Wrath of the Storm

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to question the simplicity of heroes and villains or is struggling with the burden of high expectations. It is a perfect fit for the middle schooler who feels they must solve everyone's problems while grappling with their own sense of fairness and empathy. Set in a magically infused Ancient Rome, the story follows Nicolas Calva as he faces a terrifying dragon to save his family and the Empire. Beyond the high stakes adventure, the story delves into the emotional complexity of feeling sympathy for one's enemies. It explores the heavy weight of responsibility and the realization that justice is not always black and white. While the action is intense and the peril is real, the core of the book is about a boy finding the courage to do what is right even when the path is unclear. It is ideal for readers aged 8 to 13 who enjoy historical mythology and deep, character driven quests.