We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia is an excellent sequel. It was an excellent decision on Mejia’s part to take the story into another direction and follow Carmen’s point of view. Through Carmen’s perspective and journey, the reader gets to know the inner workings of the rebellion and what they fight for. There is an incredible scene Carmen going over the wall that resonates so strongly with me as a Latina and Mexican reader and will resonate with all immigrants trying to get over a border to a new and better life. It was a powerful scene that captured the hope and struggle and sadness of the situation, and that is only one part of the novel that makes it so incredible.
A New Perspective
There is also joy in seeing Carmen grow beyond the scope of Dani’s vision in the previous novel. Readers can now see that there was a whole different side to her, one they probably never knew existed. There is a fierceness that is different from Dani’s; it comes from living in the rebellion since childhood and being a spy for her entire life. She knows who she is and is trying to fight for a better life; she is a fierce protagonist who does not give up her identity, her hope, or her love.
Having the main characters represent not only Latinx characters, but the LGBTQ community is empowering. It makes for a great read by being both empowering and sending a powerful message to readers. It deepens the dynamics between Dani and Carmen, focuses on the rebellion, and shows the reader what La Voz is fighting for — equality.
Final Thoughts
We Unleash the Merciless Storm is an empowering and thoughtful read that inspires readers to be true to themselves and fight for what is right and their beliefs.
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Product Details:
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Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2020 |
Page count: 400pp |
Age Range: 14 & Over |
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ISBN: 978-0-0626-9131-6 |
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books |
List Price: $17.99 |


