Review: Deepest Blue

Mayara's wedding day has arrived. But during the festivities, a storm hits the island. Mayara uses her power to stop the spirits from destroying everyone and everything she loves. In that moment, she reveals herself. Now the Silent Ones have come to take her for testing.

Mayara tries to escape, but eventually she's caught. Now she's fighting for her life and the hope that she can she her husband again. In order to do so, she must survive a month on the island filled with spirits. Whoever survives becomes an heir to the Queen.

Mayara doesn't want to win, but she doesn't want to die either...

My Thoughts: Set in the same world as the Queens of Renthia series, this book takes places on the islands. I really enjoyed this book - for the power struggles, for the rebellion, for the love story, and for the action. I love Mayara's determination and her ability to break all the rules. I loved Kelo's art. I loved their relationship and how they fought to find each other again - one day. Another great addition to this series! 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this book for your public libraries.

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. 

Upcoming Adult Review: Queen of Blood

 * Book 1 in the Queens of Renthia series *

In the world of Renthia, the Queen rules all, from the humans to the malevolent spirits. But this Queen, even with her strength, can't seem to control all the spirits. The spirits keep attacking her people.

When Daleina's village is attacked by spirits and destroyed, she has some power to stop them. Her family and their house survives. Because of that power, she takes the test of the academy. When she passes, she gives up everything she knows to train for the chance to become Queen.

Deleina isn't the best nor the most skilled student, but she works hard to make up for it. She rarely sees her family. When a disgraced champion comes looking for a student to train, they chose each other. Can two outcasts change the world?

My Thoughts: It took me a few pages to get into this book and then I was hooked. I didn't want to stop reading it! I loved it and I'm so eager for the next one!

The world building was amazing. 
I found the spirits interesting and scary too.
I loved the wolf.
I loved how Ven and Deleina traveled
I enjoyed the romance
I like how Deleina knew she wasn't the best student but was determined to keep going
Ven reminded me a bit of Hamish (minus the drinking)
I loved the way Deleina created groups of friends and how she tried not to let anyone down.
Deleina was determined, courageous, loyal, smart, and thought about the world differently. She's a wonderful heroine. 

Cover Thoughts: Borrowed ARC
Release Date: September 20th
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all adult sections of public libraries (but I think this is also an A/YA crossover title and perfect for Throne of Glass fans)

Come back on Monday for an interview with the author and learn more about the book!