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Legends of Tysx #1
Heart of Emerald Thorns
Not yet published
Expected 20 Nov 26
Seven sacrifices. Seven weeks. And a love that could be her salvation, but her island's downfall.
Orphaned by the Picking, Falin has honed her grief as sharp as her arrows. But with her failing joints and lack of gold, she has one chance to avenge her family: become one of the seven annual sacrifices to the Guardian whose magic sustains their island… and kill it.
The only problem? The Guardian is invulnerable, and Falin has at most seven weeks in the lavish Carnelian Keep to solidify her plan and uncover everything she can about the ritual. What she isn’t expecting is the prince overseeing it.
Sander is everything Falin can’t afford to be—kind, open, patiently scheming. Most infuriating of all, he offers her the comfort and stability she’s always longed for.
But love between an Opulent and a sacrifice is forbidden to bloom.
Every week, another sacrifice is killed. Sander’s touch softens the thorns guarding Falin’s heart. Even with his help, every secret Falin learns has her hope of survival growing slimmer.
Fate has been carved into the Guardian’s labyrinth. And it refuses to be ignored.
Heart of Emerald Thorns is a gender-bent Theseus and Ariadne retelling full of forbidden love, found family, and mysterious magic, perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Madeline Miller.
Orphaned by the Picking, Falin has honed her grief as sharp as her arrows. But with her failing joints and lack of gold, she has one chance to avenge her family: become one of the seven annual sacrifices to the Guardian whose magic sustains their island… and kill it.
The only problem? The Guardian is invulnerable, and Falin has at most seven weeks in the lavish Carnelian Keep to solidify her plan and uncover everything she can about the ritual. What she isn’t expecting is the prince overseeing it.
Sander is everything Falin can’t afford to be—kind, open, patiently scheming. Most infuriating of all, he offers her the comfort and stability she’s always longed for.
But love between an Opulent and a sacrifice is forbidden to bloom.
Every week, another sacrifice is killed. Sander’s touch softens the thorns guarding Falin’s heart. Even with his help, every secret Falin learns has her hope of survival growing slimmer.
Fate has been carved into the Guardian’s labyrinth. And it refuses to be ignored.
Heart of Emerald Thorns is a gender-bent Theseus and Ariadne retelling full of forbidden love, found family, and mysterious magic, perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Madeline Miller.
759 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 20, 2026
About the author
Abigail Ehrhardt
4 books21 followersAbigail Ehrhardt is an epic romantasy author known for her quick-witted banter, agonizing slow burns, and magnetic characters. She writes stories for the readers who love to swoon while their hearts are broken, and cackle as they realize there’s hope of healing into something stronger.
After losing the bulk of her vision to bilateral retinoblastoma as a child, she quickly discovered books were the key to unlocking a world no longer designed for her. It’s no surprise her mind has been overflowing with tales of wounded outcasts reclaiming their power—and happily ever afters—ever since.
You can find her in Connecticut—where she’s likely hoarding nail polish and falling in love with side characters—or at www.abigailehrhardt.com.
After losing the bulk of her vision to bilateral retinoblastoma as a child, she quickly discovered books were the key to unlocking a world no longer designed for her. It’s no surprise her mind has been overflowing with tales of wounded outcasts reclaiming their power—and happily ever afters—ever since.
You can find her in Connecticut—where she’s likely hoarding nail polish and falling in love with side characters—or at www.abigailehrhardt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 19, 2026
I was an ARC reader for this and sometimes, it’s really a gamble if an ARC is going to be good or not. And this one was so fucking good.
Falin was so badass and smart and stubborn that it truly felt like I knew who she was. I wasn’t annoyed by her, but instead respected her and loved her. As a woman with a chronic pain illness and as someone who has gone through traumatic experiences, Falin was someone I rooted for the entire time.
Don’t even get me STARTED on Sander. What a sweet, gentle, protective man. He’s definitely one of my top MMCs ever.
The magic system was really cool and the lore was very interesting as well. Though, at times it did feel info-dumpy and a little slow. However, still so so so good. If you want a slow burn, slow build story, read this!
Falin was so badass and smart and stubborn that it truly felt like I knew who she was. I wasn’t annoyed by her, but instead respected her and loved her. As a woman with a chronic pain illness and as someone who has gone through traumatic experiences, Falin was someone I rooted for the entire time.
Don’t even get me STARTED on Sander. What a sweet, gentle, protective man. He’s definitely one of my top MMCs ever.
The magic system was really cool and the lore was very interesting as well. Though, at times it did feel info-dumpy and a little slow. However, still so so so good. If you want a slow burn, slow build story, read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! Where do I even begin with this book - it was so good! The mystery and magic in this world was incredible. The plot kept me interested and constantly surprised me with its twists. You experience and figure things out as the MFC does all the way through.
There was strong character development of not only the main characters, but side characters as well. This book had me feeling every emotion from laughing to crying and wanting to through it at the wall. The slow burn tension was also amazing that when they came together it was everything.
Highly recommend this book if you enjoy enemies to lovers, forbidden love, magical god/goddess mysteries, spice, and found family romantasies.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. I can’t wait for book 2!!
There was strong character development of not only the main characters, but side characters as well. This book had me feeling every emotion from laughing to crying and wanting to through it at the wall. The slow burn tension was also amazing that when they came together it was everything.
Highly recommend this book if you enjoy enemies to lovers, forbidden love, magical god/goddess mysteries, spice, and found family romantasies.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. I can’t wait for book 2!!
June 24, 2026
I was a beta reader for this book and so my review is based on the unfinished work. But let me tell you. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. The world and characters are amazing and I need more.
The story is a Greek mythology retelling, but I would say it’s more mythology inspired as it brings so many new and unique takes to the story. The story is mostly character focused, but the plot is moving forward enough as well to keep you entertained and constantly wondering what is going to happen next.
And the romance?? Swoon worthy. We love a green flag king. The romance is literally so wholesome.
Read this book. It’s wonderful. I need the next one right now.
The story is a Greek mythology retelling, but I would say it’s more mythology inspired as it brings so many new and unique takes to the story. The story is mostly character focused, but the plot is moving forward enough as well to keep you entertained and constantly wondering what is going to happen next.
And the romance?? Swoon worthy. We love a green flag king. The romance is literally so wholesome.
Read this book. It’s wonderful. I need the next one right now.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews