Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer
Series: Beneath the Haunting Sea #2
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Source: ARC
Purchase: Hardcover | Kindle | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Play Store
Synopsis:
It has always been Eda’s dream to become empress, no matter the cost. Haunted by her ambition and selfishness, she’s convinced that the only way to achieve her goal is to barter with the gods. But all requests come with a price and Eda bargains away the soul of her best friend in exchange for the crown.
Years later, her hold on the empire begins to crumble and her best friend unexpectedly grows sick and dies. Gnawed by guilt and betrayal, Eda embarks on a harrowing journey to confront the very god who gave her the kingdom in the first place. However, she soon discovers that he’s trapped at the center of an otherworldly labyrinth and that her bargain with him is more complex than she ever could have imagined.
Set in the same universe as Joanna’s debut, Beneath the Haunting Sea, Beyond the Shadowed Earth combines her incredible world building and lush prose with a new, villainous lead.
My Rating:
Quote(s) I Like:
"Belief is a personal, individual thing. Worship shouldn't be forced on anyone." - Niren
"If I followed the path of my vengeance...I would destroy the world with my anger, that there was a better way." - Ileem
"...sorriw can be greater than anything. Every time." - Ileem
My Thoughts:
Going with a 3.75 star rating for this book. This was such an interesting fantasy. As much as I wanted to go with a solid 4 star, there was something about the story that couldn't connect with and I still can't pinpoint, but I did enjoy the story. This is a fantasy novel, but there isn't much magic to this world. The only "magic" is from the various gods, goddesses and spirits involved in the world.
Eda is the empress of Endahr and has been working hard to appease her god. She wants to build the temples and bring back the religion, but many oppose her. Eda was a hilarious girl! She cracked me up with her remarks on people and with her anger. I enjoyed seeing her try hard to keep her secrets and work to keep herself as empress of the kingdom. Eda was fiesty from start to finish and she worked hard. She had moments when I wanted to slap her, but overall, I did enjoy her a ton. I thought it was interesting how she was truly a nobody who became an empress and saved the world.
Prince Ileem was so sweet at first, but he fooled me. I really was happy with his downfall for sure. He played the role of a loving prince well. I can't stand how things played out in the end and how much hatred he harbored in his heart. He was ruthless.
Tuer, the god of the mountain the oldest god created, was a reckless one. I don't know if I like him or hate him. I can't deal with all the schemes to get Eda to him. It was insane. All the plot twists involving him was confusing and annoying. However, the way he "saved" the world in the end blew my mind. Rudion, the shadow of Tuer, was aggravating! I hated him from start to finish. He was the evil half of Tuer that did the things that Tuer himself could not do. He irked me to no end!!!
Niren was amazing! The secret concerning who she was made me love her even more. I'm glad things worked out for her. Morin and his sister were freaking awesome! I wish their relationships had grew more. That ending made me hopeful for both Eda and Morin to be together. Princess Liahstorion frustrated me at first, but the way things panned out I understood her attitude at the beginning. She seems sweet and like she truly wishes for peace.
Overall, this was a good read and I hope the sequel follows up on Eda and Liah.
About the Author
Joanna Ruth Meyer hails from Mesa, Arizona, where she lives with her dear family, a rascally feline, and an enormous grand piano. When she’s not writing, she’s trying to convince her students that Bach is actually awesome, or plotting her escape from the desert. She loves good music, thick books, looseleaf tea, rainstorms, and staring out of windows. One day, she aspires to own an old Victorian house with creaky wooden floors and a tower (for writing in, of course!).
Giveaway
Win finished copy of BEYOND THE SHADOWED EARTH by Joanna Ruth Meyer (US/CAN Only)
Starts: 8th January 2020
Ends: 22nd January 2020
Win finished copy of BEYOND THE SHADOWED EARTH by Joanna Ruth Meyer (US/CAN Only)
Starts: 8th January 2020
Ends: 22nd January 2020
Thank you too FFBC for having me on board!!