Shep is an older German Shepard with a tough pup-hood. He grew up in a fighting kennel, being challenged by many bigger dogs and being forced to fight for his life. That was, until he was rescued by a young boy and given a new home. He and his boy loved each other dearly, and always walked to the park each morning. However, one day of Shep's life changes how he'll live forever. As large coal-grey clouds hang in the sky and a strange man enters Shep's house, his family is forced to leave and flee the storm. Without him. Shep is left at his den abandoned by his family, trapped behind doors, and out of kibble. That is, until a young yapper dog climbs onto his windowsill, showing him how to escape through the opened glass panes. He is grateful for the small young dog who's greeted herself as Cassie. The two journey throughout the city, meeting many new dogs, including finding Shep's best friend, Zeus. Yet, as they continue to journey, and more ferocious building-breaking storms rage through the city, Shep grows weary and tired. These small dogs don't know when to rest; and he can tell Zeus is on his last nerve as well. Shep tries his best to help, he really does, but all he ever gets in return is anger or grief. All his plans haven't been working well, and when his pack in attacked by wild street-dogs, Zeus proves he's finally had enough. Abandoning Shep, Zeus joins to the wild dog pack. The two depart their own ways, Shep still with his own new friends. He's devastated, and feeling as useless as ever. That is, until the wild dogs attack Shep and his friends, just as a flood hits. Zeus challenges Shep; but Shep can't fight his best friend! As the wild goose close in, the said flood hits, and Shep's pack is forced back onto higher ground. The wild dogs are swept away, including Zeus. However heartbroken Shep feels, he knows he must accept the fact the Zeus had chosen his new life. Shep's friends survived. His pack survived. He survived. They all survived to see what tomorrow will hold.
I adored this book. How the author interpreted the door knobs as silver paws and so many other aspects amazed me. I could've never thought that up. I've read The Storm twice now, and cannot wait to read The Pack and The Return. All the dogs personalities were created perfectly, the hope, the sarcasm, the angry arguments. Even the Great Wolf story was incredible. If I had the time, I'd read this book over a third time. I truly recommend it to anyone who has read the Warriors book series. It fits right in to the story of how animals must survive in a wild environment, Urban or Forest. :) ( )

Dog-loving kids might enjoy this series about dogs surviving a major storm/hurricane without their humans. There's suspense and a bit of internal strife for Shep as he weighs his abilities to be a leader in crisis, as well as managing his previous instincts as a dog fighter. I myself found it confusing determining who was who among all the different dog descriptions. ( )

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12438603