What Blooms from Death
by S.M. Gaither
Princess Bellanova has spent years surviving on her own, forced to flee her palace in order to escape the curse that put the rest of her royal family into a death-like slumber and set their lands to rotting. After spending her exile honing her thievery skills alongside her innate necromancy powers, Nova has earned a reputation as one of the fiercest outlaws the kingdom has ever suffered.
But soon she’ll be the fiercest outlaw who ever died.
A death that will be on purpose.
For rumor has it that the true cause of her family’s demise—Luminor, the Blade of Light—is buried deep in the belly of the underworld. Stealing that blade back into the realm of the living will mean a chance at undoing the curses it left, restoring her family, her reputation, and her kingdom to life.
The only things standing in her way are the endless twists and turns of the underworld, its terrifying monsters, unpredictable magic…and Aleksander, the infamous Light King himself—keeper of the blade, and the one who wielded it on the night of her family’s ruin.
King Aleks has spent nearly a decade trapped in the underworld, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. When Nova crash lands into his purgatory—an inexplicably bright and lively being in a sea of endless dead things—he begins to dream of the world above for the first time in ages.
He needs her to get him back to that world above. She needs him to undo the curse. But as the two form a reluctant alliance that soon blooms into something dangerously deeper, they find themselves unraveling ancient magic and dark secrets that will have greater consequences than either of them could have ever imagined…
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Martial Peak Reviews
S.M. Gaither's What Blooms from Death is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that takes readers on a journey through a world where necromancy and curses intertwine with the quest for redemption and love. The novel's premise is intriguing, setting the stage for a story that is as much about personal growth and sacrifice as it is about magic and mystery.
The protagonist, Princess Bellanova, or Nova as she is often called, is a character who immediately captures the reader's attention. Her evolution from a princess in exile to a feared outlaw is both compelling and believable. Gaither skillfully portrays Nova's resilience and resourcefulness, traits that have been honed during her years of survival away from the comforts of her royal life. Her necromancy powers add an intriguing layer to her character, making her not just a survivor but a formidable force in her own right.
Nova's journey is driven by her desire to lift the curse that has befallen her family and kingdom. This quest is not just a physical journey into the underworld but also a metaphorical journey into the depths of her own fears and desires. The underworld, with its labyrinthine paths and monstrous inhabitants, serves as a fitting backdrop for Nova's internal struggles. Gaither's vivid descriptions bring this eerie realm to life, immersing readers in a world that is both terrifying and fascinating.
At the heart of the novel is the complex relationship between Nova and Aleksander, the Light King. Their initial encounter is fraught with tension, as Aleks is the very person responsible for the curse that destroyed Nova's family. However, as they are forced to work together, their relationship evolves from one of mutual distrust to a deep, albeit reluctant, alliance. Gaither expertly navigates this transition, allowing their relationship to develop organically and believably.
Aleksander is a character shrouded in mystery and regret. Trapped in the underworld, he is a shadow of his former self, yearning for redemption and a return to the world above. His interactions with Nova are charged with emotion, as both characters grapple with their pasts and the possibility of a future that neither dared to hope for. The romance that blooms between them is tender and poignant, adding an emotional depth to the narrative that enhances the stakes of their quest.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as redemption, sacrifice, and the duality of light and darkness. Gaither delves into the idea that true strength comes not from power alone but from the willingness to confront one's own darkness and make difficult choices for the greater good. This theme is mirrored in the characters' journeys, particularly in Nova's struggle to reconcile her past actions with her desire to save her family.
The novel's pacing is well-executed, with a balance of action, introspection, and character development that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Gaither's writing is both lyrical and precise, capturing the beauty and danger of the world she has created. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes and adding layers of complexity to the story.
In comparison to other fantasy novels, What Blooms from Death stands out for its unique blend of necromancy and romance. Fans of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series or Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy will find much to enjoy in Gaither's work. Like these authors, Gaither has a talent for creating rich, immersive worlds and complex characters who linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.
Overall, What Blooms from Death is a beautifully crafted tale that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance alike. Its themes of redemption and the power of love are timeless, resonating with readers who appreciate stories that explore the depths of the human experience. S.M. Gaither has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a testament to her skill as a storyteller.
Whether you're drawn to stories of magic and adventure or tales of love and sacrifice, What Blooms from Death offers a rich and rewarding reading experience. It's a book that invites readers to lose themselves in its pages, to explore the shadows and light of its world, and to discover what truly blooms from death.
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