The natural magic of the classic The 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 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 aid 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.