Review:
"I have always been fascinated with nature (especially tornadoes), so when I saw this cover and read the synopsis, I was hooked even though I typically don't read much fantasy or witch-y books. I am so happy that I took a chance on something a bit unusual for me though!

This story did not go where I expected it to go. I had imagined a much more fantastical book that wasn't very rooted in the real world, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Clara's journey with her magic was akin to many coming-of-age tales - she faced challenges, doubt, loss, acceptance, pride, and so many other feelings as she fought against and alongside her magic while trying to decide which path she wanted to take when the time came for her to choose. The book is drawing our attention to Clara's magic, but it is ultimately about Clara rejecting and accepting herself, not just her magic. It is about Clara being loved, feeling love for others, and embracing herself fully. I also appreciated the depiction of the seasons, their personified traits, and how each season impacted Clara differently, just as different 'seasons' of our own lives tend to change our perspectives and feelings.

The romance subplot was a bit unexpected, but it made the story more realistic than it may have otherwise been. Learning to love ourselves is often something sparked by those around us. Clara's journey would not have been the same had those around her not loved and supported her fiercely, especially in the moments she most doubted herself. Though it was a message discussed minimally, this book made some major points about climate change and its impacts on our environment and the force of natural disasters. It certainly made me (a shader) wish that we had witches among us who could help save us from our past, present, and likely future actions."