An outlawed magic, a hidden curse, and a love tested by fire.

Welcome to one of the February 6th stops on the blog tour for Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.
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About the Book

Tarnished
The Elder Tree Trilogy Book One
by Erica Rose Eberhart
Published 25 January 2025
Creative James Media
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 346
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true. She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward. Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all she’s ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secret-she possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed.
Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona’s tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence.
With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves.
Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale.
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Excerpt
Pushing the thought away, ignoring her hands and how they both frightened and fascinated her, she attempted to move Ailith. An arrow stuck out from the guard’s left arm muscle and her shirt rapidly turned red from the graze on her side.
It was the fall from the horse that worried Caitriona most. Ailith moaned beneath Caitriona’s urging to get her to her feet, her head rolled backwards, her brown eyes dark with dilated pupils. “Ailith, I’ve got you. Just walk when I do. That’s right, one foot after another.”
As she stumbled forward, pulling Ailith along, Caitriona looked at the ring of fire that guarded them and to the sky where the smoke rose. More crows flashed overhead, flying ever north, and Caitriona turned her sights in that direction, willing the flames with her mind to spread outward and release the earth to create a pathway for them.
As the fire bowed and stepped backward, listening dutifully to its maker, Caitriona shifted Ailith’s weight against her and found no inkling of surprise that the flames were so easily persuaded—this magic fire of her own making. She allowed the blaze to follow behind as a heated entourage and moved northward with her guard held tight against her side.
To the men beyond the flames, unable to tame the fire no matter their method, they saw the princess moving forward with the determined step of a queen wearing a crown of smoke.
About the Author
Erica Rose Eberhart grew up in the Catskills region and spent many formative years in both Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia. She now resides with her family and cat in the Finger Lakes region of New York. A technical editor by trade, she has a Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing. Erica has written stories since she was able to write sentences and has found comfort in fantasy her entire life, whether by consuming fantastical stories or creating her own. Beside the comfort of books, Erica adores nature walks, crocheting, embroidery, cats, baking and autumn. You can follow her many adventures on social media @ericaroseeberhart. Tarnished is her first published novel.
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Giveaway Alert!
Erica Rose Eberhart will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
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I love Fantasy and this sounds like an excellent example of the genre. The characters elevate the plot.
Thank you so much for featuring TARNISHED today.
Suspenseful excerpt! Great cover.
I like the cover.
Very interesting cover
The excerpt sounds really good.
I’m looking forward to reading this book.