The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea: Review

The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea Published by City Owl Press by Katherine Quinn
Series: The Azantian Trilogy #1
on September 28, 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, YA
Pages: 420
Source: Netgalley
Format: ARC, eBook
Find the Author: Goodreads
Find the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Flame Rating:

One woman chosen by the God of the Sea. A king hellbent on saving his mysterious island home. And a forbidden romance that could destroy them all.
Forced to marry the wealthy Count Casbian 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.
The first book of this exciting fantasy trilogy is perfect for readers who love high-seas adventures, swashbuckling heroes, and forbidden, steamy romance. Fans of Danielle L. Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom, and Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses will be enthralled.

Oh, my, goodness–this book. By the first page, I knew I had found a gem. Honestly, this book has consumed me for the past few days to where I haven’t been able to pick up any of the other books that I’m supposed to be reading.

This is a story about a young woman who has been raised by a highly-abusive father. To the point where she makes a wish for escape. A wish that someone hears and grants.

At this point in the story, Margret finds herself being forced to marry, but, before that can happen–she’s “rescued”. Enter Bash.

Bash really didn’t want to rescue Margrete, however, that’s kind of a by-product of why he takes her. From here, the interactions between Margrete and Bash basically make up the bulk of why this story just shines.

Bash and Margrete were just–fantastic. Margrete was the kind of heroine who you know won’t just lie down and take it–unless she’s protecting someone she loves. And throughout the story she proves time and time again that she’s beyond loyal in this way. When she loves, she loves strongly and without a question will sacrifice anything.

Bash, seems a conflicted hero at first. However, his sense of humor and charming ways shine throughout all of his and Margrete’s interactions–regardless of how hard he tries to put up a wall.

The writing by Ms. Quinn–I honestly can’t even. She really knows how to write romance. It wasn’t over-the-top or cheap–but, the love and affection these two seem to have for each other from the beginning comes off as natural and unavoidable.

I also was completely immersed in the descriptions of the ocean and the island of Azantium. The villain of the story was also intriguing–but, I just need to know more about him.

There were quite a few unanswered questions for me at the end of this one. However, given that it’s a trilogy, I’m imagining that many will be answered in the next two books. I sincerely cannot wait until I read more of these two fabulous characters and find out more about who they are and what the future holds for them.

Rating Breakdown
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Characters
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