About the Book:
An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure
Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .
But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.
With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.
Reviewed By: Jessica P.
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Recommended Age: Young Adult, New Adult
Genre: Fantasy
How I Acquired this book: Purchased & Publisher
Sarah Beth Durst is the award-winning author of fifteen fantasy books for kids, teens, and adults, including THE STONE GIRL'S STORY, DRINK SLAY LOVE, and THE QUEENS OF RENTHIA series. She won an ALA Alex Award and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, and has been a finalist for SFWA's Andre Norton Award three times. She is a graduate of Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. For more information, visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.
Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: Once you start you won't be able to put it down.
Check out author's other books? YES
Recommend this book? YES
Recommend this book? YES
The setting of this book was just breathtaking and I wish there were real places like this. Where the trees are big enough where you could build entire cities within their branches. The world of Aratay was a place where every town, city, and village is built on the enormous connection of tree branches. This book is one full of nature with spirits (they are like the fey) want to kill you and the only thing keeping them from doing that is the queen.
In this world its all about the queen. We really get a very small look at the world these people live in. As the queen talks about other queens around their world. I am really hoping we get to see more of the surrounding areas in the next books.
Out of all the characters I really loved Bayn he is a side character and a wolf and I really hope we get more of his story in the next book as well!!! Cause he is so SO not a normal wolf!!!!!!
I also really loved Daleina she is such a strong character. Even when her magic doesn't work like everyone else's she still has the determination to do what she needs to do. She reminded me of the worst witch from a movie forever ago. Where she messes up a lot but it never deters her from going after the goal she set out to do. I really love the message from her that even though things may not work out the way you planned you shouldn't give up. Work hard and give life a suck it sandwich.
The story was very good in this one. Although I did guess the ending I didn't guess all of it. The ending to this was half predictable and half OMG I'm crying my eyes out please kill me now!! It was so hard to put down to go do adult things like laundry and dinner. It moves at a slower pace which worked wonderfully for this story. It's in a few POVs but it flows so well you won't be wondering who's POV you are in so don't worry.
This is one high fantasy that blended seamlessly with nature that was very hard to put down and that you shouldn't miss! For higher young adult through adult readers!
Book in a Pinch: This is one high fantasy that blended seamlessly with nature that was very hard to put down and that you shouldn't miss! For higher young adult through adult readers!
Go Into This One Knowing: Very slight sexual content, No love triangles, No cliffhanger, Some gore
In this world its all about the queen. We really get a very small look at the world these people live in. As the queen talks about other queens around their world. I am really hoping we get to see more of the surrounding areas in the next books.
Out of all the characters I really loved Bayn he is a side character and a wolf and I really hope we get more of his story in the next book as well!!! Cause he is so SO not a normal wolf!!!!!!
I also really loved Daleina she is such a strong character. Even when her magic doesn't work like everyone else's she still has the determination to do what she needs to do. She reminded me of the worst witch from a movie forever ago. Where she messes up a lot but it never deters her from going after the goal she set out to do. I really love the message from her that even though things may not work out the way you planned you shouldn't give up. Work hard and give life a suck it sandwich.
The story was very good in this one. Although I did guess the ending I didn't guess all of it. The ending to this was half predictable and half OMG I'm crying my eyes out please kill me now!! It was so hard to put down to go do adult things like laundry and dinner. It moves at a slower pace which worked wonderfully for this story. It's in a few POVs but it flows so well you won't be wondering who's POV you are in so don't worry.
This is one high fantasy that blended seamlessly with nature that was very hard to put down and that you shouldn't miss! For higher young adult through adult readers!
Book in a Pinch: This is one high fantasy that blended seamlessly with nature that was very hard to put down and that you shouldn't miss! For higher young adult through adult readers!
Go Into This One Knowing: Very slight sexual content, No love triangles, No cliffhanger, Some gore
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FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
Donations: All donations are to help keep this site running via costs from shipping, .com charges, and other giveaways.
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