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.
Sarah Beth Durst is the author of ten fantasy novels for adults, teens, and children, including The Lost, Vessel, and The Girl Who Could Not Dream. She won the 2013 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and has been a finalist for SFWA’s Andre Norton Award three times. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband and children.
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 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 predicable 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 wonderful for this story. Its in a few POVs but it flows so well you won't be wondering who's POV your 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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