Meet New Books
Book Cover

This Gilded Abyss

Book 1 in the series:Gilded Abyss

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

If you love underwater worlds, high-stakes action, and genre-bending stories with a dark edge, This Gilded Abyss will totally hook you. The vivid world-building, slow-burn romance (sapphic enemies-to-lovers, anyone?), and deliciously twisty plotting make it perfect for fans of Bioshock, Arcane, or Gideon the Ninth. The main characters - tough, flawed, and full of chemistry - are easy to root for, and when the action kicks in, it does not let up. If you enjoy horror-tinged sci-fi/fantasy or crave morally complex heroines, this one's for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the start a bit slow, with a heavy dose of world-building and setup in the early chapters. If you're looking for cozy fantasy, be warned - this is decidedly not it! The violence and darker themes (seriously, check the trigger warnings) might be too intense for some. And if cliffhangers drive you nuts, brace yourself - this book leaves you wanting more and the series isn’t finished yet.

A gripping, dark, underwater adventure with a killer sapphic romance, mind-bending twists, and unforgettable atmosphere. If you like your fantasy with horror, action, and feelings, dive in - but be prepared to need the sequel ASAP!

About:

In "This Gilded Abyss" by Rebecca Thorne, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with tension, sapphic romance, action, underwater horror, and intricate world-building. The story follows Sergeant Nix Marr and royal Kessandra as they navigate a dangerous mission aboard a submarine to investigate a series of murders, uncovering dark secrets and facing escalating stakes. The plot twists, detailed storytelling, and well-developed characters keep readers engaged, culminating in a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk futurism.

The book introduces a unique world reminiscent of Bioshock and Arcane, with influences from Lovecraftian horror, creating an immersive reading experience. As the characters grapple with complex relationships and intricate plot developments, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue and mystery that keeps them on the edge of their seats. With unexpected twists, seamless pacing, and a blend of action and emotion, "This Gilded Abyss" promises a captivating read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with strong relationships and arcs that enhance the story's emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible and engaging, with vivid descriptions and a blend of dark themes set in a steampunk sci-fi context.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features extensive world-building followed by a thrilling narrative full of unexpected twists, ensuring reader engagement.

Setting:

Set in a unique underwater location with inspirations from the Titanic, the world includes themes of class struggle and horror.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly for world-building but accelerates into fast-paced action, keeping readers on edge.

Notes:

The first third of the book focuses on world-building and character setup, resulting in a slow start that pays off later.
Nix Marr is the main protagonist, while Kessandra starts as her antagonist but they form a strong partnership.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and foreshadowing, keeping readers engaged until the end.
This book blends sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk elements, creating a unique reading experience.
One of the main inspirations for the story is the video game Bioshock, featuring underwater settings and class struggles.
The story is described as dark and action-packed, with several trigger warnings.
The relationship between Nix and Kess develops from enemies to allies, adding to the tension.
It's categorized as a sapphic romance, set against an underwater zombie horror backdrop.
The author, Rebecca Thorne, is known for her engaging writing that combines mysteries and character development.
The book is part of an incomplete duology, with readers eager for the sequel due to its cliffhanger ending.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are significant content warnings related to dark themes, including body horror and psychological distress.

Has Romance?

There is a prominent romance element in This Gilded Abyss, characterized by strong chemistry between the main characters.

June 2023
448 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (2)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.