Storm Thief

Set in the decaying, sentient city of Orokos, the story follows two young 'movers' (thieves), Rail and Moa. They live in a world defined by 'probability storms' that randomly rearrange the physical and biological makeup of the city. After stealing a piece of 'Fade-Science' technology that allows phase-shifting through matter, they are hunted by their former gang leader and the city's authorities. Alongside Vago, a sensitive golem fleeing an abusive master, they journey into the heart of Orokos to discover the truth of their world's origin and the inequality that keeps the poor in the storm-lashed sectors. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book contains scenes of extreme poverty and physical abuse, including Vago's backstory which depicts his abusive creation and treatment. Death is a constant presence, often depicted through the lens of the unpredictable storms. The approach is secular and survival-focused, with a resolution that is more revolutionary and hopeful than nihilistic. EMOTIONAL ARC: The narrative begins with a sense of claustrophobic desperation. As the trio gains agency through the Fade-Science artifact, the tone shifts from survival to discovery. It builds toward an intense climax that demands a reckoning with the status quo, ending on a note of empowerment. IDEAL READER: A 12-year-old who feels like an outsider or is beginning to notice social injustices. It appeals to those who like 'broken' worlds and tech-heavy sci-fi but want a story grounded in deep friendship. PARENT TRIGGER: The depiction of Vago's 'creation' and the physical mistreatment of the golem by his maker can be distressing. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the 'probability storms' which can be quite frightening, as they cause body-horror-lite transformations (like a child being turned to glass). AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the cool gadgetry and the escape sequences; older readers (14+) will better grasp the metaphors for social stratification and the 'chaos' of growing up. DIFFERENTIATOR: Wooding's concept of 'probability storms' is a unique literary device that physicalizes the feeling of a world where the rules are constantly changing for the disadvantaged. """