Review: Race the Sands

Everyone in Becar is reborn after death; your goodness in this life will determine your next life. The Augurs can read your fate, which can allow you to change your destiny before it's too late.

Tamra's daughter is studying to be a augur, but the cost of tuition is high. She needs a win - badly. After an incident with her kehok riders leaves her without students, she makes one last desperate plea to her sponsor. As a former elite rider herself, she knows what's needed to train a champion. She just hasn't had the best of luck the last few year.

Luckily, her patroness allows her funds to seek out another kehok and another rider. The choice she makes will change her life...forever.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book for several reasons: for the fierce women, for the world building, for the black lion, and for wanting to make the world a better place. I loved Tamra. She's a great mother figure who wants the best for her loved ones.  I loved her strength, her determination, and her willingness to go after her dreams. I loved Raia for the same reasons. They really did need each other. I loved the twists and turns of this book I never saw coming. I loved the secondary characters from Lady Evara to Dar to Augur Yorbel Although this is a stand alone novel, I wouldn't mind another story set in this world. Another fantastic read from Sarah Beth Durst.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC for review
Library Recommendation: A great fantasy for the public library's adult collection!

* While this book is labels as an adult book, I would say it's A/YA crossover title.

Review: Queen of Sorrow

* Book 3 in the Queens of Renthia series *

Queen Daleina has yearned to bring peace and prosperity to her beloved forest home—a hope that seemed doomed when neighboring forces invaded Aratay. Now, with the powerful Queen Naelin ruling by her side, Daleina believes that her dream of ushering in a new era can be realized, even in a land plagued by malevolent nature spirits who thirst for the end of human life.

And then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits.

Nothing is more important to her than her family, and Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed. Blaming the defeated Queen Merecot of Semo for the kidnapping, Naelin is ready to start a war—and has the power to do it.

But Merecot has grander plans than a bloody battle with her southern neighbors. Taking the children is merely one step in a plot to change the future of all Renthia, either by ending the threat of spirits once and for all . . . or plunging the world into chaos. - from the publisher.

Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I don't want to give away any spoilers, so instead of my thoughts (I adore this series) here's a list of reasons to read it:
Politics
Queens - all of them are strong powerful women
Idea of Spirits
The creation of the library
Romance
Friendship
Betrayal
Secrets
Bayn
Humor

If you like Poison Study, read this series!

And great news, there's another book coming, so this is not goodbye.

Review: Reluctant Queen

* Book 2 in the Queens of Renthia series *

Daleina ascends to the throne, but it cost her a terrible price. Now she's trying to hold on to her throne, but she keeps having blackouts. Her healer informs her, she's dying.With a heavy heart, she hurries to find an heir. Without one, the spirits will destroy her empire and everyone in it.

Daleina just became Queen and it would take years to train an heir. But she doesn't have that kind of time. She orders her champions to find someone - anyone to take her place. Could their be a candidate that can help save their kingdom?

Champion Ven finds a woman in the villages who has a tremendous amount of power. But she is untrained and has no interest in ruling. She only seeks to keep her children safe. Can she be convinced to save them along with the kingdom?

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved learning more about the kingdom, after Daleina becomes queen. Especially all the political drama and seeing inside the palace (I wonder what the library looks like). I enjoyed Naelin's role and how she found her confidence. I loved seeing favorite characters - like Champion Ven and Bayn. I adored Naelin's children - they were funny and sweet. Lots of danger, betrayal, and secrets. And of course the book ended on a note that makes me long for book 3 immediately! 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I love the colors
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: An adult fantasy book that crosses over for teens. Grab this one for high school libraries and public libraries.