Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Marina Oliver is a nineteen-year-old orphan who is drowning in depression, grief, guilt, pain, and fear. She finds refuge in the ocean waves that come to her when she is sleeping. One morning, the waves transport Marina into another realm called Elsudra. Shortly after, Marina learns that she ended up in Elsudra because somehow she accepted being the new host of the Omnia, which is Elsudra's essence and all magic. Now that the Omnia has returned to Elsudra after twelve years of absence because of her, Marina doesn't want to hold it. She wants to go home. However, a powerful and dangerous individual once tried to take the Omnia for himself and establish himself as a supreme ruler; he failed but is again after the Omnia. Can Marina get rid of the Omnia so she can go home? Learn more about it in Of the Sun and Sea by Melissa K. Magner.

Of the Sun and Sea is a fantasy duology, a compelling and moving story of loss, grief, being broken, change, belonging, healing, and moving forward despite the odds. It explores self-sabotaging, the anguish of carrying a burden forced onto you, and the power of accepting who you are. This page-turner is magnificently written. It contains unique and extraordinary world-building, magic, technology, fantastic black-and-white illustrations, mystery, suspense, and engaging characters. Melissa K. Magner has created an unforgettable female protagonist with immense untapped potential, ready to be discovered. If you love immersing yourself in a richly imagined tale of magic and mystery, then Of the Sun and Sea is the perfect book.