Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Synopsis for Blade of Secret (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.
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series: Bladesmith
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Heat Rating: Cool
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Dates: May 2021 – July 2022
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I had just finished (and loved) The Darkness Within Us and I was on a bit of a Tricia Levenseller kick when I saw that this series was available as an audiobook one at my library. So I put it on hold after reading the synopsis. I loved the idea of a female Blacksmith and the concept (a nearly indestructible sword) was intriguing–though I was apprehensive because I’m not a huge adventure genre fan. But, I’ve liked Levenseller’s work before so figured it was worth a chance!
The Concept / The World:
One thing I appreciated about this world was that the “magic” was an expression of an artistic talent, like smithing or painting or weaving. I thought it was an interesting take and reminds the reader how important the arts are in fabric of the world. Not everyone has a magical talent and it really isn’t explained why that is (or maybe it was very briefly at the start and it just slipped my mind).
I think the basic approach to the world building though is what stopped this from being a perfect 5 star series for me. This series was just missing that something to really wow me and when I look back, trying to pinpoint what that is, I think it is the more subtle approach to explaining the world.
The Plot:
I thought the pacing of both books was great. Something is always happening to keep the story moving in one way or another. There’s plenty of action, touching character moments, dashes of romance and some good dramatic twists. And even the adventure part of the book was entertaining and just the right length (adventure books are one of my least favourite genres/tropes).
The Characters:
Out of all the heroines I’ve ever encountered, I think I see myself the most in Ziva. While I wouldn’t say my social anxiety is as crippling as hers, I recognized a lot of her emotions and rationale when it came to making decisions in her life. I loved watching her break out of her mold and embrace who she is in the world.
The rest of the characters really shine for me in this series as well. I loved all the development and conversations we got along the way. It’s great when you can connect with the characters instantly like that.
The Romance:
I just love a good heartwarming romance and that’s what we got here. The blushes of first love just make me want to smile. I liked that the romance enhanced the story and the character growth but never distracted from the main plot.
My Audiobook Experience:
The audio production was fabulous! Felt like I was listening to a full cast and not just one person. Seriously, I think Emily Ellet has officially made it onto my top narrator list!
Series Rating: 4/5
Blade of Secrets 4.5/5 | Master of Iron 4/5
A great high fantasy read that focuses more on the characters than the world.
Read if You Like: high fantasy, first loves
Avoid if You: want more complex world building
- Defy the Night by Brigid Kremmerer (Defy the Night Series #1)
- A Court This Cruel & Lovely by Stacia Stark (Kingdom of Lies Series #1)
- This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mavi (This Woven Kingdom Series #1)
