In Erica Rose Eberhart's Tarnished, the first book in The Elder Tree Trilogy, Ailith MacCree, a twenty-year-old gate guard in the struggling city of Braewick, seeks escape from poverty. Her chance arrives in the form of a lucrative mission: escorting Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains. What begins as a simple journey quickly transforms into a perilous quest. Caitriona harbors a dangerous secret – forbidden magic – making them targets in a kingdom where such power is outlawed. As they face relentless attacks and uncover shocking truths about their world, Ailith and Caitriona's burgeoning romance blossoms amidst rebellion and a looming dark curse. Their fight for survival intertwines with a battle against tyranny, testing their courage, loyalty, and love in this thrilling high-stakes fantasy adventure.
Review Tarnished
Oh my goodness, Tarnished was such a delightful surprise! I went in expecting a fun fantasy adventure with a sapphic romance, and it absolutely delivered on that front, but it also offered so much more depth and complexity than I anticipated. The world-building, for example, was absolutely stunning. Erica Rose Eberhart paints such vivid pictures with her words; I could practically feel the crisp mountain air, smell the woodsmoke, and hear the wind whispering through the ancient trees. The descriptions weren't just flowery additions; they truly brought the world to life and made it feel incredibly real and immersive.
Ailith and Caitriona were phenomenal characters. Ailith's grounded pragmatism contrasted beautifully with Caitriona's regal air and hidden power, creating a dynamic duo I found myself instantly rooting for. Their relationship unfolded naturally and organically, a slow burn that felt incredibly genuine and satisfying. It wasn't just a whirlwind romance; it was a story of two people slowly learning to trust and rely on each other, their bond deepening amidst danger and uncertainty. I appreciated that the romance wasn't the sole focus; it was interwoven seamlessly with the thrilling plot, enhancing the emotional stakes without overshadowing the wider narrative.
Speaking of the plot, it kept me completely on the edge of my seat! From the initial mysterious mission to the shocking revelations about the kingdom and its history, Tarnished is brimming with twists and turns. There's a palpable sense of danger that hangs in the air throughout the entire book, keeping the tension high and the pages turning. The pacing was excellent; it never felt rushed, allowing the characters' relationships to grow alongside the unfolding mysteries. The inclusion of magic, dragons, and even a touch of fae lore only added to the captivating atmosphere.
While some reviews mentioned the lack of a clear "happily ever after" ending, I personally found the ambiguity refreshing. It felt true to life; not every story ties up every loose end neatly with a bow. The ending left me wanting more, craving the next installment in the trilogy to see where Ailith and Caitriona's journey will lead them. It felt like a natural conclusion to this particular chapter of their story, leaving room for future growth and development.
Overall, Tarnished is a richly imagined, exquisitely written fantasy adventure with a captivating sapphic romance at its heart. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, leaving you eager for more of Eberhart's magical world. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, adventure, and slow-burn romances!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.87 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 346
- Publication date: 2025
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