Tarnished - Erica Rose Eberhart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book in return for an honest review. Have to say though I am very pleased I did as this became my first five star read of 2025.
Two-Sentence Summary
A wonderfully crafted love story in a complex society. The characters and the world building are some of the best I have read in fantasy.
Synopsis
In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true.
She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward.
Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all she's ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secret-she possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed.
Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona's tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence.
With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves.
Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale.
Impressions
Fantasy writing must be one of the most challenging genres to write. You have to construct a world that is both realistic and unfamiliar enough that the reader wants to learn more. This is something Erica does in style. Her fictitious world is exceptional. There are several fantasy aspects you learn about, but all through, they remain believable.
It is not just the awe-inspiring world-building but also the character development; even the mythical creatures are so well-written that you feel them creeping into your thoughts.
The book starts as it means to go on. As anyone who knows me knows, I love collecting first lines, and this book starts with a killer first line.
The blood from the body on the cart smelled like crushed berries left in the summer sun for too long: sickeningly sweet while still bitter, and wrongly enticing.
When I started reading, there were parts that I thought were similar to A Court of Thorns and Rose; luckily, it ended up being a much better read than that, although fans of the hugely popular novel will enjoy this, too. As I neared the end of the book, though, I felt it had more of a Lord of the Rings feel, and I can see this developing over the subsequent planned editions.
The sapphic nature of the novel is exceptionally well done. I find two types of sapphic novels: those that try to get as many kinks as possible to shock and those that genuinely craft an engaging love story. This book firmly falls into the second category.
If I were to offer one criticism, it would be a small one: the book needs a map at the beginning. Considering I received an advanced copy of this, it may be something the author has added at a later date.
If not, I hope the next instalment has a map because I can't wait to read it.
Libraries were safe havens, that’s what Ailith’s father always said. They were built to withstand a lot because neither wind nor rain nor humidity nor chill were allowed inside.