Beneath the Haunting Sea Series by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea.On their terrifying journey, the sea seems to call to Talia in strange ways, and her mother--spiraling into madness--becomes obsessed with ancient myths that talk of the sea-goddess Rahn who rules the watery Hall of the Dead... moreSixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea.On their terrifying journey, the sea seems to call to Talia in strange ways, and her mother--spiraling into madness--becomes obsessed with ancient myths that talk of the sea-goddess Rahn who rules the watery Hall of the Dead.Joanna Ruth Meyer is a wonderful new voice in the YA fantasy genre. Her original, fresh story handles popular fantasy themes in surprising ways. Her lush, atmospheric prose masterfully brings to life her unique mythology and vividly imagined, culturally diverse world. less

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... moreIt 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. less