Showing posts with label Sarah Beth Durst. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarah Beth Durst. Show all posts

Friday, 20 March 2026

Sea of Charms - Early Book Review

 

Sea of Charms (Spellshop #3)
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
Marin is a supply runner with her own boat that she sails from island to island, delivering whatever anyone will pay her to deliver: letters, flour, even the occasional enchanted lemur. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers, and she wouldn’t trade the freedom of the sea for anything. Her only companion is a sea serpent, Perri, whom she saved from a fisherfolk’s net.

One day, she sails to Alyssium and discovers the city is on fire. There’s been a revolution, and the empire has fallen. Marin, with Perri, begins transporting refugees, finding them new homes where they can start over. One such refugee is Dax, a composer who refuses to leave behind his instruments, no matter how much she tries to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, and his charming smile, Marin discovers perhaps she isn’t saving him ― maybe it’s the other way around.

What did I think of it:
I absolutely love The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse so I was super happy to receive an ARC of Sea of Charms.

The book felt initially slow. I get why it started where it started, but as it overlaps time- and event-wise with The Enchanted Greenhouse it felt like a rehash at times and that's what took the speed out of it for me personally. But luckily after a few chapters the story moved away from the previous book and took on speed. 

I especially enjoyed Ree, the sentient plant, and Perri, the sea serpent. I love how Durst manages to give the plants in this series their own personality.
I didn't totally get into the relationship between Marin and Dax. Marin seemed unreasonably obsessed with Dax from the start even while telling herself they can never be together, while Dax is a cinnamon roll where someone forgot to add the cinnamon. 

I didn't mind much though. The adventures of the four of them were more than fun and enjoyable enough to keep me entertained. I loved seeing even more of the world these books are set in, and to discover more of what happened in the aftermath of the revolution. There's exciting action, lots of humorous situations, and more. There were a few delightful cameos from characters from the other books along the way as well.

All in all a fun and entertaining addition to the series. I will most definitely get my trotters on the hard cover once it releases.

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


Expected publication July 28, 2026

Sunday, 21 December 2025

Books Galore

 

I received lots of bookish mail, so let me show everything off.

I received these wonderful early Christmas/Birthday books from Melliane.
Thanks, Melliane!

I received beautiful art prints and stickers from Rebecca F. Kenney.
We have just discovered her books and were just in time to enter a giveaway and were among the winners!

Thanks, Rebecca!


There was more awesomeness, but first it's story time!

The ever amazing Jeffe told me she sent us a package, so of course we were on the lookout for its arrival. Instead of it arriving, we received a message on Facebook from someone asking if we were expecting a package from the US...

It turned out the delivery people mistook the address and delivered it somewhere else!

Luckily the people who got the package managed to find and contact us on Facebook. They turned out to live close by, so they dropped the package off within 10 minutes after confirming it was our package!

We are totally grateful they took the time to find us instead of just sending the package back.

So behold the awesomeness that nearly didn't reach us:

There were lots of books by T. Kingfisher in the package.
Two of them I asked Jeffe to buy for me (paid for them myself), because I wanted that particular version of the book, but the others were given to Jeffe by T. Kingfisher/Ursula Vernon herself as they are friends and Jeffe told her I'm a big fan. They're either ARCs or difficult to get special editions. How awesome is that?!

Just look at these gorgeous sprayed edges.

Just have to show off this absolutely stunning edition of Nettle & Bone.

Thanks, Ursula!

But there was even more in the package

A signed copy of The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst.
Jeffe got it for me when she met up with Sarah Beth Durst on her book tour. (It has got a personal message that makes me love Sarah Beth Durst even more than I already did.)

I'm forever struggling to get US covers when there's also a UK version, so Jeffe got me the US ARC of this book!

And yet another book!

Last but not least a Christmas present we're not allowed to open yet, so it is next to our snow globe, guarded by the Santa Matryoshka dolls.

Thanks, Jeffe!!! 


Tuesday, 26 August 2025

The Reluctant Queen - Book Review (reread/repost)

 


The Reluctant Queen (The Queens of Renthia #2)
by Sarah Beth Durst


What is it about:
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 . . .
And those spirits want to kill you.
It’s the first lesson that every Renthian learns.

Not long ago, Daleina used her strength and skill to survive those spirits and assume the royal throne. Since then, the new queen has kept the peace and protected the humans of her land. But now for all her power, she is hiding a terrible secret: she is dying. And if she leaves the world before a new heir is ready, the spirits that inhabit her beloved realm will run wild, destroying her cities and slaughtering her people.

Naelin is one such person, and she couldn’t be further removed from the Queen—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her world is her two children, her husband, and the remote village tucked deep in the forest that is her home, and that’s all she needs. But when Ven, the Queens champion, passes through the village, Naelin’s ambitious husband proudly tells him of his wife’s ability to control spirits—magic that Naelin fervently denies. She knows that if the truth of her abilities is known, it will bring only death and separation from those she loves.

But Ven has a single task: to find the best possible candidate to protect the people of Aratay. He did it once when he discovered Daleina, and he’s certain he’s done it again. Yet for all his appeals to duty, Naelin is a mother, and she knows her duty is to her children first and foremost. Only as the Queen’s power begins to wane and the spirits become emboldened—even as ominous rumors trickle down from the north—does she realize that the best way to keep her son and daughter safe is to risk everything.


What did I think of it:
I loved The Queen of Blood, so I made sure to get my trotters on the paperback of The Reluctant Queen.

And even though I never got to love Naelin as much as I love Daleina this is a really good Fantasy read.

The worldbuilding is wonderful, and the intrigues in this book kept me reading. Naelin might not have won my love, but I rooted for Daleina and for Ven. I had my doubts when it became clear Naelin's children had a bigger part in the story than I thought when reading the blurb, but they luckily weren't as annoying as I feared (yes: I'm not a big fan of children in SFF books).

All in all this is a very enjoyable read that ends in a way that I will most definitely buy the last book once it is available in paperback.

Thoughts on rereading
I will probably never become a fan of Naelin. I didn't warm up to her the first time I read this book, and didn't this time either. Still this is such a great story! And there's several viewpoint characters, so it's not Naelin all the time luckily enough. And there's tons of characters who I did love. I was totally invested in the intrigue and the drama. Some things are solved in this book, but much more still need to be solved. I'm looking forward to rereading the last book (which for some reason I never reviewed, and I can't really remember a lot, so I'm a bit worried).

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Fantasy read full of intrigue.

Monday, 25 August 2025

The Queen of Blood - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia #1)
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
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.

What did I think of it:
If I'm honest I think that for a lot of people the first part of this book will seem slow, but as it's mostly about Daleina going through her training in a boarding school I was hooked. (Yes, I have a great weakness for boarding school stories.) It's the second part of the story where things speed up to rush to a stunning finale.

I loved the world building and very much enjoyed learning about the spirits together with Daleina as she studies. I also loved that Daleina isn't some kind of prodigy, but that she has to struggle to get were she wants to go. It made her very easy to relate to.

I also really liked Ven and rooted for both him and Daleina to succeed in their goals. I will admit that the further I got into the story the more I started to care for both of them and it became more and more difficult to put the book down.

The ending was beautiful and although it's in no way a cliffhanger it left me hungry for more of this world and the characters. I will most certainly keep an eye out for the next book and I will investigate what other books Durst has written.

Thoughts on rereading:
I'm guessing that there were some very vocal people back in 2017 who complained it was slow, and that's why I mentioned it in my review. I didn't think it was too slow back then, and still don't think so now.
It was so good to reread this and I still love it as much as I did back then. Daleina is such a great heroine. If you love Durst's The Spellshop & The Enchanted Greenhouse, give this book a try: you won't be disappointed.

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


Tuesday, 15 July 2025

The Enchanted Greenhouse - Release Day Book Review (repost/reread)

The Enchanted Greenhouse released today!

Go get it asap!

The Enchanted Greenhouse
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

What did I think of it:
*I read a digital ARC in February, then was gifted a print ARC and reread this book this month*

This is a standalone set in the same world as The Spellshop, but anyone who read and loved The Spellshop will recognize who Terlu is, and so needs to read this! New to this world? You can totally read and love this book without reading the Spellshop first, but believe me: you need both these books, they're both awesome!

I liked Terlu, and had a lot of sympathy for her, but then the grumpy gardener Yarrow was introduced, and just Wow! He and I have a lot in common I have to confess. From that point on I so rooted for the both of them,(maybe a little bit more for Yarrow) that they would succeed in saving the greenhouses.

And the talking plants! I fell in love with Dendy in particular, I will say.

I feared one of my least favorite tropes would happen in this book, and it did, but Durst managed to write it in a way that didn't make me want to puke like I usually do with this particular trope (which I will name the 'Shiny Happy People' trope to not spoil too much). 

So with a certain trope handled in the best way possible this was just as beautiful and emotional a read as The Spellshop. I loved reading about the wonders in the greenhouses, and learn more about the world Durst created. There's tons of beauty and whimsy, next to a really emotional story that also has lots to smile about.

You bet I will impatiently wait for the release and get my trotters on the hardcover to place it next to The Spellshop. And if there's to be more books: I'm going to hope it will be about certain characters who have a small role in this book.

Thoughts on rereading:
Still as amazing as the first read, and Yarrow is absolutely a kindred spirit.

Why should you read it:
It's a great, cozy Fantasy with a wonderfully grumpy gardener.


Monday, 14 July 2025

The Spellshop - Book Review (repost/reread)

The Enchanted Greenhouse is releasing tomorrow.

In anticipation of the release I reread both The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse (ARC)

The Spellshop
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant—have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.

When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.

In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.

But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.

What did I think of it:
When Jeffe told me I should read this book, I was easily convinced as I absolutely love Sarah Beth Durst's The Queen of Blood (I'm so going to get my trotters on the new paperback once it releases, because: have you seen that new cover!). 

And this book is so going on my keeper shelves and will be hugged, treasured, and reread!

What a beautiful, touching read. If you need a cozy Fantasy read: look no further and get your hands on The Spellshop!

I loved Kiela from the start, and don't get me started on Caz, because I'll be singing his praises for hours.  I mean: an intelligent, talking, sarcastic spider plant!!

The story is so sweet, and I kept reading to see what happens next for Kiela and Caz. There's some danger to keep you on edge, but mainly this book was delightful and full of whimsy. It made me smile while reading.

So you bet I jumped on the chance to read an Advance Reader Copy of the next book set in the same world as The Spellshop.

Thoughts on rereading:
This is such a delightful read. I most certainly will reread this often. The world, the characters, everything just hits right.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful, cozy, and heartwarming Fantasy read.

Friday, 28 February 2025

The Enchanted Greenhouse - Early Book Review

 

The Enchanted Greenhouse
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

What did I think of it:
*I was lucky enough to get a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book*

This is a standalone set in the same world as The Spellshop, but anyone who read and loved The Spellshop will recognize who Terlu is, and so needs to read this! New to this world? You can totally read and love this book without reading the Spellshop first, but believe me: you need both these books, they're both awesome!

I liked Terlu, and had a lot of sympathy for her, but then the grumpy gardener Yarrow was introduced, and just Wow! He and I have a lot in common I have to confess. From that point on I so rooted for the both of them,(maybe a little bit more for Yarrow) that they would succeed in saving the greenhouses.

I feared one of my least favorite tropes would happen in this book, and it did, but Durst managed to write it in a way that didn't make me want to puke like I usually do with this particular trope (which I will name the 'Shiny Happy People' trope to not spoil too  much). 

So with a certain trope handled in the best was possible this was just as beautiful and emotional a read as The Spellshop. I loved reading about the wonders in the greenhouses, and learn more about the world Durst created. There's tons of beauty and whimsy, next to a really emotional story that also has lots to smile about.

You bet I will impatiently wait for the release and get my trotters on the hardcover to place it next to The Spellshop. And if there's to be more books: I'm going to hope it will be about certain characters who have a small role in this book.

Why should you read it:
It's a great, cozy Fantasy with a wonderfully grumpy gardener.

Expected publication: July 15, 2025 by Bramble

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

The Spellshop - Book Review

 

The Spellshop
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant—have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.

When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.

In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.

But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.

What did I think of it:
When Jeffe told me I should read this book, I was easily convinced as I absolutely love Sarah Beth Durst's The Queen of Blood (I'm so going to get my trotters on the new paperback once it releases, because: have you seen that new cover!). 

And this book is so going on my keeper shelves and will be hugged, treasured, and reread!

What a beautiful, touching read. If you need a cozy Fantasy read: look no further and get your hands on The Spellshop!

I loved Kiela from the start, and don't get me started on Caz, because I'll be singing his praises for hours.  I mean: an intelligent, talking, sarcastic spider plant!!

The story is so sweet, and I kept reading to see what happens next for Kiela and Caz. There's some danger to keep you on edge, but mainly this book was delightful and full of whimsy. It made me smile while reading.

So you bet I jumped on the chance to read an Advance Reader Copy of the next book set in the same world as The Spellshop.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful, cozy, and heartwarming Fantasy read.







Wednesday, 1 April 2020

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.


buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 13 March 2018

The Reluctant Queen - Book Review


The Reluctant Queen (The Queens of Renthia #2)
by Sarah Beth Durst


What is it about:
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 . . .
And those spirits want to kill you.
It’s the first lesson that every Renthian learns.

Not long ago, Daleina used her strength and skill to survive those spirits and assume the royal throne. Since then, the new queen has kept the peace and protected the humans of her land. But now for all her power, she is hiding a terrible secret: she is dying. And if she leaves the world before a new heir is ready, the spirits that inhabit her beloved realm will run wild, destroying her cities and slaughtering her people.

Naelin is one such person, and she couldn’t be further removed from the Queen—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her world is her two children, her husband, and the remote village tucked deep in the forest that is her home, and that’s all she needs. But when Ven, the Queens champion, passes through the village, Naelin’s ambitious husband proudly tells him of his wife’s ability to control spirits—magic that Naelin fervently denies. She knows that if the truth of her abilities is known, it will bring only death and separation from those she loves.

But Ven has a single task: to find the best possible candidate to protect the people of Aratay. He did it once when he discovered Daleina, and he’s certain he’s done it again. Yet for all his appeals to duty, Naelin is a mother, and she knows her duty is to her children first and foremost. Only as the Queen’s power begins to wane and the spirits become emboldened—even as ominous rumors trickle down from the north—does she realize that the best way to keep her son and daughter safe is to risk everything.


What did I think of it:
I loved The Queen of Blood, so I made sure to get my trotters on the paperback of The Reluctant Queen.

And even though I never got to love Naelin as much as I love Daleina this is a really good Fantasy read.

The worldbuilding is wonderful, and the intrigues in this book kept me reading. Naelin might not have won my love, but I rooted for Daleina and for Ven. I had my doubts when it became clear Naelin's children had a bigger part in the story than I thought when reading the blurb, but they luckily weren't as annoying as I feared (yes: I'm not a big fan of children in SFF books).

All in all this is a very enjoyable read that ends in a way that I will most definitely buy the last book once it is available in paperback.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Fantasy read full of intrigue.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 27 January 2017

The Queen of Blood - Book Review


The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia #1)
by Sarah Beth Durst


What is it about:
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.


What did I think of it:
If I'm honest I think that for a lot of people the first part of this book will seem slow, but as it's mostly about Daleina going through her training in a boarding school I was hooked. (Yes, I have a great weakness for boarding school stories.) It's the second part of the story where things speed up to rush to a stunning finale.

I loved the world building and very much enjoyed learning about the spirits together with Daleina as she studies. I also loved that Daleina isn't some kind of prodigy, but that she has to struggle to get were she wants to go. It made her very easy to relate to.

I also really liked Ven and rooted for both him and Daleina to succeed in their goals. I will admit that the further I got into the story the more I started to care for both of them and it became more and more difficult to put the book down.

The ending was beautiful and although it's in no way a cliffhanger it left me hungry for more of this world and the characters. I will most certainly keep an eye out for the next book and I will investigate what other books Durst has written.

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


Buy from bookdepository