When a shy girl bonds with a lightning beast, she discovers both a dangerous government plot, as well as a way to be true to herself while still using her voice to do good.

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This is a great adventure story for any kid who feels like they aren't heard (or any kid who loves a good fantasy adventure!) Mina might be quieter than the rest of her family, but that doesn't mean she isn't strong or brave, and she shows that there are more than one way to be a leader and help other people. ( )

Straight up fantasy with weather beasts and a young girl who is quiet but full of strong and interesting ideas. I loved watching Mina's growth in confidence, and I enjoyed the magic-school aspect, where kids learn to work with their different weather beasts. There were times when I wanted Mina to be less self-doubting, but it's a fast read, and that is the point of the story, so that is a very minor criticism. Pixit's derpy nature is also just completely endearing, and the other kids wide acceptance of Mina's different style is refreshing in a type of book (middle grade) that so often focuses on bullying. Interesting world, and a nice subversive handbook on how to take action to make the world a better place. ( )

Excellent, great characters and setting, a bit moralistic.

Mina starts out as a farm girl waiting for her egg to hatch. When it's revealed as a lightning beast, Mina's expected life is upended.

How she stays true to herself and becomes a force for change is the focus of the book. Inspirational.

The author has drawn a world where magic rules and a young girl discovers reality behind the glitter.

The book would have been better with more development, especially in the last part of the book. It felt rushed. The overall plot develops slowly and then picks up speed as the end nears. ( )