Vessel
By Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Margaret K McElderry
Published on September 11, 2012
Source: ARC from publisher for review
Summary taken from Goodreads:
In a desert world of sandstorms and sand-wolves, a teen girl must defy the gods to save her tribe in this mystical, atmospheric tale from the author of Drink, Slay, Love.Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. The goddess will inhabit Liyana’s body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But Liyana’s goddess never comes. Abandoned by her angry tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.
Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. For the desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god’s tale.
The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice: She must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate—or a human girl can muster some magic of her own
What a book! I never had the opportunity to read Drink Slay Love, but I was taken immediately by its cover. I had heard from other bloggers that this was an author to watch- and now I absolutely know why. Vessel is an incredible tale of fantasy- focusing around a young girl who is meant to give up her body to be the host for a goddess.
The world building in this book is absolutely outstanding. The author has created an entire new world, one with rich mythology and their own stories, histories, traditions, and cultures. And not only one community- but many many tribes within this world, each with their own unique qualities. I never felt like the culture or background in this book was lacking, nor did I feel like there were any gaps or holes I was questioning. The mythology that the author created was amazing in itself- it was rich and so realistic, I wouldn't have been surprised if this was actual mythology that exsisted.
The relationship between Liyana and Korbyn was slow moving and complex. It did not turn out the way I expected at all, but I was actually satisfied with that. Liyana feels rejected and alone that her goddess did not show up to inhabit her body. Liyana and Korbyn set out on a journey and what an incredible adventure they have!
I could absolutely see this book as a movie. The author has an incredibly visual way of writing and her imagination is rich and full of creativity. If you are a fan of fantasy- hands down you will enjoy this book.
