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.
