwat is a first-generation Muslim immigrant of South Asian descent who loves writing over-the-top adventures. His work has received numerous starred reviews and was a Goodreads Choice Best Middle Grade Award Nominee. He has been published in over a dozen languages. Outside of novels, he’s written plays, comic books, and TV shows, including The Legend of Hanuman for Disney+ Hotstar. Sarwat lives in London.

Feel free to drop him a line on X at @SarwatChadda and Instagram at @Sarwat_Chadda or visit him at SarwatChadda.com.

Giveaway:

One (1) hardcover of "Storm Singer" by Sarwat Chadda. USA only, ends May 31, 2025, Midnight EST.