The Deepest Blue book birthday! Interview with Sarah Beth Durst

Let's all venture back to Sarah Beth Durst's beautiful and dangerous

world of Renthia, visit another of it's stunning lands, and say

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO

THE DEEPEST BLUE!!!

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.

 In the final book of The Queen of Renthia trilogy, I was made so curious by the short glimpse we had of the ocean-side land of Belene. I was so excited when I learned that we'd get to explore it so much more in this newest book!! Today I have the honor of interviewing Sarah so she can tell us a bit more about herself and what awaits us in The Deepest Blue!!

*     *     *     *     *     *

• Tell us a little about The Deepest Blue and how it relates to The Queens of Renthia series?

I loved writing this book!  So many sea monsters!

THE DEEPEST BLUE is a standalone epic fantasy set in Belene, a string of islands besieged by an ocean full of malicious spirits.  Mayara, one of Belene's fearless oyster divers, is about to marry the love of her life when an unnatural storm hits her island, and wild spirits from the sea ravage her village.

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 are sent to 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.

THE DEEPEST BLUE is set in the same world as my Queens of Renthia trilogy, but you don't have to have read the trilogy first -- it's a new story with new characters.  (If you have read the trilogy, though, there will be one familiar face.....)

• What character in The Deepest Blue are you most excited for readers to meet and why?

I always fall in love with all my characters.  For me, that's an essential step to bringing the characters to life.  Once they feel real to me, I know I can write them. 

With THE DEEPEST BLUE, I fell in love with the main character, Mayara, when I wrote the very first sentence of the book:

"On the dawn of her wedding day, Mayara knotted her diving belt around her waist and climbed the skull of a long-dead sea monster."

After I wrote that sentence, I knew her voice, her dreams, and her determination.

One of the things that I've been exploring in my writing lately is different ways for people, especially girls and women, to be strong.  Mayara is strong because of the love in her life -- her family, her friends, her husband.  All her choices are fueled by that.

I can't wait for readers to meet her!

• You've written 18 amazing books for readers of all ages. Do you have an age group that you enjoy writing for the most?

There's something wonderful about each age group.  When you write for kids, for instance, you're writing about firsts -- first adventure, first friendship, first taste of independence -- and I love that first brush with wonder.  When you write for older readers, you get to build on the rich, wonderful history of the genre.  More experienced readers bring a wealth of expectations with them, and it's so much fun to play with that -- either by fulfilling expectations or subverting them.

THE DEEPEST BLUE is my 18th book.  I write for kids, teens, and adults, and the common thread in all of them is fantasy.

I spent my childhood in the woods behind my house, searching for a dragon's egg.  Every night before bed, I'd check the back of my closet for a way in to Narnia.  And every morning, I'd memorize where I left my stuffed animals so I'd know if they came to life and moved around while I was at school.  So it was kind of inevitable that I'd grow up to write about magic and adventure and deadly sea monsters.

Some stories lend themselves better to a young protagonist; some work better with older characters.  I let the story dictate what kind of book it will be.  So long as it has some element of the impossible, I'm happy.

• Where is your favorite writing spot? Coffee shop?  Kitchen table? In the park surrounded by people?

I own a laptop because I cling to the image of a writer on the top of a mountain, on the beach, in a cafe, in a beautiful library...  But the truth is that I write best just at my desk, in easy reach of my stash of chocolate.  This laptop rarely ever moves.

• With so much experience under your author belt, what is one thing you wish you could tell every writer who is just starting out?

Be kind to yourself.

A writer's greatest enemy is self-doubt, and a writer's greatest strength is perseverance.  You need to quite that little voice inside you that is always criticizing everything and instead give your story a chance to grow.  Trust your instinct.  Trust your sense of story.  And just keep writing!

Thanks so much for interviewing me!

*     *     *     *     *     *

{About The Author}

 
Sarah Beth Durst is the award-winning author of seventeen fantasy books for adults, teens, and kids, including The Queens of Renthia series, Drink Slay Love, and The Girl Who Could Not Dream. She won an ALA Alex Award and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, and has been a finalist for SFWA's Andre Norton Award three times. She is a graduate of Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat.

WEBSITE   •   TWITTER  •   INSTAGRAM

Add The Deepest Blue on Goodreads

 Indiebound  •  BookDepository  •  Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine. A spin-off of the meme called "Can't Wait Wednesday" is now hosted at Wishful Endings. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Deepest Blue

by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves March 19th, 2019  

from Harper Voyager

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. 

My thoughts:  So excited about this!! The Queens of Renthia books were so exciting and terrifying and breathtaking.  In the third book we got a tiny glimpse at the Island of Belene and it made me wildly curious to know more about it. And now here it is!! A completely stand-alone companion that focuses on this chaotic place.  I can't wait to revisit this world!♥

What book are you eagerly anticipating this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine. A spin-off of the meme called "Can't Wait Wednesday" is now hosted at Wishful Endings. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Fire & Heist

by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves December 4th, 2018  

from Crown Books for Young Readers

In Sky Hawkins's family, leading your first heist is a major milestone--even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It's a chance to gain power and acceptance within your family, and within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated, especially when you're a wyvern--a human capable of turning into a dragon.

Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's wealth and rank in their community.

With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society--a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.  

My thoughts: Sarah Beth Durst has held her place among my favorite authors for a long, long time. Such creative stories and always so unique. So, obviously when I heard she was writing this story about a girl from a crime-family of were-dragons embarking on her first treasure heist---OMG the anticipation may kill me. Is it December yet??

 

What book are you eagerly anticipating this week?

Guest Post with Sarah Beth Durst: Facts About Queen of Blood!

Today I have an awesome guest post from one of my favorite authors, Sarah Beth Durst! She's stopping by to introduce us to her newest fantasy novel, Queen of Blood letting us in on some facts about the world it takes place in, Renthia!

Welcome, Sarah!! 

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.

Facts About Renthia

Here are some need-to-know facts about Renthia, the world of my new book THE QUEEN OF BLOOD (which is the first in a new epic series from Harper Voyager called THE QUEENS OF RENTHIA):

1. Any travel guide to Renthia should mention its beauty.  The land is full of stunning extremes of nature, from the towering Lothlorien-like trees of Aratay where glittering cities perch halfway up the trees, to the endless ice fields of Ehlim and the cloud-piercing mountains of Semo -- all thanks to the work of the nature spirits.

2.  Any travel guide should also mention that those nature spirits want to kill all humans.

3.  But don't worry -- the queens of each land have the power to control them and keep the spirits from slaughtering everyone.  Except when the queens fail.  Or die.

4.  That's why there are so many heirs.  Girls with power are chosen and trained to become heirs, ready to take power if/when... okay, let's face it, it's always "when" (queens don't have an impressive life expectancy)... the current queen dies.  So as long as you survive the transition period, you'll have a very pleasant and peaceful journey through this lovely world.

Hope you'll join me!

I truly loved writing this book.  It was one of the best writing experiences I've ever had, primarily because it was so immersive.  Every day I'd sink into this world and trail along with my characters.  Daleina and Ven -- an idealistic student and a banished warrior -- became so real to me.  I am grateful for the fact that there are two more books after THE QUEEN OF BLOOD, so I didn't have to say goodbye!

For me, that's one of the hardest parts about writing: saying goodbye.  But it's followed by one of the best parts: sending the book out into the world, so others can say hello.

And so, hello!  Welcome to Renthia!  Just watch out for the trees.  They bite.

*        *        *        *       *

Thanks so much, Sarah for giving us a little more insight into this world! 

•ABOUT THE AUTHOR•

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of ten fantasy novels for adults, teens, and kids, including Conjured, Vessel, and Ice. Her latest book for kids, The Girl Who Could Not Dream, came out in November 2015 from HMH/Clarion Books, and her next book for adults, The Queen of Blood, comes out in September 2016 from Harper Voyager. She won the 2013 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and has been a finalist for SFWA's Andre Norton Award three times. She is a graduate of Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. 

WEBSITE  •  TWITTER  •  TUMBLR

Waiting on...

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Queen of Blood

by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves September 20, 2016

from Harper Voyager

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.

My thoughts:  Sarah Beth Durst has pretty much become an auto-wishlist author for me, after the amazingness that was Chasing Power and Vessel and Conjured. Love her writing, so this one is definitely on my must-read list for 2016. 

What book are you eagerly anticipating this week?

Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst {review}

Chasing Power
by Sarah Beth Durst
♦publisher: Bloomsbury USA
♦release date: October 14th, 2014
♦hardcover, 376 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦source: from publisher for honest review

Sixteen-year-old Kayla was born with the ability to move things with her mind-things like credit cards and buttons on cash registers-and she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again . . . which would mean grave danger for them both.

When she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel-a boy with the ability to teleport-he needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family-and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive . . . or survive.

Review: Chasing Power was a great adventurous story, possibly my favorite from Sarah Beth Durst yet! Kayla whole life has become about hiding; she hides her powers of telekinesis from the world, she hides the fact that she secretly uses those powers from her mother, and most importantly she hides from her estranged father who murdered her sister.  In true angsty fashion, she takes out her frustration about living like this by using her powers to pull off small-time jewelry heists and ATM robberies. At first the details of how she pulled things off without anyone seeing was a little far-fetched, specifically when items are moving about in very public places with no one noticing but I let my disbelief suspend a bit in the name of a fantastic story. 

One day she is approached by Daniel, a guy with plenty of power of his own, but he needs her specific skill to help track down his kidnapped mother---so much that’s he’s willing to blackmail Kayla into helping him. She, of course, does not take kindly to being manipulated, so starts their very rocky relationship.  I liked Daniel’s character a lot, a scared guy trying to act tough but slowly you see his vulnerability come through. And as far as supernatural powers go, being able to teleport to any place he’s been or seen would be amazing! Their quest takes them to New Orleans to confer with a VooDoo queen and then on to so many far-off exotic places,  a thrill for Kayla who thought she would never leave their tiny home in Santa Barbara. 

The story races along, one plot-propelling scene from the next, while still allowing time to let us see into the hearts of these characters as their feelings toward each other shift and change and how their emotional struggles with their prospective families reveal themselves.  She also has a great best friend, Serena, incredibly smart, huge fun personality, super resourceful, many facets of her own that rounded out the story and Kayla’s character. Kayla’s mother is a big part of the story as well, a woman who has grown accustomed to running and living in fear, raising her daughter to do the same because it’s the only way she can conceive to keep her safe. 

The danger builds and many secrets and hidden pasts are revealed as they chase clues around the world, trying to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Lots of twists and head-spinning surprises kept me turning page after page until the very end. 

Visit Sarah Beth Durst: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Conjured:  BN.com  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Chasing Power
by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves October 14th, 2014 from Bloomsbury

description:
Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla's life.

Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.

But her summer plans change when she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive... or survive.

My thoughts:  This sounds like a fun story and I'm a big fan of Sarah Beth Durst...Vessel, Conjure, really enjoyed those two. She always creates really unique worlds and characters. Excited for this one!

NOTE:  I just installed  Disqus and I'm hoping all went through okay! If you have any trouble commenting, please shoot me an email at storiesandsweetiesblog@gmail.com!

Interview with Sarah Beth Durst + signed Conjured giveaway!

Visiting Stories & Sweeties today, I am so thrilled to have the fabulous Sarah Beth Durst! YA author and creator of mind-blowing fantastical tales, she has given us Into the Wild, Out of the Wild, Ice, Enchanted Ivy, Drink Slay Love, Vessel...and now Conjured!  I shared my thoughts on the wildly creative Conjured earlier this week (here) and now Sarah is here to talk a little more about her newest book and writing life.  Here we go!

♥The imagery of the carnival in Conjured is creepy and at times disturbing.  Have you always had a fascination with them? Or a fear of them?
I used to have this three-foot antique clown doll that sat in my bedroom.  One day, a helpful babysitter told me about Stephen King’s It.  The next morning, I insisted my parents move the clown out to the garage.  Even then, I could feel it looking at me.
Seriously, who isn't fascinated by carnivals?  There's something so surreal about them.  It feels like going to another world, one with a lot of cotton candy.

♥There are a lot of strong themes running through Conjured: freedom and trust and sticking to your true self.  If Conjured were a fable, what would the proverb at the end say?
I always hesitate to say, “This is the theme,” because, as you said, there are a number of related themes in Conjured, and different ones will resonate with different readers.  Reading is such a personal experience.

For me personally, the novel is about being true to yourself.  More specifically, it’s about your ability to discover and decide who you are.  No one else has the right to define you.  You define yourself.

♥Conjured introduced us to a lot of really interesting characters. Which were your favorites to write and why?
I loved writing Zach, the boy without magic who can’t stop talking.  And I loved writing the banter between Malcolm and Aunt Nicki, the marshals from the paranormal Witness Protection Agency.  I tend to like characters who quip, ramble, snark, or babble.  Usually, when I write, the dialogue comes first, so characters with particularly strong or distinct voices come alive for me first.
Eve, my protagonist, was also fun to write.  She has zero memories and lots of bizarre powers.  This meant I got to write a character who was inventing herself through her story.

♥Your stories are always full of such unique settings and characters and plot twists. Do you know how a story is going to end when you sit down to write it?
Yes.  I always know the end (though sometimes it changes!).  The middle, on the other hand…  My outlines always seem to feature at least one “something cool happens next” bulletpoint.  I think of it like that S. Harris cartoon that has a scientist at a blackboard filled with equations on the left and the right with the words, “Then a miracle occurs,” in the middle.

♥Is there anyone special, a teacher or mentor, who inspired you on your path to becoming a writer?
In fifth grade, I had a teacher named Mr. Bostock who was the first person to encourage me to write.  I wrote my very first not-for-a-school-assignment story in his class.  (I remember the story too.  It was a cross between Wizard of Oz and G.I. Joe.)

When my first book came out in 2007 (Into the Wild), I did an author visit at my old elementary school, and I got to thank him in person.  He’s retired now, but he came into the school to surprise me.  It was so phenomenally awesome to be able to say thank you to someone who had such a profound influence on my life.  I wrote about that visit here: http://sarahbethdurst.blogspot.com/2007/11/northboro-school-visits-part-3-of-5.html

♥What kind of books did you love to read as a teenager?
Same kind of books I love now!  I read and have always read fantasy.  I love the optimism and sense of hope in so much fantasy.  (You know, little guy conquers the massive evil.  Love conquers all.  Etc.)  My favorites then remain my favorites now: Tamora Pierce, Diana Wynne Jones, Charles de Lint, Robin McKinley, Patricia C. Wrede, Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, Bruce Coville, and others.

♥Favorite snack while writing?
Raisinets.

♥Favorite movie?
Star Wars (the original trilogy), followed by the Princess Bride, Labyrinth, and the Dark Crystal.

♥Favorite color?
Blue.

♥Favorite band and song right now?
I’m currently obsessed with that Cups song from the movie Pitch Perfect.

♥And everyone who visits Stories & Sweeties answers this one:  Do you like cupcakes? :)  Frosting or cake better?
Yes, absolutely, I like cupcakes!  As for frosting versus cake…  It really depends on the baker.  I prefer the cake light and fluffy, and the frosting light, airy, and not too sweet.
Thanks so much for interviewing me!

Thanks for much for the interview, Sarah!

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF CONJURED!!

Sarah has very generously offered up a signed copy of Conjured to one lucky reader!

Enter below!

US mailing address only • Must be 13 or older • Ends 9/13/13 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Becky's View: Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst
♦publisher: Bloomsbury
♦release date: September 3rd, 2013
♦hardcover, 368 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦source: ARC from publisher for honest review

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

Review: In Conjured, Sarah Beth Durst once again gives us a story full of haunting imagery that defies imagination.  After reading Vessel last year, and being left in wonder at the glass snakes in the sky and treacherous sandworms, I knew if anyone could bring the weird and whimsical to a carnival setting, it was this author.  

The story surrounds Eve, a girl who has no memory of her past, but also frequently loses what little short term memory she has gained.  While that has it's place in the story, it also made it somewhat difficult to get a grasp on Eve's character at first, as well as the other characters.  It starts off a bit confusing while trying to figure out who these people are that are with Eve and if they are good or bad---one was very serious and protective and the other was just plain mean. More characters pop up throughout and it was just as hard to guess their intentions. We get little glimpses of a peculiar carnival and of the powers that Eve has and it's all very cryptic.  It definitely keeps you guessing, but also left me a bit bewildered for the first 70 pages or so.  This was where the story really started to grab me and didn't let go until the end. Eve's visions start to take on more meaning, she starts to stand up to her protectors/captors (she's really not sure which they are!), and best of all, things start to happen with the charming and slightly geeky Zach.  One of my favorite love interests in a long time---Zach was a sweetheart and full of all this quirky energy and off-the-wall information, with personal dilemmas of his own and bravery where it really counts.   

The last part bursts into an unexpected and exhilarating  dose of sci-fi fantasy adventure as they race to track down the carnival that will give Eve the answers she needs.  It builds into an increasingly twisted and dark resolution that a reader may have gotten inklings of through Eve's early visions, but I don't think anyone could of guessed what was actually coming. 

Make your way past the slightly slow beginning and you'll find an extraordinary and wildly creative tale of a girl's journey to find out where she comes from and what she's made of. 

Visit Sarah Beth Durst: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Conjured:  Amazon  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Conjured 
by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves August 27th, 2013 from Walker Children's Books

description: Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

My thoughts: Lots of reasons to pine for this one---fantastic author, mysterious dreams and carnival tents,  a uniquely gorgeous cover...just to mention a few!

Becky's View: Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
♦publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
♦release date: September 11, 2012
♦hardcover, 424 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦source: from publisher for honest review

In a desert world of sandstorms and sand-wolves, a teen girl must defy the gods to save her tribe in this mystical, atmospheric tale from the author of Drink, Slay, Love.  Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. The goddess will inhabit Liyana’s body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But Liyana’s goddess never comes. Abandoned by her angry tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.

Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. For the desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god’s tale.

The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice: She must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate—or a human girl can muster some magic of her own.

Review: Vessel is the first book that I've read by author Sarah Beth Durst, but it definitely won't be the last.  In Vessel, you get a magical, sweeping fantasy adventure that stretches the imagination and gives you a full and satifying story all in one volume. Yes, my friends,...this is a stand-alone, rare as they seem to be these days in the YA fantasy genre! It was something of a wonder to see a story progress and build, hit its exciting climax,  and completely wrap up by the last page.

Set in a stark and unforgiving desert world, Vessel introduces us to Liyana just as she is suppose to die---she is the chosen one of her tribe to give up her body so that their goddess can inhabit it and use her powers to sustain the tribe's way of life.  It really is a unique and facinating concept.  I loved the descriptions of the ceremony, the dance, her elaborate ceremonial costume, and the process of Liyana saying goodbye to her family and people.  She was a fireball of a character all the way through---super smart, resourceful, and determined.  Once she is abandoned to the desert, and Korbyn comes on the scene, things get even more interesting.  He is such a fun character to read, as the trickster god---so funny and with a great wit, but also a great stroke of depth as he struggles with trying to rescue the other gods when no one will trust his word because his reputation as a trickster always precedes him.  Another character that I loved was Raan---she presented such an important opposing side of the role of the Vessels.

The love story was a bit tricky in this one! I can't say too much without giving anything away, but I will say it was one of the most unusual takes on a love triangle I have ever come across! I don't think there's ever been a dilemma quite like it before! It was heart-wrenching and complicated, and I love how it worked out in the end.

The first 150 pages or so, when they are wandering the desert looking for the other vessels, did seem a little long-winded at times, dragging the pace just a bit.  Also, every several chapters we get a POV switch to an emperor that for awhile into the story, it kind of remains a mystery what the significance of his involvement is and that got a bit frustrating.  BUT once all the vessels were found and the emperor's part in the story is revealed, the intensity of the story really kicks into gear and Vessel becomes a fast-paced heroic tale of magic and myth, war and bravery, and what lengths one will go to save the people they care about---from many different perspectives.  Durst has given us an incredible imaginative tale, building a rich world of myth and legend, with terrifying dangers that range from simply dying of thirst to fighting off sky serpents and sand worms.

Definitely one to pick up if you have a craving for an epic fantasy adventure!

Visit Sarah Beth Durst: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Vessel at:  Amazon  •  BN.com  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Cover Story : Favorite Recent Cover Releases

You've probably seen these floating around elsewhere on the web, but I just wanted to showcase a few of my recent favorite cover releases. There are some truly gorgeous books coming out in 2012!!



The Selection by Kiera Cass
Ooo, aqua blue. Love it. Gorgeous dress, an intense, icy feel to the whole thing, and the creepiness of the fun-house mirror, with the added eerie effect of being something other than her exact reflection. I love this cover...wonderful.

The Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
This is so cool. Love the rich warm colors, the intense look on her face, the perfect flow of the fabric. Really beautiful.

Fated by Alyson Noel
Wow, love this one. Purple is another favorite color, especially this plummy soft kind of purple. Love the birds, and the pretty feather earrings. Really cool. Now I'm not a huge Noel fan, but this cover is just beautiful!

Touched by Cyn Balog
Love all the cool details on this one. The swirling smoke (is that smoke? Or just a wierd energy thing?) , the spooky carnival in the background, the blues and grays and greens. Outstanding.

Body & Soul by Stacey Kade
I included this one, not because it is especially gorgeous, but because I love these two character so much, it's just good to see them again! :D Go, Will & Alona!





So what are your favorite recent releases??