A Crown of the Gods by S. M. Gaither

Penguin. Paperback. NEW. In a realm where gods have fallen and chaos reigns, a queen emerges to bring order and restore balance to a world shattered by darkness. The grandeur of the Kethran Empire stands in stark contrast to the emptiness of its throne, now left vacant by a ruler who has ascended to godhood, bringing nothing but turmoil in their wake. The once clear dividing line between mortal and divine realms has begun to blur, leaving the fate of the world hanging in the balance, teetering on the precipice of an impending war that promises to be nothing short of devastating. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, Casia Greythorne—an embodiment of strength, resilience, and determination—is poised to take her rightful place as queen, transforming herself into the beacon of hope that her people desperately need. Bound by duty and fueled by an unyielding spirit, she prepares to face not just mortal adversaries, but gods themselves. In a bid to unite the fractured empire and counter the encroaching darkness, Casia must confront not only external conflicts but also her own harrowing past. It is within the hidden layers of her history that the answers lie, waiting impatiently to be discovered. Casia's journey to claim her crown is marked by perilous challenges and emotional upheaval, testing the limits of her strength and resolve. The weight of responsibility that rests upon her shoulders may be staggering, but she is undeterred. For the love she bears for her people and her world, she is ready to sacrifice everything, even if it means putting her own future in jeopardy. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that no stone will be left unturned in her quest for truth and justice. The tapestry of the Kethran Empire, once a rich and vibrant masterpiece, now hangs tattered and faded. But Casia possesses the vision and fortitude to mend its frayed edges, stitching together a new era of prosperity and harmony. Yet, challenges lie around every corner, threatening to shatter her hopes and dreams. The specter of the impending war looms large, casting a long shadow over her aspirations. Faced with the darkest depths of despair, Casia finds solace in her unwavering belief that the light of her conviction, combined with the resilience of her people, will ultimately triumph over the encroaching darkness. The world, forever transformed by the absence of its gods, stands at a crossroads. With Casia Greythorne at the helm, there is a glimmer of hope—a flicker of resilience that refuses to be extinguished. The path ahead may be treacherous, riddled with sacrifice and uncertainty, but one thing remains certain: the future of the Kethran Empire rests in the hands of the queen who dares to challenge the divine and reshape the destiny of her world.