Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

MY REVIEW

Wow this book was so amazing! Nelson has crafted a fantasy story with spectacular characters and an engaging plot with Beauty and the Beast vibes. There are some crazy twists and turns that kept me so invested in the story. I didn’t want to stop reading.

There is great world building and the magic was well done. I appreciate when magic isn’t over the top and confusing.

Gilde is such a fantastic character. Her growth was astonishing in the story, as she makes her way through perilous circumstances that has her questioning what she’s been told and what she has believed her whole life. I can’t give many more details, but when she is taken by the dragon, Gilde’s world turns upside down. Wil stole the show for me. He is mysterious and wise, with a tragic backstory, and an instant favorite.

This book is a journey full of many remarkable characters. I can’t name too many names but I loved where the story takes Gilde and Wil. Isa was a surprising favorite and Petra. I loved the times when they were together and what Will taught Gilde and of course, what becomes of Wil. The whole book is full of dazzling surprises. I highlighted so many phrases. Nelson’s words leapt off the page and were so memorable.

Aimee Lilly does an amazing job with the narration. During the tense and climatic moments, I could feel her urgency. The variation of voices was well done, as well as the accents.

I’m hoping for another story in this world!

I received an eARC from the publisher and for tour purposes. I borrowed the audio from Libby. All views are my own.

5 out of 5 stars

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Kindle / Amazon Hardcover / Audible

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54195