Your rating:
Enemies to... bodyguard duty?Sergeant Nix Marr is a damn good soldier, but she's desperate to leave her haunted past in the bioluminescent ocean, buried alongside old friends... and old flames. Unfortunately, even the icy ocean can't extinguish some fires. When Kessandra, everyone's favorite princess--and Nix's loathed ex--requests Nix's help investigating a massacre in the abyssal city of Fall, Nix refuses. Vehemently.But Kessandra always gets what she wants.Consigned as Kessandra's bodyguard, Nix grudgingly boards a luxurious submersible that offers the only transportation to Fall. It's frustrating, irritating, how quickly Nix and Kess fall back in sync--much as she tries to fight, Nix can't deny their spark. But Kessandra wasn't truthful--surprise, surprise--and Nix quickly realizes their "investigation" isn't about the massacre, but rather what caused an illness that incites its victims into a violent craze.When another royal is brutally murdered, it becomes apparent the disease has spread--and no one on the submersible is safe. Suddenly, survival hinges on trusting each other, which would be a hell of a lot easier if Kessandra didn't keep lying. Injured, fighting for their lives, Nix has to decide if she can trust Kessandra again... and what she'll lose this time.Audiobook The audiobook will be recorded in October 2023, and is scheduled to be narrated by the legendary Natalie Naudus. Natalie has narrated sapphic bestsellers like She Who Became the Sun and One Last Stop! Stay tuned for audiobook updates.This book is a heart-pounding science fantasy with a swoon-worthy sapphic romance. With its blend of fantasy and technology, it's a hit for any fans of sexy sapphic romance.Major tropes - Bodyguard/princess- Enemies to Lovers- Second chances- Forced Proximity- Hurt/Comfort- Whump- Only one bed- Lesbians with swords
No posts yet
Kick off the convo with a theory, question, musing, or update
Your rating:
0 0Do you like:
✨a badass female main character & love interest
✨a romantic subplot between 2 women
✨a realistic, balanced cast of characters
fantasy novels packed with action
✨a setting of a ship
✨a brutal quest
then 'This Gilded Abyss' might be right up your alley! (releasing June 6)
I have previously read 'you can't spell treason without tea' from Rebecca Thorne and absolutely fell in love with both the story and the writing. I'd never realised how much I would enjoy the sub-genre of 'cosy fantasy'. When she announced 'This Gilded Abyss' (anything but cosy) I was curious as to how she would write a more tense, action-packed novel. It's safe to say that she didn't disappoint.
'This Gilded Abyss' is the first book planned in a trilogy. It is fantasy, but also has elements of sci-fi and a romantic (lesbian !!) subplot. Contrary to some fantasy novels, this was surprisingly easy to get into. The information about the world and its systems was spread throughout the novel and I didn't feel like there was info-dumping or that I was left in the dark.
The cast of main characters felt balanced in terms of enjoyable qualities, as well as flaws. The relationship in this book was something that felt realistic to me. Although the tension is present from the beginning of the novel, it definitely doesn't rush and takes its time to develop which I value greatly in fantasy novels with romantic subplots.
In terms of the pacing and writing, I'd already become accustomed to Rebecca Thorne's writing style in 'you can't spell treason without tea' and it reads rather comfortably without feeling overly simplistic. This book felt incredibly fast-paced up from a certain point in the story given all of the action that was present within the story. This gave me some time in the beginning to get familiar with the characters and world and later on kept the book engaging. The action and fighting did, however, felt a bit repetitive at some point. Though it does make sense given how tense the situation was.
Overall? Definitely enjoyed, and will be picking up the next books when they release!
0
© 2024 Pagebound