Book: Beneath The Haunting Sea
Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer
Publisher: Page Street
Publication Date: Jan 9, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 400
Source: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase Links:Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound
Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea.
It is here, in the drafty halls of the Ruen-Dahr, that Talia discovers family secrets, a melancholy boy with a troubling vision of her future, and a relic that holds the power of an ancient Star. On these shores, the eerie melody of the sea is stronger than ever, revealing long-forgotten tales of the Goddess Rahn. The more dark truths that Talia unravels about the gods’ history—and her own—the more the waves call to her, and it may be her destiny to answer.
About The Author:
Joanna Ruth Meyer wrote her very first story at the age of seven—it starred four female "mystery-solvers" and a villain in a gorilla suit, and remains unfinished to this day.
Since then, she’s grown up (reluctantly), earned a bachelor of music in piano performance, taught approximately one billion piano lessons, and written eight novels, many of them during National Novel Writing Month, an online writing challenge held every November. Beneath the Haunting Sea was first drafted during NaNoWriMo 2006.
Joanna hails from Mesa, Arizona, where she lives with her dear husband and son, a rascally feline, and an enormous grand piano named Prince Imrahil. 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, loose-leaf 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!).
My Review:
Joanna Ruth Meyer is a 2018 YA debut author who has blown me away by her book, Beneath The Haunting Sea, which may very well be the fantasy debut book of the year, it was that PHENOMENAL!! Beneath The Haunting Sea was superb, exquisite, and complete perfection! This novel marks the launch of the YA division at Page Street Publishing and it was exemplary! If this is any indication of the level of YA books that Page Street is going to keep publishing, then it sets the bar very high and is definitely a great start to much success in the future.
The caliber of Meyer's writing is extraordinary and she sweeps you away with prose that is so beautiful and sophisticated, that you are just in awe. Not only do the words entrance you like a sweet symphony, but the storytelling is breathtaking, utterly mesmerizing, and masterfully done. This is storytelling at its finest. I am tremendously moved by Meyer's work, a rare gem that only comes by every once in a while.
Extremely impressive for a YA debut author, Meyer creates an extraordinary fantasy world that seamlessly weaves fascinating tales of mythology that include the Gods, the immortal Tree, the Star, and Rahn and the Hall, among others, into the incredible storytelling of Talia's journey to the Ruen-Dahr after being banished with her mother, her adventures there, and beyond into the sea. It is at the Ruen-Dahr that Talia finds her purpose, after being robbed of her destined status as Empress of Enduena by Eda. Her time here is filled with new discoveries that are relevant, as well as honest reflections. She must decide whether to accept fate or control her destiny, all while the sea is calling to her. Meyer brings the sea to life in a magical way with remarkable sea creatures and divine beings, such as the Billow Maidens, or Waves, who sing alluring, melodious music. It is said that the seductive and enchanting songs of the sea call to its listeners and beguile sailors into its depths, and those who cannot resist its charm. Music pertinently immerses itself into the plot in other ways as well, and provides a solid theme to bind the story together, in addition to the tales of mythology.
Talia is a daunting, resourceful, and compelling heroine full of willpower and the supporting characters are just as captivating. The character names are noteworthy as well, as they are unique and striking. The romantic elements of the story range from fervid affection to subtle, underlying love.
The story ends beautifully and leaves enough freedom to continue the adventures among the other lands of the Enduenan Empire. I really hope we get the honor of a sequel or companion novel to Beneath The Haunting Sea, because it was beyond magnificent and a pure delight to read! One of the most stunning YA novels I have ever read, let alone the fact that it is a YA debut. That just makes it that much more special. This is a MUST read for all, and is definitely my new favorite YA debut. So BRAVO to Meyers! You receive a standing ovation from Bookish Delights!
My Rating: 5+ Stars