We Unleash the Merciless Storm: We Set the Dark on Fire, Book 2
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that We Unleash the Merciless Storm is the second volume in a duology that began with We Set the Dark on Fire. Reading them in order is strongly recommended for a fuller understanding of the world and the characters; they might seem undeveloped since not much time is spent in this book establishing them. Violence is mostly from combat and battles with swords, guns, and knives. Scenes of slitting throats and shooting at close range mention blood but don't describe it in detail. Pain is described in detail. The central romance is a positive representation of a same-sex relationship with kissing and making out. Sex is described once vaguely but emotionally and without mentioning sensitive body parts. Strong language is rare and insult-based: "bitch," "whore," and "pendejo," which means "stupid" in Spanish. Lots of positive messages about the power of sisterhood, teamwork, and helping one another in times of need.
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What's the Story?
WE UNLEASH THE MERCILESS STORM picks up immediately after We Set the Dark on Fire, but switches to Carmen's point of view. She's finally made it back to the rebel's camp, to the people she grew up with, and the only home she's known. But hanging over her is a cloud of suspicion about what really happened and where her loyalties lie. And after weeks go by with no word from Dani, it's starting to look like one or both of them have betrayed the cause. But being looked at with suspicion isn't the only change Carmen notices in the rebels. El Buitre's leadership seems to be weakening, and Carmen doesn't like the way Ari's trying to take over, or the directions he's moving the group in. When the formal accusation of betrayal finally comes, Carmen leaves the rebels on her own, determined to find Dani -- and the truth.
Is It Any Good?
This action-packed final installment leaves the pampered, privileged world of the first book behind, ramping up the excitement and romance while remaining steeped in Latinx culture. Fans of the first volume should be aware that We Unleash the Merciless Storm is far from more of the same story in We Set the Dark on Fire. It's much grittier, and most of the dystopian and mythological elements are gone in favor of the fight for a better life with equal opportunities for everyone. These missing elements make it less literary and more of an action-adventure romance, but it's effective as far as those aspects go.
Switching to Carmen's point of view keeps the reader a bit off balance at first, just like Carmen herself feels once she's back among her rebel family. There's plenty of intrigue from the group dynamics, a budding romance, and suspense over when and how the bad guys will attack to keep the pages turning. There aren't many surprises or twists along the way, but the compelling, relatable characters keep things interesting. Themes explored include sisterhood, class and gender divisions, border walls, social justice, and loyalty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in We Unleash the Merciless Storm. How much is too much? Is it justified under the right circumstances? Do you react differently to reading violent acts than to seeing them in movies, videos, games, etc.?
What are Carmen's character strengths and weaknesses? Do you like her or admire her? Why, or why not?
Did you read the first book? If so, which did you like better? If not, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date: February 25, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 25, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
We Set the Dark on Fire
Compelling dystopian fantasy with a Latinx twist.
-
Wild Beauty
Lush, lyrical magical realism tale of love and family curse.
-
The Grace Year
Dystopian tale is harrowing, haunting, lyrical.
For kids who love Latinx stories
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