Sarah Beth Durst crafts captivating fantasy tales for readers of all ages, delving into imaginative worlds populated by compelling characters. Her narratives explore the complexities of heroism and the unexpected challenges faced by those who dare to venture into the unknown. Durst's skillful weaving of suspense and profound insight into human nature makes her work resonate deeply. With a unique voice and boundless imagination, she stands out as a distinctive presence in fantasy literature.
Sixteen-year-old Kayla, a master shoplifter with telekinetic abilities, steals to escape her dangerous father. When caught by Daniel, who can teleport, she is blackmailed into helping him find an ancient incantation to rescue his mother. Their quest uncovers painful family betrayals that could threaten their survival.
&b;>Like a rom-com filled with mythical creatures,&i;> The Spellshop &/i>is a cottagecore cosy fantasy for fans of Travis Baldree and TJ Klune.&/b>
The natural magic of the classic 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 fearless oyster divers of Belene, 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 aid the country or witches who will sacrifice themselves trying. No matter who they are, the women are sent to the same terrifying place--an island filled with bloodthirsty nature spirits. There, they are left without food, water, shelter, or any tools, except their own instincts and magic. Those who survive the Island of Testing will be declared heirs to the queen. But no matter if Mayara wins or loses, she knows the life she had dreamed of is now gone forever. --Booklist (starred review)
Return to the cosy and heart-warming world of The Spellshop in a tale brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. Terlu Perna, lonely and desperate, broke the law by casting a spell to create a sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was transformed into a wooden statue and hidden in the Great Library of Alyssium. Awakening on a nearly-deserted island filled with magical greenhouses, Terlu meets a grumpy yet surprisingly sweet gardener who offers her shelter, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes until she can sail home. However, Terlu discovers she can't return and doesn't want to. When she learns that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is failing, threatening the life within them, she resolves to stay and help, even if it means breaking the law again. With the gardener, a sentient rose, and a winged cat by her side, Terlu must uncover the spell to save the island while also seeking a chance at love and happiness. This charming story emphasizes the importance of second chances—for others and oneself.
Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she hasn't had to. She and her assistant, Caz, a magically sentient spider plant, have spent the last eleven years sequestered among the empire's most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city's elite. But when a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz save as many books as they can carry and flee to a faraway island Kiela was sure she'd never return to: her childhood home
Filled with political intrigue, violent magic, and malevolent spirits, this mesmerizing sequel in Sarah Beth Durst’s epic fantasy trilogy explores a world where everything has a spirit—each one a potential threat. Daleina, the new queen, has used her strength to survive and protect her people, but she harbors a terrible secret: she is dying. If she passes before a new heir is ready, the spirits will run rampant, endangering her realm. Naelin, a devoted mother living in a remote village, wants nothing to do with the crown. Her life revolves around her children and husband, and she denies her own magical abilities to keep them safe. However, when Ven, the Queen’s champion, visits her village, her husband boasts of her spirit-controlling skills, putting her family at risk. Ven’s mission is to find a successor to protect Aratay, and he believes Naelin could be the answer. As the Queen’s power diminishes and spirits grow bolder, Naelin faces a harrowing choice: to protect her children, she may have to embrace her magic and confront the dangers that lie ahead. The stakes rise as threats emerge from within and beyond Aratay, deepening the dark wonder established in the first installment.
"It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassible dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing--and what she's running from--before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found..."--
Zoe must figure out how to keep a giant kitten safe in this magical adventure about change, expectation, and accepting all for who they truly areregardless of shape or size.
Best friends Rachel and Joon embark on a thrilling summer of spycraft, eager to uncover secrets, including Joon's family's impending move. Their adventure takes a twist when they discover a ring linked to Anna "Nancy" Smith Strong, a legendary member of George Washington's Culper Spy Ring, which contains a coded message. As they decode a series of cryptic clues, they race against time to uncover a hidden treasure before Joon leaves town. The quest challenges their skills and friendship, revealing the significance of the past.
Sophie discovers a hidden dream shop beneath her parents' bookstore, but when it's robbed and her parents vanish, she must uncover the truth. Alongside her loyal monster friend, she navigates trust and betrayal to protect her family's secrets. A tale of adventure, humor, and imagination awaits!