Title: Storm Winds
Author: Iris Johansen
First published May 1, 1991
560 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553290325 (ISBN10: 0553290320)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
Amidst the turmoil of the French Revolution, where danger lurked at every turn and hearts were as treacherous as the ballrooms they danced in, one man stood apart. Jean Marc Andreas was a shrewd businessman, feared and revered in equal measure.
He was also a man haunted by his family’s legacy – the Wind Dancer, a priceless statue that had been stolen from them. But he was not the only one seeking it.
Juliette de Clement was a woman of fire, denied passion by a cruel world. When Jean Marc and Juliette’s paths crossed, they ignited a storm of desire that threatened to consume them both.
United in their quest for the Wind Dancer, they journeyed from the elegant salons of Paris to the tranquil gardens of southern France, and even to the perilous mountains of Spain. But would their obsession for the statue lead them to ruin, or would it be their salvation?
About the Author
Meet Iris Johansen, a renowned author who has captivated readers with her gripping stories. Her writing career began when her children left for college, and she has since become a New York Times bestseller.
Initially, Iris wrote category romances, which gained her success in the early 1980s. However, her writing journey took a turn when she published The Wind Dancer, which marked the start of her suspense historical romance novels.
But that was not all; in 1996, Iris ventured into crime fiction, a genre with which she has had tremendous success.
Iris resides in Georgia with her husband and has a notable family. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist, while her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
Besides her solo works, Iris has also coauthored books with her son, including Close Your Eyes and Sight Unseen. With a wealth of experience and talent, Iris Johansen continues to inspire and entertain readers with her writing.
Editoral Review
Storm Winds is a suspense novel by Iris Johansen that was first published on May 1, 1991. Johansen is a prolific writer of romance and suspense novels, and Storm Winds is one of her earlier works.
The genre of the novel is suspense, with elements of romance woven into the plot. The author’s style is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep the reader engaged.
The themes of the novel include love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. The novel is set in contemporary times, and it takes place in different locations around the world.
The plot revolves around a woman named Kate Gilbert, who is kidnapped by a powerful and dangerous man named Zahir al-Khalifa. Kate is a wealthy and successful businesswoman who has always been in control of her life, but when she is taken captive by Zahir, she is forced to confront her deepest fears and darkest secrets.
Zahir is a ruthless and calculating man who has been plotting his revenge against Kate for years, and he will stop at nothing to destroy her. As Kate tries to escape from Zahir’s clutches, she is aided by a handsome and mysterious man named Sam Hogan.
Together, Kate and Sam embark on a perilous journey across the globe, trying to outsmart Zahir and stay one step ahead of his deadly game. Johansen’s writing is captivating and engaging, and the plot of Storm Winds is gripping from start to finish.
The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with their own flaws and vulnerabilities. Kate is a strong and independent woman who is used to being in control, but her captivity forces her to confront her own limitations and weaknesses.
Sam is a complex and enigmatic character who is haunted by his past and driven by his desire to protect Kate. Zahir is a formidable and chilling villain whose motives are gradually revealed throughout the novel.
One of the strengths of Storm Winds is its vivid descriptions of the different settings and cultures that Kate and Sam encounter on their journey. From the exotic markets of Marrakech to the snow-covered mountains of Switzerland, Johansen’s prose paints a rich and detailed picture of each location.
The novel also touches on themes of cultural clash and misunderstanding, as Kate and Sam navigate foreign cultures and traditions. However, some readers may find the plot of Storm Winds to be predictable and formulaic.
There are certain cliches and plot devices that are commonly used in romantic suspense novels, and Johansen does not deviate much from these conventions. Additionally, some readers may find the romance between Kate and Sam to be underdeveloped and rushed.
Overall, Storm Winds is a well-written and entertaining suspense novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Johansen’s skillful storytelling and attention to detail make the novel a compelling read, and the characters are memorable and engaging.
While the plot may not be particularly groundbreaking, Storm Winds is still a satisfying and enjoyable thriller that fans of the genre will appreciate. For fans of romantic suspense and thrillers, Storm Winds comes highly recommended.
The novel offers a thrilling ride filled with action, suspense, and romance. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it is an engaging and entertaining novel that will appeal to a wide audience.
I give Storm Winds four out of five stars.
