Book Review: Whispers of the Storm by Z.B. Steele
There’s a certain kind of fantasy novel that hits you like a storm (see what I did there?) : quiet at first, a whisper of something deeper, then suddenly you’re caught in it, pages flying by, time vanishing. Whispers of the Storm is one of those books. Z.B. Steele has crafted a rich, dark fantasy that feels both familiar and fresh—equal parts haunting and compelling.
Right out the gate, I’ll say this: yes, it reminded me a lot of The Name of the Wind. And depending on how you felt about Kvothe and the university arc, that’s either high praise or a bit of a pause. For me, it’s a bit of both. I’ve read a lot of the mysterious hero/anti-hero tales, and while Steele’s take is well-written and emotionally grounded, the school portion did echo well-tread territory. I wasn’t blown away by it in Rothfuss’s book, and I didn’t love it here either. But to be clear—that’s a personal thing, and it didn’t stop me from devouring the rest of the story.
Where Whispers of the Storm shines is in its characters. We follow one main perspective throughout, but every character that crosses the page feels lived in—morally complex, painfully real, and capable of surprising you. Even the “villains” have weight and presence. It’s rare to find a cast this well balanced, where no one feels like filler and everyone has the power to tug at your emotions (or twist the knife).
The magic system is intriguing and, more importantly, carries weight. Actions have consequences, and there’s a satisfying sense of danger tied to every use of power. Steele doesn’t just throw spells around for spectacle—magic here shapes the world, and its use feels deliberate and costly. I already have a few theories on where it might lead in future books, and I’m very curious to see how deep the rabbit hole goes.
The worldbuilding itself unfolds slowly, which I liked. It grows with the main character, expanding in scope and complexity in a way that mirrors the story’s darker themes. It’s not a lore dump—it’s a discovery, and one that feels earned. There are moments of brutal beauty here, particularly in the fight scenes, and the pacing ramps up nicely once we move beyond the school setting.
At the end of the day, Whispers of the Storm doesn’t need to stand on the shoulders of its comparisons. It has enough heart, grit, and originality to walk its own path—and I think a lot of readers are going to want to follow it.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, of flawed heroes and slow-burn storytelling, then this is absolutely worth your time. Just know going in: if the “mysterious student with a tragic past” setup isn’t your favourite flavour, the opening arc may feel a little familiar. But stick with it—the storm that follows is worth it.
Looking forward to the sequel already.
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