The Reluctant Queen: Book Two of The Queens of Renthia

(Paperback)

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From the bestselling author ofThe Spellshopcomes the mesmerizing second book in the Queens of Renthia epic fantasy trilogy of malevolent nature spirits, a young queen learning as she goes, a mother with unwanted powers, an unsettled kingdom, and family found along the wayavailable in trade paperback for the first time.

Not long ago, Daleina used her strength and skill to prevent the elemental spirits of wood, earth, water, air, fire, and ice from exterminating the human race and assumed the responsibility as Queen of keeping the peace and protected the humans of her land. But now for all her power, if she leaves the world before a new heir is ready, the spirits that inhabit her beloved realm will run wild, destroying her cities and slaughtering her people.

Naelin is one such potential heir, but she couldnt be further removed from the Queenand she wouldnt have it any other way. Her world is her two children, her husband, and the remote village tucked deep in the forest that is her home, and thats all she needs. But when Ven, the Queens champion, passes through the village, Naelins ambitious husband proudly tells him of his wifes ability to control spiritsmagic that Naelin fervently denies. She knows that if the truth of her abilities is known, it will bring only death and separation from those she loves.

But Ven has a single task: to find the best possible candidate to protect the people of Aratay. He did it once when he discovered Daleina, and hes certain hes done it again. Yet for all his appeals to duty, Naelin is a mother, and she knows her duty is to her children first and foremost. Only as the spirits become emboldenedeven as ominous rumors trickle down from the northdoes she realize that the best way to keep her son and daughter safe is to risk everything.

Sarah Beth Durstestablished a place of dark wonder inThe Queen of Blood,and now the stakes are even higher as the threat to the Queen and her people grows both from within and beyond the borders of Aratay in this riveting second novel of the Queens of Renthia series.

Reviews

ExcellentDurst throws a lot of balls in the air but manages to juggle them deftly now that her worlds well established and she can focus on the large cast. Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Reluctant Queen Durst is a very gifted storyteller with a knack for comforting prose, both qualities which make The Reluctant Queen an extremely engaging novel and one that is difficult to put down. SFFWorld Dursts Renthia continues to fascinate with its very incongruity, juxtaposing idyllic villages and cities built among the trees and the personal journey of the female protagonists with the relentless brutality of the spirits and the ruthless machinations of humans. The result is both incredibly grim and charmingly heartwarming. Kirkus Reviews on The Reluctant Queen 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, on The Queen of Blood Thrillingheartrendingenchantingabsolutely un-put-down-able! Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author, on The Queen of Blood Ms. Durst has penned a series that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The characters are diverse, both in age and life experience, making this a perfect pick for pretty much anyone who enjoys a well-crafted fantasy with strong heroines and a very unique world. All About Romance The Queen of Blood made it onto my list of books that I felt were deserving of more attention, and I maintain that more than ever, especially with how good The Reluctant Queen turned out....The Queens of Renthia is shaping up to be an excellent series. Bibliosanctum A thrilling beginning to a sweeping series about searching for sovereignty and truth in order to save ones land. Library Journal(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 Praise for The Queen of Blood: Mythopoeic Award-winner Durst launches her Queens of Renthia series with a stellar and imaginative tale. Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Author Bio

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Spellshop, as well as over twenty-five fantasy books for adults, teens, and kids, including the Queens of Renthia series,Drink Slay Love, andSpark. She has won an American Library Association Alex Award and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and has been a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula Award three times. She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat.