BLADE OF SECRETS (Bladesmith #1)
Release Date: May 4, 2021; Feiwel & Friends
From Goodreads:
Eighteen-year-old Ziva prefers metal to people. She spends her days tucked away in her forge, safe from society and the anxiety it causes her, using her magical gift to craft unique weapons imbued with power.
Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims' secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord’s intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.
Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world's known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.
A teenage blacksmith with social anxiety accepts a commission from the wrong person and is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she's ever made.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm used to Tricia Levenseller's books being short, quick-reads but this one really flew by. The only reason I didn't finish it sooner was because I was in the middle of two other books.
One of the main things I love about Blade of Secrets is Ziva. Levenseller created a real, believable and relatable character. I may not experience social anxiety the way Ziva does, but I understood her. I know what it's like to be fearful of something irrational. I think the author did a superb job in crafting Ziva's character.
Kellyn, Petrik and Ziva's sister, Temra, round up the group. Temra is the complete opposite of Ziva. She's outspoken, flirtatious and vivacious. (A kickass too!) Her character shines in her own right and I love that. Petrik was a bit of a mess, lol. He prefers books and cooking to swords and fighting. He's quite endearing, honestly. (That thing at the end surprised me, too.) Kellyn, I definitely adore. If you're wondering about the romance. Yes, I'm here for it. Give me more sweet, vulnerable moments between Kellyn and Ziva. Also? I wanted more time spent in Amanor.
As for the things I-sorta-didn't-like. Three things- one, I don't believe Ziva can be so naive as to think that all the weapons she made were used for good. I mean it's not like she runs a background check on all her customers first. Two, the greatest, most feared swordswoman in all the realms was barely in the book. She was more legend than real. Lastly, there was this one scene and I honestly think Kellyn was the only one in the group thinking right and acting appropriately. They all made him out to be the bad guy. I just don't get it?
I've grown fond of the author's writing and I love her previous books. This time is no different. The ending wasn't what I expected and I very much want to find out what happens next!
"I wish I could separate myself from the fear, to learn who I truly am."
"I prefer metal to people, which is why the forge is my safe space. The heat is relentless in here, even with all the windows open for ventilation. Sweat beads on my forehead and drips down my back, but I wouldn’t give up being a smithy for anything."
"I’m glad making me uncomfortable is so entertaining for you."
I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print.
No comments
Thank you for visiting!