This Gilded Abyss
Ratings3
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings3
Average rating4.3
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 it: 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.
Featured Series
1 primary bookThis Gilded Abyss is a 1-book series first released in 2023 with contributions by Rebecca Thorne.
Reviews with the most likes.
“Everyone is a pawn... but this isn't my board.”
I never usually read the horror genre because it's not something I always enjoy. But Rebecca is on my “immediately buy” author list so I just had to. To say this book had my hooked like a fish (pun intended) is an understatement and as my flatmate can attest, I was gripped the entire way.
I found myself actually scared while reading the book which is hard to do in writing and I am ever impressed with Rebecca's writing abilities. This book is full of all the best tropes (you'd definitely win trope bingo if that was a thing) and it is gay so who can say no to that?
I loved the constant chess references as it really makes the book feel whole if that makes any sense. And the quotes that come out of that will leave your jaw on the floor. Not only that but this is full with so many plot twists you don't know who to trust, much like the characters' own experiences. Despite me knowing it was a horror, it still shocked me at the chaos that ensued the characters which adds to the feeling of actually experiencing the book with them.
My favourite part of this book was the enemies to lovers dynamic that the two characters were a part of. It is done so well and you can really see the progression of enemies to lovers in both of them, despite it only being single pov. The dynamic is impressive and makes you with you were a part of it because it is sooooo satisfying to read. I found myself mad at the ending just because it had ended rather than it being a bad one. I cannot wait for the sequel to this book because I absolutely need to know more.
Thank you Rebecca for giving me the opportunity to advance read your book because once again you have not disappointed with your writing ability and story making. It is truly an amazing book and Nix and Kess are officially some of my favourite characters now.
