The Deepest Blue

From the Publisher

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.

My Thoughts

Fantasy -- yaasss!

Girl power fantasy --- yaasss!

Standalone girl power fantasy --- yaassss!!!

But what is really great about this is that Mayara's power does not come from pain, betrayal, loss. Her power comes from love - love for her family, love for her husband, love for her community.  She has a keen sense of social justice that can only happen because she knows that her husband will support her, no matter what. He shows through his actions that he believes in her and knows that although he will help to protect her, she can protect him and many more so he just tries to make that happen, even to the point of being willing to let her go. How refreshing!