Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis:
Marin has always belonged on the great blue sea. Betrayed by love, she lives and works as a supply runner, sailing from island to island, delivering an array of goods with Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub as her crew.
On one of her routine trips to the capital, Alyssium, Marin finds a revolution underway―and her friend Dax in the line of fire. What starts as a rescue evolves into a deal: She will keep Dax on as a member of her crew if he pretends to be her boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home. But against her better judgment, Marin finds herself intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, his charming smile―and realizes that perhaps she isn’t saving him. Maybe it’s the other way around.
Review:
Sea of Charms is a standalone story, but a part of a fantasy series. Marin is a jaded young woman, determined not to form attachments. But not only does she meet new friends along her adventures, her feelings bloom towards her friend Dax. And he may not be what she wanted, but he may be someone her heart needs.
Durst is a favorite author, and this latest novel is another fantastic read. This is a charming story of magic, friendship, and romance. The main characters are sweet and heartwarming. And Marin’s growth through the book is inspirational and satisfying. This fantasy adventure is a lot of fun.