Diminished

The Elder Tree Trilogy #2

by Erica Rose Eberhart

A queen haunted by ghosts. A dragon cursed in human skin. A kingdom on the brink of war.

In the aftermath of her father's death, Queen Greer stands at the edge of grief and revelation. Magic—once forbidden—has returned to Wimleigh, but so have enemies. When a prophetic funeral warns of rising death, it sets into motion a chain of events that will test the mettle of queens, heirs, and warriors alike.

As Greer grapples with panic attacks and the vengeful ghost of her father, her sister, Caitriona, struggles under the weight of monstrous expectations. Bearing horns, scales, and the voice of a dragon in her mind, Caitriona must lead a secret mission with Ailith MacCree—now a royal guard—north to find a lost prince who could stop a war—if he’s willing to fight.

But treachery weaves through the forests, poisons creep in, and fae assassins lurk in the shadows. With kingdoms falling to darkness, an ancient tree bleeding out its final life, and bonds shattered by betrayal, Wimleigh’s hope rests on a dragon no longer afraid to rise.

When magic is reborn and monsters wear crowns, who dares to lead the charge?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, LGBT, Lesbian, Queer

Paperback

First published August 19, 2025

About the author

Erica Rose Eberhart is a neurodivergent, disabled writer of queer characters, dragons, girls who grow feathers, and boys who become trees. She resides in the Finger Lakes of New York with her partner and child, and has sampled landscape inspiration from her time living near mountain ranges of New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Having written stories since she could string a sentence together, she now focuses primarily on young adult and adult fantasy, as well as whimsical personal essays.

Her work has been featured in Bella Grace Magazine. TARNISHED is her debut novel.

Reviews

[S.E. Berkeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feminist saga we’ve been begging for, The Elder Tree Trilogy delivers on a beautiful and heart wrenching story that follows complex women as they fight to fix a magical world wrecked by the follies of weak men in power. Eberhart proves that she is a rising star in fantasy with her sophomore novel that will leave readers hungry for the climactic ending of this series that sublimely captures the true experience of womanhood.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diminished is the second installment in The Elder Tree trilogy by Erica Rose Eberhart. It picks up where the first novel left off. Greer has ascended the throne, and Catriona's curse has concluded, leaving her physically and emotionally altered. Ailith remains a trusted member of the royal guard and of Cait and Greer's inner circle. Barden and Greer grow closer. Róisín has once again become an active participant in her daughters’ lives.
Magic is no longer outlawed in Wimleigh, but not everyone is pleased with this change, and someone seeks vengeance for the damage caused by two generations of Gablaigh. The royal family is making strides toward peace while standing on the precipice of war.
Diminished features quests, dragons, romance, death, magic, curses, and deception.
Fantastic world-building drew me in, but the character development kept me reading. There are so many wonderful characters with such depth. They may live in a fantasy world, but their emotional struggles are realistic and relatable. The various perspectives are enlightening. This book delves deeper into Roisin's past, shedding light on her choices. I didn't expect that, and it was a nice surprise.
A lot is going on, but it is well-done, balanced, and exciting. The plot is even paced and engaging. However, I nearly deducted a star for the ending because I was displeased with one of the author's choices. -_- Yes, I'm looking at you, Ms. Eberhart!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I can't wait for the last book.
#F/F #F/M #gayrep #fantasyromance #quest #dragons #shifters #magic #royal #queernormative #panicattacks #selfdoubt #selfacceptance #grief
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Michelle J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second 2025 book by Eberhart and it’s truly an evocative experience. DIMINISHED takes the foundation of TARNISHED and builds upward into a poignant reality of consequences, grief, and longing that makes for a fantastic sequel. With all women POVs, we are brought along as they undergo the hardships that come with their roles in the world and a looming danger. You become invested in Cait’s inner dragon struggle, Róisín’s backstory, Greer’s haunting visions, and Ailith new responsibilities. Eberhart takes a refreshing and accessible approach to the fantasy realm in her immersive writing and descriptive scenes, and I'm eagerly waiting for the finale of the Elder Tree trilogy!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment of the Elder Tree trilogy does not disappoint!! We follow Greer, Cait and Ailith on new adventures and meet new friends (and some new enemies)!

Eberhart’s writing is completely immersive and I found myself lost in the world and hanging onto every word!

I cannot wait for the conclusion!! 🤩🤩🤩

[C.W. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading Diminished, and it was a joy to read it again as an ARC!

With lush, evocative prose and a powerful all-female main cast, Diminished will speak to anyone who has ever experienced Eldest Daughter syndrome and who felt like they were not enough. It’s a joy to watch our protagonists grow and confront their demons, both internal and external, and use their newfound strengths to propel themselves to their eventual destinies. This second book is a strong addition to the Elder Tree trilogy, and will make you cry and cheer for its strong, relatable protagonists.

Looking forward to book 3 and how this story ends for our characters, because I for one will be rooting for everyone to find their happy endings!

[Annette Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished, the first book in Erica Rose Eberhart's Elder Tree Trilogy was one of my favourite reads of 2024 and at the time I was very excited to learn that I would not have to wait too long for book two. The day I was waiting for has arrived and I can happily say that Diminished has absolutely lived up to its predecessor.
I am wary of saying too much about the plot of the book as I do not want to spoil anything for readers who have not yet picked up Tarnished. but what I can say is that many of the things I loved most about that book were developed even more here. We return to the world of Ailith, the city soldier turned royal guard and her beloved Caitriona, sister to Queen Greer, heir to the throne and struggling with the many changes her life has undergone. Meanwhile Greer is learning that the crown is no light burden with war on the horizon and discontent in the kingdom due to the return of magic , the future of her rule is feeling less certain by the day. Like all the best sequels the stakes are higher and there is no dreaded middle book feeling, this feels like a fully fleshed out story with a destination in mind.
Once again family and relationships are at the heart of this book, I loved the sisterly bond between Greer and Caitriona in the first book, and that continues here. It was illuminating to see more of the past timeline which focussed on Greer and Caitriona's mother, Roisin, the dowager Queen and I found my thoughts on this character really changed by what was revealed here. It is always great when an author can turn your ideas on their head, especially when it is done in a way that feels well thought out. The slow burn romance between Caitriona and Greer continues, and I really loved seeing how much more comfortable they were opening up to one another, I really hope that as the series plays out they get their happy ending, something that is not at all guaranteed given some of the events that play out in this book.
Now I get ready to play the waiting game again, because one thing is for sure, if the final book in this trilogy is as good as the first two, it will be a contender for my all time favourites list.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.

[Kassidy Coursey · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that the sequel of a trilogy is difficult to stick the landing to is an understatement, yet Eberhart did so artfully, flawlessly, and painfully (to us, the readers. Hi, I’m reader).

Multiple themes are explored through Diminished—motherhood, haunted pasts, and self-loathing versus self-acceptance. Trust me, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Eberhart has a true gift to guide readers through the stages of a panic attack, the acceptance of sisterhood, and the grief of being pulled apart from someone you love (don’t try to guess. Because it’s not just one).

Flashback sequences drove me deeper into the character’s minds, some I already loved, some I didn’t know if I cared for but grew to adore, and some who I despised but came to understand on a more profound level. The world of The Elder Tree trilogy expanded into a richness that I didn’t know I craved until the pages were frantically turning. My favorite new character was, hands down, Fiana. Something about that no-nonsense brusqueness calls to the old lady in my soul. I found her delightful; she’d surely be enraged to be called such.

Be prepared to endure heartbreak of at least three different flavors when you start this one: ruined hope, abandonment, and destiny pulling apart lovers that feel fated from their first shared breath. I am eager (and nervous!!) for the third installment to further destroy me.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do not convince yourself to be numb. It’s emotion that keeps us human, but you also need to not let it own you.”

Diminished was an ode to overcoming our own mind, to accepting ourself, and to becoming everything we are. Erica has an immersive storytelling voice, and the ability to harness raw emotion into words that echo through your soul. This second installment in the trilogy gave us more POV characters and more history, building on everything that happened in book one while healing some parts of our hearts, showing that even the strong are fighting battles we know nothing about. I couldn’t read this book fast enough, page after page I was engrossed, and then… then the final chapter came and I found my heart ready, dear readers please read the epilogue, you’ll most likely cry, but it is from the beauty of grief, and creates a very full circle moment from the start of the book to the end.
This world, these characters, this story.
With how much Erica’s voice grew, her confidence in her craft, I’m certain book three will be phenomenal and I cannot wait for it.

Thank you so much again to the author for the ARC copy. Even if my chest is tight from tears.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second installment of Eberhart's debut trilogy, we get to delve deeper into the world of the Elder Tree and this time, the stakes are higher, the magic darker, and the consequences even more dire. While we embark on another journey with the beloved protagonists from Tarnished, we learn even more about the history of Wimleigh, and how its tragedies and intimacies have shaped the women who now lead the Queendom. At the same time, new characters introduce us to new settings, new threats, and even more challenging personal conflicts, for a truly harrowing, heartbreaking tale.

Diminished is a story about acceptance - acceptance of others, and of ourselves. Acceptance of our own truths, our hurts and our desires, the struggles we face along the way, and the strength we gain from others to overcome them. It's also a story about what we lose along that path, and how what we are trying to overcome can sometimes hurt us even worse before we triumph. Be prepared for an emotional build-up to what will no doubt be an exciting conclusion to the Elder Tree trilogy!

[Erica Eberhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this!

When the plot of Diminished came to mind, I was preparing to query the first book in the series (Tarnished). With that story done, I wanted to stay with the characters a bit more and see what the world was like once magic was legalized once more and how the ripples of the events in Tarnished hit each character I had grown to love.

What came from this book was so much more. The characters led me down paths I hadn't quite expected to take and I was able to give love and attention to many issues I have faced, particularly anxiety and panic attacks, as well as feeling foreign in your own skin. I adore this book; there's a lot of my own spirit in its pages. I hope you'll enjoy it too.

(as a note, there are trigger warnings in the book itself, but if you'd like to check them out beforehand, they are listed on my website).

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diminished is a sapphic high fantasy and is the second book in the Elder Tree Trilogy. Much like Tarnished, this novel delivers a beautifully poignant tale of grief, pining, and adventure led by complex female leads. With a backdrop of a fantasy realm now teetering on the brink of war, we are reunited with the characters we fell in love with in book one. With the story taking place 2 years after the happenings of book one, I really enjoyed getting to have more insight into the things that haunt Cait, Greer and Ailith as we also are introduced to some new friends (and foes). Eberhart masterfully re-immerses us back into the world with commendable polish and packs a punch with continued worldbuilding, angst, and intensity!

[Bookish Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC.

Diminished picks up about a year after Tarnished, with Queen Greer, Princess Caitriona, and Royal Guard Ailith partially settled into their new roles in the kingdom - yet each grappling with their own inner turmoil. When war threatens their home and the possibility of new allies emerges, the three women are pulled into another treacherous adventure.

I enjoyed returning to this world and to the three strong women at the heart of the story. It was fascinating to see how their dynamics have shifted since the end of the last book, and how their personal struggles shape both their choices and their missions. Greer, in particular, stood out to me with the development of her character.

On the other hand, I found Ailith and Caitriona caught in a repetitive cycle of self-doubt that became a little overdone... and in one case, seemed to disappear almost suddenly due to an event near the very end, which didn’t feel like the most convincing trigger for such a shift. In addition, while I appreciated the magical elements woven into their journey, much of the plot progression in Diminished felt slower and less effective than I hoped.

I’ll likely still pick up the final book in the trilogy, but this second instalment didn’t quite blow me away.

[Candice Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the amazing author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book!

This is the second book in the Elder Tree Trilogy and oh boy was it a great read. The first book read like a fun adventure, this one read like an EPIC adventure with so many twists and turns and character growth. I can't get over the ending and really wish I had book 3 in my hands already.

Read this book if you love character growth, wlw relationships, epic fantasies, powerful women, dragons, and adventure.

[CissasBookEnds · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this ARC came up in my feeds, I was intrigued and excited for it. I quickly ate read the first book and just fell right into the second book. I always worry that sequels won’t stand up to the expectations of the first book in the series, but this did.

As I read, it felt like I was right there with Greer, Caitriona and Ailith as the story unfolded. Erica Rose Eberhart stayed true to the original characters from Book one and I am so happy that she did as I had fallen in love with them in that book.

I can’t wait to read her next book!!

[Diane Billas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and gorgeous second installment in the Elder Tree Trilogy. I was hooked with Eberhart's prose in the first book and her descriptions of the setting, this time summer, made me feel like I was there with them. I really enjoyed learning more backstory, especially about the mother. Also, be prepared to have tissues, you're going to need them. I can't wait to get my hands on the final book so I can see how everything wraps up!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow, that ending. I may not recover. This is a fantastic setting, with lots of magical nuance. I enjoyed seeing the flashback scenes, and understanding some of the characters better through those moments. I loved the band of travellers together, and was very moved by Caitriona coming to accept herself. I especially connected with Greer though, working to keep it all together and battling her own demons. This book is setting up for an epic book 3.

[Mariah Stillbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and heart-wrenching continuation of the Elder Tree Trilogy! If you enjoyed Tarnished then buckle up, this is quite the ride. The language is just as beautiful in this installment and we get to dig into some of the characters and their pasts in a way that adds depth to an already layered story. I can't wait to read on!

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want a read that quenches your feminist side? This is it. Several powerful women work together to heal what men have tarnished. You'll have no problems seeing what the author is portraying. It was very well written and thought out. Very few lulls in the progression. I was hooked fast, and it kept my interest throughout. Great read.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

writing this through my TEARS

man, what SEQUEL. Eberhart managed to take everything I loved about book one, take it and amplify it for book two! Do yourself a favor and read this one too!

Thanks to the author for the ARC

[Hope Broadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already know it's 5 stars! I'd give it ten if I could. I cannot wait to read this book and see where Ailith, Cait and Greer go next. I'm on pins and needles over here!

[Rebekah Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all of the feelings!! I'm at a loss for words honestly. The ending has me 😭😭😭 I need book 3!! I need justice haha
This story is just so beautiful!

[cheyanne jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Elder Tree trilogy. This book offers additional POVs that really opened my eyes to decisions that were made and why characters are the way they are and I truly loved that aspect. The story was intense and you constantly were holding your breath for the looming threat in the background. I've gotta say, the last 15-20% of the book really left me an emotional wreck. Be prepared to cry yourself to sleep.

[Jennifer MD Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honored to be an ARC reader for this book and for once this review should have no spoilers.

To Recap
I was also an ARC reader for the first book, "Tarnished." In that review (four stars) I stated that the characters and their relationships are lovely, the setting is whimsical and enchanting, and the strong plot gains momentum as it progresses. I also stated that I felt the author wasn't very confident in herself yet, leading to a "show-don't-tell" problem, and that there were some POV choices I thought lessened the intended impact of the scenes.

How Does This Stand As A Sequel
Fabulously.

The characters' presentations are consistent with the growth they demonstrated in the first novel. They face unique challenges that are built from the foundation of their insecurities and developments they explored in "Tarnished." Each character strongly felt like who they were the first time, but two years later, with all the wisdom, fears, and growing pains that comes with.

You have the chance to dive deeper into settings that were briefly explored in "Tarnished" and the plot is better for it. Reading "Diminished" continues to embellish and polish the details of world building that I admired in its predecessor. If you're starting the series now and wondering if you can read these back-to-back seamlessly, the answer is yes.

And I felt that Ms. Eberhart's writing was even stronger than in her fantastic debut. I was much less distracted by show-don't-tell moments, and much more engaged with action that demonstrated emotion. And there was not a single time that I regretted having a part of the story told through one POV over the other - each POV felt appropriate for what it was telling. Exactly the growth I was cheering for!

How This Stands Individually
Just like in "Tarnished," Ms. Eberhart's plot starts strong and grows in intensity as it progresses. And that's saying a lot, because the plot starts off about as vigorous as you can imagine. With tension between magic users and non-havers rising, relationships being tested, and kingdoms at stake, you'd think the terms would have been set - but Ms. Eberhart is only getting started.

So on that note... If I had to describe a mood for this book, it's angst. Not the "edgy, trying-to-shock-you, gruesome for the sake of street cred" kind of angst. The kind of angst that comes from several very real traumatized people trying to navigate saving the world while there are individuals and powers at play actively trying to hit them where they are most insecure. So read this book, please, but have something light and uplifting planned for yourself right afterwards. Especially because (as of when I'm writing this in July 2025) we don't have "Vanquished" yet so you aren't going to get any comfort of a happy ending. We have to wait for that! (If you're reading this in the future and you have "Vanquished," can you come back in time and tell me if it eases the hurt in my heart for these characters? Please?)

In Summary
Ms. Eberhart's writing was already strong in "Tarnished" and has continued to grow in talent with this sequel. It's a seamless continuation of its predecessor and will bring you back to the characters and setting you loved most - but it's going to hurt your heart in the process and you'll be demanding "Vanquished" immediately after. Be prepared to wish you could give the whole cast a hug, in part because of what they must face, but in part because of how proud you are of how they are facing it.

[Samantha Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother, Daughter, Sisters…Queen, Princess, Counsellor and Guard…friends and lovers—Diminished— Book two of the Elder Tree Trilogy, is a refreshing read with a focus on female characters—not just as heroines, but as individuals with agency, depth and flaws. It’s a compelling coming-of-age story that showcases strength and grace.
Erica’s writing truly immerses you in the lives of each character. One of the most captivating aspects of the story is the way it navigated the timelines, beautifully highlighting Roisin’s (the mother) legacy of courage and bravery. This powerful connection makes the narrative unforgettable.

[Courtney Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel takes everything you love about Tarnished and deepens it with the aching aftermath of book 1's events. Eberhart beautifully masters emotional conflict and growth throughout this novel. I was completely invested in Cait and Greer in particular as they struggled to come to terms with their situations, while world events propelled them forward, ready or not. My heart remains in Wimleigh Kingdom long after I set this book down.