This Gilded Abyss

De: Rebecca Thorne

Narrado por: Natalie Naudus

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 to being 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.

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 include:

• Bodyguard/princess
• Enemies to Lovers
• Second chances
• Forced proximity
• Hurt/comfort
• Whump
• Only one bed
• Lesbians with swords

©2023 Rebecca Thorne (P)2023 Rebecca Thorne

Interesting world building.

I'm always interested in spicey romance books and have been looking into sapphic stuff here and there. To call this "slow burn" would be an understatement, but the story is less about the romance and more about the overarching plot.

The lore is interesting. It's somewhat reminiscent of other tales involving societies messing with things they do not fully comprehend. However, I do find the art deco/steampunk aesthetic appealing. All in all it's a great book if you're looking for 98% story and 2% smut. I think I would have appreciated a bit more smut, to be honest.

As a final note. If they/them pronouns mess with your immersion, you might want to approach this book carefully. It isn't subtle here.

Unexpected

Didn’t know what to expect. I came across this book at random and I am so happy I gave it a chance. Narration is excellent, characters are believable and memorable, writing is engaging, and the world is so freaking cool. Seriously, the book is worth the credit/money. Really, really looking forward to more from this author.

A depth in angst, action, & plot twists.

Not knowing what to expect I was enthralled by the story and characters. The many twists and turns made it hard to stop reading/listening. Yet another fantastic story by Rebecca.

Absolutely Recommended

I have 1 and only 1 complaint. The expert fighter and veteran soldier doesn't win a single fight (that I can remember) she either looses or gets saved by someone. I get that this story is dark and white is going south, but at no point does Nix feel like the expert fighter she is ssupposed to be.

military and political

it's was a decent novel. I am military myself and found I related to the main character in some ways. it was a bit slow to get into. Again it was decent, not sure a second book worthy for me.

Narrator

The person who reads this book says dialogue very loudly and pretty much whispers and mutters everything else. I cant turn up the volume because then my ears get hurt by the volume of the dialogue. I have had to rewind it to try to understand what she is saying but I have definitely missed sections from not being able to understand or hear what she is saying.

More please!

A little bit of “Bioshock,” a little bit of “Game of Thrones.” Excellent world building with believable and flawed characters. Sequel! NOW!

WOAH

I was very excited to listen to this book and it exceeded my expectations by a lot

Story building

I have never found a book that has interest in me this much
I am hooked and hopefully another one comes out soon if not, I am going to freak out like those dethallowes ridden people

Solid start to a trilogy!

Personally I think it went a bit too big too soon with some concepts, but excited to see how this story plays out in the sequels. narration was great, though it could use some audio mixing as volume of narration and dialogue had huge differences. If not listening in headphones (like in a car) this can be challenging at times.