Reviews with content warning for Grief - Blade of Secrets

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I found it to be a quick read. While Ziva’s social anxiety at times can feel overused, it was really nice to read about a character struggling in ways that I have. The main group of 4 characters make a good mix, and I enjoy seeing the relationships develop. I would not call this an “enemies-to-lovers” as I have sometimes seen it called, more of a “ugh he’s gross and selfish to lovers”. I do think the pacing was a bit odd at times, sometimes a bit slow and sometimes a bit fast. But I enjoyed it!

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sealbrecht's review

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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jessicastaylor's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I feel so...seen... by this book. The social anxiety rep is so well done, realistic, and uncomfortable at times.

The pacing was a bit slow for the first 30-40% for me, but it did pick up after that. The world building was a bit light-handed, but I don't think it detracted from the story at all. I just would have preferred some more details in some areas I think.

I absolutely loved the banter and relationships between all 4 main characters.

The growth we get to see just in the span of this one book for all 4 characters is amazing. I really loved that Tricia didn’t try to “cure” Ziva of her anxiety.

The plot and premise of this book is so fun! I love the magic weapons, adventures, the budding romance, and the love between the sisters. It really balanced all of these elements so well, without really letting any of them get lost in the shuffle.

The ending…. This book does end in a rather nasty cliffhanger, but that’s all I will say about it. If you don’t like cliffhangers, I’d suggest waiting for the next book to come out.

I can't wait for the second book in this duology! I need to know what happens!

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melaniereadsbooks's review

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you so much to Fierce Reads for a finished copy of this book!

Ziva is a smithy, working literal magic onto the weapons that she forges for those who can pay across the kingdom. But when she makes an indestructible blade for a warlord and discovers they want to use it for world domination, she has to face her fear of social situations and get help to escape the warlord and keep the blade safe.

I enjoyed the characters that Levenseller built in this book. Ziva was very interesting, and I really loved her sister. I also really liked the premise of this book, the way the magic worked and how few people had it. I loved the interactions with their estranged family and their group of friends.

This book definitely has a found-family dynamic which I loved! I did wish that some of the interactions were described better and that things weren't glossed over so much. I usually don't think this, but I honestly thought this book should have been longer. It cut out a lot of parts that I would have liked to see that would have helped develop the characters more.

I also didn't personally find the description of the panic attacks to be very realistic. Maybe others do, but it seemed to be more focused on depression than anxiety, even though the character clearly has trouble with anxiety. I also would have loved to see more diversity among the characters.

All that said, I will definitely read the sequel when it comes out and I still really enjoy Tricia Levenseller's storytelling!

Pub Date: May 4, 2021

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