Vessel: Book summary and reviews of Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

Vessel Summary

In a desert world of sandstorms and sand-wolves, a teen girl must defy the gods to save her tribe in this mystical, atmospheric tale from the author of Drink, Slay, Love.

Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. The goddess will inhabit Liyana's body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But Liyana's goddess never comes. Abandoned by her angry tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.

Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. For the desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god's tale.

The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice: She must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate - or a human girl can muster some magic of her own.

Vessel Reviews

"Starred Review. From the gripping first line, a fast-paced, thought-provoking and stirring story of sacrifice. Ages 12+" - Kirkus

"With strong folklore elements, a striking setting, and thoroughly imagined characters, Durst (Drink Slay Love) has woven a story that does not shy from the bawdy, violent, or pragmatic realities of life. Ages 12–up." - Publishers Weekly

"Vessel is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure set in a hostile world filled with complex clan feuds and strong traditions. ... The highly descriptive writing forms intense visuals for the reader so that characters, animals, and locations feel rich and realistic."--VOYA

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Sarah Beth Durst is the author of the young adult novels Vessel; Drink, Slay, Love; Enchanted Ivy; and Ice; as well as the middle-grade novels Into the Wild and Out of the Wild. She has twice been a finalist for SWFA's Andre Norton Award, for both Ice and Into the Wild. Sarah lives with her husband and children in Stony Brook, New York.