This Gilded Abyss

Well written book, was an amazing captivating story, very creative, I adored the plot and Nix!Unfortunately, I just couldn’t stand nor like Kessandra much.Spoiler alerts/complaints : Nix was literally bleeding, could have been close to death, and instead of showing any concern, Kessandra goes back to her shower? Kinda hard to come back from that one for me and it almost made me put down the book. Death is easy to achieve and I wouldn’t let anyone I cared about bleed so much and not show any emotion. People die from bumping their head, anyone who’s been around death would panic for less. But as I was stuck on an airplane without WiFi nor any other entertainment, I proceeded. And I am glad I finished it as it is a good well written book but I probably won’t pick up another as I couldn’t stand Kessandra, and felt Nix forgiving her and then coming close again felt super rushed. They had one conversation about all their issues and then it’s all “I forgive you” and have sex, why rush that and not slowly rebuild? Especially knowing this is supposed to be a series, I’d rather have waited book three for the sex, hopefully I get word it’s one of those ‘the real love of their life comes in the next book’ kinda thing. I completely skipped the sex scene because it’s like ick there was no love building, no trust building. Nothing. Just more trauma bonding and excuses. Her friend dies and you coldly leave her? No, “this is for your own good, be careful the royals will want you dead”?? Honestly I would be like “I get it, but you made a choice and it hurt me” It was a stale excuse and just felt rushed. Kess just comes off as cold and calculating and stale and a royal brat who throws around title and position to get what she wants from Nix. I was enraged Nix agreed, and was hoping for a redemption but it only got worse as I read. Kess is someone who uses their bad situation to justify hurting others.

Non stop action! Can’t wait to get to the next installment! Why do I need nine more words. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Why.

Excellent read! Tho not sure about the twist toward the end of the book but waiting to see how it plays out in the rest of the trilogy:)

“If you see glowing red eyes – get the hell out of the tunnels.” As a mood reader it’s always difficult to pick what to read next, This Gilded Abyss kept me hooked for two days straight. I absolutely loved the snarky repartee between Nix and Kess. I’m not normally a fan of horror, but this author was able to perfectly blend it with the mystery and sci-fi elements so that it wasn’t overwhelming. I’m a tad disappointed that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and that the next book hasn’t been announced yet. The few different plot twists added a level of depth that will hook mystery readers, and the unique tech will keep sci-fi fans intrigued.

This book was a fun read. A great hook from the beginning pulling me in with curiosity. There's great worldbuilding and it ties into the story! The over all story is really well built and even though Nix isn't my preferred character personality, she was believable and followed the personality that was set up for her. I was shocked when I realized it was the same author as Can't Spell Treason without Tea because the books had very different feels.Also, thanks for the nonbinary representation. I see them and it makes me happy.