The Deepest Blue - Book Review

The Deepest Blue
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
The natural magic of the classic The Island of the Blue Dolphins meets the danger and courage of The Hunger Games in this 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.

What did I think of it:
This story is set in Durst's Queen's of Renthia world, so I had to give it a try.

And it's a really entertaining read.

I must say that it didn't grip me as much as The Queen of Blood, although it was better than The Reluctant Queen in my opinion. I think it's because Durst is at her best when given the time to set up a sweeping story filled with emotion and difficult choices. When it comes to action... There's just no oomph so to speak. So while I loved the overall story, the scenes on the island were lacking a certain urgency and drama.

That aside: I very much enjoyed the story and was invested in the outcome. There were a few interesting surprised along the way. All in all a cool read set in a very intriguing world. I will need to get my trotters on the third Queen's of Renthia book one of these days.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Fantasy read.


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