The Queen of Blood - (Queens of Renthia) by Sarah Beth Durst (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the bestselling author of The Spellshop comes the award-winning first book in an adult epic fantasy series of malevolent nature spirits, a young woman's uncertain destiny, a deadly competition, and family found along the way--available in trade paperback for the first time.

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 . . .

Only those spirits want to kill you.

It's the first lesson that every Renthian learns.

What is a queen?

In Renthia, the queen is the one human with enough magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. For the very spirits the humans rely on to live--wood, earth, water, air, fire, and ice--at the same time possess an instinctual drive to exterminate them. The queen is chosen for her ability to control the spirits, but she is also mortal, so to ensure the humans' survival, potential heirs to the queen's role are rigorously trained to take her place. And there is concern that Fara, the current queen, is weakening.

What is a champion?

With the stakes literally life and death, competition at the academy is fierce and demanding. Years ago, spirits slaughtered almost everyone in her village until young Daleina was able to drive them off with power she didn't know she possessed. Now struggling to equal the magical strength of her fellow trainees at the academy, she comes under the tutelage of a disgraced champion, Ven, who has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks, and the mysterious healer Hamon.

What is a family?

Joining forces, they 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 together against both enemies and friends to save their land...before it's bathed in blood.

From the Back Cover

An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first volume of a mesmerizing new 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 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, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but 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, 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.

Review Quotes

"Wow, girl! What a great story! A truly wonderful fantasy novel which doubles as an allegory for our own earthly struggle between Man and Nature. Filled with fresh ideas and excitement, told with verve and heart. This book deserves a wide readership, and I think it will find one." -- Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara series

"Thrilling--heartrending--enchanting--absolutely un-put-down-able!" -- Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of Bloodhound

"Durst is an expert world-builder and has crafted an enthralling tale filled with an intriguing ensemble of characters." -- Washington Post

"Durst, an award-winning YA author (Vessel) and three-time Andre Norton Award finalist, presents a thrilling beginning to a sweeping series about searching for sovereignty and truth in order to save one's land." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"Mythopoeic Award-winner Durst (Chasing Power) launches her Queens of Renthia series with a stellar and imaginative tale...In addition to a solid cast of characters and great political intrigue, Durst delivers some fascinating worldbuilding, and the spirits are malevolent, cunning, wild, and mysterious antagonists." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The Queen of Blood is full of rich tension from the opening scene to the nail-biting finale." -- Jeff Wheeler, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Kingfountain and Muirwood series

"Durst dives into adult fantasy with thrilling results." -- Shelf Awareness