The Source of Storms

The Stormbound Series, Book 1

By: Angelina Kelly

Narrated by: Alys Wilde

In Elvik, to belong is to survive, and to be different is to be in danger. But to be more myth than human may be Halja’s greatest power. As the daughter of a selkie, the folklore of Elvik condemns Halja as fae-touched, tainted by fae blood, and destined to face the world as an outsider. But Halja’s fortune changes when she meets Byrgir, a mysterious man unbothered by her fae-touched appearance, and Eilith, an eclectic Sourcerer who becomes her mentor.

But Halja and her mentor find themselves in the warpath of an ambitious High Priestess who blames the fae-touched for summoning the monsters that haunt the realm. With the ear of the king and the power of a mysterious new god behind her, the High Priestess stokes the fires of a not-so-holy division between humans and the fae-touched that echoes ancient wars. And she intends to make a brutal example of Halja’s mentor.

Halja must master her shapeshifting power and fight tooth and claw to save her mentor, herself, and any future she could build with Byrgir.

The soulful and epic beginning of The Stormbound Series. Listeners who love the prose of Rachel Gillig and the rage of John Gwynne will be swept away by The Source of Storms.

©2025 Angelina Kelly (P)2025 Angelina Kelly

Even better on the second read

I initially read this story on a physical format and really enjoyed it. The audiobook was even better for me. Experiencing the story again and hearing the emotion and the characters come to life made this reread so much better than I expected. The narration was excellent as is the story.

Magical Wilderness

Listening to this story made me love Cordova, Alaska even more. Being new to Alaska, I am just discovering the mysteries in the author’s hometown. However reading her book that seems heavily influenced by the beauty found living in Cordova made me love Alaska more and enjoy the fantasy world Angelina created in her series. I listened to this book nonstop on New Year’s Day and can’t think of a better way to usher in a new start.

Gripping and bewitching!

Growing up in Elvik, young woman Halja has strong fae features which make her an outcast among her village. Not only is she an outsider within her community but she’s also a bit of a black sheep at home. She was often made to feel like she was a burden and that she was too much. When she decides to run away one day with her boyfriend she assumes it’s a no-brainer for both of them. But she soon has her heart broken when he tells her that he no longer wants to be with her. Distraught, Halja takes off on her own but soon finds herself in a fearsome situation. That is until a mysterious man named Bygir rescues her and her steed and then brings them to sorceress Eilith. Not only does Halja begin healing, but she also becomes a friend and mentee of Eilith who begins teaching her forbidden magic. Feeling more at home than she ever has, Halja seems to finally be starting her new life until one day she and Eilith come under siege by order of the high priestess. Will her new life be stripped from her or will Halja stand up and fight for what she now loves?

This was a gripping and bewitching first book in The Stormbound Series. I thought the world building and magic system were the real stars of the story. The settings were so vivid and evocative that I could picture them in my mind as I listened to them be described. For the magic system, I thought it was intricate as well as intriguing. I also really enjoyed watching FMC Halja’s character grow and change throughout the duration of the story. In addition to Halja’s character, watching the budding relationship between her and Bygir was a most interesting slow burn. Author, Angelina Kelly absolutely captured my attention quickly and held it throughout the story’s entirety. I will be sticking around to find out what happens next with this story.

As far as the narration of this book, I thought Alys Wilde was absolutely enthralling. Her delivery and tone was smooth and calm but also expressive and exciting making the story especially the suspenseful parts palpable. The story was rich and immersive as it was written, but I found that the narration further enhanced and added only positive attributes to this tapestry.