THE SONG OF THE MARKED (Shadows and Crowns #1)
by S.M. Gaither
From Goodreads:
An ancient evil is stirring. The old gods are growing restless. Can she stop the coming storm?
A Devastating Sickness
For decades, the Kethran Empire has been plagued by a strange illness that leaches the very life and soul from its victims.
The Girl Who Survived
Casia is one of the Fade-Marked—one of the few people who caught this sickness and lived. Why she lived is a mystery even to her and the outcast crew of mercenaries she calls her family. It also makes her an intriguing target for the young, enigmatic king-emperor, who claims he wants to work alongside her to find a cure.
Unfortunately, working alongside him also means working with the handsome but infuriating captain of one of the most prestigious branches of the Kethran Army.
A Soldier With No Past
This infuriating Captain Elander also has secrets: A past that Cas can’t seem to uncover, a powerful but strange brand of magic, and a deep distrust of the very monarch that he’s sworn to serve. She feels oddly drawn to him in spite of these things...
But can she really trust him?
The Fate of an Empire
As the bodies pile up and strange monsters begin to wreak havoc throughout the realms, Cas and Elander will have to work together to protect their world whether they trust one another or not. Because one thing is clear: Something ancient and evil is stirring in the shadows of Kethra.
And the empire will not survive its full unleashing.
But how can they save a world where nothing and no one is what they seem to be— including Cas herself?
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Return to the unique universe of myth and magic first introduced in the bestselling Serpents and Kings trilogy with this first book in a brand new series—or visit that world for the first time! You do not need to have read any of the Serpents and Kings books to read this one. All you need to enjoy this new series is a love of fierce heroines, epic world building, enemies-to-lovers romance, and breathtaking adventure.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well SH*T.
This is my very first book by the author and I am utterly in love. I had no idea what to expect but dammit this book was everything I could have asked for. (You bet I'll be binge reading The Serpents and Kings trilogy immediately after writing this. I'm so excited!)
First of all, this book was LONG and I LOVE that. I am into descriptive, lengthy world building and this book definitely delivered. The writing was nothing short of addictive. There was not one boring instance. Rest assured, I am now one of the author's biggest fans! Casia has got to be the most badass heroine ever. I loved her the first moment I met her. And Elander?! Holy sh*t. I am IN LOVE.
The Song of the Marked delivered a unique take on fantasy. I love the magic system and the mythology and history surrounding it. This book was action packed, thrilling, and definitely swoonworthy. I. Want. More.
How soon would book two be released?! Can't wait!
I received an e-arc to read and review.
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