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.
Set in a whimsical world, this cosy fantasy features stolen spellbooks and the magic of unexpected friendships. As characters navigate their enchanting surroundings, they also discover sweet romances and the joy of crafting delicious jams. Fans of Travis Baldree and TJ Klune will enjoy the charming blend of adventure and heartwarming relationships in this delightful tale.
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.
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)
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.
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!
A half-magic girl learns about heroism and taking action when she and her sister confront a wizard who endangers others for her own gain. Even and Odd are sisters who share magic. Lately, though, it seems like that's the only thing they have in common. Odd doesn't like magic, and Even practices it every chance she gets, dreaming of the day she'll be ready to be a hero. When the hidden border between the mundane world the sisters live in and the magical land they were born in shuts abruptly, the girls are trapped, unable to return home. With the help of a unicorn named Jeremy, they discover a wizard is diverting magic from the border to bolster her own power. Families are cut off from each other on both sides of the border, and an ecological disaster is brewing. But the wizard cares nothing for the calamitous effects her appropriation of magic is having. Someone has to do something to stop her, and Even realizes she can no longer wait until she's ready: she needs to be a hero now.
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 only human, and no matter how strong or good they are, the threat of danger always looms. Because the queen’s position is so precarious, young women are specially chosen to train as her heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Meanwhile, the disgraced champion Ven has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. When Daleina and Ven join forces, they embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land…before it’s bathed in blood.
The battle between vicious spirits and strong-willed queens that started in the award-winning The Queen of Blood and continued in the stunning The Reluctant Queen comes to a gripping conclusion in the final volume of Sarah Beth Durst’s Queens of Renthia trilogy . . . 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. But then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits. Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed—and she is ready to start a war with the north to secure their return. But defeated Queen Merecot of Semo 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 by plunging the world into chaos.
