The Breathing Sea II: Drowning

Gifts from the gods are never free.

Dasha's magical gifts have always seemed more like a curse. Now on her first journey as a woman grown, Dasha has to learn to control her magic before it destroys her. But those to whom she turns for help often seek to use her for their own ends.

And the stakes are greater than just Dasha's survival. Foreigners are poised on the borders of Zem', threatening not just the safety of Dasha's people, but their very way of life. Meanwhile, the spirits of the forest are demanding their due. Caught between these warring factions, Dasha must find a way to restore harmony to her people and her land. But she herself may be torn apart in the process.

The conclusion of the award-winning The Breathing Sea mini-series, The Breathing Sea II: Drowning is a subversive combination of satire and high fantasy. If you loved Deathless or The Bear and the Nightingale, come immerse yourself in the land of Zem', where trees walk, animals talk, and women rule.

With discussion questions at the end.

Reading order for the Zemnian Series:

The Zemnian Series: Slava's Story

The Midnight Land I: The Flight

The Midnight Land II: The Gift

The Zemnian Series: Dasha's Story

The Breathing Sea I: Burning

The Breathing Sea II: Drowning

The Singing Shore I: Sea and Song

The Singing Shore II: Sky and Stone

The Singing Shore III: Spirit and Flame

The Zemnian Series: Valya's Story

The Dreaming Land I: The Challenge

The Dreaming Land II: The Journey

The Dreaming Land III: The Sacrifice