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chapters_and_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I didn’t really know too much about this book going into it, but as I liked Daughter of the Pirate King, I figured I’d give it a go and I’m so glad I did!
Ziva spends her days hidden away in her forge, using her magical abilities to craft unique and powerful weapons. She much prefers to be surrounded by metal than people. When Ziva creates a sword for a warlord that can share a person’s secrets, Ziva discovers the Warlord’s true plans with the sword, and must flee with her younger sister to stop the sword ending up in the wrong hands.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a really fast paced, easy to get through read, which I think isn’t as common in fantasy. I really enjoyed our four main characters, as well as the relationships that developed between the group.
I also really liked the representation of social anxiety which we don’t see all that often in fantasy books. I did pick up on some aspects of Ziva’s character that could suggest that she is neurodivergent. Of course, neurodivergence and Autism isn’t really present in most fantasy books (at least, I’ve never read a fantasy book with the rep) and it could be that as a neurodivergent person myself, I’m seeing similarities in my personality and behaviour to that of Ziva, but whether it was intentional or not, I really enjoyed that aspect and wanted to mention it.
I loved the gentle romance that blossomed between Ziva and Kellyn, it was honestly adorable, and the sisterly bond between Ziva and Temra was really enjoyable as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
cossty's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.25
aspenjstafford's review
4.0
I love Tricia’s writing style! This book was the perfect adventure I needed right now!
maeghie1408's review
4.0
I fell in love with all of the characters in this book and I can’t wait to read the second one! I hope to see some depth in Kymora’s character
I binged this book really fast!
I binged this book really fast!
ihateprozac's review
4.0
Man I just love Tricia Levenseller’s writing. So quick, engaging, and it just felt like coming home. The anxiety and neurodivergent rep in here was so wonderful
kmkasiner's review
5.0
Fun new fantasy series. Ziva, the main character, can create magical weapons. The titular Blade of Secrets is a sword that leads to a lot of trouble for her and her sister Temra. This book was fast paced and had great character development, can't wait for the next one!
hannah_farnsworth_'s review
4.0
Final rating: solid 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Wow. Gobbled this up! Another win for Levenseller. The world building was great. Not to saturated, but enough to keep me interested and informed.
Ziva was unlike another other main character I’ve read so far. She has serious struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. It was intriguing to read about, and also difficult because if the sympathy I felt for her going through that. I did have a difficult time with the miscommunication between her and Kellyn due mostly to the fact that Kellyn is putting Ziva before Temra…like duh, of course he’s going to.
Petrik being Kymora’s SON??!!! Now that, I did not see coming at all! Such a crazy twist.
Excited I have book two on hand to start immediately.
Would recommend to those who enjoy:
- slow burn romance
- magic
- forced proximity
- found family
Spice: 1/5
Wow. Gobbled this up! Another win for Levenseller. The world building was great. Not to saturated, but enough to keep me interested and informed.
Ziva was unlike another other main character I’ve read so far. She has serious struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. It was intriguing to read about, and also difficult because if the sympathy I felt for her going through that. I did have a difficult time with the miscommunication between her and Kellyn due mostly to the fact that Kellyn is putting Ziva before Temra…like duh, of course he’s going to.
Petrik being Kymora’s SON??!!! Now that, I did not see coming at all! Such a crazy twist.
Excited I have book two on hand to start immediately.
Would recommend to those who enjoy:
- slow burn romance
- magic
- forced proximity
- found family
kianaps's review
4.0
Rounded up for the social anxiety rep. Enjoyed the sister relationship as well.
beingsimba's review against another edition
4.5
I think Blade of Secrets could actually be a 5 star read but in my heart is closer to a 4 so I'm splitting the difference.
The overall plot and development of the world felt fantastic. In a relatively short time I was invested and excited to spend time with the world and characters. Speaking of which, more books should feature sibling relationships like Ziva and her sister which was so sweet and strong. Overall, I think everything Levenseller set out to accomplish with this novel was successful.
While I really do appreciate having anxiety represented in fiction, I found reading from Ziva's perspective made me anxious. While this is definitely a nod to the quality of the writing, it sometimes took away from my enjoyment of the novel. I have a couple other small gripes (like with the romantic relationship and general memorability of the characters) but recognize they are likely more to do with me than Levenseller's writing.
The overall plot and development of the world felt fantastic. In a relatively short time I was invested and excited to spend time with the world and characters. Speaking of which, more books should feature sibling relationships like Ziva and her sister which was so sweet and strong. Overall, I think everything Levenseller set out to accomplish with this novel was successful.
While I really do appreciate having anxiety represented in fiction, I found reading from Ziva's perspective made me anxious. While this is definitely a nod to the quality of the writing, it sometimes took away from my enjoyment of the novel. I have a couple other small gripes (like with the romantic relationship and general memorability of the characters) but recognize they are likely more to do with me than Levenseller's writing.