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The Drowning Empire #1-3
The Drowning Empire: Books 1-3
This is the story of a girl who held up the sky.
It begins with a break, a flood of rain and tears.
And it ends with a crown that might cost her everything she loves.
This boxed set contains all three books in The Drowning Empire trilogy--over 1200 pages of magic, action, and romance! One click today and prepare to get lost in this epic fantasy retelling of the Atlantis myth!
Book One, Sky KeeperWelcome to the World Below, where the keepers command the sky, but the commander of the keepers controls the empire...
For centuries, the four kingdoms of the Caspian empire have remained safe and hidden below the ocean, protected from the Surface World—and from that ocean that separates them—by a great barrier maintained by magic.
Aven Talavir has spent her entire life learning to be a keeper of that barrier, channeling her powers into maintaining and healing it.
But now an impossibly sinister force seeks to shatter it.
To stop the looming flood of destruction, Aven picks up her knives and sets off on a quest to find an ancient power that may be able to permanently heal the makeshift sky. Reaching it will mean fighting her way through dangerous politics and deadly magic, all while finding love and friendship in unexpected places—
Only to realize that the greatest treachery may not lie in the breaking sky, but in the very hearts of the people around her.
In the underwater empire of Caspia, a storm is brewing.
Aven Talavir's efforts to unite the four kingdoms resulted in a temporary peace, but that peace is shattered all over again when she is named the controversial heir to a dying emperor's throne.
The crown on her head makes her a target. One that Kai 'West' Armana would do anything to remove. One that results in an attack, and a curse on the newly crowned empress that will require an unimaginable sacrifice to undo. And that sacrifice is only the beginning.
Because the world is not healed.
The sky is not safe.
And things that should be dead and drowned do not always stay that way.
The Sky is Changed.
Once upon a time, Aven Talavir lived in a sparkling empire beneath the waves, protected from the Sea-Above by a sky made of magic.
Then it all fell apart.
The four kingdoms of the Caspian Empire are united no longer. Aven is an empress in name only, her kingdom overtaken by her rivals, her city flooded, and her hope fading as she sets out on a desperate journey to find allies, and to take back the power she needs to mount one final effort to save her world.
That power exists.
She knows that now.
But the cost of wielding it may be more than she can pay.
The epic story that began in Sky Keeper concludes in this thrilling final book.
1164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
93 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
28 books2,067 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 19, 2019
I'm reviewing each book individually as well, but I just wanted to say . . . this trilogy was amazing. Epic, action-packed, with a cast of characters I fell in love with, and a world to get totally lost in. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!
November 12, 2019
It took me a while to get into this series, to understand this Atlantis-inspired world and its magic, but it got better and better by each book. The characters on the other hand, I grew fond of almost at once. Aven is both strong and vulnerable, and I love her connection to Finn, her river horse. Cora is always there for Aven - and she has a small dragon namned Atlas! And then there's Varick and Kai (or West, as he ends up being called)... If I tell you about them there will be spoilers, so I'm not gonna do that!
If you enjoy reading an epic fantasy with a strong, yet vulnerable, female protagonist, I strongly advice you to give The Drowning Empire series a go! It's mostly a page turner, full of action and magic! I didn't want it to end... I will truly miss Aven, Kai/West, Adrian and all the other characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves epic fantasy adventures!
If you enjoy reading an epic fantasy with a strong, yet vulnerable, female protagonist, I strongly advice you to give The Drowning Empire series a go! It's mostly a page turner, full of action and magic! I didn't want it to end... I will truly miss Aven, Kai/West, Adrian and all the other characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves epic fantasy adventures!
August 9, 2019
This is one outstanding series of books. Once you start reading, there’s no way you can stop. I was so immersed in the stories, that time just passed. Can’t wait to read more of these stories. Don’t pass up the chance.
May 18, 2023
i’m a super fan of Gaither’s Shadows & Crowns series as well as the one that came before it and this book was definitely up there! Not my favorite by her, but incredible world building, an awesome reckless main character who decides the world is on her shoulders (if you don’t like this type of character, you’ll hate her — but i love a hero who battles for good and who faces her own darkness).
the love story is *heart eyes*
Definitely more New Adult than Shadows and Crowns with a fade to black, so despite the very intense violence we see (I think this book is rather dark tbh) it is more appropriate for those who don’t like explicit sexual scenes or for younger readers!
the love story is *heart eyes*
Definitely more New Adult than Shadows and Crowns with a fade to black, so despite the very intense violence we see (I think this book is rather dark tbh) it is more appropriate for those who don’t like explicit sexual scenes or for younger readers!
December 27, 2021
WoWzers
My first book by S.M Gaither was -- The Song of the Marked (Shadows and Crowns book 1). I was captivated by her characters and the depth in her world. The Drowning Empire is my absolute favorite series by S.M. The world is real and vibrant, and the characters are flawed and heroic. I truly wish/hope, that she writes more in this series.
My first book by S.M Gaither was -- The Song of the Marked (Shadows and Crowns book 1). I was captivated by her characters and the depth in her world. The Drowning Empire is my absolute favorite series by S.M. The world is real and vibrant, and the characters are flawed and heroic. I truly wish/hope, that she writes more in this series.
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed this series
Once I got into the story, I really enjoyed reading it. The character arch’s were well done and it had me guessing until the end. I’m a fan of S.M. Gaither’s books!
Once I got into the story, I really enjoyed reading it. The character arch’s were well done and it had me guessing until the end. I’m a fan of S.M. Gaither’s books!
March 24, 2020
The second and third book had some slow bits, but it was a good read. It was very dark. I liked how you didn’t know who would survive, Adrian or West, until the very end. I liked how Adrian changed as a character throughout the book. Lia was an interesting villain. Her complexes and reasoning are unique.
June 3, 2022
I had read SM Gaither’s other series’ and loved them all so I wasn’t surprised when I loved this trilogy. I loved how the characters were flawed and how you could understand and empathize with all of the varying points of view. Overall glad I read this and sad it’s over!
October 9, 2023
Very good read
This series was really good. It was different then most fantasies I've read, but did make a really good series.
This series was really good. It was different then most fantasies I've read, but did make a really good series.
November 1, 2024
The Drowning Empire
Totally loved this series. Great characters & story line with all its twists & turns. Would recommend to all fantasy lovers.
Totally loved this series. Great characters & story line with all its twists & turns. Would recommend to all fantasy lovers.
September 23, 2022
This book series was: Thrilling. Intoxicating. Mind blowing. 5 epic stars for unforgettable characters, fabulous world building, and captivating story telling.
Ps I had to download the bundle to read these books on kindle unlimited. FYI for anyone having trouble downloading the single books
Ps I had to download the bundle to read these books on kindle unlimited. FYI for anyone having trouble downloading the single books
August 3, 2019
I just had a total binge-fest reading through all of the books in S.M. Gaither’s The Drowning Empire: The Complete Series boxset. On the one hand the fact that these books were so addictive has got to be a good sign. On the other, my husband is wondering why I turned so hermit-like for so many hours. He had to force me to stop to eat (nooo ... don’t take away my precioussss book!). On balance all to the good. You’ve been warned though, treat this bookset carefully as it’s a highly addictive substance (but by all means enjoy it). But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The bookset definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the bookset is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
September 14, 2019
Great find
I stumbled upon this as a recommendation from Kindle Unlimited. So glad I did! I absolutely loved this world and it's characters. The Keepers are in charge of keeping a world created under the sea safe and sealed. Breaches happen, and that's where we meet our Keepers. Aven is a young woman sure of her place, until things go horribly awry. This series had so many twists and turns, and such complex characters that continue to grow and change throughout. I could hardly put this down! This was a very satisfying read! I highly recommend!
I stumbled upon this as a recommendation from Kindle Unlimited. So glad I did! I absolutely loved this world and it's characters. The Keepers are in charge of keeping a world created under the sea safe and sealed. Breaches happen, and that's where we meet our Keepers. Aven is a young woman sure of her place, until things go horribly awry. This series had so many twists and turns, and such complex characters that continue to grow and change throughout. I could hardly put this down! This was a very satisfying read! I highly recommend!
September 12, 2019
Very riveting
When I started the first book I was a little lost. But reading further I became so I grossed that I had a problem putting it down. The whole series captured my heart and soul.
When I started the first book I was a little lost. But reading further I became so I grossed that I had a problem putting it down. The whole series captured my heart and soul.
December 11, 2019
Worth it
Worth every minute spent reading this! Absolutely loved this series! The characters and plot are wonderfully in depth and the story is captivating.
Worth every minute spent reading this! Absolutely loved this series! The characters and plot are wonderfully in depth and the story is captivating.
January 5, 2020
Fab
Enjoyed reading - liked the primary and secondary characters . The evolution of the story was quite believable . Also liked the ending.
Enjoyed reading - liked the primary and secondary characters . The evolution of the story was quite believable . Also liked the ending.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews