This book was well written and exciting. I didn't want to put the book down. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea

Thank you to InD'tale Magazine for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

When Margrete’s arranged marriage is announced, a small shred of hope blossoms. Count Casbian may be as bad as her abusive father, or he may be her chance at a better life. She’s willing to take the chance if it means escape. But as the wedding day dawns, pirates attack and capture Margrete. Bash, King of Azantian, seeks to ransom her away for a powerful item her father stole. At first resentful of her capture, Margrete does all she can to escape. Until she finds out the truth of her father’s deception. It’s not just her life on the line, it is the world itself. And something is calling out to Margrete, a whisper of terrible power.

Margrete has learned well to keep her outspoken side hidden. If she speaks even one word out of line, her father is quick to retaliate. He is an oppressive and controlling man, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. However, despite all she has endured, Margrete remains strong and willful. When Margrete is taken captive, her true self shines brilliantly. Bash and his companions have their hands full as Margrete lashes out at them. She has a fighting spirit no man can tame. And no matter what obstacles stand in her way, she is willing to face them if it means protecting those she loves.

Margrete is a powerful example of independence and inner strength. However, there were times she discovered things a bit too quickly. For example, when the court seer of Azantian was introduced to Margrete they were physically described. No other information was given. Margrete immediately knew they were a seer, and there was not enough information within the context of the story to support her claim. She was correct, but I could not understand how she came to her conclusion. There needed to be a bit more build-up and subtle cues to make Margrete’s discoveries believable.

The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea incorporates Gods and magic but remains focused on developing Margrete’s relationships. The love and devotion she shows her younger sister are heartwarming. The harsh and violent relationship with her father will set a reader’s teeth on edge. And the risky relationship she develops with Bash will leave readers apprehensive and wondering in which direction it will go. Tension is laced within Bash and Margrete’s relationship, and the consequences of their actions are constantly hanging over their every move. With such a mix of emotions on the page, readers can’t help but feel the need to know more.

This first book in the Azantian Trilogy sets a strong foundation for future stories. The magical elements and lore woven into the story provide a wonderful accent to the storytelling and characters. The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea is a book for readers who enjoy romance and relationships between strong-willed individuals. ( )

Thank you City Owl Press for sharing this magical eARC of The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea Book one in The Azantian Trilogy by Katherine Quinn!

One woman chosen by the God of the Sea.

A king hellbent on saving his mysterious home.

And a forbidden romance that could destroy them all.

Margrete is the eldest daughter of the power hungry Captain Wood. She dreams of her & her younger sister escaping his clutches. When Captain Wood arranges a marriage for Margrete to Count Caspian, it’s the last thing she wants. Hoping to find a way out, she turns to the sea, sending out a prayer to help. On the day of her wedding, she’s kidnapped! Definitely not what she was hoping for.

Margrete awakes to find herself on a boat heading for a land she thought was a fairytale. But she needs to get back to her sister & save her from suffering the same cruelty she has. But can she trust Bash?

Ok first the cover on this book is wonderful! It's a cover you buy just because of that alone! This book blew me out of the water! Sorry I had to say it lol! It was amazing! Katherine Quinn has created a magical world with the high seas forbidden love & a young woman finding herself! I loved Margrete's character! She is stubborn, strong, & watching her character grow was great! The world building made me feel like I was actually there!
I have been wanting to read this book for a while now but there has been so much hype with it I was a little worried that I would be disappointed, but this book has lived up to my expectations & then some! Honestly, just blown away! I can’t wait to see the next book!
From the fantastic characters, to the wonderful world building, & Katherine Quinn’ s magical writing style this book will hold you captive till the very last page!
Happy reading everyone!
( )

The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea is the first of The Azantian Trilogy. It's about Margrete and Bash, from their uncanny encounter to when they fell in love, an adventure that changed their lives forever. The novel is filled with magic, Gods, hatred, deception and love... I've truly enjoyed the adventurous plots and the world building that makes it engaging! It ended as it should but with a little cliff-hanger from the little epilogue which leads to book 2... I'm sure there are more hurdles and excitement to continue Margrete and Bash's adventure.

If you like historical romance with a dash of pirates and fantasy, this is definitely up your alley. ( )

Did not receive.

Forced to marry the wealthy Count Caspian by her power-hungry father, Margrete turns to the gods, praying for a life free from the men who wish to rule her. Across the sea, a ruthless immortal answers…

Planning to use Margrete to reclaim a powerful relic stolen from his people, Bash, a devilishly handsome king, kidnaps Margrete on the day of her nuptials. Bringing her to his home, the mystical island of Azantian, it isn't long before a devastating secret is revealed—one that ties Margrete to the gods themselves.

Drawn to the spirited woman he's sworn to hate, Bash cannot stay away from Margrete and the passion she ignites within him. When the lines begin to blur, Margrete must make a choice between a fiery love, and saving the realm from the dangerous magic awakening inside of her soul.