Title: Windfall
Author: Rachel Caine
First published November 1, 2005
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780451460578 (ISBN10: 045146057X)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Once a powerful Weather Warden, Joanne Baldwin now finds herself struggling to make ends meet as a “weather girl” for a local news station. Her new job is far from glamorous, and the head meteorologist takes pleasure in making her look foolish on air.
But Joanne’s problems are just beginning. Her supernatural lover is dying, and her sister’s recent divorce has left her homeless and on Joanne’s couch.
To make matters worse, a detective is convinced Joanne is guilty of murder. As if that weren’t enough, a deadly hurricane is approaching, and a civil war among the Djinn threatens to escalate.
With her trademark sass and sex appeal, Joanne navigates the tumultuous weather and personal storms in Rachel Caine’s thrilling novel Windfall.
About the Author
The author known as Rachel Caine is actually Roxanne Longstreet Conrad, who has also written under the names Roxanne Longstreet and Roxanne Conrad. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Editoral Review
Windfall by Rachel Caine is a young adult contemporary novel that follows the story of Joanne Baldwin, a weather warden who has the ability to control the elements. First published in November 2005, it is the first book in the Weather Warden series.
Caine’s writing style is smooth and easy to read, which makes it a perfect choice for young adult readers. The book is set in a world where supernatural abilities are common, and the author artfully weaves them into the storyline without making them feel out of place.
The idea of controlling the elements is not new, but Caine’s take on it is fresh and exciting. The plot follows Joanne as she attempts to stay alive and keep her supernatural powers hidden from the Wardens who are hunting her.
As Joanne navigates her way through life, she meets and falls in love with David, a former Warden who is also hiding from his past. Together, they must find a way to survive and make sense of the strange occurrences happening around them.
One of the strengths of Windfall is its character development. Joanne is a relatable protagonist, and it is easy to empathize with her struggles.
David is a compelling love interest, and the chemistry between the two leads is undeniable. The secondary characters are also well-developed, and each one plays an essential role in moving the story forward.
Another strength of the book is its pacing. The story moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.
Caine does an excellent job of blending action and romance, creating a balance that is not always present in young adult novels. However, Windfall is not without its flaws.
The romance between Joanne and David is somewhat predictable, and the character of Sarah, a young girl who Joanne befriends, is at times too precocious to be believable. Additionally, the book’s ending is somewhat abrupt, leaving the reader with more questions than answers.
Overall, Windfall is an enjoyable read and a solid debut to the Weather Warden series. Fans of young adult novels with supernatural elements will appreciate Caine’s take on the genre.
However, readers seeking a more intricate and thought-provoking story may be disappointed. I would recommend Windfall to young adult readers who enjoy a quick read with a light touch of suspense and romance.
It is an excellent choice for fans of authors such as Richelle Mead and Cassandra Clare. I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
