K. Ibura’s Tempest feels tailor-made for a television adaptation, weaving together coming-of-age drama, family secrets, and magical fantasy with the rich cultural backdrop of Louisiana and New Orleans. The story of Veronique, a girl with the power to control the wind, caught between grief, heritage, and the threat of a sinister organization, offers a blend of grounded emotional stakes and high-concept fantasy that would translate beautifully to the screen. The contrast between her rural upbringing and the vibrant, mysterious streets of New Orleans sets the stage for a visually striking show, while the themes of legacy, identity, and first love would anchor it for YA audiences. As a novel, it’s lyrical and engaging, though at times its pacing leans more toward mood than momentum. Still, its world-building and magical premise make it easy to imagine as a bingeable series, especially in the vein of Shadow and Bone or A Song Below Water. A strong four stars, and a story that could shine brightest on TV.

This was a suspenseful read that kept me on edge. I loved the magic system in this one. The NOLA culture was palpable throughout and i could visualize the scenes. The ending did feel a bit rushed with loose ends but overall fun read.

I read this book in one sitting! I was impressed with the authors writing and will definitely be looking for more.

From the very first page, Tempest sweeps you into a world where grief, magic, and destiny collide. K. Ibura crafts a lush, atmospheric tale that feels both deeply grounded in the culture and rhythms of Louisiana and expansive in its fantastical scope. The premise is what happens when a girl with the power to command the wind is forced out of the safety of her rural life into a bustling, unpredictable city hooks you immediately, and the execution delivers on that promise.

Veronique’s journey is as much about learning to master her extraordinary gift as it is about navigating the emotional storms of loss, identity, and belonging. Ibura’s writing is lyrical without being overwrought, with sensory details that pull you into humid afternoons, the sharp ache of longing, and the quiet moments of connection. The magic system is woven seamlessly into the everyday, making the fantastical feel natural and lived-in.

What stood out most, and will stay with me was the emotional authenticity. Veronique’s grief is palpable, her hope tentative but persistent. Her relationships, whether with MawMaw, her newly discovered family, or her emerging circle of friends, are layered and believable. The tension between wanting a “normal” teenage life and carrying the weight of a dangerous secret adds depth and urgency to the narrative.

This is a book that will resonate with readers who love Legendborn, A Song Below Water, and Vespertine. Especially those who crave Black girl magic centered unapologetically in the story. It’s for readers who appreciate coming-of-age tales that are as much about internal growth as they are about external stakes.

If I had one critique, it’s that some plot threads felt rushed toward the end, leaving me wishing for a bit more breathing room in the climax. But overall, Tempest is a captivating blend of contemporary realism and magical fantasy, with a heroine you can’t help but root for.

Final thoughts: Tempest reminds us that self-discovery often comes in the middle of life’s storms, and sometimes the only way forward is to lean into the wind.

I wanted to love this one. The Louisiana setting was great. The complicated family dynamic was great. The magic system was great - interesting and not something that I see very frequently in YA. I loved that this took place in the real world (opposed to a fantastical world) and takes place after a real natural disaster. I thought the first 2/3 of the book was great, and the build-up was really working for me. But then the encounter with the Vaunted happened and it really tanked the book for me. The first part of the book felt like it was trying to build up this big, bad organization, and then the actual confrontation happened so quickly; it felt like the build-up in the beginning had been wasted. I thought this was a standalone, but there are so many questions left unanswered by the end, so I'm assuming something else is coming down the line??

The pace is not what I expected. The plot points were mostly what I expected, but there was more setup and character growth than I expected. I really like the way Veronique slowly comes into herself and her powers. We watch her make friends, then start dating and then have to decide how much to tell them about her. She uncovers secrets and has to decide what to do with this new information. The battle between Veronique and the bad guy wrapped up a little quickly, but I also liked that the battle wasn’t the whole storyline. There was a lot of showing us who Veronique is and how she became that.

Tempest by K. Ibura was such a fantastic read.
What a fun, adventurous YA read.
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.

This book sings with Southern soul—and as someone whose heart beats in rhythm with Shreveport, I felt this one in my bones.

From the very first page, I was transported. The quiet stretch of backwoods Louisiana, the grit and glory of New Orleans—it all felt alive, sacred, and full of memory. This isn’t just a story; it’s a tribute to the South. To our people. To the legacy we carry in our blood. As a Black woman raised in Shreveport, I saw pieces of my own family, my own history, reflected back at me in these pages—and it felt like home.

Now, let me be real. I did want the magic and conflict to kick off sooner. I was itching for the heat, the stakes, the unraveling. But once it finally came together? Worth it. I just wanted a little more fire a little earlier—that’s the only reason I’m giving it a 4.5 instead of a full 5.

Veronique’s journey was absolutely stunning. She starts unsure, heavy with questions—but watching her come into herself, piece by piece, was powerful. She’s not just discovering magic—she’s reclaiming herself. And MawMaw? A queen. The kind of woman whose silence says more than a roomful of voices. She felt like the soul of the story—soft, steady, and unshakably strong.

The rest of the cast brought so much heart. Auntie Eve and Uncle Asim felt like those relatives everyone leans on, while Zaza, Jabari, Kez, and Tyree added layers of laughter, loyalty, and love. Their bonds with Veronique? Real, raw, and unforgettable.

This book is drenched in culture, thick with history, and overflowing with love for Blackness, for the South, and for the magic we carry in our bones. If you’ve ever called Louisiana home—especially Shreveport—this one will wrap you up in something familiar and leave you walking a little taller.

4.5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley & Happy Release Day. This one’s staying with me.

I liked the premise. For me, the execution fell short. I was really getting into the story then it ended quickly with loose ends.
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I loved the setting of this book. However, everything else fell a bit flat for me. I was never invested in the characters and the magic system seems underdeveloped. The resolution with everything that happened with V was anti-climatic. Overall, this wasn't a winner for me.

I must say I really enjoyed the book plus I really loved the main characters name Veronique. I was a little confused at first but it all made sense in the end. Veronique is sorta thrust into this magical world unknowingly yet..somewhat knowingly. Sent to live with her aunt in New Orleans, she discovers that she is not alone. What started off as a mission to find Kes’ brother, she discovers a secret cult whose mission may have started off to be of greater good but has turned into pure evil. If you enjoy all things magical with a twist of thriller you will definitely enjoy this book.

Veronique is thrusted into a world that she never knew existed when her Maw Maw sent her away to live with her Aunt and then passed away. Veronique learns who she is and develops a voice to control her own destiny.

From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of culture woven throughout the narrative. The details surrounding Veronique's upbringing in rural Louisiana, and then her transition to New Orleans, were incredibly vivid and authentic. As a Black woman, I particularly appreciated how the author highlighted the nuances of Black family dynamics and community.

The character development was truly exceptional. Veronique's journey of self-discovery, from a sheltered girl to a powerful young woman, felt incredibly relatable. I loved seeing her grapple with her powers while also navigating the complexities of new friendships, first love, and understanding her family's past. MawMaw was also a phenomenal character – her wisdom and strength radiated off the page.

And the supporting cast? Absolutely brilliant! Auntie Eve and Uncle Asim provided such a wonderful foundation of love and stability, while Zaza, Jabari, Kez, and Tyree each brought their own unique energy and personalities, adding so much depth and warmth to the story. Their interactions with Veronique, whether through playful banter or heartfelt conversations, made for such an enjoyable and immersive read.

My only slight wish, and why I'm giving it a 4.5-star review instead of a full five, is that I longed for the action to start sooner and last longer. I felt there was so much potential for earlier conflict and a more extended build-up to the climax, especially to lay groundwork for what could potentially lead to a second book. Despite that, this book is a truly amazing read for anyone who appreciates a story with depth, heart, and a beautifully rendered cultural landscape.

I found the writing style a little juvenile at times, and the ending left me with so many questions. Veronique is very naive and too easily manipulated for someone who claims to be aware of the danger she’s in. Also, I was skeptical about Tyree the moment he was introduced. We’re never sure of his age. Is he 17 or 21? That’s a huge difference in how I view their dynamic. Same with Kez.

The magic system is very under explored. It’s obviously elemental magic which V seems baffled by. The ending went from zero action to blowing up a building in two chapters. Then there just wasn’t any closer.

It was a really interesting premise but it wasn’t well executed.

Veronique has the power to control the wind, but a move from rural Louisiana to New Orleans threatens her ability to control her powers. Devastated at leaving her MawMaw, the only person she has ever really known, Veronique tries to adjust to life in New Orleans and to attending school for the first time. After she meets up with Kez, Veronique discovers a secret organization called the Vaunted, and finds out what her MawMaw was trying to protect her from. This was a good book that seemed to wrap up rather abruptly, but I will still add it to my high school library.

Found this one to be just okay. Really interesting premise and ultimately, a fascinating layout and experience as well as characters that felt real. However, struggled with the pacing through and through.

A quick, magical fantasy read that I really enjoyed! I read it like I was watching a movie, medium pace and easy to visualize. While the ending felt a bit rushed, the story as a whole was engaging. Based on the ending, I could definitely see a part two and I would read it.

Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books for the arc copy.

I always love to see a more contemporary/urban fantasy. The fast-pace will be appealing to all students, including more reluctant readers. I have a lot of students that loved Legendborn so I know that this will satisfy the need for something similar.

3.78. Can't say I thoroughly enjoyed this as I wanted too. I understood the plot, yet I don't think the book was for me. It's one of those books where I didn't like but I also enjoyed as well.

Thank you QuillTree Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Veronique has spent her life hiding from the world. Her MawMaw is convinced that should anyone learn her secret she would be in danger. Her secret, she can control the wind. Her parents died in Hurricane Katrina so it’s just been the two of them ever since. But her life changes drastically when her mawmaw announces that she is sending her to go live with her Aunt Eve and her family. Now in a new city, able to attend school, have friends, she gets to experience the world like most teens do. But she must not let anyone know her secret. With everything new going on that becomes increasingly difficult. Especially when she find out about the Vaunted, a group of elemental magic users who want to recruit her. Can they be trusted? Can she fit in with her family she hardly knows? Or could danger be around the corner? I loved the lore, magic, and imagery of this story! Veronique is a strong protagonist who’s just trying to find her place when everything she knows is turned upside down. Fast paced and intense this magical mystery will have readers flipping that pages and thirsting for more!