Roar by Cora Carmack

I’ve read many books in recent years with themes of magic and kingdoms, princesses and power.  However, something about Roar by Cora Carmack is unique and memorable.  I love the character of Aurora.  At first, she seems docile and easily manipulated, but quickly shows courage and strength.  Aurora is princess of Pavan, and her mother is queen, and they have descended from a long line of Stormlings who are able to control the tumultuous storms that besiege the land through their magic.  

However, Aurora hasn’t inherited this magical ability, and she and her mother have gone to great lengths to keep this hidden from the populous.  Storm season is approaching, and to secure their kingdom, Aurora must marry a powerful prince to help protect them from the storms.  She is soon betrothed to Prince Cassius from Locke, but she quickly suspects that Cassius is not who he seems to be.  

She discovers that a black market exists to sell magic to the ungifted, and that storm hunters who may not have been born with magic have become gifted. Maybe this would solve her problems by providing her with an alternate way of obtaining magic to protect her throne and people.  Aurora must gather her courage and determination to change the path of her life.  

I love the transformation Aurora makes through this novel.  At first, she is easily influenced and confused by her feelings, then as she gains confidence in who she is and what she is capable of, she becomes who she was meant to be.