[Bre’s Review] Blog Tour + Giveaway: Beyond the Shadowed Earth by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Beyond the Shadowed Earth
by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Pages: 400
Published by Page Street
Release Date: January 14, 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
Goodreads

It has always been Eda’s dream to become empress, no matter the cost. Haunted by her ambition and selfishness, she’s convinced that the only way to achieve her goal is to barter with the gods. But all requests come with a price and Eda bargains away the soul of her best friend in exchange for the crown.

Years later, her hold on the empire begins to crumble and her best friend unexpectedly grows sick and dies. Gnawed by guilt and betrayal, Eda embarks on a harrowing journey to confront the very god who gave her the kingdom in the first place. However, she soon discovers that he’s trapped at the center of an otherworldly labyrinth and that her bargain with him is more complex than she ever could have imagined.

Set in the same universe as Joanna’s debut, Beneath the Haunting Sea, Beyond the Shadowed Earth combines her incredible world building and lush prose with a new, villainous lead.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“One must always take care when treating with gods,” said her father. “It might not be worth the risk.”

If you’re in the mood for a YA fantasy with great world building, this is the book for you. And while it’s set in the same world as a previous book, I felt like I understood everything without reading the other book. 

The thing I enjoyed most was that this story isn’t about a perfect girl that everyone loves. Eda is selfish, arrogant, and cruel. The premise of the book is also unique in that she’s not on a mission to save the world, but rather for revenge. It was so refreshing in a villainous kind of way.

I also adored the world building and imagery in this book. Joanna paints the most beautiful picture throughout the entire book and I could see everything as though I was there.  

“She shut her eyes and waited, as the sun beat down on her and the wind spat dust into her face. She waited, as the day spun into evening and the scorching sun sank beyond the western rim of the world. She waited, as the stars came out and the moon rose beyond the northern mountains.”

Definitely give this book a try if you’re in the mood for a fun YA fantasy! Also make sure to enter the giveaway here to win a finished copy of Beyond the Shadowed Earth. The giveaway begins on January 8 and ends on January 22. Check out the rest of the tour schedule here.