Blade of Secrets

This book was really good, but I'm so used to stand alones by this author, I didn't realize until the end that it was a duology (at least I think there's only two). Both are amazing books, and I can't wait to see what else Tricia Levenseller puts out.

Like the authors other books, I absolutely loved this one! To start out with, it he main character Ziva was so cool! I loved her power of being able to make magical weapons. I loved all the side characters too, especially Kellyn, the love interest. Ziva’s relationship with her sister was also a nice touch. I also think it was really cool that Ziva struggled with severe social anxiety because that’s definitely a characteristic you don’t see in most of your YA fantasy heroines. I think it was a little aggravating how perfect and beautiful her sister was compared to Ziva mainly because Ziva was just “so tall”, but I still loved the book regardless. I will also say that the plot of the book was great. It was entertaining and kept me interested the whole time. The world building in this book was also really good. It was really simple which is one thing I love about this author. The magic system is also not complicated at all which I loved. Overall this was a great book!

Ziva and her younger sister Temra were orphaned at an early age when their parents were murdered. Temra goes to school and Ziva provides for them as a blacksmith by forging weapons imbued with magic. A warlord commissions a sword and Ziva inadvertently creates an unusually powerful and dangerous sword. When Ziva discovers that the warlord intends to enslave the world, she realizes that she can never let the sword fall into the woman's hands. She flees with Temra, a scholar of magic and a handsome mercenary. Ziva has social anxiety and would rather spend time with iron and steel than people. On the road, with new companions, in constant danger, she is way out of her comfort zone. Blade of Secrets is a binge-worthy, exciting, fast-paced adventure, with interesting characters, fun banter, romance, plot twists, and a unique heroine. A lot of readers will relate to Ziva's anxiety, and it is good to see this representation in the fantasy genre. I wished the book had been longer with more world building. I love the beautiful map by Noverantale. The story ends in a devastating cliff hanger, which is why I'm excited that the sequel is coming soon.

Title: Blade of Secrets Author: Tricia Levenseller This book and it's cover were both amazing. Thank you to Bookishfirst for sending me a copy of it to review. The book starts off as Ziva a magical bladesmoth dealing with a Karen customer who hurt himself on his blade. Quote: "It's not nearly as hurt as your pride else you would be at a healers and not here." Page 5. I agree this is very true and he is acting like a two year old which I found hilarious. Quote: "How can a man who injures himself with his own weapon be dangerous?" Page 7. This had me laughing. Than the story went on to Ziva meeting Petrik who specializes in ancient magic and wants her help writing the book he's working on. He's an important character in this book so pay attention. I didn't trust him at first he gave bad vibes but in the end he was on Zivas side. Quote: "This mace steals the breathe of surrounding enemies! It can kill without even touching an opponent, and yet it sits above the mantel as though it were a-a-decoration!" I agree I would have been mad to putting a good magical weapon to no use. Can just use a normal non-magicked mace for a decoration. Ansel goes to try to kiss her and doesn't understand no means no. Quote: "You think saying a few nice words to me earns you a kiss? That's not how it works." This is 100% true and many people need to learn to understand this. He goes on to have a fit but his parents end up believing her. She also meets Warlord Kymora Avedin during this time. She can't be trusted and I also found it funny Ansel didn't get his way. When Ziva is making the sword for Kymora she sees Kellyn who is important in this story for the first time. The swords magic is made from her feelings for him and her telling it all her secrets. Which was amazing I loved it that part was intense. When showing Kymora it cuts Kymora and Ziva finds out she can hear the victims secrets when it cuts them. Two of Kymoras secrets are: Quote "This weapon will make me unbeatable in combat." Which can be a good thing if your a good guy she's not. Quote "I will crush Ghadra's pathetic rulers and reunite the regions under one rule once more: my own. The people will be enslaved to my will. The royal family will all bow before me. Right before I remove their heads." This is where I couldn't put it down. For the safety of her country and sister they decided to run. Their journey was fun and interesting. I loved it. Ziva and Kellyn fall for each other and she finally opens up about her anxiety which I can relate to. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next one. It has an amazing but sad cliffhanger ending. P.S. It's on my favorites shelf now.