The Tarnished
(Blameless Book #2)
by E.S. Christison
Get your copy now!Princess Briana has escaped imprisonment and is on the run. Her beloved Predonia is in upheaval as the villainous Vaylec tightens his grip on the Blameless, tearing the kingdom apart in search of the girl who’s evaded him. To regain her people’s freedom, Brie must turn her back on her friends and her new home as she and her uncles race to uncover the secrets of Vaylec’s mysterious and growing power. There is no safety nor rest for the usurped heir to the throne, and Brie must dig deep inside herself for strength to take action as her world crumbles around her.
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Check out reviews from The Tarnished's book tour:
Katie Reads
Mad Reads Books
Bookworm for Kids
Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
The Blameless
(Blameless Book #1)
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New edition available now!Briana, Princess of Predonia, has lived a happy and sheltered life. Then, in a single night, her kingdom is overthrown and centuries of peace are abruptly shattered. Fleeing for her life as her kingdom burns, Brie is rescued by Flinton, Derek, and Kove, three powerful protectors who pledge to teach her how to fight and use the magic that has awakened within her.
Brie finds sanctuary in the mountain stronghold of the Blameless, people who receive magical gifts from the gods after performing acts of unparalleled selflessness. Among them, Brie’s grieving heart slowly learns to live and laugh again. With the help of her new friends, she strives to master her growing powers so she can avenge her family, take back her place as the rightful heir to the throne, and free her people from the clutches of a tyrant. But can one girl change the tides against an evil that has conquered an entire kingdom? |
About the AuthorE.S. Christison’s very first job was as a page in a library. She was raised by her father, who passed his love of reading on to her–especially fantasy. Elisabeth passed this same love on to her seven children, and as a result, much of her adult life has been spent in the realms of their make-believe kingdoms, seeing firsthand the whimsical workings of their young minds. She’s shared her own stories with them at bedtime for years, but never chose to write them down until the idea for The Blameless blazed into her mind.
Elisabeth lives with her family in Ohio, and when she isn’t busy navigating the seas of motherhood, working as a nurse, or castle-hopping and enjoying fine wine and chocolate with her husband, she can be found dreaming up other magical tales. Who knows? One day she might share those with the world too. |
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Praise for The Blameless
“Christison takes the tropes of epic fantasy and strips them of their angst, crafting a feel-good page-turner. Brie is a likeable protagonist surrounded by good-natured, slightly larger-than-life companions. Flinton is especially striking with his bearlike size and caring nature, but even Vaylec—the villain—has a personality and depth beyond the genre’s typical evilness for evil’s sake. Christison refuses to manufacture conflict, focusing instead on a central premise and the characters that underpin it. Though the plot is simple and the book is long, Brie’s story plays out with an endearing breeziness. As is often the case with series, the ending of this first novel comes as an interruption rather than a denouement. Nonetheless, there’s a great deal here to ensnare young readers. A heartwarming and innocent upper-middle-grade fantasy.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A magical debut with strong writing and lovable characters. I rooted for Brie as if she were a member of my own family, and all the uncles were my favorite. As soon as my superpowers develop, I’m volunteering to be one of the Blameless. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.”
—Karen Amanda Hooper, author of the Kindrily series
“Talk about a feel-good fantasy! . . . I can’t even describe what makes this book so incredible and memorable, but I would say the unique magic system and beautiful relationships throughout have something to do with it.”
—Kristiana Sfirlea, author of Legend of the Storm Sneezer
“Thrilling and packed with action from beginning to end, this book still maintained a wholesome tale with tons of feel-good moments while keeping the reader on the edge of the seat the entire time.”
—Tonja Drecker, author and children’s book blogger, www.bookwormforkids.com
“Princess Brie’s provincial life is shattered in one night as Aldestone falls at the hands of a brutal betrayal. Her family is gone, her life is irreparably unwound, and she is now swept away by three strangers of unknown intent. Her path to royalty is permanently detoured, or so it would seem. Magic, adventure, and new friendships await as she rises from the ashes to take her rightful place among the Blameless. In this series debut, Christison expertly transports the reader to a richly written fantasy world where self-sacrifice and honor are held above all. Well, at least for most. Fresh, original, and exhilarating, The Blameless is a must-have for your fantasy bookshelf.”
—S.P. O’Farrell, author of the Simone LaFray series
“Reading The Blameless is the closest I’ve ever come to feeling the way I felt when reading Harry Potter as a child, which says a lot! . . . I’d never found a book again to give me quite the same feeling until The Blameless. E.S. Christison creates a realistic world full of excitement, terror, happiness, goodness, and hope. The characters are genuine and solid, with personalities just like people you would want to know in real life. They never become predictable or dull. Some of them would make such awesome friends! I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, and (almost) crying in several places throughout the book. I never wanted it to end! I don’t remember any boring passages anywhere—how rare is that? This book is written for fantasy lovers who indulge in every part of a well-written story. If you are a bookworm like me, and always on the lookout for great stories, then snuggle up and get comfy. This is a book for you!”
—Bettina Ruhe, English teacher, grades 5-7
“. . . a delightful and exciting read . . . Christison’s writing style was accessible and lucid, which was perfect for a middle-grade audience. 5 stars.”
—Melati @middlegradebooks
“Wow, y’all. WOW. I loved this. It was AMAZING! Out of 164 books I’ve read this year, this is in my top 5. . . . I love this world, this magic system, and these characters so much!”
—Belle’s Middle Grade Library @bellesmiddlegrade
“I can totally see this becoming a great, accessible fantasy book for many of my students. . . . Highly recommend this to any and all fantasy lovers out there!”
—Kirstin @readwithkmb (5th grade teacher)
“The Blameless by E.S. Christison is my latest middle school recommendation. . . . The Blameless feels like a warm hug, your coziest sweater, your favorite blanket right out of the dryer. It is sinking into a bubble bath or eating a chocolate chip cookie minutes after it’s finished baking.”
—Katie @_katie.reads (8th grade teacher)
“I’m a sucker for a good fantasy, and The Blameless promises a wonderful new series. . . . all of my YA lovers out there will love this book just as much as the younger crowd.”
—Zoe @ya.its.lit
“E.S. Christison poured her heart and soul into this book, and it shows. I’m going to be suffering until the second book is so much as announced. I’ll read anything this queen publishes. She has my heart, she has my trust. Bring it on, The Blameless. I’m waiting.”
—Isaac @isaacwinans_reads
—Kirkus Reviews
“A magical debut with strong writing and lovable characters. I rooted for Brie as if she were a member of my own family, and all the uncles were my favorite. As soon as my superpowers develop, I’m volunteering to be one of the Blameless. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.”
—Karen Amanda Hooper, author of the Kindrily series
“Talk about a feel-good fantasy! . . . I can’t even describe what makes this book so incredible and memorable, but I would say the unique magic system and beautiful relationships throughout have something to do with it.”
—Kristiana Sfirlea, author of Legend of the Storm Sneezer
“Thrilling and packed with action from beginning to end, this book still maintained a wholesome tale with tons of feel-good moments while keeping the reader on the edge of the seat the entire time.”
—Tonja Drecker, author and children’s book blogger, www.bookwormforkids.com
“Princess Brie’s provincial life is shattered in one night as Aldestone falls at the hands of a brutal betrayal. Her family is gone, her life is irreparably unwound, and she is now swept away by three strangers of unknown intent. Her path to royalty is permanently detoured, or so it would seem. Magic, adventure, and new friendships await as she rises from the ashes to take her rightful place among the Blameless. In this series debut, Christison expertly transports the reader to a richly written fantasy world where self-sacrifice and honor are held above all. Well, at least for most. Fresh, original, and exhilarating, The Blameless is a must-have for your fantasy bookshelf.”
—S.P. O’Farrell, author of the Simone LaFray series
“Reading The Blameless is the closest I’ve ever come to feeling the way I felt when reading Harry Potter as a child, which says a lot! . . . I’d never found a book again to give me quite the same feeling until The Blameless. E.S. Christison creates a realistic world full of excitement, terror, happiness, goodness, and hope. The characters are genuine and solid, with personalities just like people you would want to know in real life. They never become predictable or dull. Some of them would make such awesome friends! I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, and (almost) crying in several places throughout the book. I never wanted it to end! I don’t remember any boring passages anywhere—how rare is that? This book is written for fantasy lovers who indulge in every part of a well-written story. If you are a bookworm like me, and always on the lookout for great stories, then snuggle up and get comfy. This is a book for you!”
—Bettina Ruhe, English teacher, grades 5-7
“. . . a delightful and exciting read . . . Christison’s writing style was accessible and lucid, which was perfect for a middle-grade audience. 5 stars.”
—Melati @middlegradebooks
“Wow, y’all. WOW. I loved this. It was AMAZING! Out of 164 books I’ve read this year, this is in my top 5. . . . I love this world, this magic system, and these characters so much!”
—Belle’s Middle Grade Library @bellesmiddlegrade
“I can totally see this becoming a great, accessible fantasy book for many of my students. . . . Highly recommend this to any and all fantasy lovers out there!”
—Kirstin @readwithkmb (5th grade teacher)
“The Blameless by E.S. Christison is my latest middle school recommendation. . . . The Blameless feels like a warm hug, your coziest sweater, your favorite blanket right out of the dryer. It is sinking into a bubble bath or eating a chocolate chip cookie minutes after it’s finished baking.”
—Katie @_katie.reads (8th grade teacher)
“I’m a sucker for a good fantasy, and The Blameless promises a wonderful new series. . . . all of my YA lovers out there will love this book just as much as the younger crowd.”
—Zoe @ya.its.lit
“E.S. Christison poured her heart and soul into this book, and it shows. I’m going to be suffering until the second book is so much as announced. I’ll read anything this queen publishes. She has my heart, she has my trust. Bring it on, The Blameless. I’m waiting.”
—Isaac @isaacwinans_reads