A Corruption of Gilded Ashes by Jessica CageMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Blurb
A hidden kingdom. A broken promise. A dying home.
Against the Queen’s wishes, Maluai, princess of a hidden race of underwater beings, will stand as champion in the Eldritch Trials to atone for the crimes of the land Griffins.
In the world of Eldritch the Griffins have lived at the top of the food chain for centuries. One of the first developed species, they’ve held their station and influence over the world with little contention. But the effects of time are unavoidable and often damaging.
The water Griffins, their sister species, lived widely unknown to the rest of the world but are forced to show themselves when the land Griffins put their lives at risk. The wavering values of the land Griffins impact the very foundation their civilization was built on and the blood of their island spills out into the seas poisoning the kingdom below.
Though they have lived apart, in the eyes of Mother Goddess, they are one and will be judged as one. Should Malaui fail, they will suffer her curse together.
A Corruption of Gilded Ashes is a part of the Shared World Collection presented by Jessica Cage.
Pick up your copy today and lose yourself in a new world.
My Thoughts
A Corruption of Gilded Ashes is a fantasy novel set in the world of Eldritch. where two species of griffins, the land griffins, and the water griffins, have lived apart for centuries. When the land griffins commit a terrible crime, the water griffins are forced to show themselves and take part in the Eldritch Trials, a series of challenges that will determine the fate of their entire race.
Maluai our lead heroine longs to see the world beyond her kingdom, but her mother, the queen, is a bit of a helicopter parent. Maluai has always been a little different than the rest of her race.
When a tragedy occurs that threatens the very existence of her people, Maluai is allowed to volunteer for the Eldritch Trials.
A series of dangerous challenges.
Maluai must face off against powerful opponents, including the land Griffins. Along the way, she must learn to trust herself and her abilities, and she must come to terms with her own past and who she truly is.
This was an engaging novel with a strong female protagonist. Maluai was a relatable and sympathetic character who is easy to root for.
The supporting cast was also well-developed. From her sisters to her bodyguard to Jeraim.
The plot is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
The world-building is what blew me away - from the underwater kingdom of Maluai's people to the harsh and unforgiving land of the land Griffins. The descriptions of the different environments are vivid and atmospheric, truly transporting the reader
I did feel that some scenes were...
A bit overdone or repetitive
Towards the middle I felt it was a bit slow, especially after the strong opening - maybe I was still on the emotional high IDK
I also felt the romance staled for a few chapters
Despite my grumps overall it was a good read and I will be looking for more from this author
Author's Website: https://www.jessicacage.com/
#theeldritchtrials #acoga #blackfantasyauthors #darkfantasy #fantasy #kindleunlimited
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