Given to the Sea

April 24, 2017
As the “Given,” Khosa has been bred to dance to her death in the sea, an offering to protect the land of Stille. When an opposing army rises up, prematurely driving Khosa from her home before she has given birth to the next Given, she becomes a captive. Forming an unlikely alliance, Khosa, Prince Vincent, and his adopted siblings try to separate myth from real danger and change Khosa’s fate using historical records. McGinnis (The Female of the Species) creates a lush, oceanic fantasy world, writing Khosa as a smart young woman with far more to offer than just her body. Other characters’ focus on her womb borders on obsession, and the fixation on legend leads to brutal threats of rape in the name of salvation. Superstitions run high, and seers are relied on to guide kings, but the threats of impending invasion and a world being slowly swallowed by the sea are eclipsed by dueling love triangles. The story abruptly shifts course at the end, suggesting that all must make sacrifices for the greater good. Ages 14–up. Agent: Adriann Ranta, Foundry Literary + Media.

This ensemble cast gives a superb performance presenting the characters of the kingdom of Stille in this young adult audiobook. Narrator Monika Felice Smith, as Khosa the Given, envelops herself in her role as the young woman who is doomed to be taken by the sea. Robbie Daymond infuses Vincent, the heir to the throne of Stille, with uncertainty and indecision as he searches for his place in the kingdom. Alex McKenna as Dara the Indiri is a fierce and determined warrior fighting to win Vincent's love. Sunil Malhotra colors the voice of Witt the Lithos with intelligence and cunning as he schemes to invade Stille. Together, they reveal the events and characters in this first of two Given fantasies. E.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine