My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Author: Roland Smith
Narrator: Ramon de Ocampo
Length: 3 hrs., 7 mins.
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Publisher’s Summary: Thirteen year-old Chase and his dad are “storm runners”, traveling across the country chasing hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. When disaster strikes, Chase’s dad is always ready to lend a hand… Or so it seems. In the aftermath of the hurricane of the century, chase realizes his “disaster hunter” dad isn’t the hero he makes himself out to be. It’s up to Chase to do the right thing and rescue the father he once knew.
©2011 Roland Smith (P)2011 Scholastic Audio
My Review: Storm Runners is a young adult series geared toward middle school children. This is the first in the series, Wind. Wind begins a little slow but picks up speed with a flash. Thirteen year-old Chase lives with his dad after the tragic death of his mom and sister. Chase witnesses his dad being struck by lightning and the book takes off from there.
Being storm runners, Chase and his dad are heading towards the projected landfall of Hurricane Emily but things go horribly wrong. Circus animals, sinking school buses and destroyed roads are only half of the problems they’ll face.
When I listen to young adult audiobooks, I always try to put myself in a parent’s shoes. Would I want my middle school aged child to read this? Would they like it. Both answers are yes. There’s minimal description of the damage to the area as the Hurricane moves through, but plenty of action and survival skills thrown into the mix. Chase, a former boy scout, keeps a handy “Go Bag” ready with survival items like a satellite radio, ponchos, pocket knife, emergency blanket and batteries. I’d imagine any lover of the popular TV show Man vs. Wild would love Chase’s skills!
The audiobook really stresses disaster emergency and the reminder to be safe and use your head when you’re in a tough situation. That’s my opinion, but a 12 year-old might not see those subtle hints. I really enjoyed the friendship building between Chase, Nicole and Rashawn and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I think this would be a great series for children, probably ages 11-15.
Finally, I am a tad irritated with this audiobook. I understand it’s for middle school children, but I’m a grown woman and you left me hanging! This book abruptly ends and informs us that Chase’s story will continue in the next audiobook, The Surge. I’m all for listening to audiobooks that are a part of a series, but honestly, this ended to abruptly for my taste. The majority of the story was left hanging with “What happens next?!”
Narrator Review: Ramon de Ocampo did a splendid job of narrating this audiobook. Many times when adults, especially men, voice teenagers or young children they appear whiny and annoying, but thankfully Ramon was not. In all, he did a wonderful job and kept the excitement coming from his voice and tone. My only aggravation was the voice of the male news anchor in the storm. He was practically screaming, but in a husky voice. Super annoying.
Download Storm Runners Book 1: Wind now!
