Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: DARK SHORES by Danielle L. Jensen


DARK SHORES
by Danielle L. Jensen
Date Published: May 7, 2019; Tor Teen

About the book:
High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, the first novel in a new YA fantasy series.

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.



Praise for DARK SHORES

“Richly-woven, evocative, and absolutely impossible to put down―I was hooked from the first lines! Dark Shores has everything I look for in a fantasy novel: fresh, unique settings, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and an unflinching boldness with the nuanced world-building. I loved every word.” ―Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"The book grabs readers from the beginning with its stellar worldbuilding and multidimensional characters, and the mythical elements are truly believable within the constructs of the story. The perspective shifts between the viewpoints of Teriana and Marcus from chapter to chapter, offering readers greater insights into each. ...A gripping introduction to a new series." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"This is a lush, imaginative world, and as the focus shifts between Teriana and Marcus, it becomes clear that the readers are only getting a glimpse of its complicated history and mythology. ...Their secrets don’t, of course, stop Teriana and Marcus from embarking on a steamy romance, and fans of Rutkoski’s sighworthy The Winner’s Kiss and the high-stakes sea adventure of Levenseller’s Daughter of the Pirate King will want to know where Marcus and Teriana journey to next." ―Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let's be honest this review would suck. I didn't take any notes while reading Dark Shores because I was too busy falling in love with it. Me coming up with a couple of sentences would be a miracle. Nevertheless, I think the only thing worth mentioning is this... Dark Shores is everything I need in YA fantasy. The writing was flawless. The romance was just the right amount of slowburn. The characters were complex and lovable. And the action didn't let up from the very first page which I absolutely enjoyed! This book is a definite page-turner!

Teriana is a badass heroine and I adore her. Can we just talk about her strong bond with Lydia? It was so sweet and beautiful. How I wish it didn't end too soon though. And Marcus. MARCUS. Meet my newest book boyfriend ya'll. This complicated, broody, lovable and wonderful guy will steal your heart. And you're gonna want him to steal it. Give. me. more. Teriana. and. Marcus. (I'm a bit scared for them though considering the you know what. I have a feeling the fallout is going to be BRUTAL. Definitely not looking forward to that.) But who really stole my heart is Servius and Quintus. I love, love, love these two so much!

Dark Shores is captivating and breathtakingly action-packed. I love how there was never a dull moment. This is my first and only Danielle Jensen book (what is wrong with me?!) I'm just gonna go ahead and remedy that.

I received an e-arc to read and review.


DARK SHORES BY DANIELLE L. JENSEN

Teriana aimed her next kick at his shins, but her heart wasn’t in it. Anytime they were in a Cel-controlled port, which was every port in the eastern half of the world, Bait had to remain on the ship. The last thing anyone needed was Bait’s, or any other Maarin diver’s, god mark being discovered. The Cel were godless and bent on wiping what they referred to as paganism from the world, which meant they wouldn’t understand his differences. And she didn’t relish the notion of having to visit her friend in a specimen exhibit for the rest of their days. Bait’s expression softened, and he shoved the knife back into the sheath strapped to his calf. “If she won’t let you go, Magnius and I will sneak you to shore tonight.” 

An echo of affirmation from the Quincense’s guardian filled Teriana’s head, and she thumped her boot heel against the deck, knowing he’d hear it from where he swam beneath the ship. 

“Drop sails!” 

Her mother’s voice cut through the noise, and the crew devolved into a flurry of organized chaos as the massive stone wharves loomed closer, one of the trade magister’s boats already moving in their direction, crimson and gold banner snapping above the oarsmen’s heads. 

“Teriana!” 

Teriana turned in time to see her mum clap her hands together, golden bangles gleaming in the sun, and she gave her mother a resigned nod. Hop to. 

Copyright © 2019 by Danielle L. Jensen


Author Links: 
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Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Novels: Stolen Songbird, Hidden Huntress, Warrior Witch, and The Broken Ones, as well as The Bridge Kingdom (Audible Originals). Her latest novel, Dark Shores, will be released by Tor Teen in May of 2019. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta.



Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
5 Winners will receive a copy of DARK SHORES by Danielle L. Jensen.



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