Monday, April 8, 2019

The Deepest Blue by Sarah Beth Durst

Series: Tales of Renthia #1
368 p.
Published: March 19, 19
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source: From author for review

... dazzling, intricate stand-alone fantasy novel set in award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst’s beloved world of Renthia. 
Life is precious and precarious on the islands of Belene. Besieged by a capricious ocean full of malicious spirits, the people of the islands seek joy where they can. Mayara, one of the island’s fearless oyster divers, has found happiness in love. But on the day of her wedding to the artist Kelo, a spirit-driven storm hits the island with deadly force.
To save her loved ones, Mayara reveals a dangerous secret: she has the power to control the spirits. When the storm ends, she is taken into custody by the queen’s soldiers and imprisoned with other women like her. 
They vary in age and social status, but to many they are heroes who will aide the country or witches that will sacrifice themselves trying. No matter who they are, the women are sent to a terrifying place—an island filled with bloodthirsty nature spirits, and left without food, water, shelter, or any tools except their own instincts and magic. Whoever survives the Island of Testing will be declared heirs to the queen. But no matter if she wins or loses, Mayara knows that the life she dreamed of is gone.
My thoughts:

This is a book set in the world of Sarah Beth Durst's trilogy, The Queens of Renthia (goodreads link). I really loved that series and I do suggest that you read it before reading this one. The main reason is that the trilogy establishes the world in an engaging way. This book is a standalone from that world and it follows the sea and the "monsters" that dwell there. This series is also considered fantasy, but it is an accessible one and you shouldn't be afraid to jump in.

You get to know the main character Mayara and her beloved Kelo. Secondary characters are also well rounded out and a favorite sassy character from the previous books also makes an appearance. You have a few twists and even political intrigue which were all solved and some not in the way you would suspect. I also love that you even get a glimpse at some of the more evolved spirit's mind. That actually made me want more of that perspective. Even so, I would say that the glimpse actually works best within the story as a whole.

There is adventure, romance, heartbreak and betrayal within this story. Secrets and intrigue also adorn the pages. The whole series is a well rounded out world that I'm not sure I would want to live, but I do enjoy visiting. I also hope that we get to visit every corner of this world.

If you have not read this author's writing, I highly recommend that you at least try one of her books. She has several out there that are standalones. If you are hungry for a short series, do try the first book in the Queens of Renthia, The Queen of Blood.

43 comments:

  1. I really do enjoy her writing as well and this really was a fun interesting read! So happy you liked it as well!

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  2. Oh interesting! I read the first book and enjoyed it but didn't feel compelled to continue. I'm happy the author was able to return to this world.

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    1. Oh do try her other work. You might really enjoy her standalones.

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  3. I was unfamiliar with this series or the previous series. Slowly fantasies are growing on me so I'll have to put them on the list to try. Glad the follow up was really good for you, Melissa.

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  4. I didn't know Sarah Beth Durst did another book!! It's immediately going on the TBR!!

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  5. I've heard good things about the Queen of Renthia series so this is definitely on my list to try soon! I may read that first series first or just start with this- the islands setting frankly really appeals to me, but I should probs stat with the first series...

    Glad this was good!

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    1. Oh I hope you enjoy. Yes, do start with the main series.

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  6. I've not read this author before! Thanks for the introduction!

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  7. I haven't read this but it does sound good.

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  8. You've made me curious about her writing. This sounds wonderful from setting to characters!

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    1. You can try one of her standalones. I think you'll like it.

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  9. I have this review coming soon too :D
    I liked it and must rea more set in this world

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  10. I saw this one around but it looks good!!!

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  11. I have heard great things about this author, but I still haven’t read her, at least I don’t think.....

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    1. Oh try one of her standalones and I think you'll be hooked. Of course I think you'd like this series too!

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  12. Queens of Renthia is on my TBR for sure, glad you enjoyed this one!

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  13. That sounds pretty good. I like when they do another in an established world. It's so interesting to see how those go.

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  14. I am so interested in reading this. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Wow this sounds so amazing! I've seen this author's books a lot around on Instagram but i'm yet to read any!

    Uma@Books.Bags.Burgers.

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  16. Good to know you should read the other books first to get a feel for the world. I'm glad to hear that you really enjoyed this one. :) Thanks for sharing!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Yes, it really establishes things for this book. I think you'd enjoy!

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  17. now I need check to see if I have book one of the other series before I pick this one up, because I think this one just sounds so fantastic

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    1. Oh yes, try the first series. I think you'll be hooked by the second book.

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  18. I thought her last name looked familiar. And your link to Goodreads helped. So glad you enjoyed this one.

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  19. I've fallen a bit behind with her books but I enjoy her writing and your one of several of my blogger friends that liked this one.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  20. I haven't read any of her books, will check out the first xxx

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. If you don't want to commit to a series try one of the standalones.

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  21. I've this series sitting on my shelf for ages and your review just reminded me I need to read them ASAP.

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  22. I haven't heard of Sarah Beth Durst before, but I do like the sound of this series!

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