True Storm

True Storm is the final novel in the “True Born” trilogy, the previous volumes being True Born (https://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol23/no1/trueborn.html) and True North (http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol24/no2/truenorth.html). The series is set in a plague-ridden dystopia where there are three kinds of people. Lasters are people who are destined to die of the plague; Splicers are people who can afford to have DNA treatments to delay the inevitable. The True Borns have evolved a natural defence mechanism, rogue DNA that isn’t entirely human, making them immune.

Readers rejoin Lucy who is just settling in to a new routine gathering ‘intel’ from Dominion’s elite Upper Circle to aid Nolan Storm’s bid for power. Lucy’s character has grown through the series, and she seems to be becoming more a leader. She is struggling with her connection with her sister – Margot isn’t opening up about her experience in Russia or about what she’s learned about their shared genetics. Margot will never be quite the same as she once was. Readers will find Lucy's struggle with that incredibly heartbreaking. Doctor Raines continues to examine the unique properties in Lucy and Margot's blood. This third instalment cranks up the heat. When civil war is declared, Lucy must rely on her love and bodyguard Jared to see her safely through. Does the twins’ blood contain the secret power to put an end to the plague?

Unfortunately, the relationship between Lucy and Jared never seems to progress past their physical attraction to each other. And even this third entry sees Lucy playing the same hot and cold game she continually accuses Jared of playing. This reader would also like to get to know much more about the other True Borns, especially their mysterious leader Nolan Storm. That said, the “True Born” trilogy is an exceptional series. Sterling creates a massive world filled with fascinating characters that leaves readers wanting to continue exploring both.

L.E. Sterling is the author of cult hit YA novel The Originals (under pen name L.E. Vollick) and the urban fantasy Pluto’s Gate. Originally from Parry Sound, ON, Sterling spent most of her summers roaming across Canada in a van - inspiring her writing career. She currently lives in Toronto, ON.