Thursday, September 4, 2008

Review: Ill Wind

Title: Ill Wind
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Weather Warden/Book One

Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Her specialty is wind and water. When another warden betrays Jo and gives her something she never wanted she finds herself a murder suspect on the run.

The Wardens Association is a group of global wardens who control the elements of wind, water, fire and earth. Their job is to make sure that Mother Nature doesn't get out of control and bring about the end of humanity. The Wardens also keep control of the Djinn and decide which wardens will be given a Djinn. The Djinn are magical beings that are enslaved by the wardens and kept under control to do what the warden wishes. They help the wardens manipulate the elements by adding their power to the wardens'.

Joanne and her beloved Mustang are on the road trip of a life time with weather wardens after her and a nasty storm on her tail. Jo is trying to make her way to Lewis. He is a friend from college and is also a weather warden. He's considered the most powerful warden because he has power over all four elements. The trouble is Lewis went rogue and took three bottles of Djinn. So Jo needs to find him and hope she can use one of the Djinn to get her out of the terrifying situation she is in.

At one point Jo picks up a hitchhiker named David. He comes across as an easy going guy that she feels a connection with. As it turns out Jo will need him in more ways than she can imagine. Jo does try to get rid of David since she doesn't think anyone is safe around her. He stays with her and their connection grows.

Jo also gets in touch with her friend Star. She and Star have been friends since they met when Jo was fifteen. They were roommates at Princeton and have been best friends ever since. Star was a Fire Warden until tragedy happened and she had to retired. Star has agreed to help Jo find Lewis since Star lives where Jo is headed.

There is a lot of action in Ill Wind. Jo gets very little down time and when she does David is there to keep her company. Jo is a smart, funny and strong heroine. She knows she must do what is right no matter the cost. She is a loyal friend who discovers just who her true friends really are.

I enjoyed this book first for the different premise of humans who control the elements. Then there is also the Djinn aspect. The few Djinn characters we meet in Ill Wind have such potential for future books. I found myself fascinated by their role in the Weather Warden's world. I also want to know more about the Djinn's world. The world building is solid and the dialogue is sharp and witty. Enjoyable read. Want more info about this series? Check out Rachel Caine's site.

Rating: A-

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