Aurum: The Shroud of Darkness

by S.E. Georgiana

In Aurum, a realm of mythical creatures and magic, a horrific wave of deaths, mutilations, and disappearances afflicts the land. The Elven King vaguely calls it an illness, but others aren’t so sure. A group of unlikely heroes brought together by past oaths and chance meetings soon find themselves battling the greatest evil of their time to save the realm they love. Witness their epic adventure as they fight against dragons, goblins, orcs, and even death itself, all while questioning their perception of the truth.

Genres: Fantasy

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Instagram
@aurumbookseries

Reviews

[Beth Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this late last night and I LOVE IT! Hard to find a good fantasy book that is like D&D mixed with Tolkien and is fast paced, funny and soooo great! Added bonus is that it would easily be great for my daughter who is 13 and loves to read. Can't wait to finish it!

[Emma]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Thank you so much! Leaving star rating blank as it’s something I like to come back to after processing.

I really enjoyed the writing style in this book, and I loved the premise! Some of the characters weren’t my favourites, but I feel like that’s true for most books.

I enjoyed reading this, and it was an idea that was totally new to me (plot wise). Can’t wait for book 2!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aurum

Two brothers. Both princes and sons of the King. One son seeks power and is willing to do anything to get it. He begins plotting and scheming, then implementing his plans. No one is safe and alliances mean nothing to him. The other brother must fight to right the wrongs caused by the evil brother/King.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? Read it! Pick up a copy, settle into a warm chair with a cup of tea and get lost in a world of absolutely fantasy and lore! The skill of blending historical mythology and the pure imagination and creativity behind this novel is remarkable. Georgiana has a gift for bringing characters to life in a way that is not only unquestionably believable, but you cannot help but love or hate them depending on their purpose. The lore she folds into the story, the map, the runes that you have the ability to decipher is incredible. You are truly brought along on the adventure with all that come to life in this book and let me tell you that I was enthralled with all it had to offer. It is a true epic fantasy that is truly meant for all ages. There is no smut or excessive language or violence. The first in the series it definitely has you wanting more! I have the second in the series on its way to me as I write this and I am so excited to read it! This one has been passed along to a friend and my daughter who have both raved about it. Georgiana may be new to the world of writing, but she is an old soul who deserves to be compared to the top players! Kudos to her and hopefully the first in many, many books!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book in a giveaway and it was a great read. Never heard of the author before but he did a great job of making you feel like you were there. S Georgiana had a bunch of great characters who not only held there own in the story but seemed to have a bit of a story of their own that you just accepted. I find that some books I read you have to struggle to remember who did what and when, but this book wasn't the case. The characters are well written, the land of Aurum is your typical epic fantasy style but with its own lore and runes that allow you to decipher things along the way. It has some real myths and legends that blend really well with some that have been created for the story. To be honest, I liked it so much that I read the second one on my KU and again I wasn't disappointed. I have shared this now with my nephew who is 13. The nice part about this author is that the book seems to be for all ages and reading styles. There is no "smut" and the violence is typical to a epic fantasy with a more sublte approach that lets you see whats happening within your mind without turning off the reader. Well done. I suggest anyone who likes this kind of thing, give it a shot. I did and I have now become a fan.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen this book being reviewed all over the place lately and from everything I have read, I knew it was a must read for me! I was not disappointed, and you won't be either!

The author has created a fantasy world that you just fall into effortlessly. The characters are complex yet loveable, so much so that at the end of the book I didn't want to say goodbye! The story itself is gripping with twists and turns that keep you wanting to read just one more chapter no matter how tired you might be in the morning! I could not put it down!

Now I have seen various reviews claim this might very well be the next big thing in YA and all ages, and I was skeptical, especially since I spend so much time volunteering in the library and have access to so many books, but I think they hit the bullseye!

If you have a love of high fantasy (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) or just love a great adventure story rooted in mythology, history, and an author created lore that will knock your socks off, this is the book for you!

[Vinnie Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book after seeing it had been reviewed on Instagram. Let me tell you I was not disappointed in the least. It is extremely well written with a world that you become easily emersed in. The characters are loveable with their own quirks that make their individuality even more memorable. The humor that embeds itself in the dialogue and retelling of lore had me laughing out loud on the bus to work in the morning. When I say I couldn't put it down, I mean it. I don't think I have ever read through a book so fast, nor did I want to have to stop. I read far too late into the night and well past the end of my lunch break with no regrets! It is filled with lore, runes, magic, adventure, and characters created as well as out of mythology. I cannot recommend this book enough! Similar to the Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and Witcher. If you play D & D or perhaps ESO this is something for you! No smut or heavy violence so is perfect for the younger reader.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Kindle Unlimited read for me and I have actually decided to go ahead and buy the paperback to keep in my library. Georgiana who seems to be a newcomer to the world of Epic Fantasy shines like a true member of the greats! Her writing style is easy to follow and lends itself well to allowing the reader to fall into a world filled with mythical beasts, amazing lore, maps, ciphers, and a story that cannot be beat! This is the first in a series and I see the second has only recently been published and I am not ashamed to say that I have it ready and waiting in my Kindle as I write. If you have a teen looking for a fantasy world to get lost in, grab this book! No smut, all ages, and fun! The story is filled with humor, adventure, and endearing characters! Read it and share it with whomever you can, I have a feeling that Ms. Georgiana could be the next Rowling.

[J.D. Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Aurum is filled with grandeur, ancient ruins, and bloody history reminiscent of a classic fantasy story, yet its narrative takes its fair share of unexpected turns. If you think you know what's going to happen next, think again.

Memorable characters embark on an adventure that any fan of traditional fantasy will find familiar, but backed by certain elements inspired by sinister European folklore; while reading, I often listened to Schubert's "Erlkönig."

Anyone who enjoys elves, dwarves, magic, mystery, and ghostly apparitions will surely be curious to see how this story plays out.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and I really enjoyed it. It was filled with great characters, had a world that easily unfolded around you, and a story that was well thought out and you could tell it was intricately planned. The author has a talent for drawing you in and each chapter ends with you wanting more. It was a rare book that you just don't want to put down and would be perfectly happy reading in one go if you had the time and enough tea and biscuits. I really think this is a great book for kids and adults. I am looking forward to the next in the series and anything else that she has written!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book a few days ago... And I loved it form the start!! The plot twist of Carric being the Erlking's nephew was amazing and got me hooked from the start lol. I'm not the biggest fan of Greymire but i'm sure he's some peoples favourite. The ending made me cry but also happy. I'm not the biggest fan of book endings but I liked how you ended this book. I can only hope for a book 2 because it left with a cliffhanger. If there is a book 2 I can't wait to read it!!! Continue to be an amazing author!!! Also i'm curious to know what would happen if Carric took off the ring? Would he go back to being dead? And does he have magic? Anywho great book!

[Oldbookishwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and thought out fantasy. It also comes complete with a map and runes diagram which is always a good thing.
The story features all kinds of popular fantasy creatures which really add to it. It's a well paced and thought out plot which will have you turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next. I love a fantasy story that delivers a great quest with a good selection of villains and Arum definitely delivers here. This is YA fantasy that will totally engulf you as you get lost in the pages of a story that has quests, adventure, peril and humour. It is an excellent start to what I am sure will be a great series.

[Irene Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at a local market and bought it directly from the author. She was so kind to both myself and my daughter, even including a few bonus items with our purchase as she could see we were deeply interested. Well in a matter of days this book has gone through 3 family members and is on lone as of this coming weekend to my niece. No one could put it down. The story is so well written, the world is easy to fall into and the mythology, magic, runes, and characters are an absolute whirlwind of adventure. Well done Georgiana, and we hope to run into you again in the future to buy the next books in the series!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a great read. Happened to stumble across it on Instagram and thought why not. It was fast paced, had great characters and loved the map and rune translation aspect. I'm looking forward to the next. Very much a Harry Potter style if it was mixed with the LOTR. My niece is reading it now and she loves it at 14 so a book for both adults and kids. Hoping the next one - if there is a next one - comes out before chirstmas!

[Gord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at this book. My daughter loaned me her copy and suggested I give it a try. It was really good and family friendly. The characters were great, the map and runes were an added bonus, and the story itself took you off on an adventure that I haven't felt I've done since i was a kid reading the Lord of the Rings. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great true adventure story.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway, and I really liked it. The characters were so endearing, and the story was driven. There was no drag, and all the chapters had a cliffhanger type ending that made you want to read more and more. By the time I realized it, my clock read 2am but I wasn't sorry in the slightest. I understand there is a second one coming out soon and I cannot wait for it to be released. It is suitable for all ages and is similar to the lord of the rings. Great read!

[Melissa West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read! The author takes you on a journey through a troubled land where you meet an odd assortment of characters that ultimately join forces. I enjoyed getting to know each character and following them on their adventures. I was not expecting the twist at the end!! It was a very pleasant surprise to say the least! Anyone who enjoys fantasy would enjoy this book! I can't wait for the next installment in the series!!

[Marni Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and all I can say is that the author has talent. Tolkien for teens! The writing was complex yet easy to follow, the story was unpredictable and the characters were well thought out. Some you hate, some you love, but that is what happens when you have an author that can evoke emotion in their readers. Georgiana has something here that I am very interested in seeing where it goes.

[Amber Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It hooked me from the start - I found myself wanting to know what happened next; on the way to work, bus rides, dinners etc I just couldn’t put it down! High fantasy but very easy to understand and the world building was so amazing and very well done! Safe to say I’m very excited for the rest of the series!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be the first in a series. It was sooooo good. One of those read in a day because you cannot put it down! Like Tolkien it has a map but a new twist it has a rune guide so you can decode things within the book. So good! Highly recommend!

[bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! This book makes you feel like you are really with the characters. Everytime I ended a chapter I was excited to read the next chapter to find out what happens next!
Definitely would recommend to friends!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely liked this book. It was funny, smart, had lots of lore and great characters. Even as a stand alone it would be a recommended read, but if another comes out, I will absolutely read it. if anyone knows of anything else they have written please let me know.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a Kindle Unlimited rec for me and I admit the cover had me sold. The story though was unexpected. It was an easy read, with depth and the characters were fun but had so many sides that they felt real. A good story for kids and adults. If you like Tolkien you should like this.

[Justin Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was suggested this book when I finished the Dwarves series for the fifth time by a friend who's son had read it. It was really good. Had the character complexity of LOTR but the easy to follow storytelling of The Dwarves!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was really good. It was easy to follow, the characters were great and loveable, and I couldn't believe it was a first time author. Highly recommend and my granddaughter hopes that one day it gets made into a Netflix series. Was that good.

[Sabrina Tousignant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my favorite reads of the year! It's a wonderful mix of Lord of The Rings and Game of Thrones, with a touch of whimsical I never expected! It's now made its way through my friend group, and we're all excited for the next. I just can't rave enough!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Was well written, funny yet serious, and the characters were engaging. Lots of unexpected twists and turns with a fantasy world that could give Tolkien a run for his money. Gald I gave it a go.

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a well written fantasy book with lore. I enjoyed reading this book. This book has an excellent storyline as well as adventure, and twist on the classic fantasy. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.

[Brennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Compelling characters, captivating story. You'll lose yourself in the adventure. A must-read for sure!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this on Instagram and thought ok... why not. So glad I took a chance, was a great read. Funny, smart, fast paced, and fun. Read it to my kids after and enjoyed it even more the second time.