The Queen of Blood

Book One of The Queens of Renthia

By: Sarah Beth Durst

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure.

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.

With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.

great rendering

Great rendering and I'm glad I for to listen to it.. I loved how Kristine Hvam has voices over 500 titles now

My new favorite

This has been my favorite by this author so far! The story was suspenseful, magical, and driven. I am very excited to listen to book two.

This was awesome

The story and characters were really imaginative, and it had and ending I never expected. Really good listen.

Phenomenal!

I loved the story. I loved the main character and how she developed. How she wasn’t this superior talent or nepotism baby. She was just an ordinary person who had to use her wits and will power to persevere. Highly recommend!!!!!!!

Fantastic Narrator, Story Needs Work

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would only if they don't read a lot of fantasy, or just trying fantasy out as a genre. It does have a fun and unique world and magic, as well as a solid ending. But characters were just stock characters, ridiculous instalove and a weak writing style.

Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I listened to the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. Hvam is a fantastic and passionate narrator. She puts everything she has into every story she does, from the voices to the scale of emotions throughout. She saved this book for me; I would've given up if I had read the physical copy.

Do you think The Queen of Blood needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It does wrap up enough that people might not need the next books. But I am curious of how she's going to expand the world and lore of the spirits.

Any additional comments?

Great narrator that brings life to a story that is slow in many places, stock characters and a writing style that's way too much "telling" and not enough "showing." If you read a lot of fantasy, you might be disappointed by it. But the cool world and magic and solid ending is worth a shot in audiobook format.

A must read!!

I can't ruin it. you will giggle, get nervous, start to care then cry... after that be hopeful.

Lovely concept, No pay off story wise

I fell in love with the world, the way the humans and nature where so intertwined. And the concepts of the spirits were great; but the story ended up being flat, I was left frustrated at character interactions. Older characters for some reason acted very immature and left me feeling whiplash.

I have a few other gripes but the character interactions and the seeming immaturity of the book were my biggest problems.

Excellent

I throughly enjoyed this book. Fantastic magic system, albeit creepy. Relatable characters, altogether wonderful. On to the next!

Determined Delena

The book spans a lot of years, and while sometimes I can get lost in the minutia of the moving story, it all came together very nicely. i love interactions between Delena and the spirits. she isn't perfect and she has self doubt, but she rises to the challenge. I enjoyed it. the ending was a bit drawn out which is why I chose 4 stars. but it is a nice ending. i am excited to read the rest of the series.

A favorite comming of age story

YA at it's best - a fun magic school and a setting influenced my the magic. I loved how the spirts were a combination of an elemental magic system with the perils of summoning.