The Betrayal of Eden (Grimoire and Key: Book One)

In The Betrayal of Eden, the first installment in the Grimoire and Key trilogy, Erin Philips delivers a bold and atmospheric reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo, transforming Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale into a dark fantasy laced with magic, betrayal, and slow-burn vengeance.

“There was no criminal fleeing into the darkened alley. No knife discarded on the ground. No trace of a violent attack. There was only a woman, gasping for air as she halted her steps, clutching her daughter’s hand.” ~ Erin Phillips

Synopsis:

At 16, Eden Fortin sees nothing but a bright future ahead of her. With a valuable promotion on the horizon, she is granted a coveted spot as a debutante alongside her wealthy friend, Fallon Riviere, an important step in escaping the sordid South Bout and securing a future with her beau, Myles Taillefer, the son of a powerful representative.

But the happily ever after of Eden’s fairytale rise will be more dangerous than she realizes.

Hunter Calder, an indentured servant in the Riviere household, is far too familiar with the family’s schemes. Forced to pay off his father’s debt, he discovers a dark secret about the mysterious grimoires Cartier City uses to maintain order. However, revealing the truth might not provide the freedom he seeks.

As Eden becomes overwhelmed with the requirements of high society, her rivals uncover the means to her undoing. Just as grimoire magic works in ripples, so the ruin of Eden Fortin will be the catalyst for bringing Cartier City to its knees.

“Being nobody is not the same as being nothing. You exist, therefore your life has a purpose. You tell yourself that every day until you believe it.” ~ Erin Phillips

Although I haven’t read Dumas’ original novel, I found The Betrayal of Eden to be fresh, ambitious, and full of promise. Erin Phillips brings a clear and creative vision to this retelling. Her prose is immersive, her world-building richly developed, and her characters perfectly imperfect. It’s not easy to reimagine a literary classic, but Phillips does so with originality and care. I admire her storytelling and the risks she took to make this narrative her own.

I was especially drawn to Hunter’s point of view. His emotional depth, personal growth, and complicated relationships kept me engaged throughout. His chapters were often the highlight for me, and I’m genuinely excited to see where his story leads in the coming books.

Eden, by contrast, was more difficult for me to connect with. Where Hunter isn’t afraid to speak his mind (much like me), Eden is more reserved and easily influenced. Though I didn’t feel as emotionally invested in her arc, I suspect we’ve only scratched the surface of who she is and what she will become.

“Rumors can be more dangerous than accusations—they don’t even give you the opportunity to refute falsehoods before everyone has already decided they are true.” ~ Erin Phillips

Pacing-wise, The Betrayal of Eden takes its time setting the stage, focusing on the protagonists’ motivations and world-building that sometimes felt slow but deliberate. The final quarter delivers the most payoff, with a dramatic cliffhanger that has me eager for book two.

Beneath the magic and lore, Eden and Hunter must navigate their moral compasses. Does vengeance ever bring justice? Or does it only prolong the pain and perpetuate the cycle? I have no doubt these characters will discover the truth for themselves as the series continues.

“Justice is a double-edged sword: a consequence for the guilty and a comfort for the innocent.” ~ Erin Phillips

*Thank you to Erin Phillips for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

CLICK HERE to order a copy of The Betrayal of Eden 

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Positive content: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Godly content: ⭐️
Language:
Sexual content: 
Violence: ⭐️
Age: 14+