The Deepest Blue

Durst explores new lands linked to Renthia in this high-stakes but low-satisfaction standalone linked to her Queens of Renthia series (The Queen of Sorrow). On the island nation of Belene, Mayara is one of the rare women who can command spirits with her mind. Just after Mayara marries her partner and best friend, Kelo, she uses her powers during a spirit attack on her village. For revealing her powers, Mayara is taken by the queen’s agents, the Silent Ones, to brave the dangerous trial to become an heir. In a survival scenario that is all too familiar to fans of modern YA, Mayara and her new friends, Palia and Roe, team up to survive an island of murderous spirits. Though Mayara is tested by sporadic spirit encounters, she grows very little. Fans of the series will enjoy this new look at Renthia, but unconvincing characters and dialogue prevent Mayara’s fast-paced adventure from having emotional depth. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Literary. (Mar.)